Traditional
144-575: International Society for Krishna Consciousness ( ISKCON ), commonly referred to as the Hare Krishna movement , is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization . It was founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on July 13, 1966 in New York City. ISKCON's main headquarters is in Mayapur , West Bengal , India and it claims approximately 1 million members globally. ISKCON members practice
288-528: A concept of power, wisdom or illusionary maya . The second alternative understanding of the evident supremacy of Svayam Bhagavan in the Gita, is a popular view on Krishna being the highest and fullest Avatar of the Lord, Vishnu or Narayana. "The Bhagavad Gita depicts Krishna not only as Brahman but also as an 'Avatar of Vishnu' and the friend of Arjuna ." In summary in accordance with this view Svayam Bhagavan Krishna
432-639: A deputy magistrate with the British government. Bhaktivinoda Thakur's son grew up to be both an eminent scholar and a highly influential Vaishnava preacher, and was later known as Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati . In 1920, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati founded Gaudiya Math in India, and later sixty-four Gaudiya Matha monasteries in India, Burma and Europe. In 1933, the first European preaching center was established in London (London Glouster House, Cornwall Garden, W7 South Kensington) under
576-470: A disciplic line of Gaudiya Vaishnavas and are the largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism . Vaishnavism means 'worship of Vishnu ', and Gauḍa refers to the area where this particular branch of Vaishnavism originated, in the Gauda region of West Bengal and Bangladesh . Gaudiya Vaishnavism has had a following in India, especially West Bengal and Odisha , for the past five hundred years. Gaudiya Vaishnavism
720-652: A distinct form of monotheistic Hinduism, grounded in Hindu scriptures and especially guided by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's commentary and translation of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana . Described as “the largest and arguably most important branch” of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, ISKCON traces its roots in India to the early 16th century and expanded to gain followers in America, Europe, and Africa from
864-506: A fire lamp, and flowers to a murti , a sacred statue or image of Krishna. This is accompanied by prayers and devotional songs called bhajans . Practitioners may perform arati at their own home or congregate at a temple to join in the ceremony. Along with this worship, devotees will bathe the murti, dress it, offer it food, and even put it to sleep. By doing arati and serving the murti, devotees aim to deepen their relationship with Krishna. ISKCON devotees meet regularly (typically on Sunday at
1008-668: A key sutra , not only to the Bhagavata Purana but to Vedanta and thus all the Vedas. According to the Upanishads it is believed that when Brahma, who is said to be the original created being, was approached by the sages, the Four Kumaras , he was presented with critical questions: – Who is the Supreme Lord? Who does death fear? – By knowing whom, does everything become realized? – Who
1152-570: A meeting in 1996, former young members testified that they had been regularly beaten at school, denied medical care, and sexually molested and raped. In 2002, a suit for $ 900 million was filed in Texas State Court by alleged victims of abuse in ISKCON boarding schools. ISKCON later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection . The eventual 2008 settlement in what became known as the Turley Case
1296-484: A program known as the Sunday Feast) to worship deities, listen to discourses by senior devotees, participate in kirtan and eat sanctified offered food prasadam . Devotees place great emphasis on listening to spiritual discourses, believing them to be a key role in spiritual advancement. During initiation ( diksha ) ISKCON devotees vow to follow four basic rules and regulations. Besides weekly gatherings, devotees within
1440-463: A second category, tad ekatma rupa (meaning: one that one and not different ). 'Svayam' as a term means not depending on others or being himself . In his instruction to Sanatana Goswami, at Kasi, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explains the implications of the vadanti verse: "The word brahman refers to Svayam Bhagavan , who has one consciousness without a second, and without whom there is nothing else." (Gupta 2007, p 36). Rūpa Gosvāmī has described
1584-590: A select few among his followers, who later came to be known as the Six Gosvamis of Vrindavan , to systematically present his theology of bhakti in their writings. This theology emphasized the devotee's relationship to the Divine Couple, Radha and Krishna, and looked to Chaitanya as the embodiment of both Radha and Krishna. The six were Rupa Goswami , Sanatana Goswami , Gopala Bhatta Goswami , Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami , Raghunatha dasa Goswami and Jiva Goswami . In
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#17328445357921728-403: A significant statement. Jiva Goswami has called it Paribhasa-sutra , the “thesis statement” upon which the entire book or even theology is based. In another place of the Bhagavata Purana 10.83.5–43 those who are named as wives of Krishna all explain to Draupadi how the 'Lord himself' ( Svayam Bhagavan , Bhagavata Purana 10.83.7) came to marry them. As they relate these episodes, several of
1872-479: A subordination of the 'puravatara' Krishna to Vishnu. However, Vaishnava traditions do not adhere to the concept of Svayam Bhagavan with the same views as those who support the concept. To support their view they quote the 149th chapter of Anushāsanaparva in the epic Mahabharata , Bhishma which states, with Krishna present, that mankind will be free from all sorrows by chanting the Vishnu sahasranama , which are
2016-592: A tendency has been revealed, Bengali Vaishnavas belong to the lower middle castes ("middle class"), while the upper castes as well as lowest castes and tribes in Bengal are Shaktas . There are Krishnaite gurus and groups who belong to the Chaitanya lineage, but actually separated from Gaudiya Vaishnavism, becoming new independent movements. Svayam bhagavan Svayam Bhagavan ( Sanskrit : स्वयं भगवान् , romanized : Svayaṁ-Bhāgavan ; roughly: "God Itself")
2160-598: A warm friendship with Prabhupada, who provided the inspiration for Harrison songs such as " Living in the Material World ". In the 1980s, underground New York City hardcore punk band the Cro-Mags included Hare Krishna members and made references to Krishna Consciousness. By the early 1990s, an entire underground Krishnacore subgenre was established with other New York hardcore bands like Shelter and 108 . In 2020, Willow Smith and Jahnavi Harrison collaborated on
2304-409: A way to attract newcomers to the movement. Devotees gather in public, in streets and parks, to sing the mantra accompanied by instruments like the mridanga , hand cymbals, and the harmonium . During the 1970s, ISKCON entered the public eye because of this practice. Devotees would sing, distribute books, and proselytize in airports and other public areas, often obtrusively. Sankirtan continues throughout
2448-711: Is recognized as "the Lord whose being is sacrifice, Yajna Purusha " Some believe that thus this verse of the Rig Veda is a foundation of Vaishnava tradition. In the Gopala Tapani Upanishad the Rig Veda verse(1.22.20) was addressed paraphrasing the original of the Vedic hymn in accordance with the beliefs of the Gaudiya Vaishnava : It outlines a specific view held by the Gaudiya Vaishnava and Vallabha Sampradaya , that
2592-550: Is a Sanskrit concept in Hinduism , referring to the absolute representation of Bhagavan (the title "Lord" or "God") as the Supreme God in a monotheistic framework. The concept is most commonly (but not always) associated with a male deity, for instance in Hindu sub-movements like Krishnaism and Gaudiya Vaishnavism , in which Krishna is regarded as Svayam Bhagavan. As stated in
