Hare Krishna! the movie in Liverpool.
Krishna Kripa das: Jude brought two ladies who were friends of hers to see Hare Krishna!, and they were very impressed with the film. I said some people think Srila Prabhupada had some kind of charisma that attracted many followers, but the truth is Srila Prabhupada had something genuine to offer them spiritually and those who accepted it came to realize it and wanted to serve him and share his gift. The two friends both agreed that that was really clear in the film.
Geoff Bell commented on Facebook, “I watched the trailer for the film and the director said that on a previous showing in America, a lady left the cinema in tears. Well I watched the film today in Liverpool and I too left the cinema in tears as well. It was so emotional. It was laced with humour in parts, but it also emphasised Krishna’s message to us all. The time just flew by and all too soon it was over. If you missed it, try and see it if it comes on again. Hare Krishna.”
His words inspired me to respond, “It is true it is very emotional and absorbing. I found some parts of it stirred up my emotions this time when they had not the first time I saw it in New York City in September. Over an hour went by without me looking at my watch which is rare. Srila Prabhupada’s purity and how that touched and transformed those who met him really comes across. The beautiful scenes at the end of Krishna activities all over the world with the kirtan by Madhava Prabhu in the background is so attractive. Hearing Srila Prabhupada’s recorded voice so often throughout the video is very powerful. Also to see the whole part about George Harrison and the Beatles in a Liverpool theater is another level.”
I did not take notes on Hare Krishna! the first time I saw it, but this time I noted facts I did not know or which were striking to me in some way:
Mukunda Goswami: Srila Prabhupada was a friend having a party, and he just wanted everyone to take part and be happy.
?: Srila Prabhupada chanted with so much faith he brought the whole universe to him.
Brahmananda Prabhu:
When the article appeared in the New York Times about our chanting in Tompkins Square Park, Srila Prabhupada said, “The New York Times is the most important newspaper in the world. This article marks the beginning of my movement.”
There was one alternative radio station that played the Hare Krishna Happening album from 10 at night to 6 in the morning.
Mukunda Goswami: As I left for the West Coast, Srila Prabhupada said casually, “If you get a chance, see if you can start a temple out there.”
Gurudas Prabhu: At the promotional concert at the Avalon, we were afraid the Hells Angels would trash the place, so we made them our security guards.
Srila Prabhupada: Krishna is a historical personality and the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Some say God cannot come, but that means God is subjected to our order. God is independent. Whatever He likes He can do.
Shyamasundar Prabhu:
George Harrison liked the introduction to the Happening album, and he memorized it.
All the Apple staff joined in the chorus on the Radha Krishna Temple album.
We sold 70,000 copies the first day.
Srila Prabhupada always wanted to go where there was the least development so he could make the greatest contribution.
Many times I would be whispering to someone in the hallway, “Srila Prabhupada has no time to see you,” and I would hear his voice saying, “Who is it? Tell them to come in.”
Visiting Russia, Srila Prabhupada observed, “The Russian people are spiritual, but their leaders give them no access to it.”