Category:I Do Not Know (Prabhupada)
Theme Analysis
The quotes in this category provide a beautiful window into Śrīla Prabhupāda's profound humility, his absolute reliance on the paramparā, and his intentional detachment from mundane affairs. Rather than presenting himself as an omniscient mundane scholar or a performer of cheap miracles, he frequently used the phrase "I do not know" to deflect personal praise and give all credit to Kṛṣṇa. Whether he was explaining his unprecedented worldwide success, dismissing the speculations of modern science, or expressing exasperation at the petty quarrels of his disciples, his admissions of not knowing were powerful philosophical statements that true knowledge means simply surrendering to the Supreme Lord.
- The Magic of Purity: Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly deflected praise for his worldwide success, stating he did not know any magic or miracles, and that his only secret was presenting the Bhagavad-gītā exactly as it is without adulteration.
- Total Dependence on Kṛṣṇa: Recalling his early struggles and his journey to the West, he admitted he did not know how the mission would be successful, highlighting his blind faith in the orders of his Guru Mahārāja.
- Rejecting Material Speculation: He frequently dismissed the theories of modern scientists and space explorers, stating he did not know about their endeavors because true, flawless knowledge descends only through the Vedic literature.
- Navigating Institutional Challenges: In his administrative letters, he often expressed that he did not know why his disciples would fight, fall into illusion, or mismanage temple affairs, reminding them that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is meant for simple living and high thinking.
- Profound Humility and Personal Detachment: Even in personal matters regarding his health, his past lives, or his future, he maintained a mood of detachment, stating he did not know what would happen, but always remained fully surrendered to the desire of the Lord.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: I Do Not Know - Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Humility and Spiritual Vision.
Pages in category "I Do Not Know (Prabhupada)"
The following 148 pages are in this category, out of 148 total.
A
- A sincere worker is always recognized by Krishna. I do not know how shall I thank you, but I am confident of my future hopes in the sincere students like you, Brahmananda and others; & now if I die I will die blissful, the work will go on
- Acyutananda wanted to come back, so it was very welcome suggestion. But I think he might have changed his decision again. I do not know what to do with this boy. And if they want to remain in India, they must do something tangible work for our society
- Andha-kupa means blind well. I do not know whether you have got experience. In India there are several old wells on the paddy fields, and they are covered with grass. Nobody can understand that there is a well underneath this, underneath this grass
- As you say the Indians are cheaters even though not all of them. The majority who come and join us, it has been experienced, they are not sincere. Under the circumstances what can be done, I do not know
E
- Even if one is initiated into brahmanahood it does not mean that he shall stop his general work and helping his family. I do not know why you are so upset that he will not help you anymore
- Even my hair grows inconceivable, I do not know. I cut every week, and it still grows. There are so many little inconceivable power within me. I am part and parcel of God. Just imagine how much inconceivable power is there in Krsna. It is common sense
- Every day I am getting request for second initiation, but I do not know. The responsibility goes to the presidents who pick them. Unless they are thoroughly convinced second initiation should not be given
- Everyone is inquisitive, "Why there are varieties of life?" I do not know what the modern scientist says, but they do not understand that there is soul in these different types of body
- Everyone says: "Swamiji, you have done wonderful thing." But I say: "I do not know any magic, jugglery. But wonderful thing is that I have not adulterated." That is wonderful
- Everything is complete by the arrangement of Krsna. Simply we mismanage. That's all. I do not know why people are engaged with politics, fighting, and so on, so on. By Krsna's grace everything is complete. You eat sufficiently, you be strong and chant HK
F
- For proper Deity worship at least two men will be required for full time engagement. So I do not know how to solve this problem because you are alone
- From Bhrgu-samhita it was ascertained. They said - I do not know - that I was a big physician in my last life, very spotless character, no sins, like that. He explained me. So it may be. But actually I have no remembrance that I was a physician
G
- Gramya means ordinary deals, ordinary dealings, social etiquette. They call me Panditaji, but actually I do not know what is the aim of my life, what is my constitutional position
