Hare Krishna

Introduction

International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is also known as the Hare Krishna movement. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded the society in New York City in the year 1966. The Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are two Hindu scriptures that form the core beliefs of this religion. These two scriptures are as old as 5000 years. Krishna is the supreme lord of this religion. Devotees, called bhagt, follow the Bhakti yoga and submit themselves to their Lord. Their thoughts and actions are aimed at pleasing him.

The members of ISKCON chant the word 'Hare Krishna' publicly. Hence, they are called Hare Krishna. Since the beginning of this movement, the number of members in the society has increased considerably over time.

Non empirical

The non empirical in any religion is its underlying philosophy. The founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded the society on seven principles.

To achieve unity the society disseminated knowledge of religion and makes the practice of its beliefs easier for the followers.

Propagation of teachings of Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita.

To bring people closer to Krishna, the supreme lord. The members of the society view themselves that all of them are part of Krishna.

Propagation of teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Helping followers lead a simple and moral life.

Spread the message and purpose of the society and its religion through publication of magazines, periodicals, books and other writings.

Dedicate a place for the lord Krishna who is all holy for the followers of Hare Krishna.

Four regulating principles govern the spiritual life in Hare Krishna. Members are strictly vegetarians and do not have any form of meat at all. They prevent themselves from illicit sex and intoxication which are major do nots for this religion. Last but not the least, they are not allowed to gamble.

Dharma in Hinduism means the 'natural law'. It is what defines the duties to be followed by a believer of Hare Krishna. They strive for achieving Tapasya, Satyam, Daya and Saucam. Tapasya means austerity; Satyam means honesty and truthfulness in all deeds of life; Daya means forgiving attitude; and Saucam means purity of the mind, heart and soul. It means cleanliness on the inside and outside.

Stories

Krishna is the incarnation of lord Vishnu. The stories of eternal love between Krishna and Radha are very famous among the devotees of Hare Krishna (Fischetti, p. 267).

Devotees share among themselves the stories relating to radha and Krishna which are public, the Hare Krishna movement and even personal stories about the initiation, arti and sankirtan etc.

Symbolism

The portraits and images of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and other members are a very important element in the Hare Krishna. The portraits, symbols and statues of Krishna and Radha are not only considered sacred but worshipped and placed in the house for a feel of kirshna's holy presence. Darshan is an important constituent of Hare Krishna religion. Darshan means viewing or seeing. Darshan means seeing of the devotee to Krishna and Krishna's seeing the ...