Embarking on the Path: A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Hare Krishna
Becoming a Hare Krishna, a follower of the Krishna Consciousness movement (ISKCON – International Society for Krishna Consciousness), is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It involves adopting a lifestyle and philosophy centered around love for Krishna, considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices involved, offering a roadmap for those interested in exploring this spiritual path.
**Understanding the Core Principles**
Before delving into the practical steps, it’s crucial to understand the foundational principles of Krishna Consciousness:
* **Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead:** This is the central tenet. Krishna is not merely a deity but the origin of everything, the source of all existence, knowledge, and bliss.
* **The Importance of the Holy Name:** Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is the primary means of self-realization in this age (Kali Yuga). The mantra is:
* Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
* Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
* **Reincarnation and Karma:** The soul is eternal and transmigrates from body to body based on its karma (actions). The goal is to break free from the cycle of birth and death and return to Krishna’s eternal abode.
* **Devotional Service (Bhakti Yoga):** Engaging in activities performed out of love and devotion for Krishna. This includes chanting, hearing, remembering, serving, and offering everything to Krishna.
* **The Authority of Scripture:** The Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam are considered the most important scriptures, providing guidance on spiritual life.
* **Vegetarianism (Lacto-Vegetarianism):** Refraining from eating meat, fish, and eggs. This is based on the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and offering food to Krishna before consuming it (prasadam).
**Steps to Becoming a Hare Krishna**
Here’s a detailed guide with practical steps to help you progress on the path of Krishna Consciousness:
**1. Study the Teachings:**
* **Read the Bhagavad-gita As It Is:** This is the most essential book for understanding Krishna Consciousness. Srila Prabhupada’s translation and commentary offer clear and insightful explanations. Pay close attention to the concepts of karma, reincarnation, dharma (righteous duty), and the nature of the Supreme Lord.
* **Explore the Srimad-Bhagavatam:** This is a comprehensive exposition of Vedic knowledge, focusing on the pastimes of Krishna and His devotees. It delves deeper into the philosophy and provides a richer understanding of Krishna Consciousness.
* **Visit the ISKCON Website (www.iskcon.org):** The official ISKCON website provides a wealth of information, including articles, lectures, videos, and resources for beginners.
* **Attend Introductory Classes or Workshops:** Many ISKCON temples and centers offer introductory classes or workshops on Krishna Consciousness. These are excellent opportunities to learn from experienced devotees and ask questions.
* **Read Other Books by Srila Prabhupada:** Srila Prabhupada wrote numerous books on various aspects of Krishna Consciousness, including *The Science of Self-Realization*, *Krishna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead*, and *The Nectar of Devotion*. These books offer practical guidance and inspiration.
**2. Begin Chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra:**
* **The Power of the Holy Name:** Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is the most important practice in Krishna Consciousness. It cleanses the heart, awakens love for Krishna, and brings about spiritual realization.
* **How to Chant:** You can chant aloud (kirtan) or softly to yourself (japa). Japa is typically done with prayer beads (mala). Each mala has 108 beads, and you chant the mantra once on each bead.
* **Japa Beads (Mala):** Obtain a set of japa beads from an ISKCON temple or online. Hold the beads in your right hand and use your thumb and middle finger to roll each bead as you chant.
* **Commit to a Daily Practice:** Start with a manageable goal, such as chanting one round (108 times) of the Hare Krishna mantra each day. Gradually increase the number of rounds as you become more comfortable.
* **Chant with Attention:** Focus your mind on the sound of the mantra. Avoid distractions and try to be present in the moment. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the mantra.
* **Chant at Specific Times:** Some devotees find it helpful to chant at specific times each day, such as early in the morning (brahma-muhurta) or before going to bed. This helps to establish a consistent practice.
**3. Adopt a Vegetarian Diet (Lacto-Vegetarian):**
* **The Principle of Ahimsa:** Vegetarianism is based on the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence. By refraining from eating meat, fish, and eggs, you reduce the amount of suffering in the world.
* **Health Benefits:** A vegetarian diet is also generally healthier than a meat-based diet. It is typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber and vitamins.