- Guru Maharaja liked me. I know. By his blessing it is, everything has happened. I was not worth. What did I...? I do not know why he liked. I was not worth. There were so many disciples. And still, he liked me
H
- He (God) made some rules and regulations, "Do this; do not do this." And if you do this, what is not sanctioned, then you suffer. God forbade not to eat the apple - I do not know actually - but by the request of Eve, Adam ate it, and he became conditioned
- He has drifted from our society completely and his letter is very discouraging. He has accused everyone save himself. So I do not know what can be done with him
I
- I (Prabhupada) am sure if he sees me it will not be difficult to convince him about this Krsna Consciousness philosophy because after all he is your son. I do not know his present address, otherwise I would have called him here directly
- I am getting old day by day, and I do not know when the last moment will come, but before the last moment will come, I wanted to fulfill my desire in the matter of developing the establishment of Sri Sri Radha-Damodara Temple
- I am going to San Francisco on Wednesday 5th July, and on July 9th there will be Sri Sri Jagannatha Deva Rathayatra maha festival. I don't know how successful it will be, but the program is settled
- I am prepared to cooperate with the Gaudiya Mission in all respects, but I do not know under what condition you wish to cooperate with me
- I am simply an instrument in the hands of my Spiritual Master. I do not know how far I have got the capacity to carry His order, but I may say that I have a sincere desire to do it. This is Parampara system
- I am very much anxious to go to London, but I do not know why you are delaying to call me. The legal documents being submitted, there is no impediment to rent a nice house
- I am very much sorry that since I have come to Bombay leaving Calcutta I did not receive any letter from you. I hope everything is going nicely there. I do not know also how many life members have been created since my departure for Bombay
- I am very sorry that you have taken to homosex. It will not help you advance in your attempt for spiritual life. In fact, it will only hamper your advancement. I do not know why you have taken to such abominable activities. What can I say?
- I blindly follow my guru maharaj. I do not know what is the result. So I am stressing on this point of book distribution. He told me this personally
- I do not know anything about this account. Who is the Secretary? Who are the signatories? What is the purpose of the account?
- I do not know anything, but I, I am surrendered to a person who knows everything. Therefore I know everything. I take my knowledge from Krsna. So you should think how much knowledge you have assimilated
- I do not know how I can get these Deities, but they are manufactured in Vrindaban. I do not know how I can approach the Indian people, at large, but I am approaching Krishna only
- I do not know how I can help in great blunder. I can only hope that Krishna will help you
- I do not know how I can solve all of these departmental problems if they are all referred to me. It would be better if the department heads could work out such things amongst themselves
- I do not know how much you will appreciate my this suggestion, but if you can do such organization, it will be a great service to the country and to the animals, and to this cause of Krishna Consciousness
- I do not know how shall I thank you, but I am confident of my future hopes in the sincere students like you, Brahmananda and others; & now if I die I will die blissful, the work will go on
- I do not know how the so called "civilized" men are gliding to the stage of animal life and still they are proud of their advancement of education and civilization
- I do not know how they get Nobel Prize, putting forward a false theory that life comes from matter. So why don't you produce life in the laboratory? Matter is there. Chemicals are there. You mix them and produce a life
- I do not know how things are being managed in this way. Kindly let me know, therefore, immediately what is the fate of this Rs. 6,000 transferred from your Delhi Chandni Chowk Branch
- I do not know how this house shall be suitable for all of our purposes. It may be very suitable for residence and prasadam distribution, but unless there is nice arrangement for a temple, how will it be possible to rent it
- I do not know how you are selling so many books. There is no instance in history where religious books were sold with such enthusiasm and success
- I do not know if I will be able to come to Toronto after that, as I have been traveling all over the world over the past few months and it is a bit straining
- I do not know if it will be possible for you to come here for some days. Mukunda likes your assistance for coordinating all these opportunities. So please consider these points
- I do not know if my secretaries in Bombay have seen the Chief Minister as directed by you, but I think that when the Governor is personally examining the case, it may not be necessary to see the Chief Minister
- I do not know if you are able to abide by these principles immediately. Otherwise there is no objection in the matter of initiating a good soul like you
