Pastimes of Srila Prabhupada – Part 1

We recently celebrated, 129^th Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada. On this occasion let us reflect upon few of the pastimes of Srila Prabhupada and the lessons we learn from these pastimes.

There are two Bhagavats – one is “book bhagavat” & another is “person bhagavat.”

We cannot understand “book bhagavata” without “person bhagavat.”

We understand book by the help of devotees, by their teachings and examples. Srila Prabhupada was a “person bhagavat.” By his personal examples, he showed how to be always Krishna conscious.

Just as Krishna comes, similarly his pure devotees come to this world. They come from the Lord’s personal abode like Vrindavan. Srila Prabhupada came from Vrindavan to this material world to take us back to Krishna’s abode.

While he was here, Srila Prabhupada performed many pastimes, let us medidate upon few of those pastimes.

Lord Krishna gives Kadamba flower garland to Srila Prabhupada

Before establishing Iskcon, Srila Prabhupada started “League of devotees” in Jhansi. There he was staying with his first disciple, Acharya Prabhakar. Once it was Janmashtami, Acharya Prabhakar was on a business trip and Srila Prabhupada was alone in the house. When Acharya Prabhakar came in the night, he saw Srila Prabhupada in ecstasy. He was playing mridanga and was dancing.

Prabhupada was wearing a beautiful garland made of Kadamba flower. The whole atmosphere was filled with the fragrance of kadamba flowers. Acharya Prabhakar was astonished. He was thinking how can Srila Prabhupada get the garland of this flower.

First, it was not the season for Kadamba flower and also in entire Jhansi, there are no Kadamba flowers. Seeing Prabhupada in bliss, he thought he will ask this question to Prabhupada next day morning.

He asked next morning to Srila Prabhupada, “Last night you were wearing a garland made of Kadamba flowers, from where you got this garland? Also, why were you dancing in such a great joy playing mridanga?” Srila Prabhupada said, “Yesterday Lord Krishna appeared, and he gave me the Kadamba garland.” Prabhupada further said, “When I tried to touch his feet, he disappeared.”

Power of Srila Prabhupada’s names

As the name of Krishna is powerful so is Prabhupada’s name. One of my friends, Aindra Prabhu, was attacked by a brahma rakshasa in dream. He chanted Narasimha mantra, but the monster did not go. He then chanted Hare Krishna mahamantra and the brahma rakshasa too chanted Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

My friend thought I have to die now. Then he began chanting Prabhupada’s name and then there was no more brahma rakshasa.

Krishna’s mercy upon those who perform morning sadhana

Srila Prabhupada said to one devotee, “Your painting is window to spiritual world.” A devotee said to Prabhupada that he wants to join an art class to refine his skill. Srila Prabhupada said, “It is not required. If you want to become an expert artist, do one thing, follow morning program – from mangala arati to Srimad Bhagavatam Class. Krishna will give you all skill required to serve him.”

Krishna says in Bhagavad Gia 10.10.

teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ
bhajatāṁ prīti-pūrvakam
dadāmi buddhi-yogaṁ taṁ
yena mām upayānti te

Translation

“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”

And we see the result. Devotees have produced so many beautiful paintings of Krishna and his devotees.

Prabhupada knows how to convince people

Srila Prabhupada instructed one devotee, “You become the temple president.” The devotee said, “I am not qualified.” But Prabhupada insisted. Devotee was saying, “I will spoil everything. You give me some other service.” Srila Prabhupada said then take sannyas.

He said, “I am a married man, and I have son. How can I take sannyas? I can do anything you say but do not ask me to take sannyas.”

Prabhupada said, “Ok, then become temple president.”

(These pastimes of Srila Prabhupada are based on the class given by His Grace Sarvadrik Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada’s disciple, on 18th Aug 2025 at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata).

Three Reflections

Krishna appeared during Janmashtami and gave Kadamba flower garland to Srila Prabhupada.
Prabhupada’s name saved a devotee.
Srila Prabhupada said to a devotee, “If you want to become an expert artist, do one thing, follow morning program – from mangala arati to Srimad Bhagavatam Class. Krishna will give you all skill required to serve him.”