2736-428: Is a common view that Bhagavad Gita was propounding Krishna-theism before first major proponents of monism . Other pervading understandings of the position of Svayam Bhagavan asserted in the Gita are connected to, non-Krishna-centered, traditions. One tradition follows predominately the views of Sankaracharya commentary on Brahma Sutras and is referred as maya-vad which justifies Svayam Bhagavan supremacy by
2880-597: Is a divine figure with attributed supremacy in Vaishnavism. The theological interpretation of svayam bhagavān differs with each tradition, and the literal translation of the term has been understood in several distinct ways. Translated from the Sanskrit language , the term literally means " Bhagavan Himself" or "directly Bhagavan". Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition often translates it within its perspective as primeval Lord or original Personality of Godhead ; it also considers
3024-422: Is accepted as authority by Mahaprabhu himself. Gaudiya Vaishnava theology is prominently expounded by Jiva Goswami in his Sat-sandarbhas , which are six elaborate treatises on various aspects of God. Other prominent Gaudiya Vaishnava theologians include his uncles, Rupa Gosvami , the author of Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, and Sanatana Gosvami , the author of Hari-bhakti-vilasa , Visvanatha Chakravarti ,
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#17328445357923168-448: Is according to Pancaratra is at the source of creation. Pancaratra sources are accepted by all of Vaishnava traditions, and confirmed by Yamunacarya who preceding in the line of Ramanuja , summarizing in his Agamapramanya , a defense of the revelation of the tantric Vaishnava Pancaratra, defending whole body of the texts being part of the Veda: "The Pancadratra Tantra is authoritative like
3312-552: Is addictive and an intoxicant. Chaitanya Vaishnava traditions refer to the writings of previous acharyas in their respective lineage or sampradya as authoritative interpretations of scripture. While many schools like Smartism and Advaitism encourage interpretation of scriptures philosophically and metaphorically and not too literally, Chaitanya Vaishnavism stresses the literal meaning ( mukhya vṛitti ) as primary and indirect meaning ( gauṇa vṛitti ) as secondary: sākṣhād upadesas tu shrutih - "The instructions of
3456-555: Is also a view of Gaudiya Vaishnavas that Sanatana Goswamis Brihad Bhagavatamrita , has illustrated this principle, not just in terms of comparative cosmology or avatara hierarchy as in Vaishnava Pancaratra, but also in terms of cosmology of adi-rasa . The cosmological principle of the four dhamas (with a separate place for the last two: Vaikuntha – abode of Vishnu or Narayana , tad-ekatma rupa , in transcendence, and Goloka as abode of Svayam Bhagavan in transcendence)
3600-534: Is also perceived and understood from an eclectic assortment of perspectives and viewpoints. When Krishna is recognized to be Svayam Bhagavan , it can be understood that this is the belief of Gaudiya Vaishnavism , the Vallabha Sampradaya , and the Nimbarka Sampradaya , where Krishna is accepted to be the source of all other avatars, and the source of Vishnu himself. This belief is drawn primarily from
3744-500: Is among the highest and fullest of all Avatars and is considered to be the " paripurna avatara ", complete in all respects and the same as the original. According to them Krishna is described in the Bhagavata Purana as the purnavatara (complete manifestation) of Bhagavan, while other incarnations are called partial. "Krishna being Bhagavan; the mind of man 'centred intensely', whatever the motive and however ignorant it might be,
3888-557: Is based on quotations from the Bhagavata Purana , such as " krsnastu bhagavan svayam ", literally "Krishna is God Himself". Jiva Gosvami calls this phrase the "paribhasha-sutra" (definitive rule) of the theology of the Gaudiya Vaishnava school and a mahavakya (governing proposition). A particularly distinct part of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy espoused by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the concept of Achintya Bheda Abheda , which translates to "inconceivable oneness and difference" in
4032-504: Is centred in Him."(p. 334) Generally there is a universal acceptance of the uniqueness of Krishna incarnation throughout Hinduism , as well as the principles involved in His life and personality for which He has been described as Svayam Bhagavan . There is an element of countenance in many Krishna centered traditions to the subordination of Krishna to Vishnu. The reasons for that are given that it
4176-467: Is considered to be the purna-avatara (full incarnation) of Vishnu or, according to some, the universal Narayana who transcends even Brahman . Supremacy or a concept of originality is often referred to in the words of Krishna himself, as for example, the theologian Abhinavagupta , in another tradition of Hinduism, introduces a quotation from the Bhagavad-gita of 'I', Krishna referencing Himself as
4320-543: Is described as bhakti or bhakti-yoga, and is supported by activities of nine different types. The two distinct divisions of sadhana-bhakti are vaidhi-bhakti and raganuga-bhakti . Rupa Goswami defines vaidhi-bhakti as that bhakti which is taken up not by natural liking but by consideration of scriptural injunctions. He describes the two categories of the highest bhakti as bhava-bhakti (devotion via feelings of intense emotion) and prema-bhakti (devotion of love). The two are essentially different intensities of
4464-455: Is devoid of inauspicious or evil qualities. As the etymology of Bhagavān is perfectly illustrated in the Vishnu Purana, referring to the Vishnu Purana on who is Bhagavan too is perfect. Vishnu Purana clearly states that Bhagavan denotes none but Vāsudeva alias Narayana - Krishna . Svayam means Himself, thus Svayam Bhagavān refers to one who is Bhagavān (Vāsudeva) Himself. As Śrī Kr̥ṣṇa,
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4608-422: Is given as the ultimate aim, rather than liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition asserts that in the current yuga , which is Kali Yuga, singing and chanting the various sacred names of God (Krishna) are sufficient for spiritual liberation. One of the defining aspects of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is that Krishna is worshiped specifically as the source of all avataric incarnations of God. This
4752-475: Is greater and far magnanimous than the traditionalist Hindu Trimurti of Vishnu , Shiva and Brahma and all its conceived emanations. It is a monotheistic tradition which has its roots in the theistic Vedanta traditions. The most famous and publicly recognizable ISKCON practice is kirtan , a congregational chanting or singing of the Hare Krishna mantra. Kirtan is both a way to express devotion to God and
4896-628: Is himself Narayana. Narayana is often identified with supreme, however, when his beauty and sweetness (madhurya) overshadow his majesty, he is known as Krishna , i.e. Svayam Bhagavan . As Friedhelm Hardy says, the concept of Bhagavan, "a single, all-powerful, eternal, personal and loving God ... is an empty slot, to be filled by concrete characteristics" and these characteristics culminate in Krishna. In Gaudiya Vaishnava , Vallabha Sampradaya Nimbarka sampradaya and old Bhagavata school, Krishna believed to be fully represented in his original form in
5040-437: Is inconceivable to the human mind but can be experienced through the process of Bhakti yoga . This philosophy serves as a meeting of two opposing schools of Hindu philosophy , pure monism (God and the soul as one entity) and pure dualism (God and the soul as absolutely separate). This philosophy largely recapitulates the concepts of qualified nondualism practiced by the older Vedantic school Vishishtadvaita , but emphasizes
5184-458: Is part of Krishnaism — Krishna -centric Vaishnavite traditions. Its theological basis is primarily that of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana (known within the tradition as the Srimad Bhagavatam ), as interpreted by early followers of Chaitanya, such as Sanatana Goswami , Rupa Goswami , Jiva Goswami , Gopala Bhatta Goswami and others. The focus of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is
