A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was a visionary spiritual teacher and the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Born as Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, India, he dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Krishna consciousness worldwide.
In 1922, he met Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, who urged him to share Vedic knowledge in English. This encounter shaped his mission, leading him to take sannyasa (renounced order) in 1959 and begin translating and commenting on sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
At the age of 69, he embarked on a journey to the United States in 1965, carrying only a few books and a deep faith in Krishna. Despite initial struggles, he established ISKCON in 1966, which grew into a global movement promoting bhakti-yoga, devotional service, and the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.
His teachings emphasized self-realization, spiritual discipline, and a life dedicated to Krishna. He encouraged his followers to adopt a pure lifestyle, avoiding meat, gambling, intoxication, and illicit relationships. His literary contributions, including Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is and Caitanya-caritāmṛta, remain foundational texts for ISKCON devotees.
Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavan, India, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions worldwide. His work transformed the global spiritual landscape, making Krishna consciousness accessible to seekers across cultures.
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