About ISKCON

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a global spiritual organization that was founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York City. The movement is rooted in the teachings of the Vedas, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and is a branch of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, which emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Mission and Vision

ISKCON’s primary goal is to promote the practice of Krishna Consciousness, or bhakti-yoga—the yoga of devotion. The mission of ISKCON is to help individuals cultivate a loving relationship with Krishna, leading them to attain spiritual fulfillment and happiness. It encourages followers to live a life centered on devotion, compassion, and service to God and humanity.

Srila Prabhupada’s vision was to spread the teachings of Krishna and the principles of bhakti-yoga throughout the world, inspiring people to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and adopt a spiritual lifestyle.

The Hare Krishna Mantra

The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is at the heart of ISKCON’s spiritual practice:

  • "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
    Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare."

This mantra is considered a powerful means of attaining spiritual realization, purifying the mind, and connecting with God. ISKCON promotes the congregational chanting of the mantra through sankirtan (public chanting) as a way to spread spiritual joy and consciousness.

Founding and Early Growth

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, arrived in the United States in 1965 with the mission to share the ancient wisdom of Krishna Consciousness. In 1966, he established ISKCON in a small storefront in New York City. Despite initial challenges, Prabhupada's teachings resonated with young people seeking alternatives to the materialism of the 1960s.

ISKCON grew rapidly, establishing temples and centers around the world. Prabhupada’s charismatic leadership and his extensive translation of Vedic scriptures into English contributed significantly to the movement’s global expansion.

Core Teachings

ISKCON’s philosophy is based on the principles of bhakti-yoga (devotional service), which focuses on loving service to Krishna as the highest path to spiritual enlightenment. Some of the key teachings include:

  • Krishna as the Supreme God: ISKCON teaches that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all creation.
  • Bhakti-yoga: The central practice is devotional service to Krishna, which includes chanting, Deity worship, reading scriptures, and serving the community.
  • Reincarnation and Karma: ISKCON believes in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and teaches that one’s actions (karma) determine future lifetimes.
  • Four Regulative Principles: To maintain purity, ISKCON advocates following four guidelines:
    1. No meat-eating (vegetarianism)
    2. No intoxication
    3. No illicit sex
    4. No gambling
  • Scriptural Study: ISKCON promotes the study of sacred texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other Vedic scriptures, as translated and commented on by Srila Prabhupada.

Practices and Lifestyle

ISKCON followers engage in several spiritual practices aimed at deepening their relationship with Krishna:

  • Chanting: Daily chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra on japa beads (prayer beads) is a key personal practice.
  • Temple Worship: ISKCON temples around the world feature Deities of Radha and Krishna. Devotees offer prayers, food, and service to the Deities as an expression of devotion.
  • Festivals and Celebrations: ISKCON celebrates numerous festivals, such as Janmashtami (Krishna’s appearance day), Gaura Purnima (the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), and the Ratha Yatra (Festival of the Chariots), where large processions with chariots of Krishna take place.
  • Prasadam: ISKCON promotes the concept of prasadam—food that has been offered to Krishna and is distributed to devotees and the public.

Humanitarian Work and Outreach

ISKCON is well-known for its humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Food for Life program, which provides free vegetarian meals to millions of people in need around the world. This program embodies the principle of seva (selfless service) by addressing hunger and poverty.

ISKCON also engages in book distribution to spread the teachings of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada’s books, especially the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, are central to ISKCON’s outreach efforts and have been translated into numerous languages.

Global Presence and Governance

Since its inception, ISKCON has grown into a worldwide spiritual organization with over 700 temples, farms, schools, and vegetarian restaurants in more than 100 countries. The movement continues to thrive, attracting followers from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

ISKCON’s leadership is overseen by the Governing Body Commission (GBC), which was established by Srila Prabhupada to manage the movement after his passing in 1977. The GBC ensures that ISKCON remains faithful to its founding principles while expanding its global outreach.

Conclusion

ISKCON is a vibrant spiritual movement dedicated to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna through bhakti-yoga, chanting, and selfless service. It continues to inspire millions of people worldwide to lead spiritually enriched lives based on devotion, compassion, and humility, while contributing to humanitarian causes and fostering a deep sense of community.

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