The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, was established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York City in 1966. From humble beginnings in a small storefront on the Lower East Side, ISKCON has grown into a global spiritual organization with a profound cultural impact.
Today, ISKCON encompasses more than 800 centers worldwide including temples, rural communities, schools, restaurants, and cultural centers. The movement has successfully introduced Vedic cultural and spiritual traditions to audiences across six continents, making ancient wisdom accessible to contemporary seekers regardless of background.
ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradāya, a monotheistic tradition within Vedic or Hindu culture that traces its lineage to the 16th-century saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has been practiced in West Bengal and Odisha for over five hundred years, emphasizing devotion to Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead through the practice of bhakti-yoga.
The core philosophical foundation of ISKCON rests on sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gītā and Srimad Bhagavatam, which teach that the ultimate goal for all living beings is to reawaken their dormant love for God. ISKCON distinguishes itself through its emphasis on personal devotion to Krishna and the belief that the Absolute Truth has both impersonal and personal aspects.
Core Practices
At the heart of ISKCON's practice is bhakti-yoga, which includes:
- Mantra Meditation: The chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra (Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare) is considered the most effective means of spiritual awakening in this age.
- Temple Worship: ISKCON temples feature beautiful deities of Krishna and His various forms, worshipped through elaborate rituals, music, and offerings.
- Spiritual Education: Regular study of Vedic literature, particularly Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, forms an integral part of devotional practice.
- Prasadam: The offering and distribution of sanctified vegetarian food is a distinctive aspect of ISKCON's outreach and spiritual practice.
- Cultural Festivals: ISKCON has introduced traditional Vedic festivals throughout the world, most notably the ancient Ratha-yatra or chariot festival of Lord Jagannatha, now celebrated in major cities globally.
Social Initiatives
Since its founding, ISKCON has developed numerous social outreach initiatives, including:
- Bhaktivedanta Book Trust: Founded in 1972, BBT publishes and distributes millions of books on Vedic philosophy and culture in over 50 languages.
- Educational Institutions: From primary schools to colleges, ISKCON's educational initiatives integrate spiritual principles with academic excellence.
- Eco-Villages and Sustainable Communities: Demonstrating practical application of spiritual principles through sustainable living.
ISKCON's global presence continues to grow, with an increasing focus on developing congregational communities alongside traditional temples. The movement has gained academic recognition as an authentic representative of the Vaishnava tradition. In 2016, scholars gathered at Harvard University to discuss ISKCON's 50th anniversary, noting how the movement has matured and expanded despite various challenges over the decades.
Today, ISKCON welcomes visitors and seekers from all backgrounds to experience the transformative practices of bhakti-yoga and explore the timeless wisdom of Vedic knowledge, continuing Srila Prabhupada's mission to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world.