International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, its founder-acarya. International Society for Krishna Consciousness is usually known as Hare Krishna movement and it is authentic, historically authorized, natural and transcendental, because it is based on Bhagavad-gita, the most authorized book about spiritual science. In Bhagavad-gita Krishna repeatedly says, that we should worship Him, offer Him our obeisances and then come to Him. Bhagavad-gita clearly points out the absolute necessity of Krishna consciousness and it is accepted as an essence of Vedas and Upanisads. From the historical point of view it has no equal. Calculations based on archeological evidence show that Krishna spoke Bhagavad-gita on the battlefield called Kuruksetra more than five thousand years ago. From the historical point of view this Krishna consciousness movement is five thousand years old. Gradually it is becoming the most popular movement in the world, especially among young generation. It becomes more and more interesting also to the older generation, especially among scholars.
It is a widespread misconception that the Krishna consciousness movement is a Hindu religion. In fact it does not present any belief or religion competing with other beliefs or religions. It is an educational and cultural movement for the benefit of all and it does not identify with any specific sectarian belief. Main goal of this movement is to teach people about the basic principles of spiritual life. Krishna consciousness movement educates intelligent people to be able to control their mind and senses, to learn truthfulness, internal and external purity, to become wise, to be able to apply their knowledge in practical life and to achieve God consciousness.
Goals of ISKCON
When Srila Prabhupada established in July 1966 in New York Krishna consciousness movement (ISKCON), he set its seven goals: |
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To systematically spread spiritual knowledge in the whole society and educate all people in principles of spiritual life to check the imbalance of life values and to achieve real unity and peace in the world. |
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To spread Krishna consciousness in the way it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. |
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To bring together members of the movement and lead them to Krishna, the original person, and in this way develop in them and the whole humanity the idea that every soul is part and parcel of God (Krishna). |
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To teach and support sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy names of God, as it is revealed in the teaching of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. |
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To develop places of pilgrimage related to the pastimes of Lord Krishna for the benefit of members and the whole society. |
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To associate members for the purpose of teaching more simple and natural way of life. |
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To print and spread periodical publications, books and other literature to fulfill above-mentioned goals. |
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