The purpose of the following article, is to show that the devotees neglect to follow Srila Prabhupada's clear instructions, to carefully read all his books was the root cause of their being cheated and fooled into following an unauthorized movement. This cult totally exploited their fanatical sentiments causing them to completely neglect their loving devotional relationships with their children. 

If we pay careful attention to this essential root cause, and now take serious shelter of Srila Prabhupada's vani [original books and tapes] he will completely clear up all our misconceptions, so we can gradually understand everything and save ourselves from future calamities resulting from being again the cheated by the cheaters or more clearly, cheated by our own selfish cheating mind.

This article is divided into two parts. Part one presents various instructions from Srila Prabhupada on the importance of reading his books. Part two presents various instructions on the responsibility of parents raising Krishna Conscious children.

PART ONE

"Philosophy without religion is dry speculation, and religion

without philosophy is sentiment."... Don't accept it blindly.

We have not accepted Caitanya cult blindly.

Prabhupada: That is... Rarely they found. Therefore they appreciate. One may comment on scholarship. That is jnana. And devotion without scholarship--sentiment. Just see. They're both combined. Perfect knowledge. That is wanted. That is my Guru Maharaja's... He used to say, "Philosophy without religion is dry speculation, and religion without philosophy is sentiment."
Tamala Krsna: Yeah, you wrote this in your purport in Bhagavad-gita.
Prabhupada: That should be confirmed(?). Caitanyera dayara katha karaha vicara. Don't accept it blindly. We have not accepted Caitanya cult blindly. This is practical.

[Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, April 22, 1977, Bombay]

So we should not become religious fanatics, nor dry mental speculators.

Prabhupada: There are certain class of men who are simply philosophizing and there are certain class of men who are simply blindly following religious ritualistic process. So Bhagavad-gita is combination of both. That is scientific. You should be religious, but should understand everything philosophically. Otherwise one becomes fanatic, religious fanatic. In the Caitanya-caritamrta it is clearly said that caitanyera dayara katha karaha vicara. You people, you try to understand the gifts of Caitanya Mahaprabhu by your philosophical understanding. Not blindly, philosophically. And vicara karile citte paibe camatkara. If you are actually a wise man, then you'll find it is sublime. And if you simply stick to your own religious ritualistic principles, don't try to understand the philosophy of everything, then you become a fanatic. So we should not become religious fanatics, nor dry mental speculators. Both these classes of men are dangerous. They cannot make any advance. The combination. You should be religious, but try to understand each and every line philosophically.

[Srila Prabhupada from a Bhagavad-gita Lecture 3.1-5, Los Angeles, December 20, 1968]

Note: So our failure to read Srila Prabhupada's books made us blind religious fanatics not Krishna devotees. Religious fanatics or dry mental speculators are both dangerous and cannot make any advancement.

Nothing should be accepted blindly; everything

should be accepted with care and with caution.

Asammoha, freedom from doubt and delusion, can be achieved when one is not hesitant and when he understands the transcendental philosophy. Slowly but surely he becomes free from bewilderment. Nothing should be accepted blindly; everything should be accepted with care and with caution.  [Bhagavad-gita 10.4-5]

Don't follow blindly. Following blindly something, that is not good.

That will not stay. But one should take everything with logic.

Those who are not representative of Krsna, they will say simply dogmas. Just like in every religion there is a dogma. But in bhagavata religion, bhagavata-dharma, there is no dogma. Caitanya Mahaprabhu's bhagavata-dharma, the Caitanya-caritamrta's author, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, says, therefore, that caitanyera dayara katha karaha vicara. Vicara means you just try to understand the gift of Lord Caitanya by logic, vicara. Don't follow blindly. Following blindly something, that is not good. That will not stay. But one should take everything with logic. But the servants of God, they put everything in logic. Caitanyera dayara katha karaha vicara. If you study the Caitanya's philosophy with logic and argument... Don't go by sentiment. The so-called missionary, they're simply bogus propaganda without any logic.

[Srila Prabhupada from a Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture 6.2.1-5, Calcutta, January 6, 1971]

Yes, we have got our argument, logic,

everything. Why should we blindly follow?

Paramahamsa: Actually if anyone looks at Bhagavad-gita As It Is, presented by yourself, then they can logically see that it is perfect.
Prabhupada: Yes, we have got our argument, logic, everything. Why should we blindly follow?

[Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation  May 9, 1975, Perth]

Note: Therefore because devotees did not read they accepted false authorities who didn't represent Srila Prabhupada and his transcendental teachings. They blindly sent their children to these demoniac persons, that is their irresponsible behaviour and not the fault of Srila Prabhupada.

You must read. Why I am writing so many books?

So we are also old. In the Bhagavad-gita you find this verse, nityah sasvato 'yam purano na hanyate hanyamane sarire. Do you remember, any one of you, this verse from the Bhagavad-gita? Eh? But you don't read. So I am writing all these books simply for selling, not for reading. This is not good. And if somebody asks you, "You are so much eager to sell your books. Do you read your books?" Then what you will say? "No, sir, we don't read. We sell only. Our Guru Maharaja writes, and we sell." That is not good business. You must read. Why I am writing so many books? Not a single moment waste. If you want to become successful in Krsna consciousness, don't lose even a single moment. That should be the first determination. Avyartha-kalatvam, Rupa Gosvami says. Forget sleeping, eating, mating. This is all material necessities. If you increase these things, then you cannot make any progress in spiritual life.

[Srila Prabhupada from a Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture  1.16.24, Hawaii, January 20, 1974]

It is for you to read. Not that simply we go and sell books

So we are taking so much trouble in writing books not for simply making market. It is for you to read. Not that simply we go and sell books, and that ... If the customer says, "You read it first of all," then what you will say? You'll say, "No, I cannot read. I can sell only." (laughter) (Prabhupada laughs.) Then what will be your position, if you say like that? "I can sell; I cannot read."

[Srila Prabhupada from a Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture, 2.3.1-3, Los Angeles, May 22, 1972]

Similarly, the GBC member means they will see that in

every temple these books are very thoroughly being read

and discussed and understood and applied in practical life.

Similarly, the GBC member means they will see that in every temple these books are very thoroughly being read and discussed and understood and applied in practical life. That is wanted, not to see the vouchers only, "How many books you have sold, and how many books are in the stock?" That is secondary. You may keep vouchers... If one is engaged in Krsna's service, there is no need of vouchers. That is... Everyone is doing his best. That's all. So we have to see that things are going on very nicely. So in that way the GBC members should divide some zones and see very nicely that things are going on, that they are chanting sixteen rounds, and temple management is doing according to the routine work, and the books are being thoroughly discussed, being read, understood practically. These things are required. Now, suppose you go to sell some book and if somebody says, "You have read this book? Can you explain this verse?" then what you will say? You will say, "No. It is for you. It is not for me. I have to take money from you. That's all." Is that very nice answer?
Devotee: No, Srila Prabhupada.
Prabhupada: Then? "We have written this book for your reading, not for our reading. We are simply collect money." That's all.

[Srila Prabhupada from a Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture, 2.9.2, Melbourne, April 5, 1972]

All the devotees connected with this Krsna consciousness movement

must read all the books that have been translated (Caitanya-caritamrta,

Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and others); otherwise, after some

time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position.

All the devotees connected with this Krsna consciousness movement must read all the books that have been translated (Caitanya-caritamrta, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and others); otherwise, after some time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position. Thus they will miss the opportunity to attain an eternal, blissful life of transcendental pleasure.

[Srila Prabhupada from Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila 25.278]

Go on reading, and the answers will automatically come.

But in the beginning, if you follow these principles, as laid down by Srila Rupa Gosvami and other acaryas... So these things, one after another, everything is very clearly explained in this Nectar of Devotion. So each chapter you should read very carefully. And if you cannot understand, read it repeatedly. Don't all of a sudden, reading one or two page, immediately question, "Prabhupada, what is this? What is this? What is this?" Go on reading, and the answers will automatically come. So this book is, this valuable book is now published. You should take full advantage.

 (Srila Prabhupada from a Nectar of Devotion Lecture Los Angeles, June 23, 1970)

Note: So everything is explained very clearly in Srila Prabhupada's books. If there is anything we cannot understand we should carefully read them repeatedly and the answers will automatically come. If the devotees would have followed this and numerous other early instructions in regards to reading Srila Prabhupada's books they wouldn't have been cheated and surrendered themselves blindly to envious persons in the dress of devotees. All the answers to their questions would have come and they would have never given their God sent children to these demons to abuse.

When you study very carefully all of the literature which is available,

especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is, you will have in your grasp

answers to all questions that may be put to you.

When you study very carefully all of the literature which is available, especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is, you will have in your grasp answers to all questions that may be put to you. Please encourage the others to read this Bhagavad-gita at least one chapter every day.

