What is Krishna Consciousness?

Krishna Consciousness Movement gives everyone a chance, regardless of their caste, creed or color. Everyone is invited to join us in the chanting, dancing and listening of the glorious activities performed by Krishna. Living in the association of Krishna's devotees in a temple or ashram makes it easier to practice devotional service. But if you'are determined, you can follow at home the teachings of Krishna consciousness and thus convert your home into a temple.

Purpose of Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON, is widely known as the Hare Krishna movement. The movement's main purpose is to promote the well being of human society by teaching the science of Krishna Consciousness God Consciousness) according to the timeless Vedic scriptures of India, particularly from Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Krishna Consciousness is especially meant for understanding the position of the soul and its relationship with God.

History of Krishna Consciousness

Although the Hare Krishna movement has only been established in the west since 1966, its roots extend thousands of years into India's past. The lifestyle and philosophical beliefs are based on ancient scriptures known as the Vedas. Originally preserved in the spoken word, the Vedas were written down in the Sanskrit language 5000 years ago.

Inception of Krishna Consciousness

In the early 16th century, a remakable spiritual renaissance took place within India. This was led by a brilliant philosopher, mystic and saint, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534). He challenged the regilious leaders of His day who He felt stifiling the teachings of Vedic knowledge. Caste-conscious priests alone had access to the Vedas and considered spiritual life the prerogative of an educated minority.

Taking religion out of the temples and amongst the people, regardless of their caste, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu prorogated devotion to Lord Krishna and pioneered a massive movement, which swept the sub- continent, gaining a following of millions.

Krishna Consciousness in Western World

In 1965, an elderly monk, His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), traveled alone from India to establish the culture of Krishna Consciousness in the western world. He single-handedly began a worldwide confederation of over one hundred temples, farm communities, and institutes. He came to the United States to fulfill the instructions of his spiritual master, Srila Bhakthi Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura to bring the teachings of Krishna Consciousness to English speaking world.

He arrived with a crate of Srimad-Bhagavatams, a pair of hand cymbals and forty Indian rupees (about seven dollars) and ended up on the Lower East side of New York City. Soon Srila Prabhupada gathered the most interested of searchers for spiritual knowledge and brought them to Tompkins Square Park, where they held the first outdoor chanting session. Devotees became known as "Hare Krishna's'' because of their chanting the Maha mantra on the street corners around the world.

The Seven Purposes of ISKCON

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values of life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.

2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna(God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India,Bhagavat-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the Prime Entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).

4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.

6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.

7. With a view towards achieveing the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.