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{{Short description|Religious organisation}} | {{Short description|Religious organisation}} | ||
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} | |||
{{EngvarB|date=September 2017}} | {{EngvarB|date=September 2017}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}} | ||
{{Infobox organization | {{Infobox organization | ||
| abbreviation = ISKCON | |||
| name = International Society for Krishna Consciousness | |||
| |
| logo = ISKCON logo.svg | ||
| logo_size = 180px | |||
| logo_caption = ISKCON official logo | |||
| logo_caption = Official emblem of ISKCON | |||
| image = Iskon Temple, Vrindawan.jpg | |||
| image = Iskon Temple, Vrindawan.jpg | |||
| caption = ] in ], ], India | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| formation = {{start date and age|1966|07|13|df=yes|p=y}} {{nowrap|]}}, ] | |||
| caption = ] in ], ], ], ] | |||
| logo = ISKCON official logo.jpg | |||
| formation = {{start date and age|1966|07|13|df=yes|p=y}} {{nowrap|]}}, ] | |||
| type = ] | |||
| type = ] | |||
| status = ] | |||
| status = ] | |||
| headquarters = ], ], ], ], ] | | headquarters = ], ], ], ], ] | ||
| coords = {{coord|23.4248|N| 88.3889|E|display=inline}} | | coords = {{coord|23.4248|N| 88.3889|E|display=inline}} | ||
| leader_title = | | leader_title = | ||
| leader_name = | | leader_name = | ||
| main_organ = Governing Body Commission | | main_organ = Governing Body Commission | ||
| affiliations = ] (]) | | affiliations = ] (]) | ||
| founder = ] | | founder = ] | ||
| membership = | | membership = | ||
| location = 800+ temples and centres<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.iskcon.org/about-us/what-is-iskcon.php | title=What is ISKCON » Home - ISKCON - the Hare Krishna Movement }}</ref> | | location = 800+ temples and centres<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.iskcon.org/about-us/what-is-iskcon.php | title=What is ISKCON » Home - ISKCON - the Hare Krishna Movement }}</ref> | ||
| area_served = Worldwide | | area_served = Worldwide | ||
| website = {{ |
| website = {{URL|https://www.iskcon.org/}} | ||
| | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{Vaishnavism}} | {{Vaishnavism}} | ||
'''International Society for Krishna Consciousness''' ('''ISKCON'''), commonly referred to as the '''Hare Krishna movement''', is a ] ]. It was founded by ]<ref>{{Harvnb|Gibson|2002|p=6}}</ref> on 13 July 1966 in New York City. ISKCON's main headquarters is in ], ], ] and it claims approximately 1 million members globally. | |||
ISKCON members practice a distinct form of monotheistic Hinduism, grounded in ] and especially guided by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's ] of the '']'' and '']''. Described as “the largest and arguably most important branch” of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition,<ref name="Bryant 2004 34">{{Harvnb|Bryant|Ekstrand|2004|p=34}}</ref> ISKCON traces its roots in India to the early 16th century and expanded to gain followers in America, Europe, and Africa from the mid-to-late 20th century.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031529/http://hinduism.enacademic.com/150/Bharati%2C_Baba_Premanand|date=1 October 2017}}. Hinduism.enacademic.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-26.</ref> | |||
The Hare Krishna movement advocates for ] and was initially founded to promote ]. Followers, known as bhaktas, dedicate their thoughts and actions to devotion toward ], whom they honor as the ].<ref name="Guy">{{Harvnb|Beck|2005|p=39|loc="According to Orthodox Gaudiya. Krishna's svarupa, or true form manifests in three ways. His svayam-rupa or transcendent form is self-existent, not dependent on anything. His tadekatma rupa is identical in essence to his true form, though it differs in appearance (and would include such forms of Krishna as Narayana and Vasudeva). His avesa form has Krishna appearing though in varying degrees of possession"}}</ref> | |||
==History and belief== | ==History and belief== | ||
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]'' during ] Golu at ], Tamil Nadu, India]] | ]'' during ] Golu at ], Tamil Nadu, India]] | ||
ISKCON devotees follow a disciplic line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of ].<ref name="Bryant 2004 34"/> '']'' means 'worship of ]', and '']'' refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of ] and ]. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially ] and ], for the past five hundred years. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by ], who rapidly spread his form of ecstatic '']'' (devotion) throughout Bengal. He established ], the practice of publicly expressing devotion to Krishna, the Supreme God, through dance and song. This form of communal worship responded to rigid caste structures by engaging all people in worship regardless of caste and creed. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized chanting the ] (the 'great mantra'). He is considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas to be an incarnation of Krishna himself.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=http://www.religionfacts.com/hare-krishna|title=Hare Krishna|website=ReligionFacts|language=en|access-date=2019-06-24}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/origins/influences|title=Influences|website=www.patheos.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-24}}</ref> | ISKCON devotees follow a disciplic line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of ].<ref name="Bryant 2004 34"/> '']'' means 'worship of ]', and '']'' refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of ] and ]. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially ] and ], for the past five hundred years. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by ], who rapidly spread his form of ecstatic '']'' (devotion) throughout Bengal. He established ], the practice of publicly expressing devotion to Krishna, the Supreme God, through dance and song. This form of communal worship responded to rigid ] structures by engaging all people in worship regardless of caste and creed. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized chanting the ] (the 'great mantra'). He is considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas to be an incarnation of Krishna himself.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/hare-krishna |title=Hare Krishna |website=ReligionFacts |language=en |access-date=2019-06-24}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/origins/influences |title=Influences |website=www.patheos.com |language=en |access-date=2019-06-24}}</ref> | ||
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the ] in 1965.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Goswami |first=Tamal |title=A Living Theology of Krishna Bhakti: Essential Teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2012 |isbn=9780199950423 |pages=21–37}}</ref> At 70 years old, he landed in New York without any money (40 rupees of Indian currency). Instead of preaching to New York's elite, he tapped into the 1960s countercultural spirit by preaching and chanting in public parks and attracting ] and the youth. His movement, then known as the "Hare Krishna Movement", grew even larger when he relocated to San Francisco a year later.<ref name=":1" /> When it spread to England, it gained publicity and financial backing from the Beatles' ]. He recorded several tracks with the Hare Krishnas and included the Mahamantra in his hit track "My Sweet Lord".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2016/10/27/iskcon-celebrates-50-years-since-its-founding/|title=ISKCON Celebrates 50 Years Since Its Founding|last=Desai|first=Ronak D.|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-06-25}}</ref> The first Hare Krishna commune, ] (West Virginia), was established by Prabhupada in 1968.<ref name=":02" /> Since then, ISKCON has established more than 800 centers all over the world and has millions of followers.<ref name=":2" /> | Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the ] in 1965.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Goswami |first=Tamal |title=A Living Theology of Krishna Bhakti: Essential Teachings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2012 |isbn=9780199950423 |pages=21–37}}</ref> At 70 years old, he landed in New York without any money (40 rupees of Indian currency). Instead of preaching to New York's elite, he tapped into the 1960s countercultural spirit by preaching and chanting in public parks and attracting ] and the youth. His movement, then known as the "Hare Krishna Movement", grew even larger when he relocated to San Francisco a year later.<ref name=":1" /> When it spread to England, it gained publicity and financial backing from the Beatles' ]. He recorded several tracks with the Hare Krishnas and included the Mahamantra in his hit track "My Sweet Lord".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2016/10/27/iskcon-celebrates-50-years-since-its-founding/ |title=ISKCON Celebrates 50 Years Since Its Founding |last=Desai |first=Ronak D. |website=Forbes |language=en |access-date=2019-06-25}}</ref> The first Hare Krishna commune, ] (West Virginia), was established by Prabhupada in 1968.<ref name=":02" /> Since then, ISKCON has established more than 800 centers all over the world and has millions of followers.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
Key to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology in the Western world were Prabhupada's writings and translations,<ref>A Hinduism, Page 8, Lynne Gibson, 2002</ref> including the '']'', '']'' (''Bhagavata Purana''), '']'', and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as the scriptures of ISKCON.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vedabase.io/en/|title=Online Vedabase - The topmost source of spiritual knowledge|website=vedabase.io}}</ref> | Key to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology in the Western world were Prabhupada's writings and translations,<ref>A Hinduism, Page 8, Lynne Gibson, 2002</ref> including the '']'', '']'' (''Bhagavata Purana''), '']'', and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as the scriptures of ISKCON.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://vedabase.io/en/ |title=Online Vedabase - The topmost source of spiritual knowledge |website=vedabase.io}}</ref> | ||
==Singular worship of Krishna== | |||
ISKCON describes Krishna as the source of all the ] of God.<ref>{{Harvnb|Gibson|2002|p=18}}</ref> Thus ISKCON devotees worship Krishna as the highest form of God, '']'', and often refer to him as '''the Supreme Personality of Godhead''' in writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject. To devotees, ] represents Krishna's divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of devotional love. The individual soul has an eternal spiritual identity which does not ultimately merge into the non-dual consciousness (Brahman) as believed by the ] (]) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers '']'' and '']'' as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts ] authority.<ref>{{cite web | |||
ISKCON describes Krishna as the original source of all the ] of the Almighty God.<ref>{{Harvnb|Gibson|2002|p=18}}</ref> Registered members worship Krishna as the highest form of God, '']'', and often refer to him as ''the Supreme Personality of Godhead'' in their published writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject. | |||
For its devotees, ] represents Krishna's divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of devotional love. The individual soul has an eternal spiritual identity which does not ultimately merge into the non-dual consciousness (Brahman) as believed by the ] (]) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers '']'' and '']'' as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts ] authority.<ref>{{cite web | |||
|url = https://content.iskcon.com/icj/6_2/62jagat.html | |url = https://content.iskcon.com/icj/6_2/62jagat.html | ||
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130629133609/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/6_2/62jagat.html | |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130629133609/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/6_2/62jagat.html | ||
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|last = Brzezinski | |last = Brzezinski | ||
|first = J | |first = J | ||
}}</ref> | |||
}}</ref> It is a ] tradition which has its roots in the theistic ] traditions.<ref name="Ency">{{cite book |author=Laderman, Gary |title=Religion and American Cultures: An Encyclopedia of Traditions, Diversity, and Popular Expressions |publisher=ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara, Calif |year=2003 |isbn=1-57607-238-X |article=ISKCON}}</ref> | |||
Pious believers both teach and claim that ] is greater and far magnanimous than the traditionalist Hindu ] of ], ] and ] and all its conceived emanations. It is a ] tradition which has its roots in the theistic ] traditions.<ref name="Ency">{{cite book |author=Laderman, Gary |title=Religion and American Cultures: An Encyclopedia of Traditions, Diversity, and Popular Expressions |publisher=ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara, Calif |year=2003 |isbn=1-57607-238-X |article=ISKCON}}</ref> | |||
== |
== Religious practices == | ||
], the founder of ISKCON.]] | ], the founder of ISKCON.]] | ||
] through the streets of Boston, Massachusetts.]] | ] through the streets of Boston, Massachusetts.]] | ||
The most famous and publicly recognizable ISKCON practice is ], a congregational chanting or singing of the Hare Krishna mantra. Kirtan is both a way to express devotion to God and a way to attract newcomers to the movement. Devotees gather in public, in streets and parks, to sing the mantra accompanied by instruments like the ], hand cymbals, and the ]. During the 1970s, ISKCON entered the public eye because of this practice. Devotees would sing, distribute books, and proselytize in airports and other public areas, often obtrusively. Sankirtan continues throughout the world today, but in a less confrontational manner.<ref name=":4" /> | The most famous and publicly recognizable ISKCON practice is ], a congregational chanting or singing of the Hare Krishna mantra. Kirtan is both a way to express devotion to God and a way to attract newcomers to the movement. Devotees gather in public, in streets and parks, to sing the mantra accompanied by instruments like the ], hand cymbals, and the ]. During the 1970s, ISKCON entered the public eye because of this practice. Devotees would sing, distribute books, and proselytize in airports and other public areas, often obtrusively. Sankirtan continues throughout the world today, but in a less confrontational manner.<ref name=":4" /> | ||
] is another important religious practice within ISKCON and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is the meditative practice of repeatedly chanting the names of Krishna on a set of prayer beads |
] is another important religious practice within ISKCON and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is the meditative practice of repeatedly chanting the names of Krishna on a set of prayer beads. Its believers chant a mantra: | ||
{{Blockquote|Hare Krishna Hare Krishna <br>Krishna Krishna Hare Hare <br> Hare Rama Hare Rama <br>Rama Rama Hare Hare}} | |||
This mantra is repeated 108 times on the bead. Devotees usually chant 16 rounds of this everyday.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Official Website of ISKCON Temple |url=https://www.iskconbangalore.org/ |access-date= |language=en-GB}}</ref> It is considered the only way of salvation for people in the current age of ]. Prabhupada established a standard for initiated devotees to chant sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on a ] containing 108 beads, daily.<ref>Hüsken, Ute, and Christiane Brosius, eds. ''Ritual matters: dynamic dimensions in practice''. Routledge, 2010.</ref> Each round consists of 1728 repetitions of the names of Krishna.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|title=The Hare Krishna movement the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant|last=Bryant, Edwin Francis. Ekstrand, Maria.|date=2004|publisher=Columbia University Press|oclc=748865897}}</ref> | |||
] is also an important tenet (also called ]) of ISKCON. During arati, devotees offer water, incense, a fire lamp, and flowers to a ], a sacred statue or image of Krishna. This is accompanied by prayers and devotional songs called ]s. Practitioners may perform ''arati'' at their own home or congregate at a temple to join in the ceremony. Along with this worship, devotees will bathe the murti, dress it, offer it food, and even put it to sleep. By doing arati and serving the murti, devotees aim to deepen their relationship with Krishna.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism/rites-and-ceremonies|title=Rites and Ceremonies|website=www.patheos.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> | ] is also an important tenet (also called ]) of ISKCON. During arati, devotees offer water, incense, a fire lamp, and flowers to a ], a sacred statue or image of Krishna. This is accompanied by prayers and devotional songs called ]s. Practitioners may perform ''arati'' at their own home or congregate at a temple to join in the ceremony. Along with this worship, devotees will bathe the murti, dress it, offer it food, and even put it to sleep. By doing arati and serving the murti, devotees aim to deepen their relationship with Krishna.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.patheos.com/library/iskcon-hare-krishna/ritual-worship-devotion-symbolism/rites-and-ceremonies|title=Rites and Ceremonies|website=www.patheos.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> | ||
ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at a program known as the Sunday Feast)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://back2godhead.com/sunday-feast/|title=The Hare Krishna Temple Sunday Feast|date=2019-10-31|website=Back to Godhead|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> to worship deities, listen to discourses by senior devotees, participate in kirtan and eat sanctified offered food ]. Devotees place great emphasis on listening to spiritual discourses, believing them to be a key role in spiritual advancement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spiritual Discourses |url=https://www.iskconmysore.org/spiritual-discourses/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Iskcon |language=en-US}}</ref> | ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at a program known as the Sunday Feast)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://back2godhead.com/sunday-feast/|title=The Hare Krishna Temple Sunday Feast|date=2019-10-31|website=Back to Godhead|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> to worship deities, listen to discourses by senior devotees, participate in kirtan and eat sanctified offered food ]m. Devotees place great emphasis on listening to spiritual discourses, believing them to be a key role in spiritual advancement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spiritual Discourses |url=https://www.iskconmysore.org/spiritual-discourses/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Iskcon |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
=== Four Regulative Principles === | === Four Regulative Principles === | ||
During initiation (]) ISKCON devotees vow to follow four basic rules and regulations.<ref name=":4" /> |
During initiation (]) ISKCON devotees vow to follow four basic rules and regulations.<ref name=":4" /> | ||
* |
* The consumption of only ] diet (abstinence from meat, fish, eggs). | ||
* |
* Prohibition against consuming any intoxicants (i.e., onion, garlic, coffee, caffeinated drinks, tea, tobacco cigarettes, drugs and alcohol) | ||
* |
* Prohibition against ] | ||
* |
* Prohibition against draining sexual energy by engaging in 'illicit sexual activity and relationships' outside of marriage. | ||
=== |
=== Celebrated festivals === | ||
] |
] in ], Russia, 2009]] | ||
Besides weekly gatherings, devotees within the ISKCON movement celebrate a diverse array of Hindu festivals, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Festivals » Home – ISKCON – The Hare Krishna Movement|url=https://www.iskcon.org/activities/festivals.php|access-date=2020-01-04|language=en-US}}</ref> | Besides weekly gatherings, devotees within the ISKCON movement celebrate a diverse array of Hindu festivals, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Festivals » Home – ISKCON – The Hare Krishna Movement|url=https://www.iskcon.org/activities/festivals.php|access-date=2020-01-04|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
The Ratha Yatra ] is an annual parade whereby devotees chant and dance on the street, pulling a chariot with the deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra behind them. This public procession is typically followed by performances and free vegetarian food.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.krishna.com/ratha-yatra-festival-chariots|title=Ratha-yatra, The Festival of Chariots {{!}} Krishna.com|website=www.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | The Ratha Yatra ] is an annual parade whereby devotees chant and dance on the street, pulling a chariot with the deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra behind them. This public procession is typically followed by performances and free vegetarian food.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.krishna.com/ratha-yatra-festival-chariots|title=Ratha-yatra, The Festival of Chariots {{!}} Krishna.com|website=www.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
