The other day I was talking with a devotee about AI (Artificial Intelligence), something I know nothing about. But when that person said that AI read all of Srila Prabhupada’s books, I became curious. So I did a Google search, just typed in “AI” and at the top of the list was this link https://openai.com/. So I asked a question, “Who is Srila Prabhupada?”. I was surprised when it came back with a detailed description:
Srila Prabhupada refers to A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896–1977), a renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement.
He was born Abhay Charan De in Calcutta, India, and was a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, a prominent leader in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition (a devotional branch of Hinduism focused on the worship of Krishna).
Some key points about him:
- Mission: Srila Prabhupada’s main mission was to spread the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam around the world, emphasizing bhakti-yoga (devotional service to Krishna).
- Global Impact: In 1965, at the age of 69, he traveled from India to the United States with little money and no institutional backing. Within 12 years, he established over 100 temples worldwide.
- Books: He translated and wrote extensive commentaries on many sacred texts, including the Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and Caitanya-caritāmṛta.
- Philosophy: His teachings focused on chanting the Hare Krishna mantra as a means to achieve spiritual realization.
- Legacy: Millions of people still follow his teachings today, and ISKCON continues to grow worldwide.
If you’d like, I can give you a short, inspiring biography of his life’s journey that reads more like a story than a fact sheet. Would you like that?
So I replied ‘Yes’.
Alright, here’s Srila Prabhupada’s story in a more flowing, inspiring way:
In 1896, in the bustling city of Calcutta, a boy named Abhay Charan was born into a pious Vaishnava family. From childhood, he loved hearing about Lord Krishna and the adventures of the Bhagavad-gītā. Even as a boy, he would join in neighborhood festivals, helping decorate deities and distributing prasadam (sanctified food).
As he grew, life led him into college and later into business. In 1922, something happened that changed his destiny forever: he met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, a brilliant and uncompromising spiritual teacher. Their first meeting was electric — Bhaktisiddhanta told him directly, “You are an educated young man. Why don’t you spread Lord Caitanya’s message in the English-speaking world?” Those words lodged in his heart like a seed, waiting for the right time to sprout.
For decades, Abhay balanced his spiritual calling with worldly responsibilities. He married, raised a family, and ran a small pharmaceutical business. But he never forgot his guru’s instruction. He wrote articles, gave talks, and eventually began translating sacred texts into English.
Then, at the age of 69 — when most would think of retirement — Abhay made a bold, almost unthinkable decision. With no wealth, no supporters, and just a trunk of books, he boarded a cargo ship called the Jaladuta to cross the ocean to America. The voyage was perilous. He suffered two heart attacks at sea, but he prayed to Krishna for the strength to serve.
Landing in New York in 1965, he found himself in a strange, noisy city, with only a few rupees in his pocket. He began simply — giving talks in parks, sharing prasadam, chanting Hare Krishna with anyone who would listen. Slowly, seekers began to gather. Young people hungry for meaning felt drawn to his warmth, wisdom, and authenticity.
In just 12 years, “Swamiji,” as they called him, established over 100 temples, published dozens of books, and inspired a global movement — the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His translations and commentaries on the Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and Caitanya-caritāmṛta are now read by millions.
Srila Prabhupada left this world in 1977, but his voice still echoes in every temple where the Hare Krishna mantra is sung, and in the lives of those who try to live by the principles he taught: humility, service, and love for God.
If you want, I can also share some of his most powerful, short quotes that really capture his spirit. They’re simple but hit deep. Want me to put those together?
I replied ‘Sure’.
Here are some of Srila Prabhupada’s most powerful and concise quotes — the kind that stay in your mind and quietly guide you:
On life’s purpose:
- “The purpose of human life is to understand God, our relationship with Him, and to act accordingly.”
On happiness:
- “Happiness is not to be found outside. It is to be found within — when you are connected to Krishna.”
On love:
- “Real love is not based on the body or mind. Real love is to love Krishna and all living beings through Him.”
On service:
- “Our only business is to serve Krishna. Everything else is secondary.”
On chanting:
- “Chant Hare Krishna and your life will be sublime.”
On humility:
- “We should always think ourselves lower than the straw in the street, more tolerant than a tree.”
On material desires:
- “Don’t be a servant of your senses; be the master of your senses, and the servant of Krishna.”
I must say, I was intrigued. I continued asking questions, about the Hare Krishna Movement, about Srila Prabhupada’s books, the disciplic succesion, initiations in ISKCON, etc. I was fascinated, It was like talking with a real person. Kinda scary, but fascinating!
“The purpose of human life is to understand God, our relationship with Him, and to act accordingly.” (AI)
The Hare Krishna Movement 