Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami is an American kathavcahak, writer, poet and writer. He is one of the senior disciples of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Wiki/Biography
Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami was born Stephen Gwari on Wednesday, December 6, 1939, in Staten Island, New York, United States (age 84; as of 2023) Stephen Guarino. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. He was educated in a high school in New York, USA. After high school, he wants to further his education at Brooklyn College in New York. However, his parents could not afford his higher education and his grades were not good enough. He was left with one option: attend a free community college in Staten Island. After completing a two-year course there, he was admitted to Brooklyn College in New York.
appearance
Height (approximately): 5′8″
Hair color: Bald
Eye color: hazel
family
Parents and siblings
He has a younger brother and sister.
wife and children
According to sources, he was once married to a woman named Jadurani but divorced her before taking sanayasa. It is said that she was tortured and almost beaten to death for calling him a false guru.
Religion/Religious Views
He was born into a Roman Catholic Christian family. However, he converted to Hinduism of the Brahma-Medva-Gaudya Sampradaya lineage and the Gaudiya Vaishnavavada sect.
sign
Signature of Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami
Profession
naval officer
After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1962. He once said that in accordance with his father’s will, he joined the Navy. On his first day on the job, a sailor’s clerk assigned him a job in the firearms department. Goswami told the clerk he didn’t like guns and also aspired to be a writer. Staff suggested that he join the press office, whose main task was to produce an in-house newspaper for the ship. He began writing articles for newspaper columns. However, most of his articles had left-wing influence and were not appreciated by senior local officials. The Press Office also publishes a monthly magazine in which Goswami has written articles on James Joyce and William Faulkner. However, some officers on the ship did not like his articles and asked him to stop writing them. He later quit his job there.
writer
After leaving the Navy, he moved to New York’s Lower East Side. This shocked his parents, who were content with his steady job. Gradually, they accepted his decision. He has been interested in becoming a writer since his college days. At the time, he was reading books by Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Thoreau, Rainer Maria Rilke and other authors, which inspired him to become a writer. It is said that he smoked marijuana in order to concentrate on writing, and later wrote various manuscripts, stories and poems.
Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami is writing
Once, while he was in a shop, he saw a notice in the window about a course on the Bhagavad Gita. Within a week, the store was transformed into an ISKCON temple and he decided to join the ISKCON group. After several years of association with ISKCON, he authored many spiritual books such as Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Itself Speaks (1977), From Material to Spiritual (2001), Srila Prabhupada-Liramulta (Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta), Volume 2 (2002), Radha – Govinda, We Hardly Know You and Lord Raines (2003) and Soul Eye (2010).
Radha-Govinda We hardly know you and Lord Raines
Association with ISKCON
In July 1966, after the store at 26 Second Avenue, New York, USA, was converted into an ISKCON temple, he started working as a typist for ISKCON founder AC Bhaktivedanta Swami. A few months later, he found work as a secretary at ISKCON. After a few years, he managed ISKCON Boston and ISKCON Press, later registered as Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. In 1970, after Bhaktivedanta was appointed Commissioner of the Central Governing Body, he was advised to become a sannyasin. In 1972, he agreed, became a monastic and received the title “Goswami”.
AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
During that time he also became a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He then changed his writing style and instead of writing articles with leftist influences, he started writing about Lord Krishna. He even wrote articles for Return to Godhead, the magazine of the ISKCON movement. Even after receiving spiritual guidance from Prabhupada, he still felt that his past experiences were affecting him. He devoted himself completely to the feet of his guru Prabhupada and requested Prabhupada to bring positive changes in his life. After Prabhupada’s death in 1977, Gosvami, 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, Satsvarupa was designated as the initiating guru of ISKCON.
Back to Godhead (BTG)
Return to Godhead is a magazine that occupies an important position in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) (also known as the Hare Krishna Movement). The magazine was founded by spiritual leader and founder of ISKCON, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami played an important role in the development and contribution of the magazine Back to Godhead. Some of his contributions to Return to Godhead magazine are:
Authorship: Satswarupa Maharaj is the author of many of the articles, essays and stories that appear in Return to Godhead. These writings cover a wide range of spiritual topics, philosophy, personal insights and practical guidance related to Krishna consciousness. His work is known for its depth, clarity, and relevance, allowing readers to understand complex spiritual concepts.
