Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Hare Kṛṣṇa, dear Śrīla Prabhupāda and his devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace.
Today we are gathered to celebrate the auspicious Vyāsa-pūjā ceremony for Śrīla Prabhupāda, who saved the world through his compassionate preaching. At an advanced age, he traveled from Calcutta to Boston without almost any money, a single contact, no manpower, a little physical strength – driven solely by one purpose: to serve his Guru Mahārāja, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī.
Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī stated:
There has not been and there will not be such benefactors of the highest merit as Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His devotees have been. The offer of other benefits is only a deception; it is rather a great harm, whereas the benefit done by Him and His followers is the truest and greatest eternal benefit. This benefit is not for one particular country, causing mischief to another; but it benefits the whole universe.
In the Bhagavad-gītā (6.29) Kṛṣṇa says of the true yogi: “A true yogi observes Me in all beings and also sees every being in Me. Indeed, the self-realized person sees Me, the same Supreme Lord, everywhere.”
In a lecture delivered in 1968 in Seattle on the disappearance day of his sannyāsa-guru, Śrīla Prabhupāda said:
I was sitting alone in Vṛndāvana, writing. My godbrother insisted to me, “Bhaktivedanta Prabhu, you must do it. Without accepting the renounced order of life, nobody can become a preacher.” So he insisted. Not he insisted; practically my spiritual master insisted. He wanted me to become a preacher, so he forced me through this godbrother: “You accept.” So, unwillingly I accepted
One of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disciples told us, “If you become conscious of Śrīla Prabhupāda, then you will surely become Kṛṣṇa conscious.” This highlights the profound truth that by following and understanding His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, one naturally develops pure devotion to Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Prabhupāda himself always gave full credit for all his achievements to his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, demonstrating perfect humility and guru-niṣṭhā (firm faith in the spiritual master).
Never Give Up
On one occasion, when Śrīla Prabhupāda was visiting one city, he remarked that the city was filled with ignorance and its people hardhearted, like stone. Hearing this, one of his disciples asked, “Śrīla Prabhupāda, should we leave this city and go somewhere else?”
Śrīla Prabhupāda firmly replied, “That does not mean we are going to leave these people. We will preach here. Just because it is difficult does not mean we give up.”
This incident reveals that Śrīla Prabhupāda was truly a fearless spiritual warrior, determined to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness even in the most challenging circumstances.
We must learn from the example of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Great devotees like Prahlāda Mahārāja and Śrīla Prabhupāda teach us that true devotees never give up. No matter how difficult the circumstances, they continue forward with determination. This unwavering perseverance is one of the defining qualities of a pure devotee.
A pure devotee is ready to tolerate any hardship – insults, difficulties, or challenges in this world – but will never abandon chanting, preaching, or striving to please Lord Kṛṣṇa. Such steadfast devotion deeply pleases the Lord. One can imagine even Kṛṣṇa marveling, “Just see, this devotee never gives up performing devotional service!”
Śrīla Prabhupāda himself faced many struggles and setbacks in the United States. Yet, this was all part of Kṛṣṇa’s divine plan. Kṛṣṇa arranged that no external support would come easily so the world could witness the depth of His devotee’s surrender.
Through all odds, Śrīla Prabhupāda persevered alone and established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the West. Therefore, full credit goes to him – single-handedly, with complete faith and surrender, he laid the foundation of a global spiritual movement.
The Unimaginable Struggles of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Alone in a foreign land in the bitter winter of New York City, Śrīla Prabhupāda walked with quiet determination. He had no money, no followers, no institution – no visible support of any kind. To the world, he appeared to be just another unknown elderly man moving through the crowded streets of Manhattan.
Yet within him burned something far greater. He carried the weight of a divine mission – the sacred order of his spiritual master.
Crushing Physical Hardships
The winter of 1965–66 was merciless. Snowstorms swallowed the city whole, and icy winds tore through the streets with a sharpness that seemed to pierce the body itself. Temperatures plunged below freezing, roads hardened into sheets of ice, and even the strongest struggled to keep their footing.
And there was Śrīla Prabhupāda. An elderly saint from India, clad in a simple dhoti beneath a thin coat, walking through blizzards. His face grew numb, his eyes watered from the freezing wind; there was no car to carry him, no comfort to shield him, no protection from the cold. Still, he walked. Every single day.
