Vail Retreat Prabhupada Katha

Vail 2009
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"Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord
and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge
automatically revealed."
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4
fÜ| ZâÜä@
ZâÜä@Táàt~t
cÜtçxÜá àÉ à{x fÑ|Ü|àâtÄ `táàxÜ
“Oh my Lord! Transcendental poets and experts in spiritual science could not fully express
their indebtness to You, even if they were endowed with the prolonged lifetime of Brahma,
for You appear in two features-externally as the acharya and internally as the Supersoul-to
deliver the embodied living being by directing him how to come to You”
5
Çré Gurv-añöaka
saàsära-dävänala-léòha-loka-
träëäya käruëya-ghanäghanatvam
präptasya kalyäëa-guëärëavasya
vande guroù çré-caraëäravindam
The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud
pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the
materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer
my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an
ocean of auspicious qualities.
mahäprabhoù kértana-nåtya-géta-
väditra-mädyan manaso rasena
romäïca-kampäçru-taraìga-bhäjo
Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments,
the spiritual master is always gladdened by the saìkértana movement of Lord Caitanya
Mahäprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind
sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from
his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a
spiritual master.
çré-vigrahärädhana-nitya-nänä-
çåìgära-tan-mandira-märjanädau
yuktasya bhaktäàç ca niyuïjato ‘pi
The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Çré Çré Rädhä and
Kåñëa. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in
beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar
worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a
spiritual master.
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Çré Gurv-añöaka
catur-vidha-çré-bhagavat-prasäda-
svädv-anna-tåptän hari-bhakta-saìghän
kåtvaiva tåptià bhajataù sadaiva
The spiritual master is always offering four kinds of delicious food (analysed as those
which are licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked). When the spiritual master sees that the
devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasäda, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful
obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
sré-rädhikä-mädhavayor apära-
mädhurya-lélä-guëa-rüpa-nämnäm
prati-kñaëäsvädana-lolupasya
The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal
pastimes of Rädhikä and Mädhava, and Their qualities, names and forms. The spiritual
master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto
the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
nikuïja-yüno rati-keli-siddhyai
yä yälibhir yuktir apekñaëéyä
taträti-däkñyäd ati-vallabhasya
The spiritual master is very dear because he is expert in assisting the gopés, who at
different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Rädhä and
Kåñëa’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Våndävana. I offer my most
humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.
säkñäd-dharitvena samasta-çästrair
uktas tathä bhävyata eva sadbhiù
kintu prabhor yaù priya eva tasya
The spiritual master is to be honoured as much as the Supreme Lord because he is the
most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures
and followed by all authorities. Therefore I offer my respectful obeisances unto the
lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bona fide representative of Çré Hari
(Kåñëa).
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Çré Gurv-añöaka
yasya prasädäd bhagavat-prasädo
yasyäprasädän na gatiù kuto ‘pi
dhyäyan stuvaàs tasya yaças tri-sandhyäà
By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Kåñëa. Without
the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I
should always remember and praise my spiritual master. At least three times a day I
should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.
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fÜ|Ät cÜtu{âÑtwt
dâÉàxá
"Your service attitude encourages me because Krsna can never be order supplier. We
should always remember that Krsna is the only order giver. His order is received through
the agency of the spiritual master."
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lÉâÜ Ä|yx ã|ÄÄ ux t áâvvxááyâÄ
áâvvxááyâÄ Å|áá|ÉÇ‹
"I can understand that you have secured a very nice place in Boston and there is a very
good possibility of pushing our movement amongst the student community there.
Our movement is certainly very much appealing to the younger section of your
country and if we are successful in the matter of attracting the student community in
your country certainly this movement will scatter all over the world and the
foretelling of Lord Caitanya that in every town and village of the world the Lord will
be famous for His glorious sankirtana movement. Please try for this with your heart
and soul and your life will be a successful mission." - Letter to Satsvarupa, Oct 6, 1967
"Yes, your devotion will grow at 'doubled rates' as you give more and more service to
the Supreme Lord. Krsna states in the Bhagavad Gita that one who is spreading Krsna
consciousness is the one most dear to Him. So, you are doing the most valuable
service to the Lord by introducing your class fellows and friends to this sankirtana
movement and therefore you will feel more and more increase in your devotion to the
Lord. Please continue to do like this, and Krsna will be pleased, and you will always
be happy in this life, and what to speak of the next." - Letter to Terry and associates,
March 22, 1968
"We should always be thinking of how to spread this sankirtana movement by

applying our basic principles according to time and place, and I especially want that
my students enter into the schools and colleges and present our Krsna philosophy and
sell our books." - Letter to Badrnarayana dasa, Nov 18th, 1971
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jx Åtç àt~x à{x vÜxw|à‹
"Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has forecast that this Hare Krsna mantra will be heard in
every nook and cranny of the globe. He is God, so it will happen, that is a fact. So if
we take advantage then we may take the credit, but if we do not someone else will.
You are right to just depend on Krsna. When he sees that you are sincere He will
reveal everything to you. And this preaching work is your key to success in Krsna
Consciousness; just see Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Ch 18 texts 68-69." - Letter to
Karandhara, Nov 4th 1970
\à wÉxá ÇÉà ÅtààxÜ ã{xÜx çÉâ tÜx‹

tÜx‹
"Pray to Krishna to give you the intelligence to seek out the association of genuine
Vaisnavas more and more. That will insure your own genuineness. And if you always
engage in chanting Hare Krishna, avoiding the four sinful prohibitions, then you can
attain to perfect love of Krishna, it does not matter where you are." - Letter to
Yadunandana, June 25th 1974
g{tà |á ÉâÜ ÉÇÄç {ÉÑx‹

{ÉÑx‹
"One who can show the whole cosmic manifestation within the hole of His mouth,
what service can we render unto Him? Krishna does not require anyone's help but if
we serve Him, even in a very small capacity, He will accept. That is our only hope." –
Letter to Upendra on June 24th 1969
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WÉ áÉÅxà{|Çz zÉÜzxÉâá‹
zÉÜzxÉâá‹
"I am very pleased how you are leading Krishna conscious householder life. This ideal
that I want to show your countrymen is only possible on the Krishna consciousness
platform. You remain steady on this platform and this will be your benefit. Now
cooperate together and do something gorgeous. That is my instruction to you." –
Letter to Kirtiraja dasa and Haripuja dasi on April 12th 1973.
`xxà|Çz tÇw fxÑtÜtà|ÉÇ‹

fxÑtÜtà|ÉÇ‹
“Our meeting and separation in the material world is like the flowing tide of the river.
During the flowing tide of the river, so many different floating articles meet together,
and with the flowing, they again become separated by the movement of the waves.
That is the way of the material life. But our separation, although it resembles exactly
in the material way, it is completely different. In the spiritual world, separation is
more relishable than meeting. In other words, in spiritual life, there is no separation.
Separation is eternal, and meeting is also eternal. The separation is simply another
feature of meeting.” – Letter to Brahmananda, April 3rd 1969
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13
içtát câ}t byyxÜ|Çz
“Following the order of the bonafide spiritual master is the only duty of the disciple, and
the completely faithful execution of the order of the bonafide spiritual master is the secret
of success”
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[|á [ÉÄ|Çxáá U{t~à| V{tÜâ fãtÅ|
Dear Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your divine lotus
feet.
On this most auspicious day I want to offer myself to you. Spiritual life begins with
surrender to the representative of Krishna. To me you are that personality. You are my
spiritual master. You are my savior. You are my everything. Whatever I am today is
simply due to your causeless mercy upon me. Officially I surrendered myself to you a
long time ago. However, with the passing of time I am realizing how far away I am
from that basic requirement. Through initiation I promised to surrender myself to
you; I took the vow to offer myself eternally at your lotus feet. However, instead of
doing that I have simply enjoyed the wonderful arrangements you made for us in
ISKCON. Today, on this auspicious day, upon realizing that mistake, I want to rectify
it to perfect my existence.
You created ISKCON with a very specific purpose. Although you spread Krishna
consciousness all over the world in just ten years time, you knew that the mission of
spreading this movement to every town and village would not be accomplished in just
one lifetime. Therefore, you saw the need to establish an institution that would
continue your mission even after your disappearance from this planet. Your spiritual
master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, also perceived this need and created
the Gaudiya Matha. Unfortunately, that institution disintegrated after his
disappearance, and as a result his preaching mission stopped. You revived that
mission of Srila Caitanya Mahaprabhu and fulfilled the dream of your spiritual master.
Your ISKCON is the glorious institution that will spread Krishna consciousness all
over the world, to every town and village. That is why you were so concerned about
its protection and safety. If ISKCON continues to thrive, the sankirtan movement will
continue to spread.
Today I realized that to uphold the real purpose of ISKCON it is absolutely essential
that we recognize it is your property, and that even after your apparent disappearance
from this planet you are its sole proprietor and will continue to be so for thousands of
years to come. Otherwise, ISKCON will become fragmented, just as the Gaudiya
Matha did after Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's disappearance.
Today I became painfully aware how, instead of serving your ISKCON, I was actually
enjoying its assets. I became so embarrassed to realize that after your disappearance I
started to think that due to my advanced spiritual position and good fortune I
inherited a part of your ISKCON and it is my natural right to enjoy its assets.
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On this most auspicious day I fall at your lotus feet begging forgiveness for that
offense. Please be merciful unto me and allow me to serve your mission without any
personal interest. Please bless me that I can perfect my existence by becoming your
servant by truly surrendering myself to your lotus feet.
Your most unqualified follower,
Bhakti Charu Swami

