You might be familiar with the stereotype of Hare Krishna followers selling books in airports, but the religion’s roots predate these enthusiastic hippie converts by about 500 years. Originally a division of Hinduism dedicated to worshipping Krishna, it was established in the United States during the counterculture atmosphere of the 1960s. Yet within the last 30 years, the movement has drawn followers from many racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Learning about Hare Krishna’s history and tenets should help illuminate some of the reasons why people join this faith.
An American Religion With Indian Origins
NPR writer Barbara Bradley Haggerty explains that the Hare Krishna movement has roots in Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism founded by Sri Chaitanya of Bengal during the 16th century. As part of its core beliefs, Vaishnavism insists that Vishnu is the supreme deity of the universe and has appeared on Earth through a series of multiple incarnations, or avatars. Deriving its theological basis from the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, this sect focuses chiefly on venerating Krishna and his lover Radha, an avatar of Lakshmi and a goddess from Hinduism’s Shakti traditions.
The Encyclopedia Britannica explains that Swami Prabhupada, inspired by his guru to carry Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West, was responsible for helping this faith take root in America. Born Abhay Charan De in Kolkata, he was a business owner with a spouse and children before becoming a “Vanaprastha,” or an individual who trades worldly responsibilities for spiritual pursuits. After arriving in New York City, the 70-year-old Prabhupada shared his beliefs with a group of young people who converted, shaved their heads, and began wearing Indian clothing. He then founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, in 1966.
As a 2016 Washington Post article points out, Prabhupada’s first converts are probably what cemented the image of Hare Krishna devotees in most American minds. However, the religion has attracted devotees from many walks of life, including Indian and African immigrants, blue collar workers, white collar professionals, and college students. While plagued by past accusations of being a cult, its 21st-century members integrate their spiritual practices into their fast-paced lives, mingling with coworkers, classmates, family, and friends outside the faith while maintaining a sense of community with fellow devotees.
Nonviolence, Compassion, and Devotion to Krishna
Like many other groups in Hinduism, both Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the Hare Krishna sect believe that souls are trapped in a seemingly endless death and rebirth cycle known as samsara. Liberation from the cycle traditionally involves positive actions, meditation, gaining knowledge, or engaging in spiritual practices. The original Indian religious movement and the American-founded version concentrate on a specific subset of theologies, practices, and lifestyle aspects designed to spiritually connect adherents to Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu that both sects focus on the most.
As ISKCON’s website divulges, a central tenet of the faith is meditation while reciting the “Maha Mantra,” a mantra comprised of three important words:
- “Hare,” which can refer to divine energy or one of Radha’s names
- “Krishna,” an aspect of God that attracts
- “Rama,” the side of God that is all powerful
In addition, Hare Krishna followers eat a lacto-vegetarian diet since they believe that the consumption of meat, fish, and eggs promotes violence and incurs negative karma. Meanwhile, the idea of “bhakti-yoga,” or loving devotional service, involves the study of sacred texts along with practicing truthfulness, mercy, austerity, and cleanliness.
Old Roots, New Spirituality
The history of the Hare Krishna religious movement can seem a bit confusing to a casual observer. However, it’s a faith that’s crossed an ocean, adapting to modern realities while remaining true to its older origins. Focusing on compassion, nonviolence, spiritual development, and communion with its chosen deity, Hare Krishna continues to flourish in the 21st century.