SRILA PRABHUPADA’S DIVINE MISSION: WRITING KRISHNA’S BOOKS

IN PRAISE OF SRILA PRABHUPADA – ESSAY 7: MAY 5, 2025

- Krishna Premarupa Dasa

“Stars After Sixty” was the title of an article, published by a U.S. business magazine some years ago, honoring individuals who achieved remarkable success later in life. Among the ten most inspiring figures worldwide—across fields such as religion, the arts, literature, and sports—His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, was recognized in the category of religion. The article acknowledged him as one of the most influential and pioneering spiritual leaders in modern history.

Srila Prabhupada’s accomplishments have been recognized by scholars and historians alike. It is extremely rare for a single individual to successfully transplant an ancient spiritual tradition from one part of the world to another—and have it take hold with such speed and impact.

In just twelve years, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe fourteen times, brought Vedic wisdom and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra to the world and established many temples, communities, and schools. Under his guidance, a vibrant global spiritual movement took root and flourished.

Of all his contributions, Srila Prabhupada himself considered his books to be his most important service. These transcendental literatures continue to enlighten and transform the lives of millions. Through his books, his instructions remain alive, guiding seekers toward spiritual truth and pure devotional service to Krishna.

Writing his transcendental books was, in fact, the main reason Srila Prabhupada came to this world. He once revealed this intimate truth to his disciple Bhavananda Dasa:

“This world is a horrible place, but Lord Krishna said to me, ‘You go down and write those books. ’ And I said, ‘Oh, I do not want to go there. It is a horrible place. ’But Lord Krishna insisted, ‘No, no, you go down and write those books. I will take care of everything.”

Srila Prabhupada’s primary mission was to translate the original Sanskrit scriptures into English and enrich them with his Bhaktivedanta purports—clear, devotional explanations that reveal the essence of Krishna’s teachings in a way that conditioned souls can grasp and apply in their lives.

He would often say, “These are not my books; these are Krishna’s books.” And he meant it literally and remarked: “Every morning, when I sit here to write my books, Krishna comes personally and dictates to me what to write.”

This was the reason that Srila Prabhupada found deep joy in reading his own books. Sruta Kirti Dasa recalls:

“Entering Srila Prabhupada’s quarters was always an enlightening experience. Sometimes he would be sitting quietly, reading his own books. But he never read like an author reviewing his own work. He read with the relish of a pure devotee, absorbed in the pastimes of the Supreme Lord to whom he was completely surrendered.

One day in Los Angeles, I entered his room while he was reading Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. After I offered obeisances, he looked at me and said, ‘If you just read this one book and understand it, you will become Krishna conscious in this very life.’

A few months later, I entered again and saw him reading The Nectar of Devotion. He looked up and said, ‘This book is so nice. Just by reading this one book, you can become Krishna conscious.”

Srila Prabhupada always taught by his own example. He asked us to read his books—and he himself read them!

Although many of us never had the opportunity to personally meet Srila Prabhupada, we can meet him today—through his books. That’s why regular reading of Srila Prabhupada’s books is such an essential part of our daily Krishna conscious practice.

Srila Prabhupada made an immense sacrifice to give us these books. Out of gratitude and appreciation, we should read them carefully—not just once, but again and again. This is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is our direct connection to Srila Prabhupada.

As we develop a deep taste for reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, a natural desire arises within us to share this knowledge with others. Srila Prabhupada wrote:

“My ambition is to spread these books far and wide all over the world so that everyone shall read at least one of our books, and that will change his life. If only 1% become devotees, that will change the world.” —Letter to Karandhara, Tokyo, 2 May 1972

Books are the basis. Through them, Srila Prabhupada continues to guide and inspire us all.