ISKCON: Spreading Love and Unity through Krishna Consciousness

ISKCON i.e. International Society for Krishna Consciousness also known as the Hare Krishna movement, was started by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966 in New York City. It is a big worldwide Hindu religious group that worships Lord Krishna. It is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. ISKCON is the extended name of this Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. The name "Gaudiya Vaishnava" comes from the “Gauda” region in West Bengal and Bangladesh, where the organization originated. Vaishnavism means they follow and worship Lord Krishna (Vishnu). ISKCON is the largest and most important part of this tradition.

The Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization has evidence of followers in India since the early 16th century, as well as records of several followers forming in the American and European regions since the early 1900s.  Nowadays, ISKCON has become one of the most prominent and influential spiritual movements in the world.

In 1966, a wise and compassionate man named Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada travelled from India to the United States. His mission was to share the spiritual wisdom of Lord Krishna and the ancient Vedic knowledge with people. He wanted to spread love and kindness to humanity and teach the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, two important scriptures from India. His heart was filled with a deep desire to help others find inner peace and happiness through these ancient teachings.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada strongly believed that true happiness and freedom from the cycle of birth and death could be achieved by lovingly devoting oneself to Lord Krishna. With this inspiring idea in mind, he started ISKCON to spread the teachings of Bhakti Yoga from the Bhagavad Gita. Followers of this movement devote their thoughts and actions to please Lord Krishna, whom they see as the Supreme Lord. A special and joyful part of this Krishna consciousness movement is the practice of expressing devotion to Lord Krishna through dance and song. They believe that singing and dancing, called "Kirtana," is an easy way to attract new people to their spiritual path.

Devotees gather in public places, streets and parks to sing devotional songs accompanied by instruments such as the mridanga, hand cymbals and harmonium, and chant the praises of Lord Krishna. Another important aspect of International Society for Krishna Consciousness is the worship of Lord Krishna through aarti. During aarti, they offer water, incense, lamps (Agnidivas), and flowers to an image of Lord Krishna while chanting prayers and bhajans. Devotees visit ISKCON temples regularly (especially on Sundays) to worship Lord Krishna, listen to teachings from senior devotees, take part in prayers, and enjoy delicious food as prasada.

During the ISKCON initiation ceremony, devotees commit to four essential principles. They pledge to follow a vegetarian diet, abstain from intoxicants (like coffee, tea, cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol) avoid gambling, and avoid extra marital affairs. They organize thousands of spiritual and cultural activities both in their home countries and abroad, inspiring people all over the world. They celebrate various Hindu festivals including Srikrishna Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Diwali, Gaura Poornima, Ekadashi, Holi, Ramnavami and Geeta Jayanti and also organize weekly gatherings. Devotees of this movement celebrates a famous festival called Ratha Yatra every year. During this special event, they come together to pull a beautifully decorated chariot (Ratha) that carries the idols of Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The parade is a joyful and public celebration where people sing devotional songs, dance with happiness, and enjoy and also offer a free and delicious vegetarian food.

ISKCON has more than 800 temples and centers spread across major cities around the world. Hare Krishna mantra is mainly chanted in these temples. Over time, this movement has grown a lot, attracting many followers and supporters. The founder, Prabhupada, has written and translated important scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), chaitanya Charitamrita etc. These books are now available in more than seventy languages and are considered the sacred scriptures of this movement. They provide valuable guidance and wisdom to the followers of the movement.

The philosophy of this movement is based on the teachings of the ancient Vedic texts. In which special emphasis is given on Srimad Bhagavata Gita and Bhagavata Puranas.  ISKCON's motto is "Chant and be Happy." their primary objective is to spread love and God consciousness globally, to create a spiritual society based on the values ​​of care and respect for all living beings. It has played a significant role in reviving the devotional tradition of bhakti-yoga globally. It has inspired thousands of individuals to adopt the path of peace, harmony and spiritual life.

A study by Burke Rochford Jr. at the University of California identified four ways people join ISKCON: spontaneous contact, contact with members in public, through personal relationships, and contact with sympathizers of the movement.

ISKCON is a global organization of Krishna Consciousness, guiding spiritual seekers all around the world. Its deep philosophy, continuous service, cultural richness, and commitment to spreading love and unity have touched the lives of millions of people.  - Krushna Dabholkar