EUGENE, OR - After 54 volumes of the well-received Memories of Srila Prabhupada series, ITV Productions has announced that it will immediately begin production on Memories of Memories of Srila Prabhupada, a new DVD series to preserve the memories of devotees as they recall their first viewings of the Memories of Srila Prabhupada series.
“We basically ran out of devotees to interview,” said Priyavaisnava devi dasi, spokesperson for ITV. “The first generation of Srila Prabhupada disciples have told their story. Now it’s time for the first generation of viewers to tell theirs.”
According to the ITV Productions website, this new series will contain “Nectarian interviews of devotees who have had personal viewing of the famous Memories of Srila Prabhupada series.” It continues, “Interviews with devotee who actually saw the original Memories of Srila Prabhupada reveal many sides to the Memories series, including poignant serious moments and light hearted humorous pastimes.”
Adding, “the Memories of Srila Prabhupada series has been around so long that few devotees can remember a time when it did not exist.”
While the exact release date of the early volumes of the original Memories of Srila Prabhupada series remains shrouded in mystery, several devotees can still recall their first viewing.
“I remember, it was probably two or three years after I joined up… or maybe it was when I moved to the Dallas temple…” said Krsna Prema dasa, adding “No, I got it, it was after I got back from my first time in India… or maybe it was my second, anyway, those videos were great.”
ITV has stated that they will be interviewing five or six devotees for each volume, starting with the devotees who joined up “sometime in the late 80’s or early 90’s.”
“The devotees who viewed the first several volumes of Memories of Srila Prabhupada have either blooped or are getting to the age where they soon won’t even remember viewing it,” said Priyavaisnava. “Time is now critical. It’s important that their memories are preserved for future generations.”
Keeping with their tradition of interviewing controversial devotees like Kirtananda das and Hamsadutta das, ITV plans on devoting an entire volume to Vraja Kishor das from the famous straightedge krishnacore band 108, who first viewed the series in the early 90’s while on tour with Shelter.
“Originally, we wanted to split that volume with Harley Flannigan of the Cro-Mags,” said Priyavaisnava, “but since Harley couldn’t even remember being a devotee, the entire volume went to Vraja.”
The Memories of Memories of Srila Prabhupada DVD series is projected to span 54 volumes, bringing this entire Prabhupada series total to an even 108, thus making it auspicious.
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11 responses so far ↓
1 Michael // Apr 4, 2008 at 9:49 am
Okay, now that’s a funny story! Harley Flannigan can’t even remember being a devotee, I love that line. Was he ever a devotee? Or was he just in it for the cool tattoos?
2 Rati // Apr 4, 2008 at 9:51 am
Hahahhahaha!!!!!!!! Thanks for the MUCH needed laugh.
Since I don’t qualify to be interviewed for the series, I’ll tell YOU about the first time I saw a memories tape. (That’s right, pre- DVD era.) The TV was set up in the “devotee room” and we were all so excited to see this brand new video. I particularly remember Atmatattva Prabhu’s memories. Hearing the devotees memories really helped to give more appreciation for Prabhupada. Jaya Prabhupada!!!
PS. I’m sure you remember the room, it was right next to the lobby, with a couch, chairs, etc. Of course, it’s since been turned into yet another office, under lock and key.
3 Pandu das // Apr 4, 2008 at 11:37 am
I remember mine. It was around 1997, maybe `98, and I was in Brooklyn passing through on my way home from my uncle’s wedding. I had never been to the Brooklyn temple before, but I had recently met Puru prabhu at New Vrindavana, where he gave us a nice tour on our first visit to the Dhama, and here he was in Brooklyn. He invited my wife, baby, and me upstairs for prasadam, where he had a video playing on a tiny TV. That was the first time seeing Srila Prabhupada moving, with a couple bonus Puru Prabhu memories. I don’t expect to forget either any time soon.
4 Kdd // Apr 4, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I remember my memories of the memories very distinctly still and I think I qualify to be interviewed actually because I joined in the early 90’s and saw the memories prior to and during my early involvement in the movement. So before I share the nectar which involves a three-day straight viewing during a Christmas vacation and thinking Madhudvisa reminded me of a leprechan, I will wait to see if ITV contacts me.
5 Vidyapati das // Apr 4, 2008 at 5:56 pm
This has got to be the best Hing update yet! Well done!
6 Ekendra Dasa // Apr 4, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I actually think it that a ‘memories of memories’ video would be nice. Maybe not exactly that format - but i think there is something fascinating about hearing Srila Prabhupada stories from devotees who never met him or were born after he departed. Its a proof of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy and impact that he affects people so intimately even when physically absent.
7 JayaBlissNectar // Apr 8, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Rather than take the “memories” option I went to India and associated with Sridhara Maharaja, Narayana Maharaja, BP Puri Maharaja, BV Puri Maharaja and others. It far more fulfilling than watching videos or listening to others’ second-hand experiences.
8 Priyavaisnava devi dasi // Apr 23, 2008 at 11:13 am
Haribol, Eric. I’m so glad someone has finally taken me seriously with the memories of the memories. You see, my memory is not so great anymore because of all the sankirtan I’ve done in my life…I’ve spoken to so many people I can’t begin to remember their names! But the memories of those devotees’ memories will stick in my memory forever!
Your servant,
Priyavaisnava devi dasi
(Hey, Eric…now I read your Hing at work and it makes the day go MUCH faster…thanks so much…..Lilasuka dasi)
9 Rati // Apr 25, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Jaya Lilasuka!!!!! When I first started reading this I thought, “Wow! I wonder who had the great idea to write from Priyadarshani?” Then I saw it was Lilasuka. Of course! I should have known.
10 Ananga // May 13, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Hey, do I qualify to be interviewed? I started reading Prabhupada’s books in the mid 80’s, though I didn’t join until the mid-90’s. Do I make the cut?
But seriously, I remember watching my first memories of Prabhupada VHS in 1996. I used to spend so many hours in Prabhupada’s Library in the Brooklyn temple, watching his videos and chanting. Sweet times! Oh, to be a bhaktin again.
11 Rati // May 14, 2008 at 11:47 am
Well, I re-read the article, because obviously I didn’t remember details from the first time I read it. I think you qualify. Can’t wait to hear your memories….
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