Vyasa Puja Offering 2009
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cxÜáÉÇtÄ byyxÜ|Çzá
byyxÜ|Çzá
“To serve the Lord & the servants of His servants, in the association of devotees, is the
only objective of a pure unalloyed devotee”
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Tàxxà TztÜãtÄ
I have no words to even attempt to describe how much my life has changed every since I came in touch
with Srila Prabhupada 5 years ago. Like so many of us, I had also come to the West with pure
materialistic goals and dreams of a successful happy life. But in reality, I was completely directionless in
my life. Had it not been for Srila Prabhupada, I can’t even imagine how boring and hellish my life
would have been now, and could get only worse in the future.
Srila Prabhupada gave us everything, because he gave us ISKCON – the perfect institution to develop
our Krsna Consciousness. Everything is there in ISKCON. We don’t have to search for anything
separately or independently – it’s complete and perfect. All we have to do is follow Prabhupada’s
instruction and we can perfect our lives and go back home, back to Godhead. Who can do this for
anyone in this age other than His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada?
While it’s practically impossible to list how much we benefit just by being connected with Srila
Prabhupada, I wanted to highlight a few things that have really made a difference in my life:
1. Association of devotees – wherever we go, any corner of the world, we can find devotees, we
can find temples, we can find prasadam and we can find the holy name of Krsna. The whole
world has become one family just because of Srila Prabhupada.
2. Books – Srila Prabhupada gave us the most precious gifts, his books, which are the windows to
the spiritual world. Through the light of knowledge in his books, millions of people around the
world have been able to remove the darkness of ignorance in their hearts and have become
Krsna Consciousness. We all know of the amazing stories of how the lives of people around
the world have been touched and changed forever just by coming in touch with Srila
Prabhupada’s books. Books are the basis.
3. Spiritual master in a bonafide parampara – Srila Prabhupada has sent to this world, his true
representatives who have dedicated their lives in the mission of Srila Prabhupada, and as
bonafide spiritual masters, are giving millions of fallen conditioned souls like me around the
world a chance to become Krsna Conscious.
At the age of 70, Srila Prabhupada, you took all the difficulties to travel to the West, as an ambassador
of goodwill, bringing the message of Lord Caitanya, distributing love of Krsna freely to anyone and
everyone, teaching people how to become truly happy. Not worrying about your health, you travelled
around the globe 14 times establishing temples and translating books.
Srila Prabhupada, I beg at your lotus feet again and again and pray that I can become a sincere and
enthusiastic soldier in this wonderful sankirtan army of Lord Chaitanya. I pray that I can become a
sincere instrument in the hands of Krsna to distribute your books, giving people an opportunity to
associate with Krsna and become Krsna Conscious.
Srila Prabhupada, you have given a meaning, a goal and direction to my otherwise boring life. You have
made me a human being, and given me hope that by following the instructions of my spiritual master,
serving the devotees, reading your books, and chanting the holy name, one day I can also become a
devotee and develop love for Krsna.
Thank you very much Srila Prabhupada.
With gratitude as deep as the causal ocean,
Your eternally-indebted servant

Bhakta Ateet
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VtÜÉÄçÇ [ÉÄÅ
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to you.
I first met devotees a year and a half ago, February, in a library in my hometown of Minneapolis. I was
really searching for God and direction in my life at that time. I was kneeling on the floor of the library,
reading a book when a young man walked past me and then came back and asked me an unusual
question: “Do you do yoga?” he said. I answered “Yes”, because at the time I was practicing a lot of
hatha astanga yoga and some meditation, but felt there was something I needed that would really fill me
up inside. I talked a bit to the young man, and found that he was a bhakti yogi, a taught a weekly class
at the University. I had gone on a canting and yoga weekend retreat in California the month before and
was certain this certain teacher was my path. However, by Srila Prabhupada’s causeless mercy somehow
he and devotees had begun to come into my life. The devotee gave me a book, the Bhagavad Gita to
read. I took the book home and went through it, but did not understand much of what I was reading, it
seemed very special knowledge, but foreign to me. I began attending the University Classes the devotee
was teaching and was overcome by how giving, friendly and loving the devotees were. I am very
stubborn though, and it took me months until I was able to realize that the other path I was
surrendering to was untrue, and was able to see that Krishna is the Absolute Truth and I began to
“hear” in the right way and began chanting Hare Krishna. I don’t know where I would be now, if it
hadn’t been for the devotees and Srila Prabhupada, speaking words of truth to me. I learned from this
experience how important it is to hear from a bonafide teacher.
I am so grateful to Srila Prabhupada because he gave us the pure truth about life, ourselves and Krishna,
the Absolute truth. He was so selfless in his whole life, and completely surrendered to Krishna. He gave
us such a simple, joyful and powerful path back to Godhead. He had so much love for the people who
were suffering and gave his life to give them true happiness and pure truth in our confused world. I feel
so happy reading about him, like he personally cares for all of us. When I don’t reflect on him regularly
or hear it is so easy to lose track and slip into complacency and despondency. I am realizing what a gift
Srila Prabhupada has given me so early in my life, the chance to surrender to Krishna and use my life to
serve Him. But I see this ideal knowing I am so far away, but I know that I need to try because that is
the only way my life will mean anything. I am in ignorance more of the time. Please Srila Prabhupada,
help me continue to hear and chant so that my heart can become free from all my nonsense and
ignorance and finally see your lotus feet to surrender to. How can I even try to thank you for who you
are, and what you have given the world.
Begging for your mercy, your fallen aspiring servant,

Carolyn
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WtààtàÜxçt
WtààtàÜxçt Wtát
Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana – salakaya Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri – gurave namah
Nama om visnu-padaya krisna-presthya bhu-tale Srimate bhaktivedanta-swami iti namine
After reading his books, listening to his lectures, associating with his pure devotees in association with
his created institution (ISKCON) my life has changed to a more enlightened consciousness. Now I can
compare my previous life with my new life.
Reading Srila Prabhupada's books encourages me to read more & more tirelessly. His writing is very
simple, philosophical, scientific, and factual, provides practical evidences, and covers all Vedas
(Bhagavat Purana). I have no desire to read other books written by other authors. His writing is all-
inclusive. Similarly, in his lectures, each & every word is very important, scientific & philosophical.
His voice vibration is very penetrating & attractive to the heart.
Association with Srila Prabhupada's pure disciples has been enriching. They are sadhus, pure vaisnavas.
They are humble, good preachers, completely dedicated to Srila Prabhupada's movement and always
absorbed in Krsna consciousness and spreading Krsna's name all over the world. Their activities &
humility attracts non-devotees to take to Krsna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned in his books: how to become Krishna conscious, what is the ultimate goal
of life, how to perform devotional services, how jivas get removed from 3 modes of material natures,
how to get out from repeated birth and death cycle, how to become full of knowledge & blissful,
realization that Krishna is the supreme Personality of Godhead, we are jivas - servant of the servant of
Him and we should surrender unto Him by performing continuous devotional service unto Him, and
how to abide by all regulatory principles.
If Srila Prabhupada had not come in this world how would the suffering people become Krishna
conscious? How would people know who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead? To whom would
people worship? He was a chief in command who spread Krishna's name all over the world. Now our
duty is to implement his command: Spread Krishna's name to every town & village. “Jare dekha tare
kaha Krishna Upadesh”
Shakty-avesa-avatar: Srila Prabhupada's activities & symptoms prove that he is the predicted great
personality (Shakty-avesa-avatar) who establishes the mission of Lord Krishna, worldwide. It was
recognized and accepted that Srila Prabhupada is a pure representative of Lord Krishna and the current
link in the Brahma-Madhava-Gaudiya Sampradaya. Everyone can attain full perfection by following
Srila Prabhupada.
In numerous letters, Srila Prabhupada instructed to his followers, "Please study all of my books very
thoroughly". (Letter, December 1974). He often warned his disciples, "When the waves of maya attack,
your little sentiment for Krishna may not save you. All my disciples must be thoroughly trained in the
philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. (Letter May 1972). He urged his leading preachers to diligently
train devotees rather than constantly canvass for converts (Letter, 1972). Thus Srila Prabhupada
worked tirelessly, night and day, to carefully translate, explain and publish the most important
Vaisnava scriptures, such as Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-caritamrita, Srimad Bhagavad-gita, and Sri
Bhaktirasamrita Sindhu (Nectar of Devotion).
By his preaching, Srila Prabhupada churned the ocean of transcendental nectar for the benefit of every
living being in the universe, particularly his dedicated disciples. Without the blessings of a great
Vaisnava like Srila Prabhupada, no one can advance to the higher stages of Krishna consciousness.
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Srila Prabhupada is an Eternal Associate of Lord Caitanya: Srila Prabhupada is a nitya-siddha
Vaisnava (eternally liberated devotee of Krishna) sent by Lord Caitanya to revive the mission of Nama-
sankirtana and save the world from the dangerous atheistic doctrines of impersonalism (nirvisesa) and
voidism (sunnyavada). All his activities are eternal and purely transcendental. In fact, the vedic
literature, Lord Caitanya, and predecessor acaryas have predicted this great personality, Srila
Prabhupada, who fulfilled these predictions by founding the global Krishna Consciousness movement
and Hare Krishna society single-handedly. Thus he is worshiped by Gaudiya Vaisnavas with the name
"Srila Prabhupada" (the master at whose feet all others bow). Srila Prabhupada's form (vapu) and
instructions (vani) offer the full mercy of Lord Caitanya to all conditioned souls for the duration of the
ten thousand year era of Lord Caitanya.
Acarya-vigraha : Srila Prabhupada's Preching is empowered and complete.