=== |
=== Public preaching === | ||
ISKCON advocates preaching.<ref>ISKON LAWBOOK, Section 4.3, International Society For Krishna Consciousness, http://krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123155425/http://krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }}, Publication 19 October 2009</ref> Members try to spread Krishna consciousness primarily by singing the ] in public places and by selling Indian spiritual books transcribed from their original languages and published in English by the |
ISKCON advocates preaching.<ref>ISKON LAWBOOK, Section 4.3, International Society For Krishna Consciousness, http://krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123155425/http://krishna.ie/images/docs/2009-10-19-IskconLawBook.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }}, Publication 19 October 2009</ref> Members try to spread Krishna consciousness primarily by singing the ] in public places and by selling Indian spiritual books transcribed from their original languages and published in English by the movement's founder, Prabhupada.<ref>Krishna Consciousness in the West – ''David G. Bromley, Prof. Larry D. Shinn'', 1989, Page 149</ref> | ||
A study conducted by E. Burke Rochford Jr. at the ] found that there are four types of contact between those in ISKCON and prospective members: individually motivated contact, contact made with members in public areas, contact made through personal connections, and contact with sympathizers of the movement who strongly encourage people to join.<ref name="Hare Krishna Movement">Rochford, E Burke, Jr.''Recruitment Strategies, Ideology, and Organization in the Hare Krishna Movement'' <u>Social Problems Vol.29, No 4</u> 1982</ref> | |||
A study conducted by the American researcher E. Burke Rochford Jr. at the ] found that there are four types of contact between those in ISKCON and prospective members: individually motivated contact, contact made with members in public areas, contact made through personal connections, and contact with sympathizers of the movement who strongly encourage people to join.<ref name="Hare Krishna Movement">Rochford, E Burke, Jr. ''Recruitment Strategies, Ideology, and Organization in the Hare Krishna Movement''. Social Problems Vol.29, No. 4, 1982</ref> | |||
According to the doctrine of ], one does not need to be born in a ] family to take up the practice. | |||
==Organizational management== | |||
==Management structure== | |||
] | ] | ||
Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON.<ref name="Das1982">{{Cite book|author=Das Goswami, S.|title=Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, Vol 4: In Every Town and Village, Around the World, 1968–1971|publisher=Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust|year=1982|isbn=978-0892131150|author-link=Satsvarupa dasa Goswami}}</ref><ref> "Insider and Outsider Perceptions of Prabhupada" in '']'' Vol. 5, No 1, June 1997: "In an evaluation of the nature of the guru, Larry Shinn, a scholar of religions, utilised Max Weber's analysis of charisma in order to understand Prabhupada and the issue of leadership in ISKCON. He noted that 'Prabhupada profited from two intertwined sources of authority' (1987:40), the traditional authority of the disciplic lineage, parampara, inherited from his own guru, and his own charismatic authority, derived from his spiritual attainment and presence |
Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON.<ref name="Das1982">{{Cite book|author=Das Goswami, S.|title=Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, Vol 4: In Every Town and Village, Around the World, 1968–1971|publisher=Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust|year=1982|isbn=978-0892131150|author-link=Satsvarupa dasa Goswami}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508085314/http://www.leeds.ac.uk/trs/staff/kim_knott.htm |date=8 May 2011 }} "Insider and Outsider Perceptions of Prabhupada" in '']'' Vol. 5, No 1, June 1997: "In an evaluation of the nature of the guru, Larry Shinn, a scholar of religions, utilised Max Weber's analysis of charisma in order to understand Prabhupada and the issue of leadership in ISKCON. He noted that 'Prabhupada profited from two intertwined sources of authority' (1987:40), the traditional authority of the disciplic lineage, parampara, inherited from his own guru, and his own charismatic authority, derived from his spiritual attainment and presence{{nbsp}} (49) Shinn offered an analysis based on sociological rather than spiritual (Vaishnava) authority in order to make sense of the role of guru in ISKCON and the unique qualities of Prabhupada." See also Larry D. Shinn (1987), ''The Dark Lord: Cult Images and the Hare Krishnas in America''. Philadelphia: The Westview Press.</ref> | ||
The Governing Body Commission (or GBC) is the managerial authority of ISKCON. Created by Bhaktivedanta in 1970 it meets annually.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|pp=181–183; 30: "Out of some of his most committed disciples, Srila Prabhupada created ISKCON's international Governing Body Commission (GBC)"}}</ref> In a document ''Direction of Management'' written on 28 July 1970 ] appointed twelve members to the commission, all of them non-], including ], ], and ].<ref name="Das1982" /> The letter outlined the purposes of the commission: improving the standard of temple management, the spread of Krishna consciousness, the distribution of books and literature, the opening of new centers and the education of the devotees. GBC has since grown in size to include 48 senior members from the movement who make decisions based on ] of opinion.<ref name="Das1982" /><ref>{{cite book|author1=Maria Ekstrand|title=The Hare Krishna movement: the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant|author2=Bryant, Edwin H.|publisher=]|year=2004|isbn=0-231-12256-X|location=New York|page=205}} Prabhupada. Letter of 28 July 1970. "As we have increased our volume of activities, now I think a Governing Body Commission (hereinafter referred to as the G.B.C.) should be established. I am getting old, 75 years old, therefore at any time I may be out of the scene, therefore I think it is necessary to give instruction to my disciples how they shall manage the whole institution. They are already managing individual centers represented by one president, one secretary and one treasurer, and in my opinion they are doing nice. But we want still more improvement in the standard of Temple management, propaganda for Krishna consciousness, distribution of books and literatures, opening of new centers and educating devotees to the right standard."</ref> | The Governing Body Commission (or GBC) is the managerial authority of ISKCON. Created by Bhaktivedanta in 1970, it meets annually.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|pp=181–183; 30: "Out of some of his most committed disciples, Srila Prabhupada created ISKCON's international Governing Body Commission (GBC)"}}</ref> In a document ''Direction of Management'' written on 28 July 1970 ] appointed twelve members to the commission, all of them non-], including ], ], and ].<ref name="Das1982" /> The letter outlined the purposes of the commission: improving the standard of temple management, the spread of Krishna consciousness, the distribution of books and literature, the opening of new centers and the education of the devotees. GBC has since grown in size to include 48 senior members from the movement who make decisions based on ] of opinion.<ref name="Das1982" /><ref>{{cite book|author1=Maria Ekstrand|title=The Hare Krishna movement: the postcharismatic fate of a religious transplant|author2=Bryant, Edwin H.|publisher=]|year=2004|isbn=0-231-12256-X|location=New York|page=205}} Prabhupada. Letter of 28 July 1970. "As we have increased our volume of activities, now I think a Governing Body Commission (hereinafter referred to as the G.B.C.) should be established. I am getting old, 75 years old, therefore at any time I may be out of the scene, therefore I think it is necessary to give instruction to my disciples how they shall manage the whole institution. They are already managing individual centers represented by one president, one secretary and one treasurer, and in my opinion they are doing nice. But we want still more improvement in the standard of Temple management, propaganda for Krishna consciousness, distribution of books and literatures, opening of new centers and educating devotees to the right standard."</ref> | ||
Shortly after establishing the GBC, Prabhupada asked his newly appointed leaders to renounce the everyday world and become '']'' (renunciate monks), indicating that those who set policy would not be involved with financial dealings. |
Shortly after establishing the GBC, Prabhupada asked his newly appointed leaders to renounce the everyday world and become '']'' (renunciate monks), indicating that those who set policy would not be involved with financial dealings. However, after Prabhupada's death some GBC members adopted lavish lifestyles. A number of schisms tested the notion of the supreme authority of the GBC. Some of these scandals involved GBC members ] (Hansadutta) and ] (Jayatirtha), as well as one of the leaders of the ] community, ] (Kirtanananda), who surrounded himself with opulence and declared himself the only true successor to Prabhupada.<ref>Streissguth, Thomas (1995) ''Charismatic cult leaders'' pp. 128–132 {{ISBN|1-881508-18-8}}</ref> | ||
In 1982, the GBC began the slow process of adding new gurus to the original eleven. In 1983 the GBC was announced to be the highest ecclesiastical authority of ISKCON.<ref name=Bromley>Bromley, David G. & Phillip E. Hammond (1987) ''The Future of new religious movements'', New Ecumenical Research Association, Mercer University Press, pp. 126–129, {{ISBN|0-86554-238-4}}</ref> In 1985 the decision was made to lower the standard of living for ISKCON leadership. After much heated discussion, the GBC decided to "relieve" a number of leaders and new leaders were selected. The young leaders of the GBC sought the advice of one of Prabhupada's Gaudiya |
In 1982, the GBC began the slow process of adding new gurus to the original eleven. In 1983 the GBC was announced to be the highest ecclesiastical authority of ISKCON.<ref name=Bromley>Bromley, David G. & Phillip E. Hammond (1987) ''The Future of new religious movements'', New Ecumenical Research Association, Mercer University Press, pp. 126–129, {{ISBN|0-86554-238-4}}</ref> In 1985 the decision was made to lower the standard of living for ISKCON leadership. After much heated discussion, the GBC decided to "relieve" a number of leaders and new leaders were selected. The young leaders of the GBC sought the advice of one of Prabhupada's Gaudiya godbrothers, and endeavored to become more integrated in the broader ] community.<ref name=Bromley /> | ||
After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders in ISKCON, overriding the former GBC supposition that "unprotected, 'women leaders become subject to various forms of mistreatment and abuse'". In 1998 Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC.<ref name=RochfordWomen>Rochford (2007) p. 148 NYU Press</ref> |
After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders in ISKCON, overriding the former GBC supposition that "unprotected, 'women leaders become subject to various forms of mistreatment and abuse'". In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC.<ref name=RochfordWomen>Rochford (2007) p. 148 NYU Press</ref> The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.<ref name="Women in ISKCON">" {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130629124035/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/8_1/women.html |date=29 June 2013 }}" by Visakha Dasi and Sudharma Dasi{{Verify source|date=March 2010}}</ref> | ||
===Succession of teachings=== | ===Succession of teachings=== | ||
{{Main|ISKCON guru system}} | {{Main|ISKCON guru system}} | ||
] wood given by an ISKCON guru at the initiation to an ] devotee]] | ] wood given by an ISKCON guru at the initiation to an ] devotee]] | ||
Prabhupada claimed to belong to the traditional system of '']'', or disciplic succession, in which teachings upheld by scriptures are handed down from master to disciple, generation after generation. | Prabhupada claimed to belong to the traditional system of '']'', or disciplic succession, in which teachings upheld by scriptures are handed down from master to disciple, generation after generation.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} | ||
=== Women's |
=== Women's roles === | ||
Women's roles are a controversial issue within ISKCON, and its members have strongly divergent opinions regarding the interpretation of Prabhupada's teachings on gender roles.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |last1=Rochford |first1=E. Burke Jr. |title=Hare Krishna Transformed |publisher=New York University Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780814775783}}</ref> While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hdgoswami.com/questions-and-answers/role-of-women/|title=Role of Women|last1=Dasa Goswami|first1=Hridayananda|date=15 August 2013}}</ref> other leaders disagree, and maintain that "traditional" roles for women are more appropriate. |
Women's roles are a controversial issue within ISKCON, and its members have strongly divergent opinions regarding the interpretation of Prabhupada's teachings on gender roles.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |last1=Rochford |first1=E. Burke Jr. |title=Hare Krishna Transformed |publisher=New York University Press |year=2007 |isbn=9780814775783}}</ref> While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hdgoswami.com/questions-and-answers/role-of-women/|title=Role of Women|last1=Dasa Goswami|first1=Hridayananda|date=15 August 2013}}</ref> other leaders disagree, and maintain that "traditional" roles for women are more appropriate. Concerns have been expressed regarding the perceived potential for adverse effects stemming from ] ideals infiltrating the regulations of ISKCON.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://v1.bvks.com/2013/01/feminist-rhetoric-on-dandavats|title=Feminist Rhetoric on Dandavats|last1=Swami|first1=Bhakti Vikasa}}</ref> | ||
Since ] are the most respected position in Vedic culture, women within the Hare Krishna community are all viewed with reverence, especially by celibate male monks, also known as '']''. "Mataji" (lit. Mother) is a term of respect for women in ISKCON, and is often prefixed to the Sanskrit name they receive in initiation. Unmarried women are also referred to in this term.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/moonsisterskrish0000palm/page/15|title=Moon Sisters, Krishna Mothers, Rajneesh Lovers: Women's Role in New Religions|last=Palmer|first=Susan|publisher=Syracuse University Press|year=1994|isbn=978-0-8156-0297-2|location=Syracuse, New York|pages=}}</ref> | |||
Prabhupada in his original writings encouraged the complete equality of women in the eye of ] based on the teachings of Bhagavad Gita that soul does not have any gender and everybody is eligible for spiritual liberation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/5/18/|title=Bg. 5.18|website=vedabase.io}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/9/32/|title=Bg. 9.32|website=vedabase.io}}</ref> | |||
Since ] is the most respected position in Vedic culture, women within the Hare Krishna community are all viewed as mothers, especially by celibate male members '']''. "Mother is a term of respect for women in ISKCON, and is often prefixed to the Sanskrit name they receive in initiation. Even unmarried women are referred to as mothers".<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/moonsisterskrish0000palm/page/15|title=Moon Sisters, Krishna Mothers, Rajneesh Lovers: Women's Role in New Religions|last=Palmer|first=Susan|publisher=Syracuse University Press|year=1994|isbn=978-0-8156-0297-2|location=Syracuse, New York|pages=}}</ref> | |||
] is the first woman appointed to the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)]] | ] is the first woman appointed to the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)]] | ||
After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders and initiators in ISKCON. In 1998 ] became the first woman appointed to the GBC.<ref name="RochfordWomen"/> |
After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders and initiators in ISKCON. In 1998, ] became the first woman appointed to the GBC.<ref name="RochfordWomen"/> The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.<ref name="women">" {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130629124035/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/8_1/women.html|date=29 June 2013}}" by Visakha Dasi and Sudharma Dasi{{Verify source|date=March 2010}}</ref> | ||
An updated document was released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/gbc-approves-vaishnavi-diksa-gurus-in-iskcon,7126/|title=GBC Approves Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus in ISKCON|website=ISKCON News|date=18 October 2019|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | |||
A document released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/gbc-approves-vaishnavi-diksa-gurus-in-iskcon,7126/|title=GBC Approves Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus in ISKCON|website=ISKCON News|date=18 October 2019|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04}}{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | |||
The ministry was developed to account for the growing interest of female devotees to partake in temple practices and ensure representation in decision making. | |||
=== |
=== Office for Child Protection === | ||
In 1998, ISKCON published an exposé of widespread physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children in the group's boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s. The |
In 1998, ISKCON published an exposé of widespread physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children in the group's boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s. The report stated that the monks and young devotees caring for the children had no training in the task and often resented having to perform it. At a meeting in 1996, former young members testified that they had been regularly beaten at school, denied medical care, and sexually molested and raped.<ref name="nytimes.com" /> | ||
In 2002 a suit for $900 |
In 2002, a suit for $900{{nbsp}}million was filed in Texas State Court by alleged victims of abuse in ISKCON boarding schools.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/1809847.stm|title=BBC News – Americas – Krishnas to file for bankruptcy|work=bbc.co.uk|date=8 February 2002}}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html|title=Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools|last=Goodstein|first=Laurie|date=9 October 1998|work=The New York Times}}</ref> ISKCON later filed for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-09-me-chbrief9.2-story.html|title=Hare Krishnas Say Suit Spurs Bankruptcy Filing|work=Los Angeles Times|date=9 February 2002 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306031506/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/feb/09/local/me-chbrief9.2|archive-date=6 March 2016|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The eventual 2008 settlement in what became known as the Turley Case was $15{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html|title=Children of ISKCON vs. ISKCON Timeline|publisher=Surrealist.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209234239/http://surrealist.org/gurukula/timeline/lawsuit.html|archive-date=9 February 2018|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | ||
The |
The ''ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection'' department office was established by the GBC in 1997. It released its first official Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines. The CPO has provided Child Protection Information Training to over 500 child care providers within the organization internationally and continues to file and review reports on local Child Protection Teams in 2005. The Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines were revised and ratified by the GBC in June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://childprotectionoffice.org/main/|title=ISKCON Child Protection Office|work=childprotectionoffice.org|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824031858/http://childprotectionoffice.org/main/|archive-date=24 August 2017|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> | ||
== Kirtan and |
== Kirtan and musical influence == | ||
] in ] in August 2014]] | ] in ] in August 2014]] | ||
The practice of mantra |
