His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada (1896-1977)
FOUNDER-ACHARYA : INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada, born in 1896 in India, was a visionary spiritual leader and the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Encouraged by his teacher, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, to spread Vedic teachings in English, he launched his mission with limited resources but immense faith. In 1944, he single-handedly published Back to Godhead, a spiritual magazine, and later dedicated years to translating and commenting on sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
In 1965, at nearly seventy, Prabhupada arrived in New York with a few books and minimal funds. Within a year, he established ISKCON, which quickly expanded worldwide, drawing people to its teachings and devotional practices. He initiated projects such as New Vrindaban, a model Vedic farm in West Virginia, and established the first gurukula (Vedic school) in the West. His organization fostered a global spiritual network with temples, communities, and educational centers.
Prabhupada’s books became highly regarded by scholars, and he founded the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in 1972, making his works accessible globally in over fifty languages. Despite his advanced age, he traveled to six continents, inspiring millions through lectures, writings, and personal interactions. His teachings on Krishna consciousness continue to impact spiritual communities worldwide, cementing his legacy as a transformative force in modern spirituality.
THE SWAMI WHO STARTED IT ALL
Within the final twenty years of his life Srila Prabhupada translated over sixty volumes of classic Vedic scriptures (such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam) into the English language. For their authority, depth, and clarity, his books have won praise from professors at universities like Harvard and Oxford, and his Bhagavad-Gita As It Is was published by Macmillan Publishers in 1968 and the unabridged edition in 1972, and is now available in over sixty languages around the world. Other books by Srila Prabhupada are available in over eighty different languages. Over 500 million books of his have been distributed to date.
Srila Prabhupada established The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) in 1972 to publish his works. The BBT has also published his multi-volume biography, Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta, that, according to acclaimed scholar of religion Larry Shinn, will “certainly be one of the most complete records of the life and work of any modern religious figure”. Srila Prabhupada reminded his devotees before his passing that he would live forever in his books, and through them would remain present as a spiritual master or guru. He had instilled in his followers an understanding of the importance of writing and publishing not only with regard to his works, but also their own initiatives.
SELF REALISED
Acting on the platform of his spiritual identity, Srila Prabhupada completely dedicated his life to serve God. He was able to produce phenomenal accomplishments and transform the consciousness of people only because he was on the highest state of self-realisation and therefore divinely empowered. Such self-realised souls in the world are very rare.
FEARLESS
Srila Prabhupada was named Abhay Charan at birth, which means ‘one who is fearless having taken shelter at the feet of God’. The significance of this name was revealed in his bold mission with unflinching trust in God, despite great personal hardship. He explained that fear is due to a lack of understanding of the illusory nature of the material world.
BONAFIDE
Srila Prabhupada was an authorised spiritual teacher in an unbroken succession that can be traced back to God Himself – and his appearance was predicted. Sages in this line have learned and taught the pure wisdom of God’s original instructions for millennia, and include Vyasa, the author of the sacred scriptures, and Chaitanya, the propagator of the holy names of the Lord..
SIMPLE
Humble, meek, truthful and pure – in his character, in his lifestyle and in the message he taught. Srila Prabhupada lived to serve mankind and inspired others to follow ‘simple living, high thinking’, a return to an uncomplicated lifestyle. Despite the success of his movement, Srila Prabhupada always remained modest and detached and gave credit to others.
REVOLUTIONARY
Srila Prabhupada created a worldwide spiritual and cultural revolution that encouraged many people to seriously take to the process of god consciousness. He started this revolution in New York, because he felt that America was where he would find intelligent young people that would be receptive to the timeless, authoritative spiritual instruction of the Vedic scriptures.
TEACHER
Srila Prabhupada was not just a teacher, but also a teacher of teachers for the modern age. He translated more than 70 Vedic books into English and was honoured by many leading scholars. He taught and led by example, embodying the knowledge that he conveyed. He is recognised as ‘Prabhupada’ – one at whose feet the other masters sit.