5328-424: Is reported to have chanted 300,000 holy names of God each day. Gaudiya Vaishnavas follow a vegetarian diet, abstaining from all types of animal flesh, fish and eggs. Onion and garlic are also avoided as they are believed to promote a tamasic and rajasic form of consciousness in the eater. Some Gaudiya Vaishnavas, mainly from ISKCON and Gaudiya Matha, also avoid the intake of caffeine, as they believe it
5472-504: Is said to be a disciple of Isvara Puri (fl. 14th century) who was a disciple of Madhavendra Puri (fl. 14th century) who was a disciple of Lakshmipati Tirtha (1420 - 1487) who was a disciple of Vyasatirtha (1469 – 1539) of the Madhva Sampradaya . The Gaudiya Vaishnavas call their tradition "Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya", which originates from Brahma and has Madhvacharya as the original acharya and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as
5616-456: Is that person, who is behind the repetition of the creation of this Universe? His own original or sweet form, Sva-bimbaṁ is not manifested very often in the Universe, loka-locanam . Gaudiya Vaishnavas quote sources that claim that it happens only once in a kalpa (universal day of Brahma ), which consists of fourteen manvantaras , each having seventy-one divya-yugas . To answer
5760-462: Is the sum of all “noble attributes”—i.e. omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and all-merciful, all qualities attributed to Vishnu by all Vaishavas. According to South Indian traditions he is also advitya (Sanskrit meaning without rival). To such Vaishnavas, Shiva , Brahma , and the other gods of the Hindu pantheon are viewed as Brahman's agents or servants , created and commissioned by him. Some Vaishnavas consider them to be or see that they have
5904-540: Is the key concept of Krishnaism . Gaudiya is one of the main traditions worshiping Radha Krishna that developed this concept. Primary theology of Caitanyaite or Gaudiya traditions is based and presented in Bhagavata Purana and Caitanya Caritamrita . Svayam in Svayam rupa does not imply one and only, and all conceptions by previous Vaishnava traditions, according to the Gaudiya Vaishnavas beliefs, fall under
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6048-487: Is the key of the graphical presentation, but it is also an answer to the dilemma. In accordance with the cosmology of the Brihad Bhagavatamrita Krishna is believed being the original and most complete in all rasas or tastes is in fact not engaged and non engaging, is his independence, he does not even, at least in this his original form, carry symbols of Viṣṇu , he only carries his own flute, and that
6192-424: Is the managerial authority of ISKCON. Created by Bhaktivedanta in 1970, it meets annually. In a document Direction of Management written on 28 July 1970 Prabhupada appointed twelve members to the commission, all of them non- sannyasi , including Satsvarupa dasa Goswami , Hansadutta Swami , and Tamala Krishna Goswami . The letter outlined the purposes of the commission: improving the standard of temple management,
6336-462: Is the pleasure of his devotees. The form of Narayana is linked with the concept of sacrifice in the earliest known references to him. In Vedic sources such as the Purusha sukta , Narayana is given as the name of the self-offering of the great cosmic sacrifice of the Rig Veda . Narayana is not mentioned in Rig Veda itself, but came to be regarded as the seer who authored the hymn . It is possible that
6480-422: Is the spiritual and philosophical foundation of the well-known International Society for Krishna Consciousness , a.k.a. the "Hare Krishna Movement". According to Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy, consciousness is not a product of matter , but is instead a manifestation of the soul . All living beings ( jivas ), including animals and trees, have a soul. That soul is distinct from their current physical body –
6624-412: Is the ultimate source from which Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Prakriti originate. He is Svayam Bhagavan while other incarnation are his partial manifestations. The comments of Sridhara Svami (an early Sankara sect commentator), bring out uniqueness of Krishna. According to him Krishna is perfect as all potencies are observed to be full in him. In Atharvavedasamhita , Krishna is described as having slain
6768-518: Is typically followed by performances and free vegetarian food. ISKCON advocates preaching. Members try to spread Krishna consciousness primarily by singing the Hare Krishna mantra in public places and by selling Indian spiritual books transcribed from their original languages and published in English by the movement's founder, Prabhupada. A study conducted by the American researcher E. Burke Rochford Jr. at
6912-427: Is used there exclusively to designate Krishna, there being conflicting semantics or other usages in the Bhagavata Purana. Traditions of Gaudiya Vaishnavas , the Nimbarka Sampradaya and followers of Vallabha consider him to be the source of all avatars , and the source of Vishnu and Narayana . As such, he is therefore regarded as Svayam Bhagavan . Though Krishna is recognized as Svayam Bhagavan by many, he
7056-456: Is written." While some place Krishna-centered worship as Svayam Bhagavan in the medieval times of Indian history, there is some evidence suggesting the opposite. In antiquity Krishna images were worshiped at many places. Quoting Curtius, Dr. D.C. Sircar says that an image of Herakles (i.e. Vasudeva-Krishna according to Sircar) was being carried in front of the Paurava army, as it advanced against
7200-628: The svayaṁ-rūpa in his Laghu-bhāgavatāmṛta : "The form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead that does not depend on other forms is called svayaṁ-rūpa , the original form." The tad-ekātma-rūpa forms are also described in the Laghu-bhāgavatāmṛta "The tad-ekātma-rūpa forms simultaneous to svayaṁ-rūpa form and are non-different. At the same time by their bodily features and specific activities they appear to be different." Two best known Vedic descriptions of
7344-487: The shruti-shāstra should be accepted literally, without fanciful or allegorical interpretations ." A Guru—shishya tradition ("lineage" or parampara) denotes a succession of teachers and disciples within some sampradaya (school, tradition). In accordance with the tradition, Gaudiya Vaishnavism as a subschool belongs to the Brahma Sampradaya , one of the four "orthodox" Vaishnavite schools. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
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#17328445357927488-482: The Bhagavata Purana , Vishnu appeared before Vasudeva and Devaki in his divine original four-armed form before being born as Krishna. After worshipping Vishnu, Vasudeva and Devaki asked him to conceal his heavenly appearance. Vishnu complied by changing into his infant form of Krishna. Svayam Bhagavan is a term most often used in Gaudiya Vaishnava and other Krishna-centered theologies, and that title
7632-604: The Bhagavad-gita states that this bhakti-yoga is secretive: - "Just hear from Me again about the most confidential part of the instructions in Bhagavad-gītā ." It is also described as such in Bhagavata Purana Vaishnavas of ISKCON often stress their view that in both cases Krishna is speaking about himself, aham and me in Sanskrit mean, I am and Me respectively. While some commentators derive secondary meanings, all major Sanskrit dictionary accept that
7776-455: The Bhagavata Purana , that at the end of the list of avataras concludes with the following text: All of the above-mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Sri Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead ( Svayam Bhagavan ). Not all commentators on the Bhagavata Purana stress this verse, however a majority of Krishna-centered and contemporary commentaries highlight this verse as
7920-472: The Gaudiya-Sarasvata Sampradaya , belongs to the well known International Society for Krishna Consciousness . Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (also transliterated Caitanya , IAST Caitanya Mahāprabhu ; 1486–1534 ) was a Bengali spiritual teacher who founded Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He is believed by his devotees to be Krishna himself who appeared in the form of His own devotee in order to teach
