Read our books (compiled by theme)

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Reading the Books Gives a Taste

Prabhupada Offered His Books for those who like to read them

Dedication to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta

Presented to my friends and devotees who like to read my books and who approached me to request that I render the great Caitanya-caritāmṛta into English

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

When shall I become very eager to study the books left by the six Gosvāmīs?

Purport to Gaurāṅga Bolite Habe -- Los Angeles, December 29, 1968: He says further: rūpa-raguṇatha-pade haibe ākuti. When I shall be very much eager to study the books left by the Six Gosvāmīs. Ākuti means eagerness. One Because Rūpa Gosvāmī is the father of this devotional service. He has written that book, Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu. In that book there is nice direction. Of course, in Caitanya-caritāmṛta, and other books we have given the summary of those direction in our book, Teachings of Lord Caitanya. So one has to learn the conjugal loving affairs of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa through the teachings of these Six Gosvāmīs. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura giving us the direction that you do not try to understand the conjugal love of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa by your own endeavor. You should try to understand by the direction of the Gosvāmīs.

CC Madhya 25.271 Purport:CC Madhya 25.271 Purport: One should not think that the pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu are different from Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes. It is said, śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya, rādhā-kṛṣṇa nahe anya: “Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is a combination of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.” Thus without understanding the pastimes of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, one cannot understand Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura therefore sings, rūpa-raghunātha-pade haibe ākuti/ kabe hāma bujhaba se yugala pirīti: “When shall I become very eager to study the books left by the six Gosvāmīs? Then I shall be able to understand the conjugal pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.” Caitanya Mahāprabhu directly empowered Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī and Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī. Following in their footsteps, the other Gosvāmīs understood Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His mission. One should understand Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya and Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa from the six Gosvāmīs in the paramparā system. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is following as strictly as possible in the footsteps of the Gosvāmīs.

Reading never becomes old

Prabhupāda: You have read Caitanya-caritāmṛta?

Tripurāri: Yes. We study Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in the morning and Bhagavad-gītā in the evening. Then in the day we read Nectar of Devotion, Caitanya-caritāmṛta, and Kṛṣṇa book at night. All the devotees are reading...

Prabhupāda: It never becomes old.

Tripurāri: No.

Prabhupāda: (chuckles) Yes. Ref. VedaBase Room Conversation with Tripurāri -- March 2, 1975, Atlanta

How To Read My Books

Carefully

I hope if you kindly read my books carefully that all your spiritual desires will be fulfilled

18 March 1969, letter to Hrsikesa dasa: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for you very nice note enclosed with Hayagriva's letter. I am so glad to learn that you are reading my Bhagavad-gita As It Is with great interest, and I hope if you kindly read my books carefully that all your spiritual desires will be fulfilled. And you are in the right place for doing this, in New Vrindaban, and I shall be happy to meet with you again when I arrive there in May.

Read Them Very Carefully and Gradually the Knowledge will be Revealed to you

16 June 1969, letter to Steve: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter, and I understand from your one simple question that you are now serious about perfecting your life in Krishna Consciousness. You have asked me to tell you everything that you should know, and this, of course, is a great subject matter. We now have published several books which delve deeply into the topic of the Absolute Truth, so you should read them very carefully, and gradually the knowledge will become revealed to you. The first book you should study carefully is the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. The sum and substance of Bhagavad-gita is that we should surrender ourselves wholly and completely upon the Lotus Feet of Krishna.

Read my books very carefully

September 1975, letter to Sudhindra Kisora Roy: Please take part as much as possible in the activities of our Calcutta temple there. Attend the arotrikas and the classes and read my books very carefully and chant on the japa mala beads 16 rounds daily.

You should also read my books very carefully and you should render service

15 Novemeber 1975, letter to Paul Diglo: Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter and I am glad to know that you have a sincere interest in this Krsna consciousness movement. Now you should try to become strong in Krsna consciousness. The first thing is to chant 16 rounds minimum on the beads and it is best to do this in the association of others who also desire to progress in spiritual life. So you should try to remain at one of our temples; that will help you. You should also read my books very carefully and you should render service. Tad viddhi pranipatena/ pariprasnena sevaya [Bg. 4.34]. Service must be there. So you have to find out some service that you can render. Then your progress will be very quick.

Read my books and do some menial service

27 September 1976, letter to Mr Sharma: Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter undated and have noted the contents. So, why did you leave Mayapur if you are so expert in chanting? Read my books and do some menial service, but why you have left Mayapur? You are restless, so what can be done. You were chanting in Mayapur. Wherever you may live, you have to abide by the order of the authority. Because you are restless you are not fit for chanting absolutely.

Read our books very carefully, and as soon as there is some doubt, inquire

Room Conversation -- October 15, 1975, Johannesburg:

Prabhupāda: Yes. (to someone entering:) Hare Kṛṣṇa. Come on. Jaya. This is the beginning of devotion, to be submissive. Tad viddhi praṇipātena [Bg. 4.34]. This is the beginning, praṇipāta. This is praṇipāta, fall down, full surrender. That you have... Therefore you are making progress. Tad viddhi praṇipātena. Question? Praṇipātena paripraśnena. Praṇipāta is done. Now you can question.

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Do you have any question?

Indian: I can't think of one now.

Prabhupāda: Hm?

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: He said he can't think of one right now.

Prabhupāda: That's nice. Last night you were present in the meeting? Read our books very carefully, and as soon as there is some doubt, inquire.

Please study carefully my books to be enlightened

30 January 1976, Letter to Dhrstadyumna dasa: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for sending the conversation between yourself and Professor Verdu. You have talked very nicely. I have asked that the conversation and photos as well as the letter of appreciation from Prof. Verdu, be printed as a small pamphlet by the BBT. Please study carefully my books to be enlightened. You have presented our philosophy very nicely. This engladdens me that our students are presenting so convincingly. This is the way to become future preacher.

Thoroughly

If one studies a particular book, he must do so thoroughly. That is the principle. By thoroughly studying a limited number of books, one can understand the philosophy

One should not partially study a book just to pose oneself as a great scholar by being able to refer to scriptures. In our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement we have therefore limited our study of the Vedic literatures to the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Bhakti-rasāmṛta-sindhu. These four works are sufficient for preaching purposes. They are adequate for the understanding of the philosophy and the spreading of missionary activities all over the world. If one studies a particular book, he must do so thoroughly. That is the principle. By thoroughly studying a limited number of books, one can understand the philosophy. Ref. VedaBase Madhya 22.118

If my students cannot even read my own books thoroughly, why they should read others?

20 January, 1972, Letter to Sri Govinda: There is no need by any of my disciples to read any books besides my books—in fact, such reading may be detrimental to their advancement in Krishna Consciousness. All reading of outside books, except in certain authorized cases such as for example to read some philosopher like Plato to make an essay comparing his philosophy with Krishna's philosophy—but otherwise all such outside reading should be stopped immediately. It is simply another botheration. If my students cannot even read my own books thoroughly, why they should read others? I have given you TLC, what need is there to read Caitanya Caritamrta translated by someone else. You are right to stop such reading.

If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you must study my books very scrutinizingly

30 October 1976, letter to Srutadeva dasa: If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you will have to develop firm faith in Guru and Sastra. Therefore, you must study my books very scrutinizingly, follow the four regulative principles very strictly and chant 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Don't take this movement as something cheap.

Regularly

Read Regularly our Books and Try to Expand and Preach the Philosophy as Far as Possible

10 January 1970, letter to Bhagavan dasa: Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 6, 1970 and I have noted the contents. I also thank you very much for your appreciation of my books and letters and for my speaking in the meetings. They are not my words, as I have repeatedly informed you that I am simply the bearer of the message from Lord Caitanya through the disciplic succession and I do not make any addition or subtraction. Similarly, if you all carry these words successively, then the transcendental parampara system will be exactly maintained and people in general will be benefited. I am very much obliged to my disciples because they are realizing the importance of Krishna Consciousness Movement and it is very much encouraging to me. Please, therefore, continue the standard of understanding. Read regularly our books and try to expand and preach the philosophy as far as possible.

