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The importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.

Compiled by Bhakta Corey (Texas, USA)

Is a physically present guru required for us to understand spiritual life? What should be the source of our instructions? Where should we learn about spiritual life, if the spiritual master is not physically present before us?

Devotee: Srila Prabhupada when you're not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise...

Srila Prabhupada: Well the questions are answ...answers are there in my books.

- Srila Prabhupada, Morning Walk, Los Angeles, May 13, 1973

- Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Brahmarupa Dasa, November 22, 1974

The process of advancing in Krishna Consciousness is quite simple. We simply have to continuously hear from Srila Prabhupada through reading his transcendental books, and spiritual knowledge will be revealed to us. What is the difficulty in this?

Srila Prabhupada: Even a moment’s association with a pure devotee - all success!

Revatinanda: Does that apply to reading the words of a pure devotee?

Srila Prabhupada: Yes

Revatinanda: Even a little association with your books has the same effect?

Srila Prabhupada: Effect. Of course it requires both things. One must be very eager to take it.

- Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, December 13, 1972

This is very important. Association with the spiritual master or a pure devotee is not hampered by whether or not they are physically present or not. Srila Prabhupada says that reading the words of a pure devotee is no different from physically associating with him. The only qualification is that one must be very eager to hear from the spiritual master. Whether or not the spiritual master is physically present is not important. So by reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, we are actually directly associating with Srila Prabhupada.

Paramahamsa: My question is, a pure devotee, when he comments on Bhagavad Gita, someone who never sees him physically, but he just comes in contact with the commentary, explanation, is this the same thing?

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. You can associate with Krishna by reading Bhagavad Gita. And these saintly persons, they have given their explanations, comments. So where is the difficulty?

- Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, Paris, June 11, 1974

Another very important quote. This devotee asks Srila Prabhupada if reading Krishna’s words is the same as directly associating with him, and Srila Prabhupada answers “yes”. Krishna is eternally existing, even though foolish rascals may think that he is no longer existing since He is no longer visible to their mundane eyes. And the great news is, we can associate directly with Krishna by reading His divine and transcendental words that have been left in the form of the Vedic scriptures.

"There is nothing new to be said. Whatever I had to say, I have already said in my books. Now you must try to understand it and continue with your endeavours. Whether I am present or not does not matter. "

- Arrival Conversation, Vrindavan, May 17, 1977

Srila Prabhupada has already given all instruction in his books, and it is our duty to take advantage of it. And, Srila Prabhupada says that reading his books and imbibing the transcendental knowledge contained therein is not dependent on whether he is physically present or not.

"If I depart there is no cause for lamentation. I will always be with you through my books and orders. I will always remain with you in that way."

- Back To Godhead 13:1-2, December 1977

Srila Prabhupada’s books are the prime shelter for all living entities. Srila Prabhupada can preach to the entire world through his books. We can always remain connected with Srila Prabhupada through reading his books.

Reporter: Who will succeed you when you die?

Srila Prabhupada: I will never die!

Devotees: Jaya! Haribol!

Srila Prabhupada: I will live forever from my books and you will utilise.

- Srila Prabhupada Interview, Berkley, July 17, 1975

Srila Prabhupada has given us everything that we need to make spiritual advancement. He lives eternally in his books, and we can utilize his books, read them, and remain in direct association with Srila Prabhupada. What is the difficulty? Therefore, the reading of Srila Prabhupada’s books, especially of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, is of primary importance so that we can make spiritual advancement and remain in contact with Srila Prabhupada. The reading of Srila Prabhupada’s books is extremely vital. We can have a direct relationship with Srila Prabhupada simply by reading his books.