Bhagavata is the only guide. Read Bhagavata repeatedly, whole life. Safe. Always. Always, whenever there is time, read, read, read. Srila Prabhupada, Room Conversation — February 16, 1977, Mayapur
When Sanatana Gosvami left his government post and came to Caitanya Mahaprabhu for the first time, he asked the Lord, “What is education?” Although Sanatana Gosvami knew a number of languages, including Sanskrit, he still inquired about real education. “The general populace calls me highly educated,” Sanatana Gosvami told the Lord, “and I am such […]
I remember being present when you were giving darsana in Bhaktivedanta Manor once, and a devotee referred to a passage you wrote in the eighth chapter of The Nectar of Devotion: “The chanting of Hare Krsna is beneficial for eradicating all sins, but if one becomes an offender to the holy names of the Lord, […]
India is meant for para-upakara, not for exploiting others. That may be for the fools and rascals in other countries, but India is dedicated. Srila Prabhupada, Lecture, 3 Apr 1974
Yogesvara: In the United States, there are something called minority groups. Minority group means like the Irish or the Negroes, the Jews… Prabhupada: They’re also fools. Minority fools. They’re minority fools. Yogesvara: Minority fools? Prabhupada: Yes. Because he’s thinking, “I am Irishman.” Yogesvara: Yes, but their point is that “Even if we are spirit soul, […]
In an exchange with the director of research of the Department of Social Welfare, Melbourne, Srila Prabhupada explained his antipathy to public opinion. Prabhupada: I am giving the example of ideal character. Director: Yeah, but that’s one opinion. Prabhupada: No. It will not depend on opinion. What is the value of opinion if the people […]
Say about 1945, so in front of my house there was an old man. So as neighbor, we had very good talks always. So as soon as I say “Bhagavan,” he will be angry. “God.” So one day he said, “Why you always say ‘Bhagavan, God’?” Just see, an old man, and still he is […]
Suppose this life I am human being; next life I may not be human being. This statement was not liked by the newspaper man. [laughing] He was told that next life you can become animal, so he has published in my name, “The svami can become animal.” Also the svami can become also animal. The […]
A devotee does not take suffering seriously. Tat te ‘nukampam susumiksamanah [SB 10.14.8]. A devotee thinks, “It is the favor of Krsna that He has put me into suffering.” They never see suffering as suffering. It is favor of Krsna. That is devotee’s vision. [break] It is exactly like a son who knows his father […]
Umapati: [rephrasing question from devotee] The question was that Krsna had said that He would not take part in the Battle of Kuruksetra, but later on He did. So He had actually changed His word. So does the devotee also sometimes do that — say one thing but later on change his mind? Prabhupada: You […]
So far as being leader is concerned, leader means spiritually not materially. This you should understand very clearly. If spiritual potency and strength is there, then material intelligence will automatically follow. We must have a solid foundation of chanting and following the regulative principles. Then one is fit to lead others. I hope you will […]
Every educational or progressive method has got do’s and do not’s. So the asuras, they do not know what they should do and what they should not do. That is asura. And a devotee, he knows what to do and what not to do. There is no illicit sex. That is “do not.” But there […]