Srila Prabhupada's Books
Srila Prabhupada's Books
From Letters
Writing My Books
Certainly it is a Heavy Task, but by the Grace of Krishna, it Does Not Depress Me
Letter to Jayagovinda - Hawaii 30 March , 1969: Your sympathetic expression about my magnitude of work with which I am pressed here is undoubtedly very much encouraging to me, and certainly I am pressed with heavy work. I am receiving letters about 12 daily, from different centers with different problems and then at the same time I am just trying to write my books, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Nectar of Devotion, and Krishna, and lately Vedanta Sutra. So certainly this is heavy task but by the Grace of Krishna, it does not depress me. I feel encouraged to act so busily day and night. But the body sometimes does not allow me to do so. So I have to sleep about 4 to 5 hours. But in comparison to our predecessors, the Goswamis, this engagement in insignificant. These Goswamis used to work almost 24 hours. They used to sleep not more than 2 hours, and they produced immense literature. Of course, it is not possible to be in their level of activities, but as far as possible, we should everyone of us try to work as hard as possible for Krishna's satisfaction.
It Was My Intention in Presenting the Books that Anyone Who Would Read Would Learn Sanskrit
Letter to Kirtiraja dasa - Ahmedabad 26 September, 1975: It was my intention in presenting the books that anyone who would read, they would learn Sanskrit. For example almost all of my disciples are pronouncing Sanskrit very nicely just by reading my books.
The Nature of My Books
They Delve Deeply into the Topic of the Absolute Truth
Letter to Steve - New Vrindaban 16 June, 1969: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter, and I understand from your one simple question that you are now serious about perfecting your life in Krishna Consciousness. You have asked me to tell you everything that you should know, and this, of course, is a great subject matter. We now have published several books which delve deeply into the topic of the Absolute Truth, so you should read them very carefully, and gradually the knowledge will become revealed to you. The first book you should study carefully is the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. The sum and substance of Bhagavad-gita is that we should surrender ourselves wholly and completely upon the Lotus Feet of Krishna.
They are Not My Words, I am Simply the Bearer of the Message of Lord Caitanya
Letter to Bhagavan - Los Angeles 10 Junuary, 1970: Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 6, 1970 and I have noted the contents. I also thank you very much for your appreciation of my books and letters and for my speaking in the meetings. They are not my words, as I have repeatedly informed you that I am simply the bearer of the message from Lord Caitanya through the disciplic succession and I do not make any addition or subtraction. Similarly, if you all carry these words successively, then the transcendental parampara system will be exactly maintained and people in general will be benefited. I am very much obliged to my disciples because they are realizing the importance of Krishna Consciousness Movement and it is very much encouraging to me. Please, therefore, continue the standard of understanding. Read regularly our books and try to expand and preach the philosophy as far as possible.
I have instructed everything in by books
Letter to Dina Dayal Dasa - Mayapur 25 February, 1976: It is nice to hear that your activities are going on successfully in Athens. Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, prithivite ache yata nagar adi gram sarvasa . . . so now it is actually becoming a fact. This movement is being spread everywhere. Maintain your activities and increase gradually. I have instructed everything in my books. You may translate the Bhagavad-gita first.
Reading My Books
How To Read My Books
Carefully
Kindly Read My Books Carefully
Letter to Hrsikesa dasa - Hawaiii 18 March, 1969: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for you very nice note enclosed with Hayagriva's letter. I am so glad to learn that you are reading my Bhagavad-gita As It Is with great interest, and I hope if you kindly read my books carefully that all your spiritual desires will be fulfilled. And you are in the right place for doing this, in New Vrindaban, and I shall be happy to meet with you again when I arrive there in May.