Pressure to Compromise His Faith
Well-wishers urged him: “Change your clothes.” “Adopt Western habits.” “Give up your strict principles.” Even respected figures like Mr. Mishra advised him that if he wished to survive in the West, he would have to adjust – perhaps even compromise – his core spiritual vows.
But Śrīla Prabhupāda stood firm. “I have not come to beg something; I have come to give something.”
He chose struggle over compromise, hardship over dilution, and refused to trade the purity of Kṛṣṇa consciousness for comfort or acceptance.
The Pain of Loneliness
No followers. No disciples. No community. Just silence. A subway conductor, Mr. Ruben, once noticed him sitting alone, like a solitary holy man with no one by his side. Yet Śrīla Prabhupāda would say, “I am not alone.” He spoke to Mr. Ruben of future temples, future devotees, as if they were already there, waiting.
Repeated Financial Rejections
Hope came, then shattered. Support that once seemed within reach suddenly vanished. Lal Bahadur Shastri, who had appreciated him and might have helped release funds, passed away unexpectedly. A door closed.
Under Indira Gandhi, the government denied permission to send money abroad. Another door closed.
Padampat Singhania initially encouraged the idea of building a temple but later stepped back, then withdrew completely. The final door closed.
Prabhupāda even approached A. M. Hartman with a humble request: to use an empty building, just temporarily, for a spiritual center. His request was refused.
Silence from His Own Circle
He wrote letter after letter to godbrothers, institutions, friends – not for himself, but for a temple for Kṛṣṇa.
But the replies did not come. Or when they did, they carried no real help. Even those who might have stood beside him remained silent. Imagine that pain!
Failure Even in His Own Country
His books – Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam – barely moved in India; only a few copies were sold. Bookstores returned stacks of them. Even in the so-called “land of religion,” there was little interest.
A Broken World Around Him
He looked at America, with its tall buildings, wealth, and advanced technology.
But inside, he saw the youth struggling with drug addiction, growing protests against the Vietnam War, and increasing social unrest and anxiety. To him, American appeared to have material success on the outside, but spiritual emptiness within.
Relentless External Failures
No funding, no buildings, no support, no recognition. Every plan blocked. Every effort resisted. Every hope tested.
Yet he never stopped. This is where glory shines the brightest.
Despite everything, he wrote and translated daily, chanted constantly, cooked and offered his food to Kṛṣṇa, and spoke philosophy to even a single listener.
The Real Victory
Externally, he looked defeated. But spiritually, he was already victorious because he never forgot Kṛṣṇa. He never gave up. He never compromised.
At that moment, in the winter of New York, no one believed in him or supported him or recognized him.
But he believed in his guru, his mission, and Kṛṣṇa.
And that was enough.
Final Reflection
The world saw a struggling old man, but history would reveal a spiritual giant. A warrior. A pure devotee who crossed oceans, faced rejection after rejection, walked through freezing storms, endured loneliness, and never gave up.
And from that struggle, a global movement was born.
I will conclude this offering with one of Prabhupāda’s most powerful final instructions: “Your love for me will be shown by how you cooperate to keep this movement alive after I am gone.”
He knew that internal conflicts could weaken the movement, so he stressed unity, cooperation, and working together in service.
Here are some beautiful lines from his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.30.8: “Those who are actually engaged in the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead cannot be disunited in any circumstance. This makes the Supreme Personality of Godhead very happy and willing to award all kinds of benediction to His devotees, as indicated in this verse.”
Your humble servants,
The devotees at ISKCON Milton
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dearest Śrīla Prabhupāda,
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
On behalf of the Minnesota temple and our Kṛṣṇa conscious community here, we feel grateful for another year under your shelter. Your presence continues to guide us in ways we often don’t even realize until later.
One of the most meaningful moments for us this year was hosting ISKCON Minnesota’s first Ratha-yātrā. For our community, it was a deeply emotional and joyful experience. Seeing Lord Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā Devī come out and bless the streets of Minnesota felt like a moment we had been waiting for, and it touched our hearts in a way we will never forget.
