Prabhupada Idioms

The dictionary defines an idiom as “a style or form of expression that is characteristic of an individual.”  One has to know how Prabhupada used idioms by listening to his lectures, or by being present for his talks.  Each of these phrases can open up a whole world of Prabhupada realization.

“Everything is there.”

Prabhupada said this to indicate that everything we need to know is present in the Vedic literature.  He said it to convey urgency.  By the chanting of Hare Krishna, you can directly contact Krishna.  By reading Bhagavad-gita, you can know your relationship with Krishna.  Prabhupada enumerated points such as these, and then, as if realizing there was no end to the favorable items, he would interject, “Everything is there.”  He said it with pride as a follower of Krishna consciousness, and with confidence that there was nothing lacking in Bhagavad-gita.  Everything is there, so you should turn to it. 

“Thank you very much.” 

This was Prabhupada’s trademark at the end of every lecture.  One might say that this is nothing more than formality:  The speaker thanks the audience for their attentive hearing.  Because Prabhupada did it, however, it is a trademark to remind us of him.  We wonder about it.  Sometimes we even imagine that Prabhupada was being a touch sarcastic when he said, “thank you very much.”  With some audiences, it sounded like he was amused.  Perhaps I am reading the mind of the acarya by these interpretations, each person will hear it in his own way.  At least, let us keep his “thank you very much” in our collection of remembrances.

“This is going on.”

Prabhupada used this to express the opposite mood of “everything is there.”  By saying “this is going on,” he pointed to the rascaldom and nonsense that goes on in the material world, especially in Kali-yuga.  He stated it at the end of a string of anomalies.  The politicians are cheating the people by taxing and not giving anything in return; people in general are in ignorance about the goal of life; gurus claim they are God but are interested in illicit sex … After stating a list of malpractices, Prabhupada added, “This is going on.  They are getting away with murder.  The cheating continues.  Rascal goes on by misuse of free will.  The sadhu and Krishna know very well that this is happening.  They are not naive.  Prabhupada also was aware that  rascaldom will continue as long as there is a material world, as long as people do not take to Krishna consciousness.  Acts of irreligion pass in the guise of religion.  “This is going on.”

“Where is the difficulty?”

Prabhupada said this after explaining how easy and accessible Krishna consciousness is.  Anyone can offer Krishna a fruit, a flower, or some water.  Even a child can take part in the chanting – “Where is the difficulty?”  Just as we were born from our father, so our father had a father, and his father had a father; if you go back ultimately, you will find there is an original father who is the source of everyone.  In this way we can understand that Krishna is the seed-giving father – where is the difficulty to understand this? 

By this expression, Prabhupada encouraged us to come forward and not make excuses.  If we take to Krsna consciousness, we will not find it difficult.  Prabhupada used the phase as a challenge to those who believe that spiritual life is too problematic.  Prabhupada untangled the problems with logic and sastra, and then interjected this challenge.