What does ISKCON mean to you?
To me it always meant yum ‘prasadam’ that one receives post the circumambulation and before exit. But once I did more than that – I covered the 108 steps all the while chanting “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare” on each of those 108 steps! It was nothing short of an absolute exhilaration. Neither I nor my family has ever been ISKCON devotees but I enjoyed every moment of incanting.
Much more than just a vessel for lip-smacking ‘prasadam’ ISKCON is about promoting ‘Krishna Consciousness’.
How many times have you let your guard down and swayed with the beats of “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare” or Krishna’s Raas Leela beats. I have; being trained in Manipuri, a classical dance that found new meaning under Meitei King who adopted Gaudiya Vaishnavism and composed three types of Raas Leelas. Manipuri is perhaps the only dance form that can comes remotely close to depicting the essence of the relationship between Radha, Krishna and the gopis.
What is ISKCON?
Founded in 1966 in New York city by His Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is about spreading the word of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead who is believed to be the combined avatar of Krishna and Radha by his disciples. These disciples can to be known as ISKCON devotees.
Who is Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?
Considered a 15th century saint, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born as Vishvambhar Mishra to Jagannath Mishra his wife, Sachi Devi, who were Sylheti Brahmins (Sylhet is in Bangladesh). Born in Nabadwip, West Bengal, Vishvambhar Mishra’s association with Krishna chants began at an early age but received impetus only when he met the ascetic Ishvara Puri on his way to Gaya and who initiated him with the Gopala Krishna Mantra.
What attracts foreigners to ISKCON and Vrindavan?
Rather the question should be “Why do foreign nationals become ISKCON devotees?” – what do they find so alluring that they make it their way of life.
Here’s why –
Seekers of Spirituality & Truth
There are always questions surrounding ‘meaning of life’ and the need to detach oneself from the materialistic things that tempt us. Rooted in Vedic scriptures, it allows an individual to explore spirituality, the teachings of Krishna and seek the path to transcendence.
Values & Philosophy Attached
The core of ISKCON is devotion, compassion, non-violence and harmony among all beings. It promotes coexistence among all animals that inhabit earth. This very holistic approach towards all the living fosters an understanding of the interconnectedness between them which eventually resonates with the ethical concerns raised by the modern world.
There is no discrimination among ISKCON devotees, everyone is treated equally and with respect – the very basic requirement to be humane.
Introduction to Experiential Learning & Cultural Appeal
India with its diversified cultural extravagance has been attracted foreigners and but the appeal of ISKCON is beyond compare. The incessant chanting and dancing create an atmosphere of pure reverie that people flock to experience.
A Sense of Belonging
ISKCON creates a space that is beyond race, caste, ethnicity, nationality or any other social boundary created by man – their egalitarian and inclusive approach is what makes ISKCON so captivating. It feel more like family that boded over mutual respect, emotional support, friendship and a strong network of like-minded people.
Selfless Service to Society
An integral part of ISKCON is selfless service or ‘seva’ that gives every individual an opportunity to contribute towards humanitarian projects and initiatives. A lot of options to choose from, education to disaster relief efforts to actual ‘seva’ of the disciples.
Spiritual & Philosophical Discussions
Discussion around spirituality is always encouraged to understand the meaning behind the scriptures that hold the Vedic knowledge. The very openness of the culture to have an open mind towards a constructive discourse on a subject so controversial, is welcomed openly by most, especially the foreigners.
Mindfulness, Discipline & Personal Growth
Without discipline, the journey towards self-awareness or mindfulness or personal growth is hard to achieve and that is what is taught through structured curriculum like chanting, meditation and devotional service.
Non-judgmental and Acceptance
A safe space where there is no fear or continuous anticipation of being rejected, this movement embraces people as who they are instead of trying to fit them into ‘societal molds’. This is why foreigner are comfortable in joining this movement.
Why Vrindavan?
This is where it started because this is where Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood. To feel one with The One who brought out Krishna Consciousness, the disciples and followers known as ISKCON devotees (largely foreigners) visit Vrindavan. It brings them closer to ‘conscious’ that they have been following.
Things To Do In Vrindavan
Its association with Lord Krishna and is early life, Vrindavan is primarily a pilgrimage site which offers plenty of temple tours and also sanctimonious pursuits that includes the below list.
• Attend the evening aarti at Prem Mandir.
• Bhagavad Gita classes are conducted at ISKCON temple – If interested, one should attend it.
• Visit the Banke Bihari Temple.
• Take a dip in the holy waters of Radha Kund.
• Relish the melt-in-your-mouth pedas.
• Immerse yourself in the kirtans of ISKCON.
• Visit Krishna’s Rasleela spot in Nidhivan.
• And of course, you cannot miss the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir (ISKCON Vrindavan) for an extensive visit.
Where to Stay?
One can find several accommodation options in Vrindavan on Booking.Com and other platforms but if you haven’t stayed in an ashram when on a pilgrimage, your spiritual experience remains incomplete – that’s what I believe and to ensure you reach the zenith of that experience here is a list of some ashrams in Vrindavan.
Mohyal Ashram Vrindavan
Anand Dham Gaudiya Ashram
Fogla Ashram
Book here
Radha Krishna Dham
Vrinda Kunj Ashram
How to Reach
By Flight
The nearest airport is Kheria Airport in Agra which is 53 kms from Vrindavan.
By Train
The railway station where all outstation trains stop is Mathura Railway Station which is around 14 kms from Vrindavan. Taxis, auto-rickshaws and buses are available to reach Vrindavan.
Best Time to Visit
When it comes to central India, the best time to visit these places are the winters – from October till March. Vrindavan is no exception.
Faith never binds through imposition and instilling fear – it allows one to explore and encourage to satisfy questions that remain unanswered through years and that is something that ISKCON does right. It gives opportunity to its followers to unfold, understand and discover the purpose of their existence on their own, guiding them throughout their journey of self-consciousness.
Something I wish to try soon too.
What about you?
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