Read my books very seriously every day without fail

13 June 1972, letter to Bhargava dasa: Our advancement in Krishna Consciousness is made possible in two ways, by Knowledge and renunciation, jnana and tyaga or tapasya. The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness.

They must study my books at least three hours a day (including classes)

25 October 1976, letter to Bhadravardhana dasa and Hrdayagovinda dasa: Please perform your service of training up the new men very carefully. Present the philosophy of Krsna consciousness as it is. There is no need to add anything or take anything away. As it is. They must learn to strictly follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. The new men should also go out for samkirtan, chanting or distributing my books. This will make them strong. Also, they must study my books at least three hours a day (including classes).

Seriously

Read my books very seriously every day without fail

13 June 1972, letter to Bhargava dasa: Our advancement in Krishna Consciousness is made possible in two ways, by Knowledge and renunciation, jnana and tyaga or tapasya. The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness.

If you do not become serious, then it will take many, many years

That is our position. If you have got some time, "Let me take this opportunity by sleeping, not by reading the books." So if you do not become serious, then it will take many, many years

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.3.25 -- Los Angeles, June 23, 1972: So like Śukadeva Gosvāmī, you should hear patiently, submissively, with service and question. So in that way Mahārāja Parīkṣit attained salvation in seven days. If it is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, actually heard in that seriousness... Where is that seriousness? That seriousness was there in Parīkṣit Mahārāja because he knew it certainly that he was going to die within seven days. So "I have to finish my God realization, self-realization, with seven days." We are not so serious, because we are thinking that "We shall live for seven millions of years, so let me go slowly. Better utilize the time by sleeping." That is our position. If you have got some time, "Let me take this opportunity by sleeping, not by reading the books." So if you do not become serious, then it will take many, many years. But we should be serious more than Śukadeva or Parīkṣit Mahārāja. Parīkṣit Mahārāja had at least time limit seven days, but we do not know whether we will live again seven minutes. Any moment your heart can failure.

If you seriously study our books, you'll get more knowledge

Now you have studied superficially, and if you seriously study our books, you'll get more knowledge and you'll be able to give description of the movement more definitely

Room Conversation -- July 10, 1976, New York:

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: (laughter) Yes. "...which is lathered up and shaved with a safety razor (right side). Even more striking than their saffron dhotis and shawls is the ISKCON men's practice of shaving their heads with the exception of one long lock in the rear, known as the śikhā. The first reaction of the layman is "Why do they do it?" The next is "How do they do it?" The Hare Kṛṣṇaś themselves advance three different answers to the first question. Some say that in countries that have hot climates, the religious have always shaved their heads to insure cleanliness. A clean body reflects a pure spirit."

Prabhupāda: One letter should be written to him that "You have taken so much trouble to describe Hare Kṛṣṇa movement, so thank you for your patience. Now we shall request you to read our books and review it. That will be real presentation of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Movement. Now you have studied superficially, and if you seriously study our books, you'll get more knowledge and you'll be able to give description of the movement more definitely."

We do not want to become great philosophers but rather to understand the philosophy in our own books. If we remain strong in our own literature, we can meet anyone else without any fear

Letter to Damodara Pandita — New York 17 July, 1976: Concerning making a comparative study and critique of philosophy, unless one is very expert it is difficult for him. First of all, let people understand Krishna. We are doing that. Maybe one or two are interested in philosophy and for so few persons we can't spare so much valuable time. Better to induce everyone to chant Hare Krishna and take prasadam. That will be a mass benevolent activity. In the western countries many Ph.D.'s are out of employment because they did not get any service. We do not want to become great philosophers but rather to understand the philosophy in our own books. If we remain strong in our own literature, we can meet anyone else without any fear.

From Every Angle of Vision

From every point of view

Inspire them to study the things from every point of view

22 June 1972, letter to Hamsaduta dasa: So especially you must encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every point of view.

Different angles of vision

Try to understand the subject matter from different angles of vision by discussing it frequently with the devotees

PQPA 8, Advancing in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness: I advise you to read our books daily as far as possible and try to understand the subject matter from different angles of vision by discussing it frequently with the devotees at the New York temple. In this way you will gradually become convinced, and by your sincere attitude and devotional service you will make progress

Leaders and Reading Books

There is no need by any of my disciples to read any books besides my books—in fact, such reading may be detrimental to their advancement in Krishna Consciousness

20 January, 1972, Letter to Sri Govinda: There is no need by any of my disciples to read any books besides my books—in fact, such reading may be detrimental to their advancement in Krishna Consciousness. All reading of outside books, except in certain authorized cases such as for example to read some philosopher like Plato to make an essay comparing his philosophy with Krishna's philosophy—but otherwise all such outside reading should be stopped immediately. It is simply another botheration. If my students cannot even read my own books thoroughly, why they should read others? I have given you TLC, what need is there to read Caitanya Caritamrta translated by someone else. You are right to stop such reading.

Encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible

22 June 1972, letter to Hamsaduta dasa: So especially you must encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every point of view.

Study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this

9 November 1975, letter to Jagadisa dasa: So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is preaching. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching. Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things before the audience so they can conveniently understand, this is a successful preacher. You have only to speak what Krsna has said. Then you become a preacher.

Memorize the purports of my books and then speak them in your own words. Do not adulterate or change anything

15 November 1975, letter to Janajanmadhih dasa: So, if you are strong enough to preach Krsna consciousness there, that is very good; that as long as you chant your 16 rounds and follow the four regulative principles, then you will get the strength. The process is that you should memorize the purports of my books and then speak them in your own words. Do not adulterate or change anything. Then you will be the perfect preacher. You should also distribute our books as far as possible. If you do this sincerely, then you will be successful.

Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach?

5 January 1976, letter to Satsvarupa Goswami: Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach? In order to remain steadily fixed in Krishna consciousness there must be a sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only sentiment. Whenever you find time please read my books.

All of the leaders should study my books books very carefully

22 January 1976, letter to Jayatirtha dasa: All of the leaders should study my books books very carefully, since now everyone will have to appear for the examination. But I don't get any time to go into seclusion. My Guru Maharaja also did not approve of seclusion. He used to say: "Dusta mana, tumi kisera Vaisnava? Pratisthara tare, nirjanera ghare, tava hari-nama kevala kaitava." My dear mind, what kind of Vaisnava are you? Simply for cheap adoration you sit in a solitary place and pretend to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, but this is all cheating.

I am Glad That you Read My Books

11 September 1975, letter to Sudama Swami: I am glad that you are doing nicely in Krishna consciousness, and that you are reading my books and preaching. Tamala Krishna Goswami also gave me a good report of your activities. So now continue.

18 June 1976, letter to Tejiyas dasa: I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.

I am glad that you are enjoying chanting "Hare Krishna" and reading my books

31 March 1977, letter to Edward: I am glad that you are enjoying chanting "Hare Krishna" and reading my books. You and your wife should continue with this process and try to attend our temple as often as possible and gradually you will come to Krishna consciousness.

I shall be glad if Hundreds and thousands of men read the books

Letter to Brahmananda — Vrindaban 2 August, 1967: In continuation of yesterday's letter signed by Kirtanananda, I may further inform you that the MacMillan contract is very important. I have already confirmed the terms, and you are herewith authorized to sign on my behalf. If the contract is bona fide, then there is no need of printing the books at my responsibility either in Japan or in India. I shall be satisfied with the commission and shall only be glad to see that the books are being read by hundreds and thousands of men. Whatever profit may be derived from it will be utilized for development of the American House here.

Questions about reading

Chanting without instructions

Lecture on Bhagavad-gītā 17.1-3 -- Honolulu, July 4, 1974:

Woman Devotee: Can we just have the chanting without instructions?

