ISKCON

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His Divine Grace travelled alone from India to the USA at the age of seventy years, on the order of his spiritual master, to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world.

Better known as the Hare Krishna movement, ISKCON is comprised of more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide.

ISKCON's Mission

Srila Prabhupada gave a clear mission statement for ISKCON which is outlined in the following seven points.

The Seven Purposes of ISKCON

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
   
   
2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
   
   
3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
   
   
4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
   
   
5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
   
   
6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.
   
   
7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.