Understanding the Movement Started by Srila Prabhupada

the International Society for Krishna Consciousness [Ai001]

In 1966, Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in New York City. What began as a small gathering has grown into a worldwide movement, with temples, communities, and projects across the globe. ISKCON shares the teachings of Krishna consciousness through chanting, study, service, and community—offering people everywhere a chance to experience devotion in daily life.

ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradāya, a monotheistic tradition within the Vedic or Hindu culture. Philosophically it is based on the Sanskrit texts Bhagavad-gītā and the Bhagavat Purana, or Srimad Bhagavatam. These are the historic texts of the devotional bhakti yoga tradition, which teaches that the ultimate goal for all living beings is to reawaken their love for God, or Lord Krishna, the “all-attractive one”.

In 1966, Srila Prabhupada established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in New York City. What started as a small gathering has grown into a worldwide movement, with temples, communities, and projects in more than 100 countries. Through chanting, study, service, and community, ISKCON shares Krishna consciousness in a practical way—helping people everywhere experience devotion in daily life.

Today, ISKCON has over 700 centers and communities in more than 100 countries worldwide.