The practice of mantra chanting and devotional singing, also known as ], is prominent in the ISKCON movement. Dedicated kirtan festivals are held annually around the world, such as the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in Boone, North Carolina,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sadhusangaretreat.com/|title=Sadhu Sanga Retreat – Sadhu Sanga Retreat organized in the USA by Indradyumna Swami|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Kirtan 50<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kirtan50.com/|title=Kirtan50 – Dallas New Year Kirtan Festival|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows, in Durbuy, Belgium. Notable ''kirtaneers'' include ], ], and the Mayapuris,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mayapuris.com/|title=Home|last=kishrico|website=The Mayapuris|language=en-CA|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> who have all released Kirtan albums. Kirtan sessions are also held outside of temple settings, including at a local university "Bhakti Clubs", mantra lounges, and at a yoga and wellness festivals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/|title=Mantra Lounge|website=Kirtan London – Official Website|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229071049/http://www.kirtanlondon.com/mantra-lounge/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva Kultura<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vivakultura.com/|title=Viva Kultura Home|last=Srinam|website=Viva Kultura|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and Vande Arts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/vande-supports-vaishnava-arts-and-culture-in-iskcon,3559/|title=VANDE Supports Vaishnava Arts and Culture in ISKCON|website=ISKCON News|date=November 2012|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | |||
Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva Kultura<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://vivakultura.com/|title=Viva Kultura Home|last=Srinam|website=Viva Kultura|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and Vande Arts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/vande-supports-vaishnava-arts-and-culture-in-iskcon,3559/|title=VANDE Supports Vaishnava Arts and Culture in ISKCON|website=ISKCON News|date=November 2012|language=en|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818211816/https://iskconnews.org/vande-supports-vaishnava-arts-and-culture-in-iskcon,3559/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
], in ] on March 18, 2016.]] | |||
The Hare Krishna mantra appears in some famous songs, such as former ] ]'s 1970 hit "]".<ref>Graham M. Schweig, "Krishna: The Intimate Deity", in Bryant and Ekstrand, p. 14.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Lavezzoli|2006|p=186}}</ref> ] included the phrase "Hare Krishna" in his lyrics to "]" and the Beatles' 1967 track "]". The backing vocalists also sing the phrase in ]'s 1971 hit "]", written with the help of Harrison, although the words were mixed low on the released version.{{sfn|Spizer|2005|p=294}} | The Hare Krishna mantra appears in some famous songs, such as former ] ]'s 1970 hit "]".<ref>Graham M. Schweig, "Krishna: The Intimate Deity", in Bryant and Ekstrand, p. 14.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Lavezzoli|2006|p=186}}</ref> ] included the phrase "Hare Krishna" in his lyrics to "]" and the Beatles' 1967 track "]". The backing vocalists also sing the phrase in ]'s 1971 hit "]", written with the help of Harrison, although the words were mixed low on the released version.{{sfn|Spizer|2005|p=294}} | ||
Of the four Beatles, only Harrison fully embraced Krishna Consciousness. He also provided financial support for ISKCON's UK branch and in 1973 purchased ] for their temple compound.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|pp=31–32}}</ref> Harrison enjoyed a warm friendship with Prabhupada,<ref>{{Harvnb|Greene|2006|pp=148, 198–199}}</ref><ref>Carol Clerk, "George Harrison", '']'', February 2002; available at (subscription required).</ref> who provided the inspiration for Harrison songs such as "]".<ref>{{Harvnb|Lavezzoli|2006|pp=194–195}}</ref> | Of the four Beatles, only Harrison fully embraced Krishna Consciousness. He also provided financial support for ISKCON's UK branch and in 1973 purchased ] for their temple compound.<ref>{{Harvnb|Cole|Dwyer|2007|pp=31–32}}</ref> Harrison enjoyed a warm friendship with Prabhupada,<ref>{{Harvnb|Greene|2006|pp=148, 198–199}}</ref><ref>Carol Clerk, "George Harrison", '']'', February 2002; available at (subscription required).</ref> who provided the inspiration for Harrison songs such as "]".<ref>{{Harvnb|Lavezzoli|2006|pp=194–195}}</ref> | ||
In the 1980s underground ] ] band the ] included Hare Krishna members and made references to Krishna Consciousness. By the early 1990s, an entire ] ] subgenre was established with other ] bands like ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alpineanarchist.org/r_krishna.html|title = Alpine Anarchist Productions}}</ref> | In the 1980s, underground ] ] band the ] included Hare Krishna members and made references to Krishna Consciousness. By the early 1990s, an entire ] ] subgenre was established with other ] bands like ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alpineanarchist.org/r_krishna.html|title = Alpine Anarchist Productions}}</ref> | ||
In 2020, ] and ] collaborated on the song "Surrender (Krishna Keshava"), and the album "RISE", |
In 2020, ] and ] collaborated on the song "Surrender (Krishna Keshava"), and the album "RISE",<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Surrender (Krishna Keshava) – Single by Willow & Jahnavi Harrison |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/surrender-krishna-keshava-single/1512296922 |website=Music.apple.com |date=15 May 2020 |access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Surrender (Krishna Keshava) de Willow – Streaming de música – Escúchalo en Deezer |url=https://www.deezer.com/mx/album/147378972 |website=Deezer.com|date=15 May 2020 |language=es-MX |access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref> featuring ancient sacred songs from India with ] lyrics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pause For Thought – Pause For Thought: 'How a simple song can become a beacon of hope.' BBC Sounds |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08d1pjz|website=www.bbc.co.uk |access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref> | ||
== Vegetarianism == | == Vegetarianism == | ||
] is one of the four tenets of ISKCON.<ref name=":3" /> Due to Prabhupada's focus on food distribution, many ISKCON devotees have opened vegan and vegetarian eateries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ffl.org/about-us/mission/prabhupada/|title=Prabhupada|website=Food for Life Global|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Not all restaurants opened by ISKCON members are officially affiliated with ISKCON, although many Govindas' restaurants or catering businesses operate out of the main temple center.{{ |
] is one of the four tenets of ISKCON.<ref name=":3" /> Due to Prabhupada's focus on food distribution, many ISKCON devotees have opened vegan and vegetarian eateries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ffl.org/about-us/mission/prabhupada/|title=Prabhupada|website=Food for Life Global|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Not all restaurants opened by ISKCON members are officially affiliated with ISKCON, although many Govindas' restaurants or catering businesses operate out of the main temple center.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dokras |first=Dr Uday |date=2023-01-01 |title=ISKCON temple |url=https://www.academia.edu/112578849 |journal=INAC}}</ref> | ||
The |
The ISKCON followers refer to their diet as 'Krishnatarian'. According to them "A Krishnatarian meal is one which is cooked using fresh, vegetarian ingredients (excluding onion, garlic, red lentils and mushrooms) and milk products which is cooked by an Iskcon follower and offered to their main deities before it is distributed and consumed."<ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.33083/joghat.2020.28 | title=An Ethnographic Inquiry Towards 'Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna Religious Tourists Food Consumption Habits While on a Holiday in India | year=2020 | last1=Dewan | first1=Mayukh | journal=Journal of Gastronomy Hospitality and Travel | volume=3 | pages=30–41 | s2cid=225748638 | doi-access=free }}</ref> | ||
==Demographics== | ==Demographics== | ||
]]] | |||
ISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in ].<ref> of ISKCON on ''Religion Media Centre''</ref> | |||
], Ukraine, 2011]] | |||
ISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in ].<ref name=":5"> of ISKCON on ''Religion Media Centre''</ref> | |||
In the West it "has a relatively small number of followers", estimated at "a few thousand full-time practitioners", but those showing interest in its activities might number into the "tens of thousands."<ref>Malory Nye, ''Religion: The Basics'', Routledge, 2012, pp. 29–30</ref> | In the West it "has a relatively small number of followers", estimated at "a few thousand full-time practitioners", but those showing interest in its activities might number into the "tens of thousands."<ref>Malory Nye, ''Religion: The Basics'', Routledge, 2012, pp. 29–30</ref> | ||
After |
After considerable success in the West due to the ], ISKCON lost its momentum from the early 1980s onward, "facing a sharp decline in membership and in financial resources" in North America and in Western Europe, while in the late 1990s the situation began to deteriorate in Eastern Europe as well. In 2000, it was estimated that only 750–900 members were residing in ISKCON centers in the United States. Since then, ISKCON has depended on the ] to "revitalize" the movement; in most North American congregations Indian members making up 80% of the numbers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Burke Rochford |first=Edmund Jr. |title=Hare Krishna in the Modern World |publisher=Arktos |year=2013 |editor-last=Dwyer |editor-first=Graham |pages=23 |chapter=Sociological Reflections on the History and Development of the Hare Krishna Movement |editor-last2=Cole |editor-first2=Richard}}</ref> | ||
== Criticism and controversies == | |||
== Controversies == | |||
{{Multiple issues|{{prose|section|date=October 2024}} | |||
{{criticism section|section|date=October 2024}}|section=yes}} | |||
ISKCON has experienced a number of significant internal problems, the majority of which occurred from the late 1970s onwards, and especially within the decade following Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html|title=Hare Krishna! iskcon.com is your official guide to the International Society For Krishna Consciousness|work=iskcon.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211232601/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html|archive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some ]s.<ref name="Knott2000">{{cite journal |last=Knott|first= K.|year=2000|title=In Every Town and Village: Adaptive Strategies in the Communication of Krishna Consciousness in the UK, the First Thirty Years |journal=Social Compass|volume=47 |issue=2 |page=153 |doi=10.1177/003776800047002002 |s2cid=144738742}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Larry Shinn|title=The Maturation of the Hare Krishnas in America |url=https://content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103082938/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html|archive-date=2013-01-03|access-date=2008-04-18|author-link=Larry Shinn|website=iskcon.com }}</ref> | ISKCON has experienced a number of significant internal problems, the majority of which occurred from the late 1970s onwards, and especially within the decade following Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html|title=Hare Krishna! iskcon.com is your official guide to the International Society For Krishna Consciousness|work=iskcon.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211232601/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/5_1/5_1perils.html|archive-date=11 February 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=22 July 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some ]s.<ref name="Knott2000">{{cite journal |last=Knott|first= K.|year=2000|title=In Every Town and Village: Adaptive Strategies in the Communication of Krishna Consciousness in the UK, the First Thirty Years |journal=Social Compass|volume=47 |issue=2 |page=153 |doi=10.1177/003776800047002002 |s2cid=144738742}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Larry Shinn|title=The Maturation of the Hare Krishnas in America |url=https://content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103082938/http://content.iskcon.com/icj/2_1/shinn.html|archive-date=2013-01-03|access-date=2008-04-18|author-link=Larry Shinn|website=iskcon.com }}</ref> | ||
* In a 1976 case, ''People vs. Murphy'', a criminal trial court in Queens County, New York held that "'he Hare Krishna religion is a ] religion with roots in India that go back thousands of years." In that case, a grand jury indicted Iskcon, Inc. and the president of an ISKCON temple for the crime of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. Although the parents of two Hare Krishna members claimed ISKCON had allegedly imprisoned their children through brainwashing, Justice John J. Leahy dismissed the criminal indictments on the basis that the two members had freely followed the tenets of their chosen faith.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=16 March 1977|title=People vs. Murphy|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/197733398misc2d2351294|journal=The Leagle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/18/archives/judge-rejects-charges-of-brainwashing-against-hare-krishna-aides.html|title=Judge Rejects Charges of Brainwashing against Hare Krishna Leaders|date=18 March 1977|work=]}}</ref> | |||
* In a 1984 case, George v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, a lawsuit that led to lengthy appeals resulting in a mixed judgment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Taylor |first=Wilbert Lee |date=Fall 1984 |title=Religion on Trial: George v. International Society of Krishna Consciousness |url=https://scholarworks.law.ubalt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi |journal=University of Baltimore Law Forum |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=16–29}}</ref> In that case, Marcia and Robin George, a mother and daughter, accused ISKCON of kidnapping Robin via brainwashing and later lying to her parents about her whereabouts. They sued ISKCON for (a) false imprisonment, (b) intentional infliction of emotional distress, (c) libel, and (d) the wrongful death of Robin's father based on stress caused by the alleged circumstances. A California state appellate court dismissed Robin's claims for false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress on the basis that she was not brainwashed, but rather was "a bright and gifted high school student of above-average intelligence and maturity" who was "capable of consenting" to her travels with her purported kidnappers. On the other hand, the same appellate court affirmed the jury verdicts holding ISKCON liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress against Marcia and wrongful death because the defendants had deliberately lied to Robin's parents about her location while actively assisting Robin in her travels. The court also dismissed Robin's libel claim while affirming the jury verdict of libel in favor of Marcia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1775782.html|title = FindLaw's California Court of Appeal case and opinions}}</ref> | |||
* ], or Swami Bhaktipada, a leader of ISKCON, was expelled from the organisation in 1987 for various deviations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna|title=Krishna Expels Leader of Group Under U.S. Probe|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910011138/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna|archive-date=10 September 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was the leader of ], the largest and most famous Hare Krishna community in the United States at that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/can-hare-krishnas-at-palace-of-gold-in-wva-rebuild-its-tarnished-community/2013/01/04/38dbf6a8-ebc8-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html|title=Can Hare Krishnas at Palace of Gold in W.Va. rebuild its tarnished community?|newspaper=]}}</ref> In 1996 Kirtanananda pleaded guilty to one count of ] and after serving 8 years of a 20-year prison sentence was subsequently released in 2004. Previously in 1991 the jury had found him guilty of racketeering and mail fraud. These convictions were later overturned on appeal, only to result in the later retrial.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/us/swami-bhaktipada-ex-hare-krishna-leader-dies-at-74.html|title=Swami Bhaktipada, Ex-Hare Krishna Leader, Dies at 74|first=Margalit|last=Fox|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Disgraced former leader of US Hare Krishna community dies at 74|date=26 October 2011|work=Telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/kirtanananda-swami-us-hare-krishna-leader-deposed-after-a-racketeering-conviction-2376264.html|title=Kirtanananda Swami: US Hare Krishna leader, deposed after a racketeering conviction|work=The Independent|date=30 October 2011}}</ref> | |||
* In the 1990s ISKCON faced accusations of ], and its leaders acknowledged physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children who were sent to live in the rural communities' boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sex-abuse-case-could-ruin-hare-krishnas-5370498.html |title=Sex abuse case could ruin Hare Krishnas |date=2000-06-14 |newspaper=] |access-date=2019-02-16}}</ref><ref name="nytabuse">{{cite news |last1=Goodstein |first1=Laurie |title=Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html |newspaper=] |date=1998-10-09}}</ref> | |||
=== In USA === | |||
Sociologist of religion E. Burke Rochford argues that a culture of abuse in ISKCON schools arose in part because of renunciant leaders' subtle denigration of the value of householders and children.<ref name=":6" /> Several safety regulations and subcommittees, such as ISKCON Resolve and the ISKCON Child Protection Office, have been developed since these allegations to ensure that legal rights as well as the health and safety of devotees.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Once in the shadows, Hare Krishnas now seek to shake off the past|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434|date=2 August 2017|newspaper=Channelnewsasia|department=City: Singapore|agency=TNN|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928182200/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
* In a 1976 case, ''People v. Murphy'', a criminal trial court in Queens County, New York held that "'he Hare Krishna religion is a ] religion with roots in India that go back thousands of years." A grand jury indicted Iskcon, Inc. and the president of an ISKCON temple for the crime of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. Although the parents of two Hare Krishna members claimed ISKCON had allegedly imprisoned their children through brainwashing, Justice John J. Leahy dismissed the criminal indictments on the basis that the two members had freely followed the tenets of their chosen faith.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=16 March 1977|title=People vs. Murphy|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/197733398misc2d2351294|journal=The Leagle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/03/18/archives/judge-rejects-charges-of-brainwashing-against-hare-krishna-aides.html|title=Judge Rejects Charges of Brainwashing against Hare Krishna Leaders|date=18 March 1977|work=]}}</ref> | |||
* In a 1984 case, ''George v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California'', a lawsuit led to lengthy appeals resulting in a mixed judgment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Taylor |first=Wilbert Lee |date=Fall 1984 |title=Religion on Trial: George v. International Society of Krishna Consciousness |url=https://scholarworks.law.ubalt.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi |journal=University of Baltimore Law Forum |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=16–29 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Marcia and Robin George, a mother and daughter, accused ISKCON of kidnapping Robin via brainwashing and later lying to her parents about her whereabouts. They sued ISKCON for false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, libel, and the wrongful death of Robin's father based on stress caused by the alleged circumstances. A California state appellate court dismissed Robin's claims for false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress on the basis that she was not brainwashed, but rather was "a bright and gifted high school student of above-average intelligence and maturity" who was "capable of consenting" to her travels with her purported kidnappers. On the other hand, the same appellate court affirmed the jury verdicts holding ISKCON liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress against Marcia and wrongful death because the defendants had deliberately lied to Robin's parents about her location while actively assisting Robin in her travels. The court also dismissed Robin's libel claim while affirming the jury verdict of libel in favor of Marcia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1775782.html|title = FindLaw's California Court of Appeal case and opinions}}</ref> | |||
