Monday, May 6, 2019
Biography of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, born Abhay Charan De, was a prominent Gaudiya Vaishnava teacher and the founder-acharya (spiritual master) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement.
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| Biography of A C Bhaktivedanta Swami |
Here is a brief biography of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
Early Life:
Abhay Charan De was born on September 1, 1896, in Kolkata, India, into a devout Gaudiya Vaishnava family.
From a young age, he showed an interest in spirituality and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Marriage and Family Life of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
In 1918, Abhay Charan married Radharani Devi and later had children.
He worked for several years in various business ventures, including the pharmaceutical industry.
Meeting His Spiritual Master:
In 1922, Abhay Charan met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, the founder of the Gaudiya Math, a prominent Gaudiya Vaishnava organization.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati instructed Abhay Charan to spread the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the English-speaking world.
Initiation and Renunciation:
In 1933, Abhay Charan received initiation from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and later took the sannyasa (renounced) order in 1959, adopting the name A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Journey to the West:
In 1965, at the age of 69, Prabhupada traveled to the United States with the aim of fulfilling his spiritual master's instruction to spread the message of Lord Chaitanya.
He arrived in New York City with very little money but with a strong determination to introduce the Western world to the teachings of Krishna consciousness.
Foundation of ISKCON:
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966, with the goal of promoting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the practice of devotional service (bhakti yoga).
The movement gained popularity, and ISKCON centers were established worldwide.
Writing and Translating:
Prabhupada authored numerous books, translating important Vedic texts into English. His most notable work is the multi-volume translation and commentary of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam.
His writings continue to serve as foundational texts for followers of the Hare Krishna movement.
Travel and Lectures of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
Despite his advanced age, Prabhupada traveled extensively, giving lectures, initiating disciples, and overseeing the growth of ISKCON.
He conducted "Hare Krishna" chanting sessions (kirtans) and engaged in public speaking engagements to spread the message of Krishna consciousness.
Departure:
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavan, India.
His departure marked a significant loss for his followers, but he left behind a well-established organization and a legacy that continues to inspire millions of people worldwide.
Legacy:
Prabhupada's legacy is evident in the global presence of ISKCON and the widespread popularity of the Hare Krishna movement.
His teachings emphasize the practice of devotional service, chanting the holy names of God (the Hare Krishna mantra), and leading a life dedicated to spiritual principles.
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's contributions to the spread of Krishna consciousness in the West and his efforts to make Vedic wisdom accessible to people of all backgrounds have left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern spirituality. He is remembered as a dedicated spiritual leader, scholar, and the founder of a vibrant and influential spiritual movement.