November/December 2020

WELCOME  In writing for Back to Godhead, authors often illustrate the philosophy or practice of Krishna consciousness with examples from the life or teachings of devotees whose stories appear in the Vedic literature, especially the Srimad-Bhagavatam. I’ve noticed during my years of editing BTG that one devotee seems to be referenced more than any other: Prahlada. He naturally comes to mind because his life and character exemplify what we devotees-in-training are trying to attain. Our cover story in this issue focuses on two essential qualities of spiritual life that Prahlada spoke about and exhibited.

Because of the extreme antagonism Prahlada faced, his example is especially appropriate for us as we encounter life’s inevitable difficulties. Two articles in this issue address the topic of devotional life in challenging times: Chaitanya Charana Dasa’s “Pandemic: Finding Meaning Amid Suffering” and Vishakha Devi Dasi’s “Practicing Spiritual Life in Difficult Times.”

Looking back from our current challenges, Satyaraja Dasa writes of the early days of ISKCON when Srila Prabhupada showered his love and blessings on the first child born in the movement, Saraswati.

Sarvabhauma Dasa writes about India’s contributions to the world, especially its best contributions in the form of its spiritual heritage as delivered by Srila Prabhupada.

Hare Krishna. – Nagaraja Dasa, Editor

Departments

From the Editor

Letters

Srila Prabhupada Speaks Out

Vedic Thoughts

In Memoriam: Bhakti Charu Swami