What is ISKCON
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a worldwide spiritual movement founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. Rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition, ISKCON presents the science of bhakti-yoga—loving devotional service to Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
With over 600 temples, 65 eco-villages, and 110 vegetarian restaurants across six continents, ISKCON has touched millions of lives worldwide. The movement promotes the chanting of the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra, the distribution of sanctified vegetarian food (prasādam), and the dissemination of India’s timeless spiritual wisdom through authentic Vedic literature.
ISKCON represents a genuine continuation of the spiritual heritage passed down through an unbroken chain of enlightened teachers (paramparā) dating back over 5,000 years to Lord Krishna Himself. It is not merely a philosophy or belief system, but a practical science of self-realisation that transforms lives from within.
Ancient & Authentic
Rooted in the original Vedic scriptures and preserved through an unbroken disciplic succession.
Global Movement
A worldwide spiritual family serving humanity across cultures, nations, and backgrounds.
Practical Spirituality
A lived process of devotion that brings clarity, purpose, and inner fulfilment.
Our Mission
Spreading Krishna Consciousness Worldwide
ISKCON exists to spread Krishna consciousness worldwide by teaching devotional service, encouraging congregational chanting, distributing spiritual literature, establishing holy places, promoting simple living and high thinking, and uniting humanity in loving service to the Supreme Lord Krishna.
- Devotional service
- Congregational chanting
- Spiritual literature
- Holy places
- Simple living & high thinking
- Unity in loving service
ISKCON Canberra Temple
Your Spiritual Home in Australia’s Capital
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Australia’s capital city, ISKCON Canberra serves as a vibrant spiritual oasis for seekers from all walks of life. Our temple provides a peaceful sanctuary where you can experience authentic Vedic culture, participate in devotional activities, and connect with like-minded spiritual aspirants.
A Place of Living Tradition
Since its establishment, ISKCON Canberra has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich spiritual heritage of India. The temple features beautifully decorated deity altars, spacious kirtan halls, a well-stocked library of spiritual literature, and facilities for various educational programs.
Whether you’re a lifelong practitioner or a curious newcomer, our doors are always open. Experience the transformative power of Krishna consciousness in a welcoming, inclusive environment where ancient wisdom meets contemporary life.
Temple Facilities
- Sacred deity worship hall
- Spiritual library and reading room
- Prasadam dining area
- Lecture and seminar halls
- Gift shop with spiritual items
- Peaceful meditation gardens in vicinity
Why Krishna Consciousness
The Path to Eternal Happiness
In this age of anxiety, confusion, and material distress, Krishna consciousness offers the complete solution. The Vedas explain that every living being is searching for happiness, but because we’ve forgotten our relationship with Krishna, we’re looking in the wrong places. By reviving our dormant love for Krishna, we access unlimited spiritual joy that far surpasses any temporary material pleasure.
Understanding Your True Self
Discover that you are not the temporary body but an eternal spiritual soul, full of knowledge and bliss.
Freedom from Suffering
Learn practical techniques to transcend the miseries of birth, death, old age, and disease.
Perfect Relationships
Develop a loving relationship with Krishna, the source of all happiness and reservoir of all pleasure.
Real Peace of Mind
Experience genuine tranquillity by connecting with the Supreme through meditation, prayer, and devotion.
Life’s Ultimate Goal
Achieve the perfection of human life by returning to your eternal home in the spiritual world.
Founder-Ācārya
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Our Founder Acharya
A Life of Courage and Compassion
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda (1896–1977) is the founder-ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Born Abhay Charan De in Kolkata, India, he demonstrated devotion to Lord Krishna from childhood. In 1922, he met his spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, who requested him to spread Krishna consciousness to the English-speaking world.
At the age of 69, with unwavering faith and just forty rupees in his pocket, Śrīla Prabhupāda boarded a cargo ship to America. Despite suffering two heart attacks during the journey, he arrived in New York in 1965, carrying the treasure of Krishna consciousness to the Western world.
Over the next twelve years, Śrīla Prabhupāda circled the globe fourteen times, established 108 temples, initiated 5,000 disciples, and translated over 70 volumes of Vedic literature. His books have been translated into 80 languages and distributed in hundreds of millions of copies worldwide, making him one of history’s most prolific and influential spiritual teachers.
Books
Foundational translations and purports that make Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam accessible for everyday life.
Sankīrtana
Congregational chanting and joyful outreach that awakens the heart through the holy name.
Temple Culture
Deity worship, kīrtan, and prasādam—practical spiