A Transcendental Diary: Volume 1
Title: A Transcendental Diary: Volume 1
Author: Hari Sauri Dasa
Publisher: Bookwrights Press
Publication Date: 2026 reprint
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 590 (24 pages of B&W photos)
Travels with His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, NOVEMBER 1975 – APRIL 1976.
In this first volume of Hari Śauri’s Transcendental Diary the reader comes to understand the man who has touched the hearts and minds of so many people around the world.” “For scholars and students of religion the material presented represents a critically important historical record. Anyone seeking to understand Prabhupāda’s movement specifically, or the centrality of charismatic leadership to the development of religious movements, will want to consider this book. The use of a diary to record and present Prabhupāda’s life has helped assure that the material presented is richly detailed and an accurate reflection of unfolding events. Hari Śauri has given the reader a clear and rather straight forward presentation of events rather than engaging in historical reconstruction meant to serve partisan or theoretical interests. As such, it will be of great interest to historians and sociologists of religion who seek to understand the cultural and social significance of Prabhupāda and the broader Hare Krishna movement.
“The value of this volume and the ones to follow can not be overstated. To the disciples of Prabhupāda, the accounts contained here are a spark bringing to light endless stories and emotions that only further their connection to the Spiritual Master. To those devotees who had no personal contact or association with Srila Prabhupāda, this book serves a particularly important purpose; it becomes the basis for “knowing” Prabhupāda in a more intimate way. To the average reader with no direct involvement in Prabhupāda’s movement this book is also a source of inspiration. It is nothing short of miraculous that one man could inspire so many people throughout the world to become God conscious. We learn here how and why this has happened.”
—From the Foreword by Professor E. Burke Rochford, Jr. Dept. Sociology and Anthropology Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont. Author of Hare Krishna In America
This is the first volume in a five-volume memoir series by Hari Sauri Dasa (Hari Śauri dāsa), a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada who served as his personal servant and secretary during that period.
This volume is a detailed, day-by-day diary of Hari Sauri Prabhu's experiences traveling and serving Srila Prabhupada from November 1975 to April 1976. It covers key locations and events such as:
Vrindavan and Mayapur (including Gaura Purnima preparations and festivals).
Prabhupada's health challenges, personal instructions, conversations, and transcendental pastimes.
Preaching activities, devotee interactions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into Prabhupada's daily life, mood, and guidance to disciples.
Profound spiritual insights, humor, and challenges faced during travel (e.g., India, Australia, and other places).
The book is valued in ISKCON for its intimate, authentic portrayal of Srila Prabhupada's character, mercy, and mission in his later years—offering inspiration for devotees to deepen their connection to him through detailed accounts of his instructions, lilas, and service. It's written in a straightforward, devotional style with footnotes and references for context. The series as a whole (Volumes 1–5) covers November 1975 to November 1977, making it one of the most comprehensive firsthand accounts of Prabhupada's final years.
Original first edition: 1992 (the initial publication of Volume 1 by Padayatra Press or early ISKCON-related press; widely circulated in the 1990s).
Current/revised editions: The ongoing reprints and softbound versions (including those from Bookwrights Press) are from the 2010s–2020s, with the most recent softbound edition available as of 2026.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION
An Overview
FOREWORD by Dr. E. Burke Rochford
PREFACE–Setting the Scene
Chapter One–New Delhi and Kuruksetra November 26–December 1, 1975
Chapter Two–Vrindavan Dhama.
December 2–December 12, 1975
Chapter Three–New Delhi
December 13–December 15, 1975
Chapter Four–Bombay
December 16–December 24, 1975
Chapter Five–Sanand; Bombay
December 25–December 31, 1975
CHAPTER SIX–Madras
January 1–January 2, 1976
CHAPTER SEVEN–Nellore
January 3–January 8, 1976
CHAPTER EIGHT–Bombay; Calcutta
January 9–January 16, 1976
CHAPTER NINE–Sri Dhama Mayapura
January 17–March 2t, 1976
CHAPTER TEN–Calcutta, New Delhi, Modinagar and Aligarh
March 22–March 31, 1976
CHAPTER ELEVEN–Sri Vrindavan Sham
March 31–April 11, 1976
CHAPTER TWELVE–Bombay
April 11–April 18, 1976
APPENDIX A–
Chart of Days of the Week
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GLOSSARY
GENERAL INDEX
