HIS JOURNEY

"When I first arrived in your New York harbour, I did not know whether to turn left or right."

Although one candle kindles unlimited numbers of other candles, each with the same intensity as the first, there yet remains the original candle. Similarly, although the Supreme Personality of Godhead expands Himself in unlimited forms, He yet remains the original cause of all causes. In the Vedas, that supreme original cause is known by the name Krishna because He possesses unlimited transcendental qualities, which can attract all living beings.

Five hundred years ago, that same supreme cause, Lord Shri Krishna, appeared as Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and declared that the chanting of His holy names-Hare Krishna, Hare Rama-would spread beyond the shores of India to every town and village in the world. Hundreds of years then passed as Lord Chaitanya's faithful followers endeavoured to expand His mission. Still they remained wondering just how and when the Lord's bold prediction would come true.

Then, on August 13, 1965, just a few days before his sixty-ninth birthday, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami-philosopher, scholar, and saint-set out for America to see what could be done. Begging passage from a local steamship company, he travelled as the only passenger on board a small weathered cargo ship named the Jaladuta. In his possession were a suitcase, an umbrella, a supply of dry cereal, about seven dollars worth of Indian currency, and several boxes of books.

When the Jaladuta arrived in New York harbour thirty-seven days later, Bhaktivedanta Swami was utterly alone. He had come to America knowing no one, with absolutely no visible means of support, and with only the meagre handful of possessions he had carried on board the ship. He had no money, no friends, no followers, not his youth, good health or even a clear idea of how he would accomplish his far-reaching objective-to present the spiritual knowledge of the Vedas to the entire Western society.

In a poem written in Bengali just after his arrival, Bhaktivedanta Swami expressed his humble faith in Lord Shri Krishna and the special instruction of his own spiritual master, who had intended him to spread the teachings of Krishna consciousness throughout the English-speaking world:

"My dear Lord Krishna.... How will I make them understand this message of Krishna consciousness? I am very unfortunate, unqualified, and the most fallen. Therefore I am seeking Your benediction so that I can convince them, for I am powerless to do so on my own.... I am sure that when this transcendental message penetrates their hearts they will certainly feel engladdened and thus become liberated from all unhappy conditions of life...."

This poem was written on September 17, 1965. Just twelve years later, on November 14, 1977, Bhaktivedanta Swami passed away in India at the age of 81. What happened in those twelve years? What was Bhaktivedanta Swami able to accomplish during this brief period, having begun with nothing, and at an age when most are ready to retire? The list of accomplishments is striking by any standard.

In short, between the years 1965 and 1977, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, or Shrila Prabhupada, as his followers affectionately came to know him, had spread the teachings of Krishna consciousness to every major city in the world, and had formed an international society comprising thousands of dedicated members. He had established 108 temples, with magnificent estates spread across six continents, and had circled the globe twelve times to personally guide the membership of his broadening mission.

As if this were not enough accomplishment for a person proceeding from his 70th to his 82nd year, Shrila Prabhupada had also translated, written, and published 51 volumes of books in 28 different languages, tens of millions of which had been distributed throughout the world. He had delivered thousands of lectures, written thousands of letters, and taken part in thousands of conversations with followers, admirers, and critics alike. And he had won the esteem of hundreds of prominent scholars and social figures, who had genuine appreciation for Shrila Prabhupada's contributions to religion, philosophy, and culture.

The astonishing story of how Shrila Prabhupada achieved such a marvellous result in twelve short years is far beyond the scope of these pages. But the remaining paragraphs will provide you with a glimpse into his remarkable teachings and achievements.

"Now I can see that it is a miracle. Otherwise, how could one old man, with only a few books to sell for barely getting food, introduce a God conscious movement in a materialistic society?"

(Copyright BBT-International)

Copyright © Bhaktivedanta Manor 2008
UK Headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
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