Read Them Very Carefully and Gradually the Knowledge will be Revealed
Letter to Steve - New Vrndaban 16 June, 1969: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter, and I understand from your one simple question that you are now serious about perfecting your life in Krishna Consciousness. You have asked me to tell you everything that you should know, and this, of course, is a great subject matter. We now have published several books which delve deeply into the topic of the Absolute Truth, so you should read them very carefully, and gradually the knowledge will become revealed to you. The first book you should study carefully is the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. The sum and substance of Bhagavad-gita is that we should surrender ourselves wholly and completely upon the Lotus Feet of Krishna.
Read my books very carefully
Letter to Sudhindra Kisora Roy - Calcutta 04 September, 1975: Please take part as much as possible in the activities of our Calcutta temple there. Attend the arotrikas and the classes and read my books very carefully and chant on the japa mala beads 16 rounds daily.
You should also read my books very carefully
Letter to Paul Diglo - Bombay 15 November, 1975: Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter and I am glad to know that you have a sincere interest in this Krsna consciousness movement. Now you should try to become strong in Krsna consciousness. The first thing is to chant 16 rounds minimum on the beads and it is best to do this in the association of others who also desire to progress in spiritual life. So you should try to remain at one of our temples; that will help you. You should also read my books very carefully and you should render service. Tad viddhi pranipatena/ pariprasnena sevaya [Bg. 4.34]. Service must be there. So you have to find out some service that you can render. Then your progress will be very quick.
Please study carefully my books to be enlightened
Letter to Dhrstadyumna dasa - Mayapur 30 Junuary, 1976:
Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for sending the conversation between yourself and Professor Verdu. You have talked very nicely. I have asked that the conversation and photos as well as the letter of appreciation from Prof. Verdu, be printed as a small pamphlet by the BBT. Please study carefully my books to be enlightened. You have presented our philosophy very nicely. This engladdens me that our students are presenting so convincingly. This is the way to become future preacher.
Scrutinizingly
If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you must study my books very scrutinizingly
Letter to Srutadeva dasa - Vrindavana 30 October, 1976:
If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you will have to develop firm faith in Guru and Sastra. Therefore, you must study my books very scrutinizingly, follow the four regulative principles very strictly and chant 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Don't take this movement as something cheap.
Regularly
Read Regularly our Books and Try to Expand and Preach the Philosophy as Far as Possible
Letter to Bhagavan dasa - Los Angeles 10 Junuary, 1970: Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 6, 1970 and I have noted the contents. I also thank you very much for your appreciation of my books and letters and for my speaking in the meetings. They are not my words, as I have repeatedly informed you that I am simply the bearer of the message from Lord Caitanya through the disciplic succession and I do not make any addition or subtraction. Similarly, if you all carry these words successively, then the transcendental parampara system will be exactly maintained and people in general will be benefited. I am very much obliged to my disciples because they are realizing the importance of Krishna Consciousness Movement and it is very much encouraging to me. Please, therefore, continue the standard of understanding. Read regularly our books and try to expand and preach the philosophy as far as possible.
Read my books very seriously every day without fail
Letter to Bhargava dasa - Los Angeles 13 June, 1973:
Our advancement in Krishna Consciousness is made possible in two ways, by Knowledge and renunciation, jnana and tyaga or tapasya. The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness.
They must study my books at least three hours a day (including classes)
Letter to Bhadravardhana dasa and Hrdayagovinda dasa - Vrindaban 25 Octoberm 1976:
Please perform your service of training up the new men very carefully. Present the philosophy of Krsna consciousness as it is. There is no need to add anything or take anything away. As it is. They must learn to strictly follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. The new men should also go out for samkirtan, chanting or distributing my books. This will make them strong. Also, they must study my books at least three hours a day (including classes).
Seriously
Read my books very seriously every day without fail
Letter to Bhargava dasa - Los Angeles 13 June, 1972:
Our advancement in Krishna Consciousness is made possible in two ways, by Knowledge and renunciation, jnana and tyaga or tapasya. The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness.
From Every Angle of Vision
Inspire them to study the things from every point of view
Letter to Hamsaduta dasa - Los Anageles 22 June, 1972:
So especially you must encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every point of view.
