Biography Acharya - One Who Teaches by Example - Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa (ACBSP)

 Biography
Acharya - One who teaches by example

The life of a pure devotee as a treat to our eyes.
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Biography - A rough hit but a soft landing
Srila Prabhupada once recalled with great clarity, an accident that occurred when he was very young,
and his family was travelling in a bullock cart. After all those decades, he still distinctly remembered
flying through the air when the wheels hit a stone and collapsed. Baby Abhay was the only one unhurt,
landing on soft grass.
Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa
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Biography - Sankirtan wiped out the disease
Srila Prabhupada clearly remembered that when he was four, the year that the plague hit Kolkatta, His
father would invite sankirtana chanters from the street into his house. Although reaching only up to
their knees, little Abhay would join the chanters in singing and dancing. Shortly after this, the plague
subsided.
Biography - Crossed a riot torn area safely to reach home

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During the communal riots in Calcutta when Abhay was about thirteen, he had to cross a riot torn area
in the neighborhood to get home. A Mohammedan wielding a knife almost attacked the boy to kill him
but he managed to run fast enough to get away and reach home.
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Biography - Lord Jagannatha Ratha-yatra by the Mullik family
The annual Ratha-yatra held by the Mullik family for Lord Jagannatha was always a fascinating occasion
for Abhay. Three separate carts for Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra would roll from the Radha
Govinda temple, down Harrison Road and then return. Plenty of prasadam was distributed to the public
on this day.
Biography - His cart for the Ratha-Yatra

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Abhay was very keen to conduct a Ratha-yatra of his own in the neighborhood. His father agreed but the
only cart they found was in disrepair, donated by an old lady. Abhay was disappointed but his father got
the cart fixed and freshly painted.
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Biography - He got His Radha-Krishna at early age
When Abhay was about six years old, he asked his father for a Deity of his own to worship. Gour Mohan
De purchased a pair of little Radha Krishna Deities for Abhay. From then on, whatever Abhay ate he
would first offer to Radha and Krishna, and imitating his father and the priests of Radha Govinda, he
would offer his Deities ghee lamp and put Them to rest at night.
Srila Prabhupada : By the grace of the Lord, there are still families that foster transcendentalists
generation after generation. It is certainly very fortunate to take birth in such families. Fortunately, both
our spiritual master, Om Vishnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja, and our
humble self, had the opportunity to take birth in such families, by the grace of the Lord, and both of us
were trained in the devotional service of the Lord from the very beginning of our lives.
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Biography - Organising the 8-Day long Ratha-Yatra
Abhay got his friends and their mothers to help organize various aspects of the Ratha-yatra. The
children helped with decorating the cart and the mothers cooked treats to be distributed at the festival.
Abhay's Jagannatha Ratha-yatra lasted for eight consecutive days and everyone in the neighborhood
joined in the celebration, chanting, playing drums and karatalas and pulling the cart.
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Biography - His Engagement, ignoring His reluctance
When Abhay was a third-year college student, his father, Gour Mohan De, chose a girl from a family
associated with the Mulliks, to marry Abhay. Although Abhay didn't appreciate his father's choice of a
wife and had thought of marrying another girl, in deference to his father, he put his reluctance aside.
Biography - His first meet with Bhaktisiddhantha Swami
Abhay was now twenty four years old; he was a nationalist and manager of a big chemical factory.
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Abhay's friend Naren insisted they go and meet Bhaktisiddhantha Swami, a great Vaishnava leader from
Mayapur who was visiting Kolkatta. Abhay was skeptical about sadhus as he had seen many in his
childhood, hosted by his father. He did not consider everyone wearing saffron robes to be saintly. Naren
persisted, and finally Abhay relented.
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Biography - The Swami's first sentence to Him
Abhay and Naren offered their prostrate obeisance to Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati when they saw him
seated on the terrace. But even as they rose and prepared to sit, the Swami said to them, "You are
educated young men. Why don't you preach Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's message throughout the
whole world?" Abhay was taken aback. This person had already told them to become preachers and
travel the world!
Biography - Declaration of Bhaktisiddhanta Swami

