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Srila Prabhupada answers fundamental questions


For decades, Srila Prabhupāda’s books have been studied and analyzed, word by word, by thousands of devotees. However, his spoken teachings have not received nearly the same level of analysis until now. While immersed in our mission to bring to light these spiritual gems, we repeatedly found ourselves admiring Prabhupāda’s expertise in relating to all different varieties of people. Srila Prabhupāda was just as prolific in his lecturing as he was in his writing. He never missed a chance to preach, whether to reporters, academics, politicians, priests from other faiths, the parents of his disciples, newcomers to the temple, Artists, Musicians and Poets, regular devotees, or his senior disciples. While relating to all these different audiences, he displayed a very mature and congenial standard of dealings. He had great skill in understanding the moods and backgrounds of the people he spoke with, which let him talk with them in the way in which they could best accept his message.

The most recurring feature in these discussions was the format of questions and answers. Everyone had questions for Srila Prabhupāda, and Prabhupāda almost always gave very insightful answers. The questions ranged over hundreds of topics, and we found, as time went on, more and more deeply profound exchanges. After all, asking questions to a spiritual master is truly the only way to gain genuine spiritual knowledge. We decided, therefore, to take on the monumental project of bringing together, for the first time, all of the recorded questions asked to Srila Prabhupāda. A team of several devotees searched painstakingly, throughout all the conversations, lectures, and letters, for Prabhupāda answering questions. It took several months to find them all, and several more months to present them in an organized, thematic fashion, but the result was well worth the effort. We have now gathered over 10,200 of them. Each is on its own separate page, all of them are searchable, and they are situated within 145 different thematic categories.

  • We are now developing a new project to find 500 to 1000 of the most fundamental questions to be placed in the lists below. Please join with us on this opportunity to further bring to light Srila Prabhupāda's illustrious words.


Srila Prabhupada answering questions


Srila Prabhupada answering questions


Srila Prabhupada answering questions


Srila Prabhupada answering questions


Srila Prabhupada answering questions


Age Groups - Stages of Life

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
At what time did you have your own personal realization, Swamiji? At what age? New York 1975
A lot of them are very young people coming into the movement. Do you think they really understand what they're going into when they join the Krsna movement? Melbourne 1976
I notice that most of your followers, at least in this temple, are young, like in the college age or in the teenage. Is it because Krsna doesn't attract the older generation, I mean, yourself excluded? Los Angeles 1968
To reduce it (sex life) over the stages of your life? Mayapura 1972
What is the reason of that (the younger generation of India is very, very demonic and they don't believe God at all)? Toronto 1975
When one is too old and with too many responsibilities, what can one do? Paris 1975

Agriculture and Cow Protection

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Swamiji, do you have certain farms also in America, gosala? Delhi 1976
When they say they have a surplus of grains now, they are burning these great mounds of grains, this means that in the future there will be no grains for this country to eat? Los Angeles 1968
Would you elaborate what you are doing as New Vrindaban? What is it you are establishing there? Columbus 1969
That when a brahmana is engaged in the activities of plowing and cultivating, that he has become a vaisya? New Vrindaban 1976
We can take care of cows, can't we? Los Angeles 1968

Animal Killing

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Aren't you in a sense eating another soul too if you're eating vegetables? Not only if you're eating meat? Perth 1975
Can a person who eats meat obtain a human birth? Or he must be put back into animal species, meat-eaters? Los Angeles 1973
Is it possible for a dog-eater to become a first-class man? Melbourne 1975
Aren't they allowed to boil water in India? In boiling the water do you kill any little insects that are in the water? Los Angeles 1968
He's saying if man is not meant to eat meat, then why is it that some animals eat meat? He's saying that we are animals also Los Angeles 1968
Why God make some animals who eat other animals? There is a fault in the creation because... It is a fault in the creation? Paris 1973
Jesus Christ..., it is said that he made the miracle of the fish and ate. So why is it that one should not eat meat? Geneva 1974
Why did people in the past ages sacrifice animals, and how did Krsna put a stop to this? Los Angeles 1968
You say that people kill cows only out of envy. I was wondering if you could give a definition of what envy is. I don't understand why they would kill animals out of envy Vrndavana 1976
The stricture on the eating of meat, does that derive from the fact that animals have their lives which are accorded... What I'm asking is that because animals have a higher priority in life than vegetables? Melbourne 1976

Authority and Authenticity

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are you at all concerned about the, what seems to be an increasing number of gurus and swamis throughout the world? Auckland 1976
Because we do not know what sin is, wouldn't whatever the authority said be purely an idea to us? Johannesburg 1975
What is the test of a true guru? Melbourne 1974
Suppose that they (scientists and teachers) acknowledge the fact that they do not know, but they challenge, "How do you know what you believe is right?" Atlanta 1975
How does one know a bona fide spiritual master who can lead them? Philadelphia 1975
Could it be that there may be different interpretations (if you do not accept the direction of the author, then what right you have got to say that you have understood Bhagavad-gita)? Bombay 1976
But do you accept the validity of other religion? Melbourne 1975
Sometimes in our practical dealings we have to make a decision and there is no possibility to refer to our authority. Shall we then try to understand what Krsna wants us to do? New Mayapur 1976

Avataras, Incarnations, Messengers of God

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are you yourself or do your followers regard you as an incarnation of Krsna or as the teacher of His teachings? London 1975
Srila Prabhupada? Wasn't it Lord Ramacandra's purpose to actually display by His activity how a perfect human being should act? Vrndavana 1975
What is the difference between an incarnation and an avatara? Los Angeles 1968
Do you expect Him (Krsna) to come again? London 1973
Does He (Krsna) also appear through Maha-Visnu? Bombay 1974
Every time Lord Krsna appears, original Krsna appears, does Lord Caitanya appear on the following Kali-yuga? Bombay 1974
One of my prabhus told me that you once said that your Guru Maharaja said that Jesus Christ was a saktyavesavatara. Is that correct? Surat 1970
Prabhupada, has there been an incarnation of Krsna outside India, somewhere else in another part of the world? Or does He always comes in India? London 1975

Bhagavad-gita

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
There are so many translations (of the Gita). How does one decide...? Vrndavana 1976
Bhagavad-gita did it take place? There was a battlefield of Kuruksetra? London 1971
Do you believe that the Gita should be followed as it is or interpretation...? Bombay 1976
What would you regard to be the essence of Bhagavad-gita? Delhi 1976
Why have you written Bhagavad-gita as it really is? Why? London 1973
The Bhagavad-gita has stated that whatever one's consciousness is during his lifetime will be at the time of his death, and that will determine his next body. Now, one who is living very lustily during his lifetime, his mind will be on that body Los Angeles 1969
Srila Prabhupada? Which is the most important chapter of the Bhagavad-gita? New York 1976
Prabhupada, is the best method to read Bhagavad-gita? London 1971
It is said in the Bhagavad-gita that if one thinks at the time of death, if he thinks of Krsna, he goes to Krsna. What if one thinks of his spiritual master? Nairobi 1975
How does one know when he has the understanding of the Bhagavad-gita? New Vrindaban 1976

Birth, Death, Procreation

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How do you explain suicide? Boston 1969
Why am I forced to death? Seattle 1968
About religion, Swamiji. Religion is capable to stop death? Mauritius 1975
Can you explain about taking a spiritual body after death? London 1971
Why is that (progress means when you conquer death) the only progress? Los Angeles 1975
Why at the time of death, the name of God does not come? Hyderabad 1975
When somebody is dying and his external consciousness is completely absorbed in all kinds of terrible bodily symptoms, how is it that a devotee remembers Krsna? What is actually happening that he's able to remember Krsna? Mayapur 1976
When a person dies, his soul will take another body? Then why is the population today increasing? Hyderabad 1975
But is there anything wrong with accepting the fact that you are mortal, you die, you rot and you become nothing? Rome 1974
How does one give up the fear of dying? Los Angeles 1976

Body (Gross), Material Senses

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
After you realize that you're not the body, then what comes next? New York 1976
When someone is sleeping and dreaming, has the seer left the gross body? Los Angeles 1976
Could you discuss the various levels on the way to bliss consciousness? What happens to the body and the mind as one approaches bliss consciousness? Boston 1969
How is the soul degraded (by lust, anger and greed) when it is transcendental to the body? Doesn't that imply that the soul has changed? Los Angeles 1973
How can you tell when your senses are getting purified? Denver 1975
How does one learn to control the senses, overwhelming? New York 1971
If a person's senses are restrained by following regulative principles, but if his mind dwells in sense objects, is he becoming purified, or is he just a pretender? Paris 1974
Why does the soul come into the body in the first place? Vrndavana 1976
You are finding some difficulty with sex desire and have asked guidance from me to instruct you how to handle this problem of the material body... Los Angeles 1968
Regarding your question about maintaining your body nicely... Ohio 1969

Brahminical Culture

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
What are the specifications for your first-class man? Perth 1975
Can you say something about the training for a brahmana (in the varnasrama college)? Vrndavana 1974
Being a brahmana by birth, does it mean anything? Texas 1972
A sudra, if he is working, he cannot take brahmana initiation, but he can take hari-nama, is that it? Hyderabad 1974
And this (Gayatri) mantra. What's the purpose? Boston 1968

Caitanya, His Associates

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you tell me something about Caitanya's initiation in Vaisnava faith? When He was initiated? Los Angeles 1969
Can you tell me something about Lord Caitanya's birth, when He was born, what happened, what was it like? Los Angeles 1969
Every time Lord Krsna appears, original Krsna appears, does Lord Caitanya appear on the following Kali-yuga? Bombay 1974
Why Caitanya Mahaprabhu has not mentioned anything about accepting a Spiritual Master in His Siksastaka? Los Angeles 1969
Srila Prabhupada, once you said that to stop this transmigration, one has to become completely disgusted with this material world. What about Lord Caitanya who prayed that "I don't mind coming back again and again"? Germany 1974
Prabhupada, after Lord Caitanya took sannyasa, in the Teachings of Lord Caitanya it says He met His mother. I always thought that a sannyasi could not do that Seattle 1968
One time you were explaining that Caitanya Mahaprabhu, when He was speaking with the Kazi, He convinced him about that the Koran does not actually advocate meat-eating Mayapur 1976
There is very little description from the age of 31 to Lord Caitanya's disappearance. Maybe you can tell me as much as you can of what happened? Los Angeles 1969
Lord Caitanya used to stuff His ears up when anyone would refer to Him as God. He wants to be known as a devotee. But we worship Him as God, in the same line as Radha-Krsna. So how do we understand that? Mayapur 1975
Lord Jesus Christ said that "The only way to God is through me; just believe in me or surrender to me," and Lord Caitanya taught that hari-nama is the only means of spiritual realization in this age. Is there any contradiction? Seattle 1968

Calendar Events, Observances

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Regarding you first question, when do we observe Ekadasi? England 1969
On ekadasi, we can offer the Deity grains? Tokyo 1972
Prabhupada, can you explain a little more about Ratha-yatra? Anyone who takes part in Ratha-yatra, are they liberated? Los Angeles 1971
On the 13th of September, Srila Bhaktivinoda's Appearance is there any special observance? Vrndavana 1972
You have asked about the specialness of the month of Karatieya Los Angeles 1969