Leaders and Reading Books
Encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible
Letter to Hamsaduta dasa - 22 June, 1972:
So especially you must encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every point of view.
Study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this
Letter to Jagadisa dasa - Bombay 9 Novemeber, 1975 :
So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is preaching. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching. Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things before the audience so they can conveniently understand, this is a successful preacher. You have only to speak what Krsna has said. Then you become a preacher.
Memorize the purports of my books and then speak them in your own words. Do not adulterate or change anything
Letter to Janajanmadhih dasa - Bombay 15 Novemeber, 1975:
So, if you are strong enough to preach Krsna consciousness there, that is very good; that as long as you chant your 16 rounds and follow the four regulative principles, then you will get the strength. The process is that you should memorize the purports of my books and then speak them in your own words. Do not adulterate or change anything. Then you will be the perfect preacher. You should also distribute our books as far as possible. If you do this sincerely, then you will be successful.
Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach?
Letter to Satsvarupa Goswami - Nellore 5 January. 1976:
Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach? In order to remain steadily fixed in Krishna consciousness there must be a sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only sentiment. Whenever you find time please read my books.
<h7>All of the leaders should study my books books very carefully</h7>
Letter to Jayatirtha dasa - Mayapur 22 January, 1976:
All of the leaders should study my books books very carefully, since now everyone will have to appear for the examination. But I don't get any time to go into seclusion. My Guru Maharaja also did not approve of seclusion. He used to say: "Dusta mana, tumi kisera Vaisnava? Pratisthara tare, nirjanera ghare, tava hari-nama kevala kaitava. My dear mind, what kind of Vaisnava are you? Simply for cheap adoration you sit in a solitary place and pretend to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, but this is all cheating.
I am Glad That you Read My Books
Letter to Sudama Swami - Vrindavna 11 September, 1975:
I am glad that you are doing nicely in Krishna consciousness, and that you are reading my books and preaching. Tamala Krishna Goswami also gave me a good report of your activities. So now continue.
Letter to Tejiyas dasa - Toronto 18 June, 1976:
I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.
I am glad that you are enjoying chanting "Hare Krishna and reading my books
Letter to Edward - Bombay 31 March, 1977:
should continue with this process and try to attend our temple as often as possible and gradually you will come to Krishna consciousness.
Preaching
Study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching
Letter to Jagadisa dasa - Bombay 9 November, 1975:
So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is preaching. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching. Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things before the audience so they can conveniently understand, this is a successful preacher. You have only to speak what Krsna has said. Then you become a preacher.
Letter to Tejiyas dasa - Toronto 18 June, 1976:
I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.
Where ever You Stay You Should Try and Study My Books
Letter to Cidananda dasa - Calcutta 15 January, 1976:
I have read your letter, and it is my opinion that you should return to Santa Cruz. But where ever you stay you must chant 16 rounds daily and strictly adhere to the regulative principles as well as try to study my books.
Read passages from my books and try to get more people to read the books
Letter to Vidyapati dasa - Bhuvanesvara 27 January, 1977: You lament that you are not qualified to present Krsna Consciousness properly, but this is the qualification: hold kirtanas with your friends, read passages from my books, distribute prasadam and try to get more people to read the books. That you are already doing. You don't need to establish a temple, but gradually get funds and organize.
Along with the restaurants there can be "Bhaktivedanta Reading Room where all my books can be kept
Letter to Subhavilasa dasa - Mayapu 16 March, 1977:
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.
Results of Reading
All Facility will be Provided by Krishna and you will not Fall Down into Material Entanglement
Letter to my dear devotees - San Francisco 30 March, 1967:
If you chant always Hare Krishna, read my books, and preach this philosophy sincerely, then Krishna will provide you with all facility, and you will not fall down into material entanglement.