Throughout the year, we saw your teachings quietly touch people. During our weekly kirtans, new guests stayed longer than they expected, especially many college students who were curious and searching for something deeper. Their openness, their questions, and the way they connected with the chanting showed us how naturally Kṛṣṇa consciousness can reach people when it’s offered with sincerity. The children’s enthusiasm during kirtan and service also brought a warmth to the temple that lifted everyone’s spirits.
In this Age of Kali, we see how stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed people are. Many feel lost or are unsure where to turn. But when they come in contact with your teachings – even briefly – something softens in their hearts. We see it in their eyes, in their questions, and in the relief they feel during kirtan. Your message gives people hope, clarity, and a sense of direction that is hard to find in today’s world.
Our university outreach at the University of Minnesota also gave us hope. Students were open, curious, and genuinely trying to understand Kṛṣṇa consciousness and your mission. Their sincerity reminded us that your teachings continue to reach new people, even in places where we might not expect it.
Inside the temple, we’ve tried to strengthen our services – festivals, Deity worship, and caring for one another. There were times when things felt challenging, but returning to your instructions on humility and cooperation helped us stay steady. Again and again, we felt guided back to what truly matters.
As a community, we feel inspired to do more. We genuinely want to serve more, to reach more people, and to share Kṛṣṇa consciousness in a way that touches hearts. There is so much more we hope to offer – through outreach, festivals, prasādam, kirtan, and simply being available for anyone who is searching. Our prayer is to grow in sincerity and dedication so we can contribute more meaningfully to your mission.
We are grateful to serve under the guidance of His Holiness Romapāda Swami, whose instructions help us stay aligned with your mood and mission. His reminders about sincerity, patience, and genuine care keep us grounded as we try to carry forward even a small part of your vision.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we feel so blessed. Your teachings give us hope, direction, and the heart to serve the community the way you taught – with humility and care.
Your servant of the servant,
Śauri Dāsa, temple president
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
We offer our humble obeisances to you, at whose feet all masters sit. All glories to your extraordinary life of pure and unalloyed devotional service to Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa!
On this most auspicious occasion of your appearance in this material world, we take the opportunity to remember you and to meditate deeply on the meaning of Vyāsa-pūjā. In the early days of the Tokyo temple, in 1970, on the occasion of Vyāsa-pūjā, you instructed your disciples about the meaning of the Vyāsa-pūjā day and about serving the spiritual master in separation. You said: “You should always pray that only by the grace of the spiritual master we achieve the grace or mercy of Kṛṣṇa. This is the meaning of Vyāsa-pūjā … remain always faithful to the spiritual master and try to understand Kṛṣṇa.”
Today, we meditate on your instruction and rededicate ourselves to the service of your mission here in Athens, Ohio. We seek your blessings in order that we might carry on with our humble attempts to assist you in your work of bringing light to the people of this modern age of spiritual darkness, Kali-yuga. Your life’s example is our guiding light and our inspiration. Please guide our thoughts, words, and deeds as we continue on. Please give us the strength to take your vision of Kṛṣṇa consciousness forward and share the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā with everyone we meet, just as you did.
Out of profound compassion, on a wonderful day – May 19, 1969 – you addressed the people of Athens, Ohio, at a place called the Appalachian Lighthouse. How appropriate, as you had come to bring illumination to this remote place, located so far from the birthplace of Lord Caitanya.
Your message was simple. You spoke about the importance of chanting and what it can do for the human being: “[W]ith chanting, there is no religious or sectarian movement, only happiness. Happiness is man’s nature. It is one of man’s inherent qualities.” May the people of Athens become happy by being in contact with Kṛṣṇa and by the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa!
It has been our honor to represent you and to share your message of “Chant and be happy!” We pray that our service attempts are pleasing to you and to the entire disciplic succession.
We beg to remain your humble servants,
Ashok Gupta, professor emeritus
Prem Vilas Dāsa
Pranatakaruna Dāsa
Rāsalīlādevī Devī Dāsī (ACBSP)
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
We are a small community in Angus, Ontario, north of Toronto, where the nearest ISKCON temple is more than 108 km away. Though physically distant from the temple, by your mercy we have never felt far from Kṛṣṇa consciousness because your books have brought your association directly into our homes and hearts.
