“I will never die, I shall live for my books, and you will utilize“
Anybody who thinks that Srila Prabhupada has died and is no longer available
is an ignorant fool and rascal, bereft of any spiritual vision or realization!
1975 Conversations and Morning Walks
Reporter (2): What will happen to the movement in the United States when you die?
Prabhupāda: I will never die.
Devotees: Jaya! Hari bol! (laughter)
Prabhupāda: I shall live for my books, and you will utilize.
Reporter (2): Are you training a successor?
Prabhupāda: Yes, my Guru Mahārāja is there. Where is my photo of Guru Mahārāja? I think… Here is.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRABHUPADA’S BOOKS
“After 80 years, no one can be expected to live long. My life is almost ended. So you have to carry on, and these books will do everything.” (SPC (BBT 1991) Room Conversation 18/02/76)
“If I depart there is no cause for lamentation. I will always be with you through my books and orders. I will always remain with you in that way.” (BTG (BBT 1977) December 1977)
“There is nothing new to be said. Whatever I had to say, I have already said in my books. Now you must try to understand it and continue with your endeavors. Whether I am present or not does not matter.” (SPC BBT 1991 Vrindavan 17/05/77)
Devotee: “Srila Prabhupada when you’re not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise…”
Srila Prabhupada: “Well the answers are there in my books.” (SPC BBT 1991 Los Angeles 13/05/73)
“That’s all right. But still, you can associate with me by reading my books.” “So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have written in my books. That’s all.”
“Thank you for reading my books and appreciating them. Please continue to do so. That will help you advance nicely in spiritual life. By reading my books and chanting Hare Krishna, your life will become perfect.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, March 14, 1975)
“Sometimes I become surprised how I have written this. Although I am the writer, still sometimes I am surprised how these things have come. Such vivid description. Where is such literature throughout the whole world? It is all Kṛṣṇa’s mercy. Every line is perfect.” (Srila Prabhupada Conversation, Vrindavan, June 28, 1977)
“Although I am practically on the path of death, still I cannot forget about my publications. I wish that if I live or die you should take very serious care for my publications.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, June 10, 1967)
“I am so much grateful that you have enjoyed studying my books. Many young intelligent persons such as yourself are studying these books in the colleges and universities all over the world. Actually anyone who tries to understand these books will become a great realized devotee of Lord Krishna gradually. The original potency of the sastra remains in these books because I have not added or opinionated anything of my own. I have simply presented the scriptures such as Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam as they are. Therefore just see the effect they have on the world. At present, we have about 100 centers worldwide and about 10,000 fully dedicated students in those centers.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, March 19, 1975)
“My Guru Mahārāja, when he was selecting articles to be published in The Harmonist, if he sees simply that there is, several times the writer has written ‘Kṛṣṇa,’ ‘Lord Caitanya,’ like that, he passes immediately: ‘All right. It’s all right. It is all right.’ That so many times he has uttered ‘Kṛṣṇa’ and ‘Caitanya,’ so it is all right. So similarly, even if we present our Back to Godhead or any other literature in broken languages, it does not matter because the glorification of the Lord is there. That is recommended by Nārada. Tad-vāg-visargo janatāgha-viplavaḥ. Janatā agha. Agha means sinful activities. If one reads one line of this literature, although it is presented in broken language, but if he simply hears there is Kṛṣṇa, then his sinful activities immediately vanquish.” (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, New Vrindaban, June 6, 1969)
“You cannot directly approach God. That is useless. You have no power to approach God directly. That is not possible. Guru kṛṣṇa kṛpayā (CC Madhya 19.151). Let them study this philosophy. We have got books, enough books. One cannot read all these books even throughout whole life.” (Srila Prabhupada Conversation, December 17, 1970)
“So hearing is not very difficult job. But you must hear from the realized soul. That is… Satāṁ prasaṅgān mama vīrya-saṁvidaḥ. If you hear from a professional man, that will not be effective. Hearing must be from sādhu, from devotee, from the lips of the devotee. Just like Śukadeva Gosvāmī was speaking to Mahārāja Parīkṣit. So … Or even if you hear yourself, you read books, you will save your life. If you simply read Kṛṣṇa book or Bhagavad-gītā or Teachings of Lord Caitanya, then you know the… As long as you are reading, the sun is unable to take your life. It is not possible for the sun to take your life. So if you constantly read, then where is the opportunity of sun’s taking your life? That means you are becoming immortal.” (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Los Angeles, June 12, 1972)