* ], or Swami Bhaktipada, a leader of ISKCON, was expelled from the organisation in 1987 for various deviations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-18-mn-7900-story.html|title=Krishna Expels Leader of Group Under U.S. Probe|work=Los Angeles Times|date=18 March 1987 |access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910011138/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-03-18/news/mn-7900_1_hare-krishna|archive-date=10 September 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was the leader of ], the largest and most famous Hare Krishna community in the United States at that time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/can-hare-krishnas-at-palace-of-gold-in-wva-rebuild-its-tarnished-community/2013/01/04/38dbf6a8-ebc8-11e1-a80b-9f898562d010_story.html|title=Can Hare Krishnas at Palace of Gold in W.Va. rebuild its tarnished community?|newspaper=]}}</ref> In 1996, Kirtanananda pleaded guilty to one count of ] and after serving 8 years of a 20-year prison sentence was subsequently released in 2004. Previously, in 1991, the jury had found him guilty of racketeering and mail fraud. These convictions were later overturned on appeal, only to result in the later retrial.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/us/swami-bhaktipada-ex-hare-krishna-leader-dies-at-74.html|title=Swami Bhaktipada, Ex-Hare Krishna Leader, Dies at 74|first=Margalit|last=Fox|newspaper=The New York Times|date=24 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/8849660/Disgraced-former-leader-of-US-Hare-Krishna-community-dies-at-74.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Disgraced former leader of US Hare Krishna community dies at 74|date=26 October 2011|work=Telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/kirtanananda-swami-us-hare-krishna-leader-deposed-after-a-racketeering-conviction-2376264.html|title=Kirtanananda Swami: US Hare Krishna leader, deposed after a racketeering conviction|work=The Independent|date=30 October 2011}}</ref> | |||
=== |
=== In India === | ||
* In the 1990s, ISKCON faced accusations of ], and its leaders acknowledged physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children who were sent to live in the rural communities' boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sex-abuse-case-could-ruin-hare-krishnas-5370498.html |title=Sex abuse case could ruin Hare Krishnas |date=2000-06-14 |newspaper=] |access-date=2019-02-16}}</ref><ref name="nytabuse">{{cite news |last1=Goodstein |first1=Laurie |title=Hare Krishna Movement Details Past Abuse at Its Boarding Schools |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/09/us/hare-krishna-movement-details-past-abuse-at-its-boarding-schools.html |newspaper=] |date=1998-10-09}}</ref> Sociologist of religion E. Burke Rochford argues that a culture of abuse in ISKCON schools arose in part because of renunciant leaders' subtle denigration of the value of householders and children.<ref name=":6" /> Several safety regulations and subcommittees, such as ISKCON Resolve and the ISKCON Child Protection Office, have been developed since these allegations to ensure that the legal rights, as well as the health and safety of devotees, are protected.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Once in the shadows, Hare Krishnas now seek to shake off the past|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434|date=2 August 2017|newspaper=Channelnewsasia|department=City: Singapore|agency=TNN|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928182200/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/once-in-the-shadows-hare-krishnas-now-seek-to-shake-off-the-past-9944434|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
On 11 July 2023, Amogh Leela, an ISKCON monk, was banned from the organization for misinterpreting the ideologies and teachings of ] and ].<ref> | |||
{{Cite web|title=Amogh Lila Prabhu: Ramakrishna-Vivekananda 'mocking', ISKCON bans Amogh, what is the punishment?|url=https://bangla.aajtak.in/desh/story/iskcon-bans-amogh-lila-for-attack-ramakrishna-vivekananda-philosophy-what-is-the-punishment-rjk-612660-2023-07-11 |access-date=2023-07-11|website=Bangla Aajtak}} | |||
</ref> <ref> | |||
{{Cite web|title=Amogh Lila Prabhu on Swamiji: ISKCON bans controversial monk for 'misinterpretation' of Sri Ramakrishna's 'Yat Mat, Tat Path'|url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/kolkata-news/tmc-leader-kunal-ghosh-condemns-amogh-lila-prabhu-statement-on-sri-ramakrishna-and-swami-vivekananda/articleshow/101668136.cms|access-date=2023-07-11|website=Eisamay}} | |||
</ref> | |||
=== In Bangladesh === | |||
], a spokesperson for the Trinamool party, he called upon the Iskcon authorities to promptly address the behavior of the "so-called monk". The said individual allegedly made disparaging remarks about revered personalities, held in high esteem by the populace of ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-11 |title=Swamiji Slur|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/swamiji-slur-iskcon-asks-monk-to-go-on-penance/articleshow/101682811.cms |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=India Times |language=en}}</ref> | |||
* Amit Saha, who was given life imprisonment for the ], was a member of the organisation.<ref>{{cite web | |||
| title = বুয়েট ছাত্রলীগ নেতা অমিত সাহা কোথায়? | |||
| url = https://samakal.com/bangladesh/article/707/ছাত্রলীগ-নেতা-অমিত-সাহা-কোথায় | |||
| date = 2024-12-24 | |||
| archiveurl = http://archive.today/xvXC0 | |||
| archivedate = 2024-12-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.dailyinqilab.com/article/240383/%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE|language=bn|title=উগ্রবাদী ইসকনের সদস্য অমিত সাহা|date=11 October 2019|website=]|access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynayadiganta.com/crime/447245/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF|language=bn|title=আবরার হত্যার মূলচক্রী অমিত সাহা উগ্রবাদী ইসকনের সদস্য|date=11 October 2019|website=]|access-date=27 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
* On 5 November 2024, ] were reported in ] between members of ] and Bangladeshi law enforcement, including the ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title='ISKCON'-backed miscreants attack joint forces in Ctg, 12 injured |url=https://www.daily-bangladesh.com/english/country/99508 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Daily Bangladesh |language=en}}</ref> The unrest began following a Facebook post by Osman Ali, a local shop owner, calling for a ban on ISKCON. In response, a group of ISKCON supporters allegedly attacked Osman's shop with the intent to harm him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Riots erupt in Chattogram over Facebook post, policemen injured |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/8cf56f8a07dd |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=bdnews24 |language=en}}</ref><br>Law enforcement intervened to rescue Osman Ali and his brother from the agitated crowd.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=চট্টগ্রামে পুলিশের উপর ইসকন সমর্থকদের হামলা এসিড নিক্ষেপ |url=https://dailyinqilab.com/bangladesh/news/701055 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Inqilab |language=bn}}</ref> During the operation, the crowd allegedly turned on security forces, throwing bricks and ] while chanting "]."<ref name="tbsnews.net">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-06 |title=ISKCON involved in attack on joint forces in Ctg incident: Police |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/iskcon-involved-attack-joint-forces-ctg-incident-police-986681 |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref> The violence resulted in injuries to nine police officers and five army personnel. Osman's shop was destroyed, and neighboring businesses were damaged.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Chattogram shop vandalised over Facebook post on ISKCON |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/ctg-shop-vandalised-over-facebook-post-iskcon-985481?amp |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref><br>In the aftermath, 82 individuals were arrested, with 49 facing formal charges. Osman Ali was also detained under ].<ref name="tbsnews.net"/> | |||
* On 26 November 2024, ], a lawyer at the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, was killed<ref>{{cite web|title=Bangladesh lawyer killed after clashes over Hindu priest's arrest, Yunus orders probe|website=ThePrint|date=2024-11-26|url=https://theprint.in/world/bangladesh-lawyer-killed-after-clashes-over-hindu-priests-arrest-yunus-orders-probe/2375405/|access-date=2024-11-28}}</ref> during a clash between security forces and protesters demanding the release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bangladesh Lawyer Killed In Clashes Over Hindu Priest's Arrest, Probe Ordered|website=NDTV.com|date=2019-02-22|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bangladesh-lawyer-killed-in-clashes-over-hindu-priests-arrest-probe-ordered-7113201|access-date=2024-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lawyer hacked to death in clash over Chinmoy's release in Chittagong | |||
He was subjected to a disciplinary measure in the form of seclusion from public view for a period of one month and was sent to the hills of ], as a means of ] for his actions. Consequently, he expressed remorse and issued an unconditional apology for his actions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISKCON bans monk for a month over 'inappropriate' comments on Swami Vivekananda |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/story/iskcon-bans-amogh-lila-das-for-derogatory-comments-on-swami-vivekananda-2404969-2023-07-11 |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-11 |title=Iskcon Bans Monk Amogh Lila Das For One Month Over 'Inappropriate, Unacceptable' Comments On Swami Vivekananda |url=https://english.jagran.com/india/iskcon-bans-monk-amogh-lila-das-for-one-month-over-inappropriate-unacceptable-comments-on-swami-vivekananda-10087167 |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref> | |||
|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/amp/bangladesh/366326/1-killed-6-injured-in-clash-over-chinmoy%E2%80%99s |website=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lawyer killed in attack by Chinmoy's supporters|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/en/amp/78667 |website=Jagonews24 |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref><br>According to eyewitness Kayes Uddin Didar, "advocate Alif was at the entrance of Rangan Community Center. He was taken from there and was hacked to death."<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2024 |title=Arrest of Chinmoy: Lawyer killed amid clashes in Chattogram |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/arrest-chinmoy-lawyer-killed-amid-clashes-chattogram-3762226 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/WzDzI |archive-date=28 November 2024}}</ref> Senior lawyer Nurul Mostafa Sohel stated that "Alif went to the spot after being informed about an attack on a mosque. He was taken from there and was hacked dead."<br>The violence began when protesters obstructed a prison van carrying the former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, demanding his release.<ref>{{cite web |title=Violence erupts in Chattogram over ISKCON leader's bail rejection |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/e9b2958b3697 |website=BDNews24 |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lawyer killed in clash between police and Chinmoy followers in Ctg|url=https://www.observerbd.com/news/500758 |website=The Daily Observer |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-26 |title=1 killed, 27 injured as Bangladesh police use teargas to disperse Hindu protesters after priest Chinmoy Krishna Das' arrest |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/1-killed-27-injured-as-bangladesh-police-use-teargas-to-disperse-hindu-protesters-after-priest-chinmoy-krishna-das-arrest/articleshow/115701407.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128134123/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/1-killed-27-injured-as-bangladesh-police-use-teargas-to-disperse-hindu-protesters-after-priest-chinmoy-krishna-das-arrest/articleshow/115701407.cms |archive-date=2024-11-28 |access-date=2024-11-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><br>According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, demonstrators threw bricks at the police, prompting officers to use tear gas and sound grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd. This escalation occurred as tensions rose during the protests.<ref>{{cite web|title=One killed in Bangladesh as Hindu protesters clash with police|website=Reuters|date=2024-11-27|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-police-us-teargas-against-hindu-protesters-2024-11-26/#:~:text='RAMPAGE',had%20to%20fire%20tear%20gas.|access-date=2024-11-28}}</ref> In retaliation, the protesters attacked nearby establishments, mosques and lawyers' vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |title=CTG court area turns violent over denial of ex-ISKCON leader's bail; lawyer killed |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/ctg-court-area-turns-violent-over-denial-of-ex-iskcon-leaders-bail-lawyer-killed/147779 |website=UNB |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Killers of Adv Saiful will certainly face strict punishment: Adviser Nahid |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/killers-adv-saiful-will-certainly-face-strict-punishment-adviser-nahid-1003481?amp |website=The Business Standard |access-date=27 November 2024 |date=26 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2024 |title=Bangladesh police clash with protesters as Hindu leader detained |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/26/bangladesh-police-clash-with-protesters-as-hindu-leader-detained |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128031621/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/26/bangladesh-police-clash-with-protesters-as-hindu-leader-detained |archive-date=28 November 2024 |work=Al Jazeera}}</ref><br>Among those linked to Saiful Islam Alif's death is Shuvo Kanti Das, alleged to be an active member of ISKCON and associated with the banned terrorist organization ], student wing of the political party, ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Yousuf|first=Mizanur Rahman|title=Who took part in attack on Ctg lawyer?|website=The Business Standard|date=2024-11-28|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/who-took-part-attack-ctg-lawyer-1004326|access-date=2024-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2024 |title=আইনজীবী সাইফুল হত্যাকাণ্ডে বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় শিক্ষার্থী বহিষ্কার |url=https://thedailycampus.com/crime-and-discipline/161296 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128025919/https://thedailycampus.com/crime-and-discipline/161296 |archive-date=28 November 2024}}</ref> Along with him around 30 suspects were detained in connection with the incident.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Who took part in attack on Ctg lawyer? |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/who-took-part-attack-ctg-lawyer-1004326 |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=30 Detained After Lawyer Killed In Bangladesh Clashes Over Hindu Priest's Arrest|website=www.ndtv.com|date=2024-11-28|url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/30-detained-after-lawyer-killed-in-bangladesh-clashes-over-hindu-priest-s-arrest-866354|access-date=2024-11-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=30 detained over killing of lawyer in clash between Bangladesh police, followers of jailed Hindu leader|website=The Tribune|date=2024-11-27|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/30-detained-over-killing-of-lawyer-in-clash-between-bangladesh-police-followers-of-jailed-hindu-leader/|access-date=2024-11-28}}</ref> | |||
==Persecutions== | |||
He often discusses ] and ] ], and his views on these topics are not supported by scientific evidence.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Amogh Leela |date=2022-08-21 |title=Big Bang |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kS-OqShqfY&t|access-date=2023-07-11 |language=hi}}</ref> Lila's promotion of ], has been criticized by some, who argue that it spreads misinformation and can lead people to make bad decisions. However, others argue that Leela is simply expressing his own beliefs and that he should be free to do so. Leela has also supported the existence of ] in his videos, despite the lack of scientific evidence for their existence.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Amogh Leela |date=2019-05-30 |title=Does Ghost Exsit? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri3AYV3o3Us|access-date=2023-07-11 |language=hi}}</ref> | |||
{{Prose|date=October 2024|section}} | |||
In the last several decades, there have been multiple counts of violent actions taken against ISKCON that have resulted in the deaths of many, including devotees of ISKCON. | |||
On January 21, 1974, two firebombs were tossed into the Hare Krishna temple in Knoxville, Tennessee. Allen Bruce North, a twenty-two year old member of the movement, died of his injuries (burns over 80% of his body) several days later at St. Mary's Hospital with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William North, by his side. Winfield Dunn, the then governor of Tennessee, offered a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. In August 2006, a bomb blast struck the ISKCON temple in Imphal in ], India while the temple was full of worshipers. Five devotees were killed and a further 50 were injured, among them being the chief priest. The director-general of the police announced that, after an investigation, they believed that the attack was carried out by two suspects, but their names were not released to the public.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Five-killed-in-Manipur-temple-blast/articleshow/1898888.cms|title=Five killed in Manipur temple blast | India News|website=The Times of India|date=16 August 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/iskcon-temple-blast-case-cracked/cid/743106|title=Iskcon temple blast case cracked|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> The next year, in 2007, the ] government authorities demolished 25 homes belonging to the ISKCON members in Sri Vrindavan Dham commune in Almaty, on the grounds that they were illegal constructions. ISKCON argued that they were victims of religious persecution and the government maintains that it was purely related to property rights.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kazakhstan: Hare Krishna Community Faces Uncertain Future |url=https://eurasianet.org/kazakhstan-hare-krishna-community-faces-uncertain-future|date=28 November 2007 |newspaper=Eurasianet |department=City: Kazakhstan |agency=TNN |access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
==Persecution== | |||
*In 2006, a bomb blast struck the ISKCON temple in Imphal in ], India. Five devotees were killed and a further 50 were injured. The attack was not claimed by any individual or organization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Five-killed-in-Manipur-temple-blast/articleshow/1898888.cms|title=Five killed in Manipur temple blast | India News|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/iskcon-temple-blast-case-cracked/cid/743106|title=Iskcon temple blast case cracked|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> | |||
In 2009, an orphanage run by the ISKCON Chittagong (Sri Sri Radha Madhava ]) in Bangladesh was attacked in an incident linked to an internal feud between two groups within the organization. The group vandalized furniture and a statue in the orphanage and beat the devotees of other group. They also tried to take control of the temple and the orphanage. Despite the violence that was perpetrated, there was immense support by the surrounding community after the attack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Punish temple attackers in Ctg|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-88375|date=16 May 2009|newspaper=Dailystar|department=City: Chittagong |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
*In 2009, an orphanage run by the ISKCON Chittagong (Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir) in Bangladesh was attacked by unknown men. The gang vandalised furniture and a statue in the orphanage and beat the devotees. They also tried to take control of the temple and the orphanage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Punish temple attackers in Ctg|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-88375|date=16 May 2009|newspaper=Dailystar|department=City: Chittagong |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
