Srila Prabhupada’s Preaching of Krishna Consciousness - Lakshya Agawrwal

Srila Prabhupada doing kirtan

The 1960s have begun. The Vietnam War is in full swing. The Civil Rights movement is roaring across America. Thousands of Americans seek an escape from the violence and prejudice. Echoing through their minds is the common thought: "We don't want to be a part of this any longer." 

Thus, the hippie movement was born. These hippies rejected American life, choosing instead to live a life embodying the values of love and happiness. Hippies were often dirty and disheveled due to their heavy recreational drug usage, as well as their illicit relationships. Then, something changed. Many gave up their bad habits, began chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and started worshiping Lord Krishna in temples worldwide.

How? Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Krishna consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada traveled from India to America by cargo ship at the age of 69. The journey strained his health, and he experienced not one but two heart attacks along the way. Srila Prabhupada fought through his health issues and arrived -- right at the peak of the hippie era. Then, staunchly following the orders of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada began to preach Krishna Consciousness to the English-speaking world, sparking a revolution.

But now, what exactly is this potent Krishna consciousness that he preached? Krishna consciousness is a way of life centered around remembering God. It is also a structured method to bring one closer to God while at the same time performing one's daily duties, such as working. It aims to do this through the simple chanting of the names of God, especially via the Hare Krishna mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. This mantra brings peace of mind, relief from stress, and transcendental bliss. Try it out!