I had the great fortune of learning Srila Prabhupada’s concept of Utility is the Principle through the personal example of H G Madhupati Prabhu
While I was preparing to leave India to go to United States of America to be part of the Management Program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, H G Shyamanada Prabhu senior disciple of H H Radhanath Swami Maharaj highly recommended that I meet with H G Madhupati Prabhu disciple of His Holiness Jayadwaita Swami Maharaj who at that was living in ISKCON Towaco as he felt I will be spiritually taken care of under his esteemed leadership.
While H G Madhupati Prabhu always ensured I am spiritually taken care of he also set me on the path of financial stability by imparting Srila Prabhupada’s concept of Utility is the Principle which I experienced in action in his association of H G Madhupati Prabhu.
As soon as I graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology, I moved in to the ashram part of ISKCON Towaco a place which was almost an hour drive from New York City. Temple was kind enough to give me a small room where I could stay while continuing to work full time in the Corporate World. As soon as I got my first pay cheque I went ahead with the purchase of Laptop for personal use which was honestly speaking not required as I already had a laptop allocated to me from my office. That’s the first time H G Madhupati Prabhu told me Srila Prabhupada always emphasized on the concept of “Utility is the Principle” buy things only if you have the utility for the same.
Since I had already purchased this laptop and I had started using it I thought of continuing possessing the same. In those days little I understood how electronics depreciate over a period of time. Moving forward on another occasion, I was being sent to buy few things for the temple, I remember buying something which was few dollars more expensive than what it should have been, H G Madhupati Prabhu sent me back to return the same to the store and said we can buy this later, I at that point of time said its ok I will keep this in mind next time, however he insisted, he said if you don’t take the effort to go back and return the thing you will not learn to value money.
I did go back to the store and returned the thing back. From that day onwards, this principle of utility is the principle and the concept of valuing money by learning the concept of trusteeship which involves the thought process whatever I have been gifted with in life in terms of wealth, assets, position is Krishna’s property therefore I should be very careful and diligent in every action of mine whether it comes to buying from utility perspective or whether it comes to spending which should be not be impulsive but well planned.
Moving forward, in December 2019 after working in a Senior Leadership position in one of the organization part of the conglomerate known as the Mahindra Group, I moved to another organization where I had the a bigger responsibility of taking care of South Asian Region, however since we were hit by COVID in few months I experienced lay off, since it was just the beginning of the first wave of COVID whoever I was trying to connect with to inquire about any Job they may have the only answer I was getting was we are also in the process of laying off people, since I was the only earning member in the family of 5 members which includes 2 children, my Wife and my Senior citizen Mother clouds of uncertainty began to hover around my family, while we know Krishna will take care in testing times since our surrender was not at the level of Draupadi we did experience some element of panic.
Years which followed came with diverse struggles, we did some financial restructuring to take care of living expenses and this was only possible because we were diligently able to save in good times by putting in practice the concept of utility is the principle and learning to value every rupee we have been gifted with. Thanks to Madhupati Prabhu for imparting these amazing lessons through his personal examples and also by correcting me from time to time as my true well-wisher.
Srila Prabhupada was extremely conscientious in his use of resources. When responding to letters from devotees, he would often use the unused portions of received aerograms to write his replies. He believed that wasting even an inch of paper was irresponsible, as that space could be used in service to others. For him, such mindful usage was not merely thrift, it was an expression of being a responsible citizen and a steward of resources, embodying environmental care, social responsibility, and governance through personal conduct.
Sustainability is not a policy—it is a consciousness. When individuals internalize the principle that “nothing is to be wasted,” organizations naturally become efficient, ethical, and resilient. Srila Prabhupada treated money and materials as entrusted assets meant for higher purpose. Every rupee saved through mindful use became a rupee available for service, outreach, and impact.
Attention to small details, like fully using a sheet of paper builds internal discipline. Leaders who are careless in small matters often normalize waste in larger decisions. Srila Prabhupada demonstrated that ethical leadership is revealed in everyday choices.
Long before ESG became a framework, Srila Prabhupada’s actions reflected its spirit:
- Environmental: Minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency
- Social: Ensuring resources were redirected toward people and purpose
- Governance: Personal accountability and transparency in usage
To follow Srila Prabhupada is not merely to accept philosophical conclusions, but to internalize his consciousness in daily decision-making. His life teaches that devotion is expressed not only in chanting and service, but in how responsibly one handles resources entrusted by Krishna—time, money, assets, position, and opportunity.
A devotee’s responsibility, therefore, is to live with the awareness that nothing belongs to us, and hence nothing can be wasted, misused, or taken lightly.
Keeping the above in mind I feel Core Responsibilities of a Devotee could be to
- Live the Philosophy, Don’t Merely Quote It
Srila Prabhupada’s teachings must reflect in lifestyle choices—what we buy, how we spend, and what we postpone. - Practice Trusteeship Daily
Ask before every decision:- Is this necessary?
- Is this the best use of Krishna’s resources?
- Can this money serve a higher purpose later?
- Accept Correction as Mercy
True well-wishers correct us not to control, but to protect our future selves. - Prepare in Peace for Times of Turbulence
Financial discipline is not lack of faith—it is intelligent dependence on Krishna. - Avoid Impulse, Embrace Intentionality
Every impulsive expense weakens governance of self; every planned decision strengthens it.
Few tips which can make a difference in putting the above in practice are as follows:-
- Delay Every Non-Essential Purchase
If the utility is genuine, it will remain relevant after reflection. - Treat Small Amounts Seriously
The habit of respecting small sums builds integrity for large responsibilities. - Differentiate Comfort from Convenience
Convenience drains silently; comfort aligned with utility sustains. - Create Buffers During Good Times
Savings are not fear-driven—they are responsibility-driven. - Invite Accountability
Keep association with people who will question your decisions, not applaud your indulgence.
Srila Prabhupada also demonstrated through his actions that spiritual life is also the highest form of responsible living. When his principles are applied sincerely especially Utility is the Principle they do not restrict life; they stabilize it, protect families, and prepare devotees to face uncertainty with dignity.
Comments