Srila Prabhupada on Tulasi Devi 1

The following article consists of excerpts about Tulasi Devi from the letters, lectures, conversations, and books of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Date: Dec. 19, 1970
Location: Surat
Bhagavatam Class

Just as a pet dog has got a collar, similarly we are pet dogs of God. So we have got this collar. And Yamaraja, the Lord of Death will understand that he, the devotee, is God’s dog; he should not be shot down.

Date: Dec. 29, 1970
Location: Surat
Letter to: Jagadīśa

The presence of Tulasi is proof of true devotional atmosphere there. Please offer Her all respects and carefully tend and Srimati Tulasi will be pleased upon you in gaining the auspicious favor of the Lord.

Date: April 7, 1970
Location: Los Angeles
Letter to: Govinda Dasī

Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Vishnu. All Vishnu-tattva Deities require profusely Tulasi leaves. Lord Vishnu likes garland of Tulasi leaves. Tulasi leaves mixed with sandalwood pulp and placed on the lotus feet of the Lord is the topmost worship. But we must be very careful that Tulasi leaves cannot be placed on the feet of anyone else except Lord Vishnu and His different forms. Tulasi leaves cannot be placed even on the lotus feet of Radharani or on the lotus feet of the Spiritual Master. It is entirely reserved for being placed on the lotus feet of Krishna. We can place, however, Tulasi leaves in the hands of Radharani for being placed on the lotus feet of Krishna, as you have seen on the Govinda Album.

Date: Oct. 25, 1976
Location: Vrindaban
Letter to: Vidyā Dasī

If it is not possible for Tulasi to survive the winters when planted in the ground, then a suitable house should be provided for her. Even in the Canadian temples which are in a much colder climate are keeping Tulasi nicely. Why should there be so much difficulty in Los Angeles, which has such a nice climate. Just do everything very carefully. Tulasi flourishes where there is love and devotion.

In answer to your questions; 

1) Tulasi is one devotee who appears wherever there is devotion to Krishna. 
2) Tulasi’s body is spiritual.
3) Yes, jewelry is alright. 
4) If possible. 
5) Tulasi leaves should be offered to the Deity.
6) If possible. 
7) Yes. 
8) Yes. 
9) You may cut the dead branches, but what is the necessity. 
10) I never said that. 
11) No. 
12) Yes. 
13) Use the wood for beads as far as possible, the balance may be placed within the earth.
14) I said no chemical sprays. 
15) Undisturbed means what? 
16) Use common sense and if you have none then consult with others. 
17) No. 
18) Don’t try to introduce something new. The most important thing is the love and devotion.

Date: Aug. 21, 1972
Location: Los Angeles
Bhagavatam Class

Tadiya means those who are in relationship with Vishnu, tadiya. Just like His devotee, tadiya. Tulasi-vriksha. Tulasi is tadiya. Or temple tadiya, preaching tadiya. Tadiyanam samarcanam. This is Bhagavata. So Lord Siva recommends that “Of all methods of worship, Vishnu worship is the best, and better than Vishnu worship is to worship His devotee or things in relationship with Him.” Tadiyanam, that is Bhagavata.

Here it is also said, tadiyanam, bhagavata-sevaya. This book Bhagavata, spoken by the devotee bhagavata, this should be taken very seriously daily. Otherwise you…, we do not understand what is Bhagavan. Therefore it is recommended here, nityam, daily, or constantly, twenty-four hours. We have to mold our life in such a way that twenty-four hours, not a single moment leaving aside, we should be engaged in bhagavata-sevaya, in the service of Lord’s relationship.

The Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, the spiritual master, Tulasi-Devi, the temple, the preaching, the books—these are all bhagavata. So nityam bhagavata-sevaya. Nasta-prayesu. If we engage ourself in this bhagavata-sevaya… Just like we are doing daily, trying to read one verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam, discussing amongst ourself, this is bhagavata-sevaya. Nityam, daily, regularly. By this process, when the dirty things within the heart, nasta-prayesv abhadresu…