The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in the West in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (Srila Prabhupada). ISKCON is part of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, which originates from Bengal and is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
The principles and practices of ISKCON were taught and codified by the 15th-century saint and religious reformer, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1532), his brother Nityananda Prabhu, and six of his principal associates, known as the Goswamis of Vrindavana (Sanatana, Rupa, Jiva, Gopal Bhatta, Raghunatha Dasa, and Raghunatha Bhatta).
The Bhagavad-gita, the principal scripture of The Hare Krishna Movement, was first put into writing around 5,000 years ago. Its teachings form the foundation of ISKCON, which promotes the practice of Bhakti Yoga—devotion to Krishna.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, recognized by devotees as a direct incarnation of Krishna, gave a powerful impetus for a massive bhakti (devotional) movement throughout India. Under his guidance, hundreds of volumes on the philosophy of Krishna consciousness were compiled. Many devotees followed in his footsteps, including the 19th-century Vaishnava theologian Bhaktivinoda Thakura (1838-1914), who brought Krishna consciousness to a modern audience.
Bhaktivinoda Thakura's son, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami (1874-1937), became the guru of Srila Prabhupada (1896-1977) and instructed him to spread Krishna consciousness in the West. Srila Prabhupada took this mission to heart, and in 1965, at the age of 69, he traveled to New York City to fulfill his spiritual master's instructions. In 1966, he established ISKCON, and over the next decade, he tirelessly traveled the world, opening temples, writing books, and inspiring countless individuals to embrace the path of Bhakti Yoga.
ISKCON's history is marked by its disciplic succession (sampradaya or guru parampara), which draws its legitimacy from a lineage of spiritual teachers and disciples (parampara). There are four major disciplic successions, and ISKCON belongs to the Brahma-Gaudiya-Madhva sampradaya, founded by Lord Krishna Himself. The other three are the Sri Sampradaya (referring to the goddess Laksmi), the Rudra Sampradaya (referring to the god Shiva), and the Kumara Sampradaya (referring to the four Kumaras, celibate sages).
Within the Brahma Sampradaya, there are many branches. ISKCON belongs to the Brahma-Gaudiya-Madhva lineage, which was established by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. This lineage has preserved the teachings and practices of Krishna consciousness, making them accessible to people around the world.
ISKCON continues to grow and spread the teachings of Bhakti Yoga, inspiring millions of people to lead lives of devotion, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment. Through its temples, educational programs, and various outreach initiatives, ISKCON remains dedicated to the mission of Srila Prabhupada, sharing the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam with all.
