Our Philosophy

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is rooted in the eternal teachings of Bhakti Yoga, the process of loving devotional service to Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON upholds the pure tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, as taught by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 Core Philosophical Principles of ISKCON

1. Sri Krishna – The Supreme Personality of Godhead

Krishna is not merely an aspect of the divine but the Svayam Bhagavan, the original source of all creation, the cause of all causes. All living entities (jivas) are His eternal parts and parcels, meant to serve Him with love and devotion. Realizing Krishna’s supremacy and surrendering to Him is the perfection of human life.

2. Bhakti Yoga – The Path of Loving Devotion

The highest spiritual practice is bhakti-yoga, the process of rendering selfless service unto Krishna with love and devotion. This is expressed through chanting His holy names, engaging in kirtan, reading shastra (scripture), offering prasadam, and surrendering one’s heart to the Lord.

3. The Power of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra

The transcendental vibration of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra purifies the heart and awakens Krishna-prema (pure love for God):

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

This is the yuga-dharma, the prescribed spiritual practice for the Kali-yuga, as taught by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. By chanting sincerely, one directly associates with Krishna and progresses on the path of liberation.


4. The Bhagavad Gita – The Divine Song of Krishna

The Bhagavad Gita As It Is contains the eternal wisdom of Lord Krishna, who personally instructs Arjuna on the nature of the self, karma, dharma, and the ultimate goal of life – loving devotion to Him. The Gita establishes bhakti-yoga as the supreme spiritual path.


5. The Eternal Soul and Reincarnation

Every living entity is an atma (soul), an eternal part of Krishna. Due to material desires, the soul takes repeated births in different bodies (samsara). Liberation (moksha) is achieved by engaging in Krishna’s service and breaking free from this cycle to return to Goloka Vrindavana, Krishna’s eternal abode.

6. Karma and Dharma – The Path of Righteousness

One’s karma (actions) determine future births and experiences. Krishna teaches in the Gita that the highest dharma (duty) is to surrender to Him and act without attachment to results. By dedicating all actions to Krishna, one purifies the heart and attains His mercy.

7. The Importance of Sadhu-Sanga (Association of Devotees)

Spiritual progress is accelerated by the association of pure devotees. ISKCON emphasizes temple worship, kirtan, scriptural discussions, and devotional festivals, creating a spiritual atmosphere that nourishes one’s Krishna consciousness.

8. The Ultimate Goal – Krishna Prema (Pure Love of God)

The highest perfection of life is to develop pure, unalloyed love for Krishna. Through bhakti-yoga, one becomes eligible to enter Krishna’s eternal pastimes and relish the nectar of divine service (seva).

9. The Teachings of the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya

ISKCON follows the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who revealed the most exalted form of devotion – Radha-bhakti (pure love for Krishna, as demonstrated by Srimati Radharani and the Vrajavasis). Essential scriptures include:

Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) – The spotless Purana, glorifying Krishna’s pastimes.Chaitanya Charitamrita – The divine biography of Lord Chaitanya and His mission.

10. Selfless Devotion – Surrender and Seva

The highest form of bhakti is Ananya Bhakti (pure, uninterrupted devotion). A true devotee offers everything to Krishna, without expectation, seeking only His pleasure. This mood of surrender (sharanagati) leads to spiritual bliss and eternal service in Krishna’s divine abode.

Hare Krishna