1. Srila Prabhupada’s unheeded advice to M. Gandhi

    This life is meant for understanding the Supreme Brahman. Therefore this knowledge must be spread in schools, colleges — everywhere. But that is not being done. The leaders or misleaders, unfortunately, at least in India they should have done it, because now the present political situation in the Congress, they are following the example of — at least they are supposed to follow — the example of Mahatma Gandhi. You have seen the photograph of Mahatma Gandhi — he is taking Bhagavad-gita in his hand with heart and soul. Why aren’t they teaching Bhagavad-gita? In the current status of political situation, where is the teaching of Bhagavad-gita? And if it is being taught, it is by malinterpretation. That is the defect. Bhagavad-gita should be taught all over the world. I requested Mahatma Gandhi before starting, that “Mahatma Gandhi, you are very devotee of Bhagavad-gita. Now you have got your svaraja, let this svaraja management be taken care by your disciples. You teach Bhagavad-gita. People will accept it because you have got position. People respect you.” But he did not do it. And I gave him hint also, that “If you do not do it, you may be killed by your…” And that was done.

    From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Bhagavad-gita 4.1 — February 7, 1974, Vrndavana

    (Gandhi died on Jan 30, 1948)