FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THE HARE KRISHNA MOVEMENT
What is Hare Krishna?
Hare Krishna is a monotheistic spiritual movement in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism branch of Hinduism. This movement was founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, also known as Srila Prabhupada, in 1966 in New York City. It is formally known as ISKCON, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Who is Srila Prabhupada?
Srila Prabhupada is the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. He was born in India in 1896, where he lived and received his spiritual training before traveling to the United States at the age of 70 in order to share the knowledge of the ancient wisdom texts of India. He opened more than 100 centers worldwide, and translated and published over 40 volumes of spiritual books. He passed from this world in 1977.
What are the basic beliefs of Hare Krishna?
The beliefs of Hare Krishna are based on Vedic scriptures, specifically the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Hare Krishna devotees practice bhakti-yoga, the path of loving devotion for God - Krishna - as described in the Bhagavad-gita. The philosophy of bhakti-yoga teaches that every living being is an eternal spirit whose purpose is to develop a personal relationship with Krishna through loving service and return to Him in the spiritual realm.
Who is Krishna?
Krishna is the speaker of the Bhagavad-gita, a scripture recognized worldwide as one of mankind's greatest books of wisdom. In this book, Krishna says repeatedly that He is God Himself, the source of everything.
What is the history of the Hare Krishna Movement?
Five hundred years ago Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the most recent incarnation of Krishna, taught by His own example that one can live the essence of Bhagavad-gita by chanting Krishna 's holy names:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
Sri Krishna and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu both taught bhakti-yoga, the spiritual practice of connecting with God through devotional service to Him. Based on Their teachings, Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON and thus Krishna Consciousness in Western countries.
OUR TEMPLE
What are your hours of operation?
We are currently only open during scheduled programs. Visit our “Events” page for these timings.
If you would like to set up a time to visit, please contact us in advance by emailing info [at] krishnanyc.com. While we cannot guarantee access, we will try our best to help.
Do you offer accommodations?
The temple does not have facilities for overnight visitors. You can contact Adi Purusa prabhu (adi108ny@yahoo.com) about his bed & breakfast, or Ananda Bihari das (daso.smi108@gmail.com) who has a hostel with affordable accommodation for single persons or couples.