By Amala Caitanya das
During the month of February, we had the honor and privilege to have His Grace Bhaktisiddhanta prabhu’s (ACBSP) direct guidance in the school’s art department. Bhaktisiddhanta prabhu gave our art students and art teacher a deeper understanding of methods and how to apply important theoretical aspects of such a vast subject. Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhu’s career as a professional artist (painter, sculptor, architect etc.) and art professor started in the sixties in New York city. After graduating from one of the country’s most prestigious art colleges he traveled to Italy where he spent two years painting. His life and career had a very important turnover when he later met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who became his Spiritual master. Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhu became then part of the L.A. art division team until Srila Prabhupada directly told him to stay in Vrindavan. Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhu has been living in Vrindavan since, doing pujari service for over thirty years, training artists within ISKCON and producing an immense body of work using different media. He is now publishing Krishna conscious art books and made a presentation to our teachers of his latest publication of an illustrated biographical book on Srila Prabhupada. He also spoke about the importance of education and the arts and how we should always keep Srila Prabhupada in the center.
Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhu wrote the statement below recalling his experience in Sri Mayapur International School during his stay.
Your servant Amala Caitanya das (art teacher)
Feb 24, 2013
Hare Krishna,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada wanted His Gurukula schools to make first class students. Krishna consciousness begins with the teachers and the campus environment being first class.
Sri Mayapur International School is certainly providing the ideal atmosphere for students of all ages to advance spiritually. The peaceful and natural blend of nature with high thinking and simple living makes SMIS one of the best schools in our ISKCON society. If I had hundreds of children I would send them all here for their spiritual development.
For the few weeks I have spent in Mayapur working here in the Art Department this has been the height of my Krishna Consciousness.
Your servant,
Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa
Vrindavan