International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON): A Global Movement of Divine Love

In the bustling streets of New York in 1966, a 70-year-old spiritual teacher from India named A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada registered a small society with a grand vision. He called it the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Today, that small seed has grown into a global forest of over 800 temples, eco-villages, and food relief centers.

​In this post on Arjun Ki Gita, we explore the history, teachings, and impact of the Hare Krishna movement and how it helps modern seekers find a path back to Godhead.

​What is ISKCON?

​The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradaya, a monotheistic tradition within Vedic culture. Its primary purpose is to spread the message of the Bhagavad Gita and teach the world how to attain "Krishna Consciousness"—a state of being where every thought and action is aligned with the pleasure of the Divine.

​The 7 Purposes of ISKCON

​Srila Prabhupada established seven core goals for the society to ensure its spiritual integrity:

1. ​Spread Spiritual Knowledge: Educating society in the techniques of spiritual life.
2. ​Propagate Krishna Consciousness: Spreading the message as revealed in the Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
3. ​Bring Souls Closer to Krishna: Helping members realize they are part and parcel of God.
4. ​Teach the Sankirtan Movement: Congregational chanting of the Holy Names.
5. ​Erect Holy Places: Building temples and centers for transcendental pastimes.
6. ​Promote Natural Living: Teaching a simpler, more agricultural way of life.
7. ​Distribute Spiritual Literature: Publishing and sharing Vedic texts globally.

​The Core Practice: The Maha-Mantra

​The heart of ISKCON is the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra:

​Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare

Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

​Devotees believe that in this age of Kali Yuga, chanting is the most effective way to cleanse the heart and awaken our dormant love for Krishna. It is a scientific process of "sound vibration" that connects the soul to its source.

​Life of a Devotee: The 4 Regulative Principles

​To maintain a high standard of spiritual purity, ISKCON members follow four basic rules known as the "Four Regulative Principles":

• ​No Meat Eating: Practicing Ahimsa (non-violence) toward all living beings.
• ​No Intoxication: Avoiding alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and even caffeine to keep the mind clear.
• ​No Gambling: Avoiding activities that foster greed and dishonesty.
• ​No Illicit Sex: Restricting sexual activity to marriage for the purpose of procreation.

​Global Impact: More Than Just Temples

​ISKCON is famous worldwide for its social contributions, most notably:

• ​Food For Life: The world's largest vegetarian food relief program, serving millions of free meals daily.
• ​Vedic Education: Through Gurukulas and universities, ISKCON provides a values-based education.
• ​Eco-Villages: Promoting sustainability through "Simple Living, High Thinking" in places like Govardhan Eco Village.

​Conclusion

​The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is not a "new" religion; it is a timeless science of the soul made accessible for the modern world. Whether you visit a temple for the Sunday Feast or simply chant the mantra at home, ISKCON offers a community where everyone—regardless of race or nationality—can become a "servant of the servant" of Lord Krishna.

​Have you ever visited an ISKCON temple? Share your experience with us in the comments!