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How did Swami Prabhupada establish ISKCON temples and centers around the world?
Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Bhakti yoga and the worship of Lord Krishna. He firmly believed that the message of Krishna consciousness should be shared with people all over the world, and thus he set out to establish ISKCON temples and centers in different parts of the globe.
Swami Prabhupada's journey to establish ISKCON began in 1965 when he arrived in New York City with only $7 and a trunk of books. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he tirelessly worked towards his goal of spreading Krishna consciousness and establishing temples and centers.
One of the key ways in which Swami Prabhupada established ISKCON temples and centers was through his personal example and teachings. He traveled extensively, giving lectures and holding kirtans (devotional singing) to attract people to the path of Krishna consciousness. His charismatic and compassionate nature attracted many followers who were inspired by his teachings and joined the movement.
Another important aspect of Swami Prabhupada's efforts was his emphasis on book distribution. He believed that books were the basis of Krishna consciousness and thus, he encouraged his followers to distribute his books to people around the world. This not only helped spread the message of Krishna consciousness but also provided the necessary funds to establish temples and centers.
Swami Prabhupada also established a system of initiation, where he would personally initiate his followers into the practice of Bhakti yoga and give them spiritual names. This helped create a sense of community and belonging among his followers, who then worked together to establish ISKCON centers in different cities.
Furthermore, Swami Prabhupada also established a system of training and education for his followers, known as the Bhaktivedanta College. This helped to train and equip his disciples with the necessary knowledge and skills to spread the message of Krishna consciousness effectively.
Through his tireless efforts and unwavering determination, Swami Prabhupada successfully established over 100 temples and centers around the world, including in countries like India, Australia, Russia, and Brazil. Today, ISKCON continues to thrive with thousands of devotees and followers, all inspired by the teachings and example of Swami Prabhupada.
In conclusion, Swami Prabhupada's dedication, vision, and teachings were instrumental in establishing ISKCON temples and centers around the world. His legacy continues to inspire people to connect with their spiritual selves and spread love and devotion through the practice of Krishna consciousness.