In 2015, the ISKCON Temple, Dinajpur in Bangladesh was attacked by ] terrorists. The terrorists set off hand bombs and then opened fire on those in attendance. At least two people were injured in the attack and both were transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Now gun attack on Iskcon temple in Dinajpur|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2015/12/10/now-gun-attack-on-iskcon-temple-in-dinajpur|date=10 December 2015 |newspaper=Dhakatribune |department=City:Dhaka |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=JMB operative confesses involvement|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/jmb-operative-confesses-involvement-198310|date=7 January 2016 |newspaper=Dailystar |department=City: Dinajpur |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> In 2016, the ISKCON Sylhet in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslims and at least ten people were injured in that attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/09/03/least-10-injured-sylhet-iskcon-temple-attack/|title=At least 10 injured in Sylhet Iskcon temple attack|date=3 September 2016|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-clash-between-hindus-muslims-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangaldesh-10-injured-2251553|title=Clash between Hindus, Muslims at ISKCON temple in Bangladesh, 10 injured|date=3 September 2016|website=DNA India}}</ref> In 2018, the gate of the ISKCON Temple in Curitiba, ] was targeted by unknown perpetrators. The painting of Krishna with his mother ] was defaced.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brazil: Vandals target ISKCON Temple, deface Lord Krishna's pic|url=http://www.currentriggers.com/world/brazil-isckon-temple/ |newspaper=Currentriggers|department=City: World |agency=TNN |access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> In that same year. ] organized by ISKCON Dhaka in Bangladesh was attacked by an unknown group of people, leaving six devotees injured.<ref>{{cite news |title=Religious procession by Hindus attacked in Bangladesh|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/religious-procession-by-hindus-attacked-in-bangladesh-118072300713_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|department=City: World |agency=TNN |access-date=6 February 2020}}</ref> In 2020, an ] group planned an attack on the ISKCON Temple Dhaka but police arrested them.<ref>{{cite news |title=5 Ansar-al-Islam members held in Dhaka|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2020/02/10/5-ansar-al-islam-members-held-in-dhaka-2|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune|department=City: Dhaka |agency=TNN |access-date=15 February 2020}}</ref> An ISKCON temple ended up being attacked by a Muslim mob during ], which fell on October 15 of 2021. The Muslim mob ] the ISKCON temple that was located in ], Bangladesh. The results these attacks ended up in the deaths of two devotees.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-10-18 |title=Hundreds protest in Bangladesh over religious violence |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hundreds-protest-bangladesh-over-religious-violence-2021-10-18/ |access-date=2022-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=ISKCON temple vandalised, devotees 'violently attacked' by mob in Bangladesh's Noakhali|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/mob-attacks-devotees-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangladesh-1865302-2021-10-15|publisher=IndiaToday|access-date=15 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Deeply Shocked": ISKCON On Attacks On Devotees In Bangladesh |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-communal-violence-deeply-shocked-iskcon-over-attacks-on-devotees-in-bangladesh-2580007 |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-17 |title=ISKCON temple attacked and devotee killed in Bangladesh; Delhi sees move to stir trouble |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iskcon-temple-attacked-and-devotee-killed-in-bangladesh-delhi-sees-move-to-stir-trouble-7575408/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> | |||
*In 2015, the ISKCON Temple, Dinajpur in Bangladesh was attacked by ] terrorists. The terrorists opened fire and at least two people were injured in the attack.<ref>{{cite news |title=Now gun attack on Iskcon temple in Dinajpur|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2015/12/10/now-gun-attack-on-iskcon-temple-in-dinajpur|date=10 December 2015 |newspaper=Dhakatribune |department=City:Dhaka |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=JMB operative confesses involvement|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/jmb-operative-confesses-involvement-198310|date=7 January 2016 |newspaper=Dailystar |department=City: Dinajpur |agency=TNN |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
*In 2016, the ISKCON Sylhet in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslims and at least ten people were injured in that attack.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/09/03/least-10-injured-sylhet-iskcon-temple-attack/|title=At least 10 injured in Sylhet Iskcon temple attack|date=3 September 2016|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-clash-between-hindus-muslims-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangaldesh-10-injured-2251553|title=Clash between Hindus, Muslims at ISKCON temple in Bangladesh, 10 injured|date=3 September 2016|website=DNA India}}</ref> | |||
In early August 2024, ] in Bangladesh led to the burning of the ISKCON temple in Meherpur and a 200-year-old Kali temple in Noakhali. Incidents of burning of properties belonging to Hindu people have also been reported.<ref>{{Cite web |last=bdnews24.com |title=Miscreants set fire to Kali temple |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/miscreants-set-fire-to-kali-temple |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Miscreants set fire to Kali temple |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=ISKCON temple targeted in Bangladesh, idols of deities burnt amid unrest |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/bangladesh-unrest-iskcon-temple-vandalised-idols-burnt-hindu-temples-attacked-2577570-2024-08-06 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-05 |title=Two Hindu councillors killed in Bangladesh clashes; ISKCON, Kali temples vandalised: Reports |url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/two-hindu-councillors-killed-in-bangladesh-clashes-iskcon-kali-temples-vandalised-reports-13801008.html |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref> In November 2024, Osman Ali, a local trader in Hazari Lane, Chittagong, allegedly labeled ISKCON a "terrorist group" in a controversial Facebook post.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bangladesh's Chattogram witnesses tension over comments on ISKCON|website=The Tribune|date=2024-11-06|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/bangladeshs-chattogram-witnesses-tension-over-comments-on-iskcon/|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|title=ISKCON under 'concerted attack', facing 'wrath of radicals' in Bangladesh: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari|website=Deccan Herald|date=2024-11-09|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/iskcon-under-concerted-attack-facing-wrath-of-radicals-in-bangladesh-bjps-suvendu-adhikari-3269371|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> This post sparked outrage among the Hindu community, particularly in Hazari Lane area, leading to ].<ref>{{cite web|title=ইসকন নিয়ে পোস্ট, এরপর কী ঘটেছে চট্টগ্রামের হাজারী গলিতে |website=BBC News বাংলা|date=2024-11-06|url=https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/cp8x6yyg7e4o|language=bn|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> In response, joint police and military forces conducted operations in the region, resulting in the arrest of nearly 100 suspects involved in the violence.<ref name=th836>{{cite web|title=Tensions in Bangladesh as Islamist group calls for 'attacks' on ISKCON; Taslima Nasreen, BJP leader react|website=Hindustan Times|date=2024-11-09|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tensions-in-bangladesh-as-islamist-group-calls-for-attacks-on-iskcon-taslima-nasreen-bjp-leader-react-101731147968066.html|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> On the same month, ISKCON temple Sri Sri Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha was attacked. 3 leaders of the banned terrorist organization ] were behind this attack.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2024 |title=ইসকন মন্দিরে হামলা: ছাত্রলীগের ৩ নেতা গ্রেপ্তার |url=https://thedailycampus.com/national/161650}}</ref> | |||
*In 2018, the gate of the ISKCON Temple in Curitiba, ] was targeted by unknown perpetrators. The painting of Krishna with his mother ] was defaced.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brazil: Vandals target ISKCON Temple, deface Lord Krishna's pic|url=http://www.currentriggers.com/world/brazil-isckon-temple/ |newspaper=Currentriggers|department=City: World |agency=TNN |access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> | |||
*In 2018, ] organised by ISKCON Dhaka in Bangladesh was attacked by a group of people, leaving six devotees injured.<ref>{{cite news |title=Religious procession by Hindus attacked in Bangladesh|url=https://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/religious-procession-by-hindus-attacked-in-bangladesh-118072300713_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|department=City: World |agency=TNN |access-date=6 February 2020}}</ref> | |||
*In 2020, an ] group planned an attack on the ISKCON Temple Dhaka but police arrested them.<ref>{{cite news |title=5 Ansar-al-Islam members held in Dhaka|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/2020/02/10/5-ansar-al-islam-members-held-in-dhaka-2|newspaper=Dhaka Tribune|department=City: Dhaka |agency=TNN |access-date=15 February 2020}}</ref> | |||
*In 2021, during ] (15 October), a Muslim Mob ] the ISKCON temple in ], Bangladesh and killed two devotees.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-10-18 |title=Hundreds protest in Bangladesh over religious violence |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hundreds-protest-bangladesh-over-religious-violence-2021-10-18/ |access-date=2022-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=ISKCON temple vandalised, devotees 'violently attacked' by mob in Bangladesh's Noakhali|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/mob-attacks-devotees-at-iskcon-temple-in-bangladesh-1865302-2021-10-15|publisher=IndiaToday|access-date=15 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Deeply Shocked": ISKCON On Attacks On Devotees In Bangladesh |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/bangladesh-communal-violence-deeply-shocked-iskcon-over-attacks-on-devotees-in-bangladesh-2580007 |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-17 |title=ISKCON temple attacked and devotee killed in Bangladesh; Delhi sees move to stir trouble |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/iskcon-temple-attacked-and-devotee-killed-in-bangladesh-delhi-sees-move-to-stir-trouble-7575408/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> | |||
== Centers worldwide == | == Centers worldwide == | ||
=== India === | === India === | ||
India has the highest density of ISKCON centers in the world, with over 800 temples, 12 state-recognized educational institutions, 25 affiliated and non-affiliated restaurants, and a number of tourist and pilgrimage hotels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/india/|title=India {{!}} ISKCON Centers|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> ISKCON India disciples are more conservative than the ISKCON disciples in the west.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/04/hare-krishna-india-hinduism-florida-women|title='It's latent misogyny': Hare Krishnas divided over whether to allow female gurus|last=Blumetti|first=Jordan|date=2019-06-04|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-01-04|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> | India has the highest density of ISKCON centers in the world, with over 800 temples, 12 state-recognized educational institutions, 25 affiliated and non-affiliated restaurants, and a number of tourist and pilgrimage hotels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/india/|title=India {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=9 July 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> ISKCON India disciples are more conservative than the ISKCON disciples in the west.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/04/hare-krishna-india-hinduism-florida-women|title='It's latent misogyny': Hare Krishnas divided over whether to allow female gurus|last=Blumetti|first=Jordan|date=2019-06-04|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-01-04|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> | ||
====Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur==== | ====Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur==== | ||
] | ] | ||
Set to be completed in 2024, the ] in West Bengal is built in the birthplace of ], the founder of the Gaudiya-Vaishnava lineage of Hinduism. The temple itself currently sits at 425 000 square feet and is 340 feet tall, and is surrounded by accompanying lodges, shops, residences, educational centers, and gardens. The project cost an estimated $75 million, with its major investor being Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of ]. The complex has a planetarium based on Vedic cosmology and exhibitions about the Vedic arts, sciences, and culture as described in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tovp.org/|title=Temple of the Vedic Planetarium - Home|website=Temple of the Vedic Planetarium|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | |||
Set to be completed in 2024, the ] in West Bengal is built in the birthplace of ], the founder of the Gaudiya-Vaishnava lineage of Hinduism. The temple itself currently sits at {{convert|425,000|sqft}} and is {{convert|340|ft}} tall, and is surrounded by accompanying lodges, shops, residences, educational centers, and gardens. The project cost an estimated $75{{nbsp}}million, with its major investor being Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of ]. The complex has a planetarium based on Vedic cosmology and exhibitions about the Vedic arts, sciences, and culture as described in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tovp.org/|title=Temple of the Vedic Planetarium - Home|website=Temple of the Vedic Planetarium|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | |||
====Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan==== | |||
====Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan==== | |||
] | ] | ||
Located in the Raman Reti area of ], Uttar Pradesh, the Sri ] temple was built in the original village where the spiritual figures Krishna and Balarama are said to have resided in the Vedic period of Indian history. It is built in close proximity to other holy sites such as the village of Gokul, ], the ] palace, and various holy lakes. As a result, ISKCON Vrindavan is a common pilgrimage site for followers of the Krishna Conscious movement. The complex is home to a guesthouse, a museum, gift shops, a restaurant, a bakery, a broadcast studio as well as a marble temple hall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconvrindavan.com/|title=ISKCON Vrindavan - Home|website=ISKCON Vrindavan|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> The temple is also affiliated with the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vihe.org/|title=Welcome to Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education|website=vihe.org|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | Located in the Raman Reti area of ], Uttar Pradesh, the Sri ] temple was built in the original village where the spiritual figures Krishna and Balarama are said to have resided in the Vedic period of Indian history. It is built in close proximity to other holy sites such as the village of Gokul, ], the ] palace, and various holy lakes. As a result, ISKCON Vrindavan is a common pilgrimage site for followers of the Krishna Conscious movement. The complex is home to a guesthouse, a museum, gift shops, a restaurant, a bakery, a broadcast studio as well as a marble temple hall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconvrindavan.com/|title=ISKCON Vrindavan - Home|website=ISKCON Vrindavan|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> The temple is also affiliated with the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vihe.org/|title=Welcome to Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education|website=vihe.org|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
==== |
==== Sri Sri Radha-Rasabihari Mandir, Raipur ==== | ||
in Raipur, Chhattisgarh]] | |||
In March 2014, the project was inaugurated,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/akhilesh-yadav-inaugurates-project-to-build-vrindavan-chandrodaya-mandir-the-tallest-temple-in-india/articleshow/32149629.cms|title=Akhilesh Yadav inaugurates project to build Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, the tallest temple in India|access-date=7 May 2020}}</ref> and on 16 November 2014, the foundation stone of the temple was laid. Overseen by ISKCON Bangalore, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple building is currently under construction.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-tallest-krishna-temple-in-vrindavan-2035410 | title=President Pranab Mukherjee to lay foundation stone of tallest Krishna temple in Vrindavan | date=15 November 2014 | publisher=DNA | author=PTI | access-date=26 April 2018 }}</ref> | |||
Inaugurated in August 2024, the in ], ] sets new records as the largest temple in Raipur. | |||
==== Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir ==== | |||
{{Main|Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir}} | |||
In March 2014, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple project was inaugurated,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/akhilesh-yadav-inaugurates-project-to-build-vrindavan-chandrodaya-mandir-the-tallest-temple-in-india/articleshow/32149629.cms|title=Akhilesh Yadav inaugurates project to build Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, the tallest temple in India|access-date=7 May 2020}}</ref> and on 16 November 2014, the foundation stone of the temple was laid. Overseen by ISKCON Bangalore, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple building is currently under construction.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-president-pranab-mukherjee-to-lay-foundation-stone-of-tallest-krishna-temple-in-vrindavan-2035410 | title=President Pranab Mukherjee to lay foundation stone of tallest Krishna temple in Vrindavan | date=15 November 2014 | publisher=DNA | author=PTI | access-date=26 April 2018 }}</ref>{{update inline|date=October 2023}} | |||
==== Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi==== | ==== Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi==== | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
The ] temple complex houses the Glory of India Vedic Cultural center, which is a set of interactive educational exhibits, as well as the world's largest printed religious book, known as the "Astounding ]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iskcondelhi.com/|title=Home|website=www.iskcondelhi.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> It is located in ] in ]. | |||
The ] temple complex houses the Glory of India Vedic Cultural center, which is a set of interactive educational exhibits, as well as the world's largest printed religious book, known as the "Astounding ]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iskcondelhi.com/|title=Home|website=www.iskcondelhi.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> It is located in ] in ]. | |||
==== Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai==== | ==== Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai==== | ||
] | |||
The ] is located on the ] in southern part of the city. Built on {{convert|1.5|acre}} of land and consecrated in 2012, the temple is the largest Radha Krishna temple in ].<ref name="TheHindu_ConsecrationOfTemple">{{cite news | |||
] | |||
The ] is located on the ] in southern part of the city. Built on 1.5 acres of land and consecrated in 2012, the temple is the largest Radha Krishna temple in ].<ref name="TheHindu_ConsecrationOfTemple">{{cite news | |||
| title = Consecration of ISKCON temple | | title = Consecration of ISKCON temple | ||
| newspaper = The Hindu | | newspaper = The Hindu | ||
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| access-date = 26 Apr 2012}}</ref> | | access-date = 26 Apr 2012}}</ref> | ||
==== Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem |
==== Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem ==== | ||
The ISKCON Salem temple, also known as the Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple of Vedic Knowledge and Culture, is located on Hare Krishna Land, Karuppur, ]. Built on 4.5 |
