Satswarup Das Goswami is an American storyteller, author, poet and writer. He is one of the senior disciples of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Satsvarupa Das Goswami was born as Stephen Guarino on Wednesday, 6 December 1939 (age 84 years; as in 2023) in Staten Island, New York, United States. Their zodiac sign is Sagittarius. He did his schooling in a high school in New York, USA. After completing high school, he wanted to pursue his higher education at Brooklyn College, New York. However, his parents could not afford his higher education and his grades were not good. He was left with only one option, which was to attend a free community college in Staten Island. After completing his two-year program there, he got admission into Brooklyn College, New York.
Physical Appearance
Height (Approx): 5′ 8″
Hair Color: Bald
Eye colour: Hazel brown
Family
parents and siblings
He has a younger brother.
wife and children
According to sources, he was married to a woman named Jadurani, whom he divorced before taking up sannyasa. It was also said that because he had called him a fake guru, he was tortured and almost beaten to death.
religion/religious views
He was born in a Roman Catholic Christian family. However, he converted to Hinduism in the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sect lineage and the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect.
Signature
Signature of Satsvarupa Das Goswami
livelihood
After completing his graduation, he joined the United States Navy in 1962. He once shared that on his father’s wish, he had joined the Navy. On his first day on the job, a sailor clerk assigned him work in the artillery department. Goswami told the clerk that he did not like guns and shared his desire to work as a writer. The clerk advised him to join the Office of Public Information, where his primary job was to produce an in-house newsletter for ships. He started writing articles for a column in the newspaper. However, most of his articles had leftist influence which was not appreciated by the senior officials there. The Public Information Office also published a monthly magazine for which Goswami wrote articles on writers James Joyce and William Faulkner. However, some officers on the ship did not like his articles and asked him to stop writing. Later he left his job from there.
Author
After leaving his job in the Navy, he moved to New York’s Lower East Side. This was a shock to his parents as they were happy with his stable job. Gradually he accepted their decision. He was interested in becoming a writer since his college days. At that time, he read books by various authors such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Thoreau, and Rainer Maria Rilke, which inspired him to become a writer. It is also said that he used to consume marijuana to concentrate on his writing, after which he wrote various manuscripts, stories and poems.
Satswarup Das Goswami is writing an article
Once, when he was at a shop he saw a notice in the shop window about Bhagavad Gita classes. Within a week, the shop was converted into an ISKCON temple and he decided to join the ISKCON group. After a few years of association with ISKCON, he wrote several spiritual books such as Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself (1977), From Matter to Spirit (2001), Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrita, Volume 2 (2002), Radha . -Govinda in We Hardly Knew or The Lord Ragneth (2003), and Soul Eyes (2010).
Radha-Govinda We Hardly Know Ya and The Lord Ragneth
Association with ISKCON
After converting the shop at 26 Second Avenue, New York, USA, into an ISKCON temple in July 1966, he started working as a typist for ISKCON’s founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. After a few months, he got a job as ISKCON Secretary. A few years later he got the responsibility of managing ISKCON Boston and ISKCON Press, which was later registered as Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. In 1970, after being appointed as Governing Body Commissioner, Bhaktivedanta advised him to become a sannyasi. In 1972, he agreed to this and became a sannyasi and received the title of ‘Goswami’.
AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
During that time he also became a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Then he changed his writing style and instead of writing articles with leftist influence, he started writing articles on Lord Krishna. He also wrote articles for “Back to Godhead”, the magazine of the ISKCON movement. Even after seeking spiritual guidance from Prabhupada, he felt that his past experiences were affecting him. He surrendered himself completely at the feet of his guru Prabhupada and asked Prabhupada to bring positive changes in his life. In 1977, after Prabhupada’s passing, Goswami, along with other senior members of ISKCON, was given the responsibility of spreading Prabhupada’s spiritual teachings in various countries. As one of the senior disciples, Satswarupa was appointed as the initiation guru of ISKCON.
Back to Godhead (BTG)
Back to Godhead is a magazine that holds an important position in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement. The magazine was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the spiritual leader and founder of ISKCON. Satsvarupa Das Goswami has played an important role in the development and contribution of the magazine “Back to Godhead”. Some of his contributions to Back to Godhead magazine are:
Authorship: Satswaroop Maharaj has written many articles, essays and stories which have been featured in “Back to Godhead”. These writings cover a wide range of spiritual topics, philosophy, personal insights, and practical guidance related to Krishna consciousness. His writings are known for their depth, clarity, and relatability, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to readers.