“It is just like sugar doll. Anywhere touch—it is sweet. That’s all. When I read books, I open anywhere. Any book I take, and anywhere I open, and I read.” (Srila Prabhupada Conversation, Atlanta, March 2, 1975)
“Kṛṣṇa is very kind. As soon as he begins reading Kṛṣṇa book with a little faith and adherence, Kṛṣṇa will be very much pleased. Śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ (SB 1.2.17). As soon as Kṛṣṇa is within your heart so when you read Bhagavad-gītā or Kṛṣṇa book with little seriousness, then Kṛṣṇa understands, ‘Now he is serious to understand me.’ He’s with the…. You haven’t got to search out Kṛṣṇa, He’s already within you. Simply you have to become little serious. ‘Kṛṣṇa, kindly give me knowledge so that I can understand.'” (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Bombay, March 29, 1974)
Indian Man: …like your company very much in Toronto and we feel like talk you so much, but we don’t have so much time to talk with you. You have so much mercy, so we have not… know so much about Kṛṣṇa from you.
Prabhupada: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have written in the books. That’s all.
Indian Man: Personally, we think more greater.
Prabhupada: That’s all right. But still, you can associate with me by reading my books.
(Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, Toronto, August 7, 1975)
“Don’t feel yourself to be alone because Krishna is always with you. Krishna is always with every living entity as Supersoul, and to His devotee especially He talks and gives instructions how to attain the perfectional stage of meeting Him. So don’t feel alone. Always chant whenever possible, read our books, and there will be no great difficulty.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, April 3, 1969)
“So these things, one after another, everything is very clearly explained in this Nectar of Devotion. So each chapter you should read very carefully. And if you cannot understand, read it repeatedly. Don’t all of a sudden, reading one or two page, immediately question, ‘Prabhupada, what is this? What is this? What is this?’ Go on reading, and the answers will automatically come. So this book is, this valuable book is now published. You should take full advantage.” (Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Los Angeles, June 23, 1970)
“Regarding your Sankirtan, yes, if anyone chants, tries to follow the rules and regulations, and reads our books, he’ll be successful in his life.” (Srila Prabhpada Letter, October 16, 1973)
“With record distribution alone, the result is temporary. They will hear it for some time and throw away. Book distribution is solid. Even if they do not read, simply by touching they are benefited. It is so much powerful.” (Srila Prabhpada Letter, February 2, 1975)
“The book sales are very encouraging, increasing, increasing. It is very good news. Thank you, I want this. Record selling is temporary. Even George Harrison’s record sales do not continue for a long time. But, a book sold becomes a permanent matter for enjoyment. We read the scriptures again and again and it is still fresh. When there is time I go on reading my own books.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, October 1, 1974)
“Our literatures are unique in the world and we want to introduce our philosophy in learned circles, so your report of library distribution is good news for me. Keep trying to place my books in auspicious places such as libraries, universities, clubs, etc. and someday the world will realize and appreciate these transcendental literatures.” (Srila Prabhupada letter, December 18, 1970)
“Where ever you deliver your lectures to students try to introduce at least our small books. If the students purchase these cheaper, smaller books, they will get a permanent impression of Krishna Consciousness. Especially present them Easy Journey to Other Planets, Topmost Yoga, Beyond Birth and Death, Krishna Trilogy, and Nectar of Instruction—these are cheaper and they can purchase them and read them easily.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, January 27, 1976)
“Along with the restaurants there can be ‘Bhaktivedanta Reading Room’ where all my books can be kept and people can come and sit comfortably and read. The people will like these restaurants and reading rooms. They will take them as non-sectarian.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, March 16, 1977)
Prabhupada: In modern time, either Hindus, Muslim or Christian, because in these places there is no teaching of philosophy, therefore they are closing, either mosque or temple or church. They will close. Devotee: They can show no good result for their activities.