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Abhay was impressed with Bhaktisiddhanta Swami and knew that he was not just another sadhu. He
was a stalwart scholar, propounding the highest dharma of the spirit soul - service to Lord Krishna.
Although the country was absorbed in the spirit of nationalism, Bhaktisiddhanta Swami boldly declared
that the burning need was to prepare for one's next life and reestablish one's eternal relationship with
the Supreme.
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Biography - His thought of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
Abhay was so impressed with his meeting that when he was asked what he thought of Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta, he said that the message of Lord Chaitanya was in the hands of an expert person. In
his heart he thought that he had met a very nice saintly person.
Biography - His distraction towards family
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Abhay and his wife had their first child in 1921, and their family grew with time. Abhay had to focus now
on maintaining his family and was distracted externally from the mission of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.
In 1923 he left Calcutta and started a business in Allahabad.
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Biography - His observance about Jawaharlal Nehru
Motilal Nehru and his son Jawaharlal were customers at Abhay's Prayag Pharmacy in Allahabad. Abhay
observed that Jawaharlal always ordered western medicines and thought he must have felt that Indian
ways were inferior.
Biography - His transformation into a brahmana
Abhay's eagerness to serve Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati did not diminish with time; he was eager to be
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accepted formally as his disciple. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta gave Abhay harinama and brahmana initiations
at the same ceremony in Allahabad in November 1933. His spiritual master added aravinda (lotus) to
Abhay's name and he was now known as Abhay Charanaravinda. Now Abhay was a brahmana who
could perform yagna and worship the Deity in the temple and preach the teachings of the Bhagavatam.
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Biography - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's confidence on Him
When the Gaudiya Matha temple was started a short walk from Abhay's house, it was possible for him to
visit every evening and attend the arati, play the mridanga, sing bhajans and sometimes lead the
congregational chanting. He would bring important people from Allahabad to visit the temple. He tried
to plan his business trips to Kolkatta when his spiritual master was also there. Although his god brothers
wanted to involve him more with temple activities, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta said, "No. Leave him alone.
He will accomplish great things in his own time."
Biography - He was asked to print books rather building temples 

One of the most significant meetings with his spiritual master took place in Radha Kunda, Vrindavana.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta said that they had been happier in a rented house but in the new marble
accommodation, the brahmacharis had been distracted and fought amongst themselves for better
rooms. Abhay felt his guru speak to him in urgency, as if asking for help and warning him to avert a
disaster, "I had a desire to print some books. If you ever get money, print books. There is no need of
establishing temples, Better we publish books."
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Biography - Biography - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's reply to His letter
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta departed from the mortal world in December 1936. A month before his departure,
Abhay wrote him a letter asking if there was any particular service he could do for him. Two weeks later
Abhay received a reply, "I am fully confident that you can explain in English our thoughts and
arguments to the people who are not conversant with the languages of the other members. This will
do much good to yourself as well as your audience. I have every hope that you can turn yourself into
a very good English preacher if you serve the mission to inculcate the novel impression of Lord
Chaitanya's teachings in the people in general as well as philosophers and religionists."
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Biography - His struggle to publish his magazine, Back to Godhead
Abhay had no fixed accommodation after he left home, but his determination to push on with preaching
was undeterred. He felt alone, had no money to buy proper clothes and walked everywhere to save
money. Still, he wrote articles and published them in his magazine, Back to Godhead. He single-
handedly wrote, proofread, bought the paper and delivered it to the printer, and also distributed these
magazines.
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Biography - His letter to Mahatma Gandhi to engage in devotional

service
Abhay would think of engaging Mahatma Gandhi in devotional service. He wrote a letter to the
mahatma on December 7th 1947, addressing himself as an unknown friend, "I tell you as a sincere
friend that you must immediately retire from active politics, if you do not desire an inglorious death,
and engage in understanding and preaching Bhagavad-gita." Abhay never received a reply, but one
month later, on January 30, Gandhi was assassinated.
Biography - Journey of Preaching 

