The Hare Krishna movement, also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is a new religious movement that emerged in the United States in the 1960s. It is based on the teachings of the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita and venerates Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Here is an overview of their beliefs and practices:
History and Origins
ISKCON was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He was sent by his guru to spread the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 15th century Hindu saint who started the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition focused on bhakti (devotional service) to Krishna. Prabhupada translated and commented on the Bhagavad Gita and other classic Hindu texts, making them accessible to modern audiences. He established temples and communities around the world to spread Krishna consciousness.
Central Beliefs
Hare Krishnas believe in one supreme God, the eternal energy Krishna. He is the source of all other incarnations of God. Humans should focus their love and devotion to God through bhakti yoga, or devotional service to Krishna. By chanting his names, singing his praises, and meditating on his divine form, devotees can achieve self-realization and break free from karma and reincarnation.
The movement follows the monotheistic tradition of Vaishnavism and identifies as a branch of Hinduism. However, Hare Krishnas consider Krishna to be Svayam Bhagavan or source of the triumvirate of Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. So their theology elevates Krishna alone as the supreme aspect of divinity.
Key Scriptures
The main scriptures studied include:
- Bhagavad Gita: Seen as the direct words of Krishna on yoga, devotion, and selfless action.
- Srimad Bhagavatam: Tells the story of Krishna’s incarnation and activities on Earth.
- Chaitanya Charitamrita: Biography of the saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s life and teachings.
- Nectar of Devotion: A summary of bhakti yoga principles by Prabhupada.
Concept of God
Krishna is the one supreme creator and enjoyer of all worlds. All humans are eternally his servants. He manifests himself in different forms to carry out cosmic activities. His highest manifestation is as a cowherd boy in Vrindavan, where he engages in divine loving pastimes with his devotees. Humans should strive to rekindle their natural loving relationship with Krishna through devotional service.
Reincarnation and Karma
Hare Krishnas believe the soul is eternal but is bound to the cycle of samsara (repeated birth and death). One’s karma, or actions under material nature’s modes of goodness, passion, and ignorance, determine the next birth. But through achieving Krishna consciousness, one can transcend karma and attain liberation from this cycle of reincarnation.
Practices and Lifestyle
Much of the daily religious and spiritual practices of Hare Krishnas revolve around bhakti yoga, or devotional service:
- Chanting – Mantra meditation on the maha-mantra: “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare”. This chanting is a way to praise God and achieve pure consciousness.
- Deity worship – Figures of Krishna and Radha are worshipped as the manifest form of God in temples and homes.
- Kirtan – Singing and dancing to hymns and spiritual songs, while praising Krishna’s names and forms.
- Prasadam – Food that is prepared with love and devotion and offered to Krishna before eating.
- Pilgrimages – Visiting holy sites connected to Krishna’s pastimes, especially Vrindavan in India.
- Scripture Study – Regular reading of the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other texts.
- Regulative Principles – No intoxication, gambling, illicit sex, or eating meat, fish, or eggs.
ISKCON temples and communities provide opportunities for devotees to immerse in spiritual life. Festivals like Janmashtami and Ratha-yatra also bring devotees together to celebrate Krishna.
Social Structure and Leadership
ISKCON is composed of over 600 centers, temples, schools, and farm communities around the world. The highest authority is the Governing Body Commission (GBC) which oversees the general functioning and sets policies for the organization. Below them are different regional and local leaders. Temple life is guided by initiated Brahmin priests and senior devotees.
Celibate male and female monks usually live in separate ashrams or congregational communities. Congregational members, known as devotees, practice Krishna consciousness while living and working within broader society. Second generation Hare Krishnas who were born to devotee parents are also growing within the movement.
Role of Conversion and Evangelism
ISKCON places great emphasis on spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide through street evangelism (also known as sankirtan), books, prasadam distribution, etc. Prabhupada wanted devotees to bring others to the movement through public outreach programs. New converts undergo various levels of initiation through vows, ceremonies, and study under gurus.
Critics have accused ISKCON of using aggressive and deceptive means to gain new recruits, especially during the 1970s. However, the movement has toned down such tactics over the years and focuses more on inter-faith outreach and congregation building.
Reception and Criticisms
In the 1960s and 70s, ISKCON grew rapidly by attracting young hippies and counter-culture seekers, as well as older second generation Indians. However, the movement also received heavy criticism and opposition for its unconventional practices in the West.
Areas of controversy included:
- Aggressive proselytization tactics
- Absolute loyalty demanded to the guru and organization
- Celibacy and strict codes of separation for monks/nuns
- Detachment from outside society
- Arranged marriages for young members
- Second generation youth feeling oppressed
ISKCON instituted major reforms in the 1980s and 1990s to address these concerns. More focus was placed on community integration, education, women’s roles, and pastoral care. While still controversial in some aspects, the movement has gained more acceptance over the decades.
Demographics and Reach
In the US, there are approximately 100,000 initiated members of ISKCON and over a million congregational members. Worldwide membership is estimated between 600,000 to 1 million. The majority are Indians or those of Indian descent. About 20-30% are Western converts and congregants.
Hare Krishnas can be found across most major cities in North America, Europe, and India. Many communities and temples are located in the UK, France, Germany, and other European countries. ISKCON has a growing presence in parts of Africa too.
The movement is generally comprised of older members who joined in the 70s and 80s, along with their children and newer converts. However, ISKCON is focused on also passing on Krishna consciousness to the younger generation born in devotee families.
Relation to Broader Hinduism
Most Hindus view ISKCON positively as representatives helping to spread their tradition globally. However, there are some key differences:
- ISKCON ascribes to Gaudiya Vaishnavism with its unique theology elevating Krishna alone.
- Much more regimented and organized religious structure compared to broader Hinduism.
- Primary focus is initiating devotees and spreading Krishna bhakti, rather than serving Indian communities.
- Sees other Hindu deities as subordinate servants of Krishna.
So while based on orthodox Hindu theology, ISKCON differs considerably from popular Hinduism today. However, its beliefs and practices still fall well within the diverse scope of Hindu traditions.
Conclusion
In summary, the Hare Krishna movement has its roots in ancient Hindu bhakti traditions but follows a distinct Gaudiya Vaishnava theology and modern organizational structure. Through its history, practices, leadership, and demographics, ISKCON represents a unique modern Hindu revival movement focused on making Krishna bhakti accessible worldwide. While still controversial in some regards, Hare Krishnas have become more integrated into global spiritual landscapes.