Prabhupada: Yes. That is preaching. Therefore we are writing so many books. Unless we take care of the books and preach and read ourself, understand the philosophy, this Hare Kṛṣṇa will be finished within few years. Because there will be no life. How long one can artificially go on, “Hare Kṛṣṇa! Haribol!” That will be artificial, no life. (Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, Los Angeles, December 12, 1973)
“Here at Mayapur my guru maharaj was printing one paper. It was selling for only a few paise. Sometimes whenever one brahmacari would go to Navadvipa and sell even a few copies, I would see my guru maharaj become very much pleased. Even if the brahmacari was not a very important member, my guru maharaj would become very, very pleased with him. He personally instructed me that books are more important than big temples. At Radha Kunda he told me that since constructing the big marble temple at Bhag Bazar, there have been so many difficulties. Our men our envious over who will live in which room. I think it would be better to take off all the marbles and sell them and print books. He told me this personally. So I am always emphasizing book distribution. It is the better kirtana. It is better than chanting. Of course chanting should not stop, but book distribution is the best kirtana.” (Srila Prabhupada Letter, October 24, 1974)
————
“There is no need by any of my disciples to read any books besides my books – in fact, such reading may be detrimental to their advancement in Krishna Consciousness. All reading of outside books, except in certain authorized cases such as for example to read some philosopher like Plato to make an essay comparing his philosophy with Krishna’s philosophy – but otherwise all such outside reading should be stopped immediately. It is simply another botheration. If my students cannot even read my own books thoroughly, why they should read others? I have given you TLC, what need is there to read Chaitanya Charitamrita translated by someone else. You are right to stop such reading.” SPL (VI 1987) Govinda das 20/01/70)
“I have instructed everything in my books.” (SPL VI 1987 Dina Dayala das 25/02/76)
“Please continue reading my books seriously and everything will be revealed to you.” (SPL (VI 1987) Babhru and Satyaki 18/09/75)
“Whatever is to be learned of the teachings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura can be learned from our books. There is no need whatsoever for any outside instruction.” (SPL VI 1987 Gurukripa Maharaja 25/12/75)
“So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.” (SPL VI 1987 Upendra 07/01/76)
“If it is possible to go to the temple, then take advantage of the temple. A temple is a place whereby one is given the opportunity to render direct devotional service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. In conjunction with this you should always read my books daily and all your questions will be answered and you will have a firm basis of Krishna Consciousness. In this way your life will be perfect.” (SPL VI 1987 Hugo Salemon 22/11/74)
“Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice, in the morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered.” (SPL VI 1987 Randhira 24/01/70)
“In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so if there is anything you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop. […] You may please me the most by reading the books and following the instructions therein and by becoming fully Krishna Conscious in this life time.” (SPL VI 1987 Brahmarupa das 22/11/74)
“Everyone can become a first class speaker. Simply cram the purports of my books. The references are there, the philosophy is there. Everything is there.” (SPL VI 1987 Gopijanavallabha das 19/09/74)
Srila Prabhupada: “Even a moment’s association with a pure devotee – all success!” Revitananda: “Does that apply to reading the words of a pure devotee?”
Srila Prabhupada: “Yes”
Revitananda: “Even a little association with your books has the same effect?”
Srila Prabhupada: “Effect. Of course it requires both things. One must be very eager to take it.” (SPC BBT 1991 Room Conversation 13/12/70)
Paramahamsa: “My question is, a pure devotee, when he comments on Bhagavad-gita, someone who never sees him physically, but he just comes in contact with the commentary, explanation, is this the same thing?”
