Hare Krishna, Here is Biography about A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada in Malaysia (5 part)
Prabhupada in Malaysia
10: ‘Whatever You Do, Do It Nicely’
11: ‘The Seeds Were Sown’ Appendix I
Appendix Ii Acknowledgements
Chapter Ten
‘Whatever You Do, Do It Nicely’
Saturday, May 8th, 1971
As well as the singing of the Samsara prayers Prabhupada was giving morning class to a small gathering of devotees and guests. Kamaladevi and her husband Dr. Thevarajah, would spend as much time as possible with Prabhupada.
Kamaladevi: “Early morning we’d get up and first thing go to see Srila Prabhupada. The whole day we’d be there. We’d only go home for something to eat. Being with Prabhupada gave us so much peace. We felt we were with Krsna. My husband, being a gynaecologist was often called away to work. Sometimes he’d come late for the darsana. Prabhupada would often ask where he was. When he came to see Prabhupada one day, Prabhupada said, ‘Doctor, why are you late today. I’ve just been talking about you, and there you are, walking in. You will live long.’ Prabhupada liked my husband very much. He was very affectionate.”
Prabhupada talked to the doctor and his wife several times, but nothing was concluded about the land offer. But Prabhupada talked to him about birth control and how sinful it is. “If we are in this room we require oxygen to breathe. Now if you spray poison in the room then we have to get out, we cannot survive. So they poison the womb so that the child cannot take shelter there. It is poisoned and has to get out. That’s what birth control is.
People who perform this act have to take birth and suffer the same thing over and over again, from one womb to another to another. It is most sinful…” The doctor was also unable to be a vegetarian. Prabhupada simply told him: “Try to stop eating meat.”
Prabhupada welcomed visitors throughout the day, mostly from the North Indian community. Reporters also came from the Straits Times and Tamil Malar. Articles appeared in the newspapers.
Swami on a mission to help find peace Kuala Lumpur, Mon
HEAD touching the floor, clad in saffron robes and beads and with a pigtail trailing from his partly-shaven head, the University of Montreal graduate asked for permission to bring in a couple of newsmen.
The object of his devotion was the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, whose spartan appearance and dress like those of his disciples contrasted strongly with the luxurious room in the “Kishu-Mona Bhavan” — home of the owner of Globe Silk Store. Permission granted, he called in the newsmen and photographers. And then Swami Prabhupada spoke of his quest to help mankind achieve peace and happiness.
His solution is simple—bring everyone to Krishna consciousness, and there would be no war.
“The soul is eternal, but It becomes polluted, Krishna consciousness will help them to purify their souls,” he added.
The swami spoke of his hope of establishing a Krishna temple here for the benefit of Malaysians. He added that his was a universal non-sectarian movement and not a religion in itself even though it drew its inspiration from the Bhagavad-Gita and the Vedas.
It only drew inspiration from the Vedas and the Gita because they were oldest literature in the world—”the word of Krishna in its original.” “Hare Krishna is a spiritual movement which suits every religion, does not require its adherents to accept a new religion, and it has a very simple formula for achieving happiness,” he said.
Its formula for full knowledge, full bliss and full eternity of the soul was a ceaseless chanting of “Hare Krishna”, he added.
Asked why he had not gone to the United Nations first since it was nearer to Los Angeles where the movement has its headquarters, the Swami said: “I must go to the people.”
‘‘When the people reject the UN what good will my trying to bring Krishna consciousness to the delegates there?” he asked.
Just then Hanumandas (the University of Montreal graduate) chipped in: “We are getting nearer to the UN. You see we shall be going to New York soon.” Among the Swami’s disciple was a Singapore youth, Neo Chee Wee, who joined the movement four months ago, His reason for joining, “I got tired of people living like cats and dogs. I wanted something more than just that. Krishna consciousness gives me that,” he said.
Radha, sister of Tan Sri Kishu, still has vivid memories of the occasion:
“Prabhupada was always smiling and never tired. He never refused any guest who would come to see him. We spent most of our time in the kitchen and doing other services like cleaning. We hardly saw the Swamiji. We never realized how significant an event his visit was.”