Chanting the Holy Name

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is there room in the movement for other persons who are indirectly serving Krsna rather than chanting Hare Krsna all day? Gainesville 1971
How will it be possible, Prabhupada, for a man whose mind is clouded to constantly chant Hare Krsna? Los Angeles 1968
How can one rid oneself of sex desire if one continues to chant Hare Krsna yet is still being plagued by desire for sex? New York 1975
Srila Prabhupada, sometimes we try to meditate on Krsna, when we chant Hare Krsna, sinful memory from our past life is coming. How is this to be understood that Krsna says, "From Me the memory comes" New Mayapur 1976
Should we try to go fast when we chant, in order to get the rounds done? Los Angeles 1969
Prabhupada, when we're out on sankirtana, chanting, what would be the best way for us to engage the crowd to become participants in the chant with us? Los Angeles 1968
Is it possible to chant within one's mind? Bombay 1975
In a situation where there's a choice between say chanting and reading. Is chanting a better activity than reading? Gorakhpur 1971
Prabhupada, what does it mean to chant seriously? New York 1975
Without taking diksa from the guru also utters the name of Lord Krsna with devotion? Bhuvanesvara 1977
Why at the time of death, the name of God does not come? Hyderabad 1975
What if the person cannot chant sixteen rounds a day? He says, "I can't..." Hyderabad 1974
What is the first stage of transformation like in the consciousness after one discovers chanting Hare Krsna mantra? Melbourne 1975
What should you be thinking about when you're chanting? Los Angeles 1968
What does Rama mean in Hare Rama? Is this Balarama or Lord Ramacandra? Hamburg 1969
Srila Prabhupada, then if I have Krsna's name and I understand that it is Krsna, then can I take it and go to the forest? Hawaii 1974
If you advertise the maha-mantra gives some material benefit, isn't that an offense? Mayapur 1977
Regarding your last question about the importance of chanting... Los Angeles 1969

Children, Childhood

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
What should the boys be taught from ten to sixteen? New Mayapur 1976
Don't you think that the children should be given freedom to choose voluntarily? Bombay 1977
What about for a child, a newly born baby. Are they born into a material body because of their parents' bad doings? Perth 1975
Swamiji, could you speak a bit about the proper attitude of the child towards the father? Is it one of fear, respect, love? Toronto 1976
When householder women raise their children in Krsna consciousness, this seems to be an indirect service for Krsna, or is raising children and just having the household function, is that enough service? Los Angeles 1968
What is the meaning of good children? Bombay 1977

Christianity

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Do you believe in the Holy Bible? Melbourne 1974
Basically, what have you to offer that is different than the Christian ethos or the Jewish ethos? Los Angeles 1968
I don't understand exactly how Krsna consciousness is different than the other religions. Like in Christianity, Judaism and Moslem they have the idea that a person can pray and sometimes chant, communicate with God, understand His way Boston 1968
Like any other revealed scripture, the Bible's teachings are absolute, but are they to be understood literally or symbolically, and are they applicable for all men? Bombay 1977
Is it possible for one to engage himself in bhakti-yoga without rendering service to Krsna? Let's say someone who is worshiping Lord Buddha or Lord Jesus Los Angeles 1969
Jesus Christ..., it is said that he made the miracle of the fish and ate. So why is it that one should not eat meat? Geneva 1974
How can Catholic people, without rejecting their own religion, take to Krsna consciousness? Paris 1974
Can you say exactly the point where Christians are not obedient. Do you see any points here by your visit to the Christian countries and you like to say for us? It is a help for us to say exactly the point Germany 1974

Civilization and Civilized Life

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Now that he has received Krsna consciousness, he would like to know from you how he should behave in his normal life, because he'll be living very far from the temple? New Mayapur 1976
Do you basically reject the modern civilization? Vrndavana 1976
Did the Greek civilization follow the Vedic culture? Perth 1975

Class, Divisions of Society

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is it possible for a dog-eater to become a first-class man? Melbourne 1975
All classes of men should preach Krsna consciousness? Chicago 1975
You support the ancient caste system? Chandigarh 1976
How it is possible, how the most degraded of the human society be more than a Brahmana? January 1970
Is it (who is a sudra) determined by jati, by birth? Atlanta 1975

Consciousness

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
While we are chanting our rounds, or while we are chanting out loud in kirtana, is it all right to be engaging our mind in thinking? Seattle 1968
Could you discuss the various levels on the way to bliss consciousness? What happens to the body and the mind as one approaches bliss consciousness? Boston 1969
In the Bhagavad-gita Krsna tells Arjuna there's more than one method of attaining consciousness of Him, and those methods are suited to various types of people. I wonder if you consider that the chanting method is just one or whether it's the only one Auckland 1972
When somebody is dying and his external consciousness is completely absorbed in all kinds of terrible bodily symptoms, how is it that a devotee remembers Krsna? What is actually happening that he's able to remember Krsna? Mayapur 1976
What is the first stage of transformation like in the consciousness after one discovers chanting Hare Krsna mantra? Melbourne 1975
Where is this consciousness of surrender come in human life? At what stage it can come? Bhuvanesvara 1977
Are we to believe in that by chanting the holy name of Krsna that we can attain a higher conscious level on this earth and attain self-realization without going through all the rigors of the old Vedas, scriptures? Durban 1975

Contemporary Personalities

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Had you met Gandhi? Melbourne 1975
Doesn't he (Mahatma Gandhi) know this, that he is not in the disciplic succession? And if this is so, why does he do this? Why does he make a translation? New York 1966
Didn't the Queen make some remarks about that? She said something to you… (Yes, she said, "How marvelous it would be to completely trust Krsna")? London 1973
George Harrison? He has donated in cash for that building? Vrndavana 1974
Why not (Gandhi was not a mahatma)? Melbourne 1975

Contemporary Trends, Events, Social Issues

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Did they (the astronauts) actually get to the moon or not? Perth 1975
Swamiji, you think bhakti is the solution to the problem of the world today? Toronto 1976
People would be interested to know our position on divorce. Here in Rome they just passed a divorce law? Rome 1974
I would like to know more about what do you think our society is doing wrong? Melbourne 1975
You talk about the service of Lord Krsna. How does service of our fellow man come in? Boston 1969
What is your opinion of what this movement should be doing in terms of world activities and world affairs that it isn't doing now? Are there some new areas that you may try to influence? Washington, D.C. 1976

Demigods

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How is it that there is so much material "advancement in the USA even though there is no formal demigod worship? Is a man after economic development automatically worshiping Lord Siva whether he is making Yajna or not? Hawaii 1969
Durga, she is in charge of... She is Krsna's agent, so what is the harm in worshiping Durga? Mayapur 1977
Srila Prabhupada, if the human form is insignificant compared to demigods, but still, it is very much desired, this human form of life, even by the demigods? Melbourne 1975
What is the position of Lord Siva? Los Angeles 1968
It says here that a pure devotee like Haridasa Thakura would not fall victim to Mayadevi's temptations, but even Lord Brahma, Lord Siva, might fall victim. I always thought that they were pure devotees of the Lord Los Angeles 1968
Is Mayadevi a pure devotee? Seattle 1968
What would you classify as demigods, then? Washington, D.C. 1976

Demonic Personalities

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is it the living entity's choice, complete choice, to be demonic, against God, or is it a part of Krsna's energy to put demons, or to have created him that way? Hamburg 1969
About a hundred hoods, how could Kṛṣṇa manage all of those hoods? Bombay 1974
Madhusudana because He killed the demon Madhu. But who was that Madhu? Perth 1975
If one can engage one who is demonic in service by telling a lie... Los Angeles 1968
He (Mahiravana) built the subway (to Brazil)? Perth 1975

Devotee Standards, Etiquette

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If we're performing devotional service and an insect is in the way, like if you're painting the walls and you find this ant and you must paint this wall to please the spiritual master, what is the attitude? Atlanta 1975
So far as your question about controversy amongst the disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Los Angeles 1969
What do you expect from your disciple, basic thing? Detroit 1971
What does that expert mean in the list of qualifications for a devotee? Montreal 1968
Should we not be respectful to maya as the energy of Krsna? Los Angeles 1969
How much or how little brahmacaris should associate with the unmarried brahmacarinis in the temple? Los Angeles 1972
How would I recognize a true follower of the Krsna consciousness movement by his behavior? What would his traits be? What would his outward expressions be? Gainesville 1971
What are the specifications for your first-class man? Perth 1975

Devotees - General

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Why, if the devotee is struggling very hard to be free of the clutches of Maya, then how can he not be interested in such liberation? Mayapur 1972
At what stage could one say that a person is Krsna conscious? There must be a beginning stage... Bombay 1973
Does that also apply to reading the words of a pure devotee (even a moment's association with a pure devotee - all success)? Even a little association with your books has the same effect? Indore 1970
He (a devotee who works for Krsna yet doesn't follow the four regulatives principles) will fall down? Perth 1975
Your final question is how can you become a pure devotee, and the answer to this is given in Bhagavad-gita West Virginia 1969
What should be the first step to become a devotee? Bombay 1973
Prabhupada, What is the devotee's greatest enemy? Paris 1974
In the list of qualifications of a devotee there is one qualification, expert. What does that mean in relation to the occupation? Montreal 1968
If somehow, Srila Prabhupada, someone falls down, does that mean that he did not want to love Krsna? New Mayapur 1976
What is the difference in full between the Spiritual Master, Krishna, and the devotee? West Virginia 1969

Devotees of the Hare Krsna Movement

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Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
I know some of the devotees have had to sever relationships, so to speak, with their material world parents, and it gives them some degree of grief, because their parents don't understand. Now what do you tell them to kind of make this easier? Gainesville 1971
A devotee, very often after chanting why they develop very, very high. I see a lot of devotees, they falls down back to the maya. What is the reason? Toronto 1976
Is there any limit to the number of chances that the disciple has? Tehran 1976
Are your disciples supposed to chant the mantra all the time? Delhi 1976
Does it matter how long it might take you? Can you become first-class men soon, within five years? Perth 1975
For those who are outside the temple, they have their jobs and they live in their houses, how can they achieve Krsna consciousness? Caracas 1975
Do they (your followers) do anything like social work or other...? London 1975
Don't followers of Krsna consciousness ever get angry? Hawaii 1969
If we are not at the purified stage, then why is the temple president a representative of yourself? Vrndavana 1974
I notice that most of your followers, at least in this temple, are young, like in the college age or in the teenage. Is it because Krsna doesn't attract the older generation, I mean, yourself excluded? Los Angeles 1968
Is that preordained, or is it by free choice (the men who surround you were raised in a bad society, but they have chosen to become good)? New Vrindaban 1972
May I leave the family to bear faith and devote myself to become a devotee of Krsna? Hyderabad 1975
Sometimes the devotees ask if they can take birth again distributing books for you Atlanta 1975
Sometimes, Srila Prabhupada, devotees want to know what your greatest pleasure would be, how you would want your disciples to... Delhi 1976
Since we don't yet understand the supreme law, because we are young and just new to this, how can we speak about it? San Francisco 1967
Regarding your question, about living alone Los Angeles 1968
When householder women raise their children in Krsna consciousness, this seems to be an indirect service for Krsna, or is raising children and just having the household function, is that enough service? Los Angeles 1968
What determines whether a devotee goes to a Vaikuntha planet or to Goloka Vrndavana? Los Angeles 1970
We may develop at least maybe half of your energy to continuously preach someday? Sydney 1972
We are talking against material life, and why we are using microphones, tape recorders, airplanes? Rome 1974

Devotional Dress, Paraphernalia

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
What can an ordinary man do? I mean the Krsna consciousness movement involves shaving the head and wearing the saffron robe. What can the man who is caught up in family life do? Durban 1975
If all that is required is chanting Hare Krsna, why do we have the pictures and the clothes and the instruments and the altar and Lord Jagannatha? Los Angeles 1969
Is the exterior identification important? Hawaii 1974
His first question was regarding tilaka. What is the symbolism, significance? Geneva 1974
How do you recognize someone who has already a family and he's working and who wants to progress in Krsna consciousness? Is he, does he have to give up his job and shave his hair and wear robes? London 1971

Devotional Singing, Dancing, Drama

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
While we are chanting our rounds, or while we are chanting out loud in kirtana, is it all right to be engaging our mind in thinking? Seattle 1968
Can't people be spiritual without dressing in this fashion and dancing in the street? New York 1975
Your question is whether you can utilize your inclination to play the guitar and write songs about Krishna in devotional manner of activity Bombay 1972
Srila Prabhupada, sometimes during arati, many bona fide bhajanas are sung, but not much Hare Krsna. Is that not a good tendency, that maybe just two or three minutes of Hare Krsna mantra and many other bhajanas? Mayapur 1975
What way should we dance, Srila Prabhupada? With our hands outstretched? Sometimes the devotees like to jump around. Is that all right? New York 1976