Though Abhay tried to make his family follow the Vaishnava lifestyle and discouraged his wife from
drinking tea, she once told him that she would choose tea over her husband. Abhay was shocked when
he discovered one day that she had bartered his copy of the Bhagavatam for tea biscuits. This incident
made Abhay leave home; his sons were grown up to look after the business and he could finally engage
fully in preaching. They thought he would travel, as usual, for a few weeks and return, but Abhay knew
that he would never return. His family life was finished.
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Biography - Dream of the instruction to take Sannyasa
Abhay pressed on with his mission and despite the difficulties, was fully satisfied that he was working on
behalf of his spiritual master. One night he had a dream that he had several times before during his days
as a householder : Srila Bhaktisiddhanta repeatedly urged Abhay to take sannyasa. This confirmed the
instruction that his spiritual master had given him many years ago in Kolkatta - to become an English
preacher and spread Krishna consciousness all over the world.
Biography - He took Sannyasa in September 1959

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Abhay took this recurrent dream as a message from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta that he should take sannyasa.
But he was reluctant and fearful of leaving his family at first. Once he moved out of the house in 1950
and was on his own, in Vrindavana his god brother insisted that he take the renounced order. Abhay
knew that this was actually his spiritual master speaking to him through his god brother. So in
September 1959, Abhay took sannyasa at a formal ceremony and was then known as Abhay
Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami.
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Biography - Beginning of the Srimad Bhagavatam
Bhaktivedanta Swami returned to Delhi, living in a free room at a Radha Krishna temple in Chippiwada,
near the printing and paper capital of India, Chandni Chowk. He could live in Vrindavana or Delhi and
with renewed enthusiasm he picked up some donations and began publishing Back to Godhead. At the
same time he began his translation and commentary of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Biography - Getting committed to finish the work in 7years if Lord

wishes
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It was during this time that Srila Prabhupada worked on his first three volumes of the Bhagavatam. He
gauged that the project he was embarking on, to translate the twelve cantos of the Bhagavatam, would
eventually be at least sixty volumes. He thought he might finish it in seven years, "If the Lord keeps me
physically fit then in the fulfillment of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada's will I could
complete this work."
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Biography - Moved to Radha Damodara temple in Vrindavana, In 1962
In July 1962, Bhaktivedanta Swami moved to Radha Damodara temple in Vrindavana. It was a small
room, 7x15 feet, with smooth plastered walls and floor of uneven sandstone squares. Without moving
from his room, he could look into the temple and see a portion of the altar. He could also see the black
marble Deity of Vrindavanachandra that Krishnadasa Kaviraja had worshipped hundreds of years ago.
Biography - First volume of Srimad Bhagavatam
Bhaktivedanta Swami began to translate the Srimad Bhagavatam on the advice of his friend. Since
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had left home, Srila Prabhupada had no income and was maintaining himself by selling Back to
Godhead. He approached Hitsaram Sharma in 1962 and requested him to publish the book. With his
help, the first volume was published, followed by the second part. Sales from the first volume financed
the printing and publication of the second. People were appreciative of the book and even the
American Embassy purchased eighteen copies.
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Biography - Initially started with daily travel from Vrindhavana to Delhi

and back the same night to stay
For a long time Abhay had wanted to take shelter of Vrindavana and now he found residence in the
Vamshi Gopalji temple. His purpose remained the same: he would write Back to Godhead and deliver it
to the printer in Delhi. He would take the morning train into Delhi and, having nowhere to stay, return to
Vrindavana the same night.
Biography - Lal Bhadur Shastri receives Srimad Bhagavatam from

