The Prophecy
The Senapati Bhakta
In the final two decades of his life, Srila Prabhupada undertook the translation of more than sixty volumes of classical Vedic scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam, into the English language. His books received acclaim for their authority, depth, and clarity, earning praise from professors at prestigious universities like Harvard and Oxford. Notably, Macmillan Publishers published his Bhagavad-Gita As It Is in 1968, with an unabridged edition in 1972. This masterpiece is now accessible in over sixty languages worldwide. Additionally, Srila Prabhupada's other works are available in more than eighty languages, and over 500 million copies of his books have been distributed to date.
In 1972, Srila Prabhupada established The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) to facilitate the publication of his works. The BBT also produced his multi-volume biography, Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta, which renowned scholar of religion Larry Shinn described as "undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive records of the life and accomplishments of any modern religious figure." Before his departure, Srila Prabhupada assured his devotees that he would endure through his writings, serving as an eternal spiritual master and guru. He instilled in his followers an appreciation for the significance of writing and publishing, not only concerning his own works but also their own initiatives.