The Hare Krishna Movement™, officially known as The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is an accurate representation of the Sanatana culture followed by millions of Hindus worldwide. At its core, ISKCON is a Gaudiya Vaishnava organization based on the teachings of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Throughout the years, ISKCON has been successful in promoting the Sanatana culture through its 750 global temples and the distribution of millions of Vedic texts.
These things might sound magical and out of this world to many, but they won’t appear so to someone who has heard of a song sung by God. Lord Shri Krishna sang this song in Mahabharat to Arjuna 5000 years ago. It is the timeless wisdom known as Gitopnishad or the Bhagavad Gita.
Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is Krishna Himself, appeared in this mortal world to popularize this culture of devotion to all of us. Just a father who leads by his example, the Lord preached about devotion to God in the streets of villages and towns throughout Bengal 500 years ago. The Lord declared, “Prthivite ache yatanagaradi-grama, sarvatrapracarahaibe mora nama (CB Anta 4.126)”, that one day, this culture of devotion will spread in every nook and corner of every village and town of this world.
A prophecy was made, but it was not until the appearance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada that the prophecy came true. Having firm faith in the words of the Lord Chaitanya under the guidance of his Guru Maharaj, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, he set off on this great mission at the delicate age of 70. What many young devotees would people dream of doing in a lifetime, Srila Prabhupada achieved in just 11 years. By 1977, Srila Prabhupada had successfully built 108 temples throughout the world.
Just like a fire particle away from the fire is without its spark, we all have lost our touch with the supreme source, Krishna. Once we reconnect and reestablish our relationship with Krishna, we experience never-ending happiness. Through our practices and mantra meditation, we help attain never-ending, unending, and blissful happiness.
In a world full of different shapes, one might get confused about what they are seeing. Can we see each other? Or are we seeing just their bodies, which are like the clothes that we put on every day? We don’t see ourselves as our pants, pajamas, or coats. Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita states that our real identity as an atma, or soul, is eternal. Once we see ourselves as we are, we are never disturbed, even in the darkest times of our lives.
Krishna is the source of everything. He is the sad-chid-ananda-vigraha, the eternal, all-knowing, omnipresent, all-powerful, and all-attractive personality that stole the heart of everyone in Vrindavan 5000 years ago. He is the source of all living beings and sustains the entire cosmic creation.
Vedas are the world’s oldest known texts. The Vedas contain deep, insightful knowledge that is helpful in understanding ourselves. ISKCON has distributed millions of Bhagavad Gita throughout the world. Daily classes on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam continue to enlighten countless souls throughout their lives.
True spiritual knowledge is transmitted by a genuine spiritual master, one who lacks selfish motives and is wholly devoted to Krishna. ISKCON is fully dedicated to Krishna’s service through a bonafide disciplic succession. Countless souls are connected in the service of the Lord in unlimited ways of service.
Actions too are offerings done for Krishna. We all have to serve someone. When we act in service of Krishna we are happily situated as it is our original position. Actions in Krishna consciousness are all beneficial for the entire mankind. Such selfless pursuits are full of bliss and a source of happiness for everyone.
ISKCON at its core is an institution that promotes pure devotional service towards Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
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