Disciplic Succession

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Srila Prabhupada, if the knowledge was handed down by the saintly kings, evam parampara-praptam (BG 4.2), how is it that the knowledge was lost? Perth 1975
Why are there apparent time-gaps in the line of disciplic succession as listed in the Bhagavad-gita? Is Arjuna an instructor Spiritual Master and not an initiator Spiritual Master and therefore not listed? Hawaii 1969
Then our next question concerns initiations in the future, particularly at that time when you're no longer with us. We want to know how first and second initiation would be conducted? Vrndavana 1977
Are the Spiritual Master and the Grand Spiritual Master consciously aware of the prayers of a sincere devotee who prays in love to Them? Los Angeles 1970
How can one inquire of you how to know Krsna? What is the process? How does one inquire of the spiritual master? Boston 1969

Discrepancies, Slips, Falldowns

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
A devotee, very often after chanting why they develop very, very high. I see a lot of devotees, they falls down back to the maya. What is the reason? Toronto 1976
Prabhupada, What is the devotee's greatest enemy? Paris 1974
Srila Prabhupada? Why God gave to man free will if He knew the man would fall down in the material world? New Mayapur 1976
If maya takes a hold on one, what is the quickest way to go back to Krsna? Los Angeles 1968
He (a devotee who works for Krsna yet doesn't follow the four regulatives principles) will fall down? Perth 1975
How can we give up our enviousness and reluctance to serve the spiritual master and the other devotees? New Vrindaban 1976
How did the material covering begin? How did we fall into that? Ohio 1969
If somehow, Srila Prabhupada, someone falls down, does that mean that he did not want to love Krsna? New Mayapur 1976

Independence, Dependence

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
The living entity cannot do anything without the sanction of God. So I am desiring certain sinful activities, but why is Krsna sanctioning it? Los Angeles 1976
Is there any limit to the number of chances that the disciple has? Tehran 1976
And how does Krsna control a devotee? New York 1972
Can we withdraw our independence, can we request Krsna to force us to surrender to Him, due to our conditioning? Hawaii 1969
If He is giving us intelligence, why doesn't He give us enough intelligence so that we could be God conscious? Tehran 1976

The Deity, Deity Worship

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
On ekadasi, we can offer the Deity grains? Tokyo 1972
Regarding your question about why we dress the Deities in very opulent fashion and not as simple cowherds boy and girl Los Angeles 1969
Should the Deities be offered grains for breakfast? Japan 1972
Do you think you could explain to me about the Deities and how it's different from idol worship? Washington, D.C. 1976
If all that is required is chanting Hare Krsna, why do we have the pictures and the clothes and the instruments and the altar and Lord Jagannatha? Los Angeles 1969
Regarding your question how to carry your Deities to different places with you Los Angeles 1970

Eastern, Western

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How is it that there is so much material "advancement in the USA even though there is no formal demigod worship? Is a man after economic development automatically worshiping Lord Siva whether he is making Yajna or not? Hawaii 1969
Srila Prabhupada, why has it taken so long for a pure devotee to come to the West? Has the West been so sinful that no pure devotee has come before Your Divine Grace? Los Angeles 1973
What is the reason of the success of your mission in the foreign countries? Chandigarh 1976
Why did you choose to go to America and propagate the teachings of Lord Krsna in a western country? Fiji 1975
What do you think our society is doing wrong? Melbourne 1975

Economics - Wealth, Resources, Money, Business

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
You think we pay too much importance to money? Melbourne 1975
How is it that there is so much material "advancement in the USA even though there is no formal demigod worship? Is a man after economic development automatically worshiping Lord Siva whether he is making Yajna or not? Hawaii 1969
Can the profit of the manufacture of something which is manufactured purely for profit be turned to good? Tehran 1975
If someone is doing some service which involves business, is he thinking of Krsna when he's thinking of that service? New Mayapur 1976
Say I have some outside job, I'm living outside, but I'm not giving 50% of my income. So then that work that I'm doing, is it actually under the authority of the guru? Hawaii 1975

Education, Training, Learning

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you say something about the training for a brahmana (in the varnasrama college)? Vrndavana 1974
What should the boys be taught from ten to sixteen? New Mayapur 1976
How do we give knowledge to the common masses of people? Mayapur 1975
Regarding your questions about the examinations to be given... Los Angeles 1969
Painting (female children should be taught how to become faithful to the husband, and to learn the arts of cooking, arts of painting - that should be their subject matter)? New Mayapur 1976

Ethnicity, Nationality

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is it possible for people in the most animalistic conditions of life such as the Eskimos, who need meat to survive-is it possible for these people to become purified? Toronto 1976
So by joining this movement we come to the platform where we can take birth in India in a nice brahmana family? Honolulu 1975
So why is it, then, if it's a question of ajnata-sukrti... The Indians, from their birth they're watering tulasi, they're chanting Hare Krsna, they're doing so many activities, but mostly your disciples are foreigners? Mayapur 1976
Sir, would you like to give any message to the Indian people? New Delhi 1971
Why the Indian population is so slack in spiritual life? Vrindaban 1976

Evolution

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Have we fallen from higher to lower or do we come from the very bottom of plant then to animal? Los Angeles 1968
What is evolution, according to the Vedas? What is this evolution that is talked about by the scientists? New Vrindaban 1972
Is it true that there were big dinosaur bodies? New York 1976
You could explain something of what the scientists are always talking about, mutation and variation, and how one species evolves from another species? Caracas 1975

Faith, Belief

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Srila Prabhupada? What is that ingredient or what is that thing which causes faith to develop in one? San Francisco 1975
Dharma there (sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam) means to the religious faith or duty? Mexico 1975
When I pray faithfully and reverently, does Krsna hear me? Mayapur 1972
How the simpler faith of a real Christian, that is not so advanced in knowledge of the Supreme Person, differs in ecstasy or the end result of God-consciousness? Montreal 1968
If every moment we are killing in breathing and walking and doing so many things, and then it says, "Thou shalt not kill," so then hasn't God given us an instruction which is impossible? Mauritius 1975

Family Life, Family Members

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
I know some of the devotees have had to sever relationships, so to speak, with their material world parents, and it gives them some degree of grief, because their parents don't understand. Now what do you tell them to kind of make this easier? Gainesville 1971
Now that he has received Krsna consciousness, he would like to know from you how he should behave in his normal life, because he'll be living very far from the temple? New Mayapur 1976
Swamiji, could you speak a bit about the proper attitude of the child towards the father? Is it one of fear, respect, love? Toronto 1976
Krsna consciousness in grhastha asrama? Bhuvanesvara 1977
But the question comes up that you have given a vow against fire at the time of marriage that the husband will look after the wife and the family. Then how does that fit in when you leave the family all of a sudden? Toronto 1976
What should I do if I'd like to preach more and become free from my family entanglements? Chicago 1975
What is the correct sexual etiquette for a strict Grhastha; and what is spiritual family planning? Montreal 1968
May I leave the family to bear faith and devote myself to become a devotee of Krsna? Hyderabad 1975

Fate, Destiny, Freedom, Free Will

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
So I have no other goal but to have the phala of past karmas. Or can I change my fate? Poona 1976
Don't you think that the children should be given freedom to choose voluntarily? Bombay 1977
Is it the living entity's choice, complete choice, to be demonic, against God, or is it a part of Krsna's energy to put demons, or to have created him that way? Hamburg 1969
Is it possible to reform a person against their will? Johannesburg 1975
Can we withdraw our independence, can we request Krsna to force us to surrender to Him, due to our conditioning? Hawaii 1969
When you said that everyone is destined to a particular goal, then where is the question of preaching Krsna consciousness? Hyderabad 1975
If somebody commits suicide, that is also preset? New York 1972
Why doesn't Krsna protect us from that desire (even in the Vaikuntha, if I desire that "Why shall I serve Krsna? Why not become Krsna?" I immediately fall down)? Washington, D.C. 1976
You say that we have a choice, that either we can surrender to Krsna, or we can remain under the control of the external energy. Those in the mode of passion and ignorance, do they have any choice? Geneva 1974

Fine Arts, Fashion, Entertainment

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
In India, now in the cities, wherever we go, there are so many big cinema houses being built. So if the young people are not yet tired of that, then how will we convince them of Krsna consciousness? They all go by the thousands to the cinema house? Vrndavana 1975
Painting (female children should be taught how to become faithful to the husband, and to learn the arts of cooking, arts of painting - that should be their subject matter)? New Mayapur 1976

Food, Diet, Cooking

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are fasting and other dietary regulations necessary for leading a spiritual life? New Vrndavana 1976
It is prohibited to consume, consume flesh, meat. It's because there is soul in the body and if we kill it, therefore we are doing a sin. I think it's because that we can't consume meat according to the Vedic literature. But what about plants, Swamiji? Mauritius 1975
Aren't they allowed to boil water in India? In boiling the water do you kill any little insects that are in the water? Los Angeles 1968
If some devotee has some trouble and does not eat a certain type of food. Like some devotees do not eat ghee because of liver trouble. So these devotees, should they take all the prasadam? Mayapur 1972
Sir, why are they sinful? Why are they (to take tea or coffee) sinful? Delhi 1976

Gender

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Am I to understand that women cannot go back to Godhead without being reincarnated to the male? WashingtonD.C. 1976
How does that result in more women (the more the man will become attached to woman, the woman population will increase)? Unknown 1971
How much or how little brahmacaris should associate with the unmarried brahmacarinis in the temple? Los Angeles 1972
Can a woman reach the perfectional stage of devotion to Krishna? Tittenhurst 1969
And if women were subordinate to men, it would solve all of our problems? Chicago 1975
It's not possible for a woman to become a sannyasī? Nairobi 1975

Geographical Places

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Around all the holy places I always see a lot of monkeys and cows in India. Is there some reason, special, about... I mean, cows, there's obvious reason, but what about the monkeys? Why are they around the holy places? Vrndavana 1977
Bhagavad-gita did it take place? There was a battlefield of Kuruksetra? London 1971
Srila Prabhupada, in Bhagavad-gita it says that "Out of millions of men, only one may come to know Me, and of millions who know Me, only one can understand." What are ways...? Melbourne 1975
Would you comment on the political situation in India now. What do you think about Mrs. Gandhi's...? Dallas 1975
How is it that there is so much material "advancement in the USA even though there is no formal demigod worship? Is a man after economic development automatically worshiping Lord Siva whether he is making Yajna or not? Hawaii 1969

God

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Well, his question it is why must we do something to become God when we're already God? Edinburgh 1972
Are you God? Melbourne 1974
Could it be, Srila Prabhupada, that this sanction of wine drinking be from God? Could that sanction come from God? Do we think that is possible? Rome 1974
If there's another way to go to God. If there is another way? Mexico 1975
And how to surrender to God, how to do this? Tehran 1976
But Guruji, giving those who are in need, is not giving to God? Bombay 1973
I don't understand exactly how Krsna consciousness is different than the other religions. Like in Christianity, Judaism and Moslem they have the idea that a person can pray and sometimes chant, communicate with God, understand His way Boston 1968
Do you believe in love of God, and that God is a person? Some people say that God is not a person, and we say God is a person Paris 1974
If there is God, how can there be suffering and disease? Tittenhurst 1969

God Realization, Self Realization, Enlightenment

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
At what time did you have your own personal realization, Swamiji? At what age? New York 1975
Do you think meditation is a way to see God inside yourself? Melbourne 1974
As far as I can gather, the self - no-self thing, Buddhism was denying that you're the atman, I think. Could you perhaps say something about that? Perth 1795
And to your mind is it possible to come to God consciousness through other means than yours? New York 1976
Srila Prabhupada, in Bhagavad-gita it says that "Out of millions of men, only one may come to know Me, and of millions who know Me, only one can understand." What are ways...? Melbourne 1975
Could you discuss the various levels on the way to bliss consciousness? What happens to the body and the mind as one approaches bliss consciousness? Boston 1969
Is service to the Supreme Lord the same as realization of the Absolute Truth? New Vrindaban 1976
Just by distributing your books we can become self-realized? Atlanta 1976
Srila Prabhupada, can realization be had through service without theoretical understanding? New Vrindaban 1976
The relationship of mind to the soul, how the mind comes to know that it has or that there is a soul Los Angeles 1975