Swami in 1964 
In June 1964, Bhaktivedanta Swami got the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Lal Bhadur Shastri. Srila
Prabhupada gave the Prime Minister a copy of the his first volume of Srimad Bhagavatam. A
photographer took a picture. The Prime Minister smiled at the book. The next day, Bhaktivedanta Swami
wrote to the Prime Minister and he soon received a favorable reply, personally signed by the Prime
Minister.
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Biography - Rupa Goswami's encouraging words to Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada had told Gopal Ghosh about the anecdote when he got the idea for ISKCON. It is
where Srila Prabhupada did his own bhajan and many times Sri Rupa and Sri Jiva Gosvamis appeared
to him in his dreams. Once, when he was staying at Radha Damodara temple, before coming to America
in 1965, while honouring prasadam, Srila Prabhupada was looking out of the window when suddenly
Rupa Gosvami appeared before him and spoke encouraging words, "Maharaja, don't worry about
anything. Go ahead and travel to the West and preach. Just preach the message of Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu and the chanting of Hare Krishna. You will be successful. I guarantee you because I will
be right there with you all the time."
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Biography - Request through Mr Choksi to Sumati Morarji to send him
to USA in 1965
By 1965 Bhaktivedanta Swami had published the third and final part of the first canto of Srimad
Bhagavatam. To pursue his goal of travelling to preach in the West, he requested Sumati Morarji, the
head of the Scindia Steamship Company, who had given him a large contribution for printing Volume
One of the Bhagavatam, to send him on a Scindia ship to the USA. This request was made through her
secretary, Mr. Choksi. Mrs Sumati Morarji said he was too old and that it was better he remained in India
and complete the Srimad Bhagavatam.
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Biography - Personal interview with Mrs Morarji
Bhaktivedanta Swami, however, was fixed on going. When a subsequent appeal through Mr. Choksi did
not convince Mrs Morarji, the Swami demanded a personal interview with her. It was granted and the
Swami presented his emphatic request. He was unstoppable and finally Mrs. Morarji agreed to send him
on one of their ships.
Biography - Prayer to Guru before his departure for America
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A week before his departure for America, Bhaktivedanta Swami travelled to Mayapur to visit the
samadhi of Srila Bhaktisiddhata Sarasvati. He prayed for his spiritual master's blessings and requested
him to pray that Krishna protect him.
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Biography - Biography - A complimentary ticket of a regular cargo

carrier
The Jaladuta, under the command of Captain Arun Pandia, whose wife was also aboard, left at 9:00 a.m.
on Friday, August 13, 1965. It was a regular cargo carrier of the Scindia Steamship Company but had one
passenger cabin aboard which was occupied during the voyage from Kolkata to New York in August and
September 1965, by Sri Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami, whose age was listed as 69, and
who was taken on board bearing "a complimentary ticket with food."
Biography - The painful sufferings during journey 

By August 23rd the ship had put out to the Red Sea. The Swami suffered seasickness, dizziness,
headache, no appetite and vomiting. The symptoms persisted but it was more than seasickness. The
pains in his chest made him think he would die at any moment. In two days he suffered two heart
attacks. He tolerated the difficulty, meditating on his mission, but after two days of such violent attacks
he thought that if another were to come he would certainly not survive.
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Biography - Fearfulness vanished after a dream of Lord Krishna
On the night of the second day, Bhaktivedanta Swami had a dream. Lord Krishna, in His many forms,
was rowing a boat, and He told Bhaktivedanta Swami that he should not fear, but should come along.
Bhaktivedanta Swami felt assured of Lord Krishna's protection and the violent attacks did not recur. The
Jaladuta entered the Suez Canal on September 1 and the Swami visited the city of Port Sa'id with the
captain.
Biography - Indeed it was Lord's mercy for a calm Atlantic Crossing

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During the voyage, Bhaktivedanta Swami sometimes stood on deck at the ship's rail, watching the
ocean and sky and thinking of Chaitanya Charithamrita, Vrindavana dhama and the order of his spiritual
master to go preach in the West. The ocean voyage of 1965 was a calm one for the Jaladuta. The captain
said that never in his career had he seen such a calm Atlantic crossing. Bhaktivedanta Swami replied
that the calmness was Lord Krishna's mercy.
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Biography - Thoughts of acceptance by America for Krishna

Consciousness Movement began
After a thirty-five-day journey from Calcutta, the Jaladuta reached Boston's Commonwealth Pier at 5:30
A.M. on September 17, 1965, to stop there briefly before proceeding to New York City. Srila Prabhupada
was wondering how the people of America would accept the Krishna consciousness movement.
Biography - A view of Boston's commercial area

