Tuesday, 5 November, 2024
His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) is widely regarded as the world’s pre-eminent exponent of the teachings and practices of bhakti-yoga to the Western world. The disappearance of Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is reflected on by devotees around the world with heartfelt appreciations and chanting of the holy names of the Lord, appreciating his profound influence on their lives.
Srila Prabhupada departed on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavan, India. Although physically absent, his teachings and instructions continue to inspire and guide countless souls on the path of Krishna consciousness.
During his lifetime, Srila Prabhupada dedicated himself to translating and authoring numerous books, including the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and many others. These books are not ordinary literature but are filled with spiritual wisdom and knowledge that can transform one’s life.
Srila Prabhupada’s compassion and mercy knew no bounds. He tirelessly travelled the world, establishing temples, initiating disciples, and spreading the holy names of Krishna through the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. His mission was to awaken people’s dormant love for God and help them develop a deep, personal relationship with Lord Krishna.
While we may feel his physical absence, Srila Prabhupada’s presence is still very much alive through his teachings and the institution he founded, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Through ISKCON, his followers continue to propagate his message and work towards fulfilling his vision of a world united in Krishna consciousness.
In which activities can devotees engage themselves in on the day of disappearance of Srila Prabhupada?
On the auspicious day of Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, devotees can engage themselves in various activities to honour and remember his glorious contributions to the Krishna consciousness movement. Here are a few suggestions:
Fasting: Observing a full fast without consuming any grains or cereals is considered highly beneficial on Ekadashi. It helps in purifying the mind and body.
Chanting and Kirtan: Devotees can come together and chant the Hare Krishna mantra, glorifying the holy names of the Lord. Kirtan, the congregational singing of devotional songs, can also be performed to create a joyous and spiritual atmosphere.
Reading and studying Srila Prabhupada’s books: Devotees can spend time reading and studying Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental literature, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and his other profound teachings. This helps deepen one’s understanding and connection with his teachings.
Offering prayers and bhajans: Devotees can offer heartfelt prayers and sing devotional songs (bhajans) glorifying Srila Prabhupada’s divine qualities, his mercy, and his extraordinary contributions to spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide.
Hearing from senior devotees: Devotees can gather and listen to senior devotees who had personal association with Srila Prabhupada. They can share their personal experiences, anecdotes, and valuable insights into Srila Prabhupada’s life and teachings.
Participating in Sankirtan: Devotees can engage in book distribution or Harinama Sankirtan, which involves going out in public and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books or chanting the holy names of Krishna to share the spiritual message with others.
Offering seva (service): Devotees can render various services in the temple or community, such as cooking for the pleasure of the Lord, decorating the temple, or assisting in organizing programs dedicated to Srila Prabhupada’s memory.