Philosophy
At ISKCON Dublin, our mission is to share the timeless wisdom of Krishna consciousness and foster a welcoming community dedicated to spiritual growth and service.
The Hare Krishna movement explained
The Hare Krishna Movement, also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), finds its origins in the ancient teachings of the Vedas, philosophical texts dating back over 5,000 years. Drawing from this profound spiritual heritage, the movement emphasizes the practice of bhakti yoga — the path of love and devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Introduced to the Western world in 1965 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, affectionately known as Srila Prabhupada, the movement continues to spread its message of spiritual awakening and universal love.
About our Founder Acarya
A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Prabhupada, born Abhay Charan in 1896 in Calcutta, India, led a multifaceted life before dedicating himself to spiritual pursuits. Initially engaged in running a pharmaceutical business as a family man, he later retired from worldly affairs at the age of fifty-four to delve deeply into his studies and writings.
In 1950, Prabhupada embarked on a profound spiritual journey, residing in the holy city of Vrndavana within the humble confines of the Radha-Damodara Mandir. Here, amidst modest surroundings, he embraced the renounced order of life (sannyasa) in 1959, receiving the name Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It was during this period that he commenced his comprehensive translation and commentary on the monumental Srimad-Bhagavatam.
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At the age of 69, in 1965, Srila Prabhupada ventured to the United States aboard a cargo ship, arriving in New York City with minimal resources. Overcoming immense challenges, he founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in July 1966. Under his astute guidance, ISKCON rapidly expanded into a global network comprising temples, schools, institutes, and farm communities, boasting over one hundred establishments within a decade.
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Despite his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada tirelessly traversed the globe on lecture tours, spanning six continents and circling the planet twelve times in the last decade of his life. His profound teachings attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, and he initiated over 5000 disciples worldwide. Additionally, Srila Prabhupada authored over sixty volumes of scholarly translations, commentaries, and summaries explicating the philosophical and religious classics of India. These works, esteemed for their depth and clarity, have become standard texts in numerous academic courses and have been translated into twenty languages.
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Establishing the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in 1972 to disseminate his writings, Srila Prabhupada's legacy endures as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment, earning him recognition as one of India's greatest spiritual ambassadors of the 20th century.
1896
Born in Calcutta, India
1922
Meets his spiritual master for the first time on a rooftop in Calcutta
1933
Becomes a disciple of his guru Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati
1944
Publishes the first ‘Back to Godhead’ magazine that still continues to this day
1956
Moves to Vrindavan and begins translating Srimad Bhagavatam
1959
Accepts the renounced order of life
1965
Travels to America on a cargo ship and has 2 heart attacks on the way
1966
Establishes ISKCON in New York
1977
Passes away from this world after establishing 108 Temples and spreading the teachings all over the world