Swami in a Strange Land: How Krishna Came to the West
Title: Swami in a Strange Land: How Krishna Came to the West
Author: Joshua M. Greene
Publisher: Mandala Publishing
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Language: English
Format: Hardback
Pages: 340
In 1965, a 70-year-old man named Prabhupada left India for America with only a few books, a small amount of money, and a heart filled with a message of love. Arriving in New York amidst the revolutionary counterculture of the 1960s, he sparked a global spiritual movement, founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which has since transformed millions of lives.
Swami in a Strange Land portrays Prabhupada as both a visionary spiritual leader and a relatable, conscientious individual. The book explores how cultural figures like George Harrison and Allen Ginsberg embraced his teachings and how his message inspired countless people to adopt the path of bhakti yoga. It also highlights the rise of Eastern spirituality in the West, including the growing influence of yoga, vegetarianism, and the concepts of karma and reincarnation.
This captivating narrative, set across locations ranging from Himalayan caves to Paris’s grand halls, chronicles Prabhupada’s journey from an unknown monk to an internationally revered figure. It serves as a powerful reminder of how one person’s unwavering vision and dedication can transform the world.