Srila Prabhupada is the Acarya-vigraha, the best example of the perfect teacher. His preaching exibits
the full manifestation of guru-tattva and guru-puja: the essence of the bonafide guru and worship of the
bonafide guru. By studying and following Srila Prabhupada's instructions, everyone can achieve the
highest stages of Krishna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada mentioned always think Krishna, whatever you are doing, it is for Krishna. Keep
Krishna in the center of your work. Surrender to Krishna. He will take care of you. Srila Prabhupada
instructed that " you are all helping me in the execution of my mission so please do not try to do
anything beyond the jurisdiction of my instructions. My will I have already disclosed to you all that
each and every one of you should chant the Mahamantra regularly in 16 rounds, follow the four
regulative principles, chant Hare Krishna mantra on the streets, try to distribute our books and
literature. I can assure you that if you follow my instruction as above mentioned there is no doubt
about it that through me my spiritual Master Srila Bhatisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur will be pleased, and
through His mercy Lord Nityananda will be pleased. In this way Lord Caitanya and ultimately Radha
Krishna will be pleased, and thus your life will be successful".
Srila Prabhupada, please engage your servant in any of your service, So that this very fallen soul will get
a taste of that nectar of devotional service. In conclusion, “Guru Krishna prasade pai bhakti lata bija”
Without the mercy of Guru Maharaja, it is impossible to get Bhakti Lata Bija.
Paramaradhyatama Guru Maharaj, Please help your servant for making more & more surrender at your
lotus feet, Param Guru Prabhupada and Lord Krishna’s lotus feet. Please give me instructions what can
I do for your mission & Prabhupada’s institution (ISKCON).
Jai Srila Prabhupada! Jai Guru Maharaja!
Your Servant
Dattatreya Dasa
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\áätÜt câÜ| wtá
Hare Krsna.
Whenever I think of Srila Prabhupada, the first thing comes to my mind is ISKCON which was
established in 1966. I always think where I would be, if I didn’t join ISKCON. I may have been reading
if at all the Bhagavad Gita translated by some mayavadi. They’ve even made a hanging poster of ‘Gita
Sar’claim to be the essence of Bhagavad Gita, but they never mention
sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaḿ śaranaḿ vraja

ahaḿ tvāḿ sarva-pāpebhyo moksayisyāmi mā śucah
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful
reactions. Do not fear. (18.66)
I read every day, Srila Prabhupada’s permanent calendar and turn pages every day, date by date and
meditate whole day on the quotation by Srila Prabhupada and something which clicks me, I make it as
my daily prayer before I sleep. For example on March 20 (1969), is a letter to Rayarama, Srila
Prabhupada wrote to him “always depend on Krsna, after all He is the ultimate mater of all the situations.
It is not the doctor, of the medicine or the place. But it is ultimately Krsna who is the Master to do
everything.”
I am also grateful that Srila Prabhupada stressed the importance of deity worship in grhastha life and
showed the proper procedure. I used to watch my mother do her puja and I just thought it’s something
old ladies do to pass their time. Now I very much enjoy offering daily bhoga and arati to my Gaur-Nitai
and Radha Shyamasundar and I feel it makes my whole house feel like Vaikuntha.
Hare Krsna. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada ki Jai.
22
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Namah Om Visnupadaya Krishna prestaya bhutale Srimate Bhaktivedanta Swamin itinamine
Namaste Sarasvate deve gauravani pracharine nirvisesa sunyavadi pascasya desa tarine
I came to USA in 1978 and stayed with my brother, Samik Rsi, who was already in Krishna
Consciousness movement. This was my good fortune that I got association of so many devotees and
sanyasis.
Srila Prabhupada influenced my life in so many ways. It have me direction and purpose of life. How to
live simply and develop relation with Krishna. By chanting my material consciousness has changed.
Before I used to waste too much time in material activities. Now I feel much pleasure in chanting and
my life is secure. Even if some odd things happen in my life, I have complete faith that Krishna will
protect me.
As a householder, my duty is to raise my kids in Krishna Consciousness and I am grateful to Srila

Prabhupada that my kids and my wife are Krsna Conscious. My parents were very simple and pious. My
father used to wake up every morning and 4 am and recite Ramayan and Bhagavad Gita, but I could not
understand then. Now through Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, I appreciate what my father gave us.
Through Srila Prabhupada’s mercy I found my spiritual master – Bhakti Charu Swami and under his
guidance I am progressing in spiritual life with my family. I never met Srila Prabhupada but I can see
Prabhupada in your Gurumaharaj, because you are teaching me the same thing Srila Prabhupada
taught.
In material life everybody is very fearful of what will happen to their future and losing everything at the
time of death. But we know through Srila Prabhupada’s books that we are spirit souls and there is
nothing to fear. We are part and parcel of Krishna, everything belongs to Him and now I am trying to
utilize my resources in the service of Lord Krishna and His devotees.
At the age of 70, Srila Prabhupada changed the life of so many western devotees that has inspired me so
much. In my profession as CPA I am in contact with some people and I am trying to preach to my
clients through distributing Prabhupada’s books. I give all credit to Srila Prabhupada, and my morning
to evening is spent in Krishna Conscious activities.
On this occasion I pray to your Gurumaharaj and Srila Prabhupada to please keep me at the dust of
your lotus feet. I humbly request my gurumaharaj and assembled God brothers and sisters to remain in
the service of Guru and Gauranga.
Jagadishwar Das
23
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Please accept my humble obeisances unto your Lotus feet!
I did not meet you personally, but I know you through your books. I read your books, they are simple
English and informative. I had no interest in reading English books before but your books with simple
English created so much interest in me.
Srila Prabhupada, thank you for giving us your mercy by bringing us to ISKCON. I became Krishna
conscious in 1985 when I met your disciple named Visnugada das. I have been going to the Towaco
temple regularly since then. We have a very wonderful congregation and we are so much attached with
them and the temple. It is like a big family. It is said that "ISKCON is like a house where everyone can
come stay" This is very true. One thing I like about ISKCON is that it is an international movement
with different languages and different lifestyles but everyone has one interest, and that is Krishna.
Thank you so much! Hare Krishna!
Your servant,
Kasturi Manjari dd
24
`t{xá{ ctÇw|à Wtá
Nama Om Visnu Padaya Krsna Prestaya Bhutale Srimati Bhakti Charu Swami iti namine

(Jaya) shri-krishna-caitanya prabhu nityananda shri-advaita gadadhara shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda
Hare Krsna. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Guru
and Gauranga.
Srila Prabhupada has influenced me through his disciples and his books. The influence is that now I am
not interested in singing Rock & roll or Blues songs or Cinema songs, Now I sing Krishna’s holy name,
as in his Maha-Mantra.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare ; Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
This is maha mantra or chant for great deliverance stated in Kalisantaran Upanishad.
Now I spend most of my weekends at ISKCON temples established by Prabhupada in the association of
devotees dedicated to spread Srila Prabhupada’s Hare Krishna movement or ISKCON. My life has
changed so much that now I don’t indulge in meat, fish or egg eating, no intoxication, no gambling and
no illicit sex, outside of marriage. Now that’s a miracle in America. This has influenced not only on me
but on my whole family. Now my wife is cooking for Krishna, my two children are raised in Krishna
Conscious environment. They are also very much influenced by Srila Prabhupada. Their life is also
perfected.
Today, I would like to take this opportunity to glorify a special soul a special dear disciple of Sirla
Prabhupada, his name is Visnugada das. He was the temple president of Towaco, NJ , during 1985-
1993. He came to spread Krishna’s message in Feb 1985 even in a Funeral Home. He gave a nice short
talk on Krishna Consciousness and I was among the group sitting in that funeral home. It made direct
influence on my life. My life changed. I went home, cleaned out my drinking cabinet (alcohol & beer),
ordered Srila Prabhupada’s books and tapes from Krishan Culture (Nowadays called Krishna.com)
At that time my wife thought something really bad or good happened to me. By Krishna’s grace my
children and wife they all supported me and cooperated with that change. It turned out to be that they
also changed and joined me in my Krishna Conscious Journey.
Now we are all part of Srila Prabupada’s dear movement called ISKCON. International Society for
Krishna Consciousness commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. Along the way Krishna sent
for me a very dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, HH Bhakti Charu Swami. Me and my wife took
initiation in 1996. Now we are very much fixed in the service to Srila Prabhupada and his Hare Krsna
Movement.
Thank you Srila Prabhupada for saving this useless soul. Thank you Gurumaharaj for giving us good
directions.
A special note:-
When I speak on how Srila Prabupada has influenced my life. It’s the same thing as saying how
ISKCON has influenced by life. Why! Because ISKCON is non-different from Srila Prabhupada.
ISKCON is the life and soul of Srila Prabhupada. You all know how hard he worked to create ISKCON
practically he put all his blood to create it. So now that I established ISKCON non-different that Srila
25
Prabhupada. Please never leave ISKCON. ISKCON is one big tree we can all take shelter under that tree
and try to nourish it in whichever way we can and that is what it means to be faithful to Srila
Prabhupada and faithful to ISKCON and this is a general understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON.
I hope this sends a clear message to all my dear God Brothers and sisters, to all devotees in ISKCON
that we are ISKCON.
Thank you Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Mahesh Pandit das
26
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I came to know Srila Prabhupada through his books. When I read Srila Prabhupada’s books I know I
am getting his association.
At one time I felt that I have to know about Indian philosophy and I started searching. I was working at
Rutgers University library and while searching I found Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad gita as it is. When I
was reading that book I was very much impressed because it was written in such a simple way that
anybody could understand. Then I wanted to know who this great personality was!
On a vacation trip we went to New Vrndavan. There I saw the beautiful deities, they were so beautiful
that tears came down from my eyes and when we went to Srila Prabhupada’s temple I was really
astonished, because the statue and the picture of Srila Prabhupada in Bhagavad Gita as it is matched.
Actually when we went to that temple we did not know what temple it was. So I was really surprised.
The devotees were explaining about Srila Prabhupada, who is the Founder Acarya of ISKCON. He made
108 temples throughout the world in only 10 years. He came to this country when he was 70. He was
just sleeping only 3-4 hours a day. Most the time he was preaching, chanting, writing books etc etc.
When I eard this, I was thinking that how can a person come to this country at the age of 70 and build
108 temple all over the world in only 10 years! In the garden I saw beautiful Gaura-Nitai deities. Seeing
all these things I was very happy and I felt that this is what I was looking for. Lord Krishna showed me
the way. After coming back to New Jersey I was looking for ISKCON temple and I found Towaco. I was
so happy to see Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai deities, Srila Prabhupada. When I met devotees, I felt they were so
nice and then slowly I joined ISKCON.
Srila Prabhupada’s books impressed me so much that I gave up all other books that I used to read. Like
novels, detective books etc. Whenever I read Srila Prabhupada’s books I feel his association. Without
his association I could not even become a devotee. I was a regular person like others, but these books
have changed me completely.
Sometimes I think about Srila Prabhupada who has done so much for us, who has so much compassion
for the whole world. Not only did he write books, he taught us how to cook prasadam, how to serve
prasadm, he even taught us how to die in a glorious way and go back to Godhead. At his deathbed, he
was giving Bhagavatam class. Can you imagine! Definitely he had the mercy of his Gurumaharaj and
Lord Krishna.
I struggled a lot to become a devotee. It was not easy when you are living with your families. But with
my Gurumaharaj’s mercy, Srila Prabhupada’s mercy and Lord Krishna’s mercy it happened. Srila
Prabhupada and Gurumaharaj gave shelter to this fallen soul. I am so fallen and so adham that without
their mercy I would not be here. So my request to all the devotees please bless me so I can serve Srila
Prabhupada’s mission nicely.
Thank you. Hare Krishna.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
27
atÇwt WâÄtÄ Wtá
In India I had not known ISKCON or Srila Prabhupada, although I had seen western devotees in Indian
Sari and Kurta with Tilak at the Air India office in Kolkata. I thought they are weird, because we are
emulating western culture and dresses and they are following our ancient culture. That was my first
encounter of ISKCON devotee, did not have any clue who they are following, also I did not have any
inquisitiveness also, because of my materialistic attitude.
Later I saw devotees chanting at the Vienna city in Austria and thought of weird behaviour again,
knowing little of their philosophy. But when I came to USA back in 1987, we did not have any
association; that was blessing in disguise, so one Sunday we went to Sri Radha-Govinda temple in
Brooklyn at the behest of a known Bengali person.
As we entered the temple, to our left was Srila Prabhupada’s Murti and to our right was Sri Radha-
Govinda’s altar. This was the first time that I saw Srila Prabhupada in his murti form, though I knew
little about this personality.
Actually I felt that this is another gentleman who came to make money like us in the name of religion,
like Rajnish or some other holy men in the USA and did not prostrate at his feet. Also Swami
Vivekananda was fresh in my mind since I came from Kolkata too. But I paid obeisances at the feet of
Sri Sri Radha Govinda, knowing that Lord Sri Krishna is one of the Gods, as we have done in India.
After prasadam, when I came out to the lobby, I saw books display and was browsing them, suddenly
the book on Prabhupada which was ‘planting the seed’ by HH Satsvarupa Das Goswami caught my
attention and out of curiosity I bought that.
When I came to the apartment, I started reading from the preface and was captivated to continue
reading, because of his inestimable trouble and hardship for preaching Krishna consciousness to the
west. I read the small book till the early hour of the night despite work in the morning, I simply could
not put away the book, because of the magnetic attraction. I felt remorse and sorry that I did not pay
any prostration before this Sadhu, who by example preached the ancient Indian culture in its true
form.
I used to read Bhagavad Gita , published by Ramkrishna Misson since 1977, little did I understand any
purport , continue reading because of pious activity. When I came across the Bhagavad Gita As It is by
Srila Prabhupada, verses were clear to understand and gave me joy for the first time.
After we moved to New Jersey for my work, we visited the Towaco ISKCON Temple on one Sunday
and had the opportunity of talking to HG Vishnugada Prabhu, who was leaving for higher education
after being temple president for few years. Since then we have not missed Sunday program in the last
18 years except inclement weather.
By Srila Prabhupada’s mercy I met my Guru Maharaj, His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami. Although I have
not met Srila Prabhpada physically, I had the opportunity in a dream to have his personal audience
recently.
Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada Ki Jay.
28
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Having come into contact with Srila Prabhupada’s movement from quite a young age, it is difficult to
imagine what my life would be like without having been influenced by him. There are many things for
which I am indebted to Srila Prabhupada, and many things I have done which would not have been
possible without him.
In spiritual life there are often highs and lows, and during the low times, I have found that Srila
Prabhupada’s exemplary life, his teachings and his devotees have provided me with the inspiration to
carry on and become stronger in spiritual life. I will always be grateful to Srila Prabhupada for where I
am today.
Srila Prabhupada has given us a way of life. He left us with so much knowledge and many instructions.
I pray that I can put this knowledge into practice and actually come to truly appreciate and realize the
importance of Krsna consciousness. There are some instructions of Srila Prabhupada that I have found
particularly influential in my life. One of these is the importance of association and co-operation
amongst devotees. This inspired me to help organize regular sanga programs over the last 2 ½ years in
Birmingham, and has also helped me to realize the importance of teamwork when working with
devotees to co-ordinate various festivals.
Another instruction I found particularly relevant to me relates to university preaching. Prabhupada

