Srila Prabhupada<\/p>\n
Srila Prabhupada was born Abhay Charan De on September 1st 1896 in Calcutta, India. His father was Gour Mohan De, a cloth merchant, and his mother was Rajani. His parents in accordance with Bengali tradition, employed an astrologer to calculate the child\u2019s horoscope, and they were made jubilant by the auspicious reading. The astrologer made a specific prediction: When this child reaches the age of seventy, he would cross the ocean, become a great exponent of religion, and open 108 temples.(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d. page x.)
\nIt is noteworthy that in that very same year, 1896, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura\u2019s book was accepted into McGill University in Canada, a pilot light for preaching in the West.
\nWhen young Abhay had been unwilling to go to school, his father saw the humour in it, and always treated him kindly, and was lenient. His mother however, hired a man to escort young Abhay daily to school.<\/p>\n
Gour Mohan De was also a pure hearted Vaisnava. He often used to take young Abhay to the local Sri Radha-Govinda temple. Where young Abhay was seen to be stood for many long hours offering prayers before the Deity. \u201cThe Deity was so beautiful, with His slanted eyes\u201d.
\n(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d. page xiii.)
\nAs Abhay grew up he became more and more devoted to the Deity form of the Lord. He was especially enamoured with the Jagannatha Rathyatra festival that was held in Calcutta each year. Hearing and understanding the significance of the festival Abhay would sometimes check railway timetables to go to Jagannath Puri where Lord Caitanya personally attended some 500 years before. Every year a conservative estimated 5 million people attended the festival, this absorbed Abhay more in the mood of Rathyatra.
\n1901 (circa) Young Abhay conducts his very own first Rathayatra. His father making a small cart, three feet high with a canopy resembling closely the huge carts in Puri. all the local children and many adults would come. Abhay stood out as a leader even then, as he organised and engaged everyone, even many of the mothers were engaged by him in cooking, (especially his sister Bhavatarini), who all cooked special preparations to be offered and distributed as \u2018prasadam\u2019 at this Rathyatra festival.
\nAt age 6, his father purchased upon his request, his own Radha-Govinda Deities. Seeing the family engaged from his birth, watching his father performing the \u2018puja\u2019 at home, and going regularly to see Radha-Govindaji, it was only natural. From this day on whatever foodstuffs were brought before him by his parents, he would first offer to Sri Radha-Govindaji, and then eat Their \u2018prasadam\u2019. He also used to daily offer them a ghee lamp, and properly put Them to rest at night. Little is know of his adolescence.
\nDuring his college years his father arranged a marriage, selecting Radharani Datta as Abhay\u2019s bride. In 1918 they were married, but for several years Abhay lived with his family and Radharani with hers. This was to facilitate his finishing his college education. As it was recognised that the added responsibility of supporting a family is a challenge.
\nIn his fourth year of college Abhay felt reluctant to accept his degree, a degree that was given by the British. He had become a sympathiser to the Nationalist case, which advocated \u2018National schools\u2019, Freedom from British Rule, and Self Government (Self Rule).
\nAt the same school (Scottish Colleges) in the class one year ahead of Abhay was the highly spirited Nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose, who later became the leader of the Indian National Army formed to overthrow British Rule of India.
\nAbhay was attracted to the pure and simple teaching of Mohandas K. Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi). Who stood by the ancient pure principles of moral India, and regarded Bhagavad Gita above all other books. His personal habits too, and life-style were pure, as he lived a life as a saint, \u2018sadhu\u2019. Abhay had seen many \u2018sadhus\u2019 and was not overly impressed. However, Gandhi had more integrity than most.
\nGandhi called on all Indian students to rebel and give up British mundane, manipulative educations, that would ultimately bind one in slavery to the British Raj and would deny the Indian people of their freedom, religion, culture, and inevitably their country. The schools shaped the students, \u2018brainwashing\u2019 them to British Imperialism, teaching them the corrupted philosophies taught by the Christian Church funded Western Indologists shaping them for the control of generations to come.
\nAbhay weighed up the \u2018pros\u2019 and \u2018cons\u2019. Abhay then rejected his diploma even after completing his fourth year and passing his examination. So doing he made his principled stand of protest in response to Gandhi\u2019s call.
\nWhen Gandhi called for a boycott of everything British and \u2018non-co-operation\u2019 after the British soldiers had gunned down hundreds of innocent, unarmed Indians who gathered at a peaceful rally at Jallainwalla Bagh, Abhay moved closer towards Gandhi\u2019s independence movement.
\nAbhay\u2019s father was somewhat disturbed for Abhay\u2019s future, but didn\u2019t resent his decision. More concerned for Abhay\u2019s future than Indian politics Gour Mohan De arranged employment for Abhay through a prominent friend, distinguished surgeon, and chemical industrialist, a Dr Kartick Chandra Bose. Dr Bose gladly accepted Abhay as his department manager in his firm.
\n1921 His wife gave birth to the first son and child, while she was just 14 years old (A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. June 8th 1974. Morning walk conversation. Geneva, Switzerland.).
\n1922 marked the first meeting of Abhay with his spiritual master. Some of Abhay Charan\u2019s friends were going to see a \u2018sadhu\u2019 who was preaching in Calcutta, a descendant in the Brahma Madhwa Gaudiya line coming through Bhaktivinoda Thakur, his father none less. The \u2018Scottish School\u2019 educated, and prestigious leader of his group of friends, was asked to come along too. At his family home Abhay Charan De had seen so many \u2018sadhus\u2019 come, his father a pure devotee of the Lord, would daily invite \u2018sadhus\u2019 to his house for \u2018prasadam\u2019, and as a general feeling Abhay was not overly impressed with what he saw. His friends knowing his devotion, learning and expectations, valued his opinion, and so insisted that he come and see Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami. Abhay was reluctant, but his friends wanted his approval. So Abhay conceded to go.
\n\u201cNo sooner did Abhay and his friends respectfully bow before the saintly person and prepare to sit than he said to them, \u2018You are educated young men. Why don\u2019t you preach Lord Caitanya\u2019s message throughout the whole world?\u2019 \u201c(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. Your Ever Well Wisher. page xvi.)
\nAbhay was surprised that the \u2018sadhu\u2019 had asked immediately for them to become preachers on his behalf. Impressed by Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura he wanted to test him with intelligent inquiries\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. You Ever Well-wisher. page xvi.)
\nKhadi clad, Abhay asked, \u201cWho will hear your Caitanya\u2019s message? We are a dependent country. First India must become independent. How can we spread India\u2019s culture if we are under British rule?\u201d
\nNote that he never objected to the concept of spreading Lord Caitanya\u2019s mission, his concern was with the apparent obstacles that stood in the way.
\nSrila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati dispelled any thought of potential obstacles saying that Krsna consciousness didn\u2019t have to wait for a change in Indian Politics, nor was it dependent on who ruled. Krsna consciousness could not be impaired by anyone or anything, it is so important that it could not wait. Therefore you must do it.
\nAbhay was struck by his boldness. He brushed all temporal material miseries and condions aside, leaving the only worthwhile and factual conclusion and solution to all material difficulties, Krsna consciousness.
\nIn a very short time Abhay was convinced, \u201cHe\u2019s wonderful!\u201d Abhay said to his friend, \u201cThe message of Lord Caitanya is in the hands of a very expert person\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d, page xvii.) It was that very night that in his heart young Abhay accepted Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada as his spiritual master(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d, page xvii-xviii.).<\/p>\n
In 1925 Abhay Charan De first visits Sri Vrindavan, the Holy place of Lord Sri Krsna\u2019s pastimes.<\/p>\n
For business purposes, Abhay and his wife and family moved to Allahabad. As a pharmaceutical salesman, Abhay did a lot of travelling by rail, especially in North India.
\nBy now Abhay Charan had developed a strong relationship with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupad, to the point where he requested formal spiritual initiation. On November 21st 1932., in the Gaudiya Math in Allahabad Abhay Charan De receives \u2018diksha\u2019 initiation.
\nAbhay tried to organise to visit his spiritual master but whenever he visited Calcutta Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati was not there. Unlike many of his other disciples Abhay was thus unable to travel and spend time with his spiritual master. Consequently over the next four years they only met about a dozen times.
\nWhen finally they did meet Abhay Charanaravinda das took every opportunity to hear from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta. \u201cAlthough Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati was so strong in argument against other philosophies that even his own disciples were cautious about approaching him if he were sitting alone, and although Abhay\u2019s contact with him was quite limited, still Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati would always treat him very kindly. Srila Prabhupada would later recall, \u201c\u2026.sometimes my Godbrothers would criticise because I would talk a little freely with him, and they would quote this English saying, \u2018Fools rush in, where angels fear to tread\u2019. But I would think, \u2018Fool? Well, maybe. But that is the way I am\u2019. My Guru Maharaj was always very, very affectionate to me\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d, page xx.)