8064-595: The Hare Krishna Mahamantra (the 'great mantra'). He is considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas to be an incarnation of Krishna himself. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, believed to have direct lineage with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, brought Chaitanya's Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the West in 1965. At 70 years old, he landed in New York without any money (40 rupees of Indian currency). Instead of preaching to New York's elite, he tapped into
8208-511: The University of California found that there are four types of contact between those in ISKCON and prospective members: individually motivated contact, contact made with members in public areas, contact made through personal connections, and contact with sympathizers of the movement who strongly encourage people to join. Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON. The Governing Body Commission (or GBC)
8352-805: The Wayback Machine are among quoted works by Jiva Goswami , "Vaishnavas don't argue among themselves if Krishna or Vishnu is the Supreme. They consider it a matter of one's relationship with the Lord. Someone has a relationship with Vishnu, someone with Rama, someone with Krishna, etc. as per rasa theology." In the Caitanya Caritamrita Chaitanya discusses this in a joking mood with Venkatta Bhatta from Sri sampradaya . While Pustimarga tradition predates Gaudiya Vaisnavism in Radha worship. When Chaitanya traveled through South India in 1509-10, he stayed at
8496-541: The "famous statement" of the Bhagavatam (1.3.28). A different viewpoint differing from this theological concept is the concept of Krishna as an avatar of Narayana or Vishnu. It should be however noted that although it is usual to speak of Vishnu as the source of the avatars, this is only one of the names of the God of Vaishnavism, who is also known as Narayana, Vasudeva-Krishna, and just Krishna, and behind each of those names there
8640-512: The 1960s countercultural spirit by preaching and chanting in public parks and attracting hippies and the youth. His movement, then known as the "Hare Krishna Movement", grew even larger when he relocated to San Francisco a year later. When it spread to England, it gained publicity and financial backing from the Beatles' George Harrison . He recorded several tracks with the Hare Krishnas and included
8784-516: The Brahma-Madhva affiliation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism was propounded by Baladeva Vidyabhushana was in the 18th century. And to this day, there is no mention of Chaitanya in the annals of the Madhva Sampradaya. For secular scientists this means, originality and non-affiliation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism with other previous branches. At the same time, there is the consensus of scholars, that Chaitanya
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#17328445357928928-700: The GBC in June 2018. The practice of mantra chanting and devotional singing, also known as Kirtan , is prominent in the ISKCON movement. Dedicated kirtan festivals are held annually around the world, such as the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in Boone, North Carolina, Kirtan 50 in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows, in Durbuy, Belgium. Notable kirtaneers include Jahnavi Harrison , Gaura Vani , and
9072-641: The Gaudiya Vaishnavite mission in the West was Baba Premananda Bharati (1858–1914), author of Sree Krishna – the Lord of Love (1904) – the first full-length treatment of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in English, who, in 1902, founded the short-lived "Krishna Samaj" society in New York City and built a temple in Los Angeles. He belonged to the circle of adherents of the guru Prabhu Jagadbandhu with teachings similar to
9216-481: The Gaudiya succession of spiritual masters should be considered. Chaitanya refused to formally initiate anyone as a disciple, only inspiring and guiding his followers. Chaitanya neither founded the community nor named a successor. That is why, from the very beginning, the sampradaya was divided into several lines of succession that were practically not connected with each other and that still exist today. One of them, namely,
9360-530: The Gaudiyas, falls under category of tad-ekātma-rūpa , According to the Gaudiya Vaishnava interpretation, it is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.7), which says, mattaḥ parataraṁ nānyat : "There is no truth superior to Me." Where Krishna is 'bhagavan' himself, whose partial manifestations are the other gods. This idea is reflected in the Bhagavata Purana . The Brahma Vaivarta Purana tells us Krishna
9504-672: The Greeks led by Alexander the Great ( The Cultural Heritage of India , vol. 4. p. 115) An interesting terracotta plaque showing Vasudeva carrying the infant Krishna over his head across the flooded Yamuna river, belonging to c. first century is housed in the Mathura Museum. A Mora stone inscription of about the same time refers to some images of Bhagavata Vrshni Panchaviras, Sankarshana, Vasudeva, Pradyumna, Samba and Aniruddha – which were very beautifully carved in stone. A Gupta period research makes
9648-405: The ISKCON movement celebrate a diverse array of Hindu festivals, including Janmashtami , Radhastami , Diwali , Gaura Purnima , Ekadasi , Holi , Rama Navami , and Gita Jayanti . The Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots is an annual parade whereby devotees chant and dance on the street, pulling a chariot with the deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra behind them. This public procession
9792-734: The Krishna-centered theology, Gaudiya Vaishnavas and followers of the Vallabha Sampradaya and Nimbarka Sampradaya, use the Gopala Tapani Upanishad , Vedanta Sutras and other Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana as in verse 1.3.28 and the Brahma Vaivarta Purana , among others, to support their view that Krishna is indeed the Svayam Bhagavan . This belief was summarized by the 16th century author Jiva Goswami in some of his works, such as Krishna-sandarbha . In
9936-536: The Madhya lila of the Chaitanya charitamrita a presentation is given, with a reference to the particular verse of the tenth canto of Bhagavata Purana as to the reason why Lakshmi also known as Sri (thus the name of Sri Sampradaya) is burning with desire and still not capable of entering to the realm of Vrindavana . Prabodhananda Sarasvati who was a Sri Sampradaya sannyasi was converted as to supreme position of Radha-Krishna being Svayam Bhagavan instead of Lakshmi-Narayana. He as well apparently came to appreciate
10080-585: The Mahamantra in his hit track "My Sweet Lord". The first Hare Krishna commune, New Vrindavan (West Virginia), was established by Prabhupada in 1968. Since then, ISKCON has established more than 800 centers all over the world and has millions of followers. Key to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology in the Western world were Prabhupada's writings and translations, including the Bhagavad Gita As It Is , Srimad Bhagavatam ( Bhagavata Purana ), Chaitanya Charitamrita , and other scriptures. These works are now available in more than seventy languages and serve as
10224-512: The Mayapuris, who have all released Kirtan albums. Kirtan sessions are also held outside of temple settings, including at a local university "Bhakti Clubs", mantra lounges, and at a yoga and wellness festivals. Full theatrical performances have been produced based on the Vedic theologies. Prominent performance companies include Viva Kultura and Vande Arts. The Hare Krishna mantra appears in some famous songs, such as former Beatle George Harrison 's 1970 hit " My Sweet Lord ". John Lennon included
10368-460: The Sanskrit name they receive in initiation. Unmarried women are also referred to in this term. After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders and initiators in ISKCON. In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC. The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009. A document released by the GBC in 2019 stating that it
10512-423: The Vedic sentences ordaining sacrifice on the grounds that it is based on knowledge free from all defects". Amalananda, also defends Pancaratra and while confirming that Agamas do not have the same self-authenticating validity, as the four Vedas, but the authenticity of it assured because Veda bear witness to the omniscience of Vasudeva . This position also forms the basis of Bhagavata Purana based theology. It
