He lives forever

This is another great article by my friend Padmapani Prabhu over at the Prabhupada Connection. He expresses exactly my feelings about how Srila Prabhupada remains forever in our hearts and minds through his divine instructions.

“He lives forever by his divine instructions and the follower lives with him.”

He Lives Forever

by Padmapani dasa

Over the years I’ve often received comments from our readers stating how lucky they think the first generation of devotees was to have seen Srila Prabhupada while he was physically present on the planet. “What about us?”, they ask despondently. Startled by hearing such remarks by newcomers who should be brimming with hope and enthusiasm in Krishna consciousness, I try to explain that Srila Prabhupada is, in fact, as present now as he has ever been. Throughout Prabhupada’s books, letters and conversations, he has emphasized this point again and again, so there should be no cause for misunderstanding.

When asked by a reporter in July of 1975 what would happen to the movement after he departed, Srila Prabhupada replied: “I will never die. I shall live from my books, and you will utilize.” And in his purport toCaitanya-caritamrta Adi 1.35, Srila Prabhupada explains: “There is no difference between the spiritual master’s instructions and the spiritual master himself.” Further assuring us, Prabhupada spoke the following words just a few months prior to his departure in 1977: “I will remain your personal guidance, physically present or not physically present, as I am getting guidance from my Guru Maharaja.”