By the enormous help of your books, we have been able to introduce Kṛṣṇa consciousness to many people in our area. Most are Westerners who had little understanding of God, the demigods, or the science of the soul. Through reading your books such as Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, The Science of Self-Realization, the Kṛṣṇa Book, and others, they have made remarkable spiritual progress. Your words carry such potency that they awaken devotion even where there was previously no knowledge of bhakti.
By your causeless mercy, our small group became officially registered as ISKCON in 2025. What began as a few gatherings has become a genuine spiritual family. Some devotees among us have taken the path of bhakti very seriously, and by your blessings and the blessings of guru and the Vaiṣṇavas, they have now received initiation into your movement. This is all your miracle.
You have created a spiritual home for the whole world. Even in small towns, even far from temples, your presence is alive through your books, your instructions, and your devotees.
Your books are our guide, your teachings are our shelter, and your example inspires us to continue sharing the holy name in our community. Whatever little service we are able to do in Angus is simply an extension of your compassion.
Thank you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, for giving us life, purpose, and the path.
Your humble servant
Kṛṣṇa Kathā Dāsa
On behalf of the devotees at ISKCON Angus
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dearest Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to you on this most auspicious day of your appearance.
Traveling to the ruins of ancient civilizations provokes in some a sense of historical irony. All of the great empires of the world declared themselves everlasting. One can still visit the temple dedicated to Roma Aeterna, “the eternal Roman Empire,” which collapsed more than fifteen hundred years ago. When asked, anyone with an understanding of history will declare that no matter how mighty a nation, empire, or any other power is, it will eventually fall. But it is a rare occurrence for us to apply such wisdom to our own situation. Such a fate of destruction could not possibly befall us; any downturn in our fortune, we reason, must be a fluke, a simple cyclical variation. But when the tide turns back in our favor, the good times will roll, we think.
It seems increasingly likely, however, that such a correction will not save us any time soon. Over the last several years, the situation in practically every nation in the world has degraded, and there is no clear indication of how or when recovery will come. World leaders have been exposed as demons, and yet justice has not found them. Food prices increase, even as our food is chemically modified into “product” rather than nourishment. Petroleum, the lifeblood of modern civilization, is increasingly expensive, its price dependent on the egos of madmen. The people are thus forced to spend more time working in unnatural and artificial occupations, increasing their work hours until they have nothing to do but sleep and labor. This intense suffering causes them to take shelter of the modes of passion and ignorance, leading to an increase in violence, conquest, and genocide.
Yet still, most inmates of this society hold onto the hope that a correction is just around the corner – that all we must do is wait a while longer, and the good times will surely begin. You, however, see only through the eyes of śāstra. You taught us, through your books, lectures, and all your teachings that the wheel of sense gratification only has so many turns before catastrophe.
You explained in so many ways how the modern demoniac society is unsustainable. An often-repeated reason is the industrialized slaughter of cows. The various means of advertisement and social engineering, meant to fan the flames of anger, lust, and greed, deserve a mention as well. The list you gave us goes on and on, showing that this modern society is but a small push away from collapse. There is also another critical reason that you gave when explaining how the collapse would come: no one knows how to grow food.
The increased chaos in the world shows that your prescription is critically needed. Almost none of the residents of Gītā-nāgarī have a background in farming. We came from offices, labs, and classrooms, from cities, where food came not from the ground but from a supermarket. But as much as we are able, we are attempting, under the direction of your servants, to take up your instruction to protect cows, grow food, and live simply off the land.
The other philosophies of the world, utopian and apocalyptic in their design, rely on political machinations, social subterfuge, or violent uprisings to achieve their aim. Ultimately, this aim is not a true rebirth of society, but only a reordering of who is on top. Meanwhile, the social revolution you envisioned is a complete cultural overhaul, and begins in the most unlikely places: a mantra chanted, a book distributed, a cow cared for, and a seed planted.
Please give us your blessings, Śrīla Prabhupāda, that we can fulfill your mission in showing the world that competition and exploitation is not the only life conceivable, but that it is indeed possible for humanity, the land, animals, and Kṛṣṇa to live in cooperation and harmony.
Your servant,
Kāla-Svarūpa Dāsa
On behalf of the Gītā-nāgarī Farm community
