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Swami in a Strange Land: How Krishna Came to the West
Discover the man behind the movement in this intimate biography of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
In 1965, a seventy-year-old man—soon to be known as Prabhupada—set sail from India to America with a few books in his bag, pennies in his pockets, and a message of love in his heart. He landed in New York at the peak of the revolutionary counterculture movement of the ’60s, and went on to spark a global spiritual renaissance that led to the creation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness,
which has changed millions of lives.
Through the depiction of Prabhupada as both an enlightened luminary and a personable, funny, and conscientious individual, Swami in a Strange Land shows why cultural icons such as George Harrison and Allen Ginsberg incorporated Prabhupada’s teachings into their lives, and why millions more around the globe embarked upon the path of bhakti yoga in his footsteps.
Carefully researched, skillfully crafted, and extraordinarily intimate, this narrative follows Prabhupada as he rises from an anonymous monk to a world-renowned spiritual leader. Set in locations as far ranging as remote Himalayan caves and the gilded corridors of Paris’s City Hall, Swami in a Strange Land traces the rise of Eastern spirituality in the West—and in particular, the rise of yoga culture and vegetarianism and the concepts of karma and reincarnation.
A remarkable journey into the deepest dimensions of the human experience, Swami in a Strange Land shows how one man with a dream can change the world.
In 1965, a seventy-year-old man—soon to be known as Prabhupada—set sail from India to America with a few books in his bag, pennies in his pockets, and a message of love in his heart. He landed in New York at the peak of the revolutionary counterculture movement of the ’60s, and went on to spark a global spiritual renaissance that led to the creation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness,
which has changed millions of lives.
Through the depiction of Prabhupada as both an enlightened luminary and a personable, funny, and conscientious individual, Swami in a Strange Land shows why cultural icons such as George Harrison and Allen Ginsberg incorporated Prabhupada’s teachings into their lives, and why millions more around the globe embarked upon the path of bhakti yoga in his footsteps.
Carefully researched, skillfully crafted, and extraordinarily intimate, this narrative follows Prabhupada as he rises from an anonymous monk to a world-renowned spiritual leader. Set in locations as far ranging as remote Himalayan caves and the gilded corridors of Paris’s City Hall, Swami in a Strange Land traces the rise of Eastern spirituality in the West—and in particular, the rise of yoga culture and vegetarianism and the concepts of karma and reincarnation.
A remarkable journey into the deepest dimensions of the human experience, Swami in a Strange Land shows how one man with a dream can change the world.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
32 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Joshua M. Greene
27 books61 followersJoshua M. Greene earned his M.A. at Hofstra University, where he taught Hinduism and Holocaust history until his retirement in 2013. His books on war crimes trials and survivor testimony have been published in six languages. He has spoken at the Pentagon, the Judge Advocates College, the New York Public Library Distinguished Author series, and lectures frequently before state bar associations. In 1969, he was initiated as Yogesvara Das by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and spent 13 years in Krishna temples, serving as director of ISKCON’s European publishing office. His books on spirituality include Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison and Gita Wisdom: An Introduction to India’s Essential Yoga Text. His most recent book is a biography of Srila Prabhupada, titled Swami in a Strange Land: How Krishna Came to the West. Greene is also a filmmaker whose Holocaust documentaries have aired on PBS, The Disney Channel, and Discovery.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
July 27, 2022
Great biography on A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. I always wanted to read book on his life and finally i got to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a fascinating story of Srila Prabhupada and of his creation, ISKCON. Greene’s writing is fluid and rich with detail, tracing not only Prabhupada’s life and career. What a remarkable life Srila Prabhupada had. His attempt to to create a movement by merging the Vedantic and bhakti traditions was intrinsically significant for the real world. And Prabhupada prompting Krishna worship globally is also inexplicably phenomenal, rivaling in scale the impact of the greatest of historic religious interlocutors. Through his lectures and his writings, he attracted a following almost wherever he went, even though he asked for more of a life-changing commitment from those he taught than most other teachers did. In the process, he left an indelible imprint on countless young Americans and then worldwide. He turned Krishna consciousness into a global movement, touching unlikely parts of the world. While his works, especially his commentary on the various books like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam were life changing for many devotees.
