American Devotees of God - A Global Spiritual Revolution
The sight of American men and women chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, dancing in ecstasy, and living as strict Vaiṣṇavas was a cultural shock to the world, and particularly to India. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this phenomenon is not a sentimental fabrication but the authorized result of the power of the holy name. By transforming mlecchas and yavanas into pure devotees, he demonstrated that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the eternal, universal function of the soul, unrestricted by geography or birth.
Beyond Birth and Caste
One of the greatest challenges Śrīla Prabhupāda faced was the deep-seated prejudice of the caste system in India. Many so-called brāhmaṇas refused to recognize Westerners as bona fide devotees. However, he stood firm on scriptural evidence, declaring that a pure devotee is above a brāhmaṇa and that anyone who takes to Kṛṣṇa consciousness is purified.
- A pure devotee is above a brahmana; therefore it is not incompatible to offer the sacred thread to devotees in Europe, America, Australia, Japan, Canada, and so on.
- Sometimes envious people ask how Europeans and Americans in this Krsna consciousness movement can become brahmanas and perform sacrifices. They do not know that the Europeans and Americans have already been purified by chanting the holy name of the Lord.
- Although they are not as exalted as Haridasa Thakura, such Americans and Europeans, having accepted the principles of Vaisnava philosophy and behavior, should never be excluded from Vaisnava society.
A Vision Realized
The arrival of American devotees in the holy dhāmas of India was not an accident but a fulfillment of spiritual history. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cited the prediction of his predecessor, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, who envisioned a day when Westerners would chant the holy names in Māyāpur.
- Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura wanted that the American and European devotees would come to Mayapur and the prophecy is now fulfilled.
- It is most probable that in the future history of Lord Caitanya's movement, Europeans, Americans, Canadians, Australians, South Americans, Asians and people from all over the world will be celebrated as devotees of Lord Caitanya.
- Many of our American and European devotees are coming to our temple in Mayapur and on completion of the Vrindaban temple we shall be able to give facilities to our ISKCON devotees all over the world to visit these two most holy places in the world.
Spiritual Reality vs. Bodily Designation
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is based on the fundamental truth that the self is spirit, not the material body. This understanding allows for a spiritual unity that transcends national and racial lines. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that American devotees are not acting blindly; their ecstasy is a symptom of genuine spiritual advancement.
- We are conscious that "I am not this body." This is Krsna consciousness movement. Otherwise how it would accommodate Indians, Africans, Americans? They are chanting, they are dancing, they are eating.
- Consequently many people are surprised to see how Americans and Europeans have become such great devotees and are dancing in ecstasy. How is it they are so advanced? They have taken the information seriously: krsnas tu bhagavan svayam - SB 1.3.28.
- Simply by bhakti, devotional service, one can become liberated from all contamination. That's a fact, especially in this age. Otherwise why the Europeans and Americans, they will join this movement and chant if there is no effective measure? Why?
Inspiring the World
The sincerity of the American devotees had a ripple effect, particularly in India. When Indians saw mlecchas giving up illicit habits and strictly following Vaiṣṇava principles, it caused them to rethink their own abandonment of Vedic culture. Additionally, these devotees became the backbone of Śrīla Prabhupāda's global literary mission.
- When these American devotees go to India, the Indian people are surprised to see that Americans have become so mad after God.
- By his (my spiritual master, Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura's) grace the work of translation is gradually progressing, and the European and American devotees who have joined the Krsna consciousness movement are helping me considerably.
- Here we have got six temples already, and they are nicely being managed by the American Vaishnavas under strict discipline, without their being born in any Hindu family.
Conclusion
The presence of American devotees of God is irrefutable proof of the potency of Lord Caitanya's saṅkīrtana movement. Śrīla Prabhupāda showed that the designation of "American" is merely a bodily label; the soul within is a servant of Kṛṣṇa. By embracing these devotees, the Vaiṣṇava community expanded from a local sect into a worldwide spiritual force, uniting humanity under the banner of the holy name.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category American Devotees of God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience his teachings in their direct, verbatim form.