All your Spiritual Desires will be Fulfilled
Letter to Hrsikesa dasa - Hawaii 18 March, 1969:
Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for you very nice note enclosed with Hayagriva's letter. I am so glad to learn that you are reading my Bhagavad-gita As It Is with great interest, and I hope if you kindly read my books carefully that all your spiritual desires will be fulfilled. And you are in the right place for doing this, in New Vrindaban, and I shall be happy to meet with you again when I arrive there in May.
By Reading the Books Our Members will not be Called by the Draft Board
Letter to Madhuvisa dasa - Los Angeles 15 January, 1970:
Perhaps you have received a copy of the letter from N.Y. wherein it is admitted by the draft board that the ISKCON is a religious society. So our members who are strictly following the regulative chanting process, observing the restrictive regulations and serving the Lord faithfully will have natural ministerial status and as such they will not be called by the draft board. So please see that all the members of our Temple are following the rules and regulations which are very simple namely to chant Hare Krishna 16 (sixteen) rounds, attending the classes, reading the books, going out for Sankirtana and taking prasadam.
Chant 16 Rounds Regularly and Read the Books and No Power in all the Three Worlds Will Make you Fall Down
Letter to Himavati dasi - London 19 August, 1971:
There is no question of your falldown. Chant 16 rounds regularly and no power in all three worlds will make you fall down. Krishna will save you always. So you can live strictly like a brahmacarini and make advancement in Krishna Consciousness by chanting and reading the books.
If your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of SB, BG, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness
Letter to Bhargava dasa - Los Angeles 13 June, 1972:
Our advancement in Krishna Consciousness is made possible in two ways, by Knowledge and renunciation, jnana and tyaga or tapasya. The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness.
Please continue reading my books seriously and everything will be revealed to you
Letter to Babhru dasa and Satyaki - 18 September, 1975:
lease accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 1, 1975 with enclosed check for $15.00. I thank you very much for it and for your appreciation of the Krsna consciousness movement. Please continue reading my books seriously and everything will be revealed to you.
All Your Answers Will Be Answered
Letter to Upendra dasa - Nellore 7 January, 1976:
Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.
Intelligent Professors are deriving benefit from reading my books
Letter to Satsvarupa Goswami - 22 January, 1976:
I am always very much pleased with our Library Party's preaching. Their work is most important. Ramesvara has sent me some recent review from Professors and there is no doubt that these intelligent men are deriving benefit from reading my books.
Please study carefully my books to be enlightened
Letter to Dhrstadyumna dasa - Mayapur 30 January, 1976:
Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for sending the conversation between yourself and Professor Verdu. You have talked very nicely. I have asked that the conversation and photos as well as the letter of appreciation from Prof. Verdu, be printed as a small pamphlet by the BBT. Please study carefully my books to be enlightened. You have presented our philosophy very nicely. This engladdens me that our students are presenting so convincingly. This is the way to become future preacher.
Your Path Back to Godhead will be Assured
Letter to Alain - Mayapur 1 February, 1976:
Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your French letter. Your feelings are very nice. Please continue chanting Hare Krishna, study my books, and follow faithfully the four regulative principles. Your path Back to Godhead will be assured.
Study my books. Success is sure
Letter to Krsna Vilasini dasi - Vrindaban 25 October, 1976:
As long as the body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is only a misconception. Do not be sorry if you are in an "unfortunate situation. It can also be fortunate if you take advantage by becoming serious to become Krsna consciousness. Follow the regulative principles, chant 16 rounds and as far as possible render service and study my books. Success is sure.
If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you must study my books very scrutinizingly
Letter to Srutadeva dasa - Vrindaban 30 October, 1976:
If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you will have to develop firm faith in Guru and Sastra. Therefore, you must study my books very scrutinizingly, follow the four regulative principles very strictly and chant 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Don't take this movement as something cheap.