(S.P.Letter to: Upendra Los Angeles 6 January, 1969)

Every one of you must regularly read our books

at least twice— in the morning and evening, and

 automatically all questions will be answered.

I am very glad to learn that the small children are also increasing their dispositions and service attitude. Please get it recognized and increase the activities of the school more and more. All the devotees who desire to know may ask their questions to the elderly members but still they are open to write me for all their questions and there should not be any hesitation. I reply each and every letter that I receive, but sometimes it may be a little late due to pressure of work. But they should write; there is no checking. But it is better if simple questions are solved amongst yourselves in the Istagosthi class. Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice--in the morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Ranadhira, Los Angeles, 24 January, 1970]

The same answers are there again in our books like

Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, etc.

If one simply regularly chants and follows the rules and regulative principles all questions of philosophy will be answered by Krsna from within and all doubt will be cleared also in this way. And the same answers are there again in our books like Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, etc. So please see that all the initiated devotees stick rigidly to their daily chanting and regulative living in devotional service. This is most important.                

(S.P. Letter to: Madhudvisa Los Angeles 14 February, 1970)

We have got sufficient stock, and if you simply go on reading them,

chanting regularly 16 rounds, engaging yourself 24 hours in Krishna's

business, then all of your questions will be answered automatically

Regarding your other question, you should not read such nonsense books, nor allow your mind to dwell on such subject matter.  Instead utilize your time for advancing in Krishna consciousness by reading our books.  We have got sufficient stock, and if you simply go on reading them, chanting regularly 16 rounds, engaging yourself 24 hours in Krishna's business, then all of your questions will be answered automatically, because Krishna promises to His sincere devotee that He will give him the intelligence to understand Him.

(S.P. Letter to: Dasarha, Bombay 4 March, 1972)

Actually I have already answered all questions in my books such as

Bhagavad-gita, so kindly read them and chant Hare Krishna Mantra.

If you have further questions you may write me or consult with the devotees in the temple. Actually I have already answered all questions in my books such as Bhagavad-gita, so kindly read them and chant Hare Krishna Mantra.

(S.P. Letter to: Brian Fleming, 6 March, 1974)

 If you read all our books, Bhagavad- gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam,

and others, you will get all the answers to your questions.

If you read all our books, Bhagavad- gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and others, you will get all the answers to your questions. Still I shall be very glad to answer besides that.

(S.P. Letter to: Alfred Ford Los Angeles 16 July, 1974)

You should always read my books daily

and all your questions will be answered

A temple is a place where by one is given the opportunity to render direct devotional service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. In conjunction with this you should always read my books daily and all your questions will be answered and you will have a firm basis of Krishna Consciousness. In this way your life will be perfect.

(S.P. Letter to: Hugo Salemon Bombay 22 November, 1974)

In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is

explained fully so if there is anything which you do not

understand, then you simply have to read again and again.

I am pleased to hear that you are chanting 16 rounds daily and reading my books regularly and following the four rules. In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so if there is anything which you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop. Krishna Consciousness is not a hackneyed thing but it is something which is our natural and original consciousness. Presently our consciousness is clouded just like a mirror becomes covered with dust So the cleansing process is this chanting and hearing and doing some service and trying to please the Spiritual Master. By this process our consciousness becomes clear and we are able to understand everything.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Bahurupa, Bombay, 22 November, 1974]

So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study

of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.

So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.  (S.P. Letter to: Upendra  Nellore 7 January, 1976)

PART TWO

"Now, these children have come under my protection.

 I must see they get proper education and make

advancement of life." It is the father's duty.

Prajapati: Should also this be the responsibility of the government to protect people from having to take dog body?

Prabhupada: Yes, that is the government's duty, that the citizens may not degrade. That is government's duty. Now, just like a father thinks, "Now, these children have come under my protection. I must see they get proper education and make advancement of life." It is the father's duty. And if the father thinks, "Let him go to hell." That's all. Nowadays fathers are doing like that. That is not father's duty. Similarly, government's duty is that the citizen must make progress. But they do not know what is means by progress, what is the aim of life. They do not know. They are demonic. How they will guide?

[Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk December 13, 1973, Los Angeles]

Note: So why did some of the devotee parents let their God sent children go to pseudo Iskcon child molesting Gurukula hell? Why did they not see that their children were getting a proper education to make advancement in spiritual life? Did they not read the ABC book for devotees namely Bhagavad-gita and mark their responsibility?

The responsibility of parents is then to

 make their offspring Krsna conscious.

TRANSLATION: I am the strength of the strong, devoid of passion and desire. I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles, O Lord of the Bharatas [Arjuna].

PURPORT: The strong man's strength should be applied to protect the weak, not for personal aggression. Similarly, sex life, according to religious principles (dharma), should be for the propagation of children, not otherwise. The responsibility of parents is then to make their offspring Krsna conscious.

[Srila Prabhupada from Bhagavad-gita 7.11]

A father, mother responsibility ceases after he gets the

children married, either daughter or son. So much obligation.

So in that book Manu-samhita, it is stated, na striyam svatantram arhati. He gives the law that woman should not be given independence. Then? What should be the life? The life should be so long she's not married, she must live under the guidance, dependent on the parents. And as soon as she is married, she should live dependent on her husband. And when the husband is gone out... Because according to Hindu system, the husband does not remain at home for all the days, till death. No. When children are grown up, he gives up wife and children and becomes a sannyasi, just like I have become. I have my children, I have my grandsons, I have my wife still exist... But I have given up all connection. So how my wife is being maintained? Oh, she has got grown-up children. So there is no anxiety. So dependence is not bad if there is dependence on the proper place. No father neglects to look after the comforts of an unmarried girl, of his unmarried girls and boys. According to Hindu system, a father, mother responsibility ceases after he gets the children married, either daughter or son. So much obligation. Then they are free.

[Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Seattle, October 7, 1968]

Note: So why did the devotee parents think their responsibilities had finished just because their children were at pseudo Iskcon child molesting Gurukula hell?

Srila Prabhupada said sending children to a genuine Gurukula was best but optional. The most important thing for the parents was to make sure their children were trained nicely in Krishna Consciousness.

The best thing is to send your daughter to Gurukula,

but if you cannot do that, then somehow see that

she is trained nicely in Krishna Consciousness.

Please do not be worried. Our movement is essentially for spreading this chanting of Hare Krishna world wide. And the main responsibility of my disciples is to follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds without fail. Please worry about that first. The best thing is to send your daughter to Gurukula, but if you cannot do that, then somehow see that she is trained nicely in Krishna Consciousness.

 (S.P. Letter to: Maeve Davies 21 February, 1976)

Regarding sending children to Gurukula,

that is also optional, not compulsory.

Regarding your questions, the main things is that whatever is required by you and your family to live nicely in Krishna Consciousness, that much you should accept. Do not take more than what you actually need. And you should give what ever you can to the temple as donation. Nothing is compulsory. Whatever you kindly pay, that will be accepted. Regarding sending children to Gurukula, that is also optional, not compulsory. The most important things are that you follow very carefully all of the rules and regulations such as rising early, and having mangala arati and classes, etc. and that you chant at least 16 rounds daily without fail. These things are most essential for your spiritual advancement and then everything will be alright.

 (S.P.Letter to Tirthanga dasa, 14^th March 1975)

Note: In the following conversation Srila Prabhupada says that the children’s care and education will depend on their parents. He then relates how he instructed one of his disciples [Pradyumna Prabhu] who was not happy with the way his child was being educated in Gurukula, to educate the child himself. He says that every father and mother should take care that in the future they may not be a batch of unwanted children.