10656-565: The West it "has a relatively small number of followers", estimated at "a few thousand full-time practitioners", but those showing interest in its activities might number into the "tens of thousands." After considerable success in the West due to the counterculture of the 1960s , ISKCON lost its momentum from the early 1980s onward, "facing a sharp decline in membership and in financial resources" in North America and in Western Europe, while in
10800-574: The acharya-successor. However, this traditional point is at least debatable. Some modern scholars and confessional authors critically assess and pair the Gaudiya Vaishnavism's affiliation with the Madhva tradition . For example, the famous American Indologist and historian of religion Guy L. Beck, with regard to the Chaitanya Sampradaya, notes the following historical events. The first time
10944-733: The active missionary work of the reformed Gaudiya Math and its followers, most of the Gaudiya Vaishnava community in India remained under the influence of hereditary brahmins - goswamis , who run famous old Gaudiya mandirs, as one example, the Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan and its prominent scholar-acharya Shrivatsa Goswami . Although sharing a common set of core beliefs, there are a number of philosophical differences which distinguish Gaudiya Vaishnavism from other Vaishnava schools: "O most munificent incarnation! You are Krishna Himself appearing as Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed
11088-642: The author of Sri Camatkara-candrika and Baladeva Vidyabhushana , author of Govinda Bhashya . Jiva Gosvami frequently references Sridhara Swami, particularly quoting from Sridhara Swami's commentary on the Bhagavata Purana (Bhavartha-dipika), throughout the Sat-sandarbhas. In the Catuhsutri section of the Paramatma-sandarbha , Jiva Gosvami references Ramanuja's commentary on Brahma Sutras . The strictly centralized form of church-type organization and
11232-546: The bead. Devotees usually chant 16 rounds of this everyday. It is considered the only way of salvation for people in the current age of Kali . Prabhupada established a standard for initiated devotees to chant sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on a Japamala containing 108 beads, daily. Each round consists of 1728 repetitions of the names of Krishna. Arati is also an important tenet (also called puja ) of ISKCON. During arati, devotees offer water, incense,
11376-436: The broader Hindu community. After years of discussion and reforms, a general consensus emerged to accept women as leaders in ISKCON, overriding the former GBC supposition that "unprotected, 'women leaders become subject to various forms of mistreatment and abuse'". In 1998, Malati Devi Dasi became the first woman appointed to the GBC. The second woman leader, Dina Sharana, was selected in 2009. Prabhupada claimed to belong to
11520-545: The concept as for example followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday believe that Lord Narayana manifested himself as Swaminarayan . This view is only supported within their particular tradition. Some early schools of thought, such as Pancaratra in particular, refer to Vasudeva-Krishna (Krishna, the son of Vasudeva) as the source of all incarnations and as no different from the ultimate and absolute reality, and as non-distinct from Vasudeva and any other manifestations of
11664-525: The conclusion of Vishnu worship is meditation on gopa-rupah or specific form of Krishna. The Krishna Upanishad supports this conclusion of Gopala Tapani, and refers to the original "the most divine form of bliss dwells in the supremacy of love of Lord Krishna", saksad , Hari as gopa-rüpa . (1.10-12): Gaudiya Vaishnava believe that Krishna possesses qualities that are absent in other forms and they relate to his sweetness in Vrindavana lila . Krishna
11808-432: The context of the soul's relationship with Krishna, and also Krishna's relationship with his other energies (i.e. the material world). In quality , the soul ( jiva ) is described as being identical to God, but in terms of quantity, individual jivas are said to be infinitesimal in comparison to the unlimited Supreme Being. The exact nature of this relationship (being simultaneously one and different with Krishna)
11952-550: The creation are purusha sukta and nasadiya sukta . One hymn addresses to Vishvakarma, The one who makes all. To beliefs of Vaishnavas , the Visvakarma Sukta of Rig Veda (10.82) refers to Garbhodakasayi Viṣṇu indirectly as the Supreme God: The waters verily first retained the embryo in which all the gods were aggregated, single deposited on the navel of the unborn (ajah), in which all beings abide. and according to
12096-417: The devotional worship (known as bhakti yoga ) of Radha and Krishna , and their many divine incarnations as the supreme forms of God, Svayam Bhagavan . Most popularly, this worship takes the form of singing Radha and Krishna's holy names, such as " Hare ", "Krishna" and " Rama ", most commonly in the form of the Hare Krishna (mantra) , also known as kirtan and dancing along with it. Gaudiya Vaishnavism
12240-495: The direct meaning of aham and me , refers to Krishna himself. When Gaudiya Vaishnavas present their views on Krishna being Svayam Bhagavan , they present a number of perspectives some include comparison with other forms such as Vishnu, that are considered supreme in other sampradayas. The Bhagavat Sandarbha Archived 16 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine and the Tattva Sandabha Archived 16 February 2011 at
12384-568: The figure of Krishna over Narayana and holy sites in and around Bengal over sites in Tamil Nadu. In practice, Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy has much more in common with the dualistic schools especially closely following theological traditions established by Madhvacharya 's Dvaita Vedanta. Jiva Goswami wrote Sat Sandarbhas as an analysis of Bhagvata Purana to elaborate the philosophy of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu . The six treatises are: The practical process of performing devotional acts in ones life
12528-462: The four Kumaras, Brahma needed to relate this secret word of the seed mantra. And this is believed to be the answer to the question, who is supreme god and how he creates this world. Brahma replied to the sages: "Krisna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Death fears Govinda. By knowing Gopijanavallabha everything becomes realized. By pronouncing the word "svaha" the Personality of Godhead created
12672-478: The giant Kesi, Keshava. The Kaustiki Brahmana (30.9) alludes to Krishna Angirasa, who is an object of evening ceremony in connection with Brahmanaacchamsin priest. The Aitareya Aranyaka speaks of two Krishnas of Harita Gotra. However the south Indian Vaishnavism makes very little stress on Krishna and altogether ignored Radha in contrast with the other traditions. To the views of the Gaudiya Sampradaya,
12816-568: The golden colour of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You." Although this viewpoint outside of the Gaudiya tradition was disputed, Chaitanya's followers prove it by pointing at verses throughout the Puranic literatures as evidence to support this claim. Evidences such as the Krishna-varnam verse SB 11.5.32 have many interpretations by scholars, including Sridhara Svami who
12960-503: The highest Self who transcends the perishable and imperishable. The Sri Vaishnavas identify Vishnu with the Brahman, while Krishna-centered traditions will associate Para Brahman with Krishna as Svayam Bhagavan. According to Ramanujacharya , Brahman is personal . Indeed, he is the supreme person, creator and Lord, who leads souls to salvation. Far from having no (positive) attributes, as some Advaita Vedanta followers maintain, Brahman
13104-519: The house of Venkata Bhatta, the father of Gopala Bhatta , priest of Srirangam . Venkata and his two brothers, Gopala's uncles Trimalla and Prabodhananda Sarasvati "were converted from their Sri Vaishnava faith in Lakshmi - Narayana as supreme to one in Radha Krishna " as Svayam Bhagavan. The dialog of this conversion is recorded in 16 c. Caitanya Caritamrita biography by Krishna dasa Kaviraja . In
