Why they chant
Hare Krishna mantra?

Bhakti Yoga is a path of connecting with the Divine through loving devotional service. Derived from the Sanskrit word "bhaj," meaning loving service, Bhakti-yoga aims to establish a deep connection with the Supreme. While the Bhagavad Gita discusses various yoga practices, such as karma-yoga (conscious action), jnana-yoga (philosophical study), and hatha-yoga (asanas and breathing exercises), it emphasizes that physical benefits alone are not the ultimate goal. According to the Gita, bhakti-yoga, the path of dedication and love, is the culmination of other yoga practices. It involves developing our devotion, service, and love for Lord Krishna, the Divinity. Bhakti-yoga is practiced through various activities, including mantra meditation. Chanting the names of God individually on beads (japa) or in a community accompanied by music (kirtan) is an integral part of this path. Studying sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, associating with like-minded spiritual aspirants, consuming sanctified vegetarian food, and living by principles of truthfulness, mercy, austerity, and cleanliness are essential practices for followers of bhakti. By engaging in these practices, individuals can deepen their connection with the Divine and experience the transformative power of Bhakti Yoga in their lives.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), widely known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a global spiritual organisation with over five hundred centers, temples, and rural communities. Founded by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York City in 1966, ISKCON has rapidly expanded in less than fifty years, with nearly one hundred affiliated vegetarian restaurants and thousands of local meeting groups, known as namahattas. ISKCON is rooted in the Gaudiya-Vaishnava tradition, a monotheistic branch of Vedic culture. Its teachings are based on sacred texts such as the Bhagavad-gita and the Bhagavat Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam), emphasizing that the ultimate goal of life is to rekindle one’s love for God, particularly in the form of Lord Krishna, the "all-attractive one." Recognised for its authenticity, ISKCON has earned praise from scholars and religious leaders. Diana Eck, a Professor at Harvard University, acknowledges ISKCON as a respected tradition in the religious landscape. Notably, historian Dr. A. L. Basham remarked on ISKCON's rapid growth and influence in the West as a significant phenomenon in modern religious history.

Srila Prabhupada, born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Kolkata, India, is revered for bringing the teachings of bhakti-yoga, or Krishna Consciousness, to a global audience. For centuries, this rich tradition was largely confined to India, but today millions express gratitude for Prabhupada's efforts in sharing its wisdom worldwide. His spiritual journey began in 1922 when he met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent leader in the Gaudiya Vaishnava community. Inspired by Bhaktisiddhanta's vision, Abhay became his disciple in 1933 and dedicated himself to the mission of bringing Krishna's teachings to the English-speaking world. In 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Prabhupada embarked on a perilous journey to New York aboard the cargo ship Jaladhuta. Despite facing hardships and health challenges, he arrived with just seven dollars and a crate of his translations of sacred texts. In New York, he began teaching the Bhagavad-gita and leading kirtans, quickly attracting followers who resonated with his message of peace and devotion. In July 1966, he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to promote spiritual unity and address societal imbalances. Over the next eleven years, Prabhupada traveled the globe, spreading Krishna's teachings and establishing temples, farm communities, and educational institutions. He also initiated the world's largest vegetarian food relief program, Hare Krishna Food for Life. Returning to India multiple times, Prabhupada sparked a revival of the Vaishnava tradition, opening several temples in sacred locations like Vrindavan and Mayapur. His most enduring legacy is his extensive writings, comprising over 70 volumes that are respected for their clarity and fidelity to tradition. Notable works include Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya-caritamrita. His writings have been translated into many languages and are used in academic settings worldwide. Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in Vrindavan, surrounded by devoted disciples who continue to uphold his mission today.

While many recognise God as the greatest person, His true form and personality remain largely unknown. Some believe God to be formless, dismissing representations of Lord Krishna as mere myth. However, evidence from the Vedas, the oldest scriptures, reveals that the Absolute Truth embodies both impersonal and personal aspects. His eternal, blissful, all-knowing, and captivating personality is often concealed by His immense greatness. Considering that everything in our experience possesses form and qualities, it is logical that the ultimate source also possesses them infinitely. Just as drops of ocean water contain the ocean's qualities on a smaller scale, our forms and personalities are tiny reflections of the infinite Supreme Person. The Vedic writings describe the Supreme Person's countless names, activities, opulences, and companions. Krishna, meaning "all-attractive," is a name that highlights His transcendental personality rather than His greatness alone. Sacred books like the Srimad-Bhagavatam and Brahma-samhita examine narratives of Krishna's captivating forms and activities, spanning both the temporary universe and realms beyond.