Gurukula

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
What should the boys be taught from ten to sixteen? New Mayapur 1976
Oh, how old should they (gurukulis) be before Deity worship, they do Deity worship? Boston 1969
Srila Prabhupada, if she (mother) decides to leave her child at the school, what are the instructions to her? She should not write him, or she should come... How often can she come to visit him? New York 1972
How to mend him (a Gurukula student) from lies? He speaks lies Vrndavana 1976

Health, Disease, Healing

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If there is God, how can there be suffering and disease? Tittenhurst 1969
Devotees, do we get sick because of our bad actions in the past? Mayapur 1972
Srila Prabhupada, if a devotee gets sick, should he go and take medicine? Denver 1975
Spiritual thinking can be used to cure bodily sickness? Stockholm 1973
Regarding sleeping, there is no need of confusion on this subject. At this stage, if we do not take sufficient rest, we shall fall ill. There is no need of forcing the matter. So one should take rest enough to keep in good health Los Angeles 1970
If some devotee has some trouble and does not eat a certain type of food. Like some devotees do not eat ghee because of liver trouble. So these devotees, should they take all the prasadam? Mayapur 1972

Hearing, Reading, Study

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
A lot of devotees, they never read the books, but they're doing the chanting. It will progress them without reading the books, because they're the most important? Toronto 1976
And steady intelligence, that is acquired by hearing? We can keep our intelligence steady by hearing? Bombay 1975
Does that also apply to reading the words of a pure devotee (even a moment's association with a pure devotee - all success)? Even a little association with your books has the same effect? Indore 1970
In a situation where there's a choice between say chanting and reading. Is chanting a better activity than reading? Gorakhpur 1971
Should we beg people to read these books, Srila Prabhupada? Miami 1975
Prabhupada, is the best method to read Bhagavad-gita? London 1971

Hinduism

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How can all sections of Hindus be made to take an equal interest and have the same sense of belonging to the Hindu religion? Vrndavana 1976
Is it not possible for all sections of Hindus, be they Advaitans, Dvaitans, or visistadvaitans, to come together instead of remaining isolated as warring factions? Vrndavana 1976
How do you relate the International Society for Krishna Consciousness to Hinduism? Los Angeles 1968
How does Krsna consciousness relate to the Hindu religion? Because that is also based on the Bhagavad-gita London 1975

Historical Personalities

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How do you feel about Rabindranath Tagore, the poet? New York 1971
Who is this (Prakasananda Sarasvati)? San Francisco 1967
That (dharma means this varnasrama-dharma. So if the human society does not accept dharma, then he's as good as animal) which Srila Gandhi was working against? Mexico 1975

History, Historical Facts, Timelines

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If these animals (dinosaur or finosaur) were on this planet some millions of years ago, they are still here, is that correct? Washington, D.C. 1976
I want to know if Krsna appeared on this planet five thousand years ago at a certain time, that means that immediately did He appear again in another universe? Bombay 1973
Are we more conditioned than the people in the Satya-yuga? San Francisco 1967
Srila Prabhupada, I once was distributing some of your literature to a library, and the librarian said, "If these are five thousand years old, where is the proof of this? Do we have the copies that were written down five thousand years ago?" Los Angeles 1973
Why did Krsna allow the Muslims to enter and do so much damage to the Vedic culture? Durban 1975

Holy Places

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
According to the Aquarian Gospel, Christ was in Jagannatha Puri? Columbus 1969
In each universe there is a Vrndavana and a Mayapur. That means in each universe there's a planet earth like this planet? Los Angeles 1976
How do you decide whether a place is sacred or not? London 1973

Human Beings, Other Species or Types of Living Entities

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Around all the holy places I always see a lot of monkeys and cows in India. Is there some reason, special, about... I mean, cows, there's obvious reason, but what about the monkeys? Why are they around the holy places? Vrndavana 1977
Any kind of living entity who takes prasadam or hears the name, that it will come back at least to human form of life. Is that correct? Hawaii 1974
Do you see a time coming when all mankind will be united? Melbourne 1974
Can a person who eats meat obtain a human birth? Or he must be put back into animal species, meat-eaters? Los Angeles 1973
If we're performing devotional service and an insect is in the way, like if you're painting the walls and you find this ant and you must paint this wall to please the spiritual master, what is the attitude? Atlanta 1975
Can you explain to me what is good sex life and bad sex life? London 1973
Physical world, this earth is there. Are there any other earthly planets of this type where human beings or other beings are staying other than spiritual beings? Ahmedabad 1975
Sometimes questions are raised saying that how do we know that a bird is more intelligent than a human being? Los Angeles 1973
Suppose I feed these rats and I go on feeding them. Won't more and more rats come? Surat 1970
The human beings get dreams, and what's the lesson between the dreams and the actual life? London 1973

Human Qualities, Character, Behavior

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you explain to me what is good sex life and bad sex life? London 1973
Are not also the evil qualities in man existent in God too? Los Angeles 1968
Don't followers of Krsna consciousness ever get angry? Hawaii 1969
Is there a specific way to counteract this bad quality of enviousness? Mayapur 1975
He wants to know what are the characteristics of a person who has realized that he is not this body Mexico 1975

Impersonalism

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are you God? Melbourne 1974
They say something like "I am God." Some young people our age, they talk like that. Does this mean that we should become angry at them? Hawaii 1969
You would see the worshipers of Siva as impersonalists? Philadelphia 1975
Sometimes I forget, I cannot remember the scriptures, so what would be the best clue to always defeat them (the impersonalists)? Los Angeles 1973
Prabhupada? Buddha was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the incarnation of Krsna, right? Then why he has preached the impersonal form of God? New York 1976

Initiation

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How serious would it be for me if I should miss the golden opportunity to become your initiated disciple? Vrindaban 1974
Is it possible for a person to return to the spiritual world without taking initiation from a bona fide spiritual master? Melbourne 1975
And how do we get guru? Bombay 1976
You spoke of initiation. What is that initiation? Los Angeles 1968
Then our next question concerns initiations in the future, particularly at that time when you're no longer with us. We want to know how first and second initiation would be conducted? Vrndavana 1977
In answer to your question about the importance of initiation... Los Angeles 1968
If one accepts initiation from a bona fide spiritual master but continues to perform material activities, are they still bound by the karma? London 1971
How close does one student usually, how close does he get to the master? How closely does he understand the master? Or he could interrelate himself to the master? Tehran 1976

ISKCON - Finances

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If a brahmacari decides to get married and then enters into married life, should he be encouraged to maintain that responsibility throughout his life? Vrndavana 1977
They still have to go out and ask occasionally (but those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form - to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have)? New York 1976
How do we finance our movement? Caracas 1975
What is the way you go about collecting money? Delhi 1976

ISKCON - General

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Could you please tell me a little bit about your life and how you knew that you were the spiritual master for the Krsna consciousness movement? Philadelphia 1975
How would I recognize a true follower of the Krsna consciousness movement by his behavior? What would his traits be? What would his outward expressions be? Gainesville 1971
How can we best serve the movement? By joining it? I have joined it in a... Washington, D.C. 1976
Do you think your movement is the only way to come to know God? London 1971
So there is no possibility of me being Krsna conscious outside your movement? Johannesburg 1975
Is there any difference between...(Ramakrishna Society and ISKCON)? Perth 1975
Why does the Hare Krsna movement not engage in social protest? San Francisco 1975
What was the necessity of creating this Krsna consciousness movement? Mauritius 1975
To get back more to the origins of the movement, why do you follow the teachings of Caitanya rather than say Vallabha or Ramanuja or Ramananda? Melbourne 1975
My question is, what is the, why is that this particular movement is not emphasizing so-called meditation? Delhi 1971
So by joining this movement we come to the platform where we can take birth in India in a nice brahmana family? Honolulu 1975

ISKCON - Leadership and Management

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Regarding your question whether grhastha couples can live together in the temple... Calcutta 1972
Prabhupada, when you are not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions, for example, on questions that may arise? Los Angeles 1973
Our first question is about the GBC members. We want to know how long should they remain in office? Vrndavana 1977
How far should the orders of my duly appointed officers like GBC, etc., be obeyed and followed? Ahmedabad 1972
Is that called rtvik-acarya (yes. I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up, I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acaryas)? Vrndavana 1977

ISKCON - Temples and Centers

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
In some of our larger temples is it (kirtana going twenty-four hours a day) also advisable? Vrndavana 1975
At the present, I can't live in the temple, can't live in the asrama, but I can still see the devotees. What else can I do? Mexico 1975
Our temples, they are considered to have the same atmosphere?... To be just as potent as the holy places in India? Melbourne 1975
Chanting in the temple increases the? Bombay 1976
If one can achieve Krsna consciousness outside the temple? Mexico 1975
Is it better for grhasthas to be self-supporting and living outside the temple? Like somebody working all day and following the regulative principles? Toronto 1976
Regarding your question whether husband and wife should live together in the temple Calcutta 1972
Srila Prabhupada, if Krsna is everywhere, why do we stress the importance of living a very strict life in the temple atmosphere? Melbourne 1974

Jesus

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
According to the Aquarian Gospel, Christ was in Jagannatha Puri? Columbus 1969
Is it possible for one to engage himself in bhakti-yoga without rendering service to Krsna? Let's say someone who is worshiping Lord Buddha or Lord Jesus Los Angeles 1969
He would like to know what our opinion is of Jesus Christ? Melbourne 1974
Prabhupada, why did Lord Jesus Christ eat meat? Los Angeles 1968
He has understood from Bhagavad-gita that Krsna says that "As you approach Me, I present Myself." So in that sense can this movement be compared to also the consciousness of Christ, Christ consciousness Caracas 1975
One of my prabhus told me that you once said that your Guru Maharaja said that Jesus Christ was a saktyavesavatara. Is that correct? Surat 1970

Kali-yuga

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Every time Lord Krsna appears, original Krsna appears, does Lord Caitanya appear on the following Kali-yuga? Bombay 1974
It can be changed, the age of Kali, by presence of the devotees of Krsna? London 1971
As the Kali-yuga advances, the human beings will eat their children too. Srila Prabhupada? Los Angeles 1973
As the Kali-yuga progresses the people are getting smaller. Does this mean that Krsna and His associates were much taller in stature than we are now? Hyderabad 1975
He's asking again about geographically, what will it be like (after 400,000 years) as far as temperatures and the different continents? Caracas 1975

Karma - Action and Reaction

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
All that karma is erased as soon as he surrenders to Krsna? Paris 1974
Does karma-yoga mean to follow exactly the sastras? Bombay 1974
So I have no other goal but to have the phala of past karmas. Or can I change my fate? Poons 1976
If there is God, how can there be suffering and disease? Tittenhurst 1969
Is that special arrangement that they seem to be impoverished? Say like the villagers, they're not very wealthy. Toronto 1976

Knowledge

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Because we do not know what sin is, wouldn't whatever the authority said be purely an idea to us? Johannesburg 1975
A lot of them are very young people coming into the movement. Do you think they really understand what they're going into when they join the Krsna movement? Melbourne 1976
Every successive teacher has added some interpretations of the knowledge, no? Allahabad 1971
How do we know when God is pleased? Mayapura 1972
What is that standard of research? Vrindavan 1974

Krsna Conscious Visual Presentations - Art, Decor, Displays

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
But still, somebody must have seen Krsna... to actually paint Him? Melbourne 1974
For your final question, should leaflets, which are destined to be thrown upon the ground, contain pictures of Krishna, Jagannatha, etc? Los Angeles 1969
This is a photograph we've received of your Guru Maharaja. Should the painters, should they paint this type of pictures? New York 1972
We can do that with film (we want to try make a film to prove this point that life comes from life)? Wahington D.C. 1976
Some of our artists make big sculpture out of metal?... Philosophically not possible? New York 1976

