The Christian Arsenal

Christianity, Cults & World Religions
Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna (ISKCON)

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Religion: Hare Krishna (ISKCON)

Category:  Cult

Founder/Leader:

A.C. Bhakivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977). Founded 1976 in New York. Based on Hindu teachings from the A.D. 1500's.

Foundational Documents:

Back to Godhead magazine is an important publication. The Prabhupada's translations of and commentaries on Hindu scriptures, especially Bhagavad-Gita, and As It Is are also important writings.

God is...

God is Lord Krishna (Krsna) Krishna is a personal creator; the souls of all living things are part of him. Writings say Krishna once divided himself into 16,308 forms to mate with 16,308 female cowherds.

Jesus is...

Jesus is not important to this group. He is usually thought of as an enlightened vegetarian teacher who taught meditation. He is not an incarnation of God. Some Krishna devotees consider Christ to be Krishna. Others say Jesus is a great avatar (teacher).

The Holy Spirit is... 

The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief system.

Method of Salvation:

Chanting Krishna's name constantly, total devotion to Krishna, worshipping images, and obeying the rules of ISKCON throughout many reincarnated lives, releases a follower from bad karma.

Death and Beyond...

Those who are unenlightened continue in endless reincarnation (rebirth on earth) based on the sinful acts of a person's previous life.

Other Beliefs:

Public chanting of Hare Krishna mantra, yoga, food offerings, soliciting donations. Vegetarian diet. No intoxicants, no gambling. Sex for procreation only. ISKCON (Internal Society for Krishna Consciousness) attracts new members through feasts and Indian cultural programs. Followers are given new names, and often cut family ties.