Category:Our Debts (Disciples of SP)
Theme Analysis
The concept of indebtedness in Kṛṣṇa consciousness exists on two entirely different platforms. Spiritually, a sincere disciple remains eternally indebted to the spiritual master and the Supreme Lord—a transcendental debt that is entirely impossible to repay. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a true Vaiṣṇava always feels this incapacity and therefore works tirelessly, preaching vigorously as the only proper attempt at repayment. However, on the material plane, he is intensely strict regarding financial integrity. He sternly warns his followers against accumulating mundane debts, especially to the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, the Society, or outside business partners. Temple leaders are forbidden from taking unauthorized loans, and any existing debts must be systematically cleared before purchasing new, costly machinery. Prabhupāda emphasizes that if practical financial matters are ignored, the entire preaching mission will collapse into a farce. By clearing mundane debts and embracing their eternal spiritual debt, his disciples ensure the invincible expansion of the movement.
- The Unpayable Spiritual Debt: It is impossible for a disciple to ever truly repay the spiritual master; the only appropriate response is to preach vigorously and serve with a sincere heart.
- Financial Integrity: Preaching and propaganda work must always be balanced with strict attention to financial matters, otherwise the society will collapse.
- Protecting the Book Fund: Accumulating large debts to the Book Fund or outside printers is strictly prohibited, as it amounts to spending the spiritual master's money unlawfully.
- Responsible Management: The GBC and temple presidents must manage expertly without taking unauthorized loans, ensuring that regular payments are made to close any existing debts.
- Worldly Obligations: Devotees must also responsibly handle their mundane worldly debts, such as paying tuition to the gurukula or supporting dependent parents.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Prabhupāda Explains Why His Disciples Must Clear Financial Debts and Preach Vigorously.
Pages in category "Our Debts (Disciples of SP)"
The following 20 pages are in this category, out of 20 total.
A
- A Vaisnava always feels himself incapable to repay his debt to his spiritual master therefore he works very hard in order to try and repay that debt
- As for the $150 you will be receiving each month for the next five years, I think that will be sufficient tuition for your two children at Gurukula, and that will oblige your debt to Gurukula
I
- I do not understand why he is engaged in this business of his if there is not any tangible profit. He says that there is big, big money but still he has not yet paid ISKCON the debt that he has. Therefore what is this business
- I have informed Gopala Krishna to supply you with the needed books. However, he has complained that you have a large debt to the BBT and you are not paying it off. So I request you to gradually reimburse the BBT in Bombay
- I understand that you have become a debtor to Dai Nippon for $52,000. This is not good. We must keep our credit. They have given us all facilities
- If you feel at all indebted to me then you should preach vigorously like me; that is the proper way to repay me
- It is understood from London that you are a debtor there for many, many pounds, and you are also a debtor to the Society for so many pounds
- It is understood that the Back To Godhead department is in debt by $52,000.00. I am very sorry that this has increased so much. Therefore I am sending $20,000.00. So please continue to print Back To Godhead magazine without hesitation
S
- So far your machinery to print cards, leaflets, and other color pictures. This is very nice if it is not too costly. Better to repay our debts than spend for costly machinery at this point
- So I approve of Karandhara's plan not to give more money to the Press until all debts and books owed are cleared and settled up. If you think that by lowering the prices of our books that things will improve, I have no objection
T
- The disciple remains eternally indebted to the spiritual master and continually works in such a way that the spiritual master may become pleased upon him for such sincere services rendered
- The father and mother are also as good as the Spiritual Master, and we are indebted to father and mother in so many ways. So as they are dependent on your income, try to help them as far as possible
- The president cannot take any loans without authorization. This is a declaration. These things must not be allowed. Whatever he has taken must be returned and he must pay back the money that he has kept
- These debts must be paid, that is important business. Along with our preaching and propaganda work, we must also give attention to financial matters, otherwise the whole thing will collapse and it will be a farce
- Try and pay at this rate ($5,000) so that in seven months the whole debt will be closed