by Jyotirmayi (ACBSP) From about 1965 up to 1974, when Srila Prabhupada had to get less and less involved in temple management because of translating work and the tremendous increase of disciples and temples, the women devotees’ situation changed very little from what Srila Prabhupada had originally established. From 1974…
Author: ccdasa
The modern ISKCON movement established a unique theological and practical emphasis on the distribution of sacred literature. Under the direction of the Founder-Arcarya, books were not viewed merely as educational tools, but as embodiments of transcendental sound (śabda-brahma) and a large, brihad-mridanga, preaching outreach. Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly described book distribution…
The ceremony of diksa marks the solemn moment when a conditioned soul formally enters the path of devotional service. By this sacred rite the disciple is connected to the authorized disciplic succession and becomes eligible to cultivate spiritual life under proper guidance. In this sense, diksa may be compared to admission into a distinguished university: it is essential, transformative, and full of promise.
When Prabhupada walked through the gorgeous building in Detroit, in the front lobby there was a painting of naked women bathing, and all the sannyasis were trying to be proper about things. Prabhupada looked at the painting, turned to them and said, “Very nicely done.” Then they came to a…
In late autumn of 1971, a spiritual phenomenon shook the very foundations of Vrindavana. The eternal pastimes of the Lord found renewed expression through the worldwide mission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. ISKCON’s Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, returned to his eternal residence not as…
Spiritual deviation rarely announces itself with open rebellion. More often it enters quietly, clothed in scholarship, old tradition, or “deeper understanding.” In Gaudiya Vaisnavism, such deviation frequently appears in one specific form: the gradual attempt of later followers to function as de-facto acaryas by relocating the center of scriptural authority.…
In every theological tradition, the question of authority—pramana—ultimately determines doctrine, practice, and continuity. Gaudiya Vaisnavism is no exception. While many sacred texts are honored within the broader Vedic canon, the tradition descending from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu establishes a clear hierarchy: among all scriptures, Bhagavatam stands as the supreme pramana. It…
This weekend, September 12–14, 2025, ISKCON Boston is hosting a three-day festival marking the 60th anniversary of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s arrival in the United States, the historic event that began the Hare Krishna movement’s worldwide mission. In honor of the 60th Anniversary of ISKCON’s Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada’s first…
Srila Prabhupada’s February 1966 letter reveals him as simultaneously humble and fearless, traditional and forward-thinking. Using the tools available to him — from the eternal scriptures of India to a portable real to real recorder — he carried forward the teachings of Lord Chaitanya into the heart of the modern world.
Even now, the sound of his kirtan, recorded alone in that small room, continues to awaken hearts across the world. His mission was not backed by wealth or institutional power, but by unwavering faith in Krishna and the holy name.
Interviewer: What do you recommend for those who find parts of Founder-Acharya’s writings confusing or disturbing?
Garuda das: First, absorb. Read. Reflect. If you don’t understand, acknowledge it. Then bring it into dialogue with others. Be honest. Third, only after that process, share it. Present it with integrity.
If something doesn’t make sense right now, put it on the shelf. Return to it later. Have faith that the realization will come.
Reading Srila Prabhupada’s books is not like reading a novel. It’s a sadhana—a devotional practice. If we approach it with that mindset, our understanding will deepen over time.