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Bhaktivedanta Swami had to pass through immigration and customs in Boston. His visa allowed him a
three-month stay. Captain Pandia invited Bhaktivedanta Swami to take a walk into Boston, where the
captain intended to do some shopping. They walked across a footbridge into a busy commercial area
with old warehouses, office buildings, bars, tawdry bookshops, nightclubs and restaurants.
Bhaktivedanta Swami wrote a poem that he titled Markine Bhagavata-dharma - Teaching Krishna
consciousness in America, in which he said, "…but I do not know why You have brought me here…But
I guess You have some business here, otherwise why would You bring me to this terrible place?"
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Biography - Biography - A uncompromising appearance at New York

Harbor
On September 19th, the Jaladuta sailed into New York Harbor and docked at a Brooklyn Pier at
Seventeenth Street. Bhaktivedanta Swami saw the awesome Manhattan skyline, the Empire State
Building, and like many millions of visitors and immigrants in the past, the Statue of Liberty. He was
dressed appropriately as a resident of Vrindavana. He wore kanthi-mala and a simple cotton dhoti. He
carried a japa-mala and an old chaddar. His complexion was golden, his head shaven, shikha in the
back, his forehead decorated with the Vaishnava tilaka. He wore pointed white rubber slippers, not
uncommon for sadhus from India. He was possibly the first Vaishnava sannyasi to arrive in New York
with uncompromised appearance.
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Biography - Dr. Mishra vs Swami
After living at a friend's son's place in Butler, Pennsylvania for a while, Bhaktivedanta Swami left for New
York City to stay with Dr. Mishra to explore more opportunities to preach the message of Krishna
consciousness. The Swami did not agree with Dr. Mishra's mayavadi or impersonal philosophy, but sat
at the back and listened to his meetings. Then one day he was given a chance to speak and the Swami
challenged all that Dr. Mishra was telling the people. After that, although he was very kind to the Swami
and the Swami was nice to him, Dr. Mishra never allowed the Swami to speak again.
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Biography - Experienced the Bowery
Bhaktivedanta Swami moved out of Dr. Mishra's place to a loft where he later feared to live in, as
someone had stolen his typewriter. He then moved to the Bowery, a bad neighborhood. Bhaktivedanta
Swami often found Bowery bums asleep or unconscious at his door and he would have to step over
them. The more sober ones would stand and gesture courteously and he would acknowledge their
good manners. News of the Swami's daily Srimad Bhagavatam lectures spread and a few young men
attended. He would sometimes teach cooking and was usually available for personal talks with any
inquiring visitors.
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Biography - Biography - Beginning of Matchless Gifts
Bhaktivedanta Swami moved into a storefront called Matchless Gifts on Second Avenue and slowly
began lectures on Bhagavad-gita on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 7 and 9 p. m. Many
youngsters joined the program and the numbers gradually increased. His new followers were helping
him and they shared his spirit of trying to get people to chant Hare Krishna and hear Krishna
consciousness.
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Biography - First Mantra Rock Dance
In San Francisco, where some of Swamiji's first formally initiated disciples moved on his order to start a
mission, Mukunda Dasa, Sam and Harvey Cohen managed to organize a Mantra Rock Dance. Chet
Helms, a rock entrepreneur, agreed that they could use his Avalon Ballroom and if they could get bands
to come, everything above the cost for the groups, security and a few other basics would go as profit for
the San Francisco Radha Krishna temple. This was a huge success.
Biography - Hippies climbed on to the stage

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Before the rock concert began, there was a warm-up kirtana onstage. Incense poured from the stage
and the corners of the large ballroom. Swamiji spoke, giving a brief history of the Hare Krishna
mahamantra. Then he looked over to Allen Ginsberg, indicating he should chant. As the kirtana picked
up and the audience got more enthusiastic, musicians from the various bands joined in as the devotees
and a large group of hippies climbed on to the stage.
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Biography - Jumping, yelling, even crying and shouting
The kirtana continued and the ballroom looked like a human field of wheat blowing in the wind, with
people swaying to the sound of the mahamantra. The chanting continued for over an hour and finally
everyone was jumping and yelling, even crying and shouting. Someone placed a microphone before
Bhaktivedanta Swami who was perspiring and his voice resounded over the powerful sound system.
Suddenly it ended and the Swami's voice rang out, offering obeisance to his spiritual master.
Biography - Let's have Ratha-yatra