Prabhupada also awarded brahmana initiation to Amogha whilst in Kuala Lumpur. He personally showed him how to chant on the fingers and pronounce the mantras.
Amogha: “He showed me how to count the ten places on the hand and told me to say the mantra three times a day ‘without fail’. I also remember eating carrot halava prepared by the hosts. Even though I offered it I became overwhelmed with heaviness and sleep. When I woke up I went into Prabhupada’s room. He was speaking to someone. Not long after I came in he said, ‘If you want to eat anything without discrimination, you can become a pig and eat anything’.”
Time came to leave, and Srila Prabhupada’s “whistlestop” visit to Malaysia was drawing to an end. Somehow, Prabhupada’s visa requirements to enter Australia had been ignored, and it was Saturday. He had no visa. The embassies were closed. Amogha had to run around trying to do something, but got nowhere. Eventually Gopal das, went directly to the houses of the visa officers and convinced them to put the necessary stamps in Prabhupada’s passport.
Prabhupada was booked on a late evening flight to Sydney. Packing began. Kamaladevi recounts the scene: “Bali was packing the bags. They were way overweight. Prabhupada
was telling Bali, ‘Why you bring so many things. You’re only going for a month’. Prabhupada left for the airport in Kishu’s car. We came along behind. We tried to talk to the boys at the check-in counter to let them go through. They were very helpful and said to carry on board what you can. We had left our cheque books at home, otherwise we would have paid the excess. I suggested that Bali carry the Deity of Lord Krsna in his hands and he did. They were no longer overweight, and could check in.”
As they sat in the lounge waiting for the departure, Prabhupada told Dr. Thevarajah, who was sitting beside him: “Everything is there in Srimad-Bhagavatam.”
Bhakta Neo: “Just before he took his flight we were all sitting together. I didn’t know much about Vaisnava etiquette. I was sitting right beside Prabhupada on the long bench. I wasn’t sitting at his feet. He turned towards me, and looked at me and said, ‘Do whatever you do, do it nicely’.”
It was time to board. Prabhupada’s only visit to Malaysia had come to an end. Non-stop preaching for five days, planting thousands of seeds for future growth. Srila Prabhupada, his GBC secretary Bali Mardan and servant Vegavan, together with Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha, prepared to board the plane. As they checked in, Amogha looked at Srila Prabhupada’s passport. In the front where it said father’s name, Prabhupada had written: “The late Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaj.”
Chapter Eleven
The Seeds Were Sown’
After Srila Prabhupada’s departure to Australia, the devotees stayed on Kamaladevi’s land in Kuala Lumpur for some time. Inspired by Prabhupada’s visit they continued their preaching. After a while they again travelled north to Penang, stopping in every possible town and village. They were well received wherever they went. Nightly they would hold programmes on the estate plantations, where mostly Indians lived. Sometimes the residents of a neighbouring estate would block the road in front of the devotees, insisting that they come to their estate.
Amogha: “The crowd was usually between 50 and 300. They all spoke Tamil. They received us enthusiastically and we would go to their stage. They would sit on seats—an outdoor auditorium under a roof. Sometimes we would sit in their temple. We would have kirtana, give a talk and then distribute the English Back To Godhead magazine for one or two ringgit. We did more or less the same programme in Kuala Lumpur and wherever else we went. Sometimes we’d put on a drama or show slides. The people for the most part couldn’t read English but the magazine was all we had. Sometimes they bought them and came back saying they couldn’t read it, but most of them kept them anyway because they liked them.”
The devotees would regularly write to Srila Prabhupada and Prabhupada would quickly reply, guiding them and encouraging them to preach.
London 15th August, 1971 TO ISKCON MALAYSIA:
My Dear Hanuman, Noo, etc.
Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you very much for your kind feelings of appreciation of my humble service unto you. You are all helping me in pushing forward this mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, coming down by disciplic succession to my Guru Maharaja. So whatever you have spoken, it is simply due to them. I am simply the via media to receive them, on behalf of my Guru Maharaja, His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada. Hoping this will meet you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami In Kuala Lumpur the prospects for the land donation seemed less likely.
Srila Prabhupada wrote again to the devotees:
Tridandi Goswami
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
CAMP: ISKCON; 7, Bury Place; London, W.C. 1; ENGLAND
22nd August, 1971
My Dear Amogha, Hanuman, etc.
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your telegram telling of $50.00 donation sent to L.A. But that sum has now been sent to London instead and I have duly received it here. Thank you very much for the same.
I understand from Bali Mardan that there in Kuala Lumpur Kamal Devi is making so many demands and is not willing to construct the temple there according to our standard. So if the situation is not good there then you can have a touring program of preaching and distributing our literatures. That will be very nice. Of course in the big cities a big temple is required but if that is not possible then continue with your preaching program with full enthusiasm and determination.
Hoping this will meet you all in good health. Your ever well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami c/o Makhanlal
31 Jalan Tuanka Abdul Rahman Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
After one estate programme near Penang, Mr. Arumugam Pillai’s secretary approached the devotees and handed them a cheque for $1000 on behalf of Mr Pillai, Mr Pillai was a very wealthy land owner. He intended that the devotees should give out free magazines to all the workers on the estate, but the devotees misunderstood and continued to sell them. The devotees wrote to Srila Prabhupada about their preaching successes. Srila Prabhupada replied:
Center: 7, Bury Place London, W.C.1; ENGLAND
25th August, 1971
My Dear Amogha and Hanuman,
Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letters dated 20th August, 1971 and have noted the contents. I am so glad to hear now nicely your travelling and preaching
program is going on so you continue with it as far as possible in that area. This touring program will create an atmosphere of Krishna Consciousness everywhere, so go on. And introduce these classes wherever possible. The response is so good. I am also glad to note that you have received $1000.00 for magazines. If you want you can keep it for your touring program expenses but if possible you can send it to Karandhara in L.A. or to me for Dai Nippon. We just paid them $20,000. for back BTG debts and we still owe them
$27,000. more. So if you can send it for that purpose it will be nice unless you require it for your travelling expenses.
Yes, even the Buddhists will come forward gradually and inquire into this Krishna Consciousness. Everyone is sophisticated by their so called religion but chanting Hare Krishna Mantra will attract everyone all over the world.
The temple plan enclosed is approved by me, but we must have full control over the temple, otherwise we are not going to take charge. We cannot make any compromise on this point. Unless we have full charge we are not interested. It must be a branch of our ISKCON and run by us. We cannot take responsibility if others are controlling the temple, otherwise we are not going to take charge. That is not possible. We have got our own principles and they must be followed as they are in all our branches all over the world. We cannot make any change in Kuala Lumpur. You can tell Kamala Devi that in the first week of October I will be in Madras because we are arranging to hold a Hare Krishna festival there in a pandal at least for ten days and maybe we will open one center there. From Madras I shall go to Calcutta.
Upon your recommendation I have gladly accepted Neo Che Wee as my duly initiated disciple and his letter and beads are enclosed herewith. Hoping this will meet you in good health.
Your ever well, wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/adb/ c/o B.S. Lalia; 50 Thomas Road; Penang; Malaysia.
In Ipoh, Taiping and Penang they made a significant impression and even to this day many people remember the sweet kirtanas of Amogha, the bold and enthusiastic Hanuman and the hard working Gopala.
By September 1971 the possible land offer had all but fallen through. Bali Mardan had gone back to Australia. Hanuman left shortly after for India and South America and Amogha took the opportunity to go to Indonesia to preach. Gopala and Lalita Krsna (Bhakta Neo) remained in Malaysia for some time, and then Lalita returned to Singapore before flying to India. Gopala alone travelled and preached for several months especially in Ipoh and Penang, where he conducted youth programmes. After a few months Gopala was called to Hong Kong. No-one remained in Malaysia to continue the mission. Or did they. Srila Prabhupada said that even if all his disciples were to leave, the movement would still go on. How? Srila Prabhupada would continue to preach through his books, and thousands had been distributed in Malaysia. The seeds were sown. Prabhupada had touched the soil and left his mark—Krsna’s mark. Indelible!
