About ISKCON

What Is ISKCON? — A Loving Devotional Community for Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known around the world as the Hare Krishna movement, is a global spiritual community devoted to the teachings of Lord Krishna and the practice of bhakti-yoga — the path of devotion.

A Worldwide Spiritual Family

Founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda in New York City, ISKCON has grown from a small storefront congregation into a vibrant and diverse spiritual movement with hundreds of temples, communities, educational institutions, and outreach projects across the globe.

From temple worship and devotional gatherings to vegetarian restaurants, farm communities, and educational efforts, ISKCON embraces people from all walks of life, offering a path of spiritual growth grounded in ancient wisdom.

Rooted in the Gaudiya-Vaishnava Tradition

ISKCON belongs to the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya, a devotional tradition within the broader Vedic culture. Its teachings are based primarily on these sacred Sanskrit scriptures:

Śrīmad-Bhagavad-gītā — The Song of God
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam — The Bhagavat Purāna
Śrī Caitanya-caritāmrta — A"postgraduate study" of Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy

These timeless texts guide practitioners in developing love for God (Krishna) through devotional practices like chanting, prayer, study, and selfless service.

According to these teachings, every soul is eternally connected to Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the ultimate goal of life is to awaken one’s natural love and relationship with Him.

The Heart of ISKCON: Bhakti-Yoga

At the center of Krishna Consciousness is bhakti-yoga — pure devotional service to Krishna. ISKCON devotees engage in practices such as:

Congregational chanting of the holy names — especially the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra
Temple worship and deity service
Study of scriptures and devotional literature
Festivals, kirtans, and spiritual retreats

The Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra — Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare — is considered a powerful prayer for awakening love of God and purification of heart.

Living Krishna Consciousness in Daily Life

ISKCON devotees practice Krishna Consciousness not only in temples but also in their homes and communities. Many households follow daily routines of:

Prayer and chanting
Offering food to Krishna as prasādam
Observing simple and devotional lifestyle principles
Sharing Krishna’s message through service and compassion

This spiritual path brings greater peace, joy, and clarity in everyday life, helping individuals live in harmony with their deeper purpose.

Educational and Humanitarian Outreach

Beyond worship, ISKCON actively engages in educational and service projects around the world, reflecting its commitment to the welfare of society. These include:

Schools, colleges, and gurukulas
Hospitals and health centers
Food distribution programs
Eco-villages and cultural initiatives
Community outreach and interfaith dialogue

Through these efforts, devotees put the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness into practice — offering compassion, wisdom, and spiritual upliftment to all.

The Seven Purposes of ISKCON

When Srila Prabhupāda founded ISKCON, he outlined seven guiding purposes — a clear spiritual blueprint for the movement’s mission. These include:

To spread spiritual knowledge and spiritual life techniques to society at large.
To promote consciousness of Krishna as revealed in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
To bring members closer together and nearer to Krishna.
To encourage Sankirtan, the congregational chanting of the holy names.
To establish holy places of transcendental pastimes dedicated to Krishna.
To promote a simpler and more natural way of life.
To publish and distribute devotional literature and teachings.

These purposes continue to shape ISKCON’s activities and outreach globally, helping people of all ages and cultures experience deeper spiritual meaning.

A Spiritual Home for All

ISKCON welcomes everyone — from longtime practitioners to curious seekers — to explore the teachings of Krishna Consciousness and apply them in daily life. Whether through chanting, reading scriptures, devotional service, or community participation, ISKCON offers a rich, loving path for spiritual growth and inner transformation.