“harer-nama harer-nama harer-namaiva kevalam...”
‘Harinama, Harinama, Harinama is the only and foremost means to achieve emancipation. There is no other way in this age of Kali.’
The core principles of ISKCON are based on Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, and Sri Chaitanya-Charitamrta.
Origin
The basic tenet of these teachings is that each living entity is an eternal spirit soul and has a distinct relationship with God, Krishna. Lord Chaitanya distinguished Gaudiya Vaishnavism from other sampradayas by understanding that the spirit soul is “inconceivably one and different” from the Supreme Lord: acintya bheda tattva. Both are of the same spiritual nature, but the Lord is unlimited in quantity, and the spirit soul is his tiny servant..
Core Beliefs (by Srila Prabhupada)
- Spirit over body: We are not this body, but spirit souls.
- Reincarnation: We undergo birth and death repeatedly until liberated.
- Spiritual World: Free from suffering, unlike the material world.
- Supreme Controller: Krishna is the ultimate controller, beyond all.
- Connection through Bhakti: Sankirtana (chanting) is the most effective path.
Process of Bhakti Yoga
A pure devotee has no plans other than those for the Lord’s service. “One can execute the process of bhakti-yoga successfully with full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance, and determination, by following the prescribed duties in the association of devotees and by engaging completely in activities of goodness
Founder’s Statement
Srila Prabhupada’s mission:
- To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society and educate all in the techniques of spiritual life, to restore values and achieve real unity and peace.
- To spread Krishna consciousness as revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, accepting the principle of transmigration of the soul.
- To unite members and bring them nearer to Krishna, developing the understanding that each soul is part and parcel of Godhead (Krishna).
- To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement — congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- To establish holy places of transcendental pastimes dedicated to Krishna for members and society at large.
- To inspire a simpler, more natural, and spiritually focused way of life.
- To publish, distribute, and create periodicals, books, and websites that further these spiritual purposes.