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Bhaktivedanta Swami first thought of conducting a Ratha-yatra in San Francisco when he saw flat bed
trucks passing by the temple there. He asked his disciples to get a truck and create a four-pillared
canopy at the back of the truck. And so it was that a yellow Hertz rental truck, complete with five-foot
columns and a pyramidal cloth canopy, carried the three-foot high Deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and
Subhadra on Their first ever Ratha-yatra in the West. The ratha was decorated with flags, bells and
flower garlands.
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Biography - Why Swamiji is bowing to a doll?
One day Malati brought home a small item from shopping and not knowing what it was, asked Swamiji.
He bowed down his head, offering respects and said, "You have brought Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of
the Universe. He is Lord Krishna." Swamiji got Malati to bring back the other two figures from the set
and when he saw them together, he asked if anyone knew how to carve. Shyamasundara was a wood
sculptor and made three-foot-high copies of the divine trio, Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra.
Seeing the appearance of Lord Jagannatha in San Francisco as the will of Krishna, Swamiji said he
would personally install Them in the temple and called San Francisco New Jagannatha Puri.
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Biography - Known as Hare Krishnas
By 1970, Srila Prabhupada's disciples were seen chanting and dancing on the streets of New York, San
Francisco and Los Angeles. They were now known as the Hare Krishnas, shaven headed westerners,
wearing shikas, Vaishnava tilaka and saffron robes, playing karatalas and mridangas and quoting
Sanskrit verses from the Bhagavad-gita, affirming Lord Krishna to be the Supreme Personality of
Godhead.
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Biography - Holy name for all
Wherever he went, Srila Prabhupada preached the message Lord Chaitanya, to chant the Hare Krishna
mahamantra. Devotees all over the world went out onto the streets in great cities, performing Harinama
sankirtana and bringing the holy names of Krishna to peoples of all races and cultures.
Biography - Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT)
Srila Prabhupada was as committed to writing his books as he was to organizing and managing ISKCON.
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He woke up very early every morning, when everyone else was fast asleep and dictated the translations
into a Dictaphone for many hours. He founded the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) and urged his
disciples to publish his books at a pace never before attempted by any other publishing house. When he
received copies of his books fresh off the printing press, he was happiest. Touching the book to his
head, he would smile blissfully and then enthuse the devotees to go out and distribute these books. His
spiritual master had said that books were the brihat mridanga, the great drum that propagated the
message of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Krishna. Srila Prabhupada joyously saw this coming true all over
the world through his BBT.
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Biography - Vrindavan in west
Srila Prabhupada started a devotee community in West Virginia that he named New Vrindavana, where
he wanted devotees to live a simple life based on land and cows and Vedic rituals. The keynote should
be, "Simple living and high thinking."
Biography - Initiation process
Swamiji had announced to his students that he would be conducting a formal initiation ceremony when
they would have to take vows to chant 16 rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra everyday of their lives 
and follow the regulative principles - no meat eating, no intoxication, no illicit sex and no gambling.
There was a Vedic fire sacrifice and Swamiji handed the devotees beads that he had chanted on.
Swamiji then announced the initiate's spiritual name.
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Biography - The Truth
Srila Prabhupada respected philosophers and teachers who represented the truth. He summed up
Greek civilization in a couple of sentences. He explained that Srimad Bhagavatam was the source of the
stories like the Iliad and Odyssey and was the source of Platonic philosophy. He said that Socrates was
actually a devotee in disguise.
Biography - United Nations or Service of God
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Commenting on the United Nations, Srila Prabhupada said, "In the United Nations, for instance, all the
nations have their particular ambitions and consequently they cannot be united…Those who are
actually engaged in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be disunited.
..Instead of making one flag, the flags (in the United Nations) are increasing every year…How can
they be united? Everyone is under the control of material nature, full control."
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Biography - Impress about the sinfullness of Animal Slaughter!
During his visit to France, Srila Prabhupada met Cardinal Jean Danielou at a monastic retreat near Paris.
Srila Prabhupada took the opportunity of their meeting to impress upon the sinfulness of animal
slaughter.
Biography - Need of Krishna Consciousness in Russia!
Srila Prabhupada met Professor Kotovsky in Moscow, when he was on his only visit there for three days.
He told the Professor that the only thing missing in society was an understanding of the purpose of
human life. "They do not know what next life is. There is no department of knowledge or scientific
department to study what is there after finishing this body." When the professor revealed his
ignorance in a classic moment of declaring that when the body dies, the owner of the body dies as well,
Prabhupada noted his reply. He later said, "There is no hope in Russia without Krishna
consciousness."
(/read/ILL_57)

