When Prabhupada began the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (in New York City in 1966), he formulated a clear mission statement. Thus the 7 Purposes of ISKCON are as follows:

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.

2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).

4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.

6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, natural way of life.

7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.

Here’s a timeline of how ISKCON (the Hare Krishna movement started):

1. The Divine Foundations in India

•  More than 500 years ago, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, descended in the golden form of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534) in Sri Navadvipa Dham, Bengal. He inaugurated the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra as the yuga-dharma, the most effective process of attaining Krishna in this age of Kali.

• His exalted associates, the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, meticulously documented and expanded this divine philosophy, emphasizing the chanting of the holy names and surrender to Krishna as the ultimate goal of life. Over the centuries, this pure Vaishnava tradition continued through an unbroken chain of guru-parampara (disciplic succession).

2. The Divine Mission of Prabhupada

• In the 20th century, this sacred mission was carried forward by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, an empowered pure devotee of Lord Krishna, who appeared in this world in 1896 in Sri Dhama Kolkata.

• Receiving direct instructions from his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada took it as his life’s mission to spread Krishna Consciousness to the Western world. With unshakable faith in the Holy Names and the divine order of his Guru Maharaj, he left India in 1965 at the advanced age of 69, carrying only a trunk of Srimad Bhagavatam volumes and unlimited spiritual determination.

3.  Arrival in the West: The Seed of Krishna Bhakti is Planted

• By Krishna’s divine arrangement, Srila Prabhupada arrived in New York City in 1965, enduring great hardships, including financial struggles and cultural differences. Yet, his faith in Lord Krishna remained unshaken. He began to chant the holy names in public places like Tompkins Square Park, where many spiritually inquisitive souls were drawn to his message.

• His transcendental teachings attracted those disillusioned by material life, and soon, sincere seekers began to gather around him, eager to embrace the path of Bhakti Yoga.

4.  The Establishment of ISKCON (1966)

• By the causeless mercy of Sri Krishna and the desire of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada officially established ISKCON in New York City in 1966. The society’s mission was to fulfill the prophecy of Mahaprabhu:

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma

"In every town and village, My holy name will be chanted."

ISKCON provided an opportunity for everyone, regardless of background, to take shelter of Lord Krishna by chanting the Maha-Mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

• Srila Prabhupada emphasized that Krishna consciousness is the eternal nature of the soul and that by chanting the holy names, engaging in devotional service, and following the four regulative principles (no meat-eating, no intoxication, no illicit sex, and no gambling), one could attain pure love of Godhead.

5. The Rapid Spread of the Sankirtana Movement

• The sankirtana movement, the congregational chanting of Krishna’s holy names, began to spread across America, Europe, and beyond.

• 1967: ISKCON expands to San Francisco, where the famous Ratha Yatra festival is held for the first time outside of India.

•  1969: ISKCON reaches London, where devotees spread Krishna’s name and even inspire the famous band The Beatles, with George Harrison producing the hit song "Hare Krishna Mantra".

• 1970s: Srila Prabhupada tirelessly travels the world, establishing temples, farm communities, and schools, personally guiding his disciples and ensuring the authentic practice of Bhakti Yoga.

6. The Global Expansion and Philanthropic Activities

• By Krishna’s divine arrangement, ISKCON blossomed into a worldwide spiritual movement. Alongside book distribution, the devotees engaged in prasadam distribution (sanctified food), fulfilling Lord Krishna’s desire that no one should go hungry. The Food for Life program, initiated by ISKCON, continues to serve millions worldwide.

• Devotees embraced a life of simplicity, purity, and devotion, following Srila Prabhupada’s guidance to chant, study the scriptures, and dedicate their lives to Krishna’s service.

7. The Eternal Legacy of Srila Prabhupada

• By the mercy of Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, the Hare Krishna movement has now spread to every corner of the world. Millions of souls continue to benefit from the chanting of the holy names, and Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental books remain the guiding light for spiritual seekers.

• Through his divine mission, Srila Prabhupada fulfilled the prophecy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, ensuring that Krishna’s name, teachings, and mercy are available to every sincere soul.

• Today, ISKCON continues to preserve and expand this sacred movement, inspiring people from all backgrounds to take shelter of Krishna and return to their eternal position as His loving servants.

"Chant Hare Krishna and be happy!"

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!
All glories to the divine sankirtana movement!

Concept of ISKCON (Hare Krishna Movement)

1. Chanting the Holy Names of the Lord

• The essence of Krishna consciousness is the congregational chanting of the holy names:

 Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

• This transcendental vibration is the yuga-dharma (spiritual practice for this age) and the most effective means to attain purification and love of Godhead. By chanting sincerely, one connects with the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, and becomes free from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

2.  Surrendering to the Lotus Feet of Sri Krishna

• True happiness is found in surrendering to Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By offering devotional service (bhakti-yoga), one transcends material suffering and attains spiritual bliss. Krishna is the ultimate shelter, the source of all pleasure, and the well-wisher of all living entities. Devotees dedicate their lives to pleasing Him through loving service.

3. Simple Living and High Thinking

• A devotee of Krishna embraces a life of simplicity, detachment from material possessions, and dependence on the Lord's mercy. Living according to the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings, one engages in spiritual pursuits, cultivates divine wisdom, and strives for self-realization, keeping Krishna at the center of life.

4. Compassionate Living: Vegetarianism and Ethical Conduct

• The movement promotes vegetarianism as a way of promoting compassion, as well as abstinence from intoxicants, gambling, and illicit sex. These practices are believed to purify the mind and body, aiding in spiritual progress.

5. Association of Devotees and Temple Worship

• The path of bhakti thrives in the company of saintly devotees (satsanga). ISKCON temples serve as sacred spaces for kirtan (devotional chanting), scriptural discussions, and deity worship. Through such engagement, devotees receive spiritual nourishment and progress on their journey back to Godhead.

6. Scriptural Study

• The transcendental knowledge of Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and other Vedic scriptures provides guidance on how to reawaken one’s eternal relationship with Krishna. The instructions of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, are the guiding light for sincere seekers.

7. The Divine Mission of Srila Prabhupada

• His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a pure devotee of Krishna, fulfilled the order of his spiritual master by spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide. His tireless efforts in writing, preaching, and establishing ISKCON temples have provided millions with the opportunity to practice bhakti and attain Krishna prema (pure love for God).
  
  Hare Krishna!