Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary
Dear Readers and Friends,
Hare Krishna.
Today The Prabhupada Connection is celebrating its 15th year online. Thanks to our readers around the world this humble website has its exceeded all expectations. The message is a simple one and is based on our firm conviction that Srila Prabhupada is forever available to all sincere souls. The following statement appeared in our first editorial:
"We humbly encourage everyone to study Srila Prabhupada's life and teachings to their heart's content. There is so much available. His early writings and letters are just as timely and relevant to the world today as they were in the forties and fifties. And his later writings are indeed a welcome relief and panacea for society's chronic maladies. If one takes the time to really understand who Prabhupada is and what he is saying, there can be no mistake that he should be regarded with the highest respect and love. It is not blind fanaticism or sectarianism to honor the pure devotee of Krishna; but in fact, it's what the Supreme Lord wants us to do (B.G. 4.34). Since we're hoping to get out of this material world of miseries and go back to Him in the kingdom of God, then it is not without good reason that we should follow His advice in this regard. Therefore we can safely say that Prabhupada is for everyone, just as Krishna is for everyone."
For more information about why The Prabhupada Connection was started, please read our 2009 interview with Antony Brennan from Back to Godhead magazine:
Although it may appear that such a great personality has come and gone from the world stage, Srila Prabhupada has promised us that we can still have his personal association if we have faith in his words and instructions:
"But always remember that I am always with you. As you are always thinking of me, I am always thinking of you also. Although physically we are not together, we are not separated spiritually. So we should be concerned only with this spiritual connection."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, November 13, 1969)
As we hear more and more from Srila Prabhupada himself, and as we accept him into our hearts, we will experience his transcendental presence and love. Prabhupada used to say that when we eat to our full satisfaction we don't need a certificate from others saying that we are full. We will know it ourselves. Similarly, when we have made the Prabhupada connection in our own lives, there is no room for doubts or uncertainty.
"He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him."
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Sincerely,
Padmapani das
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