Srila Prabhupada: “Yes. You can associate with Krishna by reading Bhagavad-gita. And these saintly persons, they have given their explanations, comments. So where is the difficulty?” (SPC BBT 1991 Paris 11/06/74)
Devotee: “Srila Prabhupada when you’re not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise…”
Srila Prabhupada: “Well the answers are there in my books.” (SPC BBT 1991 Los Angeles 13/05/73).
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
THAT is why these people in-charge of the present “ISKCON ” who had turned once which was the Spiritual Institution world wide during Srila Prabhupada manifested lila, now into another commercial ( mundane ) institution because they have changed all Srila Prabhupada’s BOOKS by adding and deleting therein the unauthorized contents, thus, losing the Spirtual potency of these original books of Srila Prabhupada.
As a result of it, they have introduced and created the present unauthorized duly unbonafide ” guru system” in the Iskcon mundane institution to carry forward its commercially motivated guru business.
That is what it is. Hope people are getting aware of it.
OM TAT SAT.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Devotee: “Srila Prabhupada when you’re not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise…”
Srila Prabhupada: “Well the answers are there in my books.” (SPC BBT 1991 Los Angeles 13/05/73).
This posted article is a wonderful reminder for everyone. Thank you Prabhupada News and thank you Amar Puri for your insightful comment.
If we really want to affect change around the world and in our lives of course we have to seek out the knowledge presented by Srila Prabhupada in his books. We can only recognize answers if we recognize and understand what it is we are seeking. If we have no curiosity regarding how to help the world as Srila Prabhupada is doing still, then we will only find his books interesting. When one teaches one gets more knowledge. As long as we are not teaching we are not seeking answers and therefore not full filling Srila Prabhupada’s desire to liberate not just this planet but the whole universe. Teaching is a great way to keep studying Srila Prabhupada’s books. On December 15 of 1962 Srila Prabhupada wrote a preface for his presentation of the Srimad Bhagavatam that is in the front of each book. I place below the first paragraph with the link at the bottom. If you read the whole preface honestly then you will certainly ask yourself “How is it possible to get this knowledge out to the whole world so that they may understand and experience this Srimad Bhagavatam?” You just start and as you unfold yourself ( as Srila Prabhupada said one time ) you will understand how to do it. If we present ourselves honestly and humbly to Srila Prabhupada’s books ( which are Srila Prabhupada ) the ways will be revealed.
Preface to the Srimad Bhagavatm
Srilad Bhagavatam PREFACE
“We must know the present need of human society. And what is that need? Human society is no longer bounded by geographical limits to particular countries or communities. Human society is broader than in the Middle Ages, and the world tendency is toward one state or one human society. The ideals of spiritual communism, according to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, are based more or less on the oneness of the entire human society, nay, of the entire energy of living beings. The need is felt by great thinkers to make this a successful ideology. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam will fill this need in human society. It begins, therefore, with the aphorism of Vedānta philosophy janmādy asya yataḥ [Bhāg. 1.1.1] to establish the ideal of a common cause.”
For the mission to become completely successful all of us must step up and cooperate to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s prophecy. He made that statement for all of his sincere devotees and followers. He did not make that statement to ISKCON, BBT or GBC cheaters. “I will never die, I shall live from my books and you will utilize.”
So now let us Utilize. What is our next plan to utilize the books beyond web sites on a world wide scale one on one along with daily street Hari Nam and real prasadam distribution? Any takers?
Education is the key and Srila Prabhupada spoke at length about this spiritual education being available for everyone around the world. So where are our teachers at least on line daily giving in real time classes? For that to move further requires qualified Brahminical leaders. See below. This aptly describes the situation we are all in. Are we also to some extent the pot calling the kettle black? I have included here an excerpt from the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam part three describing in part the challenges we face. I also include the whole section below. If we are strong enough in ourselves to at least assist whatever bona fide leadership steps up then the spread of Love Of God could move forward quite rapidly. Beyond our wildest dreams.
We all know what to do so lets get started again.
