The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Africa (BBTA) has once again honored the legacy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with the release of the 2024 Pan-African Vyasa-puja book. This annual offering, now available for free download on the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust-Africa (BBTA) website, provides a platform for devotees, friends, and well-wishers across the African continent to express their gratitude and reverence for Srila Prabhupada.

This year marks the 128th Vyasa-puja celebration of Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The 2024 edition of the Vyasa-puja book is particularly noteworthy, containing 334 offerings from 17 countries, including 14 African nations. These heartfelt contributions reflect the deep and abiding love that devotees in Africa have for Srila Prabhupada and their commitment to his mission.

Hemant Bhaga, who penned the book’s preface, emphasized the profound impact Srila Prabhupada has had on the world. He wrote, “In 1966, Śrīla Prabhupāda founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and in 1972, The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT). He accomplished this with absolute faith in Lord Kṛṣṇa, loyalty to his spiritual master, exhaustive knowledge of Vedic philosophy, steadfastness, and excellent administration.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Srila Prabhupada’s contributions, which continue to inspire millions of people globally.

The Vyasa-puja book serves as a reminder of the immense spiritual guidance Srila Prabhupada has provided through his teachings, writings, and personal example. Shyamananda Krishna, in his essay “The Meaning of Vyasa-puja,” eloquently explained, “Vyāsa-pūjā means to honor the great sage Vyāsa, who is the universal guru…It is also the occasion to honor a genuine spiritual master, or learned teacher of the spiritual science, who is the perfect representative of Śrīla Vyāsadeva on the anniversary of his appearance day.”

This year’s offerings span a wide range of reflections, from personal stories of transformation to collective expressions of gratitude from ISKCON centers across Africa. These contributions showcase the diverse and vibrant ways in which Srila Prabhupada’s teachings have touched lives on the continent.

One notable offering came from Aditi in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, reflected on the transformative impact of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings on her life. She wrote, “Initially, I was in obscurity, but the teachings of your books led me to the right path; it turned my darkness into light.” Her words express deep gratitude for Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, bringing purpose to her spiritual journey. She continued, “I often feel that I haven’t done enough for you and your mission despite your generosity. Please empower me so that I can bring out the best in me to engage in your mission.” This heartfelt offering highlights the deep devotion and determination to continue serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission, inspired by his enduring mercy and teachings.

Another moving contribution comes from Brahma Teja in Lome, Togo, who reflected on the solace and direction he found in Srila Prabhupada’s books during a time of personal crisis. He wrote, “Thank you for giving us the Maha Mantra and all this knowledge through your many books. My prayer, dear Master, is to be able to one day follow all your instructions to the letter and to wholly absorb myself in the chanting of the holy names of Krishna.” This testimony is a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Srila Prabhupada’s works and their ability to guide and uplift individuals, even in the most difficult circumstances. Brahma Teja’s words also express deep gratitude for Srila Prabhupada’s determination to spread Krishna consciousness globally, inspiring devotees to continue this mission with equal commitment.

The editorial team behind the Vyasa-puja book, including Ana-Lucia Cheon, Bhakti-rasa, and others, deserve special recognition for their dedicated service in compiling and editing the offerings. As noted in the acknowledgments, the offerings were reviewed for appropriateness but were only lightly edited to preserve the authenticity and sincerity of each contribution.

For those who wish to read the entire collection of offerings, the 2024 pan-African Vyasa-puja book is available for free download here.