The Historical Prabhupada

When Christian theologians use the term “the historical Christ,” they mean that person whose life story is told in the gospel.  This is only one level of thinking about Christ for them.  They also think of him as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Lord, and so on.  Some speculate about Christ in an impersonal way.  Thus they speak of “the Logos” and “the Christ within everyone.”  Sometimes when you hear this talk, you say, “Wait a minute.  What about the person?”  The scholars reply, “We’re not so interested in the historical person.”

The first time I heard one of Prabhupada’s followers say this I was shocked.

“We don’t want to become a cult of Prabhupada worshipers,” he said.  “Prabhupada is a link in the parampara.  The important thing is the message coming down.  Prabhupada never said that he was important.”

“But Prabhupada is the person who saved me,” I said.  The message did not come to save me by itself; the person saved me.  I want to worship and think of that person.

If we minimize the historical Prabhupada, then we open the possibility that one of us can take his place.  “Now I am the next person in the link.  I am important now.”  Therefore, when remembering the teachings of Krishna consciousness, it is important to do it in a personal way.  When I think of Prahlada Maharaja and his relationship with Krishna, I think, “Prabhupada is sweet to write it in these words.”  If I don’t think of Prabhupada in a personal way, then I am missing out.