Think of a businessman who instructed by his boss to expand their business and establish branches of the company throughout the world. Besides that, long ago the founder of that company also predicted - one day their company will have branches all over the world and flourish with millions of dedicated employees and enthusiastic customers. Even though these are mere instructions and predictions, this gentleman took very seriously and decided to dedicate his life to fulfill those predictions. Only time knows what will happen.
Being a responsible family man, he obliged to carry out some duties for some time. While managing all his family affairs externally, internally he is always longing for the right time to come to work out his plot. Years later, when the time arrived, he shortly came off out of his family routine which he felt like an obstacle for his mission. He's in his 60s and alone. He didn’t receive any support from his family or his colleagues or people around or not even from the government. Nobody was interested in his product. Despite repeated rejections from the society still, he is trying his best because he firmly believed that this product will benefit humanity and eventually spread every town and village. His only strength is his staunch faith in instructions of his superior's. He is working tirelessly day and night and experimenting all possible ways. Proper food and rest become incidental - hardly he had any resources to afford good stay and clothing but he kept his enthusiasm alive and intense. As it rightly said - "A man who is governed by mission never care about the situation", no failure could curtail his endeavor rather he became an expert in deriving great strength through them.
No one in his country had neither shown any interest in his product nor appreciated his genuine work. On the contrary, they are simply looking forward to those which are made in so-called "advanced" countries. He met prime ministers, presidents and other dignitaries but nobody cares for his proposal, at best, they shake their hands and shook their heads but left him alone. He tried all possible ways but he couldn't make any tangible results. His product didn't receive the expected welcome on its native land. However, this serious break down didn’t stop him for his goal is not limited to any country or region but to open branches all over the world. So, he is decided to change his battleground.
In his 70's he decided to go to the west. Begging passage from a local steamship company, he traveled on board a small weathered cargo ship. He had come to America knowing no one, with absolutely no visible means of support, and with only the meager handful of possessions he had carried on board the ship. He had no money, no friends, no followers, or even a clear strategy of how he would accomplish his far-reaching ambition. Here in USA atmosphere is quite different from his native not only climate but attitude and psychology of inhabitants. His product and proposal are never heard and strange for them. Even they receive it, it's challenging for them to understand its significance.
Within months from his arrival, he started hiring. His business model is quite different - "today customer is tomorrow's employee". You will be surprised to know the required qualifications to become an employee in his company - four basic requirements: One should completely refine from meat-eating, illicit sex (sex before marriage, sex outside marriage), intoxication (drugs, alcohol, smoking, tea…) and gambling (illegal way to get wealth, money …). How many Americans, do you think will qualify to be an employee in his company? He knew that they can’t but he committed not to compromise. More astonishing is the incentives and perks for his employees - one has to work 24 hours a day – 7 days in a week – 12 months in a year, as far as salary is concern it’s not even a penny but sincere employ will be given the highest retirement plan which is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. It’s not over, further rules and regulations will make you insane, some are - one shouldn't act whimsically rather should always work under his guidance, their only work and life are to serve and please him and his authorities, food and accommodation will be provided. Now, dear reader, please imagine - if you are in the situation of this businessman, how successful you will be? What is the probability that you can accomplish your goal of establishing branches all over the world?
After a few years, a miracle had happened. Despite many obstacles and complications, he got his first branch in New York City and REST IS HISTORY. As if this were not enough accomplishment for a person proceeding from his 70th to his 82nd year, he could establish 108 branches all over six continents.
The businessman is - His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, his business is Hare Krsna movement and his company is ISKCON. Chanting holy names of Lord, reading Srimad Bhagavatam, serving Vaishnavas are his company’s transcendental products. Not only he established his branches all over but he also transformed the hearts of many conditioned souls and had written, translated, composed more than 80+ volumes of transcendental literature. Thus, by the grace of the supreme Lord and firm faith in words of his spiritual master, he could make impossible, possible.
Here is Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada for us:
- Founded International society for Krsna consciousness (ISKCON)
- Set up Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT)
- Morning walks
- Bhagavatam lectures
- Conversations
- Official interviews
- Thousands of letters written
- 108 Temples opened for public
- 80+ volumes of books published
- 100+ Back to godhead Magazines published
DEAR SRILA PRABHUPADA YOUR LIFE AND PRACTICE ARE OUR INSPIRATION YOUR MERCY IS OUR ONLY HOPE. KINDLY BLESS US
As representatives of Srila Prabhupada, we need not be fearful in taking steps and going ahead in preaching Krsna consciousness. Fear comes when the results are uncertain. In our case, results were already assured by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Why fear? Just try to be an instrument.
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