The ISKCON Salem temple, also known as the Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple of Vedic Knowledge and Culture, is located on Hare Krishna Land, Karuppur, ]. Built on {{convert|4.5|acre}} of land, the temple is one of the Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was formally inaugurated in October 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=says|first=Mrs Mallikathevy Amirthalingam|date=2018-01-04|title=Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Temple Salem, Tamil Nadu -|url=https://templesinindiainfo.com/sri-sri-radha-gokulananda-temple-salem-tamil-nadu/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Temples In India Info|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
==== Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri==== | ==== Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri==== | ||
] | ] | ||
Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is located at ], West Bengal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infodata.in.net/2020/01/ward-no-40-siliguri.html|title=Siliguri ward no 40|publisher=]}}</ref> and known as Gupta Nabadweep Dham. | |||
Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is located at ], West Bengal<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infodata.in.net/2020/01/ward-no-40-siliguri.html|title=Siliguri ward no 40|publisher=]|access-date=15 June 2020|archive-date=25 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225204431/https://www.infodata.in.net/2020/01/ward-no-40-siliguri.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and known as Gupta Nabadweep Dham. | |||
=== Nepal === | === Nepal === | ||
ISKCON Temple Nepal or ISKCON Nepal is located in ]. The geographic coordinates of ISKCON Nepal are 27.784062° or (27°47'2.62") of North and 85.356938° or (85°21'24.98") of East. It is on the lap of Shivapuri Mountain where the Holy ] flows. | ISKCON Temple Nepal or ISKCON Nepal is located in ]. The geographic coordinates of ISKCON Nepal are 27.784062° or (27°47'2.62") of North and 85.356938° or (85°21'24.98") of East. It is on the lap of Shivapuri Mountain where the Holy ] flows. | ||
In this temple, the ] of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari (] |
In this temple, the ] of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari (] and ]), ], ], ], Gaur ], ] are worshiped. ISKCON Nepal celebrates Jagannath Rath Yatra every year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jagannath Rath Yatra by ISKCON Nepal |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-kathmandu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523031728/https://thehimalayantimes.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/jagannath-rath-yatra-in-kathmandu |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 May 2022 |publisher=The Himalayan Times }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu by ISKCON Desire Tree in association with ISKCON Nepal |first1=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu by ISKCON Desire Tree in association with ISKCON Nepal |title=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmandu |url=https://iskcondesiretree.com/photo/jagannath-ratha-yatra-2019-at-kathmandu-nepal-7 |work=Jagannath Rath Yatra in Kathmanu |publisher=ISKCON Desire Tree}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=ISKCON Nepal activity |first1=ISKCON Nepal activity |title=ISKCON Nepal activity |url=https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/my-sweet-lord |agency=Nepali Times |publisher=Nepali Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Nepal Centre |date=8 September 2011 |url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/kathmandu |publisher=ISKCON Desire Tree}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Budhanilkantha |date=7 December 2017 |url=https://templesinindiainfo.com/iskcon-temple-kathmandu-iskcon-budhanilkantha-kathmandu-nepal |publisher=Templesinindiainfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Nepal |url=https://www.salagram.net/sstp-KathmanduIskcon.html |publisher=Salagram}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=ISKCON Nepal Devotees at ISKCON Vrindavan |date=5 October 2019 |url=https://thepranams.com/2019/10/05/iskcon-vrindavan-flooded-with-iskcon-nepal-devotees |publisher=The Pranams |access-date=1 January 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415111151/https://thepranams.com/2019/10/05/iskcon-vrindavan-flooded-with-iskcon-nepal-devotees/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=ISKCON Nepal |first1=ISKCON Nepal |title=Nepali Actress Rekha Thapa is honored with Shrimad Bhagavad-gita by ISKCON Nepal |url=https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/srimad-bhagavad-gita-distribution-to-the-students-of-maiti-nepal}}</ref> As per a 2018 estimate, over 5000 devotees participate in the ratha yatra from across the globe.<ref>{{cite news | ||
| last = ANI | | last = ANI | ||
| title = Jagannath Yatra begins in Nepal | | title = Jagannath Yatra begins in Nepal | ||
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=== Europe === | === Europe === | ||
There are over 135 ISKCON-affiliated temples and cultural centers in Europe. The ISKCON movement in Europe is home to a number of rural and farming communities, including Nueva Vrajamandala in Spain,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/the-glories-of-nueva-vraja-mandala-spain,3505/|title=The Glories of Nueva Vraja Mandala, Spain|website=ISKCON News|date=21 September 2012|access-date=2020-01-04 |
There are over 135 ISKCON-affiliated temples and cultural centers in Europe. The ISKCON movement in Europe is home to a number of rural and farming communities, including Nueva Vrajamandala in Spain,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iskconnews.org/the-glories-of-nueva-vraja-mandala-spain,3505/|title=The Glories of Nueva Vraja Mandala, Spain|website=ISKCON News|date=21 September 2012|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801230302/https://iskconnews.org/the-glories-of-nueva-vraja-mandala-spain,3505/|url-status=dead}}</ref> La Nouvelle Mayapura in France, and Villa Vrindavan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://villavrindavana.org/english-home/|title=Villa Vrindavana|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> in Italy. | ||
There are also 31 additional centers in Russia, as Vaishnava Hinduism represents one of the largest denominations |
There are also 31 additional centers in Russia, as Vaishnava Hinduism represents one of the largest denominations of faith in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/russia/|title=Russia {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=9 July 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
====Radhadesh, Belgium==== | ====Radhadesh, Belgium==== | ||
The Radhadesh temple in Durbuy, Belgium, is home to Bhaktivedanta College, which opened in 2002 to provide ministerial and spiritual education for students, offering degrees and certificates online and on-campus in ] theology externally validated by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bhaktivedantacollege.com/|title=Bhaktivedanta College|website=Bhaktivedanta College|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref>]The Radhadesh temple is also home to Radhadesh Mellows, an annual kirtan retreat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radhadeshmellows.com/|title=Home|website=Radhadesh Mellows|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | The ] in Durbuy, Belgium, is home to Bhaktivedanta College, which opened in 2002 to provide ministerial and spiritual education for students, offering degrees and certificates online and on-campus in ] theology externally validated by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bhaktivedantacollege.com/|title=Bhaktivedanta College|website=Bhaktivedanta College|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref>]The Radhadesh temple is also home to Radhadesh Mellows, an annual kirtan retreat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radhadeshmellows.com/|title=Home|website=Radhadesh Mellows|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
====Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford==== | ====Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford==== | ||
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A landscaped property featuring gardens, lakes, a school, farm, numerous temple and housing buildings, accommodations, and a bakery. The property for ] was donated by ] of ] and is on the ]. The houses on the property, including the temple, are built in the mock-Tudor mansion style of the 1800s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://krishnatemple.com/home/|title=Bhaktivedanta Manor – Hare Krishna Temple|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | A landscaped property featuring gardens, lakes, a school, farm, numerous temple and housing buildings, accommodations, and a bakery. The property for ] was donated by ] of ] and is on the ]. The houses on the property, including the temple, are built in the mock-Tudor mansion style of the 1800s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://krishnatemple.com/home/|title=Bhaktivedanta Manor – Hare Krishna Temple|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
Bhaktivedanta Manor is also home to the London College of Vedic Studies,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://krishnacollege.co.uk/|title=New Home Page|website=The College of Vedic Studies|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and is the birthplace of the ], a sponsor of state-funded primary and secondary schools that provides both non-denominational and Hindu-faith education throughout the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://avanti.org.uk/|title=Home|last=mayapur|website=Avanti Schools Trust|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | Bhaktivedanta Manor is also home to the London College of Vedic Studies,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://krishnacollege.co.uk/|title=New Home Page|website=The College of Vedic Studies|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=5 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205065515/https://krishnacollege.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is the birthplace of the ], a sponsor of state-funded primary and secondary schools that provides both non-denominational and Hindu-faith education throughout the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://avanti.org.uk/|title=Home|last=mayapur|website=Avanti Schools Trust|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
Demographically, the majority of devotees in Europe are ethnic Europeans. An exception can be made with the demographics of devotees in the United Kingdom, which caters to the Indian immigrant population, mirroring the demographics of most North American centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://btg.krishna.com/checkmate-iskcons-victory-russia|title=Checkmate: ISKCON's Victory in Russia {{!}} Back to Godhead|website=btg.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | Demographically, the majority of devotees in Europe are ethnic Europeans. An exception can be made with the demographics of devotees in the United Kingdom, which caters to the Indian immigrant population, mirroring the demographics of most North American centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://btg.krishna.com/checkmate-iskcons-victory-russia|title=Checkmate: ISKCON's Victory in Russia {{!}} Back to Godhead|website=btg.krishna.com|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=16 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916175928/http://btg.krishna.com/checkmate-iskcons-victory-russia|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
=== North and South America === | === North and South America === | ||
] | ] | ||
There are 56 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/united-states-of-america/|title=United States Of America {{!}} ISKCON Centers|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Notable centers include ], Utah, New Raman Reti in Alachua, FL,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://alachuatemple.com/|title=Home|website=Alachua Hare Krishna Temple|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and The Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas, TX.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://radhakalachandji.org/|title=Home|last=Bhisma|website=Radha Kalachandji Temple|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Hare Krishna-affiliated full-time communities include ] in West Virginia,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://newvrindaban.com/|title=New Vrindaban – The Land of Krishna |website=newvrindaban.com |access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gnecofarm.org/|title=Home - Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary|website=Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> There are various other centers in the United States that promote Krishna Conscious culture without being formally affiliated with ISKCON, including The Bhakti Center in New York City.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bhakticenter.org/|title=bhakticenter.org|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> The ISKCON Dallas temple is affiliated with the nearby TKG Academy,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tkgacademy.com/|title=TKG Academy {{!}} TKG Academy {{!}} Dallas' Only Vegetarian Friendly Private School|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> which provides private school academic education with additional Vedic-based courses. | |||
There are 56 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/united-states-of-america/|title=United States Of America {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=11 July 2011 |access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Notable centers include ], Utah, New Raman Reti in Alachua, FL,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://alachuatemple.com/|title=Home|website=Alachua Hare Krishna Temple|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and The Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas, TX.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://radhakalachandji.org/|title=Home|last=Bhisma|website=Radha Kalachandji Temple|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Hare Krishna-affiliated full-time communities include ] in West Virginia,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://newvrindaban.com/|title=New Vrindaban – The Land of Krishna |website=newvrindaban.com |access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> and Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary in Pennsylvania.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gnecofarm.org/|title=Home - Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary|website=Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> There are various other centers in the United States that promote Krishna Conscious culture without being formally affiliated with ISKCON, including The Bhakti Center in New York City.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bhakticenter.org/|title=bhakticenter.org|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> The ISKCON Dallas temple is affiliated with the nearby TKG Academy,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tkgacademy.com/|title=TKG Academy {{!}} TKG Academy {{!}} Dallas' Only Vegetarian Friendly Private School|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> which provides private school academic education with additional Vedic-based courses. | |||
There are 12 ISKCON centers in Canada, including the self-sustaining Saranagati Eco Village in BC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://saranagati.ca/|title=Home {{!}} Saranagati Community Network|website=saranagati.ca|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> There are 5 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in Mexico. | |||
There are 12 ISKCON centers in Canada, including the Vedic Education Centre (ISKCON Brampton) and the self-sustaining Saranagati Eco Village in BC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://saranagati.ca/|title=Home {{!}} Saranagati Community Network|website=saranagati.ca|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> There are 5 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in Mexico. | |||
], ], Brazil.]] | ], ], Brazil.]] | ||
There are 60 affiliated ISKCON temples in South America, with most congregations located in Argentina and Brazil. There are also a number of devotee-run farming communities throughout Latin America.<ref name="Guerriero">{{cite journal |last=Guerriero |first=Silas |title=O Movimento Hare Krishna no Brasil: uma interpretação da cultura védica na sociedade ocidental |url=http://www.pucsp.br/rever/rv1_2001/t_guerri.htm |language=pt |journal=REVER — Revista de Estudos da Religião |date=2001 |pages=44–56 |issn=1677-1222}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/latin-america/|title=Latin America {{!}} ISKCON Centers|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Most notable is the eco-village "Nova Gokula" at ] in the Brazil state of ], founded in 1978, with two temples planning as traditional ].{{sfn|Guerriero|2001|p=52}} | There are 60 affiliated ISKCON temples in South America, with most congregations located in Argentina and Brazil. There are also a number of devotee-run farming communities throughout Latin America.<ref name="Guerriero">{{cite journal |last=Guerriero |first=Silas |title=O Movimento Hare Krishna no Brasil: uma interpretação da cultura védica na sociedade ocidental |url=http://www.pucsp.br/rever/rv1_2001/t_guerri.htm |language=pt |journal=REVER — Revista de Estudos da Religião |date=2001 |pages=44–56 |issn=1677-1222}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/latin-america/|title=Latin America {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=28 August 2011 |access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> Most notable is the eco-village "Nova Gokula" at ] in the Brazil state of ], founded in 1978, with two temples planning as traditional ].{{sfn|Guerriero|2001|p=52}} | ||
=== Asia, Africa, and Australasia === | === Asia, Africa, and Australasia === | ||
], Kenya.]] | ], Kenya.]] | ||
Asia is home to over 80 ISKCON affiliated centers, with most being located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/asia/|title=Asia {{!}} ISKCON Centers|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | Asia is home to over 80 ISKCON affiliated centers, with most being located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centers.iskcondesiretree.com/asia/|title=Asia {{!}} ISKCON Centers|date=28 August 2011 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
There are 69 affiliated ISKCON centers in Africa, four of which are rural farming communities and three of which are educational centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centres.iskcon.org/centre-region/africa/|title=Africa – ISKCON Centres|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> ISKCON Durban hosts the world's largest ] Chariot Festival outside of India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/post-south-africa/20190410/282295321579504 |
There are 69 affiliated ISKCON centers in Africa, four of which are rural farming communities and three of which are educational centers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://centres.iskcon.org/centre-region/africa/|title=Africa – ISKCON Centres|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> ISKCON Durban hosts the world's largest ] Chariot Festival outside of India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Durban festival the largest outside India |url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/post-south-africa/20190410/282295321579504 |access-date=2020-01-04 |via=PressReader}}</ref> | ||
There are six ISKCON centers, including one farming village in Australia and four temple centers in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.krishnafarm.net/|title=ISKCON New Govardhana Australia Home|website=ISKCON New Govardhana Australia|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-01-04 |
There are six ISKCON centers, including one farming village in Australia and four temple centers in New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.krishnafarm.net/|title=ISKCON New Govardhana Australia Home|website=ISKCON New Govardhana Australia|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | ||
==Subsidiaries== | ==Subsidiaries== | ||
===Bhaktivedanta Book Trust=== | ===Bhaktivedanta Book Trust=== | ||
