His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Early Life and Spiritual Calling
- Born in Calcutta in 1896, Abhay Charan De received the Bengali name "A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada" at the time of his initiation into sannyasa.
- He came from a Vaishnava family and was involved in Gandhi's non-violence movement.
- In 1922, he met his spiritual master, His Divine Grace Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja, who instructed him to spread the teachings of Bhagavad-gita to the West.
- In 1933, Abhay Charan De was initiated by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.
Spreading the Teachings of Krishna Consciousness
- In 1959, he accepted sannyasa and became known as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
- He moved to Vrindavana and translated and commented on the first canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam and other sacred texts.
- In 1965, he traveled to the United States with only $40 and his manuscripts.
- He started chanting Hare Krishna in public parks and attracted a following of young people.
- He established the first Krishna temple in a storefront in New York City.
- He founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and established temples in major cities around the world.
Literary Contributions
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the author of over 70 books on Vedic philosophy, including Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam, and The Nectar of Devotion.
- His books are translated into over 80 languages and are used as textbooks in university courses on Eastern philosophy.
Legacy
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is considered one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the 20th century.
- He is credited with introducing the practice of bhakti-yoga to the West and inspiring millions of people to chant the Hare Krishna mantra.
- His books continue to be read and studied by people all over the world.