\n1935 on the occasion of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati\u2019s 62nd birthday Abhay submitted a poem and an essay at as meeting of his Godbrothers in Bombay. The articles were well received and duly published in the \u2018Harmonist\u2019 for which Abhay was informally daubed \u2018kavi\u2019 (learned poet) by his Godbrothers. Abhay\u2019s real pleasure in his offering was when it reached Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, who in particular liked one stanza and showed it to all his guests:
\nAbsolute is sentient
\nThou hast proved,
\nImpersonal calamity
\nthough has removed.<\/p>\n
Later Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati said to the editor of the \u2018Harmonist\u2019, \u201cWhatever he writes, publish it!\u201d
\nThat year (1935) held one of the most significant meetings with his spiritual master in Vrindavan. Once when Abhay Charanaravinda das was walking with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati and several other disciples, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati began talking confidentially to Abhay Charan das. the conversation was in regard to some senior disciples quarrelling over who would use various rooms and facilities at the Gaudiya Math headquarters in Calcutta (Bagh Bazaar). Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati said to Abhay Charan\u2019 if they are quarrelling now what will they do after their spiritual master passes away? Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati was distressed. He said to Abhay Charan\u2019 \u201cThere will be fire\u2026\u2026.!\u201d One day there would be fire in the Calcutta Gaudiya Math, and that fire of party interest would spread and destroy. Abhay Charan\u2019 heard, but didn\u2019t know what to make of it. \u201cIt would be better, to take the marble from the walls of the temple to secure money. If I could do this and print books, that would be better,\u201d said Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati.
\nThen Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati said directly to Abhay Charan, \u201cI have a desire to print some books. If you ever get money print books\u201d.(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d, page xxi.)
\n\u201cSrila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupad departed from this mortal world in December 1936. One month before his departure Abhay Charan wrote him a letter. He was thinking that as householder, \u2018grhastha\u2019 he couldn\u2019t fully serve his spiritual master, and he wanted to know what to do. Thus he inquired, \u201cIs there any particular service I can do?\u201d
\nTwo weeks later Abhay Charan received a reply: \u201cI am fully confident that you can explain in English our thoughts and arguments to the people who are not conversant with the languages Bengali & Hindi\u2026..this will do much good to yourself as well as your audience. I have every hope that you can turn yourself into a very good English preacher.\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d, page xxi.) Accepting this as his confirmation of his mission Abhay Charan began to further mould his life.
\n\u201cThe fire in the math\u201d, mentioned by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati broke out almost immediately after his disappearance. Legal disputes followed and the mission as propounded by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, was spoiled.
\nSrila A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad lets his feelings be felt in the following purports:
\n\u201cIn the beginning, during the presence of Om Visnupada Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Astottara-sata Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada, all the disciples worked in agreement; but just after his disappearance, they disagreed. One party strictly followed the instructions of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, but another group created their own concoction about executing his desires. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, at the time of his departure, requested all his disciples to form a governing body and conduct missionary activities cooperatively. He did not instruct a particular man to become the next \u2018acarya\u2019. But just after his passing away, his leading secretaries made plans, without authority, to occupy the post of \u2018acarya\u2019, and they split in two factions over who the next acarya would be. Consequently, both factions were \u2018asara\u2019, or useless, because they had no authority, having disobeyed the order of the spiritual master. Despite the spiritual master\u2019s order to form a governing body and execute the missionary activities of the Gaudiya Matha, the two unauthorised factions began litigation that is still going on after forty years with no decision.
\n\u201cTherefore, we do not belong to any faction. But because the two parties, busy dividing the material assets of the Gaudiya Matha institution, stopped the preaching work, we took up the mission of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and Bhaktivinoda Thakura to preach the cult of Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world, under the protection of all the predecessor \u2018acaryas\u2019, and we find that our humble attempt has been successful. We followed the principles especially explained by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita verse \u2018vyavasayatmika buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana\u2019. According to this instruction of Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, it is the duty of a disciple to follow strictly the orders of his spiritual master. The secret of success in advancement in spiritual life is the firm faith of the disciple in the orders of his spiritual master. The Vedas confirm this:
\nyasya deve para bhaktir
\nyatha deve tatha gurau
\ntasyaite kathita hy arthah
\nprakasante mahatmanah<\/p>\n
\u2018To one who has staunch faith in the words of the spiritual master and the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead the secret of success in Vedic knowledge is revealed\u2019. The Krsna consciousness movement is being propagated according to this principle, and therefore our preaching work is going on successfully, in spite of the many impediments offered by antagonistic demons, because we are getting positive help from our previous \u2018acaryas\u2019. One must judge every action by its result. The members of the self-appointed \u2018acaryas\u2019 party who occupied the property of the Gaudiya Matha are satisfied, but they could make no progress in preaching. Therefore by the result of their actions one should know that they are \u2018asara\u2019, or useless, whereas the success of the ISKCON party, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which strictly follows \u2018guru\u2019 and Gauranga, is increasing daily all over the world. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura wanted to print as many books as possible and distribute them all over the world. We have tried our best in this connection, and we are getting results beyond our expectations.\u201d(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi lila 12:8. purport.)
\nasarera name ihan nahi prayoiana
\nbheda janibare kari ekatra ganana<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no need to name those who are useless. I have mentioned them only to distinguish them from the useful devotees.\u201d(Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi lila 12:11. text.)<\/p>\n
dhanya-rasi mape yaiche patna sahite
\npascate patna udana samskara karite<\/p>\n
\u201cPaddy is mixed with straw at first, and one must fan it to separate the paddy from the straw.\u201d(Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 12:12. text.)
\n\u201cThis example given by Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami is very appropriate. In the case of the Gaudiya Matha members, one can apply a similar process. There are many disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, but to judge who is actually his disciple, to divide the useful from the useless, one must measure the activities of such disciples in executing the will of the spiritual master. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura tried his best to spread the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to countries outside India. When he was present he patronised the disciples to go outside India to preach the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, but they were unsuccessful because within their minds they were not actually serious about preaching His cult in foreign countries; they simply wanted to take credit for having gone to foreign lands and utilise this recognition in India by advertising themselves as repatriated preachers. Many \u2018swamis\u2019 have adopted this hypocritical means of preaching for the last eighty years or more, but no one could preach the real cult of Krsna consciousness all over the world. They merely came back to India falsely advertising that they had converted all the foreigners to the ideas of Vedanta or Krsna consciousness, and then they collected funds in India and lived satisfied lives of material comfort. As one fans paddy to separate the real paddy from useless straw, by accepting the criterion recommended by Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami one can very easily understand who is a genuine world-preacher and who is useless.\u201d(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 12:12. purport.).<\/p>\n
1939 Abhay Charan prabhu in recognition for his devotional scholarship receives the honorary title \u2018Bhaktivedanta\u2019 from the Gaudiya Matha.<\/p>\n
February 1944 A.C. Bhaktivedanta begins the \u2018Back to Godhead magazine\u2019, an English fortnightly magazine, single handedly. Srila Prabhupada edited it, typed the manuscripts, checked the galley proofs, and even distributed the individual copies.
\nIndian independence in 1947 was followed by the horrors of \u2018Indo-Pak\u2019 fighting. Hundreds of thousands died in the fighting that followed \u2018partition\u2019 of the land into India and Pakistan. Abhay Charan\u2019 always remained in spiritual prospectus, reflecting Srila Prabhupada recalls, \u201cWe have seen in 1947, Hindu-Muslim fighting. One party was Hindu, the other party was Muslim. They fought, and so many died. And after death there was no distinction who was Hindu or who was Muslim \u2013 the municipal men gathered the bodies together in piles to throw them somewhere\u201d.(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxiii.)
\nIn regard to the problem Abhay Charan das presented a solution in BTG (Back to Godhead Magazine), in his article \u201cGandhi-Jinnah Talks\u201d, he wrote, \u201cFighting will go on between Hindu and Mohammedan, between Christian and Christian, between Buddhist and Buddhist \u2019till the day of annihilation\u201d.(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxii.) As long as people forget their purpose in life and relationship with God and each other out of selfish material interests and desires for sense gratification, they will continue fighting. \u201cReal unity was possible only on the platform of spiritual understanding and service to the Supreme\u201d.(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxii.)<\/p>\n
On December 7th 1947 Abhay Charan\u2019 wrote a long letter to Gandhi in New Delhi. Having doubts that Gandhi would ever receive it Abhay Charan addressing himself as Gandhi\u2019s \u201cUnknown Friend\u201d, he wrote, \u201cI tell you as a sincere friend that you must immediately retire from active politics if you do not desire to die an inglorious death\u201d. Abhay Charan never received a reply, and on 30th January 1948 Gandhi was shot to death, his letter appearing as a prophecy.<\/p>\n
For the next few years Abhay Charan put less and less energy into business and more and more into writing and preaching.
\nAbhay Charan was invited to speak at the Gita Mandir in Jhansi by a colleague he had met as a customer at the Jhansi hospital. The audience was mostly students and professionals, who were mostly interested in social and cultural mental titillation. Many speakers came and went. But Abhay Charan was visionary and ambitious, and leaving his Allahabad business affairs in the hands of his son, he tried to start a spiritual movement there in Jhansi. This was \u201cThe League of Devotees\u201d.<\/p>\n
1950 he retired from family life, adopting the \u2018ashrama\u2019 of \u2018vanaprastha\u2019 (retired). He was far from retirement in actuality. Now he dedicated his energy into study and writing.<\/p>\n
In 1953 initiates his first disciple in that centre in Jhansi, Acarya dasa.
\nStarts his own centre in Jhansi, to which the Grand Opening for \u2018The League of devotees\u2019 was on May 16th.
\nThe 1950\u2019s were a difficult time for Abhay Charan. He had to leave his \u201cLeague if Devotees\u201d building because the governor\u2019s wife insisted it be used for a \u201cLadies Club\u201d. With no place to stay and no real support, he left Jhansi \u2013 but not his plan for a world wide association of devotees. He moved around from an \u2018ashram\u2019 in Delhi, stayed with different Godbrothers, now he knew he was on his own. He lived like a mendicant, staying here and there for a week at a time in various temples or in the homes of the wealthy pious people who would receive him. These difficult times of no money, simple clothing, little proper food, etc., made him more resourceful. He took these difficulties as assets(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxix.) Not so much in material terms, but in term of what it did for his faith. He had no-one, he was alone. Rejected by family and friends as a material failure his only solace was the mission of his spiritual master.