Editorial Contributions: In addition to writing, Satsvarupa Maharaj serves as the editor of Return to Godhead. His teachings on the philosophy of Krishna consciousness and his ability to convey the teachings in a relevant manner contributed to the magazine.
Back to Godhead Magazine
Spiritual Insights: Satswarupa Maharaj shares his personal experiences and spiritual vision through his articles. His contribution gives readers a glimpse into his own journey within ISKCON, providing a relatable perspective on the challenges and rewards of spiritual growth.
Role Model: Satsvarupa Maharaj’s life and devotion to Krishna consciousness make him a role model for devotees of the ISKCON community. His contributions to Return to Godhead reflect his deep commitment to serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission and helping others understand the principles of Krishna consciousness.
Inspiring Content: Satsvarupa Maharaj’s writings in Return to Godhead provide inspiration for both newbies and experienced practitioners of Krishna consciousness. His articles provide practical insights into applying spiritual principles in daily life.
Regional Acharya
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami’s regional acarya day in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) played an important role in the history of the Hare Krishna movement. The term “area acarya” refers to the period when senior ISKCON devotees are assigned to specific geographical areas to oversee and guide the spiritual activities of the devotees within these areas. During this period his roles were:
Leadership Role: Satsvarupa dasa Goswami is one of the designated “area acaryas” responsible for leading and guiding devotees within a designated area. His region is the New England region of the United States.
Spiritual Responsibilities: As a ‘Regional Acarya’, Satsvarupa Maharaj played a vital role in providing spiritual guidance, managing temple activities and ensuring that Srila Prabhupada’s teachings were followed correctly effect. He is also responsible for the welfare and growth of devotees.
Challenges and Controversies: The ‘zonal acharya’ system has brought growth and challenges to ISKCON.
Transition and Change: Over time, issues related to the “regional acharya” system began to arise, 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 Transformations: In the early 1980s, ISKCON undertook structural reforms away from the “regional acharya” system. The reforms are intended to ensure a more unified and accountable leadership structure, consistent with Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and ISKCON’s original mission.
Continued service: After the change, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami continued to serve ISKCON as a leader and writer. He focuses on spiritual guidance, writing, and sharing his insights through publications.
health deterioration
In 2002, he suffered a physical and emotional breakdown due to recurring migraines. This condition requires immediate medical help and care. In consultation with the official governing body of the Krishna Consciousness Society, he took no further responsibility. Under the guidance of the Governing Body Committee, he retained the title of Goswami and continued to practice sannyasa while serving as an ISKCON guru. In 2003, due to deteriorating health, he moved to California, and nearly three years later he moved to New Mexico and then to Albany, New York.
Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami in his later years
In 2010, he created a website to share his articles and teachings. He also explored painting, although he did not receive much appreciation. His website and daily posts on Facebook became his primary means of connecting with the public. They were the perfect way for him to teach and connect with many people without having to travel long distances, especially as he grew older and frailer. In addition, he arranges gatherings with believers and friends twice a year to talk to them face to face. Gradually, his health began to recover, and he later moved to the East Coast of the United States.
dispute
Love affair with his god sister
According to a letter from one of his devotees, Goswami was often visited by his god-sister Pranada Darsi Mataji when he was in Ireland. However, no one is allowed in the room when they are together. The letter stated that Goswami had sexual relations with her, who was married at the time. It is claimed he was not taking medication to treat migraines at the time, but was self-isolating in Ireland due to the medication he was taking.
Facts/Trivia
- His name is also HH Satsvarupa das Goswami.
- He once shared that his college professors, Dr. Ed Person and Dr. Doris Alexander, inspired him to become a writer.
- At Brooklyn College, he won two first prizes for stories and poems published in literary magazines, receiving $25 per article.
- On the advice of Swami Prabhupada, he gave up smoking and eating meat.
- He also sang some spiritual songs.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education