Harekrishna monks give talk to students
Penang, Wed.—Four monks of the Harekrishna movement gave an interesting talk on their religion to over 100 undergrads of the Penang University on Monday night.
The lecture was organised by the new Indian Cultural Society of the University with an aim to create a better understanding of the various cultures.
Slides were also shown to the audience. The monks, giving a demonstration of their way of prayers, were joined by the undergrads.
Rev. Bali Mardan Brahmachari, the leader of the group, said that the conscience of man was originally untarnished until it came into contact with the materialistic world.
“The material condition of spiritual happiness instead of indulgence in materialism.
Over the years that followed intermittent visits were made to Malaysia by different devotees. In Butterworth and Singapore several local Indians had become serious just by reading Prabhupada’s books, even without a temple. Some had even received initiation by mail from Prabhupada. Another Vidyapati had been initiated in Melbourne while he was studying there. (His letters are in the appendix at the back of this book.) But it was not until 1979 that the movement was solidly established. Since then the seeds have continued to grow, themselves forming trees which have also born forth fruits. And so the mission of the Lord expands. As Lord Caitanya stated 500 years ago (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 17.203):
prthiviteacheyatanagaradi-grama sarvatrapracarahaibemoranama
“In as many towns and villages as there are on the surface of the earth, My Holy Name will be preached.”
patrapatra-vicaranahi,nahisthanasthana yei yanha paya, tanha kare prema-dana
In distributing love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates did not consider who was a fit candidate and who was not, nor where such distribution should or should not take place. They made no conditions. Whenever they got the opportunity the members of the Panca-tattva distributed love of Godhead. (CC, Adi-lila, 7.23)
saj-jana,durjana,pangu,jada,andha-gana prema-vanyaya dubaila jagatera jana
The Krsna consciousness movement willl inundate the entire world and drown everyone, whether one be a gentleman, a rogue or even a lame, invalid or blind.
(CC, Adi-lila, 7.26)
ataevasabaphaladeha’yaretare khaiya ha-uk loka ajara amare
“Distribute this Krsna consciousness movement all over the world. Let people eat these fruits and ultimately become free from old age and death.” (CC, Adi-lila, 9.39)
etavaj janma-saphalyam dehinam iha dehisu pranairarthairdhiyavacasreya-acaranamsada
“It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words.” (CC, Adi-lila, 9.42)
No-one can stop the will of the Lord. We can be but a part in fulfilling it. Beyond doubt nobody has played a greater part in this age than Srila Prabhupada.
Appendix I
Excerpts from Srila Prabhupada’s books, lectures and conversations Teachings Of Queen Kunti, Chapter 15
The appearance of Lord Krsna is compared to the growth of sandalwood trees in the Malaya Hills (malayasyeva candanam). There are two Malayas—the Malaya Hills and the part of the world now known as Malaysia. The candana tree, or sandalwood tree, can grow anywhere—there is no rule that it has to grow in Malaysia or the Malaya Hills—but because this sandalwood grows in large quantities in those parts of the world, it is known as malaya-candana. In the Western countries there is scented water known as eau de cologne. It can be manufactured anywhere, but because it was originally manufactured in the city of Cologne, it is known as eau de cologne. Similarly, sandalwood can grow anywhere, but because it was originally very prominent in Malaysia and the Malaya Hills, it is known as Malayan sandalwood. Kunti offered this prayer five thousand years ago, and this indicates that sandalwood was growing five thousand years ago in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a new name; it was known thousands and thousands of years ago to the followers of the Vedic culture. Nowadays, of course, Malaysia is growing rubber trees because there is a good demand for rubber, but formerly Malaysia grew sandalwood on a large scale because there was a great demand for sandalwood, especially in India.
