A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: A Life of Devotion and Visionary Leadership
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Abhay Charan De was born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, British India. He later adopted the name A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a name that reflected his spiritual journey and authority as a guru.
#### Birth and Death Dates
September 1, 1896 – November 14, 1977
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Indian philosopher, spiritual leader, and founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
#### Early Life and Background
Abhay Charan De was born in a devout Vaishnava family in Calcutta. His father, Gour Mohan De, was a government employee, and his mother, Shiroma Devi, was known for her piety and spiritual practices. From an early age, Abhay was drawn to spirituality and would often accompany his mother to visit the nearby Radha-Govinda Temple.
As a young man, Abhay studied Indian classical music and became proficient in playing the sarangi. He also worked as a clerk in a pharmaceutical company before becoming increasingly involved in spiritual pursuits.
#### Major Accomplishments
In 1922, Abhay met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada, who would become instrumental in guiding him on the path to Krishna consciousness. After his guru's passing in 1937, Abhay dedicated himself fully to spreading the teachings of Krishna.
In 1944, Abhay was initiated as a sannyasi (a renunciate) and began to travel extensively throughout India, preaching about the importance of devotion to Krishna. He eventually founded ISKCON in New York City's Greenwich Village in 1966, with just eight disciples.
Under his leadership, ISKCON grew rapidly around the world, with centers established in over a hundred countries. Prabhupada also translated and published numerous spiritual texts, including the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, which remains one of his most beloved works.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Prabhupada's literary output was prolific, encompassing translations of sacred scriptures, philosophical treatises, and devotional poetry. His books, which have been widely acclaimed for their clarity and depth, include:
Bhagavad Gita As It Is: A comprehensive translation of the Bhagavad Gita, considered one of the most important spiritual texts in Hinduism.
Srimad-Bhagavatam: A 18-volume commentary on the ancient epic, the Bhagavata Purana.
As a visionary leader, Prabhupada also established the first Krishna temple outside India, at 26 Second Avenue in New York City. He went on to found temples and centers throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
#### Impact and Legacy
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's influence extends far beyond his immediate followers. His teachings have inspired countless individuals from diverse backgrounds to adopt a more spiritual lifestyle. Through ISKCON, he has helped to popularize the worship of Krishna around the world, bridging cultural divides and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Prabhupada's quotes and writings continue to be widely quoted and referenced due to their profound insights into human nature, spirituality, and the human condition. His emphasis on devotion, selfless service, and spiritual growth has resonated with people from all walks of life.
His legacy serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to spreading Krishna consciousness and his unshakeable faith in the transformative power of spirituality.
Quotes by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's insights on:
In spiritual life, one must conduct one’s whole life under the guidance of the guru. Only one who executes his spiritual life under the direction of the spiritual master can achieve the mercy of Krishna.
Every living creature is the son of the supreme Lord, and He does not tolerate even ants being killed.
In the last stage of the spiritual master’s life, the devotees of the spiritual master should take preaching activities into their own hands. In this way the spiritual master can sit down in a solitary place and render nirjana-bhajana.
Indulgence in animal killing for the taste of the tongue is the grossest kind of ignorance.
The genuine Guru is God’s representative and he speaks about God and nothing else.
This chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is enacted from the spiritual platform and thus this sound vibration surpasses all lower strata of consciouness – namely sensual, mental and intellectual.
It is imperative that one approaches a spiritual master, for by such association one proportionately develops his consciousness towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
In the last stage of the spiritual master's life, the devotees of the spiritual master should take preaching activities into their own hands. In this way the spiritual master can sit down in a solitary place and render nirjana-bhajana.
First birth is from your parents, but real birth, real life, begins when one accepts a bona fide spiritual master and renders service unto him. Then the path is open for going back to home, back to Godhead, to live eternally in full knowledge and full bliss and in association with the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, Lord Krishna.
Spiritual master is representative of God. Similarly, king is also representative of God. The father is also representative of God. These are the statements of the sastras. Because they will guide. The king will guide. The spiritual master will guide. The father will guide. What is that guidance? That guidance is how one can become Krishna Conscious by education, by culture.