* **Offer Your Food to Krishna (Prasadam):** The key to vegetarianism in Krishna Consciousness is to offer your food to Krishna before you eat it. This transforms your meals into spiritual offerings called prasadam.
* **How to Offer Food:** Prepare your meal with love and devotion. Before eating, arrange the food on a plate and offer it to a picture or deity of Krishna. Chant the following mantra three times:
* *namo om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhu-tale*
* *srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine*
* *namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracharine*
* *nirvisesha-sunyavadi-paschatya-desa-tarine*
* **Eat Only Prasadam:** Make a conscious effort to eat only food that has been offered to Krishna. This will purify your consciousness and bring you closer to Krishna.
* **Learn Krishna Conscious Recipes:** Explore vegetarian recipes inspired by Krishna Consciousness. Many resources are available online and in cookbooks.
**4. Associate with Devotees (Satsanga):**
* **The Importance of Association:** Associating with devotees is essential for spiritual progress. Devotees can offer guidance, support, and inspiration.
* **Visit an ISKCON Temple or Center:** Regularly visit your local ISKCON temple or center. Attend programs, participate in kirtan, and associate with other devotees.
* **Attend Festivals and Events:** ISKCON hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. These are excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in Krishna Consciousness and connect with a larger community of devotees.
* **Online Communities:** If you don’t have access to a local ISKCON center, consider joining online communities and forums dedicated to Krishna Consciousness. This can provide a virtual space for connection and support.
* **Listen to Lectures and Kirtans:** Listen to lectures and kirtans by Srila Prabhupada and other senior devotees. This will deepen your understanding of Krishna Consciousness and inspire you on your spiritual path.
**5. Engage in Devotional Service (Bhakti Yoga):**
* **Serving Krishna with Love:** Bhakti yoga involves engaging in activities performed out of love and devotion for Krishna. This can include chanting, hearing, remembering, serving, and offering everything to Krishna.
* **Types of Devotional Service:** There are nine primary forms of devotional service:
* **Hearing (Sravanam):** Hearing about Krishna from scriptures and realized souls.
* **Chanting (Kirtanam):** Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and singing devotional songs.
* **Remembering (Smaranam):** Remembering Krishna and His activities.
* **Serving the Lotus Feet (Pada-sevanam):** Offering service to the lotus feet of Krishna or His representatives.
* **Worshiping the Deity (Arcanam):** Worshipping the deity of Krishna in the temple.
* **Offering Prayers (Vandanam):** Offering prayers to Krishna.
* **Serving as a Servant (Dasyam):** Serving Krishna as a servant.
* **Being a Friend (Sakhyam):** Cultivating a friendly relationship with Krishna.
* **Surrendering Everything (Atma-nivedanam):** Surrendering everything to Krishna.
* **Find Your Niche:** Explore different types of devotional service and find those that resonate with you. This could involve cleaning the temple, cooking for the devotees, distributing books, or assisting with temple programs.
* **Offer Your Talents to Krishna:** Use your talents and skills in the service of Krishna. If you’re a musician, you can offer your music. If you’re a writer, you can write articles or stories about Krishna Consciousness. If you’re an artist, you can create artwork depicting Krishna and His pastimes.
* **Serve with Love and Enthusiasm:** Perform your devotional service with love, enthusiasm, and a sincere desire to please Krishna. Don’t do it out of obligation or duty, but out of genuine affection for Krishna.
**6. Follow the Four Regulative Principles:**
* **The Foundation of Spiritual Life:** The four regulative principles are essential for maintaining a pure and Krishna conscious life. They help to control the mind and senses and create a favorable environment for spiritual progress.
* **No Meat Eating:** As mentioned previously, vegetarianism is based on the principle of ahimsa and is essential for cultivating compassion and spiritual awareness.
* **No Gambling:** Gambling is a waste of time and money and can lead to greed, anxiety, and other negative qualities.
* **No Intoxication:** Intoxication clouds the mind and prevents clear thinking. It also interferes with the ability to remember Krishna and chant the Hare Krishna mantra effectively.