Krsna, His Expansions, Associates, Paraphernalia

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Among the avataras which are described in the second and third book of Srimad-Bhagavatam, there are two questions I have to put. There is Krsna Himself, who appears as His own avatara, and the Krsna, the yadava Krsna? Geneva 1974
When Krsna is incarnating in His plenary incarnations like Varaha, Nrsimha... and sometimes devotees become devoted to those forms. Are there corresponding planets in Vaikuntha for those forms of incarnation? Is there a planet of Nrsimha or Nrsimha-loka? London 1973
Prabhupada, could you tell us something about Krsna's rasa-lila? Los Angeles 1968
Do you expect Him (Krsna) to come again? London 1973
But still, somebody must have seen Krsna... to actually paint Him? Melbourne 1974
Can changing the type of service one's performing, can that help him to achieve the desired perfection in relationship with the spiritual master and Krsna? Hawaii 1974
Did the residents of Vrndavana see the many expansions or did they only see one Krsna? Bombay 1974
Does He (Krsna) also appear through Maha-Visnu? Bombay 1974
Even if we don't surrender to Krsna in this life, will everyone surrender to Krsna? Will everyone go back to Godhead eventually? Johannesburg 1975
If one surrenders, how to know that Krsna has accepted? Poona 1976
Every time Lord Krsna appears, original Krsna appears, does Lord Caitanya appear on the following Kali-yuga? Bombay 1974
How it was that even though there is so much distance between, let's say, Govardhana and Radha-kunda and Vrndavana, Nanda-grama, Varsana, how it was that still Krsna and Radha could go and meet? Vrndavana 1976
If the original Krsna is always in Vrndavana, then why do the gopis and Radharani feel separation from Him? San Francisco 1975
Does fortune mean it's the mercy of Krsna? Perth 1975
Is it the living entity's choice, complete choice, to be demonic, against God, or is it a part of Krsna's energy to put demons, or to have created him that way? Hamburg 1969

Language, Literature

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Professor Chenique wishes to know, would it not be more valuable if our men spoke Sanskrit and could translate directly from the Sanskrit into French? New Mayapur 1976
What language, master, was your books originally written in? London 1973
Will mantras lose their sanctity if they are not in Sanskrit? Vrindavan 1976
Is there any plan to translate into English? Is there any plan to translate Jiva Gosvami's Jiva-bhasya? Toronto 1976
At the beginning one, the word, and this word was God and this word was with God. So what is this word? Paris 1973

Leadership, Management (General)

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
So every ksatriya had to have something to manage? Los Angeles 1973
Your Guru Maharaja wanted twelve originally? Los Angeles 1972
Who are the chief men in the temple committee of Jagannatha temple? Bombay 1976
So how can we chalk out a program of, say, training of leaders from the villages...? Bombay 1976
That's what, didn't Sankaracarya do that, divide up four parts? Vrindavan 1974
Is there anything we can do about it (Jagannatha Puri's sanctity they are killing. The biggest panditas are all known meat-eaters also. Meat, fish, everything. Many also take all sorts of intoxication and they also go to the prostitute)? Vrindavan 1977

Liberation, Salvation

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Even if we don't surrender to Krsna in this life, will everyone surrender to Krsna? Will everyone go back to Godhead eventually? Johannesburg 1975
A devotee is only supposed to want service, and sometimes he very much wants to be liberated to be finished with all this difficulty, isn't it? Tehran 1976
Prabhupada, can you explain a little more about Ratha-yatra? Anyone who takes part in Ratha-yatra, are they liberated? Los Angeles 1971
How do you feel about self-expression, art, as a path back to Godhead? New York 1971
After death no death? Mauritius 1975

Love of Godhead

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Do you believe in love of God, and that God is a person? Some people say that God is not a person, and we say God is a person Paris 1974
Should we love Krishna or love the spiritual master? Ahemdabad 1972
Do you claim then that your way of loving God is the way to love God? Gainesville 1971
Do you believe that the origin of this creation is a sin?... A sin of man or is the love of God? What is the origin? Paris 1973
I think he's asking a question also that sometimes comes up, that if one loves in this material love, for example one loves a child, or loves humanity, does this help to develop love of God? New York 1976
Do you believe in love of God, and that God is a person? Some people say that God is not a person, and we say God is a person Paris 1974

Marriage

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If a brahmacari decides to get married and then enters into married life, should he be encouraged to maintain that responsibility throughout his life? Vrndavana 1977
If a person is married and they are interested in entering into Hare Krsna, Krsna consciousness, can they reach the ultimate? Boston 1969
How can the position be reconciled if in Krsna consciousness one of the two, the husband or the wife, wants to enjoy sense gratification, but the other does not? Should there be separation then? Perth 1975
Your question in regard to marriage Melbourne 1976
Regarding your question about the husband becoming the Spiritual Master of the wife... Los Angeles 1969
So when they are grhastha, they make advancement? Bombay 1975

Material Creation, Universe

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is it the living entity's choice, complete choice, to be demonic, against God, or is it a part of Krsna's energy to put demons, or to have created him that way? Hamburg 1969
So that's how it goes back into the body of Maha-Visnu? Los Angeles 1972
Can a material calculation prove a spiritual fact? Honolulu 1975
But that subtle reality is just as real as this gross reality? Los Angeles 1976
Srila Prabhupada, I understand Krsna is the Personality of Godhead, and He is the one who create this material world. So my impression is Krsna, He didn't make this material world to be spiritual? Nairobi 1975

Material Love and Affection

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Swamiji, could you speak a bit about the proper attitude of the child towards the father? Is it one of fear, respect, love? Toronto 1976
How can I give up attraction for woman? Mayapur 1976
Can the human heart feel compassion?... The human heart cannot take to compassion? Hrishikesh 1977
How about love towards relatives? They say, "Love your parents," or "Love your wife and children." Isn't that also bondage? Texas 1972
Is it more natural to love someone else? Is it more natural for someone else to enjoy or for ourselves to enjoy? Delhi 1976
But if you're actually followers of God, then why are you breaking up the families? Shouldn't you have love for everyone? Allahabad 1977
As a mother loves the child in pure love, does that help her to also find the pure love in the spiritual world? New York 1976

Meaning of Sanskrit Words

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Does karma-yoga mean to follow exactly the sastras? Bombay 1974
Prabhupada, what is the meaning of the word Srila? Loos Angeles 1973
What does the name Vaisnavi mean? London 1971
Guru means teacher? San Francisco 1968
Does the word nirvana mean Krsna? London 1975
What does Rama mean in Hare Rama? Is this Balarama or Lord Ramacandra? Hamburg 1969
What is sahajiya? Bombay 1974
What is that sraddha? Vrindavan 1974
What is the distinction between jnana and vijnana? Bombay 1974
What is the meaning of Vedanta? Hyderabad 1972
What is the meaning of the word atma? Paris 1974
What is karma? Bombay 1974

Meditation

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Any other type of concentration (meditation) you do? Hyderabad 1974
Do you think meditation is a way to see God inside yourself? Melbourne 1974
What is the main purpose of meditation? Madras 1976
What are your views about silent meditation on one's, in one's own self, and this japa, gayatri-mantra? Hyderabad 1972
When making arati offerings, is it proper to meditate on the different parts of the Lord's Body? Los Angeles 1969

Mercy, Grace, Blessings

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Does fortune mean it's the mercy of Krsna? Perth 1975
Srila Prabhupada, what is our fortune that we've come in contact with a qualified guru? What have we done to qualify to come in contact with you? Mayapur 1976
I think Radharani helps a man to reach Krsna, to hear, you know, the things...? Gorakhpur 1971
Is that benefit coming in all suffering or only when it is given by Krsna (surgical operation is there, the knife is being used on the body, that means he is getting relief. It is not punishment)? Bombay 1974
Therefore Krsna recognizes by giving knowledge of Himself? Paris 1975

Modern Science and Scientists

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
But if we don't make the research, then how will we ever solve these problems? PLACE YEAR
Prabhupada, when they said they went to the moon and they showed films of them landing and walking on the moon, was this all a bluff?... They all made it up? Honolulu 1975
Prabhupada, on the one hand you say the scientists are rascals, and on the other you say not to condemn them? Washington DC 1976
Can a scientist teach the science of combining acid and alkaline and this kind of science with Krsna as its object? Mayapura 1972
So how can the scientists arrive at vasudevah sarvam iti? Perth 1975

Modes of Material Nature

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
How do we enter into the modes of goodness? Seattle 1968
A devotee becomes more surrendered because the influence of the modes, the three modes, becomes diminished, or is the influence just changed from ignorance and passion to goodness? Surat 1970
Is this faithfulness, is it a product of the mode of goodness? London 1973
So is the spirit soul implicated in that decision in any way, or is it simply the three modes of material nature working?... So how is the spirit soul involved in it? Is the spirit soul choosing, or is the decision already made by his karma? Delhi 1976
The modes don't exist in the spiritual world. Is that right? San Francisco 1967
You enquire about the mode of goodness, and why such people do not worship Krishna Mayapur 1972
In the mode of ignorance, if he wishes to come to the platform of the mode of goodness, does he have to pass through the mode of passion to get to the mode of goodness? Or can you go directly from the mode of ignorance to the mode of goodness? Honolulu 1976

The Moon

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If the space program, either the Russian or the American program, which have plans to try to land on the moon and return safely, if this is successful, do you think this accomplishment would hurt the Krsna movement in the United States? Los Angeles 1968
How are they able to perpetuate such an enormous hoax (ask all scientists this simple question. Why, all over the world, Sunday, sun first and moon second? Why? And Saturday last. All of you could not answer this question)? Los Angeles 1976
One devotee asked me, "If the scientists don't know anything about the universe, then how is it they can predict exactly when there is going to be an eclipse of the sun or the moon for hundreds of years in advance?" Bombay 1975
How do we support our challenge to the scientists that they have not actually gone to the moon? Bombay 1975
Take photographs where (and this moon planet going means Arizona. That is now disclosed. They take photographs in the Arizona. That's all)? New York 1976
Did they (the astronauts) actually get to the moon or not? Perth 1975
If the moon is illuminating, why can we only see half of the moon? Mayapur 1976
Real information about the moon from the Bhagavatam? Honolulu 1975
If the space program, either the Russian or the American program, which have plans to try to land on the moon and return safely, if this is successful, do you think this accomplishment would hurt the Krsna movement in the United States? Los Angeles 1968
Mars is after the moon? Los Angeles 1976

Natural Science, Natural History

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
But if we tell that that there is no law of gravity, they will say that why is it that if you throw up a ball then it comes down? Perth 1975
But do you think they (the dinosaurs) were on this planet? New York 1976
How do the different seasons come about-winter, summer, spring? Mayapur 1976
Hiranyaksa was taking the gold from the earth. Now they are taking the oil. So the weight, the oil makes weight in some parts of the globe, no? Caracas 1975
Srila Prabhupada, if the earth is moving so fast, why isn't everything blown off? Mayapur 1976

Occupation, Work, Duty

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If I'm always worried about the future, how will anything get done now? Mayapur 1975
Regarding your working hours Tittenhurst 1969
Say I have some outside job, I'm living outside, but I'm not giving 50% of my income. So then that work that I'm doing, is it actually under the authority of the guru? Hawaii 1975
Are we duty-bound to maintain our body? Montreal 1968
Many people say that members of the International Krsna Consciousness Society are being cut off from work in the world and therefore their contributions to the world are being lost to the world and I wondered how you felt about that? New York 1976

Other Philosophies, Philosophy in General

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
So in relation to your movement, where does Marxism stand? Hyderabad 1976
According to their philosophy, if whether you practice or you don't practice you get the same result in the end, what's the use of doing anything? If at death everything merges back, what's the use of doing anything? Why not commit suicide? Paris 1974
Are you familiar with the writings of Descartes? Los Angeles 1976
What about some of the other schools that have grown up, people like Ouspensky and Gurdjieff and people who've brought a message similar to yours to the West in the past? Durban 1975
What about the analogy that many rivers flow into the same sea and lose their individuality? Nellore 1976
Prabhupada, is this philosophy like karma-mimamsa which is described in the Krsna book? Is this the same principle, where they feel that simply by their endeavor things will come, without the sanction of God? Is this karma-mimamsa? Melbourne 1975
What does it mean when we say, "Philosophy is for fools"? Paris 1974

Other Planets

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Srila Prabhupada, are the planets shaped liked balls or more like plates? Because they're called dvipas, "islands." Their roundness is the roundness of a plate or like a ball? Mayapur 1976
So, if ordinary man went to some other planet through his sputnik, would he be able to see the demigods? Los Angeles 1976
On this planet we have certain elements, like iron, water, or sand. Could there be other elements on other planets, new elements? New York 1976
Prabhupada, for one who worships Lord Buddha, is there a planet for him to go to? Los Angeles 1968
Aren't the planets in this universe the sun's energy, a product of the sun's energy? Mayapura 1972
But what if you are reincarnated into other planets? Is it less painful, or is it the same procedure? Paris 1973

Other Religions, Religion in General

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
In what way did you think, that the teaching of the love of God which you are doing, is different and perhaps better than the teachings of which already were being conducted in this country and have been conducted in the Western world for centuries? Gainesville 1971
Can our religion bring something more than other religions? Paris 1974
Do you think that in the future all religions and all these spiritual groups will come together and form one group? Paris 1974
As far as I can gather, the self - no-self thing, Buddhism was denying that you're the atman, I think. Could you perhaps say something about that? Perth 1795
If there's another way to go to God. If there is another way? Mexico 1975
And to your mind is it possible to come to God consciousness through other means than yours? New York 1976
Basically, what have you to offer that is different than the Christian ethos or the Jewish ethos? Los Angeles 1968
But Guruji, giving those who are in need, is not giving to God? Bombay 1973
I don't understand exactly how Krsna consciousness is different than the other religions. Like in Christianity, Judaism and Moslem they have the idea that a person can pray and sometimes chant, communicate with God, understand His way Boston 1968

Pastimes of...

