In 1965 an elderly gentleman stood on the deck of a freighter in Boston Harbor and wrote this prayer:
"How will I make them understand this message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness? I am very unfortunate, unqualified and the most fallen. Somehow or other, O Lord, You have brought me here to speak about You. Now, my Lord, it is up to You to make me a success or failure, as You like."
Twelve years later “Hare Kṛṣṇa” was a household word. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda had been more than successful. He had founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, a world-wide confederation of over one hundred ashrams, schools, temples, and farm communities, and had made the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa familiar to millions of people. He had written and published over eighty volumes of translation and commentary on self-realization which are now standard in Universities and libraries around the world. And he had gathered about him thousands of dedicated disciples.
Śrīla Prabhupāda became known to the world as a scholar, philosopher, social critic and spiritual leader. But to his disciples, Śrīla Prabhupāda was dear most friend, Father and inner guide.
The importance of the spiritual master to his disciples can not be overstated. It is said that only by the mercy of the spiritual master can one receive the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. And without the grace of the spiritual master one cannot make any spiritual advancement. So the disciple’s entire life focuses on the spiritual master and his instructions.
In this relationship, the activities of the spiritual master are of monumental importance to his devotees. A disciple finds meaning even in the smallest gesture. Wherever he traveled Śrīla Prabhupāda would emerge daily into the chill and quiet of the early morning and cloaked in a warm wrap he would take a lengthy stroll with an entourage of students, disciples, and guests. Some mornings would find Śrīla Prabhupāda immersed in contemplation or quiet appreciation of natural scenery. At other times, Śrīla Prabhupāda would speak at great length and often with considerable intensity on various subjects.
During these animated discourses, Śrīla Prabhupāda would turn the profound Vedic philosophy into a practical cutting-edge that penetrated every sphere of life and thought. The word “ācārya” means one who teaches by example. And the following unedited footage provides an intimate glimpse into the exemplary life of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
To most people, the daily activities of a spiritual master are a mystery. And it is interesting to see how such an important historical figure conducted his everyday affairs. What emerges is an endearing portrait of an authentic spiritual personality.