For anyone wishing to know about his life, his teachings and the way he changed the world, these are all captured in this book.
For anyone wishing to know about his life, his teachings and the way he changed the world, these are all captured in this book.
July 3, 2017
And we can say truth is more intriguing and inspiring than fiction. And because it's truth it is ennobling.
In the truth of Swami Prabhupada's life is an astonishing story of determination, dedication, selflessness, single-minded focus on a higher way of being, and a poignant reminder that life is for more than consuming and indulging.
Joushua Greene, as advertised, is a master storyteller. He's also an excellent writer. While he remains largely hidden as he tells Swami Prabhupada's story, his voice is unmistakably sensitive and thoughtful as he guides the reader through the external settings of the story and the inner life of this modern-day saint.
As you learn about Swami you learn about the ideology of Bhakti. While some could see this as a drawback, I see it as a benefit: learn about an extraordinary person and an ancient path. Actually, as I think about it, the two enhance each other. In fact, how could he exist without an absolute passion for the beauty of the path.
I couldn't put this down and didn't want it to end. There are some very exceptional people in this world and Swami Prabhupada is one. Not only that but he ventured out as a Bhakti ambassador to the world at 70 years old! This is really an incredible story.
In looking online about Swami after reading this book I found this: "The life of Srila Prabhupada is pointed proof that one can be a transmitter of truth and still be a vital and singular person.…Srila Prabhupada is one in a thousand, maybe one in a million." —Harvey Cox, Professor of Divinity, Harvard University.
In the truth of Swami Prabhupada's life is an astonishing story of determination, dedication, selflessness, single-minded focus on a higher way of being, and a poignant reminder that life is for more than consuming and indulging.
Joushua Greene, as advertised, is a master storyteller. He's also an excellent writer. While he remains largely hidden as he tells Swami Prabhupada's story, his voice is unmistakably sensitive and thoughtful as he guides the reader through the external settings of the story and the inner life of this modern-day saint.
As you learn about Swami you learn about the ideology of Bhakti. While some could see this as a drawback, I see it as a benefit: learn about an extraordinary person and an ancient path. Actually, as I think about it, the two enhance each other. In fact, how could he exist without an absolute passion for the beauty of the path.
I couldn't put this down and didn't want it to end. There are some very exceptional people in this world and Swami Prabhupada is one. Not only that but he ventured out as a Bhakti ambassador to the world at 70 years old! This is really an incredible story.
In looking online about Swami after reading this book I found this: "The life of Srila Prabhupada is pointed proof that one can be a transmitter of truth and still be a vital and singular person.…Srila Prabhupada is one in a thousand, maybe one in a million." —Harvey Cox, Professor of Divinity, Harvard University.
December 30, 2016
This is a wonderful biography which captures the essence of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the Hare Krishna movement. As a neophyte devotee, I wished to better understand the origins of Hare Krishna in the West. Reading this biography helped me feel more connected to Prabhupada and the other devotees.
September 29, 2019
Why would you want to read a book about the Swami?
A 5000 year old philosophy was introduced by the Swami to the hippies of the American 70s that made them give up drugs to join a life of meditation and purity. In the current day, the philosophy has inspired millions of people around the world take to meditation, hundreds of places of worship in more than 60 countries and more than 2 million free meals distributed....daily!!!
The page turner starts with the beginnings of the Swami’s story, in an ambience set in 1900s India. I am amazed by the author’s details of the setting, the influence of different leaders on the Swami and his travel to the United States to Give to the western world, alone with almost no money on a cargo ship where he suffers two heart attacks. The book gives a high level view of the philosophy without getting into the details that are not in scope and have been covered well by the books the Swami himself has authored.
