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The foundation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was
informally laid way back in 1486, when Lord Krishna supposedly appeared in Bengal
as Shri Chaitanya. He was the one who established the movement for Krishna consciousness
in India. Opposed to any social, religious or racist prejudice, Shri Chaitanya revealed
the recommended method of God Realization for the present age - chanting of holy
names of The Lord Krishna. His devotees, who traveled across the globe, promoted
his preaching.
In the footsteps of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
It was A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who formally laid the foundation of
ISKCON. However, the principals
and practices of the members of ISKCON were actually taught and codified by the
15th century saint and religious reformer Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who some believe
was a reincarnation of Shri Krishna.
Shri Chaitanya advocated an extensive Krishna bhakti (devotional) movement in India.
He supervised the compilation of hundreds of volumes on the philosophy of Krishna
consciousness. After the demise of Shri Chaitanya, the bhakti movement slumped,
to be revived again in the 19th century by a Vaishnavite (follower of Vishnu, Shri
Krishna was a reincarnation of Vishnu) priest Bhaktivinoda Thakur. His son, Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur carried on his father's work.
And it was Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur who urged his disciple Srila Prabhupada
to spread Krishna's message in the Western hemisphere.
Srila Prabhupada's family and background
Srila Prabhupada was born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta. His family was devoted
to Lord Krishna, especially in His form of Lord Chaitanya. Having descended from
the family line of the great sage Gautama, it was predicted at the time of his birth
that Srila Prabhupada would become a great exponent of religion and would open 108
religious centers.
Growing up in a religious atmosphere Srila Prabhupada, in 1916, went to study at
Scottish Churches' College, then the top British College in Calcutta at his father's
behest. But being a supporter of 'Swaraj' (independence), after he passed his final
examinations, he supported Gandhi's call to boycott all things that were British
and refused to accept his diploma.
Meeting the Guru
Srila Prabhupada was 26 years old when he first met his spiritual master, Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur in 1922 by coincidence. One of Srila Prabhupada's
friend Naren Mullick took him to hear Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, who was a prominent
religious scholar and the founder of sixty-four Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes)
in India.
During the lecture Srila Prabhupada challenged his Guru. He said that at a time
when India was under foreign rule, none would hear the messages of Shri Chaitanya.
He added that only after gaining independence would people be able to spread the
Indian culture. To this Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati replied that the Krishna
consciousness movement was an important one and could not wait for India to get
free. Moreover he explained that the movement was independent of India's political
scenario.
Though Srila Prabhupada was defeated in the verbal duel, he found his spiritual
Guru.
Spreading the word
Knowing that Srila Prabhupada had studied at Scottish Churches' College, then the
top British College in Calcutta, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur requested
him to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya in English.
was only ten years later that Srila Prabhupada became Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's officially
initiated disciple. During this span he had established a successful pharmaceutical
business. When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was breathing his last in 1936, Srila Prabhupada
volunteered to spread the preaching of Lord Chaitanya. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta advised
him that he should translate and preach the thoughts and arguments of Lord Chaitanya
in English. That became the mission statement for Srila Prabhupada.
Thus, in 1950, at the age of 54, Srila Prabhupada left his home and family and dedicated
his life to preaching. In 1959, he took sanyas (a life of celibacy and prayer).
Later he wrote three volumes of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, finishing the first of twelve
cantos. He got these books printed and made them available in all major cities in
India.
Going To US
Having written these three books Srila Prabhupada was convinced of his ability to
carry on the work assigned to him by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta. His books were instantly
popular all over the country and he realized the weight of his spiritual master's
order. By then he made up his mind that he would go to America to further spread
the word about Krishna consciousness. He knew that once he had convinced Americans
the rest of the world was bound to follow.
Thus, he managed to get to New York on a cargo ship that took 35 days. He survived
two heart attacks on the way. For the initial six months he barely managed to survive.
It was after a lot of struggle that he managed to rent a small place in New York.
This is where he came in touch with a group of people who were sincere searchers
of spiritual knowledge. They called him 'Swamiji'.
Establishment of ISKCON
Gradually, having gained recognition from a huge section of people in the United
States, he officially incorporated The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON) on July 11, 1966 in the state of New York. Soon Srila Prabhupada held chanting
sessions and gave lectures to eager groups of people. He managed to captivate the
hearts of thousands of people through his publications and his chanting. And thus
began the Hare Krishna movement in the West.
After his success in New York, Srila Prabhupada went to San Francisco to establish
ISKCON on the West Coast of the USA. Several Americans (hippies) joined his movement
and spread spiritual love and peace throughout the community.
His disciples went to other parts of the world and in order to establish ISKCON.
Soon the good word was spread to all the parts of the world including London.
Srila Prabhupada along with his disciples created 108 centers worldwide. In a short
span of 11 years he had created the world's largest publisher of Vedic literature
(The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust), a scientific preaching academy (The Bhaktivedanta
Institute) and many other trusts to insure the continuity of ISKCON.
Laying importance to the continuity of the movement, Srila Prabhupada in the 70's
created the Governing Body Commission (GBC), a body of about 30 devotees to take
over the burden of management from him during his lifetime. And also to manage all
the affairs of ISKCON after his departure.
Srila Prabhupada's Teachings
Srila Prabhupada believed that religion means direct touch with God. And for this,
one must practice the life recommended in Vedas. His preachings have become the
goals of ISKCON, some of which are listed below.
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.
To propagate consciousness of Krishna, as it is revealed in Bhagavad-Gita: As It
Is and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
To bring the members of 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).
To teach and encourage the sankirtan movement, congregational chanting of the holy
names of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
To erect for the members and for society large holy places of transcendental pastimes
dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more
natural way of life.
With a view toward achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute
periodicals, books, and other writings.
His Books
Srila Prabhupada came to be known for 51 volumes of transcendental literature that
he wrote in less than 11 years. Srila Prabhupada's works include the 'Bhagavad-Gita:
As It Is ', 'Srimad Bhagavatam (12 Cantos)', 'Chaitanya-Charitamrta (17 volumes)',
'The Nectar of Devotion', 'Krishna -- the Supreme Personality of Godhead', 'Teachings
of Lord Chaitanya', 'The Teachings of Lord Kapila', 'The Teaching of Queen Kunti',
'Sri Isopanisad', 'The Nectar of Instruction' and dozens of smaller books.
Before leaving for his heavenly abode on November 14, 1977, at the age of 81, Srila
Prabhupada had passed on the message of Vedas to the whole world.
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