\nTo fulfil this mission he approached many prominent personalities including Dr Rajendra Prasad, the President of India a that time, but received no reply.<\/p>\n
In September of 1956., Abhay Charan moves to Sri Vrindavan Dham eighty miles south of Delhi to begin an intensive preparation and study to embark on his life\u2019s mission. His plan was to draw enough energy from the well of spiritual purity and energy of Sri Vrindavan Dham, write in the tranquil atmosphere and then commute to Delhi to distribute his literature and seek donations from respected persons.
\nHaving full faith in guru and Krsna, always expecting their mercy, daily Abhay Charan pushed on even in the 60 degree Centigrade heat of the Vrndavana and Delhi summers. Living simply, in an inexpensive room in the Vamsi-Gopalji Temple, located on the bank of the sacred Yamuna River, he entered into a special mood, and quality of Vrindavan life.<\/p>\n
It was very difficult, commuting to Delhi on the early morning train, but having nowhere to stay, returning to Vrindavan the same night. It didn\u2019t leave but a few hours in Delhi, and everything was so expensive, for one on a budget of next to nothing. Yet he continued, travelling, printing and mailing. After producing 12 consecutive fortnightly editions of \u201cBack To Godhead\u201d Abhay Charan ran out of money. The printer told him that he couldn\u2019t print simply out of friendship, and so there was no more publication. Abhay Charan continued writing, building up a stock-pile of preaching materials, but the plan for publication was distant.<\/p>\n
After many years of struggle to support and maintain his family, finally in 1954., A.C. Bhaktivedanta prabhu leaves his family to dedicate his life to the mission of fulfilling the order of his spiritual master.<\/p>\n
He ventured again to preach in Delhi. Resolute in his definite major purpose A.C.Bhaktivedanta prabhu sat in his Chippiwada temple (Delhi) typing by day and night in order to present Srimad Bhagavatam faithful to the Vedanta Sutra of Vyasa, and with purports to affect the stone like hearts of the misdirected civilisation presently inhabiting the Earth. Srila A.C.Bhaktivedanta prabhu carefully and thoughtfully with exacting care and concentration worked quickly to this end.<\/p>\n
After some time moved to the Radha-Damodar Temple in town. There he would eat, sleep and write in his humble rooms overlooking the courtyard at the Sri Sri Radha-Damodara Temple, where the six Goswamis, four hundred years previously, would sit and take \u2018prasadam\u2019 and discuss Vaisnava philosophy and the loving pastimes of Sri Radha Krsna in the presence of Lord Caitanya. At this sacred place, the home of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, Srila Prabhupada, by the mercy of the \u2018parampara\u2019, became surcharged. His conviction, and mission to write and preach becomes more apparent, with much deep reflection upon his role, and the method by which he would fulfil that role.
\nLiving at the historic Sri Radha-Damodar temple in Vrindavana he began his monumental \u2018life\u2019s masterpiece\u2019 the multi volume commentated translation of the eighteen thousand verse Srimad Bhagavatam (Maha-Bhagavat Purana)<\/p>\n
Reflective, and in a renounced and solitary mood, Abhay Charan Bhaktivedanta prabhu composed a Bengali poem, entitled, \u201cVrindavan Bhajan\u201d. Its opening stanzas were especially self-reflective and personal:<\/p>\n
Verse 1. \u201cI am sitting alone in Vrindavana Dham. In this mood I am getting many realisations. I have wife, sons, daughters, grandsons, everything. But I have no money, so they are a fruitless glory. Krsna has sown me the naked form of material nature; By His strength it has all become tasteless to me today, \u2018yasyaham anugrhnami harishye tad-dhanam shanaih\u2019 \u201cI gradually take away all the wealth of those upon whom I am merciful\u201d.
\nHow was I able to understand this mercy of the All Merciful?
\nVerse 2. \u201cEveryone has abandoned me, seeing me penniless wife, relatives, friends, brothers, everyone. this is misery, but it gives me a good laugh. I sit alone and laugh!<\/p>\n
In this \u2018Maya samsara\u2019, whom do I really love?
\nWhere have my loving father and mother gone now?
\nAnd where are all my elders, who were my own folk?
\nWho will give me news of them, tell me who?
\nall that is left of this family life is a list of names.(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxxi.).<\/p>\n
Soon after this realisation Abhay Charan Bhaktivedanta prabhu had a striking repetitive dream, one that he had as a householder. In the dream his spiritual master appeared, just as he knew him, a tall, scholarly \u2018sannyasi\u2019, \u2018Vaikuntha man\u2019, the pure representative of the Lord. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur indicated to Abhay Charan that it is time now to take \u2018sannyasa\u2019. Repeatedly he called and motioned to the cloth. He was definitely asking Abhay Charan to take to the \u2018sannyasa\u2019 order.
\nWhen Abhay Charan awoke he pondered carefully the dream. \u201cAbhay Charan dasa reasoned that his spiritual master was saying \u2018now take sannyasa and you will actually be able to accomplish this mission. Formerly the time was not right\u2019.\u201d(Satswarupa dasa Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxxiv.)
\nHumbly Abhay Charan (Bhaktivedanta prabhu) although apprehensive, approached his senior godbrother, Srila Bhakti Prajna Keshava Maharaj in Mathura, who stressed that Abhay Charan take \u2018sannyasam\u2019 immediately.
\nSeptember 17th 1959., he receives formal \u2018sannyasa\u2019 initiation in Mathura from Srila Bhakti Prajna Keshava Maharaj, a dear godbrother and senior disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada. He was given the suffix Goswami to his name, and so carried the full name A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
\nThat day he was horned by a bull in the market place, and took it as purification after the initiation.<\/p>\n
In the Autumn of 1959, \u201cSrila Prabhupada was living in Sri Vrindavan Dham and would sometimes practice \u2018madhukari\u2019. \u2018Madhukari\u2019 means to collect a little food door-to-door for one\u2019s maintenance just as a bee collects a little pollen flower-to-flower. Sri Prabhupada, however, often requested the householders whom he called upon to give pen and paper for his writing rather than the rice, dahl, and chapattis traditionally sought by holy men practicing \u2018madhukari\u2019.
\nOn those papers that he received as alms, Srila Prabhupada wrote page after page, preparing his messages of Godhead for the world. Some of his manuscripts he published in his \u2018Back to Godhead Magazine\u2019, and others, like \u2018Easy Journey to Other Planets\u2019, he printed as small booklets. Although unable to publish everything he wrote, Srila Prabhupada nevertheless continued to write and stockpile his manuscripts. Unfortunately, some of the early writings of His Divine Grace were lost after Srila Prabhupada left Sri Vrindavan Dham to conduct his worldwide campaign of spreading Krsna consciousness.\u201d(J.G. Bhaktigaurava Narasingha Swami. 1993. Introduction to \u2018In Search of the Ultimate Goal of Life\u2019. page xv.)<\/p>\n
Following the mood of the day, acknowledging the world struggle and control between the \u2018post war super powers\u2019 for the \u2018uncharted, unknown realm of space\u2019, and understanding the mentality of the people of the day A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami publishes his first book \u2018Easy journey to other planets\u2019 in Delhi in the autumn of 1960.<\/p>\n
As a culmination of many years of study, reflection, meditation, discussion, and thought A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami publishes Canto One, Volume One of Srimad Bhagavatam a commentary with super condensed, compacted purports which were the crystallised product of a life times study and realisation.
\nFrom his small room at the Radha-Damodar temple, where he would prepare his meals, and rest he could see the \u2018samadhi\u2019 of Srila Rupa Goswami and the Deities that he installed there. Bhaktivedanta Swami prayed there, at the feet of Rupa Goswami, his predecessor for guidance. what he received in return, the inspiration, intimate direction, was like the scribe Ganesh who wrote on Srila Vyasadeva\u2019s behalf as Vyasa dictated to him.<\/p>\n
In 1962, with his Srimad Bhagavatam now published he personally travelled, preached its glories, and sold copies. Using favourable reviews from prominent persons like; Hanuman Prasad Poddar (Gita Press \u2013 Gorakpur), Hindu philosopher Dr Radhakrishnan, the prestigious \u2018Adyar Library Bulletin\u2019, Scholarly Godrothers, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Dr Zakir Hussain \u2013 the Vice President of India, Sri Biswanatha Das \u2013 governor of Uttar Pradesh, as his advertisements. Bhaktivedanta Swami visited prospective donors as he tried to raise funds for further volumes. To publish the first canto in three volumes it had thus taken a little more than two years.<\/p>\n
Outside the Radha Damodar Temple in Vrindavan 1964 with the Governor of UP.<\/p>\n
Now he turned his attention to preaching in the West.
\nA.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami was 69 years of age. He had treasured, nurtured and developed the instruction from his spiritual master some forty years. It seemed a long cultivation and preparation. As Satswarupa das Goswami so nicely calls his biography on Srila Prabhupada\u2019s first volume \u201cA life-time in preparation\u201d, preparing to plant the seeds.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Vrindavan Bhaktivedanta Swami met Mr Agarwal, a Mathura businessman, and mentioned to him on passing, as he did to almost everyone he met, that he wanted to go to the West. although Mr Agarwal had known Bhaktivedanta Swami for only a few minutes, he volunteered to try to get him a sponsor in America by asking his son Gopal, an engineer in Pennsylvania, to send back a sponsorship form. When Mr Agarwal volunteered to help in this way, Bhaktivedanta Swami urged him to please do so\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page xxxviii.)