- I do not know if you are again acting upon your old principles on the guise of becoming a Sannyasi from our disciplic succession. This cannot be allowed
- I do not know magic. But I am presenting puratanah, that's all; no adulteration. If there is any credit, the credit is this - yogah proktah puratanah
- I do not know the modern expedition of going to the moon planet, how far it will be successful. I think it cannot be successful. According to Vedic literature, it cannot be successful because people cannot adjust to enter that planet
- I do not know the price of the house, neither I know what funds will be raised in my presence but I can promise that whatever funds can be raised on that occasion I shall pay to you for your house
- I do not know the program in Hungary, but London speaking is more important, going to the colleges and universities
- I do not know what I can do in these legal matters. You try your best in consultation with Tamala Krishna. I think that perennial watch-dog is playing some mischief
- I do not know what is Krishna's desire, but I have chalked out my program like this. Pray to Krishna that He may give me strength to render some service to you and to the humanity at large
- I do not know what is the length and breadth of the space, but a throne of Radha Krishna may be made exactly on the pattern of Los Angeles, and the sample picture is sent herewith for your guidance
- I do not know what is the position, but I think that without depending on anyone, we may take the risk of renting a nice house for our temple immediately
- I do not know what makes the management (at Jagannatha Temple) take this attitude. If you can remove this restriction you will do a great service to the Gaudiya Vaisnava community
- I do not know what sort of ugra-karma you were doing, but whatever you do, you must be careful. Your body is dedicated to Krishna, therefore you should not be neglectful about your body
- I do not know what wonderful. I do not know any magic. I simply say that you accept Krsna or Bhagavad-gita as it is. That's all. That is my magic
- I do not know where those gold gone. Nowhere, all over the world, you cannot purchase gold. Even in America
- I do not know whether I am authority, but my spiritual master has authorized me to do this
- I do not know who has suggested all these nonsense ideas
- I do not know why by talking on telephone you should decide such an important transaction. I hope either you or Tamala Krishna should not act anything in this connection without consulting our friends like Pannala Pittie and finally approved by me
- I do not know why Gopala Krsna's father is so much upset. I have received one letter from GK in which he writes "I don't think my parents will have any objections now because I have assured them in telegrams & letter that I am not going to abandon them"
- I do not know why he has not replied it yet, and since I do not have a copy with me I am also unable to reply it
- I do not know why I am attached to your country, but I strongly believe that if the American boys and girls would accept this philosophy, it would render the greatest service to the rest of the world
- I do not know why Kirtanananda Maharaja is encouraging our woman devotees not to go out on Sankirtana for book distribution. Everyone should go out
- I do not know why Kirtanananda Maharaja says that his authority overrides yours. At the present moment everyone is working under my authority
- I do not know why our disciples are so anxious to take sannyasa, at least those who are outside. Everyone comes: "Give me sannyasa." What is the idea?
- I do not know why our students who are supposed to be the leaders of this movement will fight amongst themselves for supremacy. Our whole process is of surrendering
- I do not know why people are searching after God, why they do not know what is God. Just see. That means mudha. Although God is here, still, he'll not accept
- I do not know why there are certain crazy men who think like that, that if a man becomes devotee, he will have no more interest in worldly affairs
- I do not know why you are so much worried about your son's accepting brahmanahood. Anyway, rest assured that your son will not be initiated in brahmanahood at least for one year henceforward, unless he is so prepared with your sanction
- I don't know what kind of photos you used, but they are looking especially nice. All of you are such fine looking Vaisnavas. So be blessed and go forward in Krishna Consciousness
- I don't know who has given you this idea of shaving your head and wearing white garments. In India only the widows are allowed to shave head. I have never suggested your husband to take to Sannyas
- I don't think there is any discrepancy, but I do not know why in India cooperation is lacking. So you should do things nicely and in consultation with others and rectify the situation. I have also apprehended a scandalous situation
- I got a free passage through some Indian steam navigation company. So I came by ship. So when I was on the ship at Boston port I was thinking that "I have come here. I do not know what is the purpose, because how the people will accept this movement?