An excellent read.
A 5000 year old philosophy was introduced by the Swami to the hippies of the American 70s that made them give up drugs to join a life of meditation and purity. In the current day, the philosophy has inspired millions of people around the world take to meditation, hundreds of places of worship in more than 60 countries and more than 2 million free meals distributed....daily!!!
The page turner starts with the beginnings of the Swami’s story, in an ambience set in 1900s India. I am amazed by the author’s details of the setting, the influence of different leaders on the Swami and his travel to the United States to Give to the western world, alone with almost no money on a cargo ship where he suffers two heart attacks. The book gives a high level view of the philosophy without getting into the details that are not in scope and have been covered well by the books the Swami himself has authored.
An excellent read.
February 13, 2018
Inspirational
I just finished reading Joshua Greene’s latest work, “Swami In A Strange Land”, including the awesome glossary!
I cannot tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed this book. It’s one of those books I wish would go on forever. So well written, so heartfelt, so inspirational.
I just finished reading Joshua Greene’s latest work, “Swami In A Strange Land”, including the awesome glossary!
I cannot tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed this book. It’s one of those books I wish would go on forever. So well written, so heartfelt, so inspirational.
November 3, 2019
Naman to such Swami!
December 4, 2018
From all the biographies I started out and never completed and very few which I managed to finish that too in a long couple of days, Swami in a Strange land definitely stands out. Proficiently narrated, wonderfully articulated, and well researched, Joshua M. Greene has written this biography of Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada with utmost integrity and sincerity.
Swami in a Strange Land is a memoir of spiritual leader, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON (The International Society of Krishna consciousness). The book which will take you to an enthralling and inspiring journey of a man who brought Krishna to the west.
The book is written in three parts, accounting the story of Swami in India, America, and the world. In the first part, his early life struggles in his home country with the details of his family is given. His voyage to America and how he laid the foundation of ISKCON has been beautifully told in the second part of the book and when and how the Hare Krishna movement reached out to the world is been narrated in the third part. The book also includes and discuss the brainwashing lawsuit filed against ISKCON and how the landmark decision stating Hare Krishna movement as bonafide religion was taken.
I was Spellbound and influenced at the same time and was curious to know how a man at the age of seventy who faced two fatal heart attacks on the cargo ship to America was coming to a strange land where he was never been before with no money, no assistance and initiated the Hare Krishna movement with a greater number of people joining him every day.
I must admit that I had never read a memoir with such an amazement. It’s one of those biographies that should be in your to be read list and the one you won’t regret having in your shelf.
I totally loved it. Highly recommended.
Swami in a Strange Land is a memoir of spiritual leader, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON (The International Society of Krishna consciousness). The book which will take you to an enthralling and inspiring journey of a man who brought Krishna to the west.
The book is written in three parts, accounting the story of Swami in India, America, and the world. In the first part, his early life struggles in his home country with the details of his family is given. His voyage to America and how he laid the foundation of ISKCON has been beautifully told in the second part of the book and when and how the Hare Krishna movement reached out to the world is been narrated in the third part. The book also includes and discuss the brainwashing lawsuit filed against ISKCON and how the landmark decision stating Hare Krishna movement as bonafide religion was taken.
I was Spellbound and influenced at the same time and was curious to know how a man at the age of seventy who faced two fatal heart attacks on the cargo ship to America was coming to a strange land where he was never been before with no money, no assistance and initiated the Hare Krishna movement with a greater number of people joining him every day.
I must admit that I had never read a memoir with such an amazement. It’s one of those biographies that should be in your to be read list and the one you won’t regret having in your shelf.
I totally loved it. Highly recommended.
