A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, was the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Born in Calcutta in 1896, he dedicated his life to sharing the teachings of Lord Sri Krishna and the path of bhakti-yoga.

In 1965, at the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada traveled from India to the United States with very little money and only a small number of books. Within a few years, he established temples, ashrams, farms, restaurants, and educational communities around the world.

Srila Prabhupada translated and explained important Vaishnava scriptures, including Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Through his books, lectures, personal guidance, and tireless travels, he introduced Krishna consciousness to millions of people across the globe.

He established ISKCON in New York City in 1966 and inspired a worldwide movement centered on chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, studying Krishna's teachings, serving the Vaishnavas, honoring prasadam, and living a life of devotion.

Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in Vrindavan on November 14, 1977, leaving behind a lasting spiritual legacy through his books, disciples, temples, and teachings.

• Chant the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra — Regular chanting and hearing of Krishna's holy names purifies the heart and awakens our natural love for God.

• Serve Lord Sri Krishna — True spiritual life means engaging our thoughts, words, talents, and actions in loving service to Krishna.

• Study Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam — Spiritual knowledge helps us understand our eternal relationship with Krishna and the purpose of human life.

• Live a life of devotion — Bhakti-yoga can be practiced through hearing, chanting, remembering, serving, worshiping, and associating with devotees.

• Honor prasadam — Food offered to Krishna becomes prasadam and can help cultivate spiritual consciousness.

• Associate with devotees — Positive spiritual association strengthens one's determination and progress in devotional life.

• Share Krishna consciousness — Srila Prabhupada encouraged devotees to share the teachings of Krishna with others with compassion and humility.

• Deep devotion to Lord Sri Krishna

• Unwavering faith in his spiritual mission

• Compassion for all living beings

• Extraordinary determination and perseverance

• Humility and simplicity

• Strong spiritual scholarship

• Fearlessness in spreading Krishna consciousness

• Exceptional dedication to his spiritual master

• Powerful ability to inspire and guide others

• Commitment to preserving and sharing Vaishnava teachings

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appeared in this world in Calcutta, India, on September 1, 1896. From childhood, he was deeply connected with Vaishnava devotional traditions and developed a strong attraction to Lord Sri Krishna.

He received a traditional education and later studied at Scottish Churches' College in Calcutta. During his early adulthood, he became increasingly interested in spiritual philosophy and the teachings of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

In 1922, Srila Prabhupada met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the prominent Gaudiya Vaishnava spiritual leader. At their first meeting, he was encouraged to present the teachings of Lord Sri Krishna in the English-speaking world.

Srila Prabhupada accepted this instruction as the central mission of his life. He was formally initiated in 1933 and later accepted the renounced order of life, sannyasa, in 1959.

In 1965, at the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada traveled from India to the United States aboard the Jaladuta. Arriving in New York with very limited resources, he began teaching the principles of Krishna consciousness.

In 1966, he founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Through his traveling, lectures, books, and personal guidance, Krishna consciousness spread to communities across the world.

Srila Prabhupada made a lasting contribution to the worldwide spread of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He established temples, ashrams, farms, restaurants, and educational centers and trained thousands of disciples in devotional service.

His translations and commentaries on Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, and other Vaishnava texts continue to serve as important resources for students and practitioners of Krishna consciousness.