- I have established about 100 big big temples all over the world; unfortunately, I am getting too much anxiety in my country and I do not know why
- I have heard that Brahmananda is preaching about me that I am Krsna, that I am Supersoul, that I have withdrawn my mercy from the disciples, that I have left the Society and so on. I do not know how far they are correct
- I have heard that there as been some beating with sticks on the children. Of course I do not know, but that should not be
- I have not received any letter from you, so I am very much anxious to hear from you. Here the program begins from the 25th instant and goes on until the 4th of April. After that I do not know whether I shall have to go back to Calcutta
- I have noted that you have said about there being new law that licensee is tenant or owner. I do not know what to do on this, but the fact is that we are the proprietor
- I have received the report from Gargamuni Swami that things are not being managed properly there. I do not know anything about this road
- I have seen that there is one church just near the Bank of America on La Cienega Boulevard. I do not know to which sect this church belongs, but that church is very suitable for your described purpose
- I see so many discrepancies from our line of action in devotional service. I do not know if you are again acting upon your old principles on the guise of becoming a Sannyasi from our disciplic succession
- I thought Jaya Govinda would be intelligent enough to cooperate with Acyutananda, but he is also silent. I do not know what to do with them
- I understand from Sudama Goswami that Gaurasundara has handed over to you some portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Temple there. I do not know why he has sold the Temple without my permission. He had no right to do such a thing
- I was married man. I was married when I was a student, and I did not know what will be the . . . but the parents arranged
- I was very much shocked to learn that you have again met with some motor accident on the way, and perhaps this is the second time you have broken your leg. So I do not know why such things are happening
- I will, "Come anyone." Who is bad, who is good I do not know. But I know even bad man comes, he becomes a good man. That I know. So who will come?
- I'm not a magician. I do not know how to create wonderful. I have simply Bhagavad-gita, presenting Bhagavad-gita as it is, that's all. If there is any credit, this is only credit
- I've advised all the GBC members here to keep regular correspondence with you. So what is the cause for mistrust? I do not know
- If the cost is about Rs 5/- per record then would they be sold at Rs. 10/-? I do not know at what price you have sold them in the past. Anyway if you have already placed the order with Gramaphone Co. then what can be done?
- Immediately after my meeting, he (my Guru Maharaja) said this, that "Why don't you preach this Caitanya's cult in the Western countries?" That is a memorable day. Of course, I did not know that I will have to do it
- It is to be understood that he is victimized by the stroke of maya. I do not know what is awaiting his future lot, but I am sure that his service to Krishna and to his Spiritual Master will not go in vain
M
- Many Swamis before me came in the Western countries, they say nobody could act so wonderfully as I am doing. Perhaps it is right. But I do not know how such things are happening. The only reason can be adduced is I am presenting Bhagavad-gita as it is
- May you be blessed by Lord Krishna so that you may become His pure devotee. I do not know Marathi but I appreciated the books very much
- Meditation means to concentrate the mind only on Krsna or Visnu. This is meditation. I do not know nowadays so many meditators are there, they have no objective. Something they try to think of impersonal, nonmanifested
- My Guru Maharaja purchased two camels. I do not know what happened, but he purchased
N
- Nobody has gone. They have gone to the nearest planet, they say. I do not know whether they have gone at all
- Now I do not know what other people give analogy, but my business is that we take it from Bhagavad-gita that living entities are part and parcel of God
- Nowadays nobody lives for one hundred years - utmost eighty years or ninety years, very rarely. My grandmother lived for ninety-six years. My father lived for eighty-four years. I do not know how long I shall live, but still I am living
O
- Of course I do not know what is the actual expenditure, but I request you to finish the business as far as possible and the money will be supplied
- Of course, I do not know the case, what are the circumstances, but kindly forgive my beloved disciples any unkindness or indiscretions on their part