Lecture on September 28, 1972 in Los Angeles. Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.23
Krsna’s another name is Varsneya because He appeared in the Vrsni family. Just like sandalwood. Sandalwood is known as Malayan sandalwood. Malaya.
There is a country, you know. East Asia, Malaysia. Now it called Malaysia. So formerly they were growing sandalwood in large quantity. Now they are growing rubber, no more sandalwood. They are not interested with the sandalwood. They are now interested in rubber wood. Because you have got motorcars, you require motor tyres. So formerly these Malaysian sandalwood was very famous. So sandalwood can grow anywhere, but because in Malaysia sandalwood was very largely growing, therefore sandalwood was generally known as malayaja-candana. Malayaja, in Sanskrit. “The sandalwood of Malaysia.”
Purport to Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 4.106
The Deity of Gopala had been buried within the jungle for many years, and although He was installed and was offered thousands of pots of water, He still felt very hot. He therefore asked Madhavendra Puri to bring sandalwood from the Malaya province. Sandalwood produced in Malaya is very popular. That province is situated on the western ghata, and the hill Nilagiri is sometimes known as Malaya Hill. The word malayaja is used to indicate the sandalwood produced in the Malaya Province. Sometimes the word Malaya refers to the modern country of Malaysia. Formerly this country also produced sandalwood, but now they have found it profitable to produce rubber trees. Although the Vedic culture was once prevalent in Malaysia, now all the inhabitants are Mohammedans. The Vedic culture is now lost in Malaysia, Java and Indonesia.
Lecture on Apri1 24th, 1973 in Los Angeles Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.32
Krsna comes to become the son of Devaki to glorify Devaki. Krsna becomes the son of Yasoda to glorify His devotee, Yasoda. Similarly Krsna appeared in the dynasty of Maharaja Yadu just to glorify. He was a great devotee of Krsna, and He is born in the family of Maharaja Yadu. The whole family is celebrated still: Yadavah. Krsna’s name is Yadava, because He took His birth in the Yadu family. So how is it that, that Krsna took…? Now to glorify the family. Exactly, the example is given: Just like malaysyeva candanam. Candana. This is a tree. A tree can grow anywhere, but the sandalwood tree, because it is very prominent in the Malaysia country, formerly they were growing this candana tree, as I told you, because there was good demand, in India especially, of sandalwood. So they, nowadays they are growing rubber tree because there is good demand for rubber.
So… So even after business… Kunti is giving this very nice example.
This candana tree, it is a particular type of tree. It can grow anywhere. Not necessarily that it has to grow in Malaysia, or Malaya Hill. There is no such rules and regulations. It can grow anywhere. But because this sandalwood is grown in large quantity in such part of the world, the sandalwood is known as malaya-candana. Malaya-candana.
Just like in, in your Western countries, the scented water: eau de cologne. Eau de cologne. Cologne is a country in France…? And there it is manufactured. Therefore it is called eau de cologne. Similarly eau de cologne can be manufactured anywhere, but originally because it was manufactured in that Cologne city, it is known as eau de cologne. Similarly sandalwood also can grow anywhere but because originally it was very prominent in the Malayas… Now 5,000 years ago, Kunti is offering this prayer. That means before 5,000 years, the sandalwood was growing in the Malaysia. So this Malaysia is not a new name. It was known thousands and thousands of years ago. And… all these places, they were Vedic culture.
Lecture on October 12, 1974 in Mayapur, India Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.32.
Krsna everywhere. That is explained here, yadoh priyasya anvavaye. He can appear… How it is? Malasyeva candanam. The sandalwood is famous as produced in Malaysia, or Malaya. I think formerly they used to grow sandalwood in Malaysia. What…? What is that capital?
Devotee: Kuala Lumpur.