13248-462: The idea that one has to be an unconventional ( uttama ) spiritual master introduced by the reformer Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and his Gaudiya Math were not characteristic of the traditional Gaudiya Vaishnavism with its hereditary brahmins-goswamis and family teachers ( kula gurus ). Much of the Gaudiya Vaishnava community in India remained committed to the unreformed and loosely organized tradition. Many modern organisations are independent branches of
13392-580: The late 1990s the situation began to deteriorate in Eastern Europe as well. In 2000, it was estimated that only 750–900 members were residing in ISKCON centers in the United States. Since then, ISKCON has depended on the Indian diaspora to "revitalize" the movement; in most North American congregations Indian members making up 80% of the numbers. ISKCON has experienced a number of significant internal problems,
13536-453: The later ISKCON mission. His followers formed several organizations including the now defunct Order of Living Service and the AUM Temple of Universal Truth. The reform change of traditional caste Gaudiya Vaishnavism of 19th century is believed to have happened largely in India due to the efforts of a particularly adept preacher known as Bhaktivinoda Thakur , who also held the position of
13680-429: The laws of karma and individual desire. This is consistent with the concept of samsara found in Hindu , Sikh and Buddhist beliefs. Release from the process of samsara (known as moksha ) is believed to be achievable through a variety of spiritual practices, and in general, is the ultimate aim in life. However, within Gaudiya Vaishnavism, it is bhakti in its purest state (or "pure love of God") which
13824-449: The lesser status or secondary tier as " Demi-gods ", while only promoting Krishna as singular and highest form of "Supreme Godhead". Law enforcement intervened to rescue Osman Ali and his brother from the agitated crowd. During the operation, the crowd allegedly turned on security forces, throwing bricks and acid while chanting " Jai Shree Ram ." The violence resulted in injuries to nine police officers and five army personnel. Osman's shop
13968-429: The loosely organized tradition became acquainted with other branches along with their respective theological and practical nuances. That notwithstanding, the tradition has maintained its plural nature, having no central authority to preside over its matters. The festival of Kheturi allowed for the systemization of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology as a distinct branch of Vaishnava theology . During the 17th–18th centuries, there
14112-605: The main temple center. The ISKCON followers refer to their diet as 'Krishnatarian'. According to them "A Krishnatarian meal is one which is cooked using fresh, vegetarian ingredients (excluding onion, garlic, red lentils and mushrooms) and milk products which is cooked by an Iskcon follower and offered to their main deities before it is distributed and consumed." ISKCON claims to have around one million congregational members worldwide (majority in India), with 15,000 in Great Britain . In
14256-452: The majority of which occurred from the late 1970s onwards, and especially within the decade following Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's death. ISKCON has also been scrutinised by some anti-cult movements . Accordingly, the organization has also been widely criticized for alleged re-translation of various traditionalist Hindu scriptures by their own publishing company, which alleges that other Hindu gods are either ignored, censored or demoted to
14400-663: The mid-to-late 20th century. The Hare Krishna movement advocates for lacto-vegetarianism and was initially founded to promote bhakti yoga . Followers, known as bhaktas, dedicate their thoughts and actions to devotion toward Krishna , whom they honor as the Supreme Personality of Godhead . The movement has experienced its fastest growth in India and, following the Soviet Union's collapse, in Russia and other formerly Soviet-aligned countries in Eastern Europe. ISKCON devotees follow
14544-500: The mood and complexion of his source of inspiration Radha . Over the three centuries following the disappearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition evolved into the form in which we largely find it today in contemporary India. In the early years of the tradition, the followers of Nityananda Prabhu, Advaita Acharya and other companions of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu educated and initiated people, each in their own locales across Bengal . Chaitanya Mahaprabhu requested
14688-715: The most perfect descent (avatāra) of Narayana (Vāsudeva), He is no different from the latter, and hence, the Bhāgavata states kr̥ṣṇastu bhagavān svayam – Kr̥ṣṇa is the Supreme, Blessed Lord (Nārāyaṇa) Himself. Early commentators of Bhagavata Purana such as Madhvacharya translated the term Svayam Bhagavan as "he who has bhagavata "; meaning "he who has the quality of possessing all good qualities". Others have translated it simply as "the Lord Himself". Followers of Vishnu-centered sampradayas of Vaishnavism rarely address this term, but believe that it refers to their belief that Krishna
14832-643: The name "Gaudiya Mission Society of London". Soon after Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's death (1 January 1937), a dispute began, which divided the original Gaudiya Math mission into two administrative bodies still in existence today. In a settlement, they divided the sixty-four Gaudiya Math centers into two groups: the Sri Chaitanya Math headed by Bhakti Vilasa Tirtha Maharaj and the Gaudiya Mission headed by Ananta Vasudev (Bhakti Prasad Puri Maharaj). Many of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's disciples disagreed with
14976-437: The nature of the soul being eternal, immutable, and indestructible without any particular birth or death. The soul does not die when the body dies, but it is transmigrated into another new body and takes new birth in a new body. Souls which are captivated by the illusory nature of the world ( Maya ) are repeatedly reborn among the various 8.4 million number of species of life on this planet and in other worlds in accordance to
15120-457: The notion of the supreme authority of the GBC. Some of these scandals involved GBC members Hans Kary (Hansadutta) and James Immel (Jayatirtha), as well as one of the leaders of the New Vrindaban community, Keith Ham (Kirtanananda), who surrounded himself with opulence and declared himself the only true successor to Prabhupada. In 1982, the GBC began the slow process of adding new gurus to
15264-434: The original eleven. In 1983 the GBC was announced to be the highest ecclesiastical authority of ISKCON. In 1985 the decision was made to lower the standard of living for ISKCON leadership. After much heated discussion, the GBC decided to "relieve" a number of leaders and new leaders were selected. The young leaders of the GBC sought the advice of one of Prabhupada's Gaudiya godbrothers, and endeavored to become more integrated in
15408-477: The original spiritual potency, and the embodiment of devotional love. The individual soul has an eternal spiritual identity which does not ultimately merge into the non-dual consciousness (Brahman) as believed by the monistic ( Advaita ) schools of Hinduism. Prabhupada most frequently offers Sanatana-dharma and Varnashrama dharma as more accurate names for the religious system which accepts Vedic authority. Pious believers both teach and claim that Krishna
15552-417: The participants. This openness received a boost from Bhaktivinoda Thakur 's broad-minded vision in the late 19th century, Baba Premananda Bharati's mission in the United States in the beginning of 20th century and was institutionalized by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur in his Gaudiya Math in the 20th century. A renaissance began at the start of the 20th century both in India and the West. One pioneer of