(/read/ILL_58)
Biography - Young Russian turns into a devotee!
In Moscow, a Russian student, Ivan, and an Indian diplomat's son were brought in by Shyamasundara to
meet Srila Prabhupada in his room. Ivan took to Krishna like a hungry man eats a meal. In the couple of
days that they were there, Srila Prabhupada and Shyamasundara taught Ivan how to chant, cook, and
all the basic principles of bhakti yoga. Prabhupada taught Ivan as much as he could. In this young man's
eagerness and intelligence, Srila Prabhupada found the real purpose of his visit to Russia.
Biography - Use latest technology to preach!


Srila Prabhupada encouraged his disciples to use the latest technology to preach. When he visited Los
Angeles, he saw the First American Transcendental Exhibition (FATE) museum, which utilized
multimedia dioramas to depict the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita.
(/read/ILL_59)

(/read/ILL_60)
Biography - Prabhupada an Instrument for Srila Bhaktivinode

Thakura's prediction!
Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura had predicted that one day, the people of the world would come together
and unite to perform Harinama sankirtana. Srila Prabhupada was instrumental in making this a reality.
Biography - Biography - Srila Prabhupada's arrival a prediction!

Bhaktivinode Thakura also predicted, "Soon a great saint will come and establish Lord Chaitanya's
movement throughout the world" and propagate the sankirtana movement. That great personality -
empowered to create devotees of all races and backgrounds and to rally them together in Mayapur,
thousands of miles away from their homes - was Srila Prabhupada.
(/read/ILL_61)

(/read/ILL_62)
Biography - People of Modern Society = Vultures!
Srila Prabhupada commented that modern society was made up of people as good as vultures, as
animal slaughter is rampant. Flesh is not proper food for human beings.
Biography - Shaktyavesha avataras- Jesus and Mohammed!
Srila Prabhupada considered Jesus and Mohammed as shaktyavesha avataras, specially empowered
personalities.

(/read/ILL_63)

(/read/ILL_64)
Biography - Interview with Mrs.Indira Gandhi
In 1975, Srila Prabhupada was granted an interview with Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
Biography - George expressed his devotion through songs!
Srila Prabhupada had sent three married couples to preach in London. After a winter of struggle, they
managed to meet George Harrison of the Beatles. George liked the devotees and began associating with
them regularly. He liked the concepts of Krishna consciousness and began to express his devotion to
Lord Krishna in his songs. George suggested that the devotees make a record on the Apple label. 
(/read/ILL_65)

(/read/ILL_66)
Biography - George and other devotees 1st song!
The devotees went over to George's house for a chanting session. On the day of the recording, about a
dozen devotees assembled at the E.M.I. With Paul McCartney and his wife Linda operating the console,
George playing the organ and Mukunda playing the mridanga, Yamuna sang the lead with
Shyamasundara backing her, the other voices blending in a chorus. The first day the record sold seventy
thousand copies. Within a few weeks the devotees appeared on a popular TV show Top of the Pops,
singing "their song."
Biography - Beginning of Bhaktivedanta Manor donated by George 

Harrison.
When Srila Prabhupada met George Harrison, he specially instructed and encouraged him to take
Krishna consciousness more seriously and help teach it to the world. George donated a property he had
just bought to Srila Prabhupada, to use for his mission in England. It was an iconic mock Tudor mansion
in Hertfordshire, outside London. The devotees renovated the place and made it into a temple. It came
to be called Bhaktivedanta Manor.
(/read/ILL_67)

(/read/ILL_68)
Biography - Teachings about a teacher and student relationship!
Srila Prabhupada had many gurukulas operating in various centers in America. Once on a visit he said
that the students should both fear and love their teachers. The teacher, by stern countenance, may
threaten an unruly child and make him submit, but the teacher should not hit the child. He once
delighted a classroom of children with mock anger and jokes.
Biography - His Final Months stay in Vrindavana!!

