Historical Who is Who
PRABHUPADA
1896 - 1977
INDIA United States
RELIGION
Calcutta born businessman (Abban Charan De), who at the age of 37 took on a responsibility for the furtherance of Krishna Consciousness in the West, becoming known as Bhaktivedanta Swama Prabhupada. For 20 years he concentrated on translation of key texts while maintaining family responsibilities (these grew to some 90 volumes by the time of his death). Thereafter, he moved to the USA, briefly in New York and for the rest of his life California. From his base there he promoted the development of ISKCON (the International Society for Krishna Consciousness), generating followers in many American and European cities. Their chanting enthusiasm was in the tradition of the 15th century Chaitanya and responding to the words of the Bhagavadgita. The consequent lifestyle was one of simplicity, with abstention from alcohol, drugs, meat and non-marital sex. He insisted that the sense of bliss arising from a life centred on the Gita would be transformative for both the individual and for all humanity, becoming attuned to cosmic unity.
Video
Interview with Srila Prabhupada (5 mins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezr3UNOryFw