But to take care of the children, to educate

Prabhupada: Yes. This is not possible for us. We welcome. But we must be well organized to utilize these poor souls for becoming first-class devotees. That should be done. Otherwise, sex life and the by-product, that is always troublesome, either you take this way or that way, it is troublesome. If it is not troublesome, why they are killing their own children? To avoid trouble. This is psychology. They want to avoid trouble. But our process is, if you want to avoid trouble, then don't marry, remain brahmacari. If you cannot, then, all right, have legal wife, get children and raise them very nicely, make them Vaisnavas, take the responsibility. So we are organizing this society, we welcome. Some way or other we shall arrange for shelter. But to take care of the children, to educate them, that will depend on their parents. Now our Pradyumna was complaining that in the Gurukula, his child was not educated to count one, two, three, four. So I have told him that "You educate your child. Let the mother educate in English, and you educate him in Sanskrit." Who can take care? So similarly every father, mother should take care that in future they may not be a batch of unwanted children. We can welcome hundreds and thousands of children. There is no question of economic problem. We know that. But the father, mother must take care at least. Properly trained up, they should be always engaged. That is brahmacari gurukula. Brahmacari guru-kule vasan danto guror hitam. From the very beginning they should be trained up. From the body, they should be trained up how to take bath, how to chant Hare Krsna or some Vedic mantra, go to the temple, offer obeisances, prayer, then take their lunch... In this way, they should be always engaged. Then they'll be trained up. Simple thing. We don't want to train them as big grammarians. No. That is not wanted. That anyone, if he has got some inclination, he can do it personally. There is no harm. General training is that he must be a devotee, a pure devotee of Krsna. That should be introduced. Otherwise, the gurukula will be... Otherwise Jyotirmayi was suggesting the biology. What they'll do with biology? Don't introduce unnecessary nonsense things. Simple life. Simply to understand Krsna. Simply let them be convinced that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it is our duty to serve Him, that's all. Huh? (indistinct) What is that? mayar bose, jaccho bhese' khaccho habudubu bhai jiv krsna-das ei biswas korle to ar duhkho nai. So organize. If you have got sufficient place, sufficient scope, let them be trained up very nicely. If some four, five centers like this there are in Europe, the whole face will be changed.

[Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, August 3, 1976, Paris]

Note: This same point is made again in the following conversation.

He complained that "My boy is not being

properly..." So I said that "You teach your son."

Jyotirmayi: Because you were saying that the parents can keep their children and teach them themselves, like Arundhati is teaching Aniruddha. So does it mean that the parents can...

Prabhupada: He complained that "My boy is not being properly..." So I said that "You teach your son."

Jyotirmayi: She can keep him and teach him all the time? Until he's older and so on?

Prabhupada: Yes. Yes. Yes. That is the duty of the father and mother. Along with that, he can teach others also. These things are to be organized. But some way or other, our students should be given education and spiritual life, Krsna consciousness. Individually, collectively, somehow or other. The principle is laid down there, brahmacari gurukule vasan danto guror-hitam. That's the beginning. Everything is there, we have to simply follow it. We haven't got to manufacture anything. That is a waste of time. Whatever is there, you follow. Is that all right?

[Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, July 31, 1976, Paris]

The children of our devotees may live with their parents

 perpetually because you are all living in the temple

 and already engaged in devotional service.

So far your son leaving you, his parents, at 5 years, that is not necessary. Especially our Krishna Conscious children; they are already living in a asrama. The children of our devotees may live with their parents perpetually because you are all living in the temple and already engaged in devotional service. Other instructions are for those not engaged in Krishna Consciousness. Any family engaged in Krishna's service is living not in this material world. Such a home is considered as Vaikuntha. That is the verdict of Bhaktivinode Thakura.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Indira London, 15 August, 1971]

Note: The following are more clear instructions from Srila Prabhupada to his disciples, regarding their great responsibility as parents.

It is the duty of all parents to make every child Krishna Conscious,

 so that the fortunate child born of Krishna Conscious parents

may not have any more to take birth in this material world.

I am also glad to learn that you have a child within your womb, and please accept all my blessings for the newcomer for whom we shall be very glad to receive just after a few months. Please take care of your health so that the child may grow very healthy and become Krishna Conscious. Prahlada Maharaja was in the womb of his mother and heard the instruction of Narada Muni and later on he became the most famous devotee of Lord Krishna. It is the duty of all parents to make every child Krishna Conscious, so that the fortunate child born of Krishna Conscious parents may not have any more to take birth in this material world.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Nandarani, New York,  9 June, 1967]

A child is a rare gift given by Krishna, but at the

 same time a great responsibility;every parent has

the responsibility to see that his child grows up K.C.

I am also very happy to learn that Himavati is going to have a baby. A child is a rare gift given by Krishna, but at the same time a great responsibility; every parent has the responsibility to see that his child grows up K.C. I know that you understand this, and will always make Krishna the center of your home.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Hamsaduta, Vrindaban, 15 August, 1967]

You must fully consider, however, your wife and child; your first duty

 now as a householder is to provide nicely for your wife and child

I very much appreciate that you enjoy helping to open various centers, and that is certainly laudable on your part. You must fully consider, however, your wife and child; your first duty now as a householder is to provide nicely for your wife and child

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Hamsaduta, Vrindaban, 29 August, 1967]

You can love and put all your affection

to the child, and try to make him fully K.C.

