published by iskconnews.org used with permission
Siddhanta das (ACBSP), well-known producer of the Memories of Prabhupada series, has launched a new video project entitled Lessons from Letters. The series highlights the personal correspondence between Srila Prabhupada and his disciples during the formative years of ISKCON.
In the 1960s and 70s, long before email or instant messaging, letters were the primary means of communication with ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya. Disciples often wrote to Prabhupada with philosophical questions or practical concerns about the growing movement. His replies not only provided guidance at the time but continue to inspire and instruct devotees today.
Through in-depth interviews, Siddhanta invites Prabhupada’s disciples to reflect on the letters they received, their significance in the context of ISKCON’s early history, and how those exchanges shaped their devotional lives. Episodes range from 20 to 45 minutes and offer what many describe as an “absorbing journey back in time,” filled with both fond memories and profound realizations.
So far, the series features interviews with Satsvarupa Goswami, Shyamasundar das, Malati devi dasi, Hridayananda Goswami, Govinda devi dasi, Ramesvara das, Gurudas, Guru Gauranga das, and Mahamaya devi dasi. Upcoming episodes will include discussions with Mukunda Goswami and Gargamuni das.
Links to the currently available videos can be found below, along with the complete playlist for the Lessons from Letters series.
Govinda dasi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iltoazTXc3g&t=6s
Gurudas: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5-_Ktt0A-c
Guru Gauranga: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGrafIqJ6G0&t=208s
Hridayananda Goswami: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryprFkeOU-k&t=440s
Malati devi dasi www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqOtfNfvEJY&t=194s
Mahamaya dasi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QixbdEdI66I&t=7s
Ramesvara: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcRtS3jc7jY&t=4s
Rupanuga: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtSKM0kDYDE&t=79s
Satsvarupa Goswami: www.youtube.com/watch?v=waMZYuG5fSk
Shyamasundar: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-BPU2217TY&t=4s
For more information, you can contact Siddhanta at www.prabhupadamemories.com. To ensure you don’t miss a video, subscribe to his YouTube channel here.