Prabhupāda: What is that?

Sudāmā: She wants to know actually that should they just have the chanting without reading your books or without instruction or following the program.

Prabhupāda: But that chanting must be pure. Your guru is writing books. If you think, "There is no necessity of reading books," that is guror avajṣā. Do you means to say I am writing these books whole night for selling and making money? What do you think like that?

Woman Devotee: So there should just be chanting and reading of the books.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Woman Devotee: But how much comment?

Prabhupāda: Huh?

Sudāmā: She says that how much comment should there be for reading the books. In other... Actually the situation is that to be proper śikṣā, means that one must give instruction as the spiritual master. He has to follow your program, rising early...

Prabhupāda: we have already sung. Āra nā kariha mane āśā. Guru-mukha-padma **. What is that? Read.

Bhadra-vardhana: Āra nā kariha mane āśā **.

Prabhupāda: Ah. Mean do not think otherwise. Whatever guru has said accept it, finally. Āra nā kariha mane āśā **. Don't divert from this. This is the instruction. How you can divert from the instruction of guru?

Woman Devotee: So just read it, not comment.

Prabhupāda: Yes. You read it or not read it, but you have to realize. Suppose one is illiterate. It cannot read. But he can follow...

After I am no longer present with you, the answers are there in my books

Morning Walk: May 13, 1973, Los Angeles

Paramahaṁsa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, when you are not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions, for example, on questions that may arise?

Prabhupāda: Well, the questions... Answers are there in my books.

Paramahaṁsa: Other than that, for example, that we would ask you in...

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Paramahaṁsa: Do you direct us also through the heart? Besides the Paramātmā?

Prabhupāda: If your heart is pure. Everything depends on purity.

Our translation is that we have to receive the thoughts as it is by the paramparā system

Our method is to accept the perfect guru to understand the subject matter. But still, if one reads the books as it is from authorities, there is chance of understanding. Real thing is training

Room Conversation -- April 22, 1976, Melbourne:

Brian Singer: Do you find that in the translation from the thoughts and the Sanskrit to the English words, then from the English words to the mass of the people's heads, do you find that there is much loss?

Prabhupāda: No, if you have grasped the thought, that you can express in any language. But if you cannot grasp the thought, then you cannot express. So the.... Our translation is that we have to receive the thoughts as it is by the paramparā system. Therefore it is presented so nicely, and people like it. It is.... It is the value of the subject matter. That we have to receive from authorities. Just like any scientific book, say medical science. You cannot understand medical science by reading the books. It must be received through a medical man. Then it will be clear. Therefore the paramparā system.... Arjuna said, evaṁ paramparā... Kṛṣṇa said, evaṁ paramparā-prāptam [Bg. 4.2]. Everything is paramparā. If you receive the knowledge from the authority, then you are in perfect knowledge, simply by..., not by reading the books. Therefore our method is to accept the perfect guru to understand the subject matter. But still, if one reads the books as it is from authorities, there is chance of understanding. Real thing is training. So our institution is training, not only training, full knowledge, practical and theoretical. That is real scientific. If you give up one side, then you can give up the theoretical side, but practical side you cannot give up. Then you'll never come. The two sides, practical and theoretical.... So that is real scientific knowledge. So two sides are presented in our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, and they are being thoroughly trained up.

Millions, they are reading our books

Guest: Your Grace, do you keep in touch with the world through television or newspapers or the media?

Prabhupāda: Yes, many newspaper, many television men, they come. But we speak our philosophy plainly.

Guest: Do you watch TV yourself?

Prabhupāda: No, we have no business. We don't wish to waste our time.

Guest: Do you read newspapers?

Prabhupāda: No. What is newspaper? "This man is killed. This man has stolen. This politician has captured the government." So why shall I waste time?

Guest: How do you become informed as to certain events? Is that...

Prabhupāda: We have got enough books to read, these books. If you read our books, in your whole lifetime you cannot finish it. And that is required to understand Kṛṣṇa. That is success of life. So why should.... Of course, we are in touch in the newspaper, but as much as it is required. We are in touch with the material world as much as it is required. We are interested in Kṛṣṇa. To help our Kṛṣṇa consciousness we may be in touch with the material world as much as possible. Just like we are riding car also, we are also using dictaphone, everything, but it is not for any ulterior purpose. It is for Kṛṣṇa's service. Just like we are writing books. This is Kṛṣṇa's service. People may understand about Kṛṣṇa, be benefited. This is our.... And in that way we are printing books, we are selling books, we are writing books.

Guest: How many people are in the Kṛṣṇa movement in the world, about?

Prabhupāda: About ten to twelve thousand, directly dedicated. Otherwise millions, they are reading our books. They have sympathy. We are selling books very nicely, daily twenty thousand dollar minimum all over the world. In learned circle, big, big universities, professors, they are appreciating. We have many congratulations.

How he'll read if one is illiterate? That means he has no chance? Because he's illiterate? Chanting is sufficient

Morning Walk -- June 21, 1976, Toronto:

Indian man (4): Śrīla Prabhupāda, you wrote a lot of books, and I'm very much concerned about the books. 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...

Prabhupāda: But suppose one is illiterate, how he'll read? How he'll read if one is illiterate? That means he has no chance? Because he's illiterate? Chanting is sufficient.

So, you read our books. You'll understand me! Understand you! Yes!

Interview with Newsweek -- July 14, 1976, New York:

Prabhupāda: Prabhupāda: But these books, books... We'll speak about the books. Does it depend, what the author was doing previously?

Interviewer: You are the translator of many books, from what I understand.

Prabhupāda: Yes. So that translation, the book, will speak how I have translated.

Interviewer: Um hm. I was wondering...

Prabhupāda: You read the books, Then you'll understand. Instead of asking me, you better read the books. That is real understanding.

Interviewer: I was just wondering how he personally got interested or involved, and what his route to his consciousness was.

Rāmeśvara: I see. She's asking about your relationship with your Guru Mahārāja, how you became inspired to start the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and write so many books.

Prabhupāda: These things you can answer. It is not very important things for public.

Rāmeśvara: I think the public always likes to know about the person behind the movement.

Lady Guest: Yes, it helps. People are interested. People are interested in development of a man like you because they relate. And that way they decide to read what you write.

Prabhupāda: First thing is that if you are interested in our book, so, you read our books. You'll understand.

Interviewer: Understand you?

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Interviewer: Is that what you're saying?

Prabhupāda: Yes.

So you kindly stay here for some days, read our books and if there is any question, doubt, I shall be very glad to enlighten you

Morning Walk -- January 6, 1976, Bombay:

Prabhupāda:That is our mission, Caitanya Mahāprabhu, para-upakāra. They're living like cats and dogs, do something good for them so that they may live like actual human beings. This is our... So you kindly stay here for some days, read our books and if there is any question, doubt, I shall be very glad to enlighten you. But this is the fact, the whole world is misguided by the rascal leaders, I must say that. Andhā, andhā is the last word of rascaldom, andhā yathāndair upanīyamānā.

Preaching

Study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching

9 November 1975, letter to Jagadisa dasa: So study my books and reproduce the purports in your own language. You should instruct your temple presidents to preach like this. This is preaching. We haven't got to invent something by our fertile brain for preaching. Everything is there. One who is expert for presenting these things before the audience so they can conveniently understand, this is a successful preacher. You have only to speak what Krsna has said. Then you become a preacher.

Top-ranking men to read my books

18 June 1976, letter to Tejiyas dasa: I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.

Read passages from my books and try to get more people to read the books

27 January 1977, letter to Vidyapati dasa: You lament that you are not qualified to present Krsna Consciousness properly, but this is the qualification: hold kirtanas with your friends, read passages from my books, distribute prasadam and try to get more people to read the books. That you are already doing. You don't need to establish a temple, but gradually get funds and organize.