\nMeanwhile A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami went about his daily affairs following his usual avenues of book selling, looking for whatever opportunity might arise.
\nThen one day to his pleasure and surprise, he was contacted by the Ministry of External Affairs and informed that a certificate of \u2018No Objection\u2019 for travelling to the U.S was ready. Mr Gopal Agarwal of Butler Pennsylvania had solemnly declared that he would bear any and all expenses of Bhaktivedanta Swami during his stay in the United States.<\/p>\n
With newly acquired passport, visa, \u2018P-form\u2019, sponsor, and travel fare A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami travelled to Bombay to seek assistance in getting to America. He approached Srimati Sumati Morarji, head of the Scindia Steamship Line, who had previously helped him with a large donation for printing volume two of Srimad Bhagavatam.
\nConcerned to his health and welfare Sumati Morarji said, \u201cno\u201d to his request for assistance.<\/p>\n
Bhaktivedanta Swami coaxed her secretary Mr Choksi, advising him in exactly what to say; \u201cI find this gentleman very inspired to go to the States and preach Lord Krishna\u2019s message to the people there\u2026..\u201d again she said, \u201cno\u201d. He demanded a personal interview, which he got, and then presented his single minded emphatic request; \u201cPlease give me one ticket!!!\u201d
\nFinally she conceded and gave him a scheduled place on the ship Jaladuta, which was sailing from Calcutta on 13th August 1965. She made all the arrangements, making sure that he would travel on a ship whose captain understood the needs of a vegetarian and a \u2018brahmana\u2019. She organised that the captain, Arun Pandia carry extra vegetables and fruits for Bhaktivedanta Swami.<\/p>\n
A couple of days before the ship was to sail Bhaktivedanta Swami arrived in Calcutta. Although he had spent so much of his early life growing up there and had known so many persons as in his poem, now he knew no-one.
\nStaying with a slight acquaintance, and on the day before his departure, travelling north to Mayapur to visit the \u2018samadhi\u2019 tomb of his spiritual master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada to ask for his blessings. Now he was ready.
\nHis main baggage was several trunks, two hundred three volume sets of first canto Srimad Bhagavatam, his personal baggage a small suit-case, an umbrella, and a supply of dry cereal in case he couldn\u2019t find food in the land of the meat eaters. If that be the case, he was prepared to live on boiled potatoes and the cereal he brought with him.<\/p>\n
On Friday August 13th 1965., at 9:00 am., he sets sail for America aboard the steamship \u2018Jaladuta\u2019. By Saturday 14th., Bhaktivedanta Swami experienced seasickness, dizziness, vomiting as they moved slowly in heavy rains through the Bay of Bengal.
\nReaching Colombo, Sri Lanka on 19th., Bhaktivedanta Swami was able to go ashore and get some relief from his seasickness. A diary is recorded of the exact route in Satswarupa das Goswami\u2019s books in the chapter \u201cStruggling Alone\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, pages 1-3.)<\/p>\n
After experiencing sea-sickness from the Atlantic crossing, in rough seas, and in mid-Atlantic, and at the advanced age of 63 years of age A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami suffers two heart attacks. \u201cIf a third comes I will not survive!\u201d
\nThat night in a dream the Lord appeared to him in a boat full of many incarnations, and assured the dedicated mendicant that He will protect him.
\nSri Krsna was very kind to Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, and he appreciated that. In his diary he wrote, \u201cIf the Atlantic would have shown its usual face, perhaps I would have died. But Lord Krishna has taken charge of the ship\u201d.<\/p>\n
After a 35 day journey from Calcutta the Jaladuta docked at Commonwealth pier at 5:30 am., September 17th 1965., the ship docks in Boston, United States of America, stopping briefly before pushing on to New York City Harbour, for A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami a new journey had begun.
\nThe Captain made comments to the effect that, this had been the calmest of all the Atlantic crossings that he had ever been on, and light heartedly, yet with regard for his health, asked Bhaktivedanta Swami if he would return with him to ensure another safe trip.
\nWith only forty Rupees, and an Indian steel trunk full of Srimad Bhagavatams, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami set his sights for creating a movement that would have the effect of changing the world that we live in so many ways.<\/p>\n
Unlike many Indians who had gone before him and come to the West, he had not come to receive from the West, but had come to give to the West!
\nHe was staunch. In an uncompromised manner, with shaven head, \u2018Vaishnava tilak\u2019, Tulasi neck beads, saffron \u2018dhoti\u2019, \u2018kurta\u2019, \u2018uttara\u2019 and an old \u2018chaddar\u2019 \u2013 shawl; and rubber pointed slippers, all not uncommon for \u2018sadhus\u2019 in India. But who in America had ever dreamed of seeing anyone dressed in the traditional Vaisnava way? \u201cHe was possibly the first \u2018Vaisnava sannyasi\u2019 to arrive in New York with uncompromising appearance\u201d(Satswarupa dasa Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page 5.)<\/p>\n
Srila Prabhupada recalls, \u201cI did not know whether to turn left or right\u201d(Satswarupa das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page 5.) After passing through the dockyard formalities he was met by a representative from travellers aid, sent by the Agarwals\u2019 in Butler Pennsylvania.
\nHe stayed there for a while, always meditating on how best to preach. With a burning desire to start his preaching movement he got Gopal Agarwal to take him to Pittsburg where he got a bus for New York City.
\nA.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami knew no-one in New york, he only had a contact: Dr Ramamurthi Mishra. Dr Mishra was a flamboyant, dramatic personality. Bhaktivedanta Swami was given a room at his apartment, but when it became inconvenient he shifted Bhaktivedanta Swami down to his Hatha Yoga studio near Central Park. Bhaktivedanta Swami stayed there for a short time, but found himself constantly at odds with Mishra who turned out to be a \u2018mayavadi\u2019.
\nIn Butler he had been confined by the Agarwals\u2019 middle class sensibilities; now due to having to be temporarily dependent on the good will of a \u2018mayavadi\u2019 \u2013 treated with kindness, yet viewed as a threat. Dr Mishra tried desperately hard to keep his \u2018yoga\u2019 students away from the personalistic philosophy emanating from Bhaktivedanta Swami\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n
November 8th., 1965., Bhaktivedanta Swami wrote to his godbrother Tirtha Maharaj, who had become president of the Gaudiya Math. He tried to urge his godbrothers to come and help him, or at least send a couple of men he could work with, preach with and open a centre with.
\nThree weeks later a reply came from Tirtha Maharaj, unfortunately today, I think for him, Tirtha Maharaj\u2019s letter was a very polite yet to the point, \u201c\u2026..that the Gaudiya Math\u2019s funds could not be used to open a centre in New York\u201d.<\/p>\n
That didn\u2019t deter him in the least, his faith in the mission of his guru maharaj was firm, he knew what he wanted and knew that all he had to do was be willing to follow the design of the Lord. the practical example of Arjuna was there in the forefront of his mind, trusting that the battle was in fact already won, the humble follower of this ageless tradition now stood up proudly amidst numerous potential foes and declared the battle won. Proof of the foresight of his faith, like one who puts faith in the darkness of the early morning, knowing that light of day will appear, he revealed his mind to those he met, who he found worthy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn his solitary wanderings in Manhattan, Bhaktivedanta Swami made acquaintances with a number of local people. there was Mr Ruben, a Turkish Jew, who worked as a subway conductor. Mr Ruben met Bhaktivedanta Swami on a park bench and, being a sociable fellow and a world traveller, sat and talked with the Indian holy Man.
\nMr Ruben: He seemed to know that he would have temples filled with devotees. He would look out and say, \u2018I am not a poor man, I am rich. There are temples and books, they are existing, they are there, but time is separating us from them\u2019. He always mentioned \u2018we\u2019 and spoke about the one who sent him, his spiritual master. He didn\u2019t know people at that time, but he said, \u2018I am never alone\u2019. He always looked like a lonely man to me. That\u2019s what made me think of him like a holy man, Elijah, who always went out alone. I don\u2019t believe he had any followers.\u201d(Satswarupa dasa Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page 14.)<\/p>\n
Even in the severest conditions of blizzards and snow Bhaktivedanta Swami worked on his \u201cKrsna Book\u201d, Srimad Bhagavatam, preached from Bhagavad Gita and offered his food to the Lord.
\n15th February 1965., Bhaktivedanta Swami moved from Dr Mishra\u2019s \u2018yoga\u2019 studio to an place of his own, a small narrow office without furniture or telephone. Sleeping on the floor on blankets, and a makeshift desk for writing made by covering a trunk with a cloth. There were no bathing or cooking facility so he travelled up two flights to use Dr Mishra\u2019s \u2018Yoga Ashram\u2019. Now Bhaktivedanta Swami maintained himself simply by selling his books to who ever he met that was interested.
\nEven in this bare room Bhaktivedanta Swami began to preach. On a donated reel to reel tape recorder he recorded some of his solitary \u2018bhajans\u2019, accompanying himself on \u2018karatals\u2019 (hand cymbals). He even recorded a long philosophical essay, \u201cIntroduction to Gitopanishad (Bhagavad Gita)\u201d. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had told him, \u201c\u2026and even if no one attends, you can go on chanting to the four walls\u201d. Now uninhibited by those around him, and free to speak, Bhaktivedanta Swami began lectures Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays to whoever would come. His first audience were Dr Mishra\u2019s students that he had preached to at their \u2018ashram\u2019. But news soon spread like fire in the Lower East Side of New York, the time was right and so were the people.<\/p>\n
After having his typewriter and tape recorder stolen, disappointed, Bhaktivedanta Swami moved to the Bowery to be where the people were, and where he was offered accommodation in a loft.
