While most Hindus are polytheistic (belief in many Gods), Hare Krishnas are monotheistic (belief in one God). While Hare Krishna is based on beliefs that are thousands of years old, ISKCON was formally founded in 1965 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Krishna Consciousness is a key part of the Hare Krishna movement. It refers to a state of awareness in which devoted followers are in perfect harmony with Lord Krishna. There is no formal “baptism” or anything for Hare Krishna. If you live the lifestyle and follow the tenets of the faith, you’re a member of the religion.
The soul One’s relationship with God Bhakti Yoga Karma Yoga Gyaan Yoga Hatha-yoga
Rig Veda, which is the oldest book in Hinduism, contains hymns about Hindu mythology. Sama Veda primarily deals with various religious rituals. Yajur Veda also covers hymns and chants for a variety of distinct religious rituals. Atharva Veda contains spiritual advice and describes spells you can use against enemies, bad spirits, or diseases.
No eating meat, fish, or eggs. Animals are children of God, and consuming them is an affront to Krishna. No gambling. Gambling and speculation encourage deceit and untruthfulness, which can harm your Karma. No alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Anything that can intoxicate you has the ability to cloud your senses and interrupt your connection to God. No premarital sex. Hare Krishna’s scriptures indicate that sex for pleasure pulls you further from God.
Chanting Studying sacred texts Spending time with other Hare Krishna devotees Upholding the four principles Eating a vegan or vegetarian diet
In Japa, you meditate quietly alone with your prayer beads. In kirtan, you meditate by singing the mantra and with musical instruments. If you perform kirtan in a group, it is called sankirtan. This chant roughly means “O Krishna, O energy of Krishna, please engage me in your service.
Your beads are sacred and should never be placed on the ground on anything that is dirty. If you want to carry them with you, place them in a special Japa bead bag. Many Hare Krishnas chant 16 rounds on the Japa beads while offering respects to a tulasi plant as a daily practice.
A picture of Srila Prabhupada (the spiritual master and guru). A picture of Lord Chaitanya (the incarnation of God for this age) and his 4 associates. A picture of Lord Krishna, centrally placed on the altar. Candles or incense. Any items that you find beautiful, moving, or symbolically valuable. Comfortable chairs and pillows.
There are some devotees that live in the temple. However, you can still live outside of the temple and live out Krishna’s teaching in your everyday life.
In addition to being a vegan, encourage others to be vegan and support the ethical treatment of animals. Don’t forget to research cruelty-free clothes, skin care, and cleaning products, too.
You can find other devotees through Facebook, Krishna Conscious discussion boards, or by visiting the ISKCON website. Going to a temple is the best way to meet other devotees.
Knowledge of Hindu astrology (Jyotisha) and the skills to perform astrological analysis. To pass a scriptural test (the Bhakti Sastri exam). A resume and a letter explaining why you want to become a sannyasa. To take an oath of loyalty and provide references.