Along with the restaurants there can be "Bhaktivedanta Reading Room where all my books can be kept

16 March 1977, letter to Subhavilasa dasa: Along with the restaurants there can be "Bhaktivedanta Reading Room where all my books can be kept and people can come and sit comfortably and read. The people will like these restaurants and reading rooms. They will take them as non-sectarian.

You simply read my books and reproduce it. That's all. That will be preaching

Morning Walk: August 29, 1975, Vrndavana

Prabhupāda: No, how he is preaching? Have you heard? No, you cannot understand in Hindi.

Akṣayānanda: Hindi.

Prabhupāda: Anyone?

Dhanaṣjaya: We've been told he preaches nicely.

Prabhupāda: I have told him that "You simply read my books and reproduce it. That's all. That will be preaching."

Akṣayānanda: At least when he speaks to me in English, it's always very nice.

Brahmānanda: He can memorize Prabhupāda's books and then just speak it.

Prabhupāda: That is preaching. Our process is anuśṛṇuyāt. We hear from the superior and reproduce it. That is śravaṇaṁ-kīrtanam. Then perfect. If I add something, my own imagination, then it will spoil. No addition-alteration; as it is. As it is you hear from your spiritual master, reproduce. That's all. Yāre dekha, tāre kaha 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa [Cc. Madhya 7.128]. This 'kṛṣṇa'-upadeśa is coming by paramparā, so you reproduce. That's all. Even a child can reproduce what he has heard from his father. It is not at all difficult.

Give here signboard: "Please come, read our books and take prasādam."

Room Conversation -- June 24, 1976, New Vrindaban:

Dhṛṣṭadyumna: All the rich people come by in their yachts all day long and wave, "Hare Kṛṣṇa." So Śrīla Prabhupāda said we should put a sign up on the, boat, that they can drive their boat in and take prasādam and read the books.

Prabhupāda: Yes. And invite them, give here signboard: "Please come, read our books and take prasādam." Gradually, they will come.

Although they have been reading the books, they have never seen the devotees in many years

Room Conversation and Reading from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Canto 1 and 12 -- June 25, 1976, New Vrindaban:

Dhṛṣṭadyumna: We have found, Śrīla Prabhupāda, when the buses are going to many of these cities, they have never seen our devotees, because when we go, we are dressed like they are for distributing the books. So now the boys are going again in the streets with a kīrtana party once a week downtown, and they have all done front-page newspaper articles, because although they have been reading the books, they have never seen the devotees in many years. I think festivals like this...

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Dhṛṣṭadyumna: ...in all these cities would be very advantageous, and all the book distribution...

Prabhupāda: And therefore I said that introduce Ratha-yātrā every city. At least wherever we have got our centers.

Now you have studied superficially, and if you seriously study our books, you'll get more knowledge and you'll be able to give description of the movement more definitely

Room Conversation -- July 10, 1976, New York:

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: (laughter) Yes. "...which is lathered up and shaved with a safety razor (right side). Even more striking than their saffron dhotis and shawls is the ISKCON men's practice of shaving their heads with the exception of one long lock in the rear, known as the śikhā. The first reaction of the layman is "Why do they do it?" The next is "How do they do it?" The Hare Kṛṣṇaś themselves advance three different answers to the first question. Some say that in countries that have hot climates, the religious have always shaved their heads to insure cleanliness. A clean body reflects a pure spirit."

Prabhupāda: One letter should be written to him that "You have taken so much trouble to describe Hare Kṛṣṇa movement, so thank you for your patience. Now we shall request you to read our books and review it. That will be real presentation of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Movement. Now you have studied superficially, and if you seriously study our books, you'll get more knowledge and you'll be able to give description of the movement more definitely."

When they read the book it is simply Krsna. Thats all

Conversation -- January 5, 1977, Bombay:

Gopāla Kṛṣṇa: We are saying... What I said is Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is dedicated to publishing books on ancient Indian culture.

Prabhupāda: You say like that... Whatever you like, you can say, but when they read the book it is simply...

Jagadīśa: Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa.

Prabhupāda: Kṛṣṇa. That's all. (chuckles)

You read the books. You'll see that we are exactly

Room Conversation -- January 27, 1977, Purī:

Prabhupāda: One book, and we have got eighty-four books. Come on. At least our books will be advertised.

Hari-śauri: Just like that demon on that radio show, after all his spouting out nonsense, at the end he said, "Well, I suppose we'll just have to read the books and find out." Their trick is to try to distract the attention from the books. Because they know the books are very perfect, so they try to say that that's not the issue, what's in the books. The issue is that we're not following what's in the books.

Prabhupāda: But say we are not following. So prove it.

Hari-śauri: We have to bring them back.

Satsvarūpa: Just like one man, on this point about the books, he came up and said, "Where does it say in Hinduism that you should harass people to sell them a book?"

Prabhupāda: It is not Hinduism. It is science.

Satsvarūpa: "Where does it say in your books...?" Then he would say, "Where does it say in your books, in your science, that you should harass people?"

Prabhupāda: Harass? What is the harassing?

Satsvarūpa: He claimed because...

Prabhupāda: You are harassing me. Then everything is harassing. Why you have brought me to the law court? It is harassing to me. Why you are harassing me?

Satsvarūpa: Because you are disturbing people, taking their money.

Prabhupāda: So you are also disturbing my books. The same, I can say. What is written in my books, I am doing. You are disturbing. You are harassing me.

Satsvarūpa: But where does it say in your books that you should... I see.

Prabhupāda: Yes, what it says in the... You read the books. You'll see that we are exactly.

Gargamuni: We're selling our book. We have every right to sell religious book.

Satsvarūpa: Yes.

Prabhupāda: And they're being accepted by higher circle.

Where ever you are

Where ever You Stay You Should Try and Study My Books

15 January 1976, letter to Cidananda dasa: I have read your letter, and it is my opinion that you should return to Santa Cruz. But where ever you stay you must chant 16 rounds daily and strictly adhere to the regulative principles as well as try to study my books.

Results of Reading My Books

All Facility will be Provided by Krishna and you will not Fall Down into Material Entanglement

3 April, 1967, San Francisco, Letter to my dear devotees If you chant always Hare Krishna, read my books, and preach this philosophy sincerely, then Krishna will provide you with all facility, and you will not fall down into material entanglement.

All your Spiritual Desires will be Fulfilled

18 March 1969, letter to Hrsikesa dasa: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for you very nice note enclosed with Hayagriva's letter. I am so glad to learn that you are reading my Bhagavad-gita As It Is with great interest, and I hope if you kindly read my books carefully that all your spiritual desires will be fulfilled. And you are in the right place for doing this, in New Vrindaban, and I shall be happy to meet with you again when I arrive there in May.

By Reading the Books Our Members will not be Called by the Draft Board

15 January 1970, letter to Madhudvisa dasa: Perhaps you have received a copy of the letter from N.Y. wherein it is admitted by the draft board that the ISKCON is a religious society. So our members who are strictly following the regulative chanting process, observing the restrictive regulations and serving the Lord faithfully will have natural ministerial status and as such they will not be called by the draft board. So please see that all the members of our Temple are following the rules and regulations which are very simple namely to chant Hare Krishna 16 (sixteen) rounds, attending the classes, reading the books, going out for Sankirtana and taking prasadam.

No Power in all the Three Worlds Will Make you Fall Down

19 August 1971, letter to Himavati dasi: There is no question of your falldown. Chant 16 rounds regularly and no power in all three worlds will make you fall down. Krishna will save you always. So you can live strictly like a brahmacarini and make advancement in Krishna Consciousness by chanting and reading the books.

Very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness

13 June 1972, letter to Bhargava dasa: Our advancement in Krishna Consciousness is made possible in two ways, by Knowledge and renunciation, jnana and tyaga or tapasya. The more we become renounced from this material world, the more we advance in Krishna Consciousness. But we are only able to make such sacrifices and perform tapasya if we have got knowledge. So first thing is to become knowledgeable in Krishna Consciousness, then the tapasya or voluntary life of austerity will result automatically. So I am requesting all of my students to read my books very seriously every day without fail. In this way, if your mind becomes absorbed at least one or two hours daily in the transcendental subject matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and other books then very easily you will make your advancement in Krishna Consciousness.