Prabhupada: Kuala Lumpur. Yes. We had been in Kuala Lumpur. Now, instead of sandalwood, they are growing rubber, rubberwood. Yes. So formerly malaya candana, Malaya’s, (sic:) Malayanian candana, sandalwood was very famous. Still it is famous. So this candana tree can grow anywhere, but it is famous as malayan candana. Similarly, Krsna can appear from anywhere. He is independent.
Melbourne Apri1 7, 1972. Room Conversation
Upendra: These two boys, they are coming all the time and chanting, these two boys. Prabhupada: Yes, I have seen these boys. You are from China?
Malaysian Boy: No, Malaysia.
Prabhupada: Malaysian. Oh. Malaysians, they are originally from China. Malaysian Boy: Yes. There’s one Lalita-Krsna.
Prabhupada: Lalita-Krsna. Yes.
Upendra: He went to Malaysia. He is going to university here, and he went back home, looking all over for the devotees, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, couldn’t find them. He was looking all over for them. Then he came back here for study.
Prabhupada: They do not issue the visa. The difficulty is. What can be done? Now you… Lalita-Krsna, his name is Lalita-Krsna? He is now initiated. He is pukka devotee. He is chanting, dancing, like anything, in ecstasy. He is a very good boy. Where he is now?
Syamasundara: Juhu.
Prabhupada: Bombay. Oh, he is very intelligent. So if some of you become devotees, then you can start this movement there in Malaysia. It is a very nice movement. It is the movement for the present day, for human peace and love. So if… Every one of you should study the philosophy, try to understand it and spread it. That is good for you and good for others.
Letter to Giriraja July 13, 1972
So far Lalita Krsna is concerned, I have received one letter from Purusottama das Brahmacari requesting to travel to Malaysia with Lalita Krsna for opening some centers there. So best thing is to open centers in Malaysia and Singapore, recruit many Chinese- speaking devotees, translate our books into Malaysian and Singapore language, then with a party go to China later on.
Appendix II
Letters from Srila Prabhupada to Vidyapati das (A Malaysian devotee initiated in Melbourne in 1973)
Letters from Srila Prabhupada to Vidyapati das
A Malaysian devotee initiated in Melbourne in 1973 Nayapalli
Bhubaneswar, Orissa 27 January, 1977 Dear Vidyapati,
Please accept my blessings. I have received your letter dated January 12, and have studied the contents.
I am very pleased with your activities there and advise you to go on with kirtana. You say there is a small community there taking part in kirtana and prasadam distribution, so try to increase it as far as possible, according to time and place in the situation you find in Singapore. You lament that you are not qualified to present Krsna Consciousness properly, but this is the qualification: hold kirtanas with your friends, read passages from my books, distribute prasadam and try to get more people to read the books. That you are already doing. You don’t need to establish a temple, but gradually get funds and organize. Hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami ACBS/sdg
Sriman Vidyapati das 17 Gardiner Road
Adelphi Park, Singapore 20
Bhaktivedanta Manor 30 August, 1973
To Melbourne
My Dear Hon Pei Das,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 15th August, 1973, and I have noted the contents carefully. There is no question of giving anything up in Krsna consciousness. That is the sum and substance of the Bhagavad-gita. Arjuna also thought like that “I shall not fight and fell silent” but Krsna did not approve of this sentimental attitude of the Great Arjuna. The whole Bhagavad-gita was spoken to Arjuna simply to convince him that he should work for the satisfaction of Krsna. Therefore Krsna plainly says, “Whatever you do as work, whatever you eat, or give away in charity, do it for Me.” This is real Krsna consciousness, to work for the satisfaction of Krsna. So you have good opportunity to serve Krsna by your nice education, go on finish up in the university and simultaneously follow the regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds, and associate with the devotees as much as possible. Your talents can be utilized for Krsna and in due course of time how this is so Krsna will reveal to you more and more. So do not be worried, be jolly in the service of the Lord.
I hope this letter meets you well. Your ever well wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
My Dear Ho Hon Pei,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 3, 1973 and have noted the contents.
