The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare
Krishna Movement, is an international confederation of more than 650 temples and several
community projects- Vegetarian restaurants, Eco-farms, to name a few. ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya- Vaishnava Sampradaya – a monotheistic tradition. It is scripturally based on the 5,000-year-old Sanskrit text Bhagavad- Gita, or “Song of God.” ISKCON traces its lineage directly to the
speaker of that sacred book, Lord Krishna, who is revered as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and to Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a 16th century incarnation of God who emphasized the chanting of Hare Krishna as the most effective means of achieving self-realization and love of God in this
present time.
In 1965, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, at age 70, journeyed alone on a cargo ship – “Jaladuta” from India to America to bring the teachings of Lord Krishna to the West. On July 11th, 1966, Srila Prabhupada formally registered the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York City and thus inaugurated the Hare Krishna Movement.
The organization bases its philosophy on the ancient Vedic scriptures. These include the Srimad Bhagavad-Gita, the 30- volume Srimad Bhagavatam and the 17-volume Caitanya- Caritamrita. Krishna devotees teach that people are not their material bodies, but rather eternal spirit souls, and that all beings are interconnected through God, the mutual father. In the Vaishnava culture, God is known by many names, but primarily by the name “Krishna”, which means “the All-Attractive
Supreme Person.” ISKCON members believe that the same God is spoken of in all major literatures of the world. ISKCON teaches that the goal of life is to develop love of God. Love of God is realized through the practice of ‘bhakti-yoga’ or devotional service. This ancient system of yoga imparts the art of keeping God in the center of all human activities. To achieve Krishna Consciousness effectively, members chant and meditate upon the holy names of Lord Krishna: In addition to daily chanting and meditation, ISKCON members practice their faith by attending regular worship services, reading the Vedic literatures, exchanging sanctified vegetarian meals and deepening relationships among other Krishna followers. The members also practice four “principles of religion”: compassion, truthfulness, cleanliness and austerity. To uphold these principles and to concentrate the mind and senses on their
spiritual quests, practitioners follow four basic rules of conduct. They are strict vegetarians; avoiding eating of meat, fish or eggs. They also refrain from gambling and illicit sex, and do not smoke, indulge in alcohol or use drugs. ISKCON began in Guyana way back in 1975 when Krishna devotees from America came to Guyana. The organization was later registered on October 1975. Today, there are 5 temples established across the three main counties of the country, with its main branch on just the outskirts of Georgetown in UG Road, Cummings Lodge. There are also several preaching center setups
in the villages. Over the years, ISKCON has benefitted the people of Guyana in many different ways through its many activities. Some of the main events include street chanting, distribution of spiritual
literatures, temple and outdoor festivals- Janmasthami, Ratha and Pada-yatra, sanctified food distribution and attendance of reachout programs. Street chanting or “Harinaam” was introduced here in Guyana since devotees visited the country. It involves Krishna devotees singing the Holy names of the Lord through the streets and villages. This singing is accompanied by instruments such as the Mrdanga – drum and Karatalas – cymbals. This chanting is significant since it brings to all people remembrance of God’s holy names. It also spiritualized the atmosphere and brings
peace to the hearts of many who hear. Distribution of spiritual texts, pamphlets and magazines has been occurring across the country from Crab Wood Creek to Bartica for many years. ISKCON devotees recognize the vital need to share the ancient teachings of Lord Krishna to everyone so that
they can get an opportunity to understand the goal of the human form of life and to revive their dormant love for the supreme father, Krishna. ISKCON in Guyana is known for organizing
many multi-racial, cultural and religious festivals. One such large event is the annual Festival of the Chariots- Ratha-Yatra. There, the Lord of the Universe, Lord Jagannath (Krishna), rides a
huge chariot and is pulled along the streets by everyone who comes. This festival is significant in that the Lord leaves the temple and takes to the street to give benedictions to everyone, especially those who cannot make it to the temple. The cart pulling signifies pulling the Lord to one’s heart thereby becoming peaceful within and being always under the Lord’s protection and shelter.
In addition, ISKCON is well known for conducting food-for-life programs for many years in Guyana. Thousands of plates of sanctified vegetarian meals have been distributed, especially at Ratha-Yatra, Pada-Ytara and similar outdoor festivities. Many people recognize Krishna devotees because of the famous “fudge” (sweet) they give out. Also, every gathering, whether at the temple or outdoors, involve the honouring of sanctified food afterwards. One of the major contributions of ISKCON is its regular outreach programs. Krishna devotees go out to meet and spend time with people in the towns and villages throughout the country to encourage them to continue to pursue spirituality. They also
offer counseling and guidance to students, couples, families, or anyone who so desires it. Performance of various “Samskaras” or sacrifices for purification such as weddings, final rites and name
giving ceremonies are but a few of the services being offered. Moreover, on a weekly basis, there has been the famous “Sunday Love Feast” program occurring in all the temples. This program entails chanting the names of God, Srimad Bhagavad- Gita discourses, worship of the Murti form of the Lord and relishing of Vegetarian feast subsequently. There are also the daily morning program, television program, music classes, Gita classes, Kirtan festivals, and many other training programs that
have been taking place over the years. ISKCON has impacted Guyana tremendously by fostering unity,
peace, national brotherhood and self-awareness among all people through its widespread community services. The Movement continues to grow worldwide and be of service to our country in many ways as highlighted above.