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) is a ], of ISKCON, and supplies books both to ISKCON and to the book trade in general.<ref>{{cite web |title=About The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |url=http://bbt.org/about |website=bbt.org |access-date=3 November 2020}}</ref> BBT is the publisher of books on the Gaudiya Vaishnava.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-EuD3M2QYoC&pg=PA53 |title=Krishna Consciousness in the West |page=53 |first1=David G. |last1=Bromley |first2=Larry D. |last2=Shinn |year=1989|isbn=9780838751442 }}</ref> BBT was established in 1972 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta as the publisher for his books and for books by other authors. It also publishes the magazine '']'' in multiple languages.<ref>{{cite book | first = Dasa Goswami | last = Satsvarupa| title =Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Vol 1-2| publisher = BBT| orig-year=1980-82 |year=2002 | pages = vol.1 1133 pages vol.2 1191 pages | isbn = 978-0-89213-357-4 | no-pp = true}}</ref> Apart from the BBT's work in publishing, it helps finance the construction and renovation of Krishna temples in the Gaudiya Vaishnava holy places like ] and ]. | Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) is a ], of ISKCON, and supplies books both to ISKCON and to the book trade in general.<ref>{{cite web |title=About The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |url=http://bbt.org/about |website=bbt.org |access-date=3 November 2020}}</ref> BBT is the publisher of books on the Gaudiya Vaishnava.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-EuD3M2QYoC&pg=PA53 |title=Krishna Consciousness in the West |page=53 |first1=David G. |last1=Bromley |first2=Larry D. |last2=Shinn |year=1989|publisher=Bucknell University Press |isbn=9780838751442 }}</ref> BBT was established in 1972 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta as the publisher for his books and for books by other authors. It also publishes the magazine '']'' in multiple languages.<ref>{{cite book | first = Dasa Goswami | last = Satsvarupa| title =Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta Vol 1-2| publisher = BBT| orig-year=1980-82 |year=2002 | pages = vol.1 1133 pages vol.2 1191 pages | isbn = 978-0-89213-357-4 | no-pp = true}}</ref> Apart from the BBT's work in publishing, it helps finance the construction and renovation of Krishna temples in the Gaudiya Vaishnava holy places like ] and ]. | ||
=== Cow protection and ISCOWP === | === Cow protection and ISCOWP === | ||
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=== ISKCON Tribal Care Trust === | === ISKCON Tribal Care Trust === | ||
ISKCON Tribal Care Trust (ITCT) is an affiliate targeting the tribal people. The trust has set up schools and potable water sources for the tribal people.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tripura Minister praises ISKCON's India Tribal Care Trust|url=http://www.uniindia.com/tripura-minister-praises-iskcon-s-india-tribal-care-trust/states/news/1171920.html |date=18 March 2018 |newspaper=Uniindia|agency=TNN |access-date=22 February 2020}} |
ISKCON Tribal Care Trust (ITCT) is an affiliate targeting the tribal people. The trust has set up schools and potable water sources for the tribal people.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tripura Minister praises ISKCON's India Tribal Care Trust|url=http://www.uniindia.com/tripura-minister-praises-iskcon-s-india-tribal-care-trust/states/news/1171920.html |date=18 March 2018 |newspaper=Uniindia|agency=TNN |access-date=22 February 2020}}</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
===Pandava Sena=== | ===Pandava Sena=== | ||
Based out of Bhaktivedanta Manor of Watford UK, Pandava Sena is a youth organization started in 1994. It is composed of professionals and university students that host annual international mentorship and reunion retreats and weekly social gatherings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psena.com/about/|title=About|website=ISKCON Pandava Sena|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04}}</ref> | Based out of Bhaktivedanta Manor of Watford UK, Pandava Sena is a youth organization started in 1994. It is composed of professionals and university students that host annual international mentorship and reunion retreats and weekly social gatherings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://psena.com/about/|title=About|website=ISKCON Pandava Sena|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222031840/http://psena.com/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
Pandava Sena has also established "KCSocs" or "Krishna Conscious Societies" across 30 universities in the UK. Many universities have similar student groups featuring youth from local ISKCON temples.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Dwyer|first1=Graham|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7e8ORp2QrEC&q=ISKCON+Pandava+Sena&pg=PA132|title=Hare Krishna in the Modern World|last2=Cole|first2=Richard J.|year=2013|publisher=Arktos|isbn=978-1-907166-47-1|language=en}}</ref> | Pandava Sena has also established "KCSocs" or "Krishna Conscious Societies" across 30 universities in the UK. Many universities have similar student groups featuring youth from local ISKCON temples.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Dwyer|first1=Graham|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7e8ORp2QrEC&q=ISKCON+Pandava+Sena&pg=PA132|title=Hare Krishna in the Modern World|last2=Cole|first2=Richard J.|year=2013|publisher=Arktos|isbn=978-1-907166-47-1|language=en}}</ref> | ||
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== See also == | == See also == | ||
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* ], Hungary | * ], Hungary | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:International Society For Krishna Consciousness}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:International Society For Krishna Consciousness}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:06, 25 December 2024
Religious organisation
Official emblem of ISKCON | |
ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India | |
Abbreviation | ISKCON |
---|---|
Formation | 13 July 1966 (58 years ago) (1966-07-13) New York City, United States |
Founder | A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada |
Type | Religious organization |
Legal status | Foundation |
Headquarters | Mayapur, Nabadwip, Nadia, West Bengal, India |
Location |
|
Coordinates | 23°25′29″N 88°23′20″E / 23.4248°N 88.3889°E / 23.4248; 88.3889 |
Area served | Worldwide |
Main organ | Governing Body Commission |
Affiliations | Gaudiya Vaishnavism (Hinduism) |
Website | www |
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly referred to as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. It was founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on 13 July 1966 in New York City. ISKCON's main headquarters is in Mayapur, West Bengal, India and it claims approximately 1 million members globally.
ISKCON members practice a distinct form of monotheistic Hinduism, grounded in Hindu scriptures and especially guided by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's commentary and translation of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana. Described as “the largest and arguably most important branch” of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, ISKCON traces its roots in India to the early 16th century and expanded to gain followers in America, Europe, and Africa from the mid-to-late 20th century.
The Hare Krishna movement advocates for lacto-vegetarianism and was initially founded to promote bhakti yoga. Followers, known as bhaktas, dedicate their thoughts and actions to devotion toward Krishna, whom they honor as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
History and belief
Further information: Achintya Bheda Abheda and Gaudiya VaishnavismISKCON devotees follow a disciplic line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Vaishnavism means 'worship of Vishnu', and Gauḍa refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially West Bengal and Odisha, for the past five hundred years. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who rapidly spread his form of ecstatic bhakti (devotion) throughout Bengal. He established Sankirtan, the practice of publicly expressing devotion to Krishna, the Supreme God, through dance and song. This form of communal worship responded to rigid caste structures by engaging all people in worship regardless of caste and creed. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra (the 'great mantra'). He is considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas to be an incarnation of Krishna himself.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West in 1965. At 70 years old, he landed in New York without any money (40 rupees of Indian currency). Instead of preaching to New York's elite, he tapped into the 1960s countercultural spirit by preaching and chanting in public parks and attracting hippies and the youth. His movement, then known as the "Hare Krishna Movement", grew even larger when he relocated to San Francisco a year later. When it spread to England, it gained publicity and financial backing from the Beatles' George Harrison. He recorded several tracks with the Hare Krishnas and included the Mahamantra in his hit track "My Sweet Lord". The first Hare Krishna commune, New Vrindavan (West Virginia), was established by Prabhupada in 1968. Since then, ISKCON has established more than 800 centers all over the world and has millions of followers.
Key to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology in the Western world were Prabhupada's writings and translations, including the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), Chaitanya Charitamrita, and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as the scriptures of ISKCON.
Singular worship of Krishna
ISKCON describes Krishna as the original source of all the avatars of the Almighty God. Registered members worship Krishna as the highest form of God, svayam bhagavan, and often refer to him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead in their published writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject.
For its devotees, Radha represents Krishna's divine female counterpart, the original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of devotional love. The individual soul has an eternal spiritual identity which does not ultimately merge into the non-dual consciousness (Brahman) as believed by the monistic (Advaita) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers Sanatana-dharma and Varnashrama dharma as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts Vedic authority.
Pious believers both teach and claim that Krishna is greater and far magnanimous than the traditionalist Hindu Trimurti of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma and all its conceived emanations. It is a monotheistic tradition which has its roots in the theistic Vedanta traditions.
Religious practices
The most famous and publicly recognizable ISKCON practice is kirtan, a congregational chanting or singing of the Hare Krishna mantra. Kirtan is both a way to express devotion to God and a way to attract newcomers to the movement. Devotees gather in public, in streets and parks, to sing the mantra accompanied by instruments like the mridanga, hand cymbals, and the harmonium. During the 1970s, ISKCON entered the public eye because of this practice. Devotees would sing, distribute books, and proselytize in airports and other public areas, often obtrusively. Sankirtan continues throughout the world today, but in a less confrontational manner.
Japa is another important religious practice within ISKCON and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is the meditative practice of repeatedly chanting the names of Krishna on a set of prayer beads. Its believers chant a mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
This mantra is repeated 108 times on the bead. Devotees usually chant 16 rounds of this everyday. It is considered the only way of salvation for people in the current age of Kali. Prabhupada established a standard for initiated devotees to chant sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on a Japamala containing 108 beads, daily. Each round consists of 1728 repetitions of the names of Krishna.
Arati is also an important tenet (also called puja) of ISKCON. During arati, devotees offer water, incense, a fire lamp, and flowers to a murti, a sacred statue or image of Krishna. This is accompanied by prayers and devotional songs called bhajans. Practitioners may perform arati at their own home or congregate at a temple to join in the ceremony. Along with this worship, devotees will bathe the murti, dress it, offer it food, and even put it to sleep. By doing arati and serving the murti, devotees aim to deepen their relationship with Krishna.
ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at a program known as the Sunday Feast) to worship deities, listen to discourses by senior devotees, participate in kirtan and eat sanctified offered food prasadam. Devotees place great emphasis on listening to spiritual discourses, believing them to be a key role in spiritual advancement.
Four Regulative Principles
During initiation (diksha) ISKCON devotees vow to follow four basic rules and regulations.
- The consumption of only lacto-vegetarian diet (abstinence from meat, fish, eggs).
- Prohibition against consuming any intoxicants (i.e., onion, garlic, coffee, caffeinated drinks, tea, tobacco cigarettes, drugs and alcohol)
- Prohibition against gambling
- Prohibition against draining sexual energy by engaging in 'illicit sexual activity and relationships' outside of marriage.
Celebrated festivals
Besides weekly gatherings, devotees within the ISKCON movement celebrate a diverse array of Hindu festivals, including Janmashtami, Radhastami, Diwali, Gaura Purnima, Ekadasi, Holi, Rama Navami, and Gita Jayanti.
The Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots is an annual parade whereby devotees chant and dance on the street, pulling a chariot with the deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra behind them. This public procession is typically followed by performances and free vegetarian food.
Public preaching
ISKCON advocates preaching. Members try to spread Krishna consciousness primarily by singing the Hare Krishna mantra in public places and by selling Indian spiritual books transcribed from their original languages and published in English by the movement's founder, Prabhupada.
A study conducted by the American researcher E. Burke Rochford Jr. at the University of California found that there are four types of contact between those in ISKCON and prospective members: individually motivated contact, contact made with members in public areas, contact made through personal connections, and contact with sympathizers of the movement who strongly encourage people to join.
Organizational management
Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON.
The Governing Body Commission (or GBC) is the managerial authority of ISKCON. Created by Bhaktivedanta in 1970, it meets annually. In a document Direction of Management written on 28 July 1970 Prabhupada appointed twelve members to the commission, all of them non-sannyasi, including Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, Hansadutta Swami, and Tamala Krishna Goswami. The letter outlined the purposes of the commission: improving the standard of temple management, the spread of Krishna consciousness, the distribution of books and literature, the opening of new centers and the education of the devotees. GBC has since grown in size to include 48 senior members from the movement who make decisions based on consensus of opinion.
Shortly after establishing the GBC, Prabhupada asked his newly appointed leaders to renounce the everyday world and become sannyasis (renunciate monks), indicating that those who set policy would not be involved with financial dealings. However, after Prabhupada's death some GBC members adopted lavish lifestyles. A number of schisms tested the notion of the supreme authority of the GBC. Some of these scandals involved GBC members Hans Kary (Hansadutta) and James Immel (Jayatirtha), as well as one of the leaders of the New Vrindaban community, Keith Ham (Kirtanananda), who surrounded himself with opulence and declared himself the only true successor to Prabhupada.
In 1982, the GBC began the slow process of adding new gurus to the original eleven. In 1983 the GBC was announced to be the highest ecclesiastical authority of ISKCON. In 1985 the decision was made to lower the standard of living for ISKCON leadership. After much heated discussion, the GBC decided to "relieve" a number of leaders and new leaders were selected. The young leaders of the GBC sought the advice of one of Prabhupada's Gaudiya godbrothers, and endeavored to become more integrated in the broader Hindu community.
After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders in ISKCON, overriding the former GBC supposition that "unprotected, 'women leaders become subject to various forms of mistreatment and abuse'". In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC. The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.
Succession of teachings
Main article: ISKCON guru systemPrabhupada claimed to belong to the traditional system of paramparā, or disciplic succession, in which teachings upheld by scriptures are handed down from master to disciple, generation after generation.
Women's roles
Women's roles are a controversial issue within ISKCON, and its members have strongly divergent opinions regarding the interpretation of Prabhupada's teachings on gender roles. While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles, other leaders disagree, and maintain that "traditional" roles for women are more appropriate. Concerns have been expressed regarding the perceived potential for adverse effects stemming from feminist ideals infiltrating the regulations of ISKCON.
Since women are the most respected position in Vedic culture, women within the Hare Krishna community are all viewed with reverence, especially by celibate male monks, also known as brahmacharis. "Mataji" (lit. Mother) is a term of respect for women in ISKCON, and is often prefixed to the Sanskrit name they receive in initiation. Unmarried women are also referred to in this term.
After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders and initiators in ISKCON. In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC. The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009.
A document released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement.
Office for Child Protection
In 1998, ISKCON published an exposé of widespread physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children in the group's boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s. The report stated that the monks and young devotees caring for the children had no training in the task and often resented having to perform it. At a meeting in 1996, former young members testified that they had been regularly beaten at school, denied medical care, and sexually molested and raped.
In 2002, a suit for $900 million was filed in Texas State Court by alleged victims of abuse in ISKCON boarding schools. ISKCON later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The eventual 2008 settlement in what became known as the Turley Case was $15 million.
The ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection department office was established by the GBC in 1997. It released its first official Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines. The CPO has provided Child Protection Information Training to over 500 child care providers within the organization internationally and continues to file and review reports on local Child Protection Teams in 2005. The Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines were revised and ratified by the GBC in June 2018.
Kirtan and musical influence
The practice of mantra chanting and devotional singing, also known as Kirtan, is prominent in the ISKCON movement. Dedicated kirtan festivals are held annually around the world, such as the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in Boone, North Carolina, Kirtan 50 in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows, in Durbuy, Belgium. Notable kirtaneers include Jahnavi Harrison, Gaura Vani, and the Mayapuris, who have all released Kirtan albums. Kirtan sessions are also held outside of temple settings, including at a local university "Bhakti Clubs", mantra lounges, and at a yoga and wellness festivals.
Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva Kultura and Vande Arts.
The Hare Krishna mantra appears in some famous songs, such as former Beatle George Harrison's 1970 hit "My Sweet Lord". John Lennon included the phrase "Hare Krishna" in his lyrics to "Give Peace a Chance" and the Beatles' 1967 track "I Am the Walrus". The backing vocalists also sing the phrase in Ringo Starr's 1971 hit "It Don't Come Easy", written with the help of Harrison, although the words were mixed low on the released version.
Of the four Beatles, only Harrison fully embraced Krishna Consciousness. He also provided financial support for ISKCON's UK branch and in 1973 purchased Bhaktivedanta Manor for their temple compound. Harrison enjoyed a warm friendship with Prabhupada, who provided the inspiration for Harrison songs such as "Living in the Material World".
In the 1980s, underground New York City hardcore punk band the Cro-Mags included Hare Krishna members and made references to Krishna Consciousness. By the early 1990s, an entire underground Krishnacore subgenre was established with other New York hardcore bands like Shelter and 108.
In 2020, Willow Smith and Jahnavi Harrison collaborated on the song "Surrender (Krishna Keshava"), and the album "RISE", featuring ancient sacred songs from India with Sanskrit lyrics.