So far Eric is concerned, he is developing K.C. from very childhood, and it is a great opportunity on a human being. I think his father has got a special duty to protect this child in his K.C.; The mother has also similar responsibility, so either your wife or yourself must take care of the good child. If you wife takes charge of him, then you become completely free personally, and you can live in the temple with other bramacharies, either in N.Y. or elsewhere as you think best. If however, your wife leaves the child with you, then you can take care of him; that will be nice. But I think it is very difficult, because he is not sufficiently grown up. Anyway, both your wife and yourself cannot think of marrying again; that is not my advice. Even if your wife decides to marry again, for your part you should forget it; and if by the Grace of Krishna you can live peacefully without any wife, completely devoted to K.C., that will be the best part of your life. You can love and put all your affection to the child, and try to make him fully K.C.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Rupanuga, Vrindaban, 9 September, 1967]

Yours will be the first baby born into a KC family in America,

so we must be very careful for him while he is in the womb.

Yours will be the first baby born into a KC family in America, so we must be very careful for him while he is in the womb. In SB the environment of a child in the womb is described by Narada Muni as a very awful place and after nine months when the child has developed its body and consciousness to some degree the entrapped soul begs to Lord Krishna to set me free and promises that in this life he will be a devotee. At that time the baby is allowed to be born but, unfortunately during the Kali yuga as soon as the child is come out of the womb he is in 90% of the cases he is not given any facility to further its KC. However in your case Krishna has shown this soul great mercy. The Bhagavat also says that no one should become the parent unless he can deliver the child from the clutches of death. So it is your duty to make this baby KC so that he may not have to take birth again. My advice for the present is that during your time of pregnancy you should eat very simple foods, hot or spicy foods are not to be taken and also sexual relations are forbidden.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Himavati, Delhi, 23 September, 1967]

So keep yourself always in Krishna Consciousness with your

 family members, raise your children to that standard,

and employ your energy for serving Krishna.

Although you are young man, you have got your nice young wife and child, and by Krishna's Grace, everything is all right so far as your family is concerned, still you are feeling detached. That is very nice. But when your wife and child all are cooperating in your Krishna Consciousness, there is no hampering in your progress. So keep yourself always in Krishna Consciousness with your family members, raise your children to that standard, and employ your energy for serving Krishna. Then, even though you are in family life, you are as good as sannyasi.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Dayananda, Allston, Mass, 1 May, 1969]

The basic idea of raising children as they are described in

the Vedic literature is that from birth till the age of five

years the parents may be very lenient with the child.

The basic idea of raising children as they are described in the Vedic literature is that from birth till the age of five years the parents may be very lenient with the child. From the ages six to ten they should tighten the discipline of their child, and from the ages of ten till the sixteenth year the parents should be as strict as a tiger with their child so that he will be afraid to be disobedient at all. Then after the sixteenth year the parents shall treat their child as a friend, and the child is allowed to gradually develop his adult responsibility and independence.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Vibhavati, Los Angeles, 15 July, 1969]

When a child is born it is the responsibility of the state, of the

father, of the mother, of the relatives, and of the teachers just

 to raise the child to the standard of Krishna Consciousness

When a child is born it is the responsibility of the state, of the father, of the mother, of the relatives, and of the teachers just to raise the child to the standard of Krishna Consciousness so that the child may not have any more to repeat the process of birth and death, but being fully situated in Krishna Consciousness he may be transferred to the spiritual world and situated in one of the Vaikuntha planets. The most important of the Vaikuntha planets is called Krishna Loka, or Goloka Vrindaban.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Kulasekhara, Digvijaya,  Tirthapada, Los Angeles,31 July, 1969]

So take care of this nice child and raise him along with the other boys in New Vrindaban so that a new generation of Krishna Conscious children will come out of this movement.

My Dear Paramananda, Please accept my blessings. I thank you very much for your letter dated October 21, 1969, and I am so glad to learn that a Krishna Conscious male child has been born now. His name should be Premananda Brahmacari. Premananda means one who is always absorbed in love of Krishna. So take care of this nice child and raise him along with the other boys in New Vrindaban so that a new generation of Krishna Conscious children will come out of this movement. Please offer my blessings to your good wife, Satyabhama Dasi. I hope this will meet you and your family in good health.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Paramananda, Tittenhurst, 27 October, 1969]

So now you must take especial care to raise the new child in

such a nice way that he will become a pure devotee in Krsna

 Consciousness; that is the responsibility of the parents, to

see that their child is freed from the clutches of Maya.