\nThe classes continued, and the musicians of the area came to chant along with Bhaktivedanta Swami, as long as they chanted \u2018Hare Krishna\u2019 he didn\u2019t mind.
\nBut alas the nature of the Bowery\u2019s drug using population convinced Bhaktivedanta Swami that as he was warned, the Bowery was unsafe for a gentleman such as he.
\nGaining assistance from some of his students Bhaktivedanta Swami stayed with Carl Yeargens and his wife Eva, until Michael Grant and Carl helped him to find a store front, a former gift shop on 26 \u2013 2nd Avenue, called \u201cMatchless Gifts\u201d. The rent was $71 a month and including bond, electricity etc., it came to $196 to move in. Carl, Mike and some of the others pitched in and Bhaktivedanta Swami was able to move in.
\nThe apartment was painted, electricity connected, water turned on, and a phone installed \u2013 everything paid for by his friends.<\/p>\n
The musicians and people of the Bowery considered Bhaktivedanta Swami \u201cHighly Evolved\u201d, and felt inspired when it was time to move him into his new place. He was pleased to be there too, and seeing things slowly but surely coming together encouraged the mission of his spiritual master to keep going on.
\nThe time was right, things were radically changing in the west. The youth were looking for the positive alternative, something to give lasting peace after decades of war.<\/p>\n
Now finding himself strategically placed by the Lord ready to receive the influx of potential spiritual seekers, who had come from all over the U.S. to descend on the Lower East Side, \u201cWhich in the parlance of the renting agents became known as the \u2018East Village\u2019.\u201d(Satswarupa dasa Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page 34.) Their search was unlike other immigrants to the area, their\u2019s was a search not for work or acceptance by material society. Their\u2019s was a search to find real love, real peace, real existence, integrity, and ultimately real spiritual consciousness. They had rebelled against the war in Vietnam, political manipulation, T.V. propaganda, the trivia, and mundane advertising, and influence of the media \u2013 in fact they rebelled against everything that the ephemeral goals of \u2018middle class America\u2019 whence they came stood for. \u201cThey were disillusioned by parents, teachers, clergy, public leaders, and the media \u2014 they were just right for spiritual life.\u201d(Satswarup das Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-Wisher\u201d, page 34.) Sometimes, with his usual visionary and humble outlook, he would declare that they had been placed there by his \u2018guru maharaj\u2019 to assist with his preaching.<\/p>\n
With complete disregard for his own safety he went to a place that Vaisnavas normally find distasteful, the most materially successful place, but a land of passion and ignorance, beset with crazy misguided youth and demoniac scientists, and where intoxication, illicit sex, and cow killing were a way of life. Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, at an age when most elderly gentlemen would be thinking of rest and retirement, started a revolution that has, without any doubt, changed the face of the earth.<\/p>\n
aitam sa asthaya paratmanistha madhyasitam purvatamairmaharsibhih
\naham tarisyami durantaparam tamo mukundanghri nisevayaiva<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing in the lotus footsteps of the great \u2018rshis\u2019 [we shall cross], he has crossed over the impassable ocean of the material existence by means of devotion to the Supreme Lord and by the transcendental service of Lord Mukunda, the Lord of liberation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pure unalloyed Vaisnavas like Srila Prabhupada always act in a way that is pleasing to the Lord and in no other way, as in the case of Lord Caitanya\u2019s servant, who, after Lord Caitanya fell asleep across the doorway of the room, stepped over His body to perform devotional service for the Lord. Upon Lord Caitanya\u2019s waking he saw that His dear servant was still in the room and had not taken his meal. Lord Caitanya enquired why he had not gone for his meal, and the devotee replied that he couldn\u2019t as You, the Lord were sleeping, blocking the door. The Lord further enquired saying, \u201cHow then did you enter the room?\u201d The devotee replied that, \u201cI had stepped over You so I could do some service for You, but for my service, service of my tongue and belly, I could not cross over You as this would be an offence.\u201d There are many stories like this in the Srimad Bhagavatam. One story relates how, at one time, Lord Sri Krsna played the part of having a headache. He stated that the only medicine was to take the dust from the lotus feet of the \u2018brahmanas\u2019, and so approached the \u2018brahmanas\u2019 in that way. Thinking for their own welfare and not for Krsna\u2019s, they all said that if they were to allow the Supreme Lord to take their feet on His head, they would all go to hell, never to return. However, when Krsna approached the \u2018gopis\u2019, the simple cowherd girls of Vrndavana with the same request, without hesitation gave Krsna their feet and He placed them on His head. Their thoughts are recorded as, \u201cWe don\u2019t care if we go to hell. Let us satisfy our Krsna. If Krsna is suffering we will do anything we can to relieve Him.\u201d
\nAnother time in Jagannatha Puri temple, which gets very full, an old lady climbed onto the body of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to see the forms of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Lady Subhadra. Many devotees were perplexed, but Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu could see her deep love for the Lord, and thus allowed her to do so. Another is in the case of Lord Krsna Himself, who broke His promise to save His devotee Arjuna. When grandfather Bhisma attacked Arjuna, Krsna ran at Bhisma to crush him with a chariot wheel, even though He had said He would not intervene in the battle. Yet for His devotee He gave up His reputation.
\nSo in the same way, as a spotless \u2018paramahamsa Vaisnava sannyasi\u2019 of the Lord \u201cour Srila Prabhupada\u201d, for the service of the Lord and for the service of mankind and all living entities, took up the preaching mission as laid down by the Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, at the risk of his own personal safety and comfort.<\/p>\n
Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami was never concerned for the petty criticisms of the caste conscious \u2018smartas\u2019 and \u2018gosais\u2019, or others who never preached to try to lessen the suffering of the living entities in this world, for his turning those born outside of the \u2018Hindu\u2019 caste of \u2018brahmin\u2019 into sincere \u2018Vaisnava brahmins\u2019. Rather he strictly followed the higher principal of compassion to all the conditioned souls, as spoken by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu;<\/p>\n
bharata-bhumite haila manusya janma yara
\njanma sarthaka kari kara para upakara<\/p>\n
\u201cOne who has taken his birth as a human being in Bharata Bhumi (India) should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all peoples outside India as well as in India.\u201d<\/p>\n
ateva saba phala deha \u2018yare tare
\nkhaiya ha-uk loka ajara amare<\/p>\n
\u201cDistribute this Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits of love of Godhead and ultimately become free from old age and death.\u201d(Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 9:39.).<\/p>\n
atheva ami ajnadilvn sabakare
\nyahan tahan prema-phala deha \u2018yare tare<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore I (the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu) order every man within this universe to accept this Krsna consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere.\u201d(Caitanya Caritamrta Adi 9:35-36.)
\nEven at the cost of his own reputation, expense, safety and health.<\/p>\n
The \u2018shastric\u2019 injunctions that the many rigid \u2018smartas\u2019 quote are it\u2019s true there for our guidance and safeguard. The context however needs to be examined, and then applied to practical application as in the way of it\u2019s intent. In reality the sum and substance of these injunctions restricts the movements of purified or pure devotees outside of \u2018karmabhumi\u2019 (India) to safeguard them from the undesirable lifestyles of the non-devotees, and barbarian carnivores who pervade such places, least not only their Vaishnava principles be threatened but also their lives. Specifically the west is referred to as \u2018bhogabhumi\u2019 meaning a place of unrestricted sensual exploitation and enjoyment.
\nWe can see though, that such a strong willed, pure hearted and dedicated person as Srila Prabhupad never ever became affected by the lesser influences of the material energy. Rather \u2018Mayadevi\u2019 stands hands folded as the assistant of her Lord and master (Sri Krishna) to help and guide such a pure devotee.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe shall call our society I.S.K.C.O.N. Bhaktivedanta Swami had laughed playfully when he had first coined the acronym\u201d. He had initiated the legal work of incorporation that spring, while still living on the Bowery, but even before its legal beginning, he had been talking about his \u201cInternational Society for Krishna Consciousness\u201d, and so it had appeared in letters to India and in \u201cThe Village Voice\u201d (newspaper). A friend had suggested a title that would sound more familiar to Westerners \u201cInternational society for God Consciousness\u201d. But \u2018God\u2019 was a vague term, whereas \u2018Krishna\u2019 was exact and scientific; \u2018God Consciousness\u2019 was spiritually weaker, less personal. And if Westerners didn\u2019t know or understand that Krishna was God, then the \u2018International Society for Krishna Consciousness\u2019 would tell them, by spreading His glories \u2018in every town and village\u2019.
\n\u2018Krishna Consciousness\u2019 was Bhaktivedanta Swami\u2019s own rendering of a phrase from Srila Rupa Goswami\u2019s Padyavali, written in the 16th century. \u2018krsna-bhakti-rasa-bhavita\u2019: \u201cTo be absorbed in the mellow taste of executing devotional service to Krsna\u2019.
