A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada's second and last Russian disciple, musician Vladimir Sakharov, a member of the Soviet-era cult rock groups Flowers and Cheerful Guys (Soviet pop-music bands).
It's been almost 20 years since his unfortunate death, and with the help of Sarvabhauma Das and Gita Govinda Dasi this website has come to life for the benefit of future generations.
We created this website to honour his memory and to share his wonderful music with the world, with the few articles and photos to preserve his memory in the Hare Krishna Movement.
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In early 1977, Valmiki Muni met Adi-Keshava Swami, the president of the New York temple, who recommended him to Srila Prabhupada for initiation. Srila Prabhupada, who in those days no longer traveled around the world and spent most of his time in India, agreed to accept a new disciple from the Soviet Union and on May 13, 1977 wrote to Adi-Keshava Swami:
My dear Adi Kesava Maharaja,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated April 29th, 1977.
I am very pleased to know that one Russian boy, Vladimir, has very sincerely taken to Krsna consciousness. Because it is very difficult of practice Krsna consciousness in Russia, we can be a little lenient in his case. I am very glad to accept him as my initiated disciple. His new spiritual name is Valmiki Muni Das. You can perform a fire ceremony for his initiation. Let him promise to chant at least 16 rounds daily, but don't ask him to change anything else abruptly. Never mind if there is some difficulty with his wife. There is no need that he should leave her. For now, let him simply promise to chant his rounds, and gradually the other principles will follow.
I hope this finds you well.
Your every well-wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
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We contacted a few of his friends and contacts to write a little about him, so we may all remember him. Read more by clicking the button below.
We invite anyone who knew him in Russia, the United States, London or in India, before or after Krishna consciousness to contact sarvanfr@gmail.com with pictures or remembrances.