What is the full form of ISKCON

ISKCON: International Society for Krishna Consciousness

ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is a religious organization that belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava Sampradaya. Its values and beliefs are based on the Sanskrit scriptures Bhagavad-gita and Bhagavat Purana or Srimad Bhagavatam. These scriptures teach that the ultimate goal of all living beings is to reawaken their love for God or Lord Krishna.

It was founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York City. The members of ISKCON follow the bkakti-yoga tradition. They practice bhakti yoga in temples as well as in their homes. They also promote the Krishna Consciousness through festivals, seminars, distribution of literature etc. In addition to the religious activities, the ISKCON members have established schools, colleges, hospitals, food distribution projects etc, as a practical application of the path of bhakti yoga.

Regulative Principles

The society gives emphasis on four regulative principles as the basis of spiritual life. These principles are inspired from four legs of Dharma. These four principles are as follows:

• No meat-eating including fish and eggs
• No illicit sex (even between husband and wife if it is not for the procreation of children)
• No Gambling
• No intoxicants

The four legs of Dharma are as follows:

• Daya (Mercy)
• Tapas (Self-Control or Austerity)
• Satyam (Truthfulness)
• Saucam ( cleanliness in mind, body and dealings )

Mission/Purposes

ISKCON has seven main purposes which are as follows:

1. To systematically spread spiritual knowledge and techniques of spiritual life to achieve balance in the values in life and to achieve real unity and peace across the world.
2. To spread the consciousness of Krishna as described in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
3. To bring the members of the society close to Krishna (the prime entity) and develop the thought within members and humanity that each soul is part of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
4. To teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement (the congregational chanting of the holy name of the God) as described by the Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
5. To raise a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to lord Krishna for the members and society at large.
6. To bring members close to one another for the purpose of teaching simple and natural way of life.
7. To publish and distribute books, magazines, periodicals etc, to achieve the above-mentioned purposes.