Thank you very much for your kind appreciation of our Krsna Consciousness Movement. You are having some doubts whether or not the mass of people will be able to appreciate Krsna Consciousness. Yes, it is a fact that most people cannot approach Krsna
Consciousness. Just like a rare gem. Only a few men can purchase a rare emerald or diamond so similarly only a few men may actually be capable of grasping the importance of Krsna Consciousness. It is confirmed in the Bhagavad Gita 7.3.
manusyanam sahasresu kascid yatati siddhaye yatatam api siddhanam kascinmamvettitattvatah
“Out of many thousands of men, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.” If just .01% of the world’s population becomes Krsna Conscious, the whole situation on the earth will change. Just see what has happened. I started alone in 1966 and in just seven years now we are three thousand, and it is growing more and more.
So if the intelligent men of the world like yourself cooperate with this all-important mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, we can save the world from the state of misery and chaos that now prevails.
Hoping this meets you in good health. Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Where Are They Now?
- Amogha is a dedicated devotee staying in Australia. Besides preaching and regular service he has produced several excellent audio-visual shows on Krsna consciousness.
- Bali Mardan has been staying in New York and keeping regular contact with the temple as well as maintaining his own Krsna conscious programme at home.
- Hanuman is staying near the ISKCON temple in Vancouver.
Gopala has just recently left his job in Japan and dedicated his life to full-time devotional service in India.
Lalita Krsna (Bhakta Neo) is in Dallas where he keeps contact with devotees. His brother also became a devotee.
Srila Prabhupada is with Krsna in the spiritual sky and simultaneously present here wherever his books, temples, and followers are found.
Acknowledgements
This book is the inspiration of His Holiness Bhakti Vikash Swami, who in 1986 conceived of the idea to compile a book on Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Malaysia. He gathered all the initial information from interviews with members of the public around Malaysia who had met Srila Prabhupada in 1971. He also contacted Amogha dasa in Australia, who was here
with Srila Prabhupada at the time. Fortunately Amogha had gathered together all of his memoirs and sent a 20-page manuscript on which this book is largely based. Later Amogha also provided photographs and a tape of Srila Prabhupada’s lecture in the Town Hall, Kuala Lumpur.
Many others take whatever remaining credit is due for this publication, especially those interviewed or who gave encouragement. Mr Joshi and Mrs Kalia of Penang, Mr Periasamy and Mr Waran of Teluk Intan and the Shamlal family of Ipoh kindly provided photographs. The devotees at the Bhaktivedanta Archives made it possible through the Folio VedaBase, to provide quick access to all the quotes and letters of Srila Prabhupada in regards to Malaysia. Gopala dasa and Lalita Krsna also submitted some memoirs. Thanks to Madam Kamaladevi and her late husband who inspired Prabhupada to come. Ravilocana dasa and Bhakta Chandrasekaran of Kuala Lumpur helped with the proofreading. Uttama Caitanya dasa’s help was invaluable in doing the layout on the computer, as well as for the cover design. My wife Laxmi Priya dasi and the late Madam Tan Chye Ewe helped financially.
Above all we must thank Lord Sri Krsna for sending Srila Prabhupada to Malaysia. Finally our eternal thanks to Srila Prabhupada for allowing us to associate with him through this book.
[Back cover copy:
Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Malaysia in May 1971 was not for sight-seeing, but to show the people of Malaysia a sight of the spiritual world. During his five-day stay, the lives of thousands were changed. Seeds of devotion to the Lord were planted, many of which have now fructified. Now almost two decades after his departure from this mortal world, many are beginning to realise the significance of his visit and how great a personality he is.
Prabhupada’s greatness lies not only in his personal presence, but is seen more in his gifts to the world—his movement, books, temples and festivals. As the ambassador of Lord Sri Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he always puts Krsna first. He preached the eternal message of the Absolute Truth ‘as it is’ and ignited the flame of devotion to Krsna in the hearts of millions. In his absence the mission he started continues to grow rapidly.
While others are busy building houses for themselves, Prabhupada truly built ‘A House For The Whole World To Live In.’]
The End