would often comment that there are so many educational institutions across the world with their
various departments for material education, but none of these teach the science of the soul. I was
therefore very eager to get involved in university preaching in the UK, and was able to start up a Krsna
Consciousness Society at Cambridge University. The Society is now going into its 7th year, and I feel so
fortunate to have been involved in spreading Srila Prabhupada’s movement into a top educational
institution.
These are not necessarily things I would have had the confidence or enthusiasm to do, but I have really
been inspired by Srila Prabhupada. This has given me the strong desire to act as an instrument and take
up opportunities to serve Prabhupada and his movement. I pray that this can continue in the future. By
Srila Prabhupada's mercy, even someone as useless as me can be engaged in Krsna's service.
Thank you Srila Prabhupada!
29
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Please accept my most humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories, All glories to your
Divine Grace.
Srila Prabhupada, it is by your causeless mercy that we have been connected to the wonderful
parampara. You have made the philosophy of Krsna Consciousness very very simple even for a
confused and conditioned soul as myself. It is only by your teachings I understood devotional service is
practical and by practical service our hearts open to receive the mercy of the disciplic succession.
Srila Prabhupad, please bless me that I recommit myself to your mission and share the mercy that I
have received with everyone without being judgmental, and in the mood of a humble servant.
Your most fallen servant and grand daughter
Prema Pallavi Devi Dasi
30
câÜÇt V{tÇwÜt Wtá
Hare Krishna,
Srila Prabhupada! These 2 words have changed many lives. It has changed mine too. What did Srila
Prabhupada not give me? He gave everything so that I can live like a human being. He gave everything
needed for my material and spiritual existence. He taught me how to live life, how to start and end each
day, and what to do during the day. Above all, he gave me ‘Krishna’ – Can there be any grater gift than
this?
Even though I’m not qualified he accepted me and allowed me to connect to Krishna through his dear
son. Thank you very much Srila Prabhupada!
Srila Prabhupada, please forgive me for not taking your instructions to heart and not following them
sincerely. Srila Prabhupada, in spite of my ignorance and lack of sincerity, I can feel and see that you
are giving opportunities after opportunities to make me better servant in your ISKCON. Srila
Prabhupada, please, please do not stop this flow of mercy towards this foolish soul. Please bless me so
that I can understand and fulfill the purpose of my existence to please my Guru Maharaja, you and
Krishna.
Hare Krishna!
31
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Srila Prabhupada:
Perfect
Renounced
Amazing
Bonafied
Humble
Unique
Passionate
Architect
Demanding
Achiever
There are really no words to describe Srila Prabhupada. There has not been anyone in the past nor there
will be anyone in the future like Srila Prabhupada. Out of His mercy for mankind he was sent here by
Lord Krishna to deliver us from the terrible cycle of birth and death. He gave us the simple process of
Bhakti, chanting of maha mantra. His simple request to everyone was to distribute books. Isn't it
amazing that you feel him when you watch his videos, read his books, and listen to his chanting? Close
your eyes and he is there besides you.
Growing up I was asked to worship Durga, as she was our family deity. We used to go to the temples
where Sri Krishna was worshiped but didn't know too much about Him until later when we heard
about ISKCON. Little by little we got involved and found out the real facts about the body and the soul.
Visits to the ISKCON temples were a pleasure. All that chanting, dancing, and feasting attracted us. We
received our 1st and 2nd initiation from our beloved Guru Maharaj. What a wonderful transformation.
While working full time job and raising family, didn't have much time to focus on reading Srila
Prabhupada's books or distributing them but after retiring it has become the most important aspect of
my life. I enjoy distributing his books, talking about his philosophy, and listening to his chanting etc.
Thank you Srila Prabhupada for changing my life and being so merciful. Jai Srila Prabhupada!!!!!!!!!!
In the service of Guru maharaj,

Pushpanjali devi dasi
32
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Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories unto you.
Although I was not born a devotee, before I was born, my parents had begun going to the ISKCON
temple in Philadelphia once or twice a month. Eventually, they began attending the Sunday Feast and
when I was two or three, Krishna Priya mataji told my mom that I should attend Sunday school. I went
and I enjoyed it very much, and pushed my parents to take me every Sunday. Now, I teach Sunday
School at Laguna Beach Temple, and we go to the temple four or five times a week.
Being a devotee has become such a big part of me that I have become more open about it. I used to be
ashamed of telling people about my religion, for fear of negative stereotypes associated with it. But now
I no longer classify myself as a Hindu—I proudly tell everybody that I am a Hare Krishna. When I tell
my friends about my religion, I am amazed at how many of them know about the movement. Although
most are familiar with it through the media, it is amazing to see how far the movement has come in just
40 years. I never really took the time to understand the trouble Srila Prabhupada went through to bring
Krishna Consciousness to the West. Now that I reflect upon it, I realize what strength, courage,
devotion, and sincerity Srila Prabhupada must have had to carry out his spiritual master’s orders. Srila
Prabhupada, if you had not taken the trouble, millions of people, including me, would not be where we
are today. To see the rapid effect Srila Prabhupada has had on the world—in just 10 years, setting up
108 temples and changing the lives of thousands—and seeing how quickly ISKCON has grown, inspires
me to do all that I can to spread the movement even more.
Srila Prabhupada, you have influenced every aspect of my life; what I wear, what I eat, who my friends
are, even how I celebrate my birthday. I recently turned 16, and instead of having a big party in a hotel
all night long, like many of my school friends, I had a party at a park with the association of HH
Jayadvaita Swami and about a hundred devotees, and I cannot imagine any better way.
Thank you for everything, including giving the opportunity to associate with Guru Maharaj and all of
the other devotees. I do not know where I would be without you and your benevolent mercy, Srila
Prabhupada. But I do know that I am eternally indebted to Your Divine Grace.
Your Servant,
Radhapriya
33
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Srila Prabhupada came to America is 1966
With Krishna Consciousness we became transfixed.
People from all over world intermixed.
He taught the devotees in the West

With His mercy we were all blessed.
Of devotees of Krishna, He is the best.
He made thousands of devotees

And he showed us all how to be free
From Maya’s clutches, and material misery
He wrote and translated books day and night,