I am also very pleased to know that you are living happily with your good wife, and you are expecting a child in July. So now you must take especial care to raise the new child in such a nice way that he will become a pure devotee in Krsna Consciousness; that is the responsibility of the parents, to see that their child is freed from the clutches of Maya.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Sacisuta, Los Angeles, 14 February, 1970]

To see that the child is raised in full Krsna Consciousness

is the proper management of householder life.

I am very happy to know that your daughter Sarasvati is growing up nicely under your care. To see that the child is raised in full Krsna Consciousness is the proper management of householder life. And when your good daughter is no longer to be so cared for by you, then you will get enough time to chant Hare Krsna. Both mother and daughter can sit together and chant hare Krsna.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Malati, Los Angeles, 6 March, 1970]

Now you husband and wife must work together combinedly with great

responsibility for raising your new child in ideal Krsna consciousness.

I have been informed by Devananda that your wife has borne you one nice son. So this is very good news. You may give him the name Nirmala Candra. Nirmala means without any flaws or without contamination and Candra means moon. So the name Nirmala Candra refers specifically to Lord Caitanya who is known as the Spotless Moon of Gauda. Now you husband and wife must work together combinedly with great responsibility for raising your new child in ideal Krsna consciousness. Children learn by imitation of their parents, so if you both set Krsna conscious example the child will very naturally and easily become advanced in Krsna consciousness by following. Please offer my blessings to your good wife, Laksmimoni, and your son.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Jagadisa, Los Angeles, 9 July, 1970]

I am so glad to see that you are raising your daughter in Krsna

 consciousness and that is your duty as conscientious mother

to give the child proper education in spiritual living.

I beg to thank you very much for your very nice letter along with some pictures of your daughter Nandini Dasi. I am so glad to see that you are raising your daughter in Krsna consciousness and that is your duty as conscientious mother to give the child proper education in spiritual living. It is very encouraging to me to know that both yourself and your good husband are combined so nicely for setting the example of Krishna conscious family life. And now you have such a good daughter who is naturally devotee of Krsna, so if you kindly continue to advance on these lines as I have already chalked out for you your perfection of life in Krsna's service is guaranteed. Please offer my blessings also to your good husband, Sriman Advaita and your daughter, Nandini Dasi.* I hope this will meet you in good health.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Balai, Tokyo, 17 August, 1970]

I'm so glad to learn that your daughter is growing

 into such a nice Krishna Conscious child and very

 soon she will be a great help to your activities.

Try and preach Krishna Consciousness in this part of the world. So you go there husband and wife with child and start a center. If you are successful in your effort, then I may stay with you a few days there before going to London. I'm so glad to learn that your daughter is growing into such a nice Krishna Conscious child and very soon she will be a great help to your activities. I've seen many pictures of our Krishna Conscious children. They are nicely chanting and clapping. It is very good sign.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Krsna Devi, Gorakhpur, 16 February, 1971]

It is said in the Vedas that one should not take on the

responsibility of Parenthood unless he can deliver the child

 from the repeated cycle of birth, death, disease and old age.

Yes, you may get yourself married, provided that you can meet the responsibility of grhastha life. If you marry you will have to work to provide for your wife and family and try to spend at least 50% for Krishna Consciousness. A Krishna Conscious marriage is not based on sense gratification but rather mutual cooperation between husband and wife for making advancement is spiritual life and also for raising Krishna Conscious children. It is said in the Vedas that one should not take on the responsibility of Parenthood unless he can deliver the child from the repeated cycle of birth, death, disease and old age. So in this way mold your life in service to the Lord and be happy.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Babhrubahan, Bombay, 4 March, 1971]

So far your wife is concerned, you have given her one son,

so that is sufficient--now she will always have some engagement

 to raise the child and train him in Krishna Consciousness

So far your wife is concerned, you have given her one son, so that is sufficient--now she will always have some engagement to raise the child and train him in Krishna Consciousness, so you can be free to devote yourself more fully in spreading this Krishna Consciousness movement.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Citsukhananda, Auckland, 15 April, 1972]

Now you have got your child and your responsibility

 is to raise your child in Krsna consciousness

 I was very happy to see both you and your good husband Vasudeva when I was in Paris, especially now that you have got such a nice child. Now you have got your child and your responsibility is to raise your child in Krsna consciousness. You and your husband are very sincere devotees, and your husband is a nice boy, and I like him very much, and he is doing the best service to Krsna and humanity by managing the Berlin center so nicely. So never mind there may be some inconvenience in family life for the time being. Your husband is doing the highest service. You may assist your husband very nicely by concentrating all your time and efforts in raising your child in full Krsna consciousness. That will require all of your attention, and in that way you will be giving your husband the best assistance.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Gangadevi, London, 11 August, 1972]

I give all my blessings to your son. Please raise him as a Krsna

conscious child and be happy to become parents of a nice Vaisnava.