July 21, 2017
This book details the life of Swami Prabhupada, most known for bringing Krishna consciousness to the west. His whole life, he has a deep love for Krishna. He ends up marrying, trying to have the life that he is expected to as a householder in India, but something is always holding him back. That is his love of Krishna. Finally, at the age of 70, free, he heads on a ship to the west, where he popularizes Krishna and creates one of the most beautiful spiritual movements in the west. Lovely and inspirational.
November 27, 2018
A book on religious person gets everyone in a knot. However, this isn't a religious book at all.
This book gently expounds about the principles of Swami Prabhupada as unraveled by his disciple.
Liked the way Joshua has captured his teacher's way of life, his teachings and his journey to America, and the birth of ISKCON. Swami Prabhupada was instrumental in laying the foundation of Krishna Consciousness beyond India and this movement is universally embraced.
Overall verdict - It's an engaging read. Don't pick it up with expectations.
This book gently expounds about the principles of Swami Prabhupada as unraveled by his disciple.
Liked the way Joshua has captured his teacher's way of life, his teachings and his journey to America, and the birth of ISKCON. Swami Prabhupada was instrumental in laying the foundation of Krishna Consciousness beyond India and this movement is universally embraced.
Overall verdict - It's an engaging read. Don't pick it up with expectations.
January 15, 2019
For how many years we can live with a dream?
At the age of 25 Prabhupada saw a dream to spread the Krishna Consciousness in the World.
At the age of 69 he reached US with Rs 40 ($7) in his pocket and 200 3-volume set of Srimad Bhagavatam.
This is a story of person’s dream realization and determination.
Though I am not agree with the principles of Hare Krishna Movement, still this book is worth-read.
At the age of 25 Prabhupada saw a dream to spread the Krishna Consciousness in the World.
At the age of 69 he reached US with Rs 40 ($7) in his pocket and 200 3-volume set of Srimad Bhagavatam.
This is a story of person’s dream realization and determination.
Though I am not agree with the principles of Hare Krishna Movement, still this book is worth-read.
May 30, 2018
What an amazing book. Such a detailed and well written account. Very inspiring. Hare Krishna!
What an amazing book. Such a well detailed and well written account. Very inspiring story of Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krishna!
What an amazing book. Such a well detailed and well written account. Very inspiring story of Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krishna!
August 4, 2017
Beautifully written. Poignant and inspiring.
October 29, 2018
I have recently been introduced to Krishna Consciousness. This is a well written story about how Bhakti Yoga came to the west and spread through the United States. Very much enjoyed this book.
July 6, 2024
Detailed Review - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/swami-i...
July 24, 2025
Book about A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON/the Hare Krishna movement.
Born in 1896 in India, Swami Prabhupada grew up in a devout Vaishnava family. Although he was interested in India’s independence movement, he became increasingly focused on spiritual matters. Under his teacher, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, he dreamed of spreading Krishna devotion to the world. He wanted to go to America first; as a hyper‑materialistic, greedy society, it would be the perfect place to reach spiritually sick people.
Swami Prabhupada became a pharmacist, married, and had children, but always worked toward saving enough money to travel to America. When he traveled to America in 1965, he didn’t have much money; his wife and most of his kids were furious with him for leaving, and he suffered two heart attacks on the voyage. However, when he arrived in NYC, he appealed greatly to young hippies who were looking for God. The movement became incredibly successful, especially among the counterculture; eventually George Harrison converted. When he died, ISKCON had followers all around the world.
Philosophically, ISKCON is centered on devotion to Krishna, not only as the Supreme Being and God, but as a personal being toward whom devotees cultivate intense feelings of love and devotion. They reject the view that God is impersonal (Mayavada philosophy) or materialist beliefs that happiness can be found through sense pleasures. The movement has its roots in the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from the 15th and 16th centuries and a longer tradition of Krishna devotion.
Devotees swear off premarital sex, gambling, intoxicants, and meat; no small feat for the hippies. Many shave their heads, wear robes or saris, and take on new names. Worship centers on chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, dancing, and reading and studying holy texts (especially the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam). ISKCON worship is public and ecstatic; there is lots of dancing, public chanting, festivals, and brightly colored dress.
