What is ISKCON
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What is ISKCON
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), widely known as the Hare Krishna Movement, is a global spiritual and cultural organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna as presented in the ancient Vedic scriptures of India. ISKCON represents the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, a monotheistic devotional path that emphasizes loving service (bhakti) to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna.
ISKCON was established to revive and share timeless spiritual wisdom in a form that is accessible and relevant to people of all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. Its teachings are primarily based on authoritative scriptures such as the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, which explain the nature of the soul, the purpose of life, and the means to attain lasting peace and spiritual fulfillment.
At the heart of ISKCON’s philosophy is the practice of bhakti-yoga, the path of devotion. Bhakti-yoga teaches that every living being is an eternal soul and that true happiness is achieved by re-establishing one’s loving relationship with God. ISKCON encourages this spiritual awakening through simple yet powerful practices such as chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, studying sacred texts, engaging in devotional worship, and offering selfless service to God and humanity.
The congregational chanting of God’s holy names (sankirtan) is a central feature of ISKCON. This practice purifies the heart, calms the mind, and fosters spiritual realization. Alongside chanting, ISKCON promotes regular prayer, meditation, and the cultivation of spiritual values such as compassion, humility, truthfulness, and respect for all living beings.
ISKCON temples and centers serve as places of worship, learning, and community gathering. They host daily worship services, spiritual classes, cultural programs, youth activities, and festivals that celebrate the divine appearances and pastimes of Lord Krishna and His devotees. These programs help individuals and families deepen their spiritual understanding while building a sense of unity and belonging.
Beyond temple worship, ISKCON is actively involved in education, culture, and community service. Its initiatives include spiritual education for children and adults, vegetarian food distribution, ethical living programs, and outreach activities aimed at promoting peace and harmony in society. Through these efforts, ISKCON demonstrates that spiritual life is not separate from daily responsibilities but can be practiced in a balanced and meaningful way.
Today, ISKCON exists as a worldwide movement with temples, communities, and centers across many countries. Despite its global presence, ISKCON remains united by its core mission: to spread Krishna consciousness and help individuals realize their spiritual identity through devotion, knowledge, and service.
In essence, ISKCON is more than an organization—it is a spiritual family and a way of life that guides people toward inner peace, higher purpose, and a loving relationship with the Supreme.
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