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Prabhupada, could you tell us something about Krsna's rasa-lila? Los Angeles 1968
How it was that even though there is so much distance between, let's say, Govardhana and Radha-kunda and Vrndavana, Nanda-grama, Varsana, how it was that still Krsna and Radha could go and meet? Vrndavana 1976
Did Krsna play that (football)? Honolulu 1975
Krsna manifests more pastimes in the higher universes? Mayapur 1976
About a hundred hoods, how could Kṛṣṇa manage all of those hoods? Bombay 1974
When your spiritual master was a little boy, did he do things like Lord Caitanya did like when He went to the water and all girls were asking for...? Los Angeles 1968
Is it offensive to think of Krishna's Pastimes while chanting? Los Angeles 1968
What is the outcome of this (discussion of the Vedanta-sutra between Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Caitanya Mahaprabhu) now? Final outcome? San Francisco 1967
When Krsna lifted up Govardhana Hill, nobody said that was a miracle. But when Jesus Christ made so many things, they say it's a miracle. How is that? New York 1968
If the planets, they have always been floating, but the stones of Lord Ramacandra has put in the ocean, they are still not... Where are they? Mayapur 1975

Personalities From Other Religions or Spiritual Paths

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Subhadra is the external energy? Is Subhadra in the spiritual world? Montreal 1968
Buddha's name is also considered hari-nama? Fiji 1976
Swamiji, there are some people... who are getting spiritual solace from people like Sai Baba or any of these other people who have interpreted the Vedas or who have followers? Do you think these followers are getting some amount of spiritual solace? New Delhi 1976
But, Guru Maharaja, if one has some original faith in Jesus Christ or Muhammad, would he...? They think they're sons of God or a messenger of God Bombay 1973
She wants to know that there are many other gurus, and why do you feel that you have the truth? Philadelphia 1975
Was he (Lord Buddha) preaching karma-kanda? Bombay 1973
What do you think about some of the other gurus, if you will, since you are yourself considered a guru? Do you study anybody else? New York 1976
What is the power and mystery of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, how he is doing so many things but yet he does not appear like these others yogis who are..., like Satya Sai Baba who is making magic and...? Mayapur 1976

Personalities From Vedic Scripture

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Prabhupada, can you explain mahamaya and yogamaya? Was Arjuna under yogamaya or mahamaya? Seattle 1968
Lord Krsna preached Bhagavad-gita in battlefield of Kuruksetra, and it is afterwards written by Vyasadeva. Did Vyasadeva got it out of his meditation, or how the actual thing which was conveyed to Arjuna again took a shape in Bhagavad-gita? Bhuvaneshvara 1977
At the end of the Krsna Book, when Krsna and Arjuna visit Lord Visnu and Visnu calls them incarnations of Himself, that is because Krsna appeared through Ksirodakasayi Visnu? Bombay 1974
Prabhupada, can you explain mahamaya and yogamaya? Was Arjuna under yogamaya or mahamaya? Seattle 1968
Does he (Lord Brahma) become a pure devotee? Otherwise how he can see Krsna and reveal Brahma-samhita? Also he's the head of our disciplic succession. How can he be the head of our disciplic succession if he's not a pure devotee? London 1971
Regarding your question about the disciplic succession coming down from Arjuna Los Angeles 1969
Nara-narayana Rsi is which (kind of avatara)? Bombay 1974

Pleasing Krsna

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
And what is favorable to Krsna? How one knows? Poona 1976
By pleasing Lord, one does not please one's own ego also to some extent? Poona 1976
You said that Krsna speaking through intuition. Is it therefore possible to follow Krsna by following the intuition? New Mayapur (French Farm) 1976
If God is meant to be propitiated, then why is it that we have so many things for our enjoyment? You say that everything is for God's enjoyment. Tehran 1976
But these religions are just material. These Hindu, Christian, Muslim, they're following these things because that is simply their destiny? They don't know how to please God, so that's simply part of their happiness and distress? Vrindavan 1976

Pleasure and Sense Gratification

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
But if I think I'm happy, isn't that enough? Johannesburg 1975
Could you discuss the various levels on the way to bliss consciousness? What happens to the body and the mind as one approaches bliss consciousness? Boston 1969
But if the standard is happiness, and the hog is happy and the devotee is happy, then what is the distinction? Mayapur 1975
They put forward the argument sometimes, though, that it is very natural to try to enjoy. Everyone is doing it, so why should we fight the nature? People say like this Durban 1975
Did Krsna invent Radha for His own pleasure? London (Tittenhurst) 1969

Politics, Government

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Would you comment on the political situation in India now. What do you think about Mrs. Gandhi's...? Dallas 1975
Some members the Parliament says, the movement is in some anti-Indian activities. What do you...? Hyderabad 1976
Srila Prabhupada, in the United States' constitution there is a bill of rights that says that any religion can be practiced. Therefore anything goes, and people become atheistic? Surat 1970
Then how to throw out good leadership? Bombay 1976
What about women (woman's brain is smaller than a man's) who are leaders of countries such as your own country? Chicago 1975

Prabhupada

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Do you understand your previous lives from the descriptions in authoritative texts, or from any introspective recollection of your own? Columbus 1969
Are you God? Melbourne 1974
But from '65-'66 how did you manage? You didn't have any money with you Vrndavana 1974
Srila Prabhupada. You're very, very regulated, almost down to the minute in your activities. This is also a big help in utilizing time? Los Angeles 1974
Swamiji, a very personal question. How would you react when people give you a godly reception? Mauritius 1975|-

Prabhupada's Books, BBT and BTG

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Of the things that you have written, what do you consider most important? Philadelphia 1975
Do you have any hope in the future that you, your movement, will involve printing a lot of books, making, building schools for your children? Detroit 1971
What is the meaning of "as it is."? Tehran 1976
The prabhu is feeling that he likes to read all of your books and sometimes he reads one book and sometimes another book. Is that bad? Nairobi 975
What language, master, was your books originally written in? London 1973

Prabhupada's Family

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Your family, your blood family, are they Krsna conscious as well? New York 1976
What about this Vrndavana? Is he the oldest son? Mayapur 1977
Is your son in the cult? Melbourne 1975
Are you married, sir? You say you have no connection with your family? Why? To do this, did you have to divorce? When did you renounce your family? How are they managing without you? Do you ever see them at all? London 1969
And you had not bad days all your life. Or you were quarreling? I am sorry to intrude Bombay 1974
Is she Krsna conscious (your wife)? New York 1976

Prabhupada's Godbrothers and the Gaudiya Math

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
So far as your question about controversy amongst the disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Los Angeles 1969
Have any of your Godbrothers translated anything? Los Angeles 1976
One time you said that they criticized you when you were going to America because you did not know about the knife and the fork? New Mayapur (French Farm) 1976
That doesn't mean that your disciples should think also, "I will remain aloof just as our Prabhupada..."? Bombay 1977
Many of them (young Gaudiya Math devotees who are unable to continue and keep the standard), they ask to join us even though they are initiated by others. So should we allow them to come or...? Vrindavan 1975

Prabhupada's Health and Sickness

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
What does the kaviraja say about your chances, Srila Prabhupada? What does he say about your chances of surviving? Vrndavana 1977
Why should you stop taking this medicine, Srila Prabhupada? Vrindavan 1977
Why can't you give us your old age? Vrindavan 1977
You mentioned this morning that when you sit up you feel a little stronger now. I think it's good that you're not taxing yourself in any way. That's important. Would you like to do something specific right now, Srila Prabhupada? Vrindavan 1977
Rice water will give you a little extra strength? Vrindavan 1977

Prabhupada's Life (1896 - 1977)

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
And then were you at the university or the school or somewhere? Detroit 1976
Do you have children? You just left them? Los Angeles 1968
At what age did you realize God? New York 1975
How old were you when you got your Radha-Krsna Deity? Vrindavan 1977
What were your activities after your initiation? Montreal 1968
What happened (I got so many good chances. But everything... Dr. Kartika Candra Bose he appreciated my activities, "Very intelligent boy." He certified to my father-in-law. This is the way of becoming rich man)? New Delhi 1973

Prabhupada's Travelling and Itinerary

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Let me ask you one more question. Why are you returning to India? Had you ever considered staying here in the United States? New York 1976
What's the main reason for your visit? Melbourne 1976
You went to Russia. What's your impression? Detroit 1971
Just getting off that, can I ask why you've come to Australia again? Melbourne 1976
When was it that you arrived from India with $2? San Francisco 1968

Prasadam

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is taking prasadam one of the exchanges of love, where we accept food from a lover? Los Angeles 1968
Any kind of living entity who takes prasadam or hears the name, that it will come back at least to human form of life. Is that correct? Hawaii 1974
Say someone prepares something, like some prasadam for Krsna, but he does not make it so good? Mayapur 1972
What is the actual benefit that a karmi will get when he takes prasada? Hyderabad 1976
You stated that a statue of yourself is not the same as you, and yet in some of our temples, such as Vrndavana, the murti of Your Divine Grace has been installed and they are offering prasadam. So is it the same, that the prasadam is accepted by the guru? Nairobi 1975

Prayer

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
I don't understand exactly how Krsna consciousness is different than the other religions. Like in Christianity, Judaism and Moslem they have the idea that a person can pray and sometimes chant, communicate with God, understand His way Boston 1968
If you don't pronounce the Sanskrit prayers that are in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Would there be any effect if they're not pronounced properly? Montreal 1968
Regarding your questions are the Spiritual Master and the Grand Spiritual Master consciously aware of the prayers of a sincere devotee who prays in love to Them? - the answer is that no conscious prayers go in vain Los Angeles 1970
I don't understand exactly how Krsna consciousness is different than the other religions. Like in Christianity, Judaism and Moslem they have the idea that a person can pray and sometimes chant, communicate with God, understand His way Boston 1968
Brain-washed they call it, you know, by getting up and having the two hours or three of chanting in the morning and prayer beads constantly and the group life, that they're sort of controlled, and denied their freedom. What do you say about that? New York 1976
Prahlada Maharaja, his father becomes a demon, and he has to fight Nrsimha. That means it is the karma of a previous life, and he's praying. Or is it understood that he'll get the protection? So why this prayer? Montreal 1968

Preaching, Spreading Krsna Consciousness

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Why you have come to America? Los Angeles 1973
Can you really expect to change the whole society? New Vrindaban 1972
No preaching work? Should they (all of your initiated disciples) go out for preaching (on ekadasi)? Chicago 1975
But in the people in general, how can we engage them also in Krsna consciousness? How can we provide them a means to use their leisure time to perfect their lives? Los Angeles 1974
By preaching Krsna consciousness would you condemn other people's beliefs? Mauritius 1975