The lamp of spirituality He did ignite.
He saved us from this material plight.
He taught us if we chant, hear, dance, and feast

And to control our senses, tame the wild horse beasts
He turned hippies into priests.
He told us if we practice devotional service with all our might

Krishna, through the guru, will turn on the light
And the sparkling lamp of knowledge will shine so bright.
He left the planet giving Bhagavatam class

Now through His disciples His message is passed
Soon it will spread through the masses
You taught us to chant and be happy

So Srila Prabhupada please answer our plea
And shower us with your causeless mercy
34
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One way I feel close to Srila Prabhupada is when I am able to glorify him. I live near the Dallas temple
which is famous for the Kalachandji restaurant—one of the most famous vegetarian restaurants in East
Dallas. Not only do people enjoy the spiritual food there but, out of curiosity, many of them also enter
into the temple room. One day while I was chanting my rounds in the temple with eyes closed, a voice
interrupted me. “Excuse me. Who is that?” a lady asked in a fascinated voice, pointing to Srila
Prabhupada. As I explained, with pride, who Srila Prabhupada was and what amazing things he
accomplished, she stood in awe and veneration. Srila Prabhupada had not only attracted her heart, but
also had brought me closer to his lotus feet by giving me a chance to glorify him.
Besides the unexpected situations that occur in which I can glorify Srila Prabhupada, I feel connected to
Him through reading his books. The amazing thing about Srila Prabhupada’s books is that even if your
life is busy and you don’t have much time to read, still whatever you have read in the past stays with
you wherever you go. Because of my busy schedule, I am often unable to read as much as I would like.
However, in my day-to-day activities, I am often surprised by realizations from previous things I have
read. Spiritual life is so wonderful that whatever you have stays with you. All that can happen is an
addition of more and more spiritual layers on top of the initial layer. Just knowing that Srila
Prabhupada’s books are available is soothing to my heart.
And finally I feel indebted to Srila Prabhupada for the transcendental society he has created. In one of
my education classes to prepare teachers for diversity in the classroom, I had to write an identity paper,
explaining my background according to different features such as ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic
status, etc. My paper was probably one of the most unique papers out the class. I wrote that though I
was American, white, young adult, from a middle class family, with a Western European background,
my upbringing was completely different than most people in the same category. One of the unique
features of my life was the world and cultural experiences I had from being part of an international
society. I had a home wherever I went throughout the world. And I grew up with a philosophy in which
more emphasis was placed on the soul than on the body. My teacher’s comment on my paper was: “I am
glad I had the opportunity to learn more about you. Your thoughtful reflections on your perceptions and how
they will impact you as a teacher was very helpful to me. Your experiences are truly unique and I can see
how you will positively use them as an equitable teacher.”
All I can say is thank you to Srila Prabhupada for creating a house in which the whole world can live.
Through glorifying Srila Prabhupada, reading and remembering his instructions, and somehow being a
member of the society he has created, I feel ever increasing love and gratitude towards him. I pray that I
can be eternally an instrument in his service.
35
eâÑxáãtÜ ZtâÜtÇzt wtá
om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-salakaya caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri-gurave namah
Hare Krishna.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
When thinking about how Srila Prabhupada has influenced my life I have to also consider his influence
on my close friends. I came into Krishna Consciousness seven years ago, with several friends, and
looking at our lives then and now, makes me appreciate Srila Prabhupada's contribution even more.
Srila Prabhupada explained that Krishna Consciousness is a science, how it brings about a change in
one's consciousness, and I have seen this science working first hand with my close friends and I.
Some people say that, is what Srila Prabhupada gave enough to go back to Krishna?, why did he change
certain things?, etc but seeing how myself and others have changed (into devotees of Krishna) proves to
me that the process Srila Prabhupada gave is perfect, without any doubt. Yes, Srila Prabhupada may
have had to adapt certain aspects according to time, place and circumstance, however, if he didn't,
many many people would not have been exposed to Krishna Consciousness. Srila Prabhupada made
Krishna Consciousness accessible to all, without any discrimination, and this is one of the reasons that
he is the spiritual master for the entire world.
Despite the fact that Srila Prabhupada is not physically present, the example he set, doing everything
that he asked of his devotees and more, proves he is the greatest leader and truly inspirational. Krishna
says that whatever great men do, common people follow and that is certainly true in Srila Prabhupada's
case.
As a person brought up as a 'Hindu', I was fortunate to have faith in God at an early age, but I never
really had a proper understanding of the real goal of life and I could not understand why there were so
many 'gods and goddesses'. Fortunately, despite my lack of intelligence and unwillingness to study and
read, Srila Prabhupada's concise and profound presentations made everything much clearer and his
perfect use of analogies really help me understand the essential points of Krishna Consciousness.
Without his influence, I would have been yet another living entity who is wasting this precious form of
human birth and now I have a purpose in life, and it is up to me to rise to the challenge and follow
what Srila Prabhupada has given and be his worthy representative.
Srila Prabhupada taught us so many things, not just in terms of how to be Krishna Conscious, but on
how to become a better person. When he was once asked, "How can we recognize your devotees?" Srila
Prabhupada replied to the effect of "You will recognize my devotees as they will be perfect ladies and
gentlemen".
Srila Prabhupada was indeed a perfect gentleman. He was a perfect gentleman in many ways. One
aspect I really admire was his caring attitude towards every single person he came into contact with. We
can see from the hundreds of conversations that he had with different people and the many letters he
wrote, that he found the time to guide devotees according to their specific needs. When his disciples
share their memories of him we get a glimpse of the affection and love he gave them. He even had the
foresight to build guesthouses and restaurants so that devotees and guests are comfortably situated now
and in the future. He took care of every single detail, guiding devotees through every aspect of their
lives. He is truly selfless.
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All the qualities I have mentioned and so many more, make even my stone-like heart melt. This is due
to Srila Prabhupada's mercy as well as all the other devotees in Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON, who are
guiding and inspiring me to continue on this spiritual journey, despite my innumerable faults.
Finally, I want to thank everyone, especially Guru Maharaj, for giving me the opportunity to reflect and
speak about Srila Prabhupada’s influence in my life. I am realizing that it is very important to take the
time to really appreciate Srila Prabhupada and what he has done for me, but I don't do it nearly enough.
I need to express my gratitude to Krishna's pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada, and follow his instructions
properly, and if I can somehow please Srila Prabhupada, I am sure Lord Krishna will be pleased.
Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai!
Hare Krishna!
37
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Please accept my humble obeisances.
Prabhupada became a part of my life at least 20 years ago, but I used very little of that time to realize
the magnitude and power of his actual personality.
As a young girl I used to always fantasise about this dream man that I would like to meet one day. For
me my hero as a growing up girl was my father, but later this changed when my husband conquered my
father. I was very fascinated when I met my husband. I must admit he did have a conquering spirit and
managed to conquer me and said that he would make me his queen. He kept every word of it. He gave
me every possible item a woman can desire. This is where my frustrations started. There was this huge
amount of opulence. Fancy houses, fancy cars, good schooling for my children, servants etc; but in all
these things which he provided there was something missing. He could not understand why I expressed
no gratitude for all the material comfort.
This yearning for something more was a very difficult phase of my life, because I could not express this
to anyone. Because the end goal of material life was to have everything that I had. So next I decided to
take up a degree in Psychiatric Nursing. Even here I had no support. I remember my mother telling me
be careful because these people are possessed and ghostly haunted and you should not expose yourself
to them. After having studies this speciality it gave me some understanding on the human mind, but it
was just another piece of the paper that I added to my collection.
It was here when I picked up a book by Srila Prabhupada on the Journey Of Self Discovery. This book
was a dialogue between Prabhupada and an enquirer. Initially I picked up the book because of its title. I
thought that may be it would be much better than my own self-destructive journey. After reaching this
book I was very satisfied with the answers Prabhupada was giving. So I then picked up another book
which was titled – He built a house in which the whole world could live. In these two books I found myself
and I found a home but then I started to read much more, adopted a blasting spirit, because this was
how I was interpreting the subject matter. So I alienated many people who were close to me. At this
point I was directed to meet Gurumaharaj by my sister so already was a disciple of Guru Maharaj and
then I began to read Bhagavad Gita. It was here that I learnt that Srila Prabhupada’s words need to be
studied under the guidance of a spiritual master.
I learnt that Prabhupada spoke according to time, place and circumstances. I learnt that I was not
Prabhupada. It was here that I fell in Prabhupada. I learnt that Prabhupada was the true conqueror
whom I fantasised about as a young girl. So when I found the man of my dreams I placed him in the
centre of my life. Today my family and I serve him through the mercy of Guru maharaj.
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I was born in the darkest ignorance and my spiritual master opened my eyes with the torch of knowledge. I
offer my deepest respects to him.
I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master, and unto the feet of all Vaishnavas.
Please accept this expression of devotion, in words and in thought, with my deepest appreciation.
I want to thank you for this opportunity to realize, just how much you have become an integral part, in
all aspects of my life.
Although I never met you personally, I was offered your book, the "Science of Self Realization," along
with the Bhagavad Gita in 2002. Both books became so dear to me, that I have carried them along with
me, and shared them with others as well.
Inside these books, I found dignity, nobility, directness and eternal treasures, providing the blueprint,
and capacity to courageously proceed in the discipline of the Krsna Consciousness movement, that is
offering the highest perfection.
As the daughter of a musician and orchestra leader, I connected to many interesting personalities,
and have traveled the world over, as a seeker of wisdom and truth. While acting as a facilitator, through
cross-cultural communications, I have assisted the spiritually minded people of the world, to strengthen
the work of the UN, so that it can fulfill it's mission to demonstrate a practical love and understanding
that would insure the welfare of all people. What greater welfare work is there? When considering our
individual and group responsibilities towards preparing human consciousness, other than to know
Krsna, and to learn the practice of the Maha Mantra? Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
I was sent to Vrindavan after helping to organize the Millennium Peace Summit for the Spiritual
Leaders of the World at the UN, and another conference in Geneva, held specifically for women.
It was there in Vrindavan, I felt all the more close to you and your mission and where I realized a
quality and taste of a higher order. The next thing I realized was that most of what I thought was real,
was not at all. Although, I had met so many interesting people with diverse ways, cultures and belief
systems, so what? While in New York, I started a Spiritual Center some 35 years ago in my apartment,
around the corner from ISKCON on 55th Street, and became a non-denominational minister. Why did
not meet you at that time? This was a preparation for what was to come.
I lived at the NYC Sanctuary, now known as the Bhakti Center. It was there that I chanted with the
Brahmacaris and devotees daily, and was exposed to many Sanyasis traveling through New York on a
regular basis. I read and distributed your books, organized Kirtans throughout the USA, and other
services, as well as the work at the United Nations, I have done, since 1990, after marriage.
My first experience of eating prasadam was "heaven." The practice of chanting became a most profound
heart practice corresponding to complete unconditional self surrender to the living spiritual condition.
One day your dear devotee, Bhakti Charu Swami, visited the Sanctuary and through sound vibration,
was awakened with a clear vision of his love for you, with beautiful devotion.
As I followed my heart, I discovered a personal and direct relationship, along with his devotees,
39
inspiring me to further carry on in pursuing Krsna Consciousness, and also to become a devotee.
This movement is so natural. While understanding the devotional principles from the spiritual master,
and executing them to the best of our ability, we are given the gift of perfecting our lives in Krsna's
eternal love, and the way and means back to the Godhead.
Thank you dear spiritual father of my spiritual master. Please accept a garland of everlasting gratitude.
It's not necessary to seek greener pastures, especially here in Vail. Everything is Krsna's mercy. Step-by-
step, certainly involving purifications and more responsibility, and so forth, increasing the capacity to
worship, and to serve always.
I will always remember, how you brought everyone into your inner circle of love and expanded it in
infinite ways regardless of their position or condition. Everyone loves and respects you for dedicating
your entire life as a most exalted one, in the most humble manner, creating ISKCON, writing volumes
for which we can always know you, and stay on course.
And now with the Lord in the heart, leaving behind all the worlds grand illusions, to enter into the
reality of pure loving service, free from obligations to fore-fathers of this country, or demigods, to come
to the final resting place at the lotus feet of the Lord.
Yes, we all can come home, never to leave again. Thank you all my sisters and brothers and Guru
Maharaja for giving me this time to reflect on the glories of Srila Prabhupada and to share this together.
Hare Krishna.
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Om ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana – salakaya Caksur unmilitam yena tasmai sri – gurave namah
Nama om visnu-padaya krisna-presthya bhu-tale Srimate bhakti-caru-swami iti namine
Srila Prabupada gave me and my family, my most merciful Guru maharaj, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu,
Maha mantra, Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy, through his books, many exalted vaisnavas, wonderful
festivals and temples throughout the world.
Through his instruction he showed me the duty of grhastha, importance of human life, importance of
spiritual master, proper methods of deity worship, proper engagement of senses, and a clear path of
surrender to the Supreme Personality Lord Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada taught us that anyone who understands the science of Krishna can become a spiritual
master. The mission of human life is to uncover ourselves from the material environment, come to
spiritual understanding and surrender to Krishna, then life is perfect. He showed me the importance of
surrendering to the spiritual master and bestowed on me mercy of my spiritual master, who accepted as
a disciple.
Brahmande Brahmite Kona bhagyavan jiva, Guru Krsna prasade paye bhakti-lata-bija. After wandering
through many many lifetimes one is fortunate enough to get the mercy of spiritual master and Krsna
who sows the seed of devotional service.
Through his mercy, I was able to know about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabu, the most munificent
incarnation, who mercifully appeared at my house as Panca-tattva who are accepting our service.
Through his mercy, I came to know about the maha-mantra, before that I was chanting many other
mantras, but Srila Prabhupada showed me the importance of chanting the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra.
Through his causeless mercy, I am able to read the books of vaisnava philosophy – Srimad Bhagavad
Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Caitanya Caritamrta which is available in so many languages,
including my mother tongue Gujarati. Through his causeless mercy, I am able to hear from exalter
vaisnavas, receive them at my house and serve them with the best of my ability. My Guru Maharaj, Srila
Jayadvaita Maharaj and many others.
Through his causeless mercy, I am able to serve and participate in wonderful festivals like Ratha yatra,
Sri Krsna Janamastami, Sri Gaura-Purnima, Sri Ram Navami and many others.
Through his causeless mercy, I am able to go to the different dhamas and understand the true
importance like Vrajdham, Sridham Mayapur, Sri Jagannath Puri, Jaipur, Ujjain, Ekachakra etc.
Through his causeless mercy, I am able to associate with devotees, serve devotees and deities in
ISKCON centres around the world.
If any mistake please forgive me. Hare Krsna. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada ki jai.
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Nama Om Visnu Padaya Krsna Prestaya Bhutale Srimati Bhakti Charu Swami iti namine
Hare Krsna.
This is very auspicious moment for me to glorify Srila Prabhupada to purify my consciousness. Thank
you very much Guru maharaj for giving me the opportunity to glorify Srila Prabhupada. When we
glorify a pure devotee of the Lord, Krsna becomes very much happy with us.
When I was a little girl, I went to Ramakrishna mission Vivekananda society school, from grade 1 to
grade 7. We had a subject called “dharma”. In that class we studied many things, but did not
understand that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and we are His parts and parcel servants
eternally. Only by reading Bhagavad Gita As it is, I came to understand this truth. By knowing that
Krsna is Bhagavan we feel joy. I always considered myself as Krsna’s fan, and Krsna was my hero.
Srila Prabhupada started Krsna Consciousness movement for leading the whole world out of its present
chaotic godless condition into an era of enlightened God consciousness for the perfect peace and
harmony of the entire human society.
The science of re-awakening our original spiritual consciousness was known only to the limited people
in India for centuries after centuries, because this science has been preserved in the Vedic literature.
The process by which everyone can be freed from the material bondage and can reunite with our
beloved Supreme Lord in His abode (spiritual world) is very confidential and only handful Sanskrit
Pundits had the access to it. But Srila Prabhupada mercifully by the order of his spiritual master Bhakti
Siddanta Saraswati Thakur, made it available and accessible to everyone. Any one in any corner of the
planet can realize fully the human potential by re-awakening, by reviving his enlightened, original
blissful all-knowing eternal nature as a loving eternal servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Sri Krsna.
Srila Prabhupada had established the International Society for Krsna Consciousness in 1966 in New
York. Since then a spiritual revolution and a global spiritual re-awakening has been started. He is one of
the greatest spiritual masters in human history in the modern times. The more time will pass, the more
we will realize about his most valuable contribution in the human society, the priceless, matchless gifts
to the whole world.
I personally consider myself one of the most rare fortunate people on earth to come to know Srila
Prabhupada and be blessed by his teachings. I surrender myself everyday to his instructions and with
full love and gratitude sing his glories and I bow down before him.
In 1987 we first came in contact with ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada in Brooklyn. The Bhagavad Gita as
it is has changed my life. We gradually accepted the spiritual life by following 4 regulative principles,
offering food to the Lord and chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra regularly. Srila Prabhupada’s guidance
played most important role in my life. Because of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON temples we could raise
our children as Krsna Conscious children. The support, love, guidance, education we received from so
many maharaj’s and devotees, for that I am forever grateful to Srila Prabhupada. Gradually my parents
also became Srila Prabhupada’s followers. They are also very very grateful to be blessed by him for
showing the path of Krsna bhakti.
The special mercy of Srila Prabhupada is to give Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s causeless mercy to the world.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Navadwipa Dhama to give Krsna Prema to everyone, who are most
42
fallen and degraded souls in this age of Kali. But it was mostly limited within Indian-subcontinent. Srila
Prabhupada spread it, expanded it throughout the world. He started an unprecedented spiritual
revolution by introducing transcendental sound vibration of Hare Krsna Mahamantra to qualify the
unfortunate souls to become fortunate souls, so they can go back home, back to Godhead.
Srila Prabhupada gave us, maha-mantra, Maha-prabhu, maha-prasad, maha-kirtan, maha-puran, maha-
utsav to make us maha-maha-bhagyavan. His every endeavour was mahan, great.
By the grace of Lord Sri Krsna, we have been blessed with the shelter of our dear grand spiritual master,
Srila Prabhupada and by his blessings we have got the shelter of our dear compassionate loving spiritual
master. His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. We are also blessed by so many wonderful devotee’s
associations everywhere we go. Everything about Srila Prabhuapada is simply wonderful.
We cannot repay Srila Prabhupada’s debt, but we can please him by sharing the same teachings of Lord
Sri Krsna as given in Bhagavad Gita to others. Finally I pray to Srila Prabhupada, please forgive me for
all my offenses committed to your lotus feet and mercifully always keep me at your lotus feet forever.
Aspiring to become a servant of servant of Srila Prabhupada