Everything will be revealed to you

18 September 1975, letter to Babhru dasa and Satyaki Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated September 1, 1975 with enclosed check for $15.00. I thank you very much for it and for your appreciation of the Krsna consciousness movement. Please continue reading my books seriously and everything will be revealed to you.

All Your Answers Will Be Answered

7 January 1976, letter to Upendra dasa: Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.

Intelligent Professors are deriving benefit from reading my books

22 January 1976, letter to Satsvarupa Goswami: I am always very much pleased with our Library Party's preaching. Their work is most important. Ramesvara has sent me some recent review from Professors and there is no doubt that these intelligent men are deriving benefit from reading my books.

You will be enlightened

30 January 1976, Letter to Dhrstadyumna dasa: Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for sending the conversation between yourself and Professor Verdu. You have talked very nicely. I have asked that the conversation and photos as well as the letter of appreciation from Prof. Verdu, be printed as a small pamphlet by the BBT. Please study carefully my books to be enlightened. You have presented our philosophy very nicely. This engladdens me that our students are presenting so convincingly. This is the way to become future preacher.

We'll be safe from māyā

Either we should chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra or we should read our books. This is wanted. Then we'll be safe from māyā. Otherwise, at any time, we'll be victimized

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.18 -- Māyāpur, February 25, 1976:Let us be engaged always chanting the, or reading the pastimes of the Lord, līlā-kathā. If you read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, then it is full of līlā-kathā, the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. So that is the only way to get out of the miserable condition of this material world. Therefore Caitanya Mahāprabhu says that, tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā amāninā mānadena kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ [Cc. Ādi 17.31] Kīrtanīya, this is līlā-kathā, līlā-kathā, kīrtanīya. The... When you read or hear or chant about the pastimes of the Lord, that is also kīrtana. And if you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra with instrument, that is also kīrtana. There is no difference. So we must engage kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ. Either we should chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra or we should read our books. This is wanted. Then we'll be safe from māyā. Otherwise, at any time, we'll be victimized. Thank you very much. (end)

Your Path Back to Godhead will be Assured

1 February 1976, letter to Alain: Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your French letter. Your feelings are very nice. Please continue chanting Hare Krishna, study my books, and follow faithfully the four regulative principles. Your path Back to Godhead will be assured.

We can learn so much about our spiritual life

So just imagine how much we have to learn about our spiritual life. In no other system—religious system you may call, or cultural system—can give you so many books to read. There is no comparison

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.16.19 -- Hawaii, January 15, 1974: Prabhupāda: Yes. So it is very good news that people are reading our books. They have already got about more than one dozen such books, four hundred pages each. And besides the smaller books, now we are immediately going to add six more books. And what are those? Three Bhāgavatams? Bali-mardana: Three Bhāgavatam, Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Prabhupāda: One, all four hundred pages, like this. We don't publish a book less than this volume. So just imagine how much we have to learn about our spiritual life. In no other system—religious system you may call, or cultural system—can give you so many books to read. There is no comparison. The Christians, they can present only one small Bible, and the Muslims they can present one little Koran. But here, the Vedic culture is so great that we can simply give you sixty volumes like this only for Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. And Bhāgavata is the eighteenth Purāṇa. So there are seventeen Purāṇas, still more, not yet touched. Beside that, there are 108 Upaniṣads. Then there is big Mahābhārata, the great history of India. Then Rāmāyaṇa. There are so many books. So we are trying to present all these books into English translation. So it is a culture, Vedic culture, which, if it is spread all over the world, people will be benefited because at the present moment people do not know what is the treasure house of spiritual culture. They do not know. They have got some vague idea. Neither they are offered such volumes of books.

This disease of heart palpitation, anxiety, will cease

If you simply read our books very carefully, then immediately this disease of heart palpitation, anxiety, will cease because on account of the dirty things, product of this tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.9.39 -- Māyāpur, March 17, 1976:Prahlāda Mahārāja, when he saw Nṛsiṁhadeva, very fierceful... Even mother Lakṣmī, the goddess of fortune, who is constant companion of the Lord, she also became afraid, and what to speak of other demigods like Brahma, Lord Śiva and Indra and so many others? All of them became afraid. Nobody could approach Him. He was so angry. But Prahlāda Mahārāja said that "I am not afraid." He said, "I am not afraid." Naivodvije para duratyaya-vaitaraṇyās tvad-vīrya-gāyana-mahāmṛta-magna-cittaḥ. A devotee who is always absorbed in the thought of Kṛṣṇa and His activities... We are therefore presenting Kṛṣṇa and His activities. This is our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. All these books which we are distributing and publishing, what is this? This is Kṛṣṇa and His activities, that's all. Tvad-vīrya-gāyana-mahāmṛta-magna. So if you simply read our books very carefully, then immediately this disease of heart palpitation, anxiety, will cease because on account of the dirty things, product of this tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa... That is disturbing us. We are covered by the tamo-guṇa and rajo-guṇa, rajas-tamaḥ. So rajas-tamaḥ means greediness and lusty desires. This is rajas-tamaḥ. So we have to... If we actually want to become free from anxieties, then we have to learn how to kill this, or how to avoid this anxiety due to rajas-tamo bhāvaḥ [SB 1.2.19].

We will understand that the KC Movement is very scientific and sublime

So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is very scientific and sublime. Try to understand. Always read the books. Don't try to understand Kṛṣṇa ordinarily

Lecture on Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.7 -- Māyāpur, March 9, 1974: So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is very scientific and sublime. Try to understand. Always read the books. Don't try to understand Kṛṣṇa ordinarily. manuyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu kaścid yatati siddhaye yatatām api siddhānāṁ kaścid vetti māṁ tattvataḥ [Bg. 7.3] To understand Kṛṣṇa is not so easy, but if you follow the mahājana, if you try to understand the philosophy through the paramparā system, then you'll realize Kṛṣṇa and your life will be successful. Thank you very much. (end)

You will be able to defend yourself from the opposing parties

Arrival Lecture -- San Francisco, July 15, 1975: If we want to study Vedic literature, that is very good. That is sound footing. So we have already got fifty books. You study. Become very great scholar in philosophy, in religion, is sociology. Everything is there in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, politics also. And you become perfect man, with full knowledge. And if you think that you have no time, you are not so good scholar, you cannot read all these books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. Either way you will become perfect, either both or at least one. If you cannot read books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. You will (become) perfect. And if you read books and chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, that is very good. But there is no loss. If you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra but you cannot read books, there is no harm. There is no loss. That chanting is sufficient. But if you read, then you will be able to defend yourself from the opposing parties. That will help you preaching work. Because in the preaching work you have to answer so many question, you have to meet so many opposing elements, so if you are strong in your position by reading books, Vedic literature, then you become very, very favorite to Kṛṣṇa.

Anyone who will read our books, he will come to senses

Car ride from Durban to Johannesburg -- October 13, 1975, Durban

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: There should be mail there. There should be some more information, for sure. But then sometimes I think it's simply Kṛṣṇa's grace.

Prabhupāda: Yes, by Kṛṣṇa's grace...

Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: Here in South Africa is very, very conservative government, and we've been allowed to do practically everything. Simply Kṛṣṇa's mercy. Yogamāyā allows our saṅkīrtana activities to go on.

Prabhupāda: Anyone who will read our books, he will come to senses.

That they'll understand as they read our books. That we are all-round reformer

Morning Walk -- June 6, 1976, Los Angeles:

Rāmeśvara: One day our men will be leaders of government?

Prabhupāda: Yes. Leaders means as soon as you make the public in your favor, you are leader.

Rāmeśvara: But they'll actually manage the government?