The author, Joshua Greene, is a Hare Krishna, so this reads like a hagiography. He clearly loves Swami Prabhupada, and it was cool to gain insight into that devotion. On the other hand, difficult moments don’t get explored much; namely Swami Prabhupada leaving behind his family.
It’s fascinating to read about ISKCON. The worship is celebratory and ecstatic, focused on creating intense feelings of love and devotion toward Krishna. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine that such a demanding religion took hold among the wild hippies. An interesting insight into a person and a religious movement.
There were some funny clashes between ISKCON and the culture. Allen Ginsberg introduced Swami Prabhupada at a concert, saying that the Hare Krishna mantra was great to chant during a bad acid trip; he forgot the no‑intoxicants rule. Devotees got a place on Hollywood Boulevard but were kicked out for being too noisy. Swami Prabhupada debated a Jesuit cardinal on whether animals have souls, and so on.
Quotes
“The West” implied America, from all accounts a most unpleasant place where everyone ate meat, drank alcohol, and frequented speakeasies where women, it was told, exposed their legs! God only knew what else went on in such places. Americans were the wealthiest, the most heathen, and yet the most influential people on earth. Certainly if the Americans took up Mahaprabhu’s mission, it could spread anywhere. But what were the odds of that ever happening?”
“In his discussions with members of the Gaudiya Math, Abhay found not the dry piety of institutional religion but something much more exciting. Krishna consciousness, as presented in his guru’s institution, was more like a roiling volcano of the soul’s ecstatic love of God, nurtured in stages of spiritual awakening.”
“Krishna was a person, souls were persons, and personhood was glorious. Personhood was the prerequisite to love. They couldn’t love a cloud or a vacuum. Love occurred between individuals, and according to the Swami, the highest love was between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.”
“Hippies are our best potential. Although they are young, they are already dissatisfied with material life and frustrated. Not knowing what to do, they turn to drugs. So let them come to us, and we will show them spiritual activities. Once they engage in Krishna consciousness, all these anarthas, unwanted things, will fall away.”
Born in 1896 in India, Swami Prabhupada grew up in a devout Vaishnava family. Although he was interested in India’s independence movement, he became increasingly focused on spiritual matters. Under his teacher, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, he dreamed of spreading Krishna devotion to the world. He wanted to go to America first; as a hyper‑materialistic, greedy society, it would be the perfect place to reach spiritually sick people.
Swami Prabhupada became a pharmacist, married, and had children, but always worked toward saving enough money to travel to America. When he traveled to America in 1965, he didn’t have much money; his wife and most of his kids were furious with him for leaving, and he suffered two heart attacks on the voyage. However, when he arrived in NYC, he appealed greatly to young hippies who were looking for God. The movement became incredibly successful, especially among the counterculture; eventually George Harrison converted. When he died, ISKCON had followers all around the world.
Philosophically, ISKCON is centered on devotion to Krishna, not only as the Supreme Being and God, but as a personal being toward whom devotees cultivate intense feelings of love and devotion. They reject the view that God is impersonal (Mayavada philosophy) or materialist beliefs that happiness can be found through sense pleasures. The movement has its roots in the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from the 15th and 16th centuries and a longer tradition of Krishna devotion.
Devotees swear off premarital sex, gambling, intoxicants, and meat; no small feat for the hippies. Many shave their heads, wear robes or saris, and take on new names. Worship centers on chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, dancing, and reading and studying holy texts (especially the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam). ISKCON worship is public and ecstatic; there is lots of dancing, public chanting, festivals, and brightly colored dress.
The author, Joshua Greene, is a Hare Krishna, so this reads like a hagiography. He clearly loves Swami Prabhupada, and it was cool to gain insight into that devotion. On the other hand, difficult moments don’t get explored much; namely Swami Prabhupada leaving behind his family.
