Spiritual

Leaders must have spiritual depth. We read how Lord Rama, famed for his ideal reign, would often be seen speaking to sages in the seclusion of the deep forest, drawing spiritual inspiration and counsel for his progressive rulership. The powerful leaders eulogised in Srimad-Bhagavatam were known as raja- rsis, or saintly kings. They were deeply connected to the divine and learned in the philosophy of the soul. They understood the profound purpose of life and conducted their administration with the bigger picture in mind. They guided their followers to succeed on a material level and simultaneously find their spiritual essence.

Spiritual leaders see themselves as instruments of God. When Srila Prabhupada was struggling alone in New York, a man named Mr Reuben questioned him on his purpose. Prabhupada explained that he had come to begin a worldwide mission to spread God consciousness. “I am not alone” Prabhupada reassured him, “There are books, temples, devotees – only time separates us from them.” Equipped with the instruction of his guru and the prophecy of the Lord, Srila Prabhupada chalked out a vision to manifest what was ultimately the will of providence.