Prabhupāda: Yes, why not? That is Kṛṣṇa's desire. The Kurukṣetra battle was for this purpose. The Pāṇḍavas should be on the throne, not the Duryodhana. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. All round, not that we're simply chanting. We're fighting also.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Arjuna monks.

Prabhupāda: Oh, yes.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: We had a nice experience...

Prabhupāda: All-round.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: ...in Berkeley, when we started to fight...

Prabhupāda: They may not misunderstand us that we are...

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Pacifists.

Prabhupāda: Pacifists, or a sect of religious faith. We want to remold, remodel everything.

Hari-śauri: That's something we have to get out of their heads, that we're just some kind of select sect or something.

Prabhupāda: That they'll understand as they read our books. That we are all-round reformer.

Rāmeśvara: They have created so many problems, that to manage their government is the biggest headache.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Rāmeśvara: They've created so many problems to solve. (apparently reading sign) (pause)

Prabhupāda: South Pacific Railway? ISKCON government means this, stop all these four things. No slaughterhouse, close. The meat-eaters may become agitated, they may complain, "No, you are not forbidden to eat, you can eat, but slaughter in your house."

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Natural death.

Prabhupāda: The government is not going to maintain slaughterhouse, that's all. We don't forbid you; you can do at your home.

Conversation During Massage -- January 23, 1977, Bhuvaneśvara:

You are simply creating problem by your so-called busy-ness. Better you stop and read our books and be intelligent

Prabhupāda: But this prasādam distribution should be introduced very vigorously.

Satsvarūpa: Then if they say, "You're not doing anything," you can show so easily.

Prabhupāda: Huh?

Satsvarūpa: Then if people say, "What is this Hare Kṛṣṇa movement doing?"

Prabhupāda: Don't you see? You have no eyes? Who is publishing these books? If you have education, read it. Simply jumping like monkey is good, do you think? Here is intelligence and appreciation. Do you mean to say...? The monkey is very busy. Who likes that? After all, it is monkey. So your doing something is like jumping of the monkey and dogs. Who likes it? And you are simply creating problem by your so-called busy-ness. Better you stop and read our books and be intelligent. Lazy mischief-maker, it is better than busy mischief maker. Busy mischief maker means he'll commit more mischief. Just like monkey. What is the use of his becoming busy? He'll simply create mischief. So better... An lazy mischief maker is better than the busy mischief maker.

Study my books

You are giving us the essence of all the previous ācāryas' books in your books

Morning Walk -- May 13, 1975, Perth:

Paramahaṁsa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, I remember once I heard a tape where you told us that we should not try to read the books of previous ācāryas.

Prabhupāda: Hmm?

Amogha: That we should not try to read Bhaktivinoda's books or earlier books of other, all ācāryas. So I was just wondering...

Prabhupāda: I never said that.

Amogha: You didn't say that? Oh.

Prabhupāda: How is that?

Amogha: I thought you said that we should not read the previous ācāryas' books.

Prabhupāda: No, you should read.

Amogha: We should.

Prabhupāda: It is misunderstanding.

Paramahaṁsa: I think maybe he was thinking that there was some things about some of the Gauḍīya Maṭha books.

Prabhupāda: Maybe.

Paramahaṁsa: And sometimes you said that better not to..., better to read your books.

Amogha: When the devotees went to India this year, they said that Acyutānanda Swami very..., chastised them that "You should never... If I catch any of you buying Bhaktisiddhānta's books from Gauḍīya Maṭha then I will take it away," something like this.

Paramahaṁsa: Yeah, that was, the reason was because of, he didn't want the devotees going to Gauḍīya Maṭha. But there's nothing wrong with the idea of studying the previous ācāryas' books.

Prabhupāda: No. Who said? That is wrong. We are following previous ācāryas. I never said that.

Paramahaṁsa: All of your commentaries are coming from the previous ācāryas.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Jayadharma: But that wouldn't mean that we should keep all the previous ācāryas' books and only read them.

Prabhupāda: That is already there. You first of all assimilate what you have got. You simply pile up books and do not read—what is the use?

Jayadharma: First of all we must read all your books.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Paramahaṁsa: Practically speaking, Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are giving us the essence of all the previous ācāryas' books in your books.

Prabhupāda: Yes. Yes.

Study my books. Success is sure

25 October 1976, letter to Krsna Vilasini dasi: As long as the body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is only a misconception. Do not be sorry if you are in an "unfortunate situation. It can also be fortunate if you take advantage by becoming serious to become Krsna consciousness. Follow the regulative principles, chant 16 rounds and as far as possible render service and study my books. Success is sure.

If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you must study my books very scrutinizingly

30 October 1976, letter to Srutadeva dasa: If you want to stay in Krsna Consciousness you will have to develop firm faith in Guru and Sastra. Therefore, you must study my books very scrutinizingly, follow the four regulative principles very strictly and chant 16 rounds daily avoiding the ten offenses. Don't take this movement as something cheap.

Find time to read

Now we have got so many books. So whenever you find time... You must find time. There is so much time

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.3.14-15 -- Los Angeles, May 31, 1972: If you think of Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours, then you'll become fully Kṛṣṇa conscious, and your life is successful. Don't allow anything. This requires little practice, abhyāsa-yoga-yuktena cetasā nānya-gāminā [Bg. 8.8]. I should not allow my mind to go, to think of any other subject than Kṛṣṇa. Now we have got so many books. So whenever you find time... You must find time. There is so much time. So read all these books or chant. But when you are hungry, you take prasādam. When you are sleepy, take a snap. Not very much, just to refresh. And go on, either chanting the beads or reading the books or talking about Kṛṣṇa. In this way, always remain in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Smartavyaḥ satataṁ viṣṇuḥ. Kṛṣṇa consciousness means to remember Viṣṇu always, twenty-four hours. Some way or other. Type for Kṛṣṇa, write for Kṛṣṇa, go outside for Kṛṣṇa, saṅkīrtana party, sell book for Kṛṣṇa, bring money for Kṛṣṇa, spend for Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa. That's all. Everything Kṛṣṇa.

Don't try to understand Kṛṣṇa ordinarily

So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is very scientific and sublime. Try to understand. Always read the books. Don't try to understand Kṛṣṇa ordinarily

Lecture on Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.7 -- Māyāpur, March 9, 1974: So this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is very scientific and sublime. Try to understand. Always read the books. Don't try to understand Kṛṣṇa ordinarily. manuyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu kaścid yatati siddhaye yatatām api siddhānāṁ kaścid vetti māṁ tattvataḥ [Bg. 7.3] To understand Kṛṣṇa is not so easy, but if you follow the mahājana, if you try to understand the philosophy through the paramparā system, then you'll realize Kṛṣṇa and your life will be successful. Thank you very much. (end)

Books leave permanent association

I'll speak something, you may forget, but if you read from the book, you will get good opportunity to understand the philosophy

Arrival Address-- Honolulu, May 3, 1976:Those who have joined this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, my request is they follow the regulative principles, as instructed by Rūpa Gosvāmī, with enthusiasm, read books and distribute books. And that is a very great service. I'll speak something, you may forget, but if you read from the book, you will get good opportunity to understand the philosophy. So our principle is to study the books as well as to distribute the books. People will be benefited and their life will be successful. This is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Thank you very much. (end)

You can associate with me by reading my books

In my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have written in the books. That's all. You can associate with me by reading my books

Morning Walk: August 7, 1975, Toronto

Indian Man (2): ...like your company very much in Toronto and we feel like talk you so much, but we don't have so much time to talk with you. You have so much mercy, so we have not... know so much about Kṛṣṇa from you.

Prabhupāda: So in my absence you read the books. What I talk, I have written in the books. That's all.

Indian Man (2): Personally, we think more greater.

Prabhupāda: That's all right. But still, you can associate with me by reading my books. Indian Man (2): I am reading books Prabhupāda. That books are your very, very good and most blessful to us. It is the biggest good will upon whole of universe at present, I think. By that knowledge, from dog to, I have become... I feel like I have something in my property of your books in my home. That's the only property I feel that I have, this one. I was misled, misguided in this country.