It’s fascinating to read about ISKCON. The worship is celebratory and ecstatic, focused on creating intense feelings of love and devotion toward Krishna. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine that such a demanding religion took hold among the wild hippies. An interesting insight into a person and a religious movement.
There were some funny clashes between ISKCON and the culture. Allen Ginsberg introduced Swami Prabhupada at a concert, saying that the Hare Krishna mantra was great to chant during a bad acid trip; he forgot the no‑intoxicants rule. Devotees got a place on Hollywood Boulevard but were kicked out for being too noisy. Swami Prabhupada debated a Jesuit cardinal on whether animals have souls, and so on.
Quotes
“The West” implied America, from all accounts a most unpleasant place where everyone ate meat, drank alcohol, and frequented speakeasies where women, it was told, exposed their legs! God only knew what else went on in such places. Americans were the wealthiest, the most heathen, and yet the most influential people on earth. Certainly if the Americans took up Mahaprabhu’s mission, it could spread anywhere. But what were the odds of that ever happening?”
“In his discussions with members of the Gaudiya Math, Abhay found not the dry piety of institutional religion but something much more exciting. Krishna consciousness, as presented in his guru’s institution, was more like a roiling volcano of the soul’s ecstatic love of God, nurtured in stages of spiritual awakening.”
“Krishna was a person, souls were persons, and personhood was glorious. Personhood was the prerequisite to love. They couldn’t love a cloud or a vacuum. Love occurred between individuals, and according to the Swami, the highest love was between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul.”
“Hippies are our best potential. Although they are young, they are already dissatisfied with material life and frustrated. Not knowing what to do, they turn to drugs. So let them come to us, and we will show them spiritual activities. Once they engage in Krishna consciousness, all these anarthas, unwanted things, will fall away.”
March 8, 2020
Beautiful, inspiring book!
Read
October 26, 2024Interesting take on Srila Prabhupada by Joshua M Greene. What I liked is him incorporating different perspectives. After Satsvarupa Das' magisterial take and Hindol Sengupta, another good read for fans of the empowered acharya who founded one of the most remarkable devotional movements in the world and breathed life into Gaudiya Vaishnavism to become a global force.
May 22, 2020
A true "bhakti yogi"
I never have in the past, nor currently feel any inclination to join ISKCON. That being said I am deeply moved by this one man's greatness. In fact deeply moved would be an understatement. I am nothing short of astounded at his story. Just imagine being 70 years old with nothing but a handful of robes and all of $7 with which he left every single known thing behind to land in a foreign land, and from there within 11 years establishing one of the most famous religious societies with temples in the remotest parts of the world. And it was through sheer devotion and complete and unfaltering belief in his deity, Krishna, that he achieved all of this. Not once during this whole endeavor did he question or complain. And to those who might say that we will never know how he'd have become had his endeavor had failed, I will refer to the first part of the book which in copious detail narrates the 30-40 years of him trying to spread the word of Krishna in the blistering heat of Delhi's summers. And not once did he waver during those four decades, not once did he question it or thought of giving it up and returning to his cushy life. He had just one mantra, "Whatever Krishna wills will happen." That's it. To so completely believe in something, to completely surrender oneself to a God no matter what the outcome. This man truly lived that with no regrets to the end. He had 3 heart attacks on the month-long sea journey from Bombay to New York. And all he did was lie in his bed and place his entire trust in the God he believed in, ready to accept whatever the outcome of his endeavor was going to be.
Philosophically, there are so many things in his and his devotees' preachings and interpretations that are in direct contradiction to my limited understanding of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita. In fact, as stated in the book he constantly derides the Vedantians. And yet none of that detracted me or caused even the smallest ire in me. So palpable and admirable was the devotion of this man to his God and the author does an excellent job of conveying that.