Bhagavad-Gita As It Is
Study Carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is
Letter to Bhurinjana dasa - Los Angeles 18 January, 1968:
Also I request you to study carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is because there is so much important service that an intelligent boy such as yourself can do in preaching work and spreading our movement around the world. You have very good example from your god-brother, Rupanuga, and so continue to help him as you are doing, and it shall be very successful for you.
First Study Carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is
Letter to Hamsaduta dasa - Los Angeles 21 January, 1969:
Regarding Brahma Samhita, this book shall be included in the examination of the second year along with Srimad-Bhagavatam. I don't know why you are so concerned with starting with the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu already. First study carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. This is the most important book for you to learn at first.
Live Peacefully
Chant Hare Krishna and Read my Books. In this way you can live very peacefully without any disturbances from anyone
Letter to Von Paul reed - Bombay 2 January, 1972:
Protect some cows, grow crops, and if possible provide fresh milk and butter for the Temples near by. And the rest of the time chant Hare Krishna and read my books. In this way you can live very peacefully without any disturbances from anyone.
Instituting Bhakti-sastri
All brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books
Letter to Upendra dasa - Nellore 7 Janury, 1976:
Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.
Now everyone will have to appear for the examination
Letter to Jayatirtha dasa - 22 January, 1976:
All of the leaders should study my books books very carefully, since now everyone will have to appear for the examination. But I don't get any time to go into seclusion. My Guru Maharaja also did not approve of seclusion. He used to say: "Dusta mana, tumi kisera Vaisnava? Pratisthara tare, nirjanera ghare, tava hari-nama kevala kaitava. My dear mind, what kind of Vaisnava are you? Simply for cheap adoration you sit in a solitary place and pretend to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, but this is all cheating.
Educational Inititives
Bhagavad-gita As It Is should be studied from the beginning. There must be study from my books also
Letter to Nitai dasa - 24 January, 1976:
In the syllabus of Nrsimha Vallabha Goswami, the Sankhya-karika must be by Kapiladeva, Devahuti putra. The other is atheistic. There are two sankhyas—theistic and atheistic. The Sanskrit in the Visnu Purana is even easier than in Raghu-vamsa. Yes, Bhagavad-gita As It Is should be studied from the beginning. There must be study from my books also. Whatever the syllabus you make up, the point is to somehow or other get recognition. The syllabus can always be changed later on. If we can get equivalency for our degrees that will be even better than affiliation. But whichever is possible that you should get. It is very important because as soon as we are recognized then our students will be able to come very easily.
Letter to Mr Sharma - Vrindaban - 27 September,1976:
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter undated and have noted the contents. So, why did you leave Mayapur if you are so expert in chanting? Read my books and do some menial service, but why you have left Mayapur? You are restless, so what can be done. You were chanting in Mayapur. Wherever you may live, you have to abide by the order of the authority. Because you are restless you are not fit for chanting absolutely.
Distributing My Books
A film showing illegal techniques of distributing my books (Money shuffle) was never authorized by me
Letter to Kirtanananda Swami - Chandigarh, 15 October, 1976:
A film showing illegal techniques of distributing my books (Money shuffle) was never authorized by me. If it is actually a fact what you say, then stop it immediately. In all our dealings we should be above suspicion. They say first impressions are lasting. If someone feels cheated by our men because they are using dubious methods of distribution and collecting money our purity may be doubted and reputation spoiled. So please do not allow such film showing to take place until I have seen the film personally.
Distribute my books profusely. That is real preaching
Letter to Bala Krsna dasa - Vrindaban 23 October, 1976:
Your report of book distribution is very encouraging. Please go on increasing more and more. Yes, you should become the topmost temple for distributing my books. This is a very good proposal. That is the only way to please me. Distribute my books profusely. That is real preaching.
The new men should also go out for samkirtan, chanting or distributing my books
Letter to Bhadravardhana dasa and Hrdayagovinda dasa - 25 October, 1976:
Please perform your service of training up the new men very carefully. Present the philosophy of Krsna consciousness as it is. There is no need to add anything or take anything away. As it is. They must learn to strictly follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. The new men should also go out for samkirtan, chanting or distributing my books. This will make them strong. Also, they must study my books at least three hours a day (including classes).
