Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja 3.2

Appearance

His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was born on the auspicious day of Annada Ekadashi, August 14, 1944, in New Delhi, India. He was named Gopal Krishna at birth, and this name remained unchanged during his harinama initiation.

Education

After graduating from the University of Delhi, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja pursued studies in Business Management at the Sorbonne University in Paris, supported by a scholarship from the French Government. He later obtained a Master's Degree in Business Administration from McGill University in Montreal.

Meeting with His Spiritual Preceptor

Informed by Mahapurusa das, then President of ISKCON Montreal, about the arrival of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada on June 1, 1968, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja traveled to Montreal and arrived on May 30. After participating in kirtana, he expressed a desire to serve, subsequently being assigned to clean Srila Prabhupada’s apartment.

Establishment of Guru-Shisya Relationship

Srila Prabhupada exhibited particular kindness and mercy towards Indians. Among those who came to hear him, Gopal Krishna stood out for his dedication; he not only offered obeisances but consistently attended every lecture, remaining until the end. Reflecting on this period, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja remarked that while he did not initially understand the significance of listening attentively, his respect for Srila Prabhupada compelled him to stay for the entirety of the discourses.

At this time, he was employed at Pepsi-Cola conducting marketing research. Recognizing his commitment, Srila Prabhupada took a keen interest in him and they began a regular correspondence, with Srila Prabhupada often writing three long letters each month. This exchange laid the foundation for a profound guru-shisya connection.

On May 27, 1969, Srila Prabhupada acknowledged that since Gopal Krishna was already his name, it did not require change; he would now be referred to as Gopal Krishna Das. This affirmation came when H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was just 25 years old.

Acceptance of Sannyasa Order

In 1981, H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja accepted the sannyasa order and became a diksha guru (initiating spiritual master) on Gaura-Purnima in March 1982.

The spirited enthusiasm of H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja inspires reflection even among skeptics. His clarity of purpose captivates many who seek to cultivate virtue as they encounter his selfless and compassionate demeanor. He articulates even the most intricate concepts with admirable ease and patience.

Sri Srila Prabhupada consistently praised his qualities of intellect and compassion, once stating, “Gopal is a very nice boy and he must be encouraged.” His graceful simplicity attracts even the most hardened critics; each interaction reveals a deep conviction in his mission.

H. H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja ki jaya!