How one pure devotee of the Lord can change the world!

The incredible journey & blessings of HDG A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada


I offer my prostrated obeisances to his divine lotus feet, a pure devotee of the Supreme Lord Sri Krsna, on his 108th appearance day. He is a living example of how a single person can change entire world, spreading the instructions of the Supreme Lord, and in between making pure devotees, saving them from clutches of material world


Born as Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, he embarked on a remarkable journey. As a young man, he joined Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement. In 1922, a life-changing encounter with the prominent scholar & spiritual leader, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, altered the course of young Abhay’s life


Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, a luminary in Gaudiya Vaishnava community, a monotheistic tradition within the broader Hindu culture, made an extraordinary request at their first meeting. He implored Abhay to carry teachings of Sri Krsna to the English-speaking world. Deeply inspired by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s devotion & wisdom, Abhay became his disciple in 1932. He later adopted the honorific title A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, dedicating the next 32 years to preparing for his transformative journey


In 1965, at the age of 69, Prabhupada embarked on an audacious voyage, boarding a cargo ship, the Jaladuta, to New York. This treacherous journey was marred by two heart attacks at sea. After 35 days of hardships, he arrived at a desolate Brooklyn pier, possessing only 7 dollars in Indian rupees and a crate of his sacred Sanskrit texts


In New York, he humbly initiated his mission, offering classes on Bhagavad Gita in lofts on the Bowery and leading kirtan, traditional devotional chants, in Tompkins Square Park. His message of peace & goodwill resonated deeply with a generation of young people. Some of them stepped forward to become ardent students of the Krsna-bhakti tradition


In July 1966, Prabhupada officially founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) with the purpose of “checking the imbalance of values in the world & working for real unity and peace.” Over the next 11 years, Prabhupada embarked on a whirlwind global tour, circling the globe 14 times, building 108 temples & passionately spreading the teachings of Sri Krsna


Men & women from diverse backgrounds embraced his message. With their unwavering support, Prabhupada established temples, farm communities, a publishing house & educational institutions worldwide. His vision also gave birth to the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program, Hare Krsna Food for Life


Prabhupada’s desire to nourish the roots of Krsna consciousness led him back to India several times, where he ignited a renaissance in the Vaishnava tradition. He opened dozens of temples, including prominent centers in the sacred towns of Vrindavana and Mayapur


Perhaps his most enduring contributions are his books. He authored over 70 volumes on Krsna tradition, cherished by scholars for their authority, depth, fidelity to tradition & clarity. Some of his works are even used as textbooks in college courses. His writings have been translated into 76 languages, including prominent works like Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya-caritamrita


On November 14, 1977, in the sacred town of Vrindavana, a significant chapter in the history of ISKCON came to an end when HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada left this mortal world


As he left this mortal world, Srila Prabhupada was not alone. He was encircled by his devoted disciples, who had walked alongside him on his remarkable journey. These individuals, deeply touched by his wisdom and unwavering devotion, were not merely followers; they were torchbearers of his legacy. His disciples, carrying the torch he lit, persist with the same zeal and dedication, ensuring that his mission thrives and his teachings resonate with people from all walks of life


The legacy of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada lives on, echoing through the ages, as his devoted disciples perpetuate his mission of spreading love, devotion, and spiritual enlightenment


Let's pay our respects to this great Acarya & pledge to atleast read one of his many books to make successful this human form of life


#gameoflife

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