15696-569: The passing from the world of nirapeksa or unflinching devotees. Baladeva Vidyabhusana , in his commentary on Gopala Tapani Upanishad states: Glory to the Gopala Tapani Upanishad , which to the pious reveals Lord Krishna, the original Personality of Godhead, the Supersoul near to all moving and unmoving creatures. The word used is krsna svayam isvaram , the paraphrase of the Bhagavata Purana verse 1.3.28 that Jiva Goswami has called
15840-443: The people of this world the process of Bhakti and how to attain the perfection of life. This they say with several evidences in scripture. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is said to be a disciple of Isvara Puri who was a disciple of Madhavendra Puri who was a disciple of Lakshmipati Tirtha who was a disciple of Vyasatirtha (1469–1539) of Madhvacharya's Sampradaya. He is considered as the most merciful manifestation of Krishna. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
15984-409: The perceived potential for adverse effects stemming from feminist ideals infiltrating the regulations of ISKCON. Since women are the most respected position in Vedic culture, women within the Hare Krishna community are all viewed with reverence, especially by celibate male monks, also known as brahmacharis . "Mataji" (lit. Mother) is a term of respect for women in ISKCON, and is often prefixed to
16128-627: The phrase "Hare Krishna" in his lyrics to " Give Peace a Chance " and the Beatles' 1967 track " I Am the Walrus ". The backing vocalists also sing the phrase in Ringo Starr 's 1971 hit " It Don't Come Easy ", written with the help of Harrison, although the words were mixed low on the released version. Of the four Beatles, only Harrison fully embraced Krishna Consciousness. He also provided financial support for ISKCON's UK branch and in 1973 purchased Bhaktivedanta Manor for their temple compound. Harrison enjoyed
16272-488: The practice of raganuga-bhakti through works such as Raga-vartma-chandrika . His student Baladeva Vidyabhushan wrote a famous commentary on the Vedanta-sutra called Govinda Bhashya . The 18th century saw a number of luminaries headed by Siddha Jayakrishna Das Babaji of Kamyavan and Siddha Krishnadas Babaji of Govardhan . The latter, a widely renowned teacher of the mode of internal worship ( raga-bhajan ) practiced in
16416-474: The process of bhakti-yoga to that of cleansing a dirty place of dust, wherein our consciousness is the object in need of purification. This purification takes place largely through the chanting and singing of Radha and Krishna's names. Specifically, the Hare Krishna (mantra) is chanted and sung by practitioners on a daily basis, sometimes for many hours each day. Famously within the tradition, one of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's close associates, Haridasa Thakur ,
16560-562: The sage who composed the Purusha Sukta hymn has been assimilated to the Purusha whose praise he had sung, and he himself became the object of worship. Mentions of a divine sage named Narayana, along with counterpart Nara , appears in many Puranic texts. Purusha is also identified with Vishnu in the Rig Veda and interpreted accordingly by many traditions of Vaishnavism . In the Bhagavata he
16704-524: The same participation in devotion via emotional expression. Raganuga-bhakti , on the other hand, follows ragatmika-bhakti, the bhakti present in Krishna's eternal associates, which is driven by raga , a natural absorption in the object of service. Jiva Goswami 's conclusion in Bhakti Sandarbha is that raganuga-bhakti is the only abhidheya , viable process, recommended by the Bhagavatam . Within his Siksastaka prayers, Chaitanya compares
16848-408: The same status that of angels have in the western religious traditions. “The entire complex of intelligent and non-intelligent beings – is viewed as real and constitutes the form, i. e., the body of the highest Brahman”. A soul-body relationship, according to Ramanujacharya, is “entirely subordinate” to its soul, having no independent reality or value. However Ramanujacharya himself did not stress
16992-493: The scriptures of ISKCON. ISKCON describes Krishna as the original source of all the avatars of the Almighty God. Registered members worship Krishna as the highest form of God, svayam bhagavan , and often refer to him as the Supreme Personality of Godhead in their published writing, which was a phrase coined by Prabhupada in his books on the subject. For its devotees, Radha represents Krishna's divine female counterpart,
17136-479: The second generation of the tradition, Narottama, Srinivasa and Shyamananda, three students of Jiva Goswami , the youngest among the six Goswamis, were instrumental in spreading the theology across Bengal and Orissa . The festival of Kheturi (approx 1574), presided over by Jahnava Thakurani , the wife of Nityananda Rama , was the first time the leaders of the various branches of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's followers assembled together. Through such festivals, members of
17280-449: The six attributes of the Lord – aiśvaryam (wealth), vīryam (valour), jñānam (wisdom), balam (prowess), śaktī (power) and tejas (splendour). Thus, Bhaga-vān means the possessor of the six divine qualities, ṣadguṇa . Another interpretation of Bhagavān as per Viṣṇu Purāṇa is bha denotes aiśvaryam and vīryam, ga denotes jñānam and balam and va denotes śaktī and tejas, and an which is etymoligically na , means 'none', symbolising that he
17424-515: The sixth book of the Hindu epic Mahābhārata , the Bhishma Parva (where the Bhagavad Gita is part of), Krishna offers numerous quotations that reaffirm the belief that he himself is the Svayam Bhagavan . Verse 7.7 of the Bhagavad Gita, is often used to support the opinion that Krishna himself is the Svayam Bhagavan , and that no impersonal form of Brahman supersedes his existence, as it
17568-452: The song "Surrender (Krishna Keshava"), and the album "RISE", featuring ancient sacred songs from India with Sanskrit lyrics. Vegetarianism is one of the four tenets of ISKCON. Due to Prabhupada's focus on food distribution, many ISKCON devotees have opened vegan and vegetarian eateries. Not all restaurants opened by ISKCON members are officially affiliated with ISKCON, although many Govindas' restaurants or catering businesses operate out of
17712-534: The spirit of these two factions and/or started their own missions to expand their guru's mission. In the 1960s, the one of his disciples, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada went to the West to spread Gaudiya-Vaishnavism and establish the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), "the most successful of the Gaudiya Math's offspring," an organization that continues today. However, despite
17856-617: The spot after being informed about an attack on a mosque. He was taken from there and was hacked dead." Gaudiya Vaishnavism Gaudiya Vaishnavism ( IAST : Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavasampradāyaḥ ), also known as Chaitanya Vaishnavism , is a Vaishnava Hindu religious movement inspired by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534) in India. "Gaudiya" refers to the Gaura or Gauḍa region of Bengal (present-day Malda district of West Bengal and Rajshahi district of Bangladesh ), with Vaishnavism meaning "the worship of Vishnu ". Specifically, it
18000-615: The spread of Krishna consciousness, the distribution of books and literature, the opening of new centers and the education of the devotees. GBC has since grown in size to include 48 senior members from the movement who make decisions based on consensus of opinion. Shortly after establishing the GBC, Prabhupada asked his newly appointed leaders to renounce the everyday world and become sannyasis (renunciate monks), indicating that those who set policy would not be involved with financial dealings. However, after Prabhupada's death some GBC members adopted lavish lifestyles. A number of schisms tested
18144-511: The supremacy of Radha worship from Caitanya. The view of South Indian Vaishnava groups on sarga , or subtle creation, is based upon scriptural adherence to Narayana or Vishnu being the cause of creation expanding into Viraja and then Maha-Viṣṇu glancing over pradhana , and that is the start of actual function of creation. This view is not contradicted by Krishna-centered Vashnavism and does not appear to be in contradiction with Svayam Bhagavan who as Vasudeva (son of Vasudeva, Krishna)