Savitri devi dasi
43
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Hare Krsna,
At the onset let me honestly submit that I am not qualified not to stand before you as my acquaintance
with Krsna Consciousness Movement is very very limited-say about 150 days spread over 2 years, more
particularly so after reading the wonderful experiences of senior devotees. I am yet to know the basic
etiquette/courtesies of vaishnava culture. I profusely apologize for being an odd man in this
association.
I had the opportunity of hearing about Srila Prabhupada through one Shri Pulla Reddy who during his
visit to the US had a glimpse of ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada. And on returning to India donated a
prime piece of land on which we have ISKCON Hyderabad. This was in early 1970's.
On my part there were no further developments probably due to the influence of distorted media
presentation during the time. Subsequently, after my retirement from service during 2005 on my visit
to USA to my daughter, I had first stepped into Sri Radha Kunjabihari temple at Detroit. Other
following visits were perhaps more for Sunday Feast.
I had the good fortune of being with Maharaj at Ujjain in 2007. Inspired with brief but memorable first
impressions with Maharaj, I was led to read Prabhupada Lilamrita, the oral history depicting the
biographical description of a saint and philosopher-who was a walking encyclopaedia on "Krsna
Consciousness" philosophy by personal and practical example set a stage for the world to ponder over
"Krsna the Supreme Personality of Godhead". My personal conclusion was Prabhupad is an
emboidment of Vyasadev and Narada.
This was a beginning of a new chapter in my life and I started to be serious about Krsna Consciousness.
I started to read Srila Prabhupada's books-lucid and simple presentation touching the heart of reader is
unique. I felt that the fulcrum of ISKCON is Srila Prabhupada's books. Since then I started to be in the
company of devotees, offering my services to the temple, attending lectures of senior vaishnavas and
reading books on Krsna Consciousness by Prabhupada and various acharyas. Though when I look back
I deeply regret for having lost a lifetime of opportunity, I shall try to educate myself in the company of
devotees. As it would not have been possible but for my daughter (Prema Pallavi Dasi)’s initial
introduction. I started chanting in the right earnest.
Thank you Maharaj for having inspired me to know about Prabhupad. Thank you Prabhupad. Thank
you very very much to all devotees.
Siva Rama Krishna Rao
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Dearest Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to your most inconceivable mercy that adorns my every
day.
Each time I reflect on your position in my life I realise how unbelievably merciful you have been in
spite of all my disqualifications and inability to change and each time Srila Prabhupada you out do your
own mercy.
As a little girl in a pious Indian family I had grown up to believe in a supreme lord, however several
unanswered questions disturbed the mind, and when I grew up these unanswered questions started to
grow stronger and my faith crumbled for the lack of knowledge, but then Srila Prabhupada came and
through his books gave the perfect understanding and a reason for everything. Thank you Srila
Prabhupada of re-establishing and strengthening my faith like never before.
Srila Prabhupada devoid of your teachings my life would perhaps just be a sad tale of frustrated material
desires and anxiety, but you dear Srila Prabupada have given me the hope that it is really possible to be
happy; that relationships can be eternal and every story does have a happy ending. Through the
innumerable devotee relationships, most amazing services and a home in every part of the world, Srila
Prabhipada you have given us glimpses of the eternal bliss that everyone hankers for.
Although there is really no parallel to what you have given the world in any respect, still a comparison
strikes that no one has made Krsna Consciousness more accessible and tangible that you have. No has
to give up anything, just accept the very simple process and the ecstasy will unfold. Through your most
amazing movement you’ve given us all precious chance to engage all our propensities – even a passion
ridden consciousness and doer mentality like mine in the fire of devotional service and through this fire
there is a hope that one day, this crude clay will also become a pleasing offering to the Supreme Lord.
Thank you for never giving up on me Srila Prabhupada even though I’ve resisted and tried to escape
your loving authority. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being yours and a part of your most
magnanimous family.
Your grateful grand-daughter,

