Before leaving this world in 1937, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur strongly encouraged his disciples to spread Krishna consciousness through books and writing. Abhay deeply took this instruction to heart. He understood that literature could carry the message of Lord Krishna across time and place.

Soon he began writing articles and essays explaining the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita and the teachings of Lord Chaitanya. His aim was to present the ancient Vedic wisdom in clear, modern language so that educated people could understand and appreciate Krishna consciousness.

In 1944, during the difficult years of World War II, Abhay started the spiritual magazine Back to Godhead. With almost no resources, he wrote the articles, edited the content, arranged printing, and personally distributed the copies on the streets of Calcutta.

At the same time, he gradually reduced his involvement in business and dedicated more of his life to studying sacred scriptures, writing, and preaching. His commitment to his spiritual master’s instruction steadily grew stronger.

In the 1950s, Abhay moved to Vrindavan, the holy land of Lord Krishna, where he lived simply and focused on writing and translating sacred texts. While staying at the historic Radha-Damodar Temple, he began his monumental work of translating and commenting on Srimad-Bhagavatam.

In 1959, he formally accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa) from Bhakti Prajnana Keshava Maharaj and became A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Now fully dedicated to spiritual work, he began preparing himself to carry out his spiritual master’s instruction—to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world.