Process of Krsna Consciousness - Bhakti-yoga

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
In what way did you think, that the teaching of the love of God which you are doing, is different and perhaps better than the teachings of which already were being conducted in this country and have been conducted in the Western world for centuries? Gainesville 1971
All that karma is erased as soon as he surrenders to Krsna? Paris 1974
If one surrenders, how to know that Krsna has accepted? Poona 1976
Now that he has received Krsna consciousness, he would like to know from you how he should behave in his normal life, because he'll be living very far from the temple? New Mayapur 1976
I don't understand exactly how Krsna consciousness is different than the other religions. Like in Christianity, Judaism and Moslem they have the idea that a person can pray and sometimes chant, communicate with God, understand His way Boston 1968
How do you feel about self-expression, art, as a path back to Godhead? New York 1971
He's asking how does our sankirtana activities relate to God consciousness, the selling of books and collecting of donations? New York 1976

Protection of Society

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
But Guruji, giving those who are in need, is not giving to God? Bombay 1973
After the Battle of Kuruksetra there were many men killed. How were all the young people and the women protected after so many millions of men were killed? Vrndavana 1976
And in the way of hospitals (to serve the poor people in the way of welfare)? Durban 1975
Srila Prabhupada, our parents in America teach us that we ought to be doing good things for other people. Should we be engaged for our fellow people? Laguna Beach 1975
If varnasrama is neglected, then how can there be proper functioning of society? Mayapur 1976

Publicity, Public Relations, Public Press

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If the space program, either the Russian or the American program, which have plans to try to land on the moon and return safely, if this is successful, do you think this accomplishment would hurt the Krsna movement in the United States? Los Angeles 1968
Brain-washed they call it, you know, by getting up and having the two hours or three of chanting in the morning and prayer beads constantly and the group life, that they're sort of controlled, and denied their freedom. What do you say about that? New York 1976
Has there been any official opposition to your movement in any country? Hyderabad 1976
Some people say they don't like to talk to Hare Krsna people because we're like that. We always say we know everything about everything. So how do we deal with that attitude if they're turned away by our...? Paris 1974
Srila Prabhupada, we don't know whether to be diplomatic towards these other so-called religious movements or whether to simply expose the philosophy which they are putting forward? Durban 1975
Your Grace, do you keep in touch with the world through television or newspapers or the media? Melbourne 1976
When they ask us about Lord Caitanya, "Who is this Lord Caitanya?" what may we tell them? Nairobi 1975
What is the response in the Islamic countries? Hyderabad 1976

Radharani, Her Expansions, Associates (Gopis)

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Did you say that Sri Krsna Caitanya was playing Radha? San Francisco 1968
How could we understand Srimati Radharani? Melbourne 1974
How it was that even though there is so much distance between, let's say, Govardhana and Radha-kunda and Vrndavana, Nanda-grama, Varsana, how it was that still Krsna and Radha could go and meet? Vrndavana 1976
If the original Krsna is always in Vrndavana, then why do the gopis and Radharani feel separation from Him? San Francisco 1975
We are expansions of Radha? Montreal 1968
What is the proper relationship of the devotee to Radharani? Los Angeles 1968
Your first question, shall Srimati Radharani's feet be showing? Bombay 1973

Regulated Life, Regulative Principles

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
I assume that being an initiated member means that the individual has acquainted himself sufficiently with your teaching and gone through certain disciplines? Los Angeles 1969
Could it be, Srila Prabhupada, that this sanction of wine drinking be from God? Could that sanction come from God? Do we think that is possible? Rome 1974
By details (in the beginning don't talk of these details) do you mean the rules and regulations? Perth 1975
It (tea or coffee) is sinful? Delhi 1976
Oh. Crosswords are gambling? Hyderabad 1976

Reincarnation, Afterlife, Transmigration of the Soul

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Do you understand your previous lives from the descriptions in authoritative texts, or from any introspective recollection of your own? Columbus 1969
Do we believe in reincarnation? She wants to know if we believe in reincarnation Edinburgh 1972
Any kind of living entity who takes prasadam or hears the name, that it will come back at least to human form of life. Is that correct? Hawaii 1974
Even if we don't surrender to Krsna in this life, will everyone surrender to Krsna? Will everyone go back to Godhead eventually? Johannesburg 1975
Am I to understand that women cannot go back to Godhead without being reincarnated to the male? Washington D.C. 1976
Can a person who eats meat obtain a human birth? Or he must be put back into animal species, meat-eaters? Los Angeles 1973
At the time of death, soul goes with the actions, the past? Nairobi 1975
Prabhupada, you said that devotees, after becoming fully pious, have to take another birth in the material world and in somewhere where Krsna is performing His pastimes, before going back to Vaikuntha? Hawaii 1974
So the cow which is untimely killed takes birth as a cow again? Honolulu 1975
Sometimes the devotees ask if they can take birth again distributing books for you Atlanta 1975

Relationships Among Devotees

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If one of your brahmana initiated disciples falls from this platform, leaves the temple and commits offenses, then returns, demanding respect, should he be allowed to keep the sacred thread or should he...? Melbourne 1976
Sometimes there's some discrepancy, two parties, they may both want to serve but they have different ways, different ideas how to execute the same order, so there may be some argument New Mayapur 1976
What is the way to draw the line between the following three things: blasphemy, fault-finding, and calling a spade a spade? Mayapura 1976
Srila Prabhupada, should we call all the women "mother"? Mauritius 1975
If we love our godbrothers, is that also loving Krsna? Los Angeles 1974

Reward, Punishment, Suffering

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
A thief commits theft repeatedly and is imprisoned repeatedly, and he has full knowledge of it - then what is the cause of his putting himself into miserable condition of prison life? Los Angeles 1970
If there is God, how can there be suffering and disease? Tittenhurst House, England 1969
You say that Krsna consciousness will solve all problems. But factually, there are so many problems in the world that aren't being solved. So what is the proof? Vrindavan 1974
Is it right to tell the suffering that "I am busy, at work for my salvation"? Bombay 1977
You explained that we have three kinds of miseries: adhyatmika, adhibhautika and adhidaivika. So adhyatmika is the misery also of the mind. How can I understand? Konigstein, Germany 1974

Sadhana

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Daily how many times you'll utter the names of Lord Krsna? Bhuvanesvara 1977
A lot of devotees, they never read the books, but they're doing the chanting. It will progress them without reading the books, because they're the most important? Toronto 1976
If we can become Krsna conscious without following the rules and regulations, why follow the rules and regulations? That's what I was thinking a while ago Honululu 1976
Is there any difference in (indistinct) when somebody is chanting japa under the tree and someone who is chanting japa in the temple? Nairobi 1975
Why not less or more (we have chosen this sixteen as a number to chant the rounds)? Bombay 1975

Saintly Personalities

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are great sages put under yogamaya or maya? Also are all the eternally liberated souls under yogamaya? Los Angeles 1968
If Prahlada Maharaja is such a great devotee, and a devotee will always say, "Nothing is mine," then why does he say, "O my God"? Why does God become his? Montreal 1968
Is it true Narada has the same body in the spiritual world and when he comes into the material world? Surat 1970
The twelve authorities, are they all pure devotees? Gorakhpur 1971
Jiva Gosvami was the guru of Mira? Bombay 1976

Sankirtan - Public Chanting, Book Distribution

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can't people be spiritual without dressing in this fashion and dancing in the street? New York 1975
But why do you blame us for not surrendering when we see that even Krsna's devotees can't surrender to Him? They come to us and ask us for money for these books. Why don't they give them away? Mayapur 1976
How can we increase our desire for sankirtana? Mexico 1975
He's asking how does our sankirtana activities relate to God consciousness, the selling of books and collecting of donations? New York 1976
Prabhupada, if someone is hearing the holy name in the street, if the sankirtana party is chanting, and they are atheists, what benefit is it for them? London 1971
Prabhupada, when we're chanting on the street and the people walk by and hear us chant or we give them prasadam or they give a small donation, to what extent is the benefit they receive? Hawaii 1974
Prabhupada, when we're out on sankirtana, chanting, what would be the best way for us to engage the crowd to become participants in the chant with us? Los Angeles 1968

Scripture, Mantras

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Do you believe in the Holy Bible? Melbourne 1974
Does karma-yoga mean to follow exactly the sastras? Bombay 1974
And the purpose of sastra is to direct this minute independence so that it is not misused? Tehran 1976
According to the Aquarian Gospel, Christ was in Jagannatha Puri? Columbus 1969
Regarding your philosophical question, if the Bhagavad gita is part of Mahabharata which is considered smrti, how can we claim Bhagavad gita to be GITOPANISAD, or one of the Upanisads which are sruti? Hyderabad 1974

Secular Personalities

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Would you comment on the political situation in India now. What do you think about Mrs. Gandhi's...? Dallas 1975
Is he (Sanjay Gandhi) going to be put in prison for... (he has paid only one hundred rupees from his pocket, and he's everything, and he has squandered so much)? Bombay 1977
And He (Bob Dylan) came to see Srila Prabhupada? Paris 1973
Nehru (some astrologer has said. He has become a dog in Sweden)? Los Angeles 1973
Would you comment on the political situation in India now. What do you think about Mrs. Gandhi's...? Dallas 1975

Seva - Devotional Service

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Is there room in the movement for other persons who are indirectly serving Krsna rather than chanting Hare Krsna all day? Gainesville 1971
Can changing the type of service one's performing, can that help him to achieve the desired perfection in relationship with the spiritual master and Krsna? Hawaii 1974
A devotee is only supposed to want service, and sometimes he very much wants to be liberated to be finished with all this difficulty, isn't it? Tehran 1976
If we're performing devotional service and an insect is in the way, like if you're painting the walls and you find this ant and you must paint this wall to please the spiritual master, what is the attitude? Atlanta 1975
Krsna says that "One who is always active within is very dear to Me." Does this mean we should struggle to keep our minds engaged all the time in Krsna's service? Paris 1974

Sex, Sexuality, Celibacy

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you explain to me what is good sex life and bad sex life? London 1973
They (people) say, though, that, for example, the sex urge and things like this, "If God has given us this sex urge why not satisfy it?" Durban 1975
Regarding your final question about Laksmiji, does she has conjugal relations with Lord Narayana? Tittenhurst 1969
Do you find a place for romantic love within...? Montreal 1968
You are finding some difficulty with sex desire and have asked guidance from me to instruct you how to handle this problem of the material body Los Angeles 1968

Sin, Morality, Good, Evil

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Because we do not know what sin is, wouldn't whatever the authority said be purely an idea to us? Johannesburg 1975
Do people naturally act sinfully, or is that something that they develop? Paris 1974
Is it the living entity's choice, complete choice, to be demonic, against God, or is it a part of Krsna's energy to put demons, or to have created him that way? Hamburg 1969
Regarding your question whether some small lies may be said in order to sell our books Bombay 1972
Prabhupada, before this movement came here we were so caught up in sinful activities. How is it that we were so fortunate to be benedicted with this great Hare Krsna movement? Atlanta 1975
Simplicity is not considered a bad quality? Bombay 1974

Social Progress

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you really expect to change the whole society? New Vrindaban 1972
Is it possible that he could spend his whole life trying to find himself and at the end of his life not find himself and meanwhile he didn't help the society? Caracas 1975
Does one function better in society as a result of affiliation with Krsna consciousness? Philadelphia 1975
What do you think our society is doing wrong? Melbourne 1975
If we are given charge of the society, we should dismantle all this industry, all these cities...? Mayapur 1975

Spirit Soul

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
As far as I can gather, the self - no-self thing, Buddhism was denying that you're the atman, I think. Could you perhaps say something about that? Perth 1795
Can one say what qualities the atman has? Perth 1795
How did the atman come into being? Perth 1795
Aren't you in a sense eating another soul too if you're eating vegetables? Not only if you're eating meat? Perth 1975
After that seven months of unconsciousness in the body, in the womb, what does that spirit soul experience from that time till it comes out? Montreal 1968
At the time of death, soul goes with the actions, the past? Nairobi 1975
Regarding your second question, have the conditioned souls ever seen Krsna? Were they with the Lord before being conditioned by the desire to lord it over material nature? Los Angeles 1970

