Srila Prabhupada A Brief Life Sketch (English) Old Book

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), known affectionately by his followers as Srila Prabhupada, was a spiritual master and the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His life was a remarkable journey of dedication and perseverance, culminating in a global spiritual movement.

Early Life and Spiritual Calling

• Birth and Childhood: Born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, he was raised in a devout Gaudiya Vaishnava family. From a young age, he showed a natural inclination towards devotion to Lord Krishna. An astrologer, at his birth, predicted he would one day cross the ocean and become a great religious teacher.
• Meeting His Guru: The pivotal moment in his life came in 1922 when he met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. At their very first meeting, his guru instructed him to preach the teachings of Krishna consciousness to the English-speaking world. This instruction became the driving force of Prabhupada's life.
• Early Efforts: Despite having a family and a successful pharmaceutical business, he dedicated himself to this mission. He assisted the Gaudiya Math, his guru's organization, and in 1944, he single-handedly started a bi-monthly English magazine called Back to Godhead, which he wrote, edited, and distributed himself.

Renunciation and the Journey to the West

• Entering the Renounced Order: In 1950, at the age of 54, he retired from family life to fully devote himself to spiritual pursuits. He received the title "Bhaktivedanta" in 1947 and formally accepted the renounced order of sannyasa in 1959.
• Literary Work: Residing in the holy city of Vrindavan, he began his monumental work of translating and commenting on the Srimad-Bhagavatam, a multi-volume epic of Krishna's life. He also wrote "Easy Journey to Other Planets" during this period.
• The Mission Begins: In 1965, at the age of 69, with a small trunk of books, just 40 rupees, and no connections in the West, he boarded a cargo ship bound for New York City. The journey was difficult, and he suffered two heart attacks, but he was determined to fulfill his guru's order.

Founding ISKCON and Global Preaching

• Establishing the Movement: Arriving in New York, he began chanting the Hare Krishna mantra in Tompkins Square Park and giving classes in a small storefront. His message resonated with the young "hippie" generation seeking an alternative to materialistic life. In 1966, he formally founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
• A Decade of Expansion: In the next eleven years, Srila Prabhupada embarked on an incredible mission. He traveled around the globe 14 times, establishing over 108 temples and centers. He initiated thousands of disciples from diverse backgrounds and gave countless lectures.
• Literary Legacy: Despite his rigorous travel schedule, he continued to write prolifically. He authored over 80 books, including the classic Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Chaitanya-charitamrita, making these ancient Vedic texts accessible to a worldwide audience for the first time. His books are celebrated for their clarity and authority and are used as university texts.

His Legacy Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavan, India, but his legacy continues to thrive. He successfully fulfilled his guru's desire by transplanting the ancient tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West and making it a global movement. His teachings on bhakti-yoga, his books, and the temples and communities he established continue to inspire millions of people around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful cultural and spiritual ambassadors of India in the modern era.