Srila Prabhupada
Our Acharya
About:
When His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada entered the port of New York City on September 17, 1965 few Americans took notice — but he was not merely another immigrant. He was on a mission to introduce the ancient teachings of Vedic India into mainstream America. Before Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977 at the age of 81, his mission proved successful. He had founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and saw it grow into a worldwide confederation of more than 100 temples, ashrams and cultural centers.
Although he spent only five days in the country, those five days changed Russia’s history. During them, Prabhupada spoke with Professor G. G. Kotovsky, then head of the Indian and South Asian Studies Department of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences. The conversation left a distinct impression on the professor, who had it published in an important Russian periodical.
In 1971, after travelling around the globe, establishing sixty-five centres of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada made an official visit to Moscow at the invitation of Professor G. G. Kotovsky, head of the Indian and South Asian Studies Department of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences. Srila Prabhupada hoped to speak extensively before Soviet audiences as he had addressed audiences during his travels throughout the world. However, upon his arrival in the Soviet capital, he found this was not possible, and it appeared his audience would be limited to this one Soviet Indologist.
Srila Prabhupada had only one meeting with the Russian scholar. At that meeting, Srila Prabhupada expressed his eagerness to lecture before the interested academicians of the Academy, but the Professor flatly refused, stating that it would not be permitted.
Professor Kotovsky cited the fact that numerous ancient Indian classics had been translated and published in the Soviet Union. They were so popular that the entire printing of each book had been sold out in one week. He also commented that the Soviet people had a great interest in ancient Indian culture. It could be understood that since there was such an extreme interest in the culture and philosophy of India, it had to be somewhat restricted, thus it was impossible for Srila Prabhupada to speak.
One day two young men, one the son of an Indian diplomat and the other, a young Muscovite, met Srila Prabhupada's secretary on a Moscow street while he was out shopping. The secretary, a Western disciple, dressed in his flowing white robes and with a long tuft of hair at the back of his shaven head, attracted their attention. They went with him to the National Hotel to meet Srila Prabhupada in his room. The Indian boy was very friendly and helpful and offered to bring green vegetables for Srila Prabhupada. The Russian boy, Anatoli Pinyayev, was very interested in philosophy and Srila Prabhupada began explaining the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness conveying as much basic information as possible during the short visit. He also taught him how to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and sing traditional songs of devotion.
Srila Prabhupada in Moscow
Ananta Shanti das (Anatoli Pinyaev), the firs Russian disciple of Srila Prabhupada, left his body on June 3rd, 2013, as a result of a stroke.
Ananta Shanti das met Srila Prabhupada in June 1971, during Prabhupada’s short visit to Moscow. In a matter of just few days Bhaktivedanta Swami taught Anatoli the essence of bhakti-yoga, and soon Ananta Shanti began his spiritual practice.
After a few months he received initiation from Srila Prabhupada, and Ananta Shanti started to preach actively.
In the 1970s he inspired hundreds of people to practice devotional service.
In the beginning of 1980s he was arrested by the KGB for his preaching and put into psychiatric hospital for 6 years. There Ananta Shanti das continued to chant the Maha-mantra, follow the 4 regulative principles and preach.