- On what consideration is the printer being changed? I do not know anything of the printer being changed. In my opinion no one can print better than Dai Nippon. Why is the plan changed without my consent
- Our business is Krsna, and He will supply. I do not know where the money comes from, but Krsna supplies. In Krsna consciousness, you will be happy
R
- Regarding Brahma Samhita 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
- Regarding Dai Nippon negotiation, I never told you to stop such negotiation and I do not know why you should be disturbed by seeing my letter to Advaita. If Dai Nippon negotiation is successful you can make contract as you think best
- Regarding Sridhara Swami's article: I do not know what sort of article it is, but whatever it may be, the writer's name should be Swami B. R. Sridhara and not Sridhara Swami. Sridhara Swami is a different man
- Regarding your marriage, I have all sanction for it, but I do not know what is the legal implication. Besides, that, the girl is not initiated. But if she is working very obediently in the Temple, there is no impediment in your being married with her
- Regarding your proposal to spread Krishna Consciousness in Germany village to village by horse and wagon I do not know if this is a practical suggestion, but if the preaching goes on I have no objection
S
- She (captain's wife) said, "Swamiji, if you can survive your seventieth year then you'll live for 100 years." Somehow I survived my seventieth year. I don't know whether I'll live 100 years but seventieth year was severe - three heart attacks & paralysis
- Since I have come I am unable to publish the 4th volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam, but with your help and assistance, since 1965 this one book only has been published, and I do not know what this Dai Nippon Company is doing
- Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, he has invented a machine that when you cut a tree or take out the fruit or the leaves or the branches, he feels, and that feeling is recorded in a machine. I do not know exactly the machine name, but there is a machine
- So far as eating only two chopaties and a little vegetables daily, I never said that. I do not know why such news has spread without my written authority
- So I do not know what to do in this connection. The money is there, the sanction is there, the land is there, and still if it does not take place, I shall understand it that this is not the desire of Srila Prabhupada
- So long as he was here, he was taking care of me very nicely, and I am very much obliged to him. I simply said that he may live for some time with the Sankirtana Party, and he became upset. So I do not know what to do
- Sometimes people gives me very much credit that I have done wonderful throughout the whole world. But I do not know that I am wonderful man. I know one thing: that I am speaking what Krsna has spoken. That's all. I am not making any addition, alteration
- Sometimes, you know, people say that I have done miracles. They say everywhere. But I do not know anything miracles or magic. If there is any miracle, that miracle is that we present things as they are, that's all, without any adulteration
- Still, every minute, every three minutes or something like that, I do not know . . . but increasing. Therefore they are perturbed: the population is increasing. So where is your science to stop? That is not possible
T
- The back cover pictures "1510-1970" has impressed me very much. I do now know who is making these layouts, but the things are being done nicely. Except for the face of the type everything else is done perfectly
- The basic principle of our preaching work, methods and management must be the same. I do not know why a separate registration is required
- The cats and dogs, they are busy, "Where is food? Find out some food." The pig is finding out, "Where is stool? Where is stool?" Here (in USA) I do not know whether you have got experience. In our country, in the villages, there are so many pigs loitering
- The idea is that in this old age I do not know when death will overcome me, and I wish to die in the last days of my life at Vrindaban
- The present issue is excellently done. It is rich in all respects. Your article, Nine Points, is very instructive. I do not know whether people will take our advice, but we must go on presenting these ideas to the human society
- The students themselves go from door to door for begging alms, and because everyone's son is in the asrama, nobody declines to give alms. So there is no financial difficulty at all; but I do not know what to do in your country
- There are different classes of men and eating. So there is a class of men, dog-eaters. I do not know whether in your country (USA) there is any class of men who are dog-eaters, but India, Assam side, there is a class of men who are still dog-eaters
- There are many commentators, they deviate from Krsna. I do not know why. That is their nefarious motive