Conversations
Morning Walk: May 13, 1973, Los Angeles Paramahaṁsa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, when you are not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions, for example, on questions that may arise? Prabhupāda: Well, the questions... Answers are there in my books. Paramahaṁsa: Other than that, for example, that we would ask you in... Prabhupāda: Yes. Paramahaṁsa: Do you direct us also through the heart? Besides the Paramātmā? Prabhupāda: If your heart is pure. Everything depends on purity.
Morning Walk: May 28, 1974, Rome Prabhupāda: They will not take any payment. Just like under me so many Europeans and Americans work daily. I don't pay them a farthing. When they become Kṛṣṇa conscious, you'll haven't got to pay anything. But you cannot take also anything. You cannot, you do not expect that "I don't have to pay anything, so it is very good profit." No, sir, you cannot take also anything. If I would have taken all the sales produced of the book selling, then you would not work. Because although it is my books, I do not take any profit or any sales proceeds, therefore you work. Similarly, these rascals, the proprietor of the factories, if they do not take anything, they will also agree not to take anything. Everything belongs to Kṛṣṇa. Then the solution is there.
Garden Conversation: June 22, 1975, Los Angeles Bahulāśva: This is a union of various theological schools. So now in Berkeley we have this very nice building, and we can become a member of this Graduate Theological Union. I have been working with Dr. Judah for about one year, and we've talked about this before. And he said that he will sponsor us. Prabhupāda: So I shall take it? Bahulāśva: Yes, he said that he will sponsor us in this union, and then our devotees can study just your books. Maybe they must take an English course, and that would be all we couldn't offer. Then everything else, they can study from your books. Prabhupāda: Some way or other, if they read my books, they will be benefited. There is no doubt about it. Bahulāśva: Yes. Then they can get a degree recognized by the state of California so they can teach in universities all over the whole country. Prabhupāda: That I want. Do it. We want to give degrees, at least B.A., M.A., and Ph.D., according to the advancement of knowledge. And that will be very much beneficial to your country. Then America will be saved from disaster and it will be the leader. The country will be leader of the whole world. Take this advantage.
Room Conversation: June 26, 1975, Los Angeles Prabhupāda: So whatever I know I have explained in my books. Beyond that I have no knowledge. Devotee (2): If that is the case, Śrīla Prabhupāda, that does not diminish our respect for you in the least because we have always held... Prabhupāda: So what can I do? I say that whatever I have got experience, I am explaining in my books. I have explained. So it is not possible for me to answer every individual person. It is not possible. Devotee (2): We respect that. We understand. It is just that because they are saying these things... Prabhupāda: I have got my advanced students. They can answer. If they are unable, answer, if you do not find answer from my books, then it is hopeless.
Press Conference: July 16, 1975, San Franscisco 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.
Morning Walk: August 7, 1975, Toronto Indian Man (2): ...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. Prabhupāda: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have written in the books. That's all. Indian Man (2): Personally, we think more greater. Prabhupāda: That's all right. But still, you can associate with me by reading my books. Indian Man (2): I am reading books Prabhupāda. That books are your very, very good and most blessful to us. It is the biggest good will upon whole of universe at present, I think. By that knowledge, from dog to, I have become... I feel like I have something in my property of your books in my home. That's the only property I feel that I have, this one. I was misled, misguided in this country. Prabhupāda: Therefore in the beginning of Bhāgavatam it is said, dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo atra: [SB 1.1.2] "All cheating type of instruction is kicked out from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Only substance." Vāstavam-vastu vedyam atra. One who is really anxious to know reality, for them, it is Bhāgavatam. And those who want to be misled, not for them. One who is sincere to get the light, for him Bhāgavata is the only remedy. [break] ...the question that "Why Bhāgavata is so important than other books?" The reply is there: mahā-muni kṛte kiṁ va paraiḥ. "What is the use of other books?" It is written by Mahā-muni Vyāsadeva, the Vedānta-ācārya.
