The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known worldwide as ISKCON or the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement, is a global spiritual community dedicated to bhakti-yoga — devotional service to Kṛṣṇa with love.
ISKCON was founded in New York in 1966 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. Since then, it has grown into an international community of temples, educational projects, farms, book distribution, festivals, kīrtan groups, and prasadam distribution programs.
ISKCON belongs to the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, a spiritual lineage that teaches that love for Kṛṣṇa is the highest goal of life. Its central scriptures are the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, understood through the disciplic succession of spiritual teachers.
ISKCON shares spiritual knowledge, mantra meditation, kīrtan, prasādam, festivals, sacred music, personal guidance, and opportunities for service. These practices help people remember their spiritual nature and develop a loving relationship with God.
People come to ISKCON from different cultures, professions, and life situations. Some are serious practitioners, some are students, some are families, and some are visitors with questions. The basic invitation is simple: listen, chant, receive prasādam, ask sincere questions, and grow gradually.
Modern life often gives us an abundance of information, but little inner peace, wisdom, or genuine connection. Kṛṣṇa consciousness offers a spiritual center: the understanding that we are not merely the body or social roles, but eternal souls who find fulfillment in connection with God, loving service, compassion, discipline, and devotion.