Shyama-mohini devi dasi
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Namah Om Visnupadaya Krishna prestaya bhutale Srimate Bhakti Caru Swamin itinamine
I believe that Prabhupada gave me Krishna Consciousness. In 1968-69 I read about Srila Prabhupada’s
visit to New York in the newspaper “The Stateman”, while we were living in Germany. In 1970, we
came to San Francisco and saw the devotees in the street for the first time in a western country. In 1974
we moved to California and visited the LA temple (ISKCON). My late husband and I liked the deities,
prasadam and all the information about the vedic culture. We started to read Prabhupada’s books and
began chanting on the beads. We followed Prabhupada’s instructions. In some of his instructions to his
followers we found that he asked them just “to chant, read my books, eat Prasad and take nap”. We
liked it and followed the instructions. Prabhupada’s Krsna book gave me guidance baout how to apply
the process in our daily life. So I owe so much to Srila Prabhupada. Before I did not know much about
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and his teachings even though my late husband and I are from Bengal. By
reading Prabhupada’s books and is disciples’ teachings (especially our Guru Maharaj, HH Bhakti Caru
Swami) I am learning about our own Vedic culture.
46
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Hare Krsna
Srila Prabhupada’s influence on me, to put simply is that – my perception of life has changed. By
founding ISKCON and providing a platform to associate with the devotees, he is helping me to live a
meaningful life. In his teachings and writings, I find answers and clarifications to my doubts about the
basic questions: (i) Who Am I?, and (ii) What is the purpose of life?. In the past, I never tried to find
real answers to any of these questions. Whatever preconceived answers I had in my mind, which I do
not know how and from where I got, I thought were real answers. My mind was conditioned with
prejudices and irrational answers. For example:
• For the question “Who am I”, my answer was – Well I do not know. But it does not matter. It
does not matter who I am. I do not need to know where I came from and where and what I will
be next.
• Let us just think about this life. God will decide what’s next for me.
• And I was happy with that (my ignorance).
Similarly for the question – “Who is God?”, “Does he exist?”

• My immediate answer was – there is no reason why we should even debate about His existence
• He does exist. It is a fact, and beyond question and debate. Just have faith
• Do not waste time in debating. Just do your duties
• But what are those duties? – i really did not know
• I used to think, perhaps – being a good son, a good father, or a good citizen and performing
our duties with sincerity are our utmost and only duties and responsibilities.
Serving mankind is the purpose of life – at least in this life. That was my understanding about the
purpose of life. So as you can see, my perception and understanding of life was limited to this material
world, and I was in the passive state of faith But it all started changing in 2007. In 2007, I met
Rupanuga Das Prabhu, Tukaram prabhu and other sincere devotees in Laguna Beach temple, CA. In
their association, and through their guidance; I started developing taste for Lord Sri Krsna and for His
service Certainly, it all happened due to the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and his disciplic succession. I
cannot say that now I have full understanding of Krsna Consciousness, but I know that I am on the
right track. I pray to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krsna to continue to show their mercy and help me
serve them with full devotion and sincerity forever. Hare Krsna.
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Hare Krishna Guru Maharaja and dear Vaisnavas,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada, by his transcendental influence, has given us the most wonderful fortress of ISKCON
where we are protected by him personally in every way. In the summer of 1970, I had the good fortune
to meet Srila Prabhupada's disciples while visiting my friend in Vancouver, Canada. My friend
Roseanne was giving me a tour of her city when we came upon a Sankirtan party of devotees. I first
heard the sound of their kartals from a distance.... (Gopika plays kartals in the audience) and then I saw
2 devotees, dressed in yellow robes singing, surrounded by a large crowd. (Mira, Laxmi priya, Radha
priya, Nina have a Hari Nam party. Mira distributes a BTG to me.) They had a mystical, captivating
influence on everyone as they danced to the tune of their music. They were giving out Back to Godhead
magazine and put one in my hand. I gave a donation.
I returned to school where my parents lived in Hamilton, Ontario. One day, while walking from school
I came across another group of devotees singing and playing instruments. I thought to myself, "These
Krishna people are everywhere!" I walked over to the Sankirtan party and stood silently, waiting to
speak to them. One devotee came over to speak with me as I was thinking ....these people really looked
like they came from another planet.... I said, "What are you doing singing on the streets like this with
bald heads and robes?" he replied: "We are singing the Names of God". I said, "Well, that’s really great,
but why be so unconventional, dressing in robes and having bald heads....don't you think people will
think you are a little strange?" He laughed and very confidentially said, "We are following the request
of our spiritual master, who asked us to sing the Names of Krishna like this." I said, "Well, he must be
some very special person if you doing all this for him."
They invited me to the temple and I visited the next morning. I first saw a picture of a very nice elderly
man wearing a garland. I walked over to his picture and smelled the garland. This picture I was told
was of the spiritual master of Srila Prabhupada, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati
Goswami Maharaja. Then I saw a picture of Srila Prabhupada.
The devotees invited me to come back to visit every day and gave me a Bhagavad Gita to read. I visited
one evening for dinner and was feeling they were really austere as all they had for dinner was apple
crisp and hot milk.
After some time, Bahirsmati and Uttamsloka invited me to live in their temple. My father said it was
okay, but I had to stay in college. He said, "This is only a phase, I don't think people will be Hare
Krishna's when they're 50." He also said, "Suzanne, of all my children, I thought you especially would
be really successful.., all my children will be, and now you want to join the Hare Krishnas..... ~! I said,"
Dad, this is the most successful step anyone could take."
Daily, we would follow the whole morning program, take breakfast prasadam, go out to distribute Back
to Godhead magazines, come back for lunch and go back out again for Hari Nam. In the evening, we
had Arotik and Bhagavad Gita class. We always chanted 25 rounds on Ekadasi. I did this for 9 months.
Once, a traveling devotee arrived with Srila Prabhupada's newly printed, KRSNA Book. In the evening,
after Hari Nam, he asked the cook to make a big batch of popcorn with ghee and hot milk and he was
going to read to us. We all sat down to listen to Srila Prabhupada's KRSNA Book. We were all young
and intensely searching for spiritual life. Srila Prabhupada was the answer to our prayer and we were
eager to hear everything from Srila Prabhupada.
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We were all totally immersed in hearing this story from Srila Prabhupada ... "Usa and Anirrudha and
the fight between Lord Krsna and Banasura".
Srila Prabhupada wrote a benediction at the end of this story. He wrote, "Anyone who remembers this
fight between Krishna and Lord Shiva and Banasura and who takes pleasure in the victory of Lord
Krishna, will never experience defeat anywhere in their struggle for existence.”
I'd like to finish up with my appreciation of Srila Prabhupada's beautiful writings, especially that he
gives us the actual definitions of words we use all the time. Srila Prabhupada is my teacher, my
initiating and instructing spiritual master, and all of his disciples, grand disciples and followers are also
my instructing teachers and guides.
Generally we find word definitions in Webster’s dictionary; however, Srila Prabhupada gives us the true
meanings of words. For example, 'compassionate'. Webster’s dictionary word meaning for
compassionate is: " sympathetic consciousness of another distress together with a desire to alleviate it."
Srila Prabhupada explains in Nectar of Devotion, the real meaning in relationship to the Supreme
Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna.
NOD Chapter 22, "Qualities of Krsna Futher Explained",

32. Compassionate:
"A person who is unable to bear another's distress is called compassionate. Krsna's compassion for distressed
persons was exhibited when He released all of the kings imprisoned by Magadhendra. While dying,
Grandfather Bhisma prayed to Krsna and described Him as the sun which eradicated darkness. The kings
imprisoned by Magadhendra were put into dark cells, and when Krsna appeared there the darkness
immediately disappeared, just as if the sun had risen.... Krsna released the kings out of His sincere
compassion for them.... Actually, because Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it is very difficult to
approach Him. But the devotees, taking advantage of His compassionate nature, which is represented by
Srimati Radharani, always pray to Radharani for Krsna's compassion."
And one last point... Srila Prabhupada's influence is so great that he has written a mission statement
that everyone, for all times can follow. Srila Prabhupada incorporated ISKCON in 1966 and wrote
statements that cover every aspect of his mission.
I'll read the first one.