\nThe purposes stated within Iskcon\u2019s articles of incorporation reveal Bhaktivedanta Swami\u2019s thinking. There were seven points, similar to those given in the prospectus for The League of Devotees, he formed in Jhansi, India 1954. That attempt had been unsuccessful, yet his purposes remained unchanged.<\/p>\n
Seven Purposes of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.<\/p>\n
(a) To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of the values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.<\/p>\n
(b) To propagate a consciousness of Krishna, as it is revealed in the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.<\/p>\n
(c) To bring the members of the society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus to develop the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the Quality of Godhead (Sri Krishna).<\/p>\n
(d) To teach and encourage the \u2018sankirtan\u2019 movement, congregational chanting of the Holy Names of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.<\/p>\n
(e) To erect for the members and for society at large, a Holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.<\/p>\n
(f) To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.<\/p>\n
(g) With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.<\/p>\n
Regardless of what Iskcon\u2019s charted members thought of the society\u2019s purposes, Bhaktivedanta Swami saw them as immanent realities.\u201d(Satswarup dasa Goswami. 1987. \u201cYour Ever Well-wisher\u201d, page 45-47.) In 1966 (July 20th), he incorporates ISKCON. Autumn of 1966., he establishes the ISKCON Press.<\/p>\n
In January 1967 A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami experiences his first airplane flight to San Francisco to be greeted by his newly established temple inmates there.<\/p>\n
September 1967., he finds himself suffering from a third heart attack since leaving his beloved Vrindavan.<\/p>\n
July 9th 1967., he inspires his disciple to perform the first Rathayatra outside of India, it was to be performed in San Francisco.<\/p>\n
In July (24th) 1967., Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami leaves for India because of ill-health. But found a warm welcome to meet him.<\/p>\n
In May of 1968., Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami visits the new fledgling community of \u2018New Vrindavan\u2019, West Virginia.<\/p>\n
This opens a new chapter by installing the first Radha-Krsna Deities outside of India, in the Los Angeles Iskcon temple (June 23rd 1969). Being sensitive to the predictions that Los Angles may become like Dwaraka and return to the sea, (Los Angles, due to its being in an earthquake zone, being on a fault line etc.) the Deities are called Sri Sri Rukmini-Dwarakadisha.<\/p>\n
Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami pays his first visit to London (September 1st 1969) to see his disciples there, and resides at \u2018Beatle\u2019 John Lennon\u2019s country estate at Tittenhurst, near Reading.<\/p>\n
In December (14th) 1969., he conduct the Grand Opening and \u2018Avahan\u2019 Installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londoniswara at the Radha-Krishna Temple., 7., Bury Place, Holborne, London, just around the corner from the British Museum.<\/p>\n
On 28th July 1970., Srila Prabhupada forms the Governing Body Commission (G.B.C.) as originally requested by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur for his disciples to do.
\nThe very next day (29th July) he establishes the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). A book trust specifically for publishing the works of His divine Grace. Highly respected by scholars for their authority, depth, and clarity, the books are now used as standard text books in numerous college, and University courses.
\nAs a publishing enterprise it has to date published, and distributed world-wide more books in number, unequalled by anyone book publishing house. (In some Iskcon literature 1972 is the date given as the foundation of the BBT.).
\nAugust 29th 1970., marks the instituting of the \u2018Life Membership Program\u2019 in Calcutta. Later that fall, he performs a series of preaching tours with his American and European disciples.<\/p>\n
May 1971., Srila Prabhupada signs a contract with MacMillan Book Publishing Company to print the unabridged edition of \u2018Bhagavad Gita As It Is\u2019.<\/p>\n
1971 (May) marks the acquiring of five acres of land in Sridham Mayapura, near the birthplace of Lord Caitanya, Nadia, West Bengal. This will further one of the purposes of the society.<\/p>\n
Sometimes some of Srila Prabhupada\u2019s godbrothers would try to criticise him saying that they had noticed that when he came to Mayapura that he didn\u2019t stop his vehicle at the Gaudiya Math get down and pay obeisances as the others did at the \u2018samadhi\u2019 tomb of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. Srila Prabhupada stated that it was not that he saw his spiritual master only in that place, he said that never was there a second of any day that he felt the absence of his spiritual master. He always felt the presence of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta because actually he was always in his association.<\/p>\n
We can truly see that Srila Prabhupada followed in the mood of the great predecessor acaryas like Sripad Madhwacarya, Sripad Vyasa Tirtha and the Goswamis of Vrindavana, for he was never simply attached to the worldly system of \u2018varna\u2019 and \u2018ashrama\u2019, or materialistic etiquette and its\u2019 dogma. But rather knew how to please Lord Krsna, and subsequently all others, by adapting whatever situation occurred into a favourable one for serving Him.
\nAnyone could see, he was a great \u2018Vaisnava brahmin\u2019 of the highest character, but when necessity called for it he did not hesitate to involve himself in day to day management to ensure that his preaching mission, his life\u2019s mission to fulfil the order of his \u2018Guru Maharaja\u2019, went on, which ordinarily someone who was thinking himself to be a \u2018sannyasi\u2019 or a big big \u2018guru\u2019 doesn\u2019t seem to do. In fact on numerous occasions he said that he would do anything to assist in the preaching mission of his \u2018guru maharaj\u2019. One such instant that come to mind was with a \u2018sankirtan\u2019 \u2013 book distributor who required something on a shelf, and asked Srila Prabhupad if he could stand on his bed to reach it. The devotee was immediately told that for preaching you can stand on my head.
\nOn an arrival address Srila Prabhupada spoke about the caste system in India. He defined the four social castes, and then especially glorified the \u2018brahmins\u2019. Thinking they had found a loop-hole in his spotless character, a reporter poised a subtle challenging question. \u201cSo what caste are you?\u201d The humble reply, \u201cI\u2019m a fifth class, servant of the other four!\u201d, startled everyone there.
\nFrom time to time fundamental, fanatical and other poorly informed groups; deprogrammers etc., published books in which they found fault with Srila Prabhupada\u2019s fledgling and \u2018newly converted\u2019 disciples, yet none to my knowledge were so brave, or so foolish as to find fault with him, the pure surrendered devotee of the Lord.<\/p>\n
Now we are seeing the fruits of Srila Prabhupada\u2019s selfless surrender, but according to some, one in the renounced order of life should not cross a small ocean. And if one is thinking himself as a material designation such as a \u2018sannyasi\u2019, then as Sripad Rajendra Tirtha inferred to Jayadharma Tirtha (Vijayadhvaj Tirtha), surely it is better that one doesn\u2019t go anywhere least he become contaminated, but for pure Vaisnavas there is a higher principle. H.H. Sri Bannajee Govindacharya gives his support to such selfless preaching to further the \u2018dharma\u2019.<\/p>\n
However, June 1971., saw Srila Prabhupad visiting Moscow the seat of communistic atheism, and plants the seed of Krsna consciousness there, by which we see today, the fruits of many temples, and tens of thousands of devotees have emerged.<\/p>\n
In 1972 Srila Prabhupada began the Vedic system of primary and secondary education in the West by founding the \u2018 Bhaktivedanta Swami gurukula\u2019 school in Dallas, Texas. Since then many more have been developed around the world.<\/p>\n
In March 1972 he performs the consecration, and cornerstone laying ceremony (\u2018Deva Grharambha\u2019) at Hare Krishna Land his newly established and threatened project in Juhu, Bombay.
\nJust after this still in March 1972., he aquires land in Raman Reti, Sri Vrindavan Dham, and conducts the cornerstone laying ceremony there also.<\/p>\n
Following a vigorous 12 year preaching tour which took him fourteen times around the world, and to six continents. Yet his \u2018sadhana\u2019 of taking rest early, and rising at midnight to write through the night afforded his prolific quality literary output.<\/p>\n
At the Rathyatra in London July 1973., even at a very advanced age of 77-78 he dances ecstatically the full length of the procession course from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square, for at least an hour and a distance of about 3-4 kilometres (around 2 miles).
\nSrila Prabhupada was so ecstatic that even the devotees who were seated on Lord Jagannath\u2019s cart, Revatinandan Maharaj leading wonderful kirtans, they were told to come down off the cart and join the fun. They did, and by the time the Rathyatra reached Picadilly Circus Srila Prabhupada was dancing and jumping, clean off the ground.<\/p>\n
On November 10th 1974., Srila Prabhupada completes his mammoth commentary on Sri Caitanya Caritamrta with elaborate translations and purports.<\/p>\n
April 20th 1975., he organises to bring local \u2018brahmin\u2019 priests to accompany his ecstatically jubilant disciples as functionary priests under his instruction to perform the \u2018Avahan\u2019 and Grand Opening of the newly completed Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, in Vrindavan.<\/p>\n
On April 20th 1975 Srila Prabhupad meets with Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.<\/p>\n
1975, also marks a great scientific achievement for Srila Prabhupad. He founds the \u2018Bhaktivedanta Institute\u2019, the scientific branch of Iskcon headed by a group of his disciples from the scientific community, now dedicated to Srila Prabhupada\u2019s mission of proving that \u2018Life Comes From Life\u2019. Thus smashing former atheistic, rationalistic, Darwinistic theories of \u2018Material Evolution\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne time in Mayapura, we had just completed that four-storey building, and Srila Prabhupada was very happy to be there. Of course he had a place to sit, so now we could lay down.