At times throughout the book I felt that Prabhupada was highly egoistic but then realized that it wasn't ego at all but his unfailing devotion to Krishna manifesting as frustration at the rest for not being able to see Krishna the way he did. And like it or hate it, but that is Bhakti Yoga. Unconditional surrender to God/Jesus/Buddha/Krishna/Shiva/Anyone. And he embodied it body, mind and soul and it was inspiring to read that.
If nothing else then this book has helped evolve my detached but respectful curiosity of these Krishna devotees into a deep reverence and veneration for Srila Prabhupada and the worldwide awareness that he brought to Krishna worship.
Very glad to have read this book, which I picked up almost by accident.
I never have in the past, nor currently feel any inclination to join ISKCON. That being said I am deeply moved by this one man's greatness. In fact deeply moved would be an understatement. I am nothing short of astounded at his story. Just imagine being 70 years old with nothing but a handful of robes and all of $7 with which he left every single known thing behind to land in a foreign land, and from there within 11 years establishing one of the most famous religious societies with temples in the remotest parts of the world. And it was through sheer devotion and complete and unfaltering belief in his deity, Krishna, that he achieved all of this. Not once during this whole endeavor did he question or complain. And to those who might say that we will never know how he'd have become had his endeavor had failed, I will refer to the first part of the book which in copious detail narrates the 30-40 years of him trying to spread the word of Krishna in the blistering heat of Delhi's summers. And not once did he waver during those four decades, not once did he question it or thought of giving it up and returning to his cushy life. He had just one mantra, "Whatever Krishna wills will happen." That's it. To so completely believe in something, to completely surrender oneself to a God no matter what the outcome. This man truly lived that with no regrets to the end. He had 3 heart attacks on the month-long sea journey from Bombay to New York. And all he did was lie in his bed and place his entire trust in the God he believed in, ready to accept whatever the outcome of his endeavor was going to be.
Philosophically, there are so many things in his and his devotees' preachings and interpretations that are in direct contradiction to my limited understanding of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita. In fact, as stated in the book he constantly derides the Vedantians. And yet none of that detracted me or caused even the smallest ire in me. So palpable and admirable was the devotion of this man to his God and the author does an excellent job of conveying that.
At times throughout the book I felt that Prabhupada was highly egoistic but then realized that it wasn't ego at all but his unfailing devotion to Krishna manifesting as frustration at the rest for not being able to see Krishna the way he did. And like it or hate it, but that is Bhakti Yoga. Unconditional surrender to God/Jesus/Buddha/Krishna/Shiva/Anyone. And he embodied it body, mind and soul and it was inspiring to read that.
If nothing else then this book has helped evolve my detached but respectful curiosity of these Krishna devotees into a deep reverence and veneration for Srila Prabhupada and the worldwide awareness that he brought to Krishna worship.
Very glad to have read this book, which I picked up almost by accident.
May 5, 2021
This book was amazing and so powerful. As a friend to the devotees of ISKCON, I have read the "Bhagavad-Gita As It Is," and "KRSNA" by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and I have heard his initiated speak of him, but I had NO IDEA just how much he had to go through and just how quickly the Krishna Consciousness movement took off in the West. Reading this amazing account by Joshua M. Greene of his extraordinary life really opened my eyes to Srila Prabhupada! I felt like he was sitting next to me as I read this book and it gave me such a strong impression of his personality and his devotion! It's a fascinating read, even if you are not involved with Krishna Consciousness, but anyone interested in Vaishnavism, yogic philosophy, the Beatles, India, the 60s, gosh, really anything, it's just such a good read and a MUST for people involved with ISKCON imho. It addresses Srila Prabhupada's life from childhood to his death, his father, his guru, the disciplic tradition dating back 5,000 yrs, the Goswamis, Sri Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu, Radha Krishna, and the development of a worldwide consciousness movement. I burned though all 317 pages in a matter of days. It was a most excellent read and mind-boggling to say the least! All you need is Love! Hare Krishna!