Ys Hasti Gopala dasa
Hasti Gopala dasa says ; ” ……. If we are strong enough in ourselves to at least assist whatever bona fide leadership steps up then the spread of Love Of God could move forward quite rapidly. Beyond our wildest dreams.
We all know what to do so lets get started again. ”
” Bona fide leadership ” is he who follows through ” Bona fide VANI ” seriously and sincerely to please Srila Prabhupada selflessly to spread Love of God.
To identify such leadership we have to look around who is such dedicated selfless personality free from any sort of Prathisha as ” the action speaks louder than the voice “.
So knowing what we know now all of us must purify our actions, and continue rendering selfless service in whatever position one may find for serving the mission of our Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada according to our best ability and capability, individually and collectively.
OM TAT SAT.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
1st Canto Srimad Bhagavatam Chapter 16 Text 21
EXCERPT
TRANSLATION
Are you feeling compunction for the unhappy women and children who are left forlorn by unscrupulous persons? Or are you unhappy because the goddess of learning is being handled by brāhmaṇas addicted to acts against the principles of religion? Or are you sorry to see that the brāhmaṇas have taken shelter of administrative families that do not respect brahminical culture?
PURPORT EXCERPT
“The brāhmaṇas are traditionally intelligent men, and thus they will be able to pick up modern education to the topmost rank, but as far as moral and religious principles are concerned, they shall be the most fallen. Education and bad character go ill together, but such things will run parallel. The administrative heads as a class will condemn the tenets of Vedic wisdom and will prefer to conduct a so-called secular state, and the so-called educated brāhmaṇas will be purchased by such unscrupulous administrators. Even a philosopher and writer of many books on religious principles may also accept an exalted post in a government which denies all the moral codes of the śāstras. The brāhmaṇas are specifically restricted from accepting such service. But in this age they will not only accept service, but they will do so even if it is of the meanest quality. These are some of the symptoms of the Kali age which are harmful to the general welfare of human society. ”
FULL TEXT
1st Canto Srimad Bhagavatam Chapter 16 Text 21
arakṣyamāṇāḥ striya urvi bālān
śocasy atho puruṣādair ivārtān
vācaṁ devīṁ brahma-kule kukarmaṇy
abrahmaṇye rāja-kule kulāgryān
SYNONYMS
arakṣyamāṇāḥ—unprotected; striyaḥ—women; urvi—on the earth; bālān—children; śocasi—you are feeling compassion; atho—as such; puruṣa-ādaiḥ—by men; iva—like that; ārtān—those who are unhappy; vācam—vocabulary; devīm—the goddess; brahma-kule—in the family of the brāhmaṇa; kukarmaṇi—acts against the principles of religion; abrahmaṇye—persons against the brahminical culture; rāja-kule—in the administrative family; kula-agryān—most of all the families (the brāhmaṇas).
TRANSLATION
Are you feeling compunction for the unhappy women and children who are left forlorn by unscrupulous persons? Or are you unhappy because the goddess of learning is being handled by brāhmaṇas addicted to acts against the principles of religion? Or are you sorry to see that the brāhmaṇas have taken shelter of administrative families that do not respect brahminical culture?
PURPORT
In the age of Kali, the women and the children, along with brāhmaṇas and cows, will be grossly neglected and left unprotected. In this age illicit connection with women will render many women and children uncared for. Circumstantially, the women will try to become independent of the protection of men, and marriage will be performed as a matter of formal agreement between man and woman. In most cases, the children will not be taken care of properly. The brāhmaṇas are traditionally intelligent men, and thus they will be able to pick up modern education to the topmost rank, but as far as moral and religious principles are concerned, they shall be the most fallen. Education and bad character go ill together, but such things will run parallel. The administrative heads as a class will condemn the tenets of Vedic wisdom and will prefer to conduct a so-called secular state, and the so-called educated brāhmaṇas will be purchased by such unscrupulous administrators. Even a philosopher and writer of many books on religious principles may also accept an exalted post in a government which denies all the moral codes of the śāstras. The brāhmaṇas are specifically restricted from accepting such service. But in this age they will not only accept service, but they will do so even if it is of the meanest quality. These are some of the symptoms of the Kali age which are harmful to the general welfare of human society.
http://causelessmercy.com/?P=SB1
Srila Rupa and Sanatana Goswami’s accepted such government posts, and Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur also. What do you make of that? The administrator be they Mohamedans (and later British) were controlled and financed by Jew Rothschild’s opium traders. Jew Rothschilds are Satanists! So what is your explanation for this?