\nHe was taking \u2018prasad\u2019. There was a big feast that day for the opening of the temple, and [after] he was taking, and he heard all this noise in the back. He got up and looked out of the [window in the] back. He called all the G.B.C.\u2019s immediately come, \u2026..call Bhavananda, Jayapataka\u2026\u2026..everyone (everyone laughs). Also\u2026\u2026, he used to call\u2026\u2026., all of a sudden. \u2018Call everyone!\u2019 so everyone was called, they all run\u2026..! \u2026\u2026.and there he was looking, \u2026\u2026..and there in the back, there was a ditch about 50 feet from the wall of the temple where all the leaf plates from the feast had been thrown. \u2026\u2026And there, there was about 15 local children, who were fighting off the dogs and taking the plates. You know, how devotees, \u2026..they get a little piece of uncooked \u2018puri\u2019, and throw it back on the plate, or there\u2019s a little bit of chutney juice\u2026\u2026.! anyway the children were taking the plates and licking them, and taking the little half \u2018puris\u2019, and whatever they could get and eating that. And Srila Prabhupada was looking, \u2018Just look at how they are eating this, they must be so hungry. They must be so hungry! We must feed them!\u2019
\n\u201cThen Srila Prabhupada started crying and said, \u2018This is Krishna\u2019s house, Krishna is the father of everyone, if you want to make \u2018real temple\u2019 then you must make arrangement\u2026\u2026.anyone within a 10 kilometre circumference, that they near go hungry. Then this is Krishna\u2019s house \u2013 in the presence of the father the child will never go hungry. Immediately make arrangements to distribute \u2018prasadam\u2019.\u2019 And that\u2019s the beginning of Iskcon Food Relief (the fore-runner of \u2018Food For Life\u2019).\u201d(Jayapataka dasa Goswami. 29th August 1979. Bhaktivedanta Manor, London.)<\/p>\n
Srila Prabhupada\u2019s mission was so necessary. I, for one, would not be here writing this book if it were not for his compassion for the fallen conditioned souls, such as myself, who somehow, or another had fallen into this material pool, and were suffering like anything there. This is not some esoteric poetry or exaggerated \u2018arthavadic\u2019 statement on my part, I mean suffering LIKE ANYTHING.
\nSrila Prabhupada, by his mercy and on the order of his spiritual master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, came to smash the philosophies of impersonalism and voidism. Not only are pure Vaisnavas crossing a small watery ocean like a calf\u2019s hoof-print, but are successfully crossing the ocean of birth and death, and enabling many thousands of souls in this world to do the same. On the order of \u2018guru\u2019 and Krsna, \u201c..therefore, the Madhwa Sampradaya is successfully spreading all over the universe\u201d(A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in his purport to the verse Srimad Bhagavatam 1:9:7. page 75.).<\/p>\n
Like all of the predecessor \u2018Acaryas\u2019 we need to remember, relish and give thanks to such a devoted and pure soul as Srila Prabhupada.
\nTo enable this mission to be established Prabhupada nearly sacrificed his very life on the journey across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean that remitted two heart attacks, but this humble pure devotee\u2019s love for the Lord changed everything. The Lord even appeared in a dream to Srila Prabhupada, in a boat full with many incarnations, saying they would protect their lonely ambassador. The captain of the Jaladuta (the ship on which Prabhupada left India) said that it was the smoothest voyage he had ever had, and asked Prabhupada to come with him on the return to guarantee another smooth Atlantic voyage.<\/p>\n
To capture the mood of Srila Prabhupada we have included the English translation of the Bengali prayer that he wrote on his arrival at Commonwealth Pier on September 17th 1965, Boston, U.S.A.<\/p>\n
One should try to picture the scene, looking at the seat of western materialism where he had come to fulfil the order of his spiritual master. The intensity of standing on the battle field overlooking the armies assembled, or ready to embark upon one\u2019s allotted \u201csankirtan spot\u201d (\u2018prabhu datta desha\u2019) prepared with intent, meditative, observant, dependant, and where to start? Srila Prabhupada, on board the ship Jaladuta, carrying within his heart the order of his spiritual master to spread the teachings of Sri Caitanya, the wisdom of the \u2018Acaryas\u2019, beyond the borders of India throughout the entire world, oversaw his purpose. As he looked out upon Bostons\u2019 bleak and dirty skyline he could understand the difficulty of this sacred mission for these Godless people. Thus, with perfect humility, he composed this historic prayer, praying for the deliverance of all the fallen souls.<\/p>\n
1. \u201d My dear Lord Krsna, You are so kind upon this useless soul, but I do not know why You have brought me here. Now you can do whatever you like with me.<\/p>\n
2. But I guess You have some business here, otherwise why would You bring me to this terrible place?<\/p>\n
3. Most of the population here is covered by the material modes of ignorance and passion. Absorbed in material life, they think themselves very happy and satisfied and therefore they have no taste for the transcendental message of Vasudeva. I do not know how they will be able to understand it.<\/p>\n
4. But I know Your causeless mercy can make everything possible because You are the most expert mystic.<\/p>\n
5. How will they understand the mellows of devotional service? O Lord, I am simply praying for Your mercy so that I will be able to convince them about Your message.<\/p>\n
6. All living entities have come under the control of the illusory energy by Your will, and therefore, if you like, by Your will they can also be released from the clutches of illusion.<\/p>\n
7. I wish that You may deliver them. Therefore, if You so desire their deliverance, then only will they be able to understand Your message.<\/p>\n
8. The words of the Srimad Bhagavatam are Your incarnation, and if a sober person repeatedly receives it with submissive aural reception, then he will be able to understand Your message.<\/p>\n
9. It is said in the Srimad Bhagavatam (1:2:17-21.): \u201cSri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma (Supersoul) in everyone\u2019s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who relishes His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted. By regularly hearing the Bhagavatam and rendering service unto the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is practically destroyed to nil and loving service unto the glorious Lord, Who is praised with transcendental songs, is established in the heart, the modes of passion (\u2018raja\u2019) and ignorance (\u2018tamas\u2019) and lust and desire (\u2018kama\u2019) disappear from the heart. Then the devotee is established in goodness and he becomes happy. Thus established in the mode of goodness, the man rejuvenated by loving service to the Lord gains liberation from material association (\u2018mukti\u2019) and comes to know scientifically of the Personality of Godhead. Thus the knots of the heart and all misgivings are cut to pieces. The chain of fruitive actions (\u2018karma\u2019) is terminated when one sees the Self as master.\u201d<\/p>\n
10. He will become liberated from the influence of the modes of ignorance and passion and thus all inauspicious things accumulated in the core of the heart will disappear.<\/p>\n
11. How will I make them understand this message of Krsna consciousness? I am very unfortunate, unqualified, and the most fallen. Therefore I am seeking Your benediction so that I can convince them, for I am powerless to do so on my own.<\/p>\n
12. Somehow of other, O Lord, You have brought me here to speak about You. Now, My Lord, it is up to You to make me a success or failure as You like.<\/p>\n
13. O spiritual master of all the world! I can simply repeat Your message, so if you like You can make my power of speaking suitable for their understanding.<\/p>\n
14. Only by Your causeless mercy will my words become pure. I am sure that when this transcendental message penetrates their hearts they will certainly feel gladdened and thus become liberated from all unhappy conditions of life.<\/p>\n
15. O Lord, I am just like a puppet in Your hands. So if You have brought me here to dance, then make me dance, make me dance, O Lord make me dance as You like.<\/p>\n
16. I have no devotion, nor do I have any knowledge, but I have strong faith in the Holy Name of Krsna. I have been designated as Bhaktivedanta, and now if You like You can fulfil the real purport of Bhaktivedanta.
\n(Signed \u2013 the most unfortunate, insignificant beggar A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, on board the ship Jaladuta, Commonwealth Pier, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 18 September 1965.)<\/p>\n
Arriving with only forty rupees in his pocket and a trunk full of Canto One of the Srimad Bhagavatam in three parts, Srila Prabhupada, the ambassador for the priceless truth of ancient India, the panacea, that makes lame men walk and blind men see, was about to embark on his mission that we have seen, has changed the face of the whole earth. Srila Prabhupada relied completely on Krsna, sitting down beneath a tree in Tomkins Square Park. The \u2018Yuga Dharma\u2019 was put to the test \u2013 \u201cJust chant \u2018Hare Krsna\u2019 and your life will be sublime.\u201d Srila Prabhupada\u2019s faith in \u2018guru\u2019 and Krsna gave everyone who came in contact with his message the living purport to devotional life.<\/p>\n
On the Jaladuta ship in mid-Atlantic, suffering heart attacks, Srila Prabhupada composed the following prayers knowing how, by the order and desire of Lord Sri Caitanya and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, everything would go on.<\/p>\n
sri siddhanta saraswati saci-suta priya ati
\nkrsna-sevaya jara tula nai
\nsei se mohanta-guru jagater madhe uru
\nkrsna bhakti dey thai thai
\ntara iccha balavan pascatyete than than
\nyoy jate gauranger nam
\nprthivite nagaradi asamudra nada nadi
\nsakalei loy krsna nam<\/p>\n
\u201cSri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, who is very dear to Lord Gauranga, the son of mother Saci, is unparalleled in his service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna. He is that great saintly spiritual master who bestows intense devotion to Krsna at different places throughout the world. By his intense desire, the Holy Name of Gauranga will spread throughout all the countries of the western world. In all the cities, towns and villages on the earth, from all the oceans, seas, rivers and streams, everyone will chant the Holy Name of Krsna.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sitting on a park bench in New York City, Prabhupada, in conversation with an acquaintance said, \u201cWe have so many temples, so many devotees, so many books\u2026.. There is just some time separating us.\u201d And it became a fact. By Srila Prabhupada\u2019s humility, fathomless faith and determination to satisfy guru, the parampara and Krsna, to save all the fallen souls suffering due to ignorance in this materialistic age of Kali, his years of intense study and writing had given Krsna a perfect instrument to work with.
