His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was a visionary spiritual leader whose life’s mission was to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna across the globe. Born on September 1, 1896, in Kolkata, India, as Abhay Charan, he showed deep devotion and spiritual inclination from a young age.
Early Life and Spiritual Quest
From a young age, Srila Prabhupada was influenced by the devotional practices of his parents, particularly his father, Gour Mohan De, who instilled in him a deep love for Lord Krishna. His early education included both traditional learning and modern academics, which prepared him for his future mission. In 1922, Srila Prabhupada met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who instructed him to spread the message of Lord Krishna in the English language. This meeting profoundly impacted him, and he dedicated his life to fulfilling this divine instruction.
The Journey to the West
In 1965, at the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada embarked on a mission to the United States with little more than a trunk of books, a few personal belongings, and a heart full of devotion. Despite facing numerous challenges, he established the first ISKCON center in New York City, where he began teaching the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Global Impact and Legacy
Srila Prabhupada’s tireless efforts and pure devotion led to the establishment of over 100 temples worldwide, numerous farm communities, schools, and the publication of dozens of books on Krishna consciousness. His teachings emphasized the chanting of the holy names of the Lord, especially the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, and he introduced the
timeless practices of bhakti-yoga to millions of people.
Continuing the Mission
ISKCON Scarborough is dedicated to preserving and spreading the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. We invite everyone to join us in this spiritual journey, to experience the joy of Krishna consciousness, and to embrace the principles of love, compassion, and devotion as taught by Srila Prabhupada.
Quotes from Srila Prabhupada
– “Chant Hare Krishna and be happy.”
– “Books are the basis, purity is the force, preaching is the essence, and utility is the principle.”
For more information, visit http://www.prabhupada.net/