Discover a Path to Inner Peace
Iskcon Richards Bay is your gateway to understanding the profound philosophy and vibrant culture of the Hare Krishna movement. We offer resources, community connections, and insights to guide you on your spiritual path.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), globally recognized as the Hare Krishna Movement, began its spiritual journey in July 1966 in New York City. Its revered founder was His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. At the advanced age of 70, with unwavering faith and a profound sense of purpose, Srila Prabhupada traveled from India to the Western world.
His singular mission was to share the timeless wisdom of Krishna Consciousness, deeply embedded in the ancient Vedic scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Despite facing initial struggles and a vastly different cultural landscape, his authentic teachings resonated deeply with truth-seekers.
ISKCON rapidly expanded from a small storefront into a vibrant, worldwide confederation, now encompassing over 700 temples, self-sufficient farm communities, educational institutions, and vegetarian restaurants across more than 100 countries. This expansion is a testament to the universal appeal of the teachings he tirelessly propagated.
ISKCON's foundational mission is to systematically propagate spiritual knowledge throughout society, thereby addressing the prevalent imbalance of values in modern life. By educating people in the practical techniques of spiritual living, the Society aims to foster true unity and lasting peace in the world.
The core of this mission is to promote a profound consciousness of Krishna, drawing directly from the authentic revelations of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. A crucial aspect is to bring all members of the Society closer to Krishna, cultivating the understanding that every living soul is an eternal part and parcel of the Supreme Godhead.
Furthermore, ISKCON is dedicated to teaching and actively encouraging the Sankirtan movement, which involves the congregational chanting of God's holy names, and to publishing and widely distributing profound spiritual literature that illuminates the path of self-realization.
ISKCON envisions a global society founded on spiritual principles, where individuals are actively encouraged to pursue profound spiritual growth. This vision extends to promoting a life firmly centered on devotion to Krishna, inspiring universal compassion, dedicated service to others, and unwavering moral integrity.
The ultimate aim is to help every individual cultivate a deep, loving relationship with Krishna, which is believed to lead to genuine spiritual fulfillment and lasting happiness. This global movement seeks to spread the transformative teachings of Krishna and the practical principles of bhakti-yoga to every corner of the world.
Our vision includes establishing exemplary communities rooted in ethical living, providing extensive humanitarian services through initiatives like Food for Life, fostering global peace and harmony through spiritual understanding, and championing self-sufficiency and environmental consciousness.
ISKCON's teachings are inherently non-sectarian, rooted in the timeless principles of sanatana dharma, the eternal religion. This spiritual path emphasizes loving devotional service (bhakti-yoga) as the ultimate purpose of life, directed towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna. Our core values, essential for spiritual advancement and a harmonious society, include:
Cleanliness (Saucam)
This value encompasses both external bodily purity and internal mental and spiritual purity. It is maintained through adherence to ethical principles, regular chanting of God's holy names, and dedicated study of sacred scriptures. Avoiding illicit relationships is also a key aspect of maintaining purity.
Mercy (Daya)
Practicing profound compassion towards all living beings is a fundamental principle. This is most visibly expressed through adherence to a lacto-vegetarian diet, which avoids inflicting violence on animals, and through active participation in humanitarian efforts.
Austerity (Tapa)
This involves disciplined self-control and voluntarily accepting certain sacrifices for spiritual benefit. Key aspects include minimizing material wants, avoiding greed and violence, and strictly abstaining from all forms of intoxication (including alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and tobacco), gambling, and illicit sexual relationships.
Truthfulness (Satyam)
Upholding integrity and refraining from falsehoods are paramount. Engaging in gambling is considered to destroy truthfulness, thus devotees are committed to honesty in all their dealings.
Devotion (Bhakti)
This is the most central and overarching value. It means always remembering Krishna and never forgetting Him, considering this constant remembrance and loving service to be the ultimate goal and the very essence of spiritual life.