I always pass by a huge group of Hare Krishna whenever I am in Union Square. The members are usually dressed in saris and can be found chanting or playing instruments for extended periods of time.
I’ve always been interested in learning about the group, but never set aside time to research it. Then one day, as I was on my way home, I stopped to take a photograph and one Hare Krishna approached me, asking me if I knew about his religion. I said no, and he handed me this book, written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the East Village (ISKCON):
From my research, I discovered that ISKON was founded in order to spread the practice of bhakti yoga, a spiritual practice within Hinduism that is dedicated to the cultivation of actions that are pleasing to Krishna. Thus, the chanting, also known as the Hare Krishna mantra, is an evangelistic practice – an effort by the group to spread the ideals of Krishna. It is also sort of a meditative process that can help free someone from anxiety or stress. According to the religion, humans who seek and align themselves with Krishna will be able to return to a natural and pure state of consciousness.