- There is no difficulty to understand what is God. Here is Krsna, the Supreme Lord - directly. I do not know why people are searching after God, why they do not know what is God. Just see. That means mudha
- There is Rathayatra Festival propogation, and Tamala Krishna wishes that all branches on the Western Coast may conjointly perform this ceremony very pompously. I do not know if you have got any news already, but if you have, please cooperate fully
- These shoes are so nice, but I don't know when I shall be able to wear them. So when taking rest at night I shall wear them
- They give me so much credit, that "You have done wonderful, miracle," and I do not know how to play any miracle. But only magic is, that I don't adulterate. That's all
- They promise that three times they will chant gayatri-mantra, but I do not know what they are doing
- This is a great havoc that we haven't received the first installment yet, and I do not know of the second installment. Clear the matter and let me know by letter
- This is my position, nowhere. I do not know. Just like I am being kicked like a football. I have no place. You have seen football playing. The football has no place. As soon as comes, somebody's feet, he kicks. He goes to another body. He kicks
- Try to keep him from getting upset. I do not know why he becomes at intervals like that. I can only pray that Krishna will save him from this upsetting business
W
- We did not know we were nonsense, but our father knew we were nonsense; so it is like that in this material world, everyone is acting more or less like children clinging to some play things provided by the Father and taking them very seriously
- We do not know how far we shall be successful in our tiny attempt, but we must always apologize for all our defects in this respect
- We do not know what is divorce. In our country there is no divorce, at least in Hindu law. Yes. Wife and husband, once combined, that is for life. There is no question of separation, in all circumstances. Either in distress or in happiness
- When I landed in Boston, I wrote one Bengali poetry to Krishna that I do not know why You have brought me to such a distant place where everything is opposite number, and how will I be able to convince them about this Krishna Consciousness Movement?
- When I started Back to Godhead, it was my intention that your academic career and Rayarama's sincere service would be a good combination; unfortunately, I do not know why, you do not agree with one another
- When I started Back to Godhead, it was my intention that your academic career and Rayrama's sincere service would be a good combination; unfortunately, I do not know why, you do not agree with one another
- When it is decomposed and rotten, it is tasteful. It is very tasteful, they say. I do not know. I have never taken meat in my life. So I do not know. So anyway, according to different position, the taste is also different. The hog taste is eat like stool
- When my Guru Maharaja ordered me to spread this movement to the English speaking countries, I did not know how I could do it, but I never lost faith nor did I ever forget this order
- When people say in India, "Swamiji, you have done wonderful," and yes, I do not know. I'm not a magician. But so far I am confident that I did not adulterated the words of Krsna. That's all. That's my credit
- Wherever I go Devananda and Purusottama go also as my personal assistants. I do not know if you are prepared to send fare for three, but if my presence will be nice there, send the money for at least two
- Without Krsna consciousness I do not know what my next body is going to happen. But if Krsna consciousness or spiritual consciousness you are advanced, never mind whatever little percentage it is, you are sure to get the chance of another human body
Y
- Yesterday my deities were dressed with the clothing you made and it appears so nice. I do not know whether you have time to make similarly a few other sets. It will be very nice. I know that you are the most expert in making dresses than all others
- You are trying so much for my comfort. I do not know whether I shall be able to repay you. Then I shall try my best. It is not possible to repay your debts, that so kind
- You can assure your parents they will be better off materially after you are initiated. Anyway, now I do not know what to do with you
- You have mentioned about some criticism made by Jaya Govinda which upset you. I do not know exactly what is the point, but if there is some honest criticism, there should be no cause of becoming upset
- You have met two of my young disciples in California and they appeared to you as having "a very negative outlook towards the people they meet." I do not know the case, but kindly forgive my beloved disciples any unkindness or indiscretions on their part