Morning Walk: August 29, 1975, Vrndavana Prabhupāda: No, how he is preaching? Have you heard? No, you cannot understand in Hindi. Akṣayānanda: Hindi. Prabhupāda: Anyone? Dhanañjaya: We've been told he preaches nicely. Prabhupāda: I have told him that "You simply read my books and reproduce it. That's all. That will be preaching." Akṣayānanda: At least when he speaks to me in English, it's always very nice. Brahmānanda: He can memorize Prabhupāda's books and then just speak it. Prabhupāda: That is preaching. Our process is anuśṛṇuyāt. We hear from the superior and reproduce it. That is śravaṇaṁ-kīrtanam. Then perfect. If I add something, my own imagination, then it will spoil. No addition-alteration; as it is. As it is you hear from your spiritual master, reproduce. That's all. Yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa [Cc. Madhya 7.128]. This 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa is coming by paramparā, so you reproduce. That's all. Even a child can reproduce what he has heard from his father. It is not at all difficult.
Room Conversation: April 20, 1976, Melbourne Carol Jarvis: Well, what happens to the rest of the money, though, that is collected in the streets? Prabhupāda: We are increasing our movement. We are opening centers. We are printing more books. This is my books. I have made a Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. That is my will, and I have given my will that fifty percent of the collection should be spent for reprinting the books and fifty percent should be spent for spreading the movement. So there is no question of material profit.
Morning Walk: June 8, 1976, Los Angeles Rāmeśvara: The only hope is to read your books, Śrīla Prabhupāda. Devotees: Jaya. Prabhupāda: Not my books, Kṛṣṇa's books.
Conversation: July 26, 1976, London Prabhupāda: Are you reading sometimes my books? Which one? George Harrison: Mainly Kṛṣṇa. Prabhupāda: That is the main book. (laughs) George Harrison: Mukunda gave me the new books, but there's so much in, ah, there's just so much to read. Prabhupāda: Philosophy. George Harrison: I don't know how anybody could have written it, it's difficult enough to read all that amount. Prabhupāda: Sometimes they are surprised how one man can write so many books, but it is Kṛṣṇa's grace. Otherwise not possible. Human being, it is not possible.
Evening Darsana: August 14, 1976, Bombay Prabhupāda: Kṛṣṇa is giving. I never thought my books will be sold as much. I never... Neither in the history of human society religious books sell six lakhs of rupees daily.
Room Conversation: January 1977, Bombay Prabhupāda: Every country. Whole Europe and America. What business they have got to purchase our books in Christmas? They have no business. Why they are purchasing? Huge quantity. I never dreamed even (laughs) that my books would be sold in large quantity.
Evening Darsana: February 15, 1977, Mayapura Brahmānanda: ...in the airport. And this caused big sensation, because never, even when big Indian gurus have come to South Africa, never have any whites bowed down. It was the first time whites bowed down to... Prabhupāda: They clapped. After hearing me they clapped. They purchased books. Now they are selling books. So I think my books are more important. We shall give more concentration for pushing on and publishing. What do you think? Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Yes. That is our weapons. They are our strength, they are our guidance and they are our ammunition. Everything is based on these books, everything.
Room Conversation: March 24, 1977, Bombay Prabhupāda: Make them all Kṛṣṇa conscious by distributing my books, literature. And both of you are capable. Youthful energy, sincere devotee, fully Kṛṣṇa conscious. Para-upakāra. Not to keep the poor human society in ignorance. Others may cheat for livelihood, but we are not going to do that. We have no problem for livelihood. Yato yato yāmi tato nṛsiṁhaḥ.