It is very good to hear of your programs in the high schools. Please continue and increase this program there. It is a nice name you have chosen for your son, Murali Dhara Das. I give all my blessings to your son. Please raise him as a Krsna conscious child and be happy to become parents of a nice Vaisnava.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Vegavan:, New Delhi, 9 November, 1973]

Go regularly to the temple and raise your child.

There is no need of loitering here and there.

For the time being, continue doing what you are doing consulting Hamsaduta and others. I shall advise you. Whatever income you are getting, give to the temple. Go regularly to the temple and raise your child. There is no need of loitering here and there.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Nara-narayana, Bombay, 31 December, 1974]

You also have a child, so this is your responsibility to see

 that your family no longer again has to come back and take

 material body in this world of birth and death. This is

the responsibility of a father in Krsna consciousness.

As the husband of your wife, you should see that she is trained up nicely in Krishna consciousness. You also have a child, so this is your responsibility to see that your family no longer again has to come back and take material body in this world of birth and death. This is the responsibility of a father in Krsna consciousness.

[Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Bhurijana, Bombay, 9 November, 1975]

The mother of a child has a great responsibility

 in giving all protection to the child

Abhimanyu's widow, Uttara, should have followed the path of her husband, but because she was pregnant, and Maharaja Pariksit, a great devotee of the Lord, was lying in embryo, she was responsible for his protection. The mother of a child has a great responsibility in giving all protection to the child, and therefore Uttara was not ashamed to express this frankly before Lord Krsna.

[Srila Prabhupada from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.10]

If your children do not become Vaisnava in the future, then it is

 a great, I meant to say, fault on your part. So you should be

very cautious, careful, that children are not going astray,

 they are becoming actually Krsna conscious.

Prabhupada: Children's nature is to imitate, because they have to learn. So nature has given them the propensity to imitate. So the first imitation begins from the parents. So if the parent is nice Krsna devotee, naturally the children become devotees. That is the opportunity of taking birth in a Vaisnava family. So you are all Vaisnavas. If your children do not become Vaisnava in the future, then it is a great, I meant to say, fault on your part. So you should be very cautious, careful, that children are not going astray, they are becoming actually Krsna conscious. That means you have to imitate, er, you have to be devotee, and they will imitate. By imitation, imitation, imitation, they will come to Krsna consciousness. Then they will never give it up.

[Srila Prabhupada from a Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture, 2.3.15, Los Angeles, June 1, 1972]

The mother is enemy and the father is enemy who does not

take care of the children, how to educate them how to become

God conscious, how to become Krsna conscious. He's enemy.

Canakya Pandita says that, mata satru pita vairi yena bala na partita.(?) The mother is enemy and the father is enemy who does not take care of the children, how to educate them how to become God conscious, how to become Krsna conscious. He's enemy. So any father and mother who has not given education for spiritual advancement of life, he's enemy, he's not father and mother……..  Therefore sastra says, pita na sa syaj janani na sa syat, na mocayed yah samupeta-mrtyum. One should not become father or mother... That is real contraceptive method. If one is Krsna conscious, then he knows that "What is the use of producing some children like cats and dogs? What is the use? If I produce any children, then they must be Krsna conscious so that this will be their last birth." Because if you become Krsna conscious then there is no more birth. Tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti kaunteya. You send to Krsna, back to home--that is required. Father, mother, guardian's duty is to educate the wards, subordinates, in such a way that he becomes fully Krsna conscious and so that he can be saved from this repetition of birth and death. So this is... First duty is to give protection to the bala-dvija.

[Srila Prabhupadafrom a Srimad-Bhagavatam Lecture, 1.8.49, Mayapura, October 29, 1974]

Note: So why don’t the ex-Gurukula students recognise the real enemies namely the pseudo Iskcon authorities and their own irresponsible parents? Why blame Srila Prabhupada?

CONCLUSION: Srila Prabhupada’s guidance is there to free everyone from their sufferings, if we neglect it, change it or utilise it for our own sense gratification then we have no one to blame other than ourselves.