A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Introduction to Essay

There are a variety of Vaishnava groups in the UK. Many Vaishnavas belong to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The organisation was founded in 1966 in New York by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON is based on the teachings of two sacred Hindu writings called the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavad Purana. It was set up to spread the message of Sanatan Dharma throughout the world. ‘Krishna Consciousness’ is the idea of people being aware of God and their relationship with God in everything they do Krishna is one of the Sanskrit names for God. It means the ‘All-attractive One’.

Life and Work of Prabhupada Born in Calcutta, India in 1896 Showed a devotion to Krishna from an early age. He organised religious festivals at the age of 5. Engaged his community in chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra. Would visit the Radha Krishna Temple instead of playing with his friends.

At the age of 26, he met his spiritual master Sarasvati. He gave the command “Go to the West and spread Krishna Consciousness in the English language”. He starting writing and distributing “Back to the Godhead”, a magazine of the science of Krishna Consciousness. In 1959 he took Sannyasa after retiring from the householder stage. At the age of 70 set off to America to promote Krishna Consciousness. This was a 40 day journey by sea. During this time he had 2 heart attacks over 2 consecutive days. On the third night, Lord Krishna appeared to Prabhupada in a dream. Krishna was pulling the ship to America. In 1966 he founded ISKCON and initiated a dozen disciples. Within months temples opened in New York, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angles, Montreal and London.

Modern Issues

Divorce States that marriage ends because of the woman, never the man. “Generally, separation between husband and wife is due to womanly behaviour; divorce takes place due to womanly weakness. The best course for a woman is to abide by the others of her husband.”

Pregnancy outside of Marriage States it is prostitution. “They should be stopped, this practice of prostitution. This is a very bad system in Europe and America. The boys and girls, they need education conduction. From the very beginning of their lives they become prostitutes. And they encourage.”

Prabhupada states the cause of so much sex outside of marriage in modern society is due to men and women being allowed to mix freely, especially in youth. Increased “freedom” in modern society has led to increased chaos.

Caste Discrimination

“He strongly condemned discrimination based on a birth-based caste system as a harmful and unauthorised misinterpretation on Vedic scriptures and tradition.” – Hindu American Foundation.