18288-457: The supreme self. The term Krishnaism has been used to describe the cults of Krishna, reserving the term "Vaishnavism" for cults focusing on Vishnu in which Krishna is an Avatar, rather than a transcended being. "Greater Krishnaism" corresponds to the second and dominant phase of Vaishnavism, revolving around the cults of Vasudeva , Krishna, and Gopala . Today the faith has a significant following outside of India as well. Supremacy of Krishna
18432-512: The terms such as Supreme Personality of Godhead and Supreme God as an equivalent to the term Svayam Bhagavan , and may also choose to apply these terms to Vishnu, Narayana and many of their associated avatars . 'Bhagavān', to be understood, is split into Bhaga and vān . vān and mān are Sanskrit male-denoting words, meaning 'possessor of' which are used as a suffix to nouns like Bhaga (blessed attributes), Śrī (splendour), Kīrti (fame) etc. Thus, Bhaga, as per Viṣṇu Purāṇa, refers to
18576-462: The thousand names of the all-pervading supreme being Vishnu, who is the master of all the worlds, supreme over the devas and who is one with Brahman. This seems to indicate that Krishna is identical with Vishnu. Indeed, Krishna himself said, "Arjuna, one may be desirous of praising by reciting the thousand names. But, on my part, I feel praised by one shloka . There is no doubt about it.” Many Vaishnava schools have different interpretation of
18720-595: The tradition, is largely responsible for the current form of devotional practice embraced by some of the traditions based in Vrindavan . The "Manipuri Vaishnavism" is a regional form of Gaudiya Vaishnavism with a culture-forming role among the Meitei people in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur . There, after a short period of Ramaism penetration, Gaudiya Vaishnavism spread in the early 18th century, especially from beginning its second quarter. Raja Gharib Nawaz (Pamheiba)
18864-569: The traditional system of paramparā , or disciplic succession, in which teachings upheld by scriptures are handed down from master to disciple, generation after generation. Women's roles are a controversial issue within ISKCON, and its members have strongly divergent opinions regarding the interpretation of Prabhupada's teachings on gender roles. While some of its leaders advocate that women should take public leadership roles, other leaders disagree, and maintain that "traditional" roles for women are more appropriate. Concerns have been expressed regarding
19008-471: The tree of the Gaudiya Math. Many of branches of the Gaudiya Math (not all) are members of the World Vaisnava Association — Visva Vaisnava Raj Sabha (WVA–VVRS), which had been established in 1994 by some Gaudiya leaders. But after this establishment, there is little real cooperation among Gaudiya organisations. There are adherents of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in all strata of Indian society, but
19152-403: The wives speak of themselves as Krishna's devotees. Many Krishna-centered traditions believe that Svayam Bhagavan personally carries his unalloyed devotees ( vahamy aham ) like a husband carries his bride across the threshold into the house of prema bhakti . Badarayana Vyasa says in his Brahma Sutras , visesam ca darsayati , implying that the scripture declares a difference with regard to
19296-413: The world today, but in a less confrontational manner. Japa is another important religious practice within ISKCON and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is the meditative practice of repeatedly chanting the names of Krishna on a set of prayer beads. Its believers chant a mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare This mantra is repeated 108 times on
19440-509: The world. In the wider context of the Bhagavata's total perspective, Krishna is "not one among many but the Lord himself". Sanat-Kumara Samhita confirms the belief that this Kama Gayatri is the foundational structure of the Goloka , believed to be the abode of Krishna, who is the original Vaasudeva: "In the whorl of the lotus flower which is Lord Krishna's transcendental abode, the Gopala mantra
19584-504: Was $ 15 million. The ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection department office was established by the GBC in 1997. It released its first official Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines. The CPO has provided Child Protection Information Training to over 500 child care providers within the organization internationally and continues to file and review reports on local Child Protection Teams in 2005. The Child Protection Policy and Procedure Guidelines were revised and ratified by
19728-457: Was a period of general decline in the movement's strength and popularity, its "lethargic state", characterized by decreased public preaching and the rise of persons following and promoting tantric teachings and practices. These groups are called apasampradayas by the Chaitanyaits. In the 17th century, Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakur held great merit in clarifying core doctrinal issues over
19872-452: Was destroyed, and neighboring businesses were damaged. In the aftermath, 82 individuals were arrested, with 49 facing formal charges. Osman Ali was also detained under blasphemy laws . According to eyewitness Kayes Uddin Didar, "advocate Alif was at the entrance of Rangan Community Center. He was taken from there and was hacked to death." Senior lawyer Nurul Mostafa Sohel stated that "Alif went to
20016-477: Was founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu , who rapidly spread his form of ecstatic bhakti (devotion) throughout Bengal. He established Sankirtan , the practice of publicly expressing devotion to Krishna, the Supreme God, through dance and song. This form of communal worship responded to rigid caste structures by engaging all people in worship regardless of caste and creed. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized chanting
20160-600: Was initiated by the two gurus of a Vaishnava-oriented group within Adi Shankara 's Dashanami order . The Prameya Ratnawali of the above-mentioned gaudiya-acharya Baladeva Vidyabhushana contains the following canonical list of disciplic succession: Krishna , Brahma , Narada , Vyasa , Madhva , Padmanabha, Nrihari, Madhava, Akshobhya, Jayatirtha, Gyanasindhu, Dayanidhi, Vidyanidhi, Rajendra, Jayadharma, Purushottama, Brahmanya, Vyasatirtha , Lakshmipati Tirtha , Madhavendra Puri , Isvara Puri , and Chaitanya. One feature of
20304-512: Was initiated into the Chaitanya tradition. Most devotee ruler and propagandist of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, under the influence of Natottama Thakura 's disciples, was raja Bhagyachandra , who has visited the holy for the Chaytanyaits Nabadwip . Rasa Lila dance became a feature of the regional folk and religious tradition. From the very beginning of Chaitanya's bhakti movement in Bengal, Haridasa Thakur and others Muslim by birth were
20448-416: Was permissible for women to become initiating gurus within the ISKCON movement. In 1998, ISKCON published an exposé of widespread physical, emotional and sexual abuse of children in the group's boarding schools in the United States and India in the 1970s and 1980s. The report stated that the monks and young devotees caring for the children had no training in the task and often resented having to perform it. At
20592-480: Was the easiest way to accommodate Krishna's human story within the composite Vaishnava theological perspective. These "core texts assert and defend the ultimacy of Krishna's identity". However inclusion of Krishna in the list of avataras does not necessarily subordinate him to Vishnu as one of the latter's expansions. Early authors, such as 12th century Jayadeva considered dasavatara to be principal incarnations of Krishna, rather than Vishnu. The prime supporters of
20736-566: Was the proponent for the Vaishnava school of Bhakti yoga (meaning loving devotion to God), based on Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita . Of various incarnations of Vishnu, he is revered as Krishna, popularised the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra and composed the Siksastakam (eight devotional prayers) in Sanskrit . His followers, Gaudiya Vaishnavas , revere him as a Krishna with
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