On Fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's Desires
We know what Prabhupada said. We know what he did. We know what he wanted. Exactly why he said and did everything, we may not know in intimate detail. What we do know is that Srila Prabhupada intensely loved Krsna. He wanted us to do so also, and therefore everything he gave us, everything he told us to do, is meant to bring us to that point. Prabhupada loved Krsna so much, and us also, that he gave his last drop of blood just so that we might at least get a start in Krsna consciousness. But really he wanted us to come up to the highest standard. And if we simply follow Prabhupada without speculating, we can also come to that level.
But it may take time. The best thing to offer Srila Prabhupada is also not the easiest thing to achieve. "If you love Krsna." Whatever big things we may do in devotional service, the real offering to the spiritual master is a clean heart, free from even the slightest subtle trace of material desire, a heart pure and radiant in love of Krsna.
I only want that all you my disciples always think of Krsna and never forget Him for a moment. Letter, 7th October, 1974
"What is the difficulty?" Srila Prabhupada used to say. Although occasionally pointing out his position as a special messenger of God, Prabhupada never claimed any unique divinity. "Whatever I am doing you can do." Indeed, if what he came to teach was impossible to attain, what would have been the point in his coming? Still, although it is not intrinsically difficult to be a fully surrendered servant of the pure devotee, we don't find many attaining that position.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had only one disciple who fully understood his mission. Prabhupada also said, "I am the only single person preaching that Krsna is God. No one appreciates or understands, not even my disciples." (Quoted from ISKCON in the 1970's Vol. 1 p. 77 by Satsvarupa Dasa Gosvami)
Nevertheless, although it is very difficult to understand Krsna and his pure devotees, or to follow them in full purity, we need not become discouraged. We should go on serving them, confident that if we are sincere, they will surely help us. Realization comes by following, and following is realization.
- From the "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" by HH Bhakti Vikas Swami
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