Srila Prabhupada
Biography
When His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada entered the port of New York City on September 17, 1965 few Americans took notice — but he was not merely another immigrant. He was on a mission to introduce the ancient teachings of Vedic India into mainstream America. Before Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977 at the age of 81, his mission proved successful. He had founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and saw it grow into a worldwide confederation of more than 100 temples, ashrams and cultural centers.
A Lifetime
In Preparation
Srila Prabhupada was born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896 to a pious Hindu family in Calcutta. As a youth growing up in British-controlled India, Abhay became involved with Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement to secure independence for his nation. It was, however, a 1922 meeting with a prominent scholar and religious leader, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, which proved most influential on Abhay’s future calling. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was a leader in the Gaudiya Vaishnava denomination, a monotheistic tradition within the broad Hindu culture, and asked Abhay to bring the teachings of Lord Krishna to the English-speaking world. Abhay became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta in 1933, and resolved to carry out his mentor’s request. Abhay, later known by the honorific A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, spent the next 32 years preparing for his journey west.
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His divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada
In 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada traveled to New York City aboard a cargo ship. The journey was treacherous, and the elderly spiritual teacher suffered two heart attacks aboard ship. Arriving in the United States with just seven dollars in Indian rupees and his translations of sacred Sanskrit texts, Srila Prabhupada began to share the timeless wisdom of Krishna consciousness. His message of peace and goodwill resonated with many young people, some of whom came forward to become serious students of the Krishna tradition. With the help of these students, Srila Prabhupada rented a small storefront on New York’s Lower East Side to use as a temple. On July 11, 1966, he officially registered his organization in the state of New York, formally founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
In the eleven years that followed, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe 14 times on lecture tours, bringing the teachings of Lord Krishna to thousands of people on six continents. Men and women from all backgrounds and walks of life came forward to accept his message, and with their help, Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON centers and projects throughout the world. Under his inspiration, Krishna devotees established temples, rural communities, educational institutions, and started what would become the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program.With the desire to nourish the roots of Krishna consciousness in its home, Srila Prabhupada returned to India several times, where he sparked a revival in the Vaishnava tradition. In India, he opened dozens of temples, including large centers in the holy towns of Vrindavan and Mayapur.
Srila Prabhupada’s most significant contributions, perhaps, are his books. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, which are highly respected by scholars for their authority, depth, fidelity to the tradition, and clarity. Several of his works are used as textbooks in numerous college courses. His writings have been translated into 76 languages. His most prominent works include: Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya-caritamrita.
His Great Contributions
to the society
Timeline
1930s
This is where it all began
Bhaktivinoda Thakura had desired the day that Krishna consciousness would spread in the western world, and his son, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master, carried the same desire, of which London was seen as an important city. In the 1930s he sent three of his experienced disciples (including two sannyasis) to London, and in 1933 they set up a center, the Gaudiya Mission Society, with a little success. Three decades later, Srila Prabhupada, deeply inspired to fulfill his spiritual master’s desires, was confident that his disciples could firmly establish Krishna consciousness throughout the world.
Aug 1965
Journey to the West
August 13th in 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada left India on a steamship bound for the United States, with the intention of bringing the teachings of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the English-speaking world. With him was a trunk full of his translations and commentary on the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and about forty rupees in cash.
1966
Incorporation of ISKCON in USA
In the beginning of November 1969, after spending several months in London at the estate of John Lennon, Srila Prabhupada moved into a furnished apartment on Baker street. Syamasundara prabhu and other devotees were working hard, although progressing slowly, to renovate the newly acquired 7 Bury Place property into a suitable London Temple. Syamasundara was inspired with a unique idea for making the temple into an elaborate artistic showcase utlising redwood sent from California.
Nov 1969
Srila Prabhupada's Vision
In the beginning of November 1969, after spending several months in London at the estate of John Lennon, Srila Prabhupada moved into a furnished apartment on Baker street. Syamasundara prabhu and other devotees were working hard, although progressing slowly, to renovate the newly acquired 7 Bury Place property into a suitable London Temple. Syamasundara was inspired with a unique idea for making the temple into an elaborate artistic showcase utlising redwood sent from California.
Dec 1966
A Pioneering Spirit
Once they arrived in London, the three couples struggled with no financial support. But they had complete faith in the blessings of Srila Prabhupada. Although they had to live separately in different suburbs, they tried to maintain enthusiasm in Krishna consciousness. Driven by their pioneering spirit, they got together almost every day and either did harinama-sankirtana (public chanting) or went to media offices or rock concerts to get attention.
1969
Meeting the Beatles
Once they arrived in London, the three couples struggled with no financial support. But they had complete faith in the blessings of Srila Prabhupada. Although they had to live separately in different suburbs, they tried to maintain enthusiasm in Krishna consciousness. Driven by their pioneering spirit, they got together almost every day and either did harinama-sankirtana (public chanting) or went to media offices or rock concerts to get attention.
1845
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1903
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