\nWhen success came, with so many devotees, so many books and so many temples, Srila Prabhupada remained meek and humble.<\/p>\n
In a letter of 1968 Srila Prabhupada wrote: \u201cPersonally, I am a nonentity; I have come here on the order of my Spiritual Master, and He has kindly sent all you boys (and girls) to assist me. So whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my spiritual master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.\u201d(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad. Letter, 68:10:34 Book Ref No.).<\/p>\n
Srila \u2018Prabhupada\u2019: The master at who\u2019s feet other masters sit, never ever utilised any facility for sense gratification. His purity and true renunciation was, and is, admired by all. Even sometimes persons would criticise Srila Prabhupada\u2019s followers due to our deep conditioning, not coming to the standard Srila Prabhupada had set, but still no honest man could criticise Srila Prabhupada. He is still cherished in the memories of millions for his perfect Vaisnava qualities, more tolerant than a tree, humbler than a blade of grass, and always offering respect to others. Even he would glorify his disciples for their helping him, though the disciples knew it was by Srila Prabhupada\u2019s mercy that they were even there. Kindling the smallest flames of devotion, the perfect \u2018hotri\u2019 set the entire world ablaze with Krsna Consciousness.
\nIf any think they can do as, or better than he, I challenge you to do it. Talk is cheap, achievements take surrender, and if by the Lord\u2019s mercy you too are successful, then wonderful, we all benefit the more! Please only speak to glorify who is worthy.
\nIn just twelve short years he initiated many thousands of disciples, established temples in every major city in the world, and travelled extensively twelve times around the world in as many years. He established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, which is now one of the biggest book publishing houses in the world which distributes transcendental literatures at a rate unparalleled. In every university, library, school, and many millions of houses there are now to be found the transcendental time bombs of Vedic wisdom \u2013 Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Sri Ishopanishad, Bhaktirasamrta Sindhu (Nectar of Devotion), Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, and hundreds of small books and booklets on spiritual life.<\/p>\n
All the great \u2018acaryas\u2019 made commentaries on the Vedanta Sutra, and our Srila Prabhupada also mentioned that he had this planned. Actually if one studies Srila Prabhupada\u2019s life and instructions on how to take up spiritual life, one will realise how the person \u201cBhagavata\u201d and the scripture \u201cBhagavata\u201d are non-different \u2018saksad dharitvena samasta sastraih\u2019\u2026\u2026..!<\/p>\n
Every word that Srila Prabhupada spoke came as a translation of a verse with crystallised realisations in the form of the Bhaktivedanta purports. If one reads the purports of the previous \u2018acaryas\u2019 which the faithful surrendered soul Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami echoed, one can see that he embellished the words of all the pure \u2018Vaisnava acaryas\u2019 in our line. What he actually did was virtually gave up his own ideas, and even speech patterns, to assimilate and simply deliver the word of the previous authorities, in a pure and presentable manner. He used his intelligence properly to present it. That to my understanding is real self surrender. This is why Krsna empowers such devotees, for Srila Prabhupada had no other interest but to spread the pure teachings of the Brahma Madhwa Gaudiya Sampradaya to all who could take it. Every action that he made, every \u2018mudra\u2019, gesture told of the ageless culture coming down from the Lord. If you doubt this, study his life. Srila Prabhupada may not have formally written Vedanta Sutra, but his life was the living Bhakti-Vedanta-Sutra, and therefore must be accepted along with all the great \u2018Vaisnava acaryas\u2019 like Narada, Srila Vyasadeva, Acarya Madhwa, Sri Caitanya, the Goswamis, Baladeva Vidyabhusana, Srila Bhaktivinoda and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. Earnestly studying the commentaries of the great \u2018acaryas\u2019, Srila Prabhupada preached their glories constantly.<\/p>\n
Srila Prabhupada states in his purport to Caitanya Caritamrta, Adi Lila (7:21.) that \u201cAll the codes of the Vedanta Sutra need not be examined here however, since we intend to present the Vedanta Sutra in a separate volume.\u201d I suggest, that He was that volume personified. Actually if one takes the time to read the purports of these verses of the 7th chapter of Adi Lila of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, one will easily understand the purport to the stanza the person \u201cBhagavata\u201d and the book \u201cBhagavata\u201d are one and the same. Srila Prabhupada is a living example of the Vedanta Sutras. Sacrificing everything for the mission of the Lord, barely sleeping at night, he would stay up translating and writing his purports, then daily giving lectures, going on walks and having room discussions with his disciples and guests. Whatever way one looks at this, the conclusion must be that Srila Prabhupada is definitely the bona-fide representative of the Brahma-Madhwa-Gaudiya Sampradaya. As all the acaryas have left their commentary on Vedanta Sutra, all complimenting the original author, and the supporting commentaries by great acaryas like Madhwa, so Srila Prabhupada left his for us in the modern age, in the form of his life, the Bhakti-Vedanta Sutra.<\/p>\n
On his last journey around the world stopping at London\u2019s Bhaktivedanta Manor, I, for a very short time, had the great good fortune of being able to see His Divine Grace and have but a few \u201cexchanges\u201d. At this time I accepted His Divine Grace as the Lord of my life, my spiritual master, not officially, but within my heart. This, no one can deny me. Thus Srila Prabhupada has changed my life, and feeling so indebted, I humbly dedicate this book to His Divine Grace, in his centennial year (1896-1996), and who is an epitaph of the \u201cLegacy of Sripad Ananda Tirtha, Madhwacarya, Bhagavatpad\u201d, \u2013 Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, for if it had not been for him, I have no idea of where I would be now, or my future. Nor would you be reading this book!
\nAt this time his physical health had been poor for a while now, and virtually his body had ceased to work. In London when he came in August, we were all so excited to see him. And after delays at the airport, which gave way to prolonged ecstatic \u2018kirtan\u2019 by devotees from all over Europe (England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Holland, etc.) up to the point when his car came through the \u201cManor Gates\u201d and up to the reception room door. But we were shocked at his emaciated appearance, it was heart rending. Yet, his eyes, sparkling behind tinted glasses told of a different situation. They were penetrating, warm and smiling, reaching out and touching the very core of each of us.
\nWatching his devotion to Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda was touchingly memorable, and his \u2018traditional\u2019 visit to Radha Londoniswara via Radha-Bankabihari\u2019s (an old friend from Vrindavan\u2019s Deity, who lives in London) even in such a condition. \u2026\u2026.and Janmastami and Vyasa-puja there at the Manor.<\/p>\n
A few months after his visit to London, after giving up eating, sleeping etc., only subsisting on the Deity\u2019s \u2018caranamrta\u2019, home, he now returned to his beloved Vrindavana.
\nThe concerned devotees consulted astrologers on Srila Prabhupada\u2019s request with a view to gaining insight as to when this condition would pass. Everything indicated that this could be the time of Srila Prabhupada\u2019s disappearance. Although some said that if he were to survive this difficult time for his body, he would carry it on for a few more years. One astrologer suggested, \u2018maha-mrtyum jaya-japa\u2019 and \u2018havan\u2019, to which Srila Prabhupada responded, \u201cSo this \u2018japa\u2019, \u2018maha-mantra japa\u2019 and \u2018bhagavat-path\u2019, that I am doing\u201d. \u2018Srimad Bhagavatam-patha\u2019. So either read \u2018bhagavat\u2019 or chant \u2018Hare Krishna\u2019, and let me lie down like this, that\u2019s all, as it is going on. Huh?(A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. October 14th 1977. Room Conversation.)
\nIn his humility Srila Prabhupada requested many of his godbrothers to come, and those who could not come, he sent telegrams asking for their forgiveness of any offences that he may have committed while trying to push on, and fulfil the preaching mission of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada. Humbly Srila Prabhupada requested like this, and the loving devotees surrounding his bedside, carried out his every wish. Many godbrothers came, sharing treasured moments together, knowing Srila Prabhupada\u2019s nature, and heart\u2019s desire, and intent \u2013 there was no question of any offence being taken.<\/p>\n
As a complete philosophy, a full and rich culture, a way of life, and a way to death, and beyond, the \u2018acaryas\u2019 like Srila Prabhupad have left a wealth of guidance that we can take advantage of to help us advance.<\/p>\n
Some things as eternal truths, some to be applied according to \u2018time, place and circumstance\u2019. Nothing was left untouched, no mysteries, or controversies. The chaste \u2018Prabhupadanuga\u2019 followers recognise this, look for what he has left, and resolve, and push on his movement, as he did himself.<\/p>\n
Srila Prabhupad residing in the holy Dham of Sri Vrindavan, on Monday November 14th, 1977, at 7:30 pm., which fell upon the Caturthi of the Gaura (Sukla) Paksa, Mula nakshatra, gave up this mortal frame surrounded by loving disciples engaged in \u2018Harinam-sankirtan\u2019, the congregational chanting of the Holy Name.
\nTranslating Srimad Bhagavatam up until the very last breath, in a peaceful condition, and with the Holy Name on his tongue, Srila Prabhupada passed from this world in Sri Vrndavana Dhama to rejoin his worshipful Lords Sri Sri Nitai Gaura, Sri Sri Krsna Balarama, and Sri Sri Radhe Syamasundara in Their eternal abode.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe reason ill who tells that Vaisnavas die
\nWhen thou art living still in sound!
\nThe Vaisnavas die to live, and living try
\nTo spread the Holy Name around !\u201d<\/p>\n
(Poem by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)<\/p>\n
Note:: Special thanks to Jaya Tirtha Caran prabhu from NZ for allowing us to use some of the content from his site to compile these pages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Srila Prabhupada Srila Prabhupada was born Abhay Charan De on September 1st 1896 in Calcutta, India. His father was Gour Mohan De, a cloth merchant, and his mother was Rajani. His parents in accordance with Bengali … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[140,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-area2","category-english"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-01 05:15:34","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38756","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/81"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38756"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38756\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38756"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38756"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.isvara.org\/archive\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38756"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}