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is one of the four tenets of ISKCON. Due to Prabhupada's focus on food distribution, many ISKCON devotees have opened vegan and vegetarian eateries. Not all restaurants opened by ISKCON members are officially affiliated with ISKCON, although many Govindas' restaurants or catering businesses operate out of the main temple center.
The ISKCON followers refer to their diet as 'Krishnatarian'. According to them "A Krishnatarian meal is one which is cooked using fresh, vegetarian ingredients (excluding onion, garlic, red lentils and mushrooms) and milk products which is cooked by an Iskcon follower and offered to their main deities before it is distributed and consumed."
Demographics
ISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in Great Britain.
In the West it "has a relatively small number of followers", estimated at "a few thousand full-time practitioners", but those showing interest in its activities might number into the "tens of thousands."
After considerable success in the West due to the counterculture of the 1960s, ISKCON lost its momentum from the early 1980s onward, "facing a sharp decline in membership and in financial resources" in North America and in Western Europe, while in the late 1990s the situation began to deteriorate in Eastern Europe as well. In 2000, it was estimated that only 750–900 members were residing in ISKCON centers in the United States. Since then, ISKCON has depended on the Indian diaspora to "revitalize" the movement; in most North American congregations Indian members making up 80% of the numbers.
Criticism and controversies
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ISKCON has experienced a number of significant internal problems, the majority of which occurred from the late 1970s onwards, and especially within the decade following Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's death. ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some anti-cult movements.
In USA
- In a 1976 case, People v. Murphy, a criminal trial court in Queens County, New York held that "'he Hare Krishna religion is a bona fide religion with roots in India that go back thousands of years." A grand jury indicted Iskcon, Inc. and the president of an ISKCON temple for the crime of unlawful imprisonment in the first degree. Although the parents of two Hare Krishna members claimed ISKCON had allegedly imprisoned their children through brainwashing, Justice John J. Leahy dismissed the criminal indictments on the basis that the two members had freely followed the tenets of their chosen faith.
- In a 1984 case, George v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness of California, a lawsuit led to lengthy appeals resulting in a mixed judgment. Marcia and Robin George, a mother and daughter, accused ISKCON of kidnapping Robin via brainwashing and later lying to her parents about her whereabouts. They sued ISKCON for false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, libel, and the wrongful death of Robin's father based on stress caused by the alleged circumstances. A California state appellate court dismissed Robin's claims for false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress on the basis that she was not brainwashed, but rather was "a bright and gifted high school student of above-average intelligence and maturity" who was "capable of consenting" to her travels with her purported kidnappers. On the other hand, the same appellate court affirmed the jury verdicts holding ISKCON liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress against Marcia and wrongful death because the defendants had deliberately lied to Robin's parents about her location while actively assisting Robin in her travels. The court also dismissed Robin's libel claim while affirming the jury verdict of libel in favor of Marcia.
- Kirtanananda Swami, or Swami Bhaktipada, a leader of ISKCON, was expelled from the organisation in 1987 for various deviations. He was the leader of New Vrindaban, the largest and most famous Hare Krishna community in the United States at that time. In 1996, Kirtanananda pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering and after serving 8 years of a 20-year prison sentence was subsequently released in 2004. Previously, in 1991, the jury had found him guilty of racketeering and mail fraud. These convictions were later overturned on appeal, only to result in the later retrial.
In India
- In the 1990s, ISKCON faced accusations of child abuse, and its leaders acknowledged physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children who were sent to live in the rural communities' boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s. Sociologist of religion E. Burke Rochford argues that a culture of abuse in ISKCON schools arose in part because of renunciant leaders' subtle denigration of the value of householders and children. Several safety regulations and subcommittees, such as ISKCON Resolve and the ISKCON Child Protection Office, have been developed since these allegations to ensure that the legal rights, as well as the health and safety of devotees, are protected.
In Bangladesh
- Amit Saha, who was given life imprisonment for the murder of Abrar Fahad, was a member of the organisation.
- On 5 November 2024, clashes were reported in Chattogram, Bangladesh between members of ISKCON and Bangladeshi law enforcement, including the police, army, and border guards. The unrest began following a Facebook post by Osman Ali, a local shop owner, calling for a ban on ISKCON. In response, a group of ISKCON supporters allegedly attacked Osman's shop with the intent to harm him.
Law enforcement intervened to rescue Osman Ali and his brother from the agitated crowd. During the operation, the crowd allegedly turned on security forces, throwing bricks and acid while chanting "Jai Shree Ram." The violence resulted in injuries to nine police officers and five army personnel. Osman's shop was destroyed, and neighboring businesses were damaged.
In the aftermath, 82 individuals were arrested, with 49 facing formal charges. Osman Ali was also detained under blasphemy laws.
- On 26 November 2024, Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer at the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court, was killed during a clash between security forces and protesters demanding the release of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.
According to eyewitness Kayes Uddin Didar, "advocate Alif was at the entrance of Rangan Community Center. He was taken from there and was hacked to death." Senior lawyer Nurul Mostafa Sohel stated that "Alif went to the spot after being informed about an attack on a mosque. He was taken from there and was hacked dead."
The violence began when protesters obstructed a prison van carrying the former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, demanding his release.
According to Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, demonstrators threw bricks at the police, prompting officers to use tear gas and sound grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd. This escalation occurred as tensions rose during the protests. In retaliation, the protesters attacked nearby establishments, mosques and lawyers' vehicles.
Among those linked to Saiful Islam Alif's death is Shuvo Kanti Das, alleged to be an active member of ISKCON and associated with the banned terrorist organization Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of the political party, Bangladesh Awami League. Along with him around 30 suspects were detained in connection with the incident.
Persecutions
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In the last several decades, there have been multiple counts of violent actions taken against ISKCON that have resulted in the deaths of many, including devotees of ISKCON.
On January 21, 1974, two firebombs were tossed into the Hare Krishna temple in Knoxville, Tennessee. Allen Bruce North, a twenty-two year old member of the movement, died of his injuries (burns over 80% of his body) several days later at St. Mary's Hospital with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William North, by his side. Winfield Dunn, the then governor of Tennessee, offered a $2000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. In August 2006, a bomb blast struck the ISKCON temple in Imphal in Manipur, India while the temple was full of worshipers. Five devotees were killed and a further 50 were injured, among them being the chief priest. The director-general of the police announced that, after an investigation, they believed that the attack was carried out by two suspects, but their names were not released to the public. The next year, in 2007, the Kazakhstan government authorities demolished 25 homes belonging to the ISKCON members in Sri Vrindavan Dham commune in Almaty, on the grounds that they were illegal constructions. ISKCON argued that they were victims of religious persecution and the government maintains that it was purely related to property rights.
In 2009, an orphanage run by the ISKCON Chittagong (Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir) in Bangladesh was attacked in an incident linked to an internal feud between two groups within the organization. The group vandalized furniture and a statue in the orphanage and beat the devotees of other group. They also tried to take control of the temple and the orphanage. Despite the violence that was perpetrated, there was immense support by the surrounding community after the attack.
In 2015, the ISKCON Temple, Dinajpur in Bangladesh was attacked by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorists. The terrorists set off hand bombs and then opened fire on those in attendance. At least two people were injured in the attack and both were transported to a nearby hospital to receive treatment. In 2016, the ISKCON Sylhet in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslims and at least ten people were injured in that attack. In 2018, the gate of the ISKCON Temple in Curitiba, Brazil was targeted by unknown perpetrators. The painting of Krishna with his mother Yashoda was defaced. In that same year. Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON Dhaka in Bangladesh was attacked by an unknown group of people, leaving six devotees injured. In 2020, an Ansar al-Islam group planned an attack on the ISKCON Temple Dhaka but police arrested them. An ISKCON temple ended up being attacked by a Muslim mob during Navami, which fell on October 15 of 2021. The Muslim mob attacked the ISKCON temple that was located in Noakhali, Bangladesh. The results these attacks ended up in the deaths of two devotees.
In early August 2024, violence targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh led to the burning of the ISKCON temple in Meherpur and a 200-year-old Kali temple in Noakhali. Incidents of burning of properties belonging to Hindu people have also been reported. In November 2024, Osman Ali, a local trader in Hazari Lane, Chittagong, allegedly labeled ISKCON a "terrorist group" in a controversial Facebook post. This post sparked outrage among the Hindu community, particularly in Hazari Lane area, leading to communal clashes. In response, joint police and military forces conducted operations in the region, resulting in the arrest of nearly 100 suspects involved in the violence. On the same month, ISKCON temple Sri Sri Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha was attacked. 3 leaders of the banned terrorist organization Bangladesh Chhatra League were behind this attack.
Centers worldwide
India
India has the highest density of ISKCON centers in the world, with over 800 temples, 12 state-recognized educational institutions, 25 affiliated and non-affiliated restaurants, and a number of tourist and pilgrimage hotels. ISKCON India disciples are more conservative than the ISKCON disciples in the west.
Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur
Set to be completed in 2024, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur in West Bengal is built in the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Gaudiya-Vaishnava lineage of Hinduism. The temple itself currently sits at 425,000 square feet (39,500 m) and is 340 feet (100 m) tall, and is surrounded by accompanying lodges, shops, residences, educational centers, and gardens. The project cost an estimated $75 million, with its major investor being Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford. The complex has a planetarium based on Vedic cosmology and exhibitions about the Vedic arts, sciences, and culture as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan
Located in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, the Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir temple was built in the original village where the spiritual figures Krishna and Balarama are said to have resided in the Vedic period of Indian history. It is built in close proximity to other holy sites such as the village of Gokul, Govardhana Hill, the Mathura palace, and various holy lakes. As a result, ISKCON Vrindavan is a common pilgrimage site for followers of the Krishna Conscious movement. The complex is home to a guesthouse, a museum, gift shops, a restaurant, a bakery, a broadcast studio as well as a marble temple hall. The temple is also affiliated with the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education.
Sri Sri Radha-Rasabihari Mandir, Raipur
Inaugurated in August 2024, the Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Mandir in Raipur, Chhattisgarh sets new records as the largest temple in Raipur.
Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir
Main article: Vrindavan Chandrodaya MandirIn March 2014, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple project was inaugurated, and on 16 November 2014, the foundation stone of the temple was laid. Overseen by ISKCON Bangalore, the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir temple building is currently under construction.
Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi
The Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir temple complex houses the Glory of India Vedic Cultural center, which is a set of interactive educational exhibits, as well as the world's largest printed religious book, known as the "Astounding Bhagavad Gita". It is located in East of Kailash in South Delhi.
Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai
The Chennai temple is located on the East Coast Road in southern part of the city. Built on 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) of land and consecrated in 2012, the temple is the largest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu.
Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem
The ISKCON Salem temple, also known as the Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple of Vedic Knowledge and Culture, is located on Hare Krishna Land, Karuppur, Salem. Built on 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) of land, the temple is one of the Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It was formally inaugurated in October 2019.
Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri
Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is located at Siliguri, West Bengal and known as Gupta Nabadweep Dham.
Nepal
ISKCON Temple Nepal or ISKCON Nepal is located in Kathmandu. The geographic coordinates of ISKCON Nepal are 27.784062° or (27°47'2.62") of North and 85.356938° or (85°21'24.98") of East. It is on the lap of Shivapuri Mountain where the Holy Bishnumati River flows.
In this temple, the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari (Radha and Krishna), Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra, Gaur Nitai, Narasimha are worshiped. ISKCON Nepal celebrates Jagannath Rath Yatra every year. As per a 2018 estimate, over 5000 devotees participate in the ratha yatra from across the globe.
Europe
There are over 135 ISKCON-affiliated temples and cultural centers in Europe. The ISKCON movement in Europe is home to a number of rural and farming communities, including Nueva Vrajamandala in Spain, La Nouvelle Mayapura in France, and Villa Vrindavan in Italy.
There are also 31 additional centers in Russia, as Vaishnava Hinduism represents one of the largest denominations of faith in the country.
Radhadesh, Belgium
The Radhadesh temple in Durbuy, Belgium, is home to Bhaktivedanta College, which opened in 2002 to provide ministerial and spiritual education for students, offering degrees and certificates online and on-campus in Vaishnava theology externally validated by the University of Chester.
The Radhadesh temple is also home to Radhadesh Mellows, an annual kirtan retreat.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford
A landscaped property featuring gardens, lakes, a school, farm, numerous temple and housing buildings, accommodations, and a bakery. The property for Bhaktivedanta Manor was donated by George Harrison of the Beatles and is on the National Heritage List for England. The houses on the property, including the temple, are built in the mock-Tudor mansion style of the 1800s.
Bhaktivedanta Manor is also home to the London College of Vedic Studies, and is the birthplace of the Avanti Schools Trust, a sponsor of state-funded primary and secondary schools that provides both non-denominational and Hindu-faith education throughout the UK.
Demographically, the majority of devotees in Europe are ethnic Europeans. An exception can be made with the demographics of devotees in the United Kingdom, which caters to the Indian immigrant population, mirroring the demographics of most North American centers.
North and South America
There are 56 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in the United States. Notable centers include Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (Spanish Fork), Utah, New Raman Reti in Alachua, FL, and The Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas, TX. Hare Krishna-affiliated full-time communities include New Vrindaban in West Virginia, and Gita Nagari Eco Farm and Sanctuary in Pennsylvania. There are various other centers in the United States that promote Krishna Conscious culture without being formally affiliated with ISKCON, including The Bhakti Center in New York City. The ISKCON Dallas temple is affiliated with the nearby TKG Academy, which provides private school academic education with additional Vedic-based courses.
There are 12 ISKCON centers in Canada, including the Vedic Education Centre (ISKCON Brampton) and the self-sustaining Saranagati Eco Village in BC. There are 5 formally affiliated ISKCON centers in Mexico.
There are 60 affiliated ISKCON temples in South America, with most congregations located in Argentina and Brazil. There are also a number of devotee-run farming communities throughout Latin America. Most notable is the eco-village "Nova Gokula" at Pindamonhangaba in the Brazil state of São Paulo, founded in 1978, with two temples planning as traditional Hindu architecture.
Asia, Africa, and Australasia
Asia is home to over 80 ISKCON affiliated centers, with most being located in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
There are 69 affiliated ISKCON centers in Africa, four of which are rural farming communities and three of which are educational centers. ISKCON Durban hosts the world's largest Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival outside of India.
There are six ISKCON centers, including one farming village in Australia and four temple centers in New Zealand.
Subsidiaries
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) is a nonprofit organization, of ISKCON, and supplies books both to ISKCON and to the book trade in general. BBT is the publisher of books on the Gaudiya Vaishnava. BBT was established in 1972 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta as the publisher for his books and for books by other authors. It also publishes the magazine Back to Godhead in multiple languages. Apart from the BBT's work in publishing, it helps finance the construction and renovation of Krishna temples in the Gaudiya Vaishnava holy places like Vrindavan and Mayapur.
Cow protection and ISCOWP
ISCOWP (International Society for Cow Protection) claims to "present alternatives to agricultural and dietary practices that support and depend upon the meat and dairy industries' slaughter of the cow".
ISKCON Tribal Care Trust
ISKCON Tribal Care Trust (ITCT) is an affiliate targeting the tribal people. The trust has set up schools and potable water sources for the tribal people.
Pandava Sena
Based out of Bhaktivedanta Manor of Watford UK, Pandava Sena is a youth organization started in 1994. It is composed of professionals and university students that host annual international mentorship and reunion retreats and weekly social gatherings.
Pandava Sena has also established "KCSocs" or "Krishna Conscious Societies" across 30 universities in the UK. Many universities have similar student groups featuring youth from local ISKCON temples.
Notable people
Main article: List of International Society for Krishna Consciousness members and patronsSee also
References
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- Knot, Kim Archived 8 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine "Insider and Outsider Perceptions of Prabhupada" in ISKCON Communications Journal Vol. 5, No 1, June 1997: "In an evaluation of the nature of the guru, Larry Shinn, a scholar of religions, utilised Max Weber's analysis of charisma in order to understand Prabhupada and the issue of leadership in ISKCON. He noted that 'Prabhupada profited from two intertwined sources of authority' (1987:40), the traditional authority of the disciplic lineage, parampara, inherited from his own guru, and his own charismatic authority, derived from his spiritual attainment and presence (49) Shinn offered an analysis based on sociological rather than spiritual (Vaishnava) authority in order to make sense of the role of guru in ISKCON and the unique qualities of Prabhupada." See also Larry D. Shinn (1987), The Dark Lord: Cult Images and the Hare Krishnas in America. Philadelphia: The Westview Press.available online
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{{cite web}}
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External links
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