Back to Vrindavan: Srila Prabhupada’s Final Lila

Title:  Back to Vrindavan: Srila Prabhupada’s Final Lila

Author:  Hari Sauri Dasa

Publisher:  Bookwrights Press

Publication Date:  2021

Language:  English

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  288 (4 pages of B&W photos)

"Back to Vrindavan: Srila Prabhupada’s Final Lila" (full title sometimes listed as Back to Vrindavan: Srila Prabhupada's Final Lila) is a poignant, firsthand memoir by Hari Sauri Dasa (Hari-śauri dāsa), a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada who served as his personal servant and secretary during Prabhupada's final months.

The book is a detailed, diary-based account of Srila Prabhupada's last weeks in Vrindavan (from late September/October 1977 until his disappearance on November 14, 1977). Hari Sauri recounts the events, conversations, pastimes, health struggles, and transcendental mood of Prabhupada during this sacred and emotional period. It includes:

Prabhupada's return to Vrindavan to spend his final days.
Devotee gatherings, kirtans, instructions, and moments of mercy.
The atmosphere of separation and devotion among disciples.
Personal reflections from Hari Sauri's diary, offering an intimate glimpse into Prabhupada's character, acceptance of his departure, and the spiritual significance of his return to the dhama (holy place) of Vrindavan.

It's described as "riveting" and "poignant," providing devotees who were not present with a moving connection to this pivotal time in ISKCON history. The narrative emphasizes themes of surrender, guru-bhakti, and the eternal presence of the spiritual master.

This book is sometimes viewed as a companion or extension to Hari Sauri’s earlier A Transcendental Diary series (which covers 1975–1977 but ends before the very final days), focusing specifically on the disappearance lila.

This book is cherished for its emotional depth and authenticity—offering a sacred window into Srila Prabhupada's departure pastimes.

“Hari Sauri Prabhu’s Back to Vrindavana pulls his readers into Srila Prabhupada’s personal association during his  nal days in Sri Vrindavana-dhama. We are at Srila Prabhupada’s bedside, witnesses to the loving pastimes of his last months and the most intimate exchanges with his loyal servant.” –Sivaram Swami

“…The painful subject of Srila Prabhupada’s departure is softened time and again by Hari Sauri’s description of his sweet loving exchanges with Srila Prabhupada. His narrative offers us a rare glimpse into Srila Prabhupada’s personal life, wherein he acted as both an instructing master and a loving well-wisher to his disciples.” —Indradyumna Swami