Srila Prabhupada 108 Celebration

Equal to All

By Lokanath Swami

There is but one Supreme Father for all living entities, wherever they reside, in whatever species. Srila Prabhupada, a genuine representative of the Supreme Father, Krsna, exhibited all godly qualities. Like Lord Krsna, he was equal to all souls. This devotional quality particularly shows his uniquely pure character.

Srila Prabhupada was the only Vaisnava acarya to come to the Western world and develop a society for Krsna consciousness: ISKCON. He came alone, with only the shelter of his Guru Maharaja’s instructions, but he fulfilled his Guru Maharaja’s seemingly impossible desires. His success is unsurpassed in spreading Krsna consciousness in the richest nations of the world, centers of all sinful activities. And his fathomless compassion reached even remote places like the tiny island of Mauritius, in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

In caring for both men and women, Prabhupada went beyond the boundaries of the traditional Indian sannyasa system. He started brahmacarini ashrams for single women and presided over the weddings of his disciples. Once there were children in his international Society, he established gurukula education, fashioned in the ancient Vedic style.

Disciples from All Classes

The great-grandson of Henry Ford is Prabhupada’s disciple: Ambarisa Dasa. A farmer’s son born in Maharashtra, India, is also his disciple: Lokanath Dasa. A daughter of Irish Roman Catholics became his disciple too: Mahadevi Dasi. His absolute purity and humility attracted souls from all walks of life and all races. He never shunned persons from so-called low-class backgrounds. All that really mattered was that they were souls, parts of Krsna.

Srila Prabhupada is a transcendental visionary. His followers come from all religious and cultural backgrounds. Not only Hindus, but Christians, Jews, and even Muslims follow him closely. He has genuine respect for Jesus, Muhammed, and other bona fide spiritual leaders.

Srila Prabhupada was kind to the animals. He became their spokesman, boldly decrying the slaughter of animals. He taught that even though the animals are today not considered citizens, they do indeed have a right to live.

Srila Prabhupada is a true friend to all living entities, even the plants and trees. He opposed the unnecessary cutting of trees: “The paper industry cuts many hundreds and thousands of trees for its mills, and with the paper so much rubbish literature is published for the whimsical satisfaction of human society.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi 9.46, Purport)

Repaying Our Debt

When asked how the disciple can be free of the debt to the spiritual master, Prabhupada replied, “Not possible.” We are eternally indebted to Srila Prabhupada. He has freely given us inconceivable kindness, joy, and blessings—blessings that perpetually increase, with an exceptionally high interest rate, in our spiritual bank account.

Srila Prabhupada said that a disciple could try to clear his debt to him by doing as he did: spreading Krsna consciousness. That means we must push on the Krsna consciousness movement—not leave or give up when there are problems, but remain loyal to Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON.

Inside his home at the Krsna-Balarama Mandir in Vrndavana, during his final month, November 1977, devotees were gathered from all over the world to witness his going back home, back to Godhead. He clearly expressed one of his last requests of us: “Your love for me will be shown by how much you cooperate to keep this institution together after I am gone.”

It is easy to serve when our lives in ISKCON are inspired, but the examination comes when we face difficulties, roadblocks, obstacles. How we love each other, serve each other, serve his sacred mission, shows our spontaneous service attitude and our unreserved love for him.

So let us take the occasion of Srila Prabhupada’s 108th birth anniversary to rededicate ourselves to practicing Krsna consciousness as Prabhupada asked us to do within his ISKCON. Let us get re-invigorated to preserve and propagate the intimate treasures of bhakti that he so kindly gave us.

A major global event has been planned: a grand Srila Prabhupada family reunion in Sri Mayapura Dhama for Gaura Purnima 2005. We are extending an invitation to all disciples and grand-disciples, to every man, woman, and child, to black, white, rich and poor. Everyone is welcome—even animals and plants—to come and celebrate the 108th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s glorious appearance.