nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Why is Śrīla Prabhupāda, the founder of ISKCON, our ācārya?
The Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Ādi 1.13) states that Advaita Ācārya is an ācārya because he propagated
the saṅkīrtana movement. The phrase used is bhakti-śaṁsanāt, meaning that he is recognized as an
ācārya because of his effectiveness in spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Prahlāda Mahārāja states that one must accept an ācārya and follow his example and instruc-
tions in order to attain perfection (Bhāgavatam 7.5.32). Indeed, the Mahābhārata affirms that
everyone must choose a leader and follow him (mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ, Vana-parva 313.117).
If one follows a material leader who is influenced by the modes of material nature, one will reach
that leader’s destination. Conversely, by choosing a spiritual leader, one can attain the same spiri-
tual goal. Śrīla Prabhupāda once said that if you want to find Nārada Muni, follow his footprints,
because they will lead you to him.
Prahlāda Mahārāja also tells us that one of the qualities of an ācārya is that he is fully engaged
in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s transcendental loving service. The highest service, as Lord Kṛṣṇa affirms at the
end of the Bhagavad-gītā, is spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness (Gītā 18.69–70). Lord Caitanya con-
firmed this by telling His followers: “Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa as
they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. In this way become a spiritual master
and try to liberate everyone in this land.” (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya 7.128)
According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has given practical hints that an
uttama-adhikārī Vaiṣṇava and an ācārya can be recognized by their ability to convert many fallen
souls to Vaiṣṇavism. (The Nectar of Instruction, verse 5)
Because of the extraordinary way Śrīla Prabhupāda established the Kṛṣṇa consciousness move-
ment in this world, he should be accepted as an uttama-adhikārī, mahā-bhāgavata Vaiṣṇava, and a
great ācārya. The movement he founded, ISKCON, is dedicated to pure devotional service and
spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s unwavering adherence to the example and
instructions of his ācārya, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Ṭhākura, made him perfect, and by following
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s example and instructions, we too can attain perfection in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Your servant,
Prahlādānanda Swami