A Glorious Departure: A Tribute to His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu (ACBSP)
The Vaishnava community recently witnessed the transcendental departure of His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu (ACBSP), who left his body yesterday May, 31 at 9:20 PM in Sacramento, California. A beloved and dedicated disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu’s life was a profound embodiment of unwavering devotion, humility, and selfless service.
A Life Dedicated to Srila Prabhupada’s Mission
His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu was widely known as a humble and sincere devotee, exemplifying the essence of Vaishnava principles. Alongside his devoted wife, Her Grace Chaitanya Mataji, he made monumental contributions to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, playing an instrumental role in establishing 22 temples and 9 centers across diverse regions. Their tireless efforts spanned cities in India (including Guwahati, Madras, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Surat, and Patna) and international locations such as Bangkok, various parts of Africa, and numerous cities in the USA (including Long Island NY, Atlanta, New Talavan, Sacramento, and San Jose, California). This extensive service directly fulfilled Srila Prabhupada’s vision for global Krishna consciousness, transforming perceptions of ISKCON centers into welcoming “Hare Krishna temples” for all.
A Transcendental Departure
The final days of His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu offered a profound demonstration of Vaishnava principles. For many years, he was bedridden, his verbal communication minimal, limited to “only the names, nothing else.” This profound internalization indicated a deep detachment from worldly affairs and an exclusive focus on the divine.
A striking detail of his departure was his decision to leave his body after seven days of not eating or drinking, mirroring the example of King Parikshit, who utilized a similar period for spiritual immersion. Even when speech was limited, his right hand continuously moved in a chanting position, revealing an unbroken internal connection with the Holy Name that transcended physical limitations. On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, he chanted “Ram, Ram,” a practice common for him despite his physical condition and apparent unawareness.
He “left his body surrounded by kirtan and chanting devotees,” a communal spiritual energy that facilitates a peaceful, Krishna-focused departure. His ability to respond only with “Hare Krishna or Ram” showcased an ultimate absorption in the Holy Name, aligning with the Bhagavad-gita’s emphasis on fixed consciousness at the time of death.
The Potency of the Holy Name: His Lifelong Shelter
His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu’s life and departure powerfully demonstrated the all-encompassing potency of the Holy Name. Vaishnava philosophy teaches that the Holy Name is non-different from the Supreme Lord Himself, invested with all His transcendental energies. Chanting the Holy Name is glorified in scriptures for cleansing the heart, absolving sins, and providing liberation. For the current age of Kali, nama-sankirtana (congregational chanting) is the recommended spiritual practice, freeing the soul from material bondage and leading to the Lord’s shelter. His continuous chanting, even in severe physical debilitation, exemplified this truth, suggesting the Holy Name became his sole sustenance and reality.
His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu’s life embodied the transcendental qualities of a pure devotee, as described in Vaishnava scriptures. His humility and sincerity resonated with the twenty-six qualities of a Vaishnava, such as being kind to everyone, peaceful, fixed in the Absolute Truth, and completely attached to Krishna. His extensive service in establishing temples and centers demonstrated his compassion and desire for the welfare of all. His quiet, internalized departure, despite his vast service, reflected his profound humility and lack of false ego.
The life and transcendental departure of His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu offer invaluable spiritual lessons. His journey was a powerful testament to unwavering devotion, profound humility, and selfless service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. His passing, marked by extraordinary absorption in the Holy Name and the serene environment of kirtan, stands as a vivid illustration of the Bhagavad-gita’s promise regarding consciousness at the moment of death. For a pure devotee, death is not a fearful end, but a joyful transition to the spiritual abode.
His enduring legacy, particularly the numerous temples and centers established with Her Grace Chaitanya Mataji, will continue to inspire generations of devotees worldwide. His Grace Paradhyeya Prabhu’s life and passing collectively offer profound spiritual lessons, reminding all of the ultimate goal of human life – to cultivate unalloyed devotion to the Supreme Lord and return home, back to Godhead. Further details of his inspiring life are anticipated in a forthcoming book.
Special Thanks
We extend our special thanks to His Grace Gunanarva Prabhu and his wife, Shyamshruti Devi Dasi, for their extensive support through the many years until Prabhu’s departure. They took Prabhu and Mataji into their home and served in a way that exemplifies Vaishnava qualities. We also acknowledge the dedicated devotees of Sacramento who were there offering their support.
Vasant Pañcamī Dās
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