Spiritual Advancement

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can changing the type of service one's performing, can that help him to achieve the desired perfection in relationship with the spiritual master and Krsna? Hawaii 1974
A devotee, very often after chanting why they develop very, very high. I see a lot of devotees, they falls down back to the maya. What is the reason? Toronto 1976
Isn't there room for both (economic development and spiritual advancement)? There would not be room for both? Laguna Beach 1975
Can he find the truth on his level, because he hasn't arrived at your level? New Mayapur 1976
So a neophyte devotee who's following the principles of sadhana-bhakti is still considered pure devotee? Detroit 1976
Srila Prabhupada, does spiritual life progress faster if one lives in the temple and goes on the sankirtana party? Hawaii 1975

Spiritual Master - Guru

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are you at all concerned about the, what seems to be an increasing number of gurus and swamis throughout the world? Auckland 1976
Can changing the type of service one's performing, can that help him to achieve the desired perfection in relationship with the spiritual master and Krsna? Hawaii 1974
Is there any limit to the number of chances that the disciple has? Tehran 1976
And how do we get guru? Bombay 1976
On what basis (I have been chosen by my spiritual master… That is our succession)? New York 1976
One must approach a perfect spiritual master and he must become perfect disciple. Could you explain that? Fiji 1976

Spiritual World

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
When Krsna is incarnating in His plenary incarnations like Varaha, Nrsimha... and sometimes devotees become devoted to those forms. Are there corresponding planets in Vaikuntha for those forms of incarnation? Is there a planet of Nrsimha or Nrsimha-loka? London 1973
Even if we don't surrender to Krsna in this life, will everyone surrender to Krsna? Will everyone go back to Godhead eventually? Johannesburg 1975
After if one becomes purified, is it possible when he becomes transferred to the spiritual world that he can meet Rupa Gosvami and other great...? Auckland 1976
Subhadra is the external energy? Is Subhadra in the spiritual world? Montreal 1968
Look up in the sky here and you can see all the different planets and stars. Can you also look up into the sky, the brahma-jyotir, and see all the different Vaikuntha planets? Geneva 1974
Do the fallen souls leave the spiritual world all at once or gradually? Delhi 1971
So the form in the spiritual sky is not absolute either? We can take different forms in the spiritual sky? New Vrindavan 1976

Spirituality (General)

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are fasting and other dietary regulations necessary for leading a spiritual life? New Vrndavana 1976
Can't people be spiritual without dressing in this fashion and dancing in the street? New York 1975
Prabhupada, I have heard from different sources that there is a vibration that is going on in the universe at all times. When they refer to this vibration, are they referring to the om, the sacred om vibration? Los Angeles 1968
Is there any possible way of a balanced combination between spiritualism and materialism? Stockholm 1973
Srila Prabhupada, I was going to ask is there any difference between acintya-sakti and mystic yoga power? Los Angeles 1973

Srimad-Bhagavatam

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Among the avataras which are described in the second and third book of Srimad-Bhagavatam, there are two questions I have to put. There is Krsna Himself, who appears as His own avatara, and the Krsna, the yadava Krsna? Geneva 1974
Should we just completely devote all our time to studying the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and then progress from there, or should we continue our study of the Srimad-Bhagavatam? Seattle 1968
Why there is so-called discrepancy between the views of Bhagavat and modern scientists regarding the moon and other planets, and whether Hitler is good or bad man? Vrindavan 1972
In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, it says that Krsna did not want us to come to this material world. If Krsna did not want us to come, why are we here? Melbourne 1974
Is it safe to compare scientific advancement with Bhagavata, like Darwin and Bhagavatam? London 1972

States of Heart and Mind

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
If the devotee is fearless, how is it Prahlada was expressing his fearfulness of the material nature? Paris 1974
That is the basic cause of anxiety-desire? Unknown 1971
What is meant by madness? Los Angeles 1968
Just as you have given an example of krodha by Lord Hanuman in burning Lanka, are there any such instances where lobha could also be personified Lord Krsna's desire? Bombay 1977
Prabhupada? You said Arjuna was lamenting, but pure devotees become... Superior qualities that all devotees possess... So why is this? So why did Krsna call him a fool? Gorakhpur 1971
Prabhupada, what is the nature of anger? Seattle 1968

Subtle Body - Mind, Intelligence, Ego

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
By pleasing Lord, one does not please one's own ego also to some extent? Poona 1976
Could you discuss the various levels on the way to bliss consciousness? What happens to the body and the mind as one approaches bliss consciousness? Boston 1969
Do mental sinful activities cause a bad reaction? Bombay 1972
Srila Prabhupada, originally the desires come from the subtle body or from the soul? Nairobi 1975
Does the soul suffer with the mind, or he's always enjoying? Mexico 1975

Successful Life, Goal of Life

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you tell me what you believe to be the meaning of life, why do we exist in the first place? London 1976
Is the real goal of life to know God? Mayapura 1972
What is the most important thing in life? Bombay 1977
What is the completion of all becoming, final goal, for a human being and for matter in general? New York 1966
Our aim of life should be the realization of God? Calcutta 1975
Are there other ways besides Krsna consciousness to reach that same goal? Or is that the only goal? Philadelphia 1975

Supersoul, Paramatma

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
And the pure devotee, does he see the Paramatma feature or does he see...? New Orleans 1975
Prabhupada, I would like to know if the Supersoul is, and the spirit soul, are they the same in the heart of... Atlanta 1975
If the artistic inspiration, like the intuition, is also coming from Paramatma? New Mayapur 1976
I would like to put a question about the relation between Krsna, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and Paramatma and Brahman. Which is the relation between these concepts? Stockholm 1973
How the impersonalists mistake the difference between the soul and the Supersoul? Hawaii 1969
What is the difference between Paramatma and atma? Hyderabad 1972

Surrender, Obedience, Renunciation

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
All that karma is erased as soon as he surrenders to Krsna? Paris 1974
How one surrenders? What is meaning of surrender? Tehran 1976
Prabhu, how do you regard the detachment idea? Toronto 1976
If one surrenders, how to know that Krsna has accepted? Poona 1976
Do you have children? You just left them? Los Angeles 1968
Although a devotee feels helpless in the hands of Krsna, still, in order to execute his duty, he must be very strong... How does he reconcile those two? Paris 1974
Lord Jesus Christ said that "The only way to God is through me; just believe in me or surrender to me," and Lord Caitanya taught that hari-nama is the only means of spiritual realization in this age. Is there any contradiction? Seattle 1968
Gurudeva said the only aim of human being is to surrender to Sri Krsna, to the lotus feet of Sri Krsna. In India especially, there are so many temples and gods and goddesses... Bhuvanesvara 1977
Even if we don't surrender to Krsna in this life, will everyone surrender to Krsna? Will everyone go back to Godhead eventually? Johannesburg 1975

Spiritual Body

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Can you explain about taking a spiritual body after death? London 1971
Are all spiritual bodies the same? I mean, is your spiritual body exactly the same as... London 1973
I mean, how did I get my spiritual body? London 1973
If you must have a spiritual body in order to go back home, she asks, is it only with this Hare Krsna mantra and by taking prasada that we achieve that body? London 1971
Srila Prabhupada, if a devotee fills his life with devotional service right from the time he is born, is that enough to attain the spiritual body? Melbourne 1975
What is the difference between spiritual body and spiritual atoms? New York 1966
Swamiji, is there such thing as mind, intelligence, and ego in the spiritual realm? Montreal 1968

Tradition, Modernity

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Could it (chanting Hare Krsna) be called the true yoga of our time? Los Angeles 1975
Finally Swamiji, what is the relevance of Krsna consciousness in our modern society? Fiji 1975
Do we use machines and modern methods on our asramas and farms? Geneva 1974
I would like to know more about what do you think our society is doing wrong? Melbourne 1975
Hinduism has always renewed or revitalized itself according to the need of the times. In today's context, are any correctives called for, and if so, who will bring them about and how can they be brought about and made acceptable to all the masses? Vrndavana 1976
Let me ask you. If through technological means mankind is somewhat improved, in other words, the average man is much more intelligent, what you would consider now to be an intelligent man... New York 1976
Seeing the world as it is today, what is the most preferable social organization from the Krsna conscious point of view? Paris 1973
It's not a problem simply of the modern society but a problem of man, what are, more specifically, the problems, and how can we solve the problems (the modern society is not taking care of the driver; they are taking care of the car) ? Caracas 1975
We are talking against material life, and why we are using microphones, tape recorders, airplanes? Rome 1974
In society, the consumer society, (indistinct) miseries, what is the message you can bring people even in this day? Paris 1972

Truth, Reality

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Should the devotee always speak the truth to everyone in all circumstances? Bombay 1972
What does Krsna say about truth? New Orleans 1975
Do you believe that other religions have some truth to them because they all are...? Los Angeles 1968
So what is honesty? Mayapura 1972
Have you realized the highest truth yourself? New York 1975
Your Grace? I don't understand how it can be all right for a person to lie, even if he is a shopkeeper or a diplomat? Washington, D.C. 1976

Vaisnava Acaryas

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
After if one becomes purified, is it possible when he becomes transferred to the spiritual world that he can meet Rupa Gosvami and other great...? Auckland 1976
Srila Prabhupada, what is the highest principle of the Gosvami's, by following which one will be sure of attaining love of Sri Krsna? Vrndavana 1972
Srila Prabhupada, I heard on one lecture tape, you mentioned your Guru Maharaja has said that in the morning he had to beat the mind into submission. How can we do this? New York 1976
Could you tell us a little about your spiritual master's life? W. Virginia 1976
But I have never heard anything of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, and I wondered if you would tell me a little bit about him, if you would? W.Virginia 1976

Varna, Asrama

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Are sudras supposed to take sannyasa also? Vrndavana 1974
Brahmana is not to accept any employment? Vrndavana 1974
Can you say something about the training for a brahmana (in the varnasrama college)? Vrndavana 1974
Does a devotee, who is working as a sudra, get second initiation? Hyderabad 1974
And what will be the benefit of classifying men according to their qualities? Vrndavana 1976
Now that he has received Krsna consciousness, he would like to know from you how he should behave in his normal life, because he'll be living very far from the temple? New Mayapur 1976
If a brahmacari decides to get married and then enters into married life, should he be encouraged to maintain that responsibility throughout his life? Vrndavana 1977
So every ksatriya had to have something to manage? Los Angeles 1973

Vedic Culture and Philosophy

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Do we have a meaning, do we have a definition for the third eye? Paris 1974
Are these astrological charts very much applicable for a devotee, Srila Prabhupada? Vrndavana 1977
Mayavada does not belong to one of the six sciences, do they? Bombay 1975
Prabhupada, this morning you talked about astrology in your lecture. Is this accepted in the Vedic scripture and by the gurus? Los Angeles 1973
Did the Greek civilization follow the Vedic culture? Perth 1975

War, Violence

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
And after the (atomic) war what will be the result? Rome 1974
Can you explain why Lord Krsna encourages Arjuna to fight his own blood? Durban 1975
Prabhupada? I was reading in a magazine that in Germany the people used to be pious, but after the Second World War... Mayapura 1976
Somebody dropping bomb in Hiroshima or Nagasaki. How does he know that he is pleasing God or he's not pleasing God? London 1973
Is not eating vegetables killing a living entity also? Melbourne 1975

Yoga

Questions asked to Srila Prabhupada Place YEAR
Does karma-yoga mean to follow exactly the sastras? Bombay 1974
Some yogis harness energies and claim to use these energies to benefit humanity. Is there any value in their work? Is there any real consequence? Calcutta 1972
What is the difference between karma-yoga and bhakti-yoga? New York 1966
Where does Krsna fit into it? Where does Krsna fit into the yoga? London 1973
Is yoga part of meditation? San Francisco 1968
This laghima siddhi is also being attained by the material scientists? Bombay 1974
Swamiji, how different is this Chapter Six different from the Patanjali's yoga-sastra and the raja-yoga? Washington D.C. 1976
Can you explain the reason why yogis don't eat meat? Boston 1969