Morning Conversation: April 29, 1977, Bombay Prabhupāda: Hm? Stryadhīśa. So after getting that shelter, I began to grow. Everything was very precarious condition-vagabond. I was selling some books. I thought that "This boy will be trained up" when I got that place. He invited me to "Come to my loft." It was very big loft. I was holding class, collecting ten dollars. Then he was not paying rent. He gave me the charge of paying rent. So Kṛṣṇa was giving by collecting. It was on the top. Still, people were coming. Great story. Never mind. Now we... From my part, whatever is possible. Now you take care. That is my request. Don't spoil it. Now it is up to you. My, this ailment... I can pass away at any moment. My health is not good. I am old man. It is not surprising. Now you GBC, young boys, all, American, expert, you have got all intelligence, resources, so don't spoil. Let the movements go forward more and more. Now you have got nice places, filled with devotees. Don't be anxious for me. That, Kṛṣṇa will take. And even if I go, where is the harm? Old man. I have given my ideas and direction in my books. People appreciate. I think from my side I have done everything. Is it not? Do you think or not? Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Yes, you have done everything. Prabhupāda: Hm? So you are young men, American boys. Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Still, we want the whole Bhāgavatam, Śrīla Prabhupāda. Prabhupāda: That will be done. Even it is not fulfilled, so there is no harm. But don't send me, in any case, in hospital. Now I am pointing out this. They are useless.
Arrival Speech: May 17, 1977, Vrndavana Prabhupāda: So I cannot speak. I am feeling very weak. I was to go to other places like Chandigarh program, but I cancelled the program because the condition of my health is very deteriorating. So I preferred to come to Vṛndāvana. If death takes place, let it take here. So there is nothing to be said new. Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken in my books. Now you try to understand it and continue your endeavor. Whether I am present or not present, it doesn't matter. As Kṛṣṇa is living eternally, similarly, living being also lives eternally. But kīrtir yasya sa jīvati: "One who has done service to the Lord lives forever." So you have been taught to serve Kṛṣṇa, and with Kṛṣṇa we'll live eternally. Our life is eternal. Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre [Bg. 2.20]. A temporary disappearance of this body, it doesn't matter. Body is meant for disappearance. Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ [Bg. 2.13]. So live forever by serving Kṛṣṇa. Thank you very much.
Conversation, June 30, 1977, Vrndavana: Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Very welcome (indistinct). He says, "The Yugoslavians, more than any other..." [break] "He felt such books should be read by everyone." Prabhupāda: All philosophical. Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: "He gladly bought the Śrīmad..." [break] Prabhupāda: ...supposed to be intelligent or scholar and does not read my books, his knowledge has no profit. That's a fact. Asampūrṇa. He remains still in darkness. That is a fact. Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: His learning is imperfect. Prabhupāda: Hm? Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: If such a person doesn't read your books, his learning is not complete-imperfect. Asampūrṇam? Prabhupāda: Sampūrṇam is perfect, when he completes reading my books. Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Asampūrṇam means incomplete. Prabhupāda: Imperfect. Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: "She also," this person who said that, that all the intellectuals should be familiar with the books, "she also bought the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam standing order and promised to advertise your books among her colleagues." Prabhupāda: Just see how Kṛṣṇa... Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: "Even more pleasing was my conversation with the chairman of the Comparative Literature program. He bought both standing orders for the department library, and he wants to speak with his colleagues, who are interested in India. He feels both or one of them..."
Room Conversation, July 2, 1977, Vrndavana: Prabhupāda: So they gave me a free ticket, and the government allowed me to take with me, forty rupees. In this state, condition, I started for New York. You see? No friend, no secre..., no hotel, nothing, arrangement. This was the beginning. Then I went there. So I do not know how it happened. Now we have got forty crores. It is all Kṛṣṇa's mercy. I never expected that my books will be sold and appreciated all over the world. So that is being done. People are appreciating the whole movement. Even in our country our government, it has come to their notice, cabinet ministers. So my point of view was that in Delhi there is a confectioner's shop. You had been in Delhi?
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