July 27, 2023
The author claims this to be a biography, but somehow, except for the first few chapters, this book does not really fall into the biography category. The focus is more on the movement and the cause. Instead it should have been about the life, his motivations and struggles.
March 6, 2021
Amazingly inspiring read of a 70 year old leaving India for the first time with no money to teach about Krishna in the West. Little did we know this would later become ISKON.
November 12, 2018
It is quite evident to all of you who have been following my book reviews and personal blog that I am quite attracted towards spiritual concepts and the first thing that attracted me towards mythology and spirituality was when I picked up a copy of Bhagavad Gita: As It Is being sold by Iskcon volunteers on a Mumbai local railway station. This version of Gita is written by Iskcon founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. And who would not want to read about the personality which introduced you towards a new concept in life. Jaico Publication published the biography of Swami Prabhupada written by Joshua M. Greene recently which has become the 52nd book I read this year thus completing my annual target of 2018.
The book covers the spiritual life of Prabhupada on his devotion towards his Guru and how he ends up reaching overseas just to fulfil his Guru’s wish of spreading the Krishna consciousness all over the world. The book is divided in three parts- Prabhupada’s life in India, America and the World. The most interesting one that I personally liked is the one in America which discusses his struggle in gaining the followers and popularizing the Krishna consciousness and the Hare Rama Hare Krishna chant. The impact of these two sentences is nicely discussed throughout the book. The biographer’s research on the life of Swami Prabhupada is commendable and covers many such personal events which is nearly impossible to bring out in public or say, even know about it. Kudos to author for the same.
Talking about the drawbacks of the book, I must say that author should have divided the book in small chapters rather than three vast sections. This made the reading experience quite hectic where author just kept speaking continuously which becomes boring after a point of time and remains just a drag. Also, regarding the spiritual concept and belief or the meditation techniques that Prabhupada himself followed is nowhere discussed which is a very big setback for a spiritual reader who went through these 300+ pages to know new ways of meditation and spirituality. Even regarding the struggles in opening the first few centres is hardly discussed. The book just keeps on speaking the same thing for most of the middle section of the book which took me 10 days to complete this book. One of the struggling reads ever. I give this attempt 2.5 stars out of 5.
To read the full review:- http://www.writingbuddha.com/
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA!!!
The book covers the spiritual life of Prabhupada on his devotion towards his Guru and how he ends up reaching overseas just to fulfil his Guru’s wish of spreading the Krishna consciousness all over the world. The book is divided in three parts- Prabhupada’s life in India, America and the World. The most interesting one that I personally liked is the one in America which discusses his struggle in gaining the followers and popularizing the Krishna consciousness and the Hare Rama Hare Krishna chant. The impact of these two sentences is nicely discussed throughout the book. The biographer’s research on the life of Swami Prabhupada is commendable and covers many such personal events which is nearly impossible to bring out in public or say, even know about it. Kudos to author for the same.
Talking about the drawbacks of the book, I must say that author should have divided the book in small chapters rather than three vast sections. This made the reading experience quite hectic where author just kept speaking continuously which becomes boring after a point of time and remains just a drag. Also, regarding the spiritual concept and belief or the meditation techniques that Prabhupada himself followed is nowhere discussed which is a very big setback for a spiritual reader who went through these 300+ pages to know new ways of meditation and spirituality. Even regarding the struggles in opening the first few centres is hardly discussed. The book just keeps on speaking the same thing for most of the middle section of the book which took me 10 days to complete this book. One of the struggling reads ever. I give this attempt 2.5 stars out of 5.
To read the full review:- http://www.writingbuddha.com/
Thanks.
ABHILASH RUHELA!!!
June 7, 2016
This is a well written, very thorough biography written about A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It tells the story of how he arrived in America with absolutely nothing to his name. This is a great story of how a spiritual background and life leads a person where they are meant to be. To hear his story being told in this book is amazing and really makes you understand what a fantastic person this man really is. I appreciate you allowing me to read this book and review it!
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