* **No Illicit Sex:** Illicit sex binds one to the material world and creates unnecessary attachments. It also distracts one from the pursuit of spiritual goals. The goal is not to eliminate sex completely, but to regulate it within the context of marriage and procreation for the purpose of raising Krishna conscious children.
* **Adhering to the Principles:** Make a conscious effort to follow these principles in your daily life. They will help you to purify your consciousness and make steady progress on the path of Krishna Consciousness.
**7. Take Initiation (Diksha):**
* **Formal Commitment:** Taking initiation from a qualified guru (spiritual teacher) is a significant step in Krishna Consciousness. It signifies a formal commitment to the path and a willingness to follow the guru’s instructions.
* **Finding a Guru:** Seek guidance from senior devotees in your ISKCON community to find a qualified guru. A guru is someone who is well-versed in the scriptures, practices Krishna Consciousness sincerely, and is authorized to give initiation.
* **Preparing for Initiation:** Before taking initiation, you will typically need to demonstrate a consistent practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, following the four regulative principles, and studying the scriptures. You will also need to express a sincere desire to dedicate your life to Krishna Consciousness.
* **The Initiation Ceremony:** The initiation ceremony involves receiving a spiritual name from the guru, taking vows to follow the four regulative principles and chant a minimum number of rounds of the Hare Krishna mantra each day, and receiving instruction on the proper way to worship the deity of Krishna.
* **Guru-Disciple Relationship:** The relationship between the guru and disciple is sacred and based on mutual trust and respect. The disciple agrees to follow the guru’s instructions, and the guru agrees to guide and support the disciple on their spiritual journey.
**8. Maintain a Krishna Conscious Lifestyle:**
* **Integrating Krishna Consciousness into Your Daily Life:** The goal is to integrate Krishna Consciousness into all aspects of your daily life. This means thinking of Krishna, chanting His name, and serving Him in whatever way you can.
* **Creating a Krishna Conscious Home:** Decorate your home with pictures or deities of Krishna. Play devotional music and kirtans. Offer your food to Krishna before eating. Create a space where you can chant and meditate.
* **Krishna Conscious Relationships:** Cultivate Krishna conscious relationships with family and friends. Share your spiritual experiences with them and encourage them to explore Krishna Consciousness.
* **Serving Your Community:** Serve your local community through Krishna conscious initiatives. This could involve distributing prasadam, organizing kirtans, or volunteering at the ISKCON temple.
* **Continuous Learning:** Continue to study the scriptures, listen to lectures, and associate with devotees. The path of Krishna Consciousness is a lifelong journey of learning and growth.
**Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them**
* **Maintaining Consistency:** It can be challenging to maintain a consistent spiritual practice in the midst of a busy life. Set realistic goals and prioritize your spiritual activities. Find an accountability partner to help you stay on track.
* **Controlling the Mind:** The mind is often restless and easily distracted. Practice mindfulness and focus on the sound of the Hare Krishna mantra. Regularly engage in activities that purify the mind, such as reading scriptures and associating with devotees.
* **Dealing with Criticism:** You may encounter criticism or misunderstanding from family and friends who don’t understand Krishna Consciousness. Be patient and compassionate. Explain your beliefs with love and respect. Don’t let their criticism discourage you from pursuing your spiritual goals.
* **Overcoming Material Attachments:** It can be difficult to overcome attachments to material possessions, relationships, and habits. Gradually detach yourself from these attachments by focusing on Krishna and developing a deeper connection with Him.
**Conclusion**
Becoming a Hare Krishna is a journey of love, devotion, and self-discovery. By following the principles and practices outlined in this guide, you can progress on the path of Krishna Consciousness and experience the joy of a life dedicated to serving Krishna. Remember to be patient, persistent, and sincere in your efforts. With Krishna’s grace, you can achieve spiritual fulfillment and return to His eternal abode.
**Resources:**
* **ISKCON Website:** www.iskcon.org
* **Bhagavad-gita As It Is:** Available at ISKCON temples and online.
* **Local ISKCON Temple or Center:** Find your nearest temple at www.iskcon.org/centers
This guide provides a starting point for your journey. The most important thing is to begin, take consistent action, and cultivate a sincere desire to connect with Krishna. Hare Krishna!