Where do the teachings come from?

Although the Hare Krishna movement has only been established in the West since 1966, its roots extend thousands of years into India's past. The lifestyle and philosophical beliefs are based on ancient scriptures known as the Vedas. Originally preserved in the spoken word, the Vedas were written down in the Sanskrit language 5000 years ago.

What is the Hare Krishna chant?

Devotees of Krishna chant the Hare Krishna mantra:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

- because the Vedas refer to it as the maha - mantra or "Great Mantra". This sixteen-word mantra is especially recommended as the easiest method for self-realization in the present age.

Krishna is a Sanskrit name of God meaning "all attractive", and Rama is another name meaning "reservoir of pleasure". The divine energy of God is addressed as Hare. Vedic knowledge teaches that since we are all constitutionally servants of God, the chanting of His names is not an artificial imposition on the mind but is as natural as a child calling for its mother. There are two ways to chant the maha mantra: group chanting (kirtan) and softly saying the mantra to oneself (japa). The latter is done by using a string of 108 wooden prayer beads to enhance concentration. In both methods there are no hard and fast rules, and anyone can chant with good results.

Why are you vegetarian?

The Vedic scriptures establish non-violence (ahimsa), as the ethical foundation of vegetarianism. According to the Vedas, God is the Supreme Father of all creatures, not just humans. Therefore, the slaughter of innocent animals is considered equivalent to killing one's brother or sister.

Hare Krishna devotees follow a wholesome diet, which excludes meat, Fish and eggs. Although it may be argued that vegetarians are guilty of killing vegetables, vegetarian foods such as fruits, nuts, milk, and grains do not require killing. But even when a plant's life is taken, the pain it experiences is dramatically less than that of a highly sensitive animal such as a cow or lamb.

 According to the law of karma, nature's law of action and reaction, human beings must suffer for any kind of killing that is against God's laws. For this reason, as well as to show recognition and appreciation for the Supreme Proprietor and supplier of all foodstuffs, devotees prepare vegetarian meals as devotional offerings to Krishna. Such spiritualised food is then called prasadam ("the mercy of Krishna"), which can be fully enjoyed.

Why do some Hare Krishnas look like Buddhist monks?

Shaven heads and orange robes actually pre-date Buddhism by many centuries. In Vedic culture a person dressed according to his or her social and spiritual position.  Simple robes, although external, have traditionally been worn to help cultivate humility and freedom from vanity.

In keeping with this reasoning, the Hare Krishna Movement has retained certain elements of Vedic tradition wherever practical. Following this principle, women in Hare Krishna communities wear the traditional sari, while men wear robes known as dhotis.

Most men choose to shave their heads leaving a single lock of hair

in the back called a sikha. This is done as a sign of renunciation and

surrender to Krishna, as well as for cleanliness and simplicity.

The U-shaped marking of clay on the forehead is known as tilak, and is made with a yellow clay from the banks of sacred rivers in India. Together with these traditional ascetic practices, fully committed devotees of Krishna, whether residing in a temple community or not, also abstain from all types of intoxication, and do not gamble or have sexual relationships outside of marriage.

What do you do all day?

The activities of the members of ISKCON are as varied as their strikingly diverse lifestyles. For instance, although most members are naturally vegetarian, all other practices are a matter of their personal choice and commitment. Thus one member of ISKCON lives in a religious community, rises at 4 o'clock in the morning, and leads a strict monastic life, while another cares for a young family or works in a busy office. The circumstances may vary greatly but the basic aim is the same.

Why do you chant in the streets?

Most scriptures of the world, and particularly the Vedas, extol the chanting of God's names as a powerful means of spiritual realisation. Someone who enjoys their spiritual life naturally feels inclined to share it with others. This enthusiasm caused the founder of ISKCON to not only teach Krishna consciousness, but to organise his early students as a formal society for the purpose of teaching others. Devotees of Krishna, therefore will often be found in public places performing sankirtana, by chanting with musical instruments, as introduced by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu 500 years ago.

What are the Practices?

There are four simple practices in Krishna consciousness.

Reading provides the intellectual satisfaction that is essential to developing faith in any spiritual practise. Without a comprehensive body of philosophical knowledge, any religious tradition can easily become a system of unfounded beliefs and rituals. Vedic literature offers logical answers to profound questions, and when carefully studied, books like Bhagavad-Gita will allow the inquisitive reader an opportunity to explore many new ideas and concepts.

The books of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada are translations and commentaries upon India's timeless spiritual classics, written over a period of twenty years. His writings comprise a complete course of study in bhakti-yoga, and are the basis of the spiritual lives of Hare Krishna members around the world.

Studies usually begin with Bhagavad-Gita, Isopanishad, Srimad Bhagavatam and The Teachings of Lord Caitanya. 

Recitation of the Hare Krishna mantra is the essential practise of Krishna consciousness. Devotees may spend from 10 minutes to 2 hours per day chanting japa. Once around the circle of 108 beads is called a "round" and devotees will chant anywhere between one and sixteen "rounds" per day as their time and inclination permits. Chanting is done either sitting or walking, usually in the morning. At first the language of the mantra may feel strange but as the profound nature of the sound vibration is experienced any feelings of awkwardness disappear.

Anyone who chants with sincerity, pronouncing the words distinctly and listening attentively, will become peaceful and experience a sense of happiness. One who continues the process becomes advanced in the techniques of mantra meditation and enjoys an awakening of the soul's natural, original qualities of eternity, knowledge, and bliss.

Our friendships have tremendous influence upon the way we think and act. We may enthusiastically take to a more spiritual way of life, but if our friendships with others are not similarly transformed, our personal development may become checked. Associating with others who are spiritually inclined is therefore one of the most important and rewarding aspects of the Hare Krishna way of life.

New members of ISKCON usually start off by linking up with others in the same town or county. Regular meetings now take place in many parts of the world, even where there is no proper temple, in hired rooms or devotee's homes. People are often surprised when they come to these meetings to find themselves developing very gratifying friendships.

<