Swami in a Strange Land: How Krishna Came to the West

Prior to reading this book, I had only an inkling of who Srila Prabhupada was. I simply knew him as the 'founder' of the Hare Krishna movement, those bell ringing, shaved head, drum-banging, dancing happy group of people you normally see down the streets or at the airport.However, Joshua M. Greene, through his writing about Srila Praphupada has brought to life a most wonderful story of Grace and one who loved the Lord in the form of Sri Krishna. This narrative makes it impossible to not be in awe of Srila Prabupada and how from his humble beginnings and strength of resolve, he overcame what would be insurmountable to any person. Every step of the way, his faith in and love for the Lord guided him to become and thereby instill this same love in all who came in contact with him. With his words, the author has somehow created a work that made one feel like we were sitting in the same room with Srila Prabhupada and feel his tremendous presence.At the end of this book, all I wanted to do was bow down at the holy feet of this great Being who graced this world. I now have a new-found respect for those who are partaking in this legacy he has left in the form of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).Hari Bol! (Chant the name of Hari!)

I was a little skeptical going into this, since I have read most of the biographies of Prabhupada already out there. To try to make a one volume work seemed to me not worth it.I must commend the author for doing a fantastic job. I learned new things about this amazing swami's life. The book weaves a very compelling and informative narrative.There were a few problems I had. Using a term like Hindu misogyny is not accurate at all. There is no fear of women in Vedic culture. Degraded practices may be present in the modern age, but those are not rooted in the original culture, which gives so much stress to protecting women.Also, neither the swami nor the Vedas put forward the flat earth theory. Recorded conversations from Prabhupada make the point quite clear; that the planets are round.It would have been nice if the author included the story of Prabhupada meeting someone who advised him to sell books instead of magazines, as that was a major turning point in the publication effort prior to the travel to the US.All in all, a great book that is suited for all audiences.

I ordered this book after hearing about it from a co-worker. With no exposure to the Hare Krishna culture or its philosophy, I still very much enjoyed reading about the founder of the movement, his struggles to establish his philosophy in the east and to manage the efforts as they grew. Made me wish i was born in the 70's so i have witnessed first hand the counterculture and revolutionary nature of the age (well according to the Krishna's technically i could have been born in the 70's and then died and taken birth in the mid 80's to start this life).I also enjoyed the writers attempt at maintaining a balance between being an adoring student who worships his teachers but yet wishing to retain an objective perspective on the times and tide that shaped the movement. If you are looking to feel inspired about something or wish to see the possibilities embedded in the human spirit then get this book!!

Its great.

This is an exceptionally well-written biography written by Joshua Greene with fluency, depth of feeling for his subject, and with the realization born of four decades of practising the age-old spiritual teachings and practices taught by the Swami. The book is big, but so interestingly written that the reader eagerly plows through the pages. I love reading biographies of great leaders through the ages and the one whose story is told in this book (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) comes across as very spiritually evolved, very compassionate, down to earth, and selfless.I am really glad I bought this book and read it. It touched my heart, stimulated my intellect, and has made me want to check out the Swami's teachings in more detail. Highly recommend it.

Great book for those interested in how Asian religions came to the West & especially if interested in this particular religion. Swami was a special man, he accomplished a lot & had a character, message & way of life that drew people to him who helped him to spread his message. I feel J M Greene is a good author, he conveys the message well & his writing style is interesting & reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book & learning more about the swami & the development of this religion in the West. I can recommend this book.

Usually I read one book in the morning and a different one in the evening. However, when I started reading Swami in a Strange Land, I put the evening book on hold and absorbed my mind in it. It inspired me, it uplifted me, and made me a better person. The author captured my mind with his deep knowledge of the Swami’s life and mission and gave me a glimpse of the master’s selfless endeavor to simply help others. We need more people like the Swami and his followers in this world.

Fascinating and well told adventure by a participant. Greene tells the story with style and scholarship while avoiding the hagiography which is often found in this genre. Joshua's encounter with the Beatles resonates with mysticism while his tale of the meeting with the Mayor of Paris provides keen insight into both the Parisian culture and the Swami. The reader will surely hanker for more volumes from Greene as he knows how to weave a story with a feel for the times.

Beautifully written account of one man’s personal sacrifice to bring spiritual wisdom to the West.

Love this book

Liked the wonderful narration throughout,smoothly shifting from the past to the present in explaining the historic achievement of "The Swamiji" in a strange land.Would like to recommend to any sincere soul interested in spirituality and to learn how the Lord fulfilled HIS pure devotee's desire.The book truly deserves 5 star rating,nothing less

Joshua has done a good job at bring forth the inspirational story of ISKCON's Founder Swami Prabhupada. I feel this book would help a lot of people in introducing themselves to Hindu Bhakti Yoga tradition.

What an amazing book. Such a well detailed and well written account. Very inspiring story of Srila Prabhupada. Hare Krishna!