Sankirtana das (ACBSP): I just read an article on ISKCON NEWS about the upcoming 50th anniversary celebrating the founding of ISKCON in 2016. Of course, this is good, but let’s get on the ball and not miss the opportunity to promote the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s monumental journey to the West in 2015. Prabhupada’s story of overcoming so many difficulties to fulfill both his guru’s order and Lord Caitanya’s prophecy, that Krishna’s Holy Name would spread to every town and village all over the world, is vital. As the article explains, his story is important for 2016. Why not give it its due for 2015.
I’ve been a professional storyteller and workshop leader for over 25 years, and my experience is that people are going to have more of a visceral connection with the story of a saintly gentleman who in his old age succeeds in creating a worldwide movement. This is an important story to honor and to share.
Prabhupada is the bearer of an ancient tradition, and the ambassador from Vaikunta. He prepared for his voyage by writing the first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. Those three volumes are of upmost importance since Prabhupada didn’t know how much time he would have in this world. Prabhupada also expressed his mission and intention through the poems he wrote as he arrived on this continent. Those words should be studied carefully and broadcast all over the world.
To win the hearts of people in general one has to understand the potency of STORY. STORY is a valuable tool. Prabhupada’s is a remarkable story. And sociologically speaking, he came at a remarkable time. Some young people in the West were dissatisfied with materialistic culture and rejected the unprecedented wealth and education available to them. 2015 is especially an important opportunity for all devotees to individually and collectively share that story.
ys, Sankirtana das (ACBSP)