Iskcon

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Hare Rama Hare Krishna, this name is probably amongst the first things that spring to a westerner's mind when one thinks of India or the spirituality connected to it. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (also known as Srila Prabhupada) established the movement officially known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966. The society has since developed into a worldwide confederation of 6,000 temple devotees and 190,000 congregational devotees. It comprises of more than 350 centers, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants spread all across the globe.

The aim of the society is to "promote the well being of society by teaching the science of Krishna consciousness according to the Bhagavad-Gita and other ancient Vedic scriptures of India."

About Shri Krishna
According to legend, the prince Shri Krishna was a reincarnation of Vishnu (of the Hindu trinity of Vishnu, Brahma and Mahesh). He was born nearly 5000 years ago, in captivity to Vasudev and Devki, and was transported to Vrindavan where he was brought up by Nand and his wife Yashodha. Krishna's parents had been imprisoned by his maternal uncle Kansa, the King of Mathura, as some sages had predicted that a child of Vasudev and Devki would slay him. Hearing this forecast he enslaved his sister and husband and killed each child that was born to the couple. At the time of Krishna's birth, the couple's seventh child, Vasudev managed to take him out of the prison thanks to heavenly intervention where all the guards went off to sleep and the gates opened miraculously. He took the infant to Vrindavan.

In Vrindavan, Krishna became the favorite of one and all. The stories about his stealing butter from earthen pots as a child, has become part of the folklore. In fact, this is a subject of many bhajans (hymns) that are sung in the glory of Shri Krishna even today. When Krishna grew up he eventually did slay the evil King Kansa.

Shri Krishna was also a cousin of the Pandavas, the sons of King Pandu of Hastinapur. Their mother Kunti was Vasudev's sister. When the Pandavas went to war with the Kauravas (their cousins), it was Shri Krishna who gave a sermon to Arjun, one of the Pandava princes, as he was reluctant to fight the Kauravas. This sermon is collated into the holy text called the Bhagavad Gita. Ultimately, when Arjun's doubts were put to rest and he understood the value of righteous action; the battle that ensued is known as the Mahabharata, which was fought in Kurukshetra (in present day, Indian state of Haryana).

Vrindavan Institute of Higher Studies
In Vrindavan, the town that Sri Krishna grew up in, is located in one of the most important teaching centers of ISKCON. This is the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Studies. Established in 1987, the institute aims at passing on the Krishna consciousness culture to larger sections of society and future generations.

The institute provides an opportunity to study Vedic literature, specifically translated by Srila Prabhupada. The center was established after his death in order to fulfil his desire of having an institute at Vrindavan that would train people in the Krishna consciousness movement and give them a thorough understanding on the subject so that they would go out and preach to the world.

Courses
Thus the institute has various courses throughout the year and provides an atmosphere conducive to realization of the Supreme Being, Lord Krishna. Courses are held on the main books of Srila Prabhupada's - 'Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is', 'Srimad-Bhagavatam', 'Chaitanya-Charitamrta', 'Nectar of Devotion', 'Nectar of Instruction' and Sri Isopanisad.

The institute does not merely focus on chanting and reading of Vedic literature, but adopting a lifestyle that is mentioned in that literature. Simple living is emphasized at the institute.

The institute provides an ideal atmosphere for those wanting to engage in serious study of philosophy of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna consciousness.

Of various courses held here at Vrindavan, the 'Bhakti Sastri' is most popular. It involves study of all 18 chapters of 'Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is', 19 chapters of 'Nectar of Devotion', 'Isopanisad' and 'Nectar of Instruction'. Several other short-term courses are regularly held here.

Teachers are carefully chosen from around the world. The institute is thus designed to give students a full experience of Krishna Consciousness by providing full facility to learn the details of Vaishnava (followers of Vishnu and Krishna are called Vaishnavites) philosophy and culture in the holy atmosphere of Vrindavan.

Weather
It is very hot from mid April to early October with the temperature crossing the 42-degree centigrade mark. The climate is mild from mid October to mid-December and again from late February to April, with the mercury at a comfortable 25-30 degree centigrade. Mid December to mid February is wintertime and it can become as low as 5 degree centigrade in this holy city during that time. One must bring sufficient warm clothing if one plans to be here during the cold season.

What you may want to bring
A personal computer or laptop (optional): A computer is useful for having course books on disk, taking notes, writing essays, access to the folio, etc. The institute has one computer in the library with the folio (all of Prabhupada's books, conversations and lectures) and a word processor.

Medicines: Basic amenities are available in India, but quality and variety can vary considerably from what is available in the west. Keep this in mind when deciding what to take, especially if you require certain medications.

Where to stay
Rooms are available in the Gurukula building for male students by reservation, or on a first come-first serve basis. The cost is Rs 50 per person per day and three men occupy each room. Desk and chairs are provided.

Women and all those who do not manage to find a room here can stay at any of the ashrams located nearby at a nominal fare. Most of these are adequate, though simple and often bedding is not supplied. Some names are listed below.

Nandanvan Ashram
ISKCON Temple
Near P L Saraf Hospital
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Tel No: (091) 5664-442649

MVT Guesthouse
Near ISKCON Temple
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Tel No: (091) 5664-443400, (091) 5664-444671

ISKCON Guesthouse
ISKCON Temple
Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Tel No: (091) 5664-442478, (091) 5664-442591

Where to Eat
Temple prasadam (food offered to devotees) is available at Rs 40 per day (prices are subject to change). This is inclusive of a thali (plate) of rice, dal, two vegetable dishes, chapatis and sweet. The temple also runs a restaurant and snack bar (offers sandwiches, pizza, savories, baked items, sweets and drinks) and there are other facilities available. For those who wish to cook for themselves, all required ingredients are available in the temple vicinity.

The Goshalla Snack Bar, located near the guesthouse entrance offers fresh cow's milk and milk products from the goshalla (cowshed), as well as a variety of snacks, sweets, drinks, etc.

Other Facilities
Reading Room is a combination reference library and study containing all of Srila Prabhupada's books (in several languages), various other books and magazines, VIHE course books and a computer with the folio. This also houses VIHE courses on tape and a tape recorder and headphones. In fact, over 50 courses are available on tape. And there is a large collection of many course books from past and current courses. Registered VIHE students receive a 10 % discount on selected items (all books and tapes that are not already discounted).

Getting to Vrindavan
By Air: The nearest airport is Kheria at Agra which is 71 km away from the city. From Agra one can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Vrindavan.

By Rail: Vrindavan is well connected with Mathura, which is at a distance of 15 kms. Mathura is a major railhead about 145 kms from Delhi.

By Road: One can reach Vrindavan from Mathura, Delhi, Agra and Lucknow by public or private buses.

Commuting within Vrindavan or Mathura: Cycle-rickshaws are the favored means of transport within the two cities. The fare for travelling between any two points should not be more than Rs 10-25.

For additional information you can check out the following sites
http://www.iskcon.com
http://www.iskcon.net