HIS LIFE

Srila Prabhupada was born in Calcutta in 1896, and taught the principles of Vaisnavism from the beginning of his life. He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhakti-siddhanta Sarasvati, in 1932, and took initiation some 10 years later.

In 1944 he started his famous 'Back to Godhead' magazine, and published his first book in 1960 ? 'Easy Journey to Other Planets', and in 1962 published the First Canto of 'Srimad Bhagavatam'.

After establishing ISKCON in 1966 in New York, he travelled the globe 11 times, opening over 100 centres, initiating over 10,000 disciples; started the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and Bhaktivedanta Institute (scientific branch of ISKCON), and deputed the Governing Body Commission (GBC) to run the society in his absence.

He departed for Krishna's eternal abode in November 1977, leaving a revolutionary movement in the hands of his followers.

HIS JOURNEY

Aboard the 'Jaladuta' steamship in 1965, with only the equivalent of a few dollars and three volumes of 'Srimad Bhagavatam', he travelled alone across the atlantic to Boston and New York City. He spent a year attempting to establish his movement in the most materialistic society in the world, and finally gained a following from chanting in Tompkins Square Park.

He started preaching from 26 2nd Avenue, in the notorious Bowery of New York, and gradually people gathered and took interest. After initiating his first Western disciples, he started a centre in San Fran-cisco. Sending some of his disciples to countries such as England and Australia, ISKCON gradually spread throughout the whole world at a startling rate.

HIS TEACHINGS

Based on the authority of the Vedic literatures, Srila Prabhupada's books represent a broad spectrum of transcendental knowledge ? from introoductory books for beginners up to complete volumes for those advanced in Krishna Consciousness.

He translated and wrote over 100 of such literatures, and considered 4 books to constitute the core of spiritual understanding; 'Bhagavad-gita As It is', 'Srimad-Bhagavatam', 'The Nectar of Devotion', and 'Caitanya-caritamrita'.

As well as his books, the complete set of his lectures, conversations and bhajans are available on audio cassettes and CD's. Never before has an acharya given such a wealth of knowledge for the ultimate benefit of all the conditioned souls of this world, and his teachings will be treasured for many generations to come

HIS SOCIETY

Since the humble beginnings in 1966 in New York, the movement has blossomed into a fully international society, consisting over over 300 centres across the globe.

From wealthy nations as the USA and European countries, to developing countries of Africa, Asia and South America . ISKCON has temples, restaurants, farm communities and shops within reach of all corners of the globe, where visitors are always welcomed.