Editorial Contribution: Beyond writing, Satswaroop Maharaj has also served as the editor of “Back to Godhead”. His teachings of Krishna Consciousness philosophy and his ability to communicate the teachings in a relatable manner have contributed to the magazine.
Back to Godhead Magazine
Spiritual Insights: Through his writings, Satswaroop Maharaj shares his personal experiences and spiritual perspectives. His contribution offers readers a glimpse of his own journey within ISKCON, providing a relevant perspective on the challenges and rewards of spiritual growth.
Role Model: Satswaroop Maharaj’s life and devotion to Krishna consciousness have made him a role model for devotees of the ISKCON community. His contributions to “Back to Godhead” reflect his deep commitment to serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission and helping others understand the principles of Krishna consciousness.
Inspirational Material: Satsvarupa Maharaj’s writings in “Back to Godhead” serve as inspiration for both new and experienced practitioners of Krishna consciousness. His writings provide practical insights into applying spiritual principles to daily life.
Zonal Acharya
Satsvarupa Das Goswami’s days as regional acharya within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) played an important role in the history of the Hare Krishna movement. The term “Zonal Acharya” refers to the time when senior ISKCON devotees were assigned specific geographical areas to oversee and guide the spiritual activities of devotees within those areas. His roles during this period were:
Leadership Role: Satsvarupa Das Goswami was one of the appointed “Anchalika Acharyas”, who were responsible for leading and guiding devotees within a specified area. Their region was the New England region of the United States.
Spiritual Responsibilities: As an “Anchalika Acharya”, Satsvarupa Maharaj played an important role in providing spiritual guidance, managing temple activities, and ensuring that Srila Prabhupada’s teachings were properly followed. He was also responsible for the welfare and development of the devotees.
Challenges and controversies: The “Zonal Acharya” system brought both growth and challenges within ISKCON.
Transition and change: Over time, issues related to the “Zonal Acharya” system began, leading to internal debates and disagreements. Ultimately, ISKCON leadership recognized the need for structural changes to address the challenges and restore unity within the movement.
Reforms and Changes: Beginning in the 1980s, ISKCON underwent structural reforms that moved away from the “zonal Acharya” system. The reforms were intended to ensure a more unified and accountable leadership structure that is consistent with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the core mission of ISKCON.
Continued Service: After the changes, Satsvarupa Das Goswami continued to serve ISKCON as a leader and writer. He focused on spiritual guidance, writing, and sharing his insights through his publications.
poor health
In 2002, he experienced a physical and emotional breakdown due to regular migraine headaches. This situation required immediate medical assistance and care. After consulting the official governing body of the Krishna Consciousness Society, he did not take on more responsibilities. With the guidance of the Governing Body Commission, he retained his Goswami title and remained in the sannyasa order while remaining an ISKCON guru. In 2003, due to his deteriorating health, he moved to California, and after about three years, he moved to New Mexico and then to Albany, New York.
Satswarup Das Goswami in his old days
In 2010, he created a website where he shared his articles and his teachings. He also explored painting, although he did not receive much appreciation for it. Daily posts on his website and Facebook became his primary way of connecting with the public. They were the perfect means for him to teach and connect with many people without having to travel too much, especially as his body was getting older and weaker. Additionally, he has arranged gatherings twice a year to talk face to face with devotees and friends. Gradually his health began to improve, after which he moved to the East Coast of the United States.
Controversy
Affair with my god sister
According to a letter from one of his devotees, when Goswami was in Ireland, his religious sister named Pranada Dasi Mataji often visited him. However, when they were together, no one was allowed to enter the room. According to the letter, Goswami had sexual relations with her, who was married at the time. It was also said that he was not taking migraine medication at the time, but he was taking such medications due to which he had isolated himself in Ireland.
Facts/General Knowledge
- He is also known as HH Satsvarupa Das Goswami.
- He once shared that his college professors Dr. Ed Paysen and Dr. Doris Alexander inspired him to become a writer.
- At Brooklyn College, he won two first-class prizes for his stories and poems in a literary magazine and received $25 for each article.
- On the advice of Swami Prabhupada, he gave up the habit of smoking cigarettes and eating non-vegetarian food.
- He has also sung some spiritual songs.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn