Book Review: Unveiling Srila Prabhupada’s inspirational odyssey

Book: Sing, Dance and Pray
Author: Hindol Sengupta
Publisher: Penguin Ananda
Pages: 368

“If you sell diamonds, you cannot expect to have many customers. But a diamond is a diamond even if there are no customers.” These profound words by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, as documented in the November 16, 1977, New York Times obituary, serve as a reflection of Prabhupada’s resolute faith and dedication to the global dissemination of Krishna consciousness — a mission he held dear to his heart.

When Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York in 1966, shortly after he arrived from India with a mere $50 and a pair of cymbals, his mind was set on presenting to the West the invaluable gem of devotion to Krishna.

In much the same way that a diamond’s inherent value remains unaltered, irrespective of its transactional fate, Prabhupada’s teachings retained their profound spiritual resonance, undeterred by the initial tepid reception they received.

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Even as he faced financial hardships in an unfamiliar land – his first ever visit to a foreign country – the septuagenarian monk from Calcutta strode steadfastly along his chosen path to sow the seeds of the Hare Krishna movement in the US and beyond. And the rest is history.

The transformative pilgrimage of the visionary Founder Acharya of ISKCON comes to life in “Sing, Dance, and Pray: The Inspirational Story of Srila Prabhupada” written by Hindol Sengupta.

With an artful touch, the author takes us through the intricate tapestry of Srila Prabhupada’s life, giving us a panoramic view of his evolution: from the unassuming Abhay Charan De – a Calcutta boy born into a business family with Vaishnava traditions to becoming a prominent, yet reluctant pharmacist in Bengal, and ultimately to his exalted stature as a renowned sanyasi and a global beacon of spiritual enlightenment.

The book delves into the socio-political backdrop of the times, contextualizing Prabhupada’s mission within a broader historical canvas.

Born during India’s Independence movement, Abhay Charan admired contemporaries like Subhas Chandra Bose for their revolutionary ways.

However, he had a distinct kind of revolution in mind – the freedom to submit in his entirety to Krishna and spread the teachings of the Hindu scriptures. Mahatma Gandhi was worthy of emulation to him because he carried the Bhagavad Gita and spoke of it as the most important influence in his life.

Following the guidance of his guru Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, Abhay Charan, later known as Bhaktivedanta, began writing and preaching in English.

He regarded printed words as the surest means to preserving the elixir of the Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and the Vedic knowledge, for posterity.

Systematically disseminating spiritual knowledge, spreading Krishna consciousness, encouraging congregational chanting of the holy name of the Godhead, taking the sankirtana movement of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the global audience, and publishing books and periodicals were his primary goals, which eventually became the founding principles of ISKCON.

Hindol notably observes that Bhaktivedanta was not able to achieve any of these goals on any real scale in his home country. However, he was able to continue substantially within two years after arriving in America.

The book also draws a compelling parallel between Swami Vivekananda’s journey to the West and Bhaktivedanta’s. While Vivekananda benefited from the growing academic interest among elite western intellectuals in Eastern philosophy, Bhaktivedanta found his initial followers among the unemployed youths of counterculture– hippies, acidheads, potheads, and Bohemians – an offshoot of the disoriented, chaotic war-centric environment in the United States.

These youths, described as “world’s toughest audience,” by the East Village Other, were spellbound by the tranquil poise emanating from the ‘swami,’ who presented a message of love for Sri Krishna, something that seemed permanent amidst the impermanent nature of everything else.

As these followers were inducted into the fold of his movement, the swami strictly proscribed the indulgence in substances. They trailed him along the streets of Second Avenue, the East Village, and various other parts of the city, dancing and chanting “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama,” their spirits intoxicated by the divine euphoria.

Before long, the swami’s reputation grew, and the Hare Krishna movement took off phenomenally, attracting serious seekers, who sought to satiate a void that materialistic pursuits had failed to fill.

Within a mere decade, an impressive network of 108 ISKCON temples sprung up across the US, India, and worldwide.

Meanwhile, the swami’s followers numbered in the millions, including the who and who of elite American society. However, this fame did not alter his essence.

Once asked whether he was the guru of celebrity poet Allen Ginsberg, the spiritual master humbly responded, “I am nobody’s guru. I am everybody’s servant.”

In a world thirsty for meaningful narratives, “Sing, Dance and Pray” stands tall as a fitting tribute to Prabhupada’s legacy that transcends time and cultural boundaries.

Central to this narrative is the radiant depiction of Prabhupada as an epitome of grit and determination. Embarking on an ambitious odyssey during his twilight years, he pressed forward with his mission despite his fragile health and multiple heart attacks.

The book enlightens, uplifts, and underscores how purposeful pursuits reverberate through generations. A must-read for seekers of inspiration, wisdom, and deeper connection to one the most influential spiritual luminaries of our era.

(Rajesh Mehta is a leading consultant and columnist working on Market Entry, Innovation & Public Policy.)