Prabhupāda: Therefore in the beginning of Bhāgavatam it is said, dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo atra: [SB 1.1.2] "All cheating type of instruction is kicked out from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Only substance." Vāstavam-vastu vedyam atra. One who is really anxious to know reality, for them, it is Bhāgavatam. And those who want to be misled, not for them. One who is sincere to get the light, for him Bhāgavata is the only remedy. [break] ...the question that "Why Bhāgavata is so important than other books?" The reply is there: mahā-muni kṛte kiṁ va paraiḥ. "What is the use of other books?" It is written by Mahā-muni Vyāsadeva, the Vedānta-ācārya.

Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken in my books. Now you try to understand it

Arrival Speech: May 17, 1977, Vrndavana Prabhupāda: So I cannot speak. I am feeling very weak. I was to go to other places like Chandigarh program, but I cancelled the program because the condition of my health is very deteriorating. So I preferred to come to Vṛndāvana. If death takes place, let it take here. So there is nothing to be said new. Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken in my books. Now you try to understand it and continue your endeavor. Whether I am present or not present, it doesn't matter. As Kṛṣṇa is living eternally, similarly, living being also lives eternally. But kīrtir yasya sa jīvati: "One who has done service to the Lord lives forever." So you have been taught to serve Kṛṣṇa, and with Kṛṣṇa we'll live eternally. Our life is eternal. Na hanyate hanyamāne śarīre [Bg. 2.20]. A temporary disappearance of this body, it doesn't matter. Body is meant for disappearance. Tathā dehāntara-prāptiḥ [Bg. 2.13]. So live forever by serving Kṛṣṇa. Thank you very much.

Srila Prabhupāda answers inquiries in his books

Yes. Read the books, yes. Why I'm working so hard? Read the books

Prajāpati: In the Bhagavad-gītā it is indicated by Śrī Kṛṣṇa that when we approach a bona fide spiritual master our relationship is twofold. We render service and then we also make inquiry.

Prabhupāda: Yeah.

Prajāpati: Now, you have answered all our inquiries so thoroughly in our books that to make inquiry at this point seems like..., you've already answered all the questions. So how may we... What is the proper relationship at that point to make inquiry?

Devotee (4): Read the books.

Prabhupāda: Yes. Read the books, yes. Why I'm working so hard? Read the books.

Not my books, Kṛṣṇa's books

Morning Walk: June 8, 1976, Los Angeles

Rāmeśvara: The only hope is to read your books, Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Devotees: Jaya.

Prabhupāda: Not my books, Kṛṣṇa's books.

Sometimes they are surprised how one man can write so many books, but it is Kṛṣṇa's grace. Otherwise not possible. Human being, it is not possible

Conversation: July 26, 1976, London

Prabhupāda: Are you reading sometimes my books? Which one?

George Harrison: Mainly Kṛṣṇa.

Prabhupāda: That is the main book. (laughs)

George Harrison: Mukunda gave me the new books, but there's so much in, ah, there's just so much to read.

Prabhupāda: Philosophy.

George Harrison: I don't know how anybody could have written it, it's difficult enough to read all that amount.

Prabhupāda: Sometimes they are surprised how one man can write so many books, but it is Kṛṣṇa's grace. Otherwise not possible. Human being, it is not possible.

Intelligent or scholar and does not read my books, his knowledge has no profit

Conversation, June 30, 1977, Vrndavana: Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Very welcome (indistinct). He says, "The Yugoslavians, more than any other..." [break] "He felt such books should be read by everyone."

Prabhupāda: All philosophical.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: "He gladly bought the Śrīmad..." [break]

Prabhupāda: ...supposed to be intelligent or scholar and does not read my books, his knowledge has no profit. That's a fact. Asampūrṇa. He remains still in darkness. That is a fact.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: His learning is imperfect.

Prabhupāda: Hm?

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: If such a person doesn't read your books, his learning is not complete-imperfect. Asampūrṇam?

Prabhupāda: Sampūrṇam is perfect, when he completes reading my books.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Asampūrṇam means incomplete.

Prabhupāda: Imperfect.

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: "She also," this person who said that, that all the intellectuals should be familiar with the books, "she also bought the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam standing order and promised to advertise your books among her colleagues."

Prabhupāda: Just see how Kṛṣṇa...

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: "Even more pleasing was my conversation with the chairman of the Comparative Literature program. He bought both standing orders for the department library, and he wants to speak with his colleagues, who are interested in India. He feels both or one of them..."

Simply one who knows the subject matter, he can explain

Morning Walk -- May 21, 1975, Melbourne:

Madhudviṣa: ...cannot become a medical practitioner by simply reading the books. He must study under a medical practitioner. So in the case of your books, is it possible to become a devotee without actually having personal association with you? Just by reading your books?

Prabhupāda: No, it is not that you have to associate with the author. But one who knows, if you cannot understand you have to take lesson from him. Not necessarily that you have to contact with the author always.

Devotee: Just like the textbooks are not written by the teachers; they're written by other professors.

Devotee: Usually you don't even meet the author.

Prabhupāda: Simply one who knows the subject matter, he can explain.

Madhudviṣa: But can your, would your purports, would that serve as explanation besides...

Prabhupāda: No, no, anyone who knows the subject matter, he will be able to explain. Not necessarily the author is required to be present there. [break] ...to study from a medical man, I never said you have to study from the author. Or one who understood the author's purpose. Just like we are explaining Bhagavad-gītā as it is. Not that one has to learn directly from Kṛṣṇa. One who has understood Kṛṣṇa, from him. That is paramparā system.

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is

Study Carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is

18 January 1969, Letter to Bhurijana dasa: Also I request you to study carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is because there is so much important service that an intelligent boy such as yourself can do in preaching work and spreading our movement around the world. You have very good example from your god-brother, Rupanuga, and so continue to help him as you are doing, and it shall be very successful for you.

First Study Carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is

21 January 1969, letter to Hamsaduta dasa: Regarding Brahma Samhita, this book shall be included in the examination of the second year along with Srimad-Bhagavatam. I don't know why you are so concerned with starting with the Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu already. First study carefully the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. This is the most important book for you to learn at first.

Who Reads My Books

Those who have come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness

So those who have come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, I request that take it very seriously and read the books and make progress and simply try to understand Kṛṣṇa

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.8 -- Honolulu, May 9, 1976: Everything is in darkness. Therefore Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the only hope for human society. Only hope. It is not story; it is fact. So those who have come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, I request that take it very seriously and read the books and make progress and simply try to understand Kṛṣṇa. Then everything, all problems, will be solved.

We always recommend to our students that you write articles, read our magazine, read our book

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.2.12-14 -- Allahabad, January 17, 1971, at Kumbha-melā: Our only objective is how to glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead. We are writing books, we are publishing magazines, we are preaching, we are going everywhere—just to glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. That is our only business. This process is recommended here, citta-śodhaka. If you sit down and write some article on Kṛṣṇa, that means you have to concentrate on Kṛṣṇa's activities or Kṛṣṇa's devotees' activities, and that very process will purify your heart. Therefore we always recommend to our students that you write articles, read our magazine, read our book. In this way if we keep ourself... Work for Kṛṣṇa

So you are all young men. I request you to engage your time in reading books, in chanting, in Deity worshiping, in going to preach, selling books. Don't be lazy. Always remain engaged. Then that is Kṛṣṇa consciousness

