A Beginner’s Guide to Krishna Consciousness
Introduction
Krishna Consciousness is a timeless spiritual path originating from the Vedic scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. It was brought to the modern world by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON, who taught bhakti-yoga, the yoga of loving devotion to Lord Krishna.
“The living entity is by nature Krishna conscious, but due to contact with matter he has forgotten this.”
— Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 22.107
“Human life is meant for inquiry into the Absolute Truth.”
— Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.10
This handbook introduces beginners to the philosophy, practices, lifestyle, and devotional culture of Krishna Consciousness.
Who Is Lord Krishna?
Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all spiritual and material existence.
“Krishna, who is known as Govinda, is the Supreme Controller. He is the cause of all causes.”
— Brahma-samhita 5.1
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me.”
— Bhagavad-gita 10.8
Śrīla Prabhupāda: The Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda is the spiritual master who introduced Krishna Consciousness to the modern world exactly as taught in the Vedic scriptures. At the age of 69, he traveled alone to the West and, despite great hardship, fulfilled the mission of Lord Chaitanya Mahāprabhu by spreading the chanting of the holy name worldwide.
“In every town and village of the world, My holy name will be sung.”
— Chaitanya Bhagavata, Antya 4.126
Śrīla Prabhupāda faithfully presented Krishna Consciousness without dilution, translating and commenting on over 80 volumes of Vedic literature, including Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Srimad Bhagavatam.
“The spiritual master is the transparent via media between Krishna and the disciple.”
— Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Introduction
By following Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings, one connects to the authentic disciplic succession (paramparā).
“This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession.”
— Bhagavad-gita 4.2
Bhakti-Yoga: The Eternal Path
Bhakti-yoga is the process of engaging one’s mind, body, and soul in loving service to Krishna.
“Only by devotional service can I be understood as I am.”
— Bhagavad-gita 18.55
“The supreme occupation for all humanity is loving devotional service unto the Lord.”
— Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.6
Bhakti is joyful, practical, and accessible to all.
The Power of the Holy Name
The heart of Krishna Conscious practice is chanting the Hare Krishna Mahā-mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma
Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
“In this age of Kali, there is no other way for spiritual realization than chanting the holy name of the Lord.”
— Bṛhan-nāradīya Purāṇa
“One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind.”
— Sri Siksastakam 3
The Spiritual Master and Disciplic Succession
Spiritual life begins by approaching a bona fide spiritual master.
“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master.”
— Bhagavad-gita 4.34
“By the mercy of the spiritual master, one receives the mercy of Krishna.”
— Śrī Gurvashtakam, Verse 8
Understanding our true identity and the Goal of Life
Krishna Consciousness begins with understanding that we are eternal souls, not the temporary material body.
“The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die.”
— Bhagavad-gita 2.20
The ultimate goal of life is to revive our lost relationship with Krishna and return to Him:
“Upon attaining Me, the great souls never return to this temporary world of misery.”
— Bhagavad-gita 8.15
Daily Devotional Practices (Sādhana)
Beginners are encouraged to establish a simple daily routine:
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Chanting japa
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Reading scriptures
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Offering food to Krishna
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Hearing kirtan and lectures
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Remembering Krishna throughout the day
“Whatever you do, whatever you eat, do it as an offering unto Me.”
— Bhagavad-gita 9.27
Prasādam - Sanctified Food: Mercy of the Lord
Food offered to Krishna becomes prasādam and purifies consciousness.
“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.”
— Bhagavad-gita 9.26
“By honoring prasādam, one becomes freed from sinful reactions.”
— Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya 6.225
Festivals, Ekādaśī, and Sacred Observances
Observances like Ekādaśī, Janmāstamī, Gaura-Pūrnimā, and Ratha-yātrā increase remembrance of Krishna.
“One who observes Ekādaśī becomes freed from all sinful reactions.”
— Padma Purāṇa
Association of Devotees (Sādhu-sanga)
Spiritual advancement depends greatly on association with devotees.
“Association with devotees is the root cause of devotional service.”
— Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.25
Facing Challenges on the Spiritual Path
Doubts and imperfections are natural. Krishna assures His devotees:
“My devotee never perishes.”
— Bhagavad-gita 9.31
The Fruits of Krishna Conscious Living
Through sincere practice, one experiences peace, clarity, and spiritual happiness.
“One who is spiritually situated becomes joyful.”
— Bhagavad-gita 18.54
Krishna Consciousness is a complete and practical spiritual way of life, made accessible to the modern world through the mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda. By following his teachings—chanting the holy name, studying scripture, honoring prasādam, and associating with devotees—anyone can progress toward pure love of Krishna.
“Simply by chanting the holy name of Krishna, one can return to the spiritual world.”
— Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi 17.21