Srila Prabhupada is Coming! My Personal Memories
Title: Srila Prabhupada is Coming! My Personal Memories
Author: Mahamaya Devi Dasi
Publisher: Holy Cow Books
Publication Date: 2000
Language: English
Format: Hardback
Pages: 280 (22 photos)
Srila Prabhupada Is Coming! tells the remarkable story of Mahamaya Devi Dasi, a disciple whose life was transformed after meeting Srila Prabhupada in 1971. As the first memoir by one of Srila Prabhupada’s female disciples, the book is both engaging and insightful, making it a valuable addition to the library of important works about Srila Prabhupada.
In this captivating memoir, Mahamaya recounts her personal experiences, providing a firsthand look at the formative years of the Hare Krishna Movement in America and her transformative journey in India. After moving to India in the mid-70s, she received direct guidance from Srila Prabhupada and supported his elderly sister, Pisima. Through vivid narratives of her early days in ISKCON, both in the United States and India, she offers a rare and insightful perspective on that era from a woman’s point of view.
It provides an insider's perspective on the early days of the Hare Krishna movement in America, including her experiences as a devotee, the profound impact of Prabhupada's presence and teachings, and her life-changing commitment to Krishna consciousness. Mahamaya recounts how she renounced her previous lifestyle, moved to India in the mid-1970s, received direct guidance from her guru, and even assisted Prabhupada's elderly sister (Pisima). The narrative includes engaging stories, insights into Prabhupada's character, his role as both a perfect disciple and guru, and the challenges and joys of devotional life during the movement's formative years.
As one of the earlier memoirs written by a female disciple, it's valued for its candid, insightful, and rewarding style—offering a unique woman's perspective on Srila Prabhupada's mercy, humility, and the transformative power of his association. It's often praised in ISKCON circles for being engaging, inspirational, and a valuable addition to literature about Prabhupada (e.g., noted in Back to Godhead magazine features on devotee memories).
Mahamaya Devi Dasi (also known for other works like Ganga Safari: Ganga River Boat Adventure with Jayapataka Swami) grew up in a New York suburb as the daughter of a successful publisher (David A. Boehm, founder of Sterling Publishing and editor of the Guinness Book of World Records). Her background adds an interesting contrast to her path in bhakti.
