About Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada, also known as His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. He was born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, India, into a devout Vaishnava family.

From a young age, Abhay Charan De showed a keen interest in spirituality and devotion to Lord Krishna. In 1922, he met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who urged him to spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the practice of Krishna consciousness in the English-speaking world.

After receiving the blessings and instruction from his guru, Abhay Charan De dedicated his life to fulfilling this mission. In 1965, at the age of 69, he embarked on a historic journey to the United States, carrying with him only his faith, determination, and a trunk of Srimad-Bhagavatam translations.

Facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Srila Prabhupada tirelessly preached the message of Krishna consciousness, conducting public lectures, distributing books, and establishing temples and centers around the world. His teachings emphasized the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra as the most effective means of spiritual realization in this age.

Under his guidance, ISKCON grew rapidly, attracting thousands of followers from diverse backgrounds. Srila Prabhupada's translations and commentaries on ancient Vedic texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, became widely acclaimed for their clarity and depth.

Throughout his life, Srila Prabhupada demonstrated unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna and compassion for all living beings. He left behind a legacy of spiritual wisdom, devotion, and service that continues to inspire millions of people worldwide.

Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavan, India, but his teachings and the movement he founded continue to flourish, spreading the message of love, peace, and spiritual fulfillment to seekers across the globe. He remains revered as a saint, scholar, and spiritual pioneer whose life exemplified the highest ideals of devotion and service to God.

Our Mission

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by Srila Prabhupada, has various missions that guide its activities and serve as the foundation for its global outreach. While the specifics may vary slightly depending on interpretation, here's a commonly referenced set of missions within ISKCON:

• To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life: ISKCON's primary mission is to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna and the principles of Bhakti Yoga to people of all backgrounds and walks of life. This involves conducting outreach programs, distributing spiritual literature, and providing educational resources to help individuals on their spiritual journey.
• To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam: Central to ISKCON's mission is the promotion of Krishna consciousness, which involves cultivating awareness and devotion to Lord Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is done through the study and dissemination of sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, which outline the philosophy and practices of Bhakti Yoga.
• To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna): ISKCON aims to foster a sense of community among its members and provide them with opportunities for spiritual growth and development. Through congregational chanting, devotional gatherings, and service activities, members are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Lord Krishna and recognize the spiritual unity of all beings.
• To teach and encourage the Sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: ISKCON places a strong emphasis on the Sankirtana movement, which involves the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra as a means of spiritual upliftment and enlightenment. Through chanting, devotees aim to purify their hearts, cultivate love for God, and spread peace and harmony throughout society.
• To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna: ISKCON seeks to establish temples and spiritual centers dedicated to Lord Krishna where devotees can come together to worship, study, and engage in devotional activities. These temples serve as sacred spaces for spiritual growth and enlightenment, as well as centers for outreach and community service.
• To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life: ISKCON advocates for a simpler, more natural way of life that is aligned with spiritual values and principles. Through simple living, high thinking, and a focus on sustainable practices, members seek to reduce materialistic distractions and cultivate a deeper connection with God and nature.
• With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings: ISKCON publishes and distributes a wide range of spiritual literature, including books, magazines, and periodicals, to disseminate the teachings of Lord Krishna and promote spiritual knowledge and understanding.