Arrival Lecture -- Mexico, February 11, 1975: So I am very glad to see you, so many Kṛṣṇa's part and parcel. You have come to understand Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So stick to the principles, then your life will be successful. The principle is to purify ourself. Just like when a man becomes sick, he has to purify himself by regulative principle, by diet, by medicine, similarly, we have got this material disease, covered by the material body, and the symptom of miseries are birth, death, old age and disease. So one who is serious about getting out of this material bondage and free from birth, death, old age and disease, so he must take to this Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It is very simple and easy. If you do not know, if you are not educated, if you have no asset, you can simply chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, and if you are educated, logician, philosopher, you can read our books, which are already in fifty in number. There will be about seventy-five books of four hundred pages to convince the philosopher, scientist, educationist what is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It is published in English as well as in other European languages. Take advantage of it. Along with the Deity worship in this temple, hold classes at least five hours. As in the schools and colleges there are regular classes, forty-five minutes' class, then five or ten minutes' recess, again forty-five minutes' class, in this way, so we have got enough subject matter to study, and if we study all these books, to finish them it will take at least twenty-five years. So you are all young men. I request you to engage your time in reading books, in chanting, in Deity worshiping, in going to preach, selling books. Don't be lazy. Always remain engaged. Then that is Kṛṣṇa consciousness

Read our books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, live very simple life, produce your own necessities

Arrival Address -- New Mayapura France, August 11, 1975: So you will see practically these boys and girls, they are young men, young girls, they have got so many desires, but they have given up, and they are able to continue like that because they are making progress in spiritual life. So read our books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, live very simple life, produce your own necessities. Don't go to the town. Of course, for selling books we can go. (laughter) Our policy is not that to decry material advancement of civilization, but our instruction is that do not forget your real business, self-realization.

We have got so many books. Whoever comes here must read the books, devotee, the inmates of the temple, outsider, then you will understand what is Kṛṣṇa consciousness

Lecture -- Honolulu, May 25, 1975:So try to become devotee of Kṛṣṇa. Our Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is teaching this philosophy. We have got so many books. Whoever comes here must read the books, devotee, the inmates of the temple, outsider, then you will understand what is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Or you should chant Hare Kṛṣṇa only. Don't talk rubbish things, waste time. That is not good. A single moment is so valuable that you cannot purchase it by millions of dollars. Now today is 25th May, four o'clock gone. You cannot bring it back. Four o'clock, 25th May, 1975, if you want to get it back again by paying millions of dollars, it will not be possible. Therefore we should be very careful of our time. Time once wasted, you cannot get it back return. Better utilize this time. The best utilization is to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa or think of Kṛṣṇa, worship Kṛṣṇa. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Thank you very much. (end)

Be sober, stick to the principles, read the books carefully, learn more and more about the whole situation, and as far as possible, live conveniently

Lecture Excerpt -- London, July 25, 1976: So those who by fortune have come in contact of this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, so they are supposed to be intelligent. So try to understand the whole situation, the whole universal position, very minutely, that this material world is very, very, very dangerous for you. You may believe or not believe. Nature's work will go on. Nature doesn't care for your belief or not belief. What you are? So don't be foolish, mūḍha, narādhama, because one who does not take care of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they have been described as duṣkṛtino mūḍhā narādhamāḥ. Not very good certificate. So be sober, stick to the principles, read the books carefully, learn more and more about the whole situation, and as far as possible, live conveniently. But if there is inconvenience, don't be discouraged. Don't be discouraged. Therefore this verse was written by Caitanya Mahāprabhu, tṛṇād api sunīcena taror api sahiṣṇunā. But don't be discouraged. So I'm sure you'll not be discouraged. Kṛṣṇa will provide another good house if they are persistent to drive away.

Those who want to live peacefully

Chant Hare Krishna and Read my Books. In this way you can live very peacefully without any disturbances from anyone

2 January 1972, letter to Von Paul Reed: Protect some cows, grow crops, and if possible provide fresh milk and butter for the Temples near by. And the rest of the time chant Hare Krishna and read my books. In this way you can live very peacefully without any disturbances from anyone.

Read our books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, live very simple life, produce your own necessities

Arrival Address -- New Mayapura France, August 11, 1975:So you will see practically these boys and girls, they are young men, young girls, they have got so many desires, but they have given up, and they are able to continue like that because they are making progress in spiritual life. So read our books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, live very simple life, produce your own necessities. Don't go to the town. Of course, for selling books we can go. (laughter) Our policy is not that to decry material advancement of civilization, but our instruction is that do not forget your real business, self-realization.

Uninitiated Devotees

If you want to be initiated, you are welcome. If not, you come. Try to understand our philosophy. Read our books

Conversation with Prof. Kotovsky -- June 22, 1971, Moscow:If you want to be initiated, you are welcome. If not, you come. Try to understand our philosophy. Read our books. There are so many books, magazines. And question, answer. Try to understand the philosophy. It is not that all of a sudden a student comes and becomes our disciple, no. They first of all come, associate, try to understand. Then... We do not canvass. When he voluntarily says that "I want to be your..."

If you want to live in our community and be initiated, we welcome you. If not, come try to understand our philosophy, read our books

SSR 6f: Spiritual Communism: Śrīla Prabhupāda: If you want to live in our community and be initiated, we welcome you. If not, come try to understand our philosophy, read our books—there are so many books, magazines, questions, and answers. Try to understand the philosophy. It is not that all of a sudden a student comes and becomes our disciple. He first of all comes, associates, and tries to understand. We do not canvass. He voluntarily says that he wants to be a disciple.

Those who stay at home in their leisure hours

'P 3: Family Illusion: We request all the ladies and gentlemen who are very kindly attending our lectures or reading our literature to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa during your leisure hours at home, and to read our books. That is our request. We are sure that you will find this process very pleasing and very effective.'

The people of the world

We have got many volumes of books, but we are giving information to the people of the world

Bhagavad-gītā Lecture 7.1-3 -- Stockholm, September 10, 1973: So we request you to read our books. We have got many volumes of books, but we are giving information to the people of the world that "You can get out of this entanglement of birth, death, old age and disease and be transferred to the spiritual world, where you can live eternally with blissful life and full of knowledge."

Please come, read our books, try to understand the philosophy and make your life successful

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.3.20 -- Bombay, March 24, 1977, At Cross Maidan Pandal: Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not very easy. If I miss this opportunity, I may miss millions of years. So this knowledge should be given. It is not expected that everyone will accept or understand. But this knowledge must be current. A class of men, the brāhmaṇa class, the Vaiṣṇava class... Manuṣyāṇāṁ sahasreṣu [Bg. 7.3]—that is a fact. But still there must be somebody out of millions to understand this philosophy. And there is good opportunity now. We have published so many books on this subject matter, and we have got very nice place in Bombay, Juhu. Please come, read our books, try to understand the philosophy and make your life successful. Thank you very much. Any question?

If you think yourself as very learned, thoughtful man, and you want to understand through science and philosophy, all right, come on. We have got books. Learn it

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.25.20 -- Bombay, November 20, 1974: The simple thing is that you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. But if you think yourself as very learned, thoughtful man, and you want to understand through science and philosophy, all right, come on. We have got books. Learn it. Two ways. We have got three dozen books for you. You cannot finish it even in your whole life. Come on. Otherwise, if you are not so learned to read all these books, chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. Two things are there. Take advantage, any one of them, and be liberated.

So this Vedic instruction, it is not meant for any particular person, any community or any country. It is meant for everyone

Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 5.5.1 -- Johannesburg, October 20, 1975: So this Vedic instruction, it is not meant for any particular person, any community or any country. It is meant for everyone. So we should take advantage. We are therefore publishing in English so many books so that people may understand. English language is spoken practically all over the world, and we are selling also. These books are being appreciated by the professors in university and highly learned circles, and common men also. So I am lecturing for, say, half an hour or forty-five minutes—it is not possible to explain all the Vedic intelligence—but we are distributing these books. I request you to read all these books as far as possible and take advantage of do not spoil your life simply for meeting the necessities of this body very hardly like cats and dogs. It is not required. The real business is to realize your self."

Fully utilize this center, our Melbourne center. Come here, read our books, and argue. Try to understand with your full knowledge, no blindly acceptance. There is reason. There is argument. There is philosophy. There is science. Everything is there