"To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the
techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and
peace in the world."
There are six more purposes, or mission statements. Thanks to all of you for your very moving offerings
and my deepest thanks to Srila Prabhupada for bringing us all together. Thank you Srila Prabhupada.
It is by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada that all of us, from all over the world, come together in his
International Society for Krishna Consciousness and learn how to engage in devotional service at this
lotus feet and prepare ourselves to go back home, back to Godhead.
My heart-felt thanks to His Holiness, Bhakti Charu Maharaja, for kindly blessing us with his Krsna
conscious wisdom, kindness and compassion. You are very dear to Srila Prabhupada having taken
shelter of his lotus feet.
your servant,
Sucharya Mataji.
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Srila Prabhupada’s activities perfectly convey the complete scripturally authorized conclusions of the
Brahma Madhav-Gaudiya Sampradaya originating from Lord Krishna Himself. Lord Caitanya who is
Radha-Krishna combined together desired that prithivite ache jata nagaradi gram / sarbatra prachar hoibe
mor nam – In all towns and villages in as there are on the surface of the globe – My name will be
broadcast.
Srila Prabhupada fulfilled Mahaprabhu’s desire. He was sent by Lord Caitanya. He revived the mission
of nama sankirtana and saved the yuga-dharma, from impersonalism (nirvisesa) and voidism
(sunyavad). Kali Yuga continues for 432,000 years of which only 5,000 years have passed. There is still
a balalnce of 427,000 years to come. Of these 427,000 years the 10,000 years of the Sankirtan
Movement inaugurated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu 500 years ago, provide the opportunity for the
fallen souls of Kali-Yuga.
According to Guru-parampara and by his Guru’s (Srila Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Maharaj) mercy he
spread this message in the Western World. Srila Prabhupada had all the qualities of a pure devotee of
Krishna as given in Sri Caitanya Caritamrta. He is merciful, truthful, magnanimous, desireless,
indifferent to material acquisition, fixed, without false prestige, respectful, equal to everyone, clean,
peaceful, mild, faultless, surrendered to Krishna, completely controlled the six bad qualities (lust,
anger, greed, illusion, madness and envy), compassionate, true friend, expert, silent (no nonsense talk)
etc. The Vedic literature states that only one who is free from material bondage can possess these
qualities in full. Such a great soul is rarely found within this material realm. He is worship able by the
entire world.
We are lucky that we found him as our Param Guru. By Srila Prabhupada’s mercy I am in Krishna
Consciousness now, trying to elevate my fallen state. Though I don’t see him by these eyes, but I can
see him through his books and his disciples. Without his mercy what would have happened to me! I do
not know. He has saved my life. By Prabhupada’s mercy I know who I am, what is my identity and what
is the goal of my life.
Thank you Srila Prabhupada. From you now, I have found my Gurumaharaj.
Jai Srila Prabhupada.
50
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Hare Krishna to everyone.
This is my first time to speak or write anything on this subject, so before I start I want to introduce
myself. My name is Sushila Mehta, I was born in India where we worship Krishna in an old fashion
way. I was always looking for more about Krishna and the Indian culture of religion. After I lost my
husband I was seriously and desperately searching for the right path for myself. I went to so many
religious groups but I was not satisfied, but when I visited ISKCON in New Vrndavan, I felt most
peaceful and happy and then I continued my visits to ISKCON temples.
I read the books of Srila Prabhupada and also watched the series of movies Abhav Charan. It deeply
affected me. I was so joyful as I had received what I was looking for. I started chanting seriously and
regularly and spending lots of time reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and Bhagavad Gita.
Srila Prabhupada was a strong guide for his disciples and showed them the path to reach their goals. He
was a very kind and loving spiritual master just like a loving father. He was also good with other
people. He had so much tolerance and patience with people who had difficulty to understand him and
was always willing to repeat his instruction for them.
These kinds of personalities are born very very rarely in the world. I am too illiterate to talk about Srila
Prabhupad, talking about him is like showing lamp to the sun, I can only say I have koti-koti namaskar
to Divine Purusha – Srila Prabhupada. I wish I met him when he was still here.
51
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It is difficult for me to remember Krishna without remembering Srila Prabhupada. And likewise it is
difficult to remember Srila Prabhupada without remembering Krishna. The two are always together in
my mind.
I find it difficult for me to properly speak about the impact that Prabhupada has had on my life even
though it should come very easily. I may have some sentiment; however, if I really had appreciation for
Srila Prabhupada I would be much more sincere and serious about chanting the Holy Name. Only at
that time I can truly appreciate what Prabhupada has done for me. He has saved me from immense
suffering and has given me a chance to experience real happiness. My heart is so hard that I have not
valued the gem that Prabhupada has freely given. As soon as I read Prabhupada’s purports or hear his
voice I am immediately reminded of Krishna and the real happiness that is there waiting for me. Thank
you Prabhupada for showing me what love means. Thank you for your late nights translating
Bhagavatam. Thank you for your Disciples and followers. Thank you for all the trouble that you took to
save a tiny soul like me.
I pray to Prabhupada today to forgive my dullness and somehow always keep me in the shelter of his
lotus feet. I also wanted to follow up on last years’ story regarding the passing away of my Father on
Nirjala Ekadasi . While visiting Sridham Mayapur this year, I dreamt of my Father for the first time. He
was sitting beneath a tree near the Gada building with three other devotees. He was dressed as a
devotee with tilaka, and he was shining with a bright smile. I was surprised to see him and asked “Dad,
what are you doing in Mayapur?” He replied “I know I am also surprised. I never thought that I would
be here but I love it here and I am planning to go to Rupa Sanantan Dham.” I then woke up and
thought of how merciful Prabhupada is. That he has affected the lives of everyone even though they did
not perform any devotional service. I am very grateful to Srila Prabhupada for giving my Father and me
a chance to serve Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
52
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When thinking of ways in which you have influenced my life, I have to smile because, truly, it would
save a lot more time to list the ways in which you haven’t influenced my life. That is, if I could think of
any.
I never consider that you gave me religion. I had religion once; I was underwhelmed. What I do
consider, and often, is that you have given me theology, culture and common sense. You have given me
purpose and intelligence. You have given me friends and a global family. You have given me confidence
to stop demonstrating stances and get real. You’ve given me authoritative, practical, no nonsense
spiritual understanding and material insight that are neither vague nor sentimental.
Although I still waste too much of my time, it is your influence that keeps me driven to waste less and
less. Put more simply, you have given me life. You have given me Truth. You have given me God.
Every single day my life is a series of attempts to follow the sweet call of your influence, and I know I
am not unique in this. In fact, your influence is like Krsna’s mercy, which comes cascading forcefully
down through the parampara, like white water sweeping down Colorado mountain streams and into
the hearts of those like me who are completely unqualified to receive it.
There is no difference between Krsna and His energy. Similarly, there is no difference between you and
your influence. (As a side note, your influence has even manifested in my previous sentence, which I
began with the word “similarly.” As far as I’m concerned, Srila Prabhupada, you own the word
“similarly.”)
You have influenced me through your disciples and grand-disciples, a collective group of people whom
I found myself wanting to emulate more than the Beatles, and for one as shallow as I, that’s an amazing
feat.
I put together a few simple couplets to list some, just some, of the ways in which you have influenced
me. Please forgive me their lack of depth and beauty.
You’ve filled my heart; you’ve calmed my fear

You’ve touched my life in every sphere
The food I eat; the things I drink
My world of friends; the way I think
My books; or that I read at all
To Beatle George from John and Paul
The things I do; how much I sleep
The reasons for the tears I weep
The way I work; my length of hair
From how I speak to what I wear
From where I go and trips I take
To sacrifice for Visnu’s sake
You’re real within this world mirage
You gave me Guru Maharaja
You’ve moved my heart and brought me hope
You’ve taught me life and how to cope
You’ve let me peek through Maya’s veil
And called me off her toxic trail
53
I’m ever in your debt because
You saved me from the man I was
We follow what the great men do
(&) The greatest man of all is you
Your aspiring servant,

Yadunath das
54
55

Vail Retreat Prabhupada Katha

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Vail Retreat Prabhupada Katha

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Vail 2009

"We should always be thinking of how to spread this sankirtana movement by

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g{tà |á ÉâÜ ÉÇÄç {ÉÑx‹

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Your most unqualified follower,

Bhakti Charu Swami

Thank you very much Srila Prabhupada.

With gratitude as deep as the causal ocean,

Your eternally-indebted servant

Begging for your mercy, your fallen aspiring servant,

Acarya-vigraha : Srila Prabhupada's Preching is empowered and complete.

Jai Srila Prabhupada! Jai Guru Maharaja!

sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaḿ śaranaḿ vraja

As a householder, my duty is to raise my kids in Krishna Consciousness and I am grateful to Srila

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my humble obeisances unto your Lotus feet!

Namah Om Visnupadaya Krishna prestaya bhutale Srimate Bhaktivedanta Swamin itinamine

Thank you Hare Krishna.

Thank you. Hare Krishna.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada Ki Jay.

Another instruction I found particularly relevant to me relates to university preaching. Prabhupada

Thank you Srila Prabhupada!

Your most fallen servant and grand daughter

Prema Pallavi Devi Dasi

In the service of Guru maharaj,

He taught the devotees in the West

He made thousands of devotees

He wrote and translated books day and night,

He taught us if we chant, hear, dance, and feast

He told us if we practice devotional service with all our might

He left the planet giving Bhagavatam class

You taught us to chant and be happy

Please accept my humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai!

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Aspiring to become a servant of servant of Srila Prabhupada

Siva Rama Krishna Rao

Your grateful grand-daughter,

Similarly for the question – “Who is God?”, “Does he exist?”

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

NOD Chapter 22, "Qualities of Krsna Futher Explained",

I'll read the first one.

You’ve filled my heart; you’ve calmed my fear

Your aspiring servant,

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sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaḿ śaranaḿ vraja