In the final months Srila Prabhupada stayed in Vrindavana, at the newly built Krishna Balarama temple.
Every day he would be taken around the temple three times and then rest under the tamala tree from
where he would sit looking at the Deities with folded hands.
(/read/ILL_69)

(/read/ILL_70)
Biography - Activeness of Prabhupada inspite of bad health!
Srila Prabhupada kept up his travelling, circling the globe 14 times in 12 years. His health was worsening
but he still travelled extensively. When one devotee requested him not to travel and to rest instead, Srila
Prabhupada said, "I want the benediction to go on fighting for Krishna up to the last breath. Just like
Arjuna."
Biography - Final instruction of Prabhupada!

On November 14, 1977 at 7.30 p.m., in his room at the Krishna Balarama Mandir in Vrindavana, Srila
Prabhupada gave his final instruction by leaving this mortal world and going back to Godhead, Goloka
Vrindavana. His departure was exemplary, because his whole life was exemplary. His departure marked
the completion of a lifetime of pure devotional service to Lord Krishna. Srila Prabhupada's departure
was glorious because he remained in perfect Krishna consciousness, chanting and hearing the holy
names of Krishna.
(/read/ILL_71)
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Biography Acharya - One Who Teaches by Example - Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa (ACBSP)

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Biography Acharya - One Who Teaches by Example - Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa (ACBSP)

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 Biography

Acharya - One who teaches by example

Biography - Sankirtan wiped out the disease

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - Crossed a riot torn area safely to reach home

Biography - Lord Jagannatha Ratha-yatra by the Mullik family

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - His cart for the Ratha-Yatra

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - He got His Radha-Krishna at early age

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - His Engagement, ignoring His reluctance

Biography - His first meet with Bhaktisiddhantha Swami

Biography - The Swami's first sentence to Him

Biography - Declaration of Bhaktisiddhanta Swami

Biography - His thought of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - His distraction towards family

Biography - His observance about Jawaharlal Nehru

Biography - His transformation into a brahmana

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's confidence on Him

Biography - He was asked to print books rather building temples 

Biography - Biography - Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's reply to His letter

Biography - His letter to Mahatma Gandhi to engage in devotional

Biography - Journey of Preaching 

Biography - Dream of the instruction to take Sannyasa

Biography - He took Sannyasa in September 1959

Biography - Beginning of the Srimad Bhagavatam

Biography - Getting committed to finish the work in 7years if Lord

Biography - Moved to Radha Damodara temple in Vrindavana, In 1962

Biography - First volume of Srimad Bhagavatam

Biography - Initially started with daily travel from Vrindhavana to Delhi

Biography - Lal Bhadur Shastri receives Srimad Bhagavatam from

Biography - Rupa Goswami's encouraging words to Srila Prabhupada

Biography - Personal interview with Mrs Morarji

Biography - Prayer to Guru before his departure for America

Biography - Biography - A complimentary ticket of a regular cargo

Biography - The painful sufferings during journey 

Biography - Fearfulness vanished after a dream of Lord Krishna

Biography - Indeed it was Lord's mercy for a calm Atlantic Crossing

Biography - Thoughts of acceptance by America for Krishna

Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa

Biography - A view of Boston's commercial area

Biography - Biography - A uncompromising appearance at New York

Biography - Experienced the Bowery

Biography - First Mantra Rock Dance

Biography - Hippies climbed on to the stage

Biography - Jumping, yelling, even crying and shouting

Biography - Let's have Ratha-yatra

Biography - Why Swamiji is bowing to a doll?

Biography - Holy name for all

Biography - Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT)

Biography - Vrindavan in west

Biography - Initiation process

Biography - The Truth

Biography - United Nations or Service of God

Biography - Impress about the sinfullness of Animal Slaughter!

Biography - Need of Krishna Consciousness in Russia!

Biography - Young Russian turns into a devotee!

Biography - Use latest technology to preach!

Biography - Prabhupada an Instrument for Srila Bhaktivinode

Biography - Biography - Srila Prabhupada's arrival a prediction!

Biography - People of Modern Society = Vultures!