Why Did The Six Goswamis Write Books?
There are many reasons as to why the Six Goswamis wrote books and why so many other great sages from Lord Chaitanya’s time to now performed the same tasks. Obviously these great works were meant to be shared with anyone and everyone from their time and into the future. They were not meant for a select few.
There is a varied and wide criteria for those able to write responsibly and potently about the time of Lord Chaitanya right up to the present. I think that the most obvious reason for their writing is to show one of the natural results that flows from following strictly the bona fide parampara while studying and associating with previous personalities and their great works. Naturally those writings are then presented to respective generations into the future and beyond. Srila Prabhupada stated many times that all his disciples should write their personal realizations, understandings and experiences down for others. If the topic is directly related to Krsna, Srila Prabhupada and to personal spiritual experiences then they are in their own right transcendental. As long as the writing is honest, sincere, well intended and certainly not in a form plagiarizing the past sages and parampara it is to be encouraged. At most if not all Krsna temples around the world these days as in the past people discuss amongst themselves about their understandings and appreciations on a daily basis. Writing about them on line and sharing is basically the same thing. The great Goswami’s wrote to help those who were and are in desperate need for spiritual advancement they did not write for personal aggrandizement. From those great writings came great leaders with great associates. Our writings need not be made public but at least encouraged to increase time for more devotee and follower association. I find that there is a shyness among a lot of devotees and followers to speak out about their personal realization, understandings and experiences. Speaking out in an aggressive debatable manner is always easy, speaking out in an amicable manner can be quite a challenging and delightful pursuit. Hearing is the first class sense that opens the heart.
Writing is the cousin that serves the world.
Ys Hasti Gopala dasa
PS For those of us who declare boldly or insinuate by our lifestyles that anyone other than those of our intellect or purity can understand and appreciate Srila Prabhupada’s first printed books then must ask ourselves the question. Who did Srila Prabhupada write these books for? A select group for a limited time only? If that is the case then the reality is that we have not yet understood the theme of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada’s presence with us. Which can be compared to actually having never read the books.
Srila Prabhupada’s books are freely available to all, that’s true, but only a very small percentage will follow the instructions given by His Divine Grace. Only those who follow Srila Prabhupada’s instructions bringing them to the level of Madhyama will be able to understand them sufficiently to avoid becoming a victim and to identify who are the demons.
Hasti Gopala dasa says ; ” …….. Speaking out in an aggressive debatable manner is always easy, speaking out in an amicable manner can be quite a challenging and delightful pursuit….. ”
How true it is ? Isn’t it ?
When we come to think about speaking out in an amicable manner is one thing and yet, not executing the plan of speaking in delivery with an amicable manner is another. That becomes, indeed, itself a quite challenging and delightful pursuit.
Action always speaks louder than the voice. It has been proven over and over by the actions taken by our Jagat Guru His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and all the others Great Acarayas in the disciplic succession.
Of this, there is no doubt. As I commented else where in my writing ;
” Bona fide leadership ” is he who follows through ” Bona fide VANI ” seriously and sincerely to please Srila Prabhupada selflessly to spread Love of God.
To identify such leadership we have to look around who is such dedicated selfless personality free from any sort of Prathisha as ” the action speaks louder than the voice “.
So knowing what we know now all of us must purify our actions, and continue rendering selfless service in whatever position one may find for serving the mission of our Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada according to our best ability and capability, individually and collectively.
OM TAT SAT.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.