Srila Prabhupada - Preparing For World War Three WW3 World War 3

Summary

In this thought-provoking conversation with A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, recorded on April 4th, 1975, in Mayapur, India, the discussion revolves around the impending global conflicts, particularly between communism and capitalism, and their potential consequences for humanity. Prabhupada reflects on the destructive nature of war, the spiritual path, and the need for individuals to surrender to Krishna to avoid the darkness of material life. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual consciousness in overcoming fear of death and dealing with the inevitable challenges of life and global turmoil, suggesting that true intelligence lies in preparing the soul for eternal liberation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prabhupada predicts a major war between America and Russia, with India potentially being a key battleground due to its geopolitical position.
• 😀 The conversation touches upon the arms race, with various countries like Pakistan and the Arab nations preparing for conflict by acquiring weapons and training from the US.
• 😀 The devotees are advised to focus on spiritual practice, specifically chanting, as a form of preparation for the upcoming disaster.
• 😀 Prabhupada emphasizes that the ultimate goal of life is to surrender to God (Krishna), as opposed to surrendering to material influences like family, nation, or desires.
• 😀 The concept of the atomic body is discussed, where it is explained that the soul resides within the atomic structure of the body and when the soul leaves, the body disintegrates.
• 😀 Prabhupada reassures that in the face of war or destruction, the devotees’ main focus should be on their spiritual duties and the propagation of Krishna's teachings.
• 😀 There is a discussion on the dangers of materialism and the idea that modern warfare, such as nuclear war, could lead to mass destruction but also presents an opportunity to refine one's spiritual focus.
• 😀 Prabhupada highlights that the communist movement could be victorious in a war against capitalism due to the greater number of students and supporters on their side, which may lead to further destruction of culture.
• 😀 The importance of maintaining a farm-based economy is emphasized, suggesting that during times of global chaos or war, the devotees can sustain themselves through agriculture and self-sufficiency.
• 😀 A philosophical stance on death and the nature of life is presented, where Prabhupada advises that the true intelligence lies in understanding and accepting death as part of the material world, focusing on preparing for the eternal soul's journey.

Q & A

What is the core theme of the conversation in the transcript?

The core theme of the conversation revolves around the potential global war, its impact on civilizations, and how spiritual practice, particularly chanting, can prepare individuals for the potential disaster. Additionally, there is discussion about the nature of the soul, the material world, and the importance of understanding divine knowledge through Krishna consciousness.

What does Prabhupada say about the potential of war between America and Russia?

Prabhupada predicts that the next war, particularly between America and Russia, will have devastating effects and may lead to the destruction of many cities and industries. He suggests that India may suffer significantly as it could become a battleground, with both Russia and America using it as a strategic point.

How does Prabhupada describe the role of the communist and capitalist movements in the global context?

Prabhupada highlights that the communist movement is greater than the capitalist movement due to its larger support base, especially among students. He suggests that in a war between communism and capitalism, the communists might have the upper hand because of their numbers, but they would ultimately destroy culture, including Krishna consciousness.

What is Prabhupada’s view on the nature of the soul within the material body?

Prabhupada explains that the soul is always present within the body and that it is also present in the atom. He emphasizes that the soul's journey through different bodies is part of the continuous cycle of material existence until it is freed from the material world.

How does Prabhupada address the argument that God has placed us in this world and left us in darkness?

Prabhupada counters this argument by explaining that while humans have come to the world of darkness, it is God's mercy that He comes Himself to guide us back to the light. He points out that God has given humans the intelligence to choose to follow the path of light and understanding, not to remain in darkness.

What does Prabhupada suggest as the best way to prepare for potential disaster or war?

Prabhupada advises that the best way to prepare for any disaster, including war, is through chanting the holy names of God. This spiritual practice can provide inner peace and protection regardless of the external circumstances.

What is the significance of surrender in Prabhupada’s philosophy?

Surrender is a central concept in Prabhupada’s philosophy. He teaches that everyone must surrender to something, whether it be to God, family, or material attachments. The difference is that surrendering to God leads to liberation, while surrendering to material illusions keeps one bound in the cycle of birth and death.

What does Prabhupada say about the relationship between God and the living entity in the material world?

Prabhupada explains that the living entity and God (Paramatma) are always together, with God being present in every atom. The living entity's purpose is to align with God’s will and transcend the material body, ultimately returning to a state of spiritual purity and consciousness.

How does Prabhupada view the state of the material world and the pollution caused by nuclear weapons?

Prabhupada acknowledges that the material world is already polluted, both spiritually and environmentally. He accepts that radioactive fallout from a nuclear war could further harm the planet, but stresses that people of knowledge understand the transient nature of life and focus on spiritual preparation instead of fear of death.

What is Prabhupada’s perspective on the potential destruction of cities and industries in a global war?

Prabhupada foresees that war will result in the destruction of cities and industries, but he also suggests that farms and agricultural projects would likely remain intact. He explains that historically, soldiers avoided attacking farmers and that even in wartime, the focus should be on military targets rather than civilians or food producers.