ISKCON's Position Statement on the Environment

Fostering a more simple and natural way of life is one of the founding principles of ISKCON. The members of the Society are therefore committed to helping solve the planet's environmental problems. These include water pollution, air pollution, toxic waste, nuclear and chemical accidents, destruction of wildlife, and desertification.

The environmental crisis is a product of a society that has become overly dependent upon destructive industrial technology. This dependency is rooted in reductionist science, which has removed God and the soul from the forefront of human concern. When people forget that nature is the property of God, they are driven to exploit it unlimitedly for their own material gratification.

Official Position Statement on ISKCON's Relationship with Hinduism

"The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krsna movement, was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON follows the teachings of the Vedas and the Vedic scriptures, including Bhagavad-gita and the Bhagavata Purana; it teaches and practices Vaisnavism, or devotion to God in the supreme personal aspect of Radha-Krsna. ISKCON receives these teachings through the preceptorial line known as the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya. This well-established traditional line descends through the respected teacher Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (AD 1486-1534), the full incarnation of Sri Krsna, whose philosophy and practices unify the teachings of all four major Vaisnava Acaryas: Sri Madhvacarya, Sri Ramanujacarya, Sri Visnusvami, and Sri Nimbarkacarya.

"ISKCON embraces the chanting of the holy name of Krsna as a primary practice and accepts the concepts of transmigration, karma, vegetarianism (ahimsa), worship of the Deity (sri vigraha), and the preceptor-disciple (guru- sisya) relationship. Initiated members vow to refrain from gambling, illicit sex, intoxicants (including coffee, tea, and cigarettes), and non-vegetarian food.

"In this way ISKCON faithfully continues the core traditions of the Hindu faith. ISKCON's teachings are non-sectarian and non-denominational, for they are not limited to any particular historical religion. Vaisnavism inculcates the essential and universal principle of all religion. That principle, called sanatana-dharma in Sanskrit, denotes the natural and eternal activity of all living beings-loving devotional service to the one Supreme Personality of Godhead."(91)

Sample Recommendation Forms for Initiations

First Initiation

 

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS

Founder-acarya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Center:

Date:

Official Recommendation for First Initiation

To (Name of guru):

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

It is my pleasure to recommend (name of candidate)

 

for first initiation by you. I find that he/she has fulfilled the necessary qualifications for initiation to the best of my understanding. Specifically, for the last twelve months he/she has been engaged in favorable devotional service, has chanted sixteen rounds of japa daily, and has adhered to the four regulative principles. He/she is sufficiently knowledgeable in the philosophy of Krsna consciousness and the structure and purpose of ISKCON for initiation, as evidenced by passing an examination as prescribed under ISKCON Law. The candidate has accepted your shelter for at least six months. These qualifications have either been observed by me personally or I have heard of them from sources I know to be reliable.

Your servant,

 

 

Name

 

Title

Second Initiation

 

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS

Founder-acarya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Center:

Date: