Preserving Uniqueness: NYC’s Prabhupada Museum

Prabhupada’s appearance is important for all people in the world.  Therefore, his museum is important.  New York City is the right place for it.

When I was in Assisi, I saw many tour groups.  We overheard one of the monks describing the paintings of Giotto depicting the life of Saint Francis: “This picture showed that in the 13^th century, the Church was somewhat corrupt, but Francis came to give it new life …  “Similarly, ISKCON devotees can guide visitors throughout Prabhupada’s museum.  Although we do not have art masterpieces like those by Giotto, the humble Prabhupada artefacts evoke the appearance of the pure devotee.  It is one of the functions of a Prabhupadanuga to explain the history of Prabhupada and his movement.

Everything is there, right down to the handprints on the page, preserved under museum glass.  Although you cannot see the pure devotee unless you have a spiritual eye, you get the general idea when you visit the museum.  No one can walk out of there and say, “I don’t think Prabhupada existed,” or, “Prabhupada probably came here as a rich man with patronage.”  No one can make up such speculations, because the history of his poverty and aloneness is here.

There is a museum for Elvis Presley which has his motorcycle in a glass case, but preserving the artefacts of an ordinary man does not make him glorious.  People cry when they remember Elvis, but how does that help them achieve the purpose of a human life?  In the Prabhupada museum, the same techniques are used, but with a different effect.

Take for example, this picture of Krishna and Yasoda, painted in 1966 under Prabhupada’s direction.  It is crude, and yet I can worship Krishna by looking at the picture.  Here is a picture of Lord Caitanya dancing in sankirtana.  It is the painting that Prabhupada put in the window of his first temple.  He mentioned it in his lectures.  It produces a kind of trance.

You look at the documents – memos signed by Prabhupada, photos from that time.  His spoon, eyeglasses and dictaphone are placed in a case with an official label under it.  Prabhupada wore these clothes.  That canvas sign with the Hare Krishna mantra written on it was done under Prabhupada’s direction.  We brought it onto the streets when we performed harinama.  Here in Prabhupada’s handwriting is the list of rules and regulations for initiated devotees.

Here is Prabhupada using his dictaphone.  Here is Prabhupada patting a devotee on the head.  The museum tells us the story of Prabhupada’s kindness in coming here.  (Vaisnavas say the only reason that one should ever leave Vrindavana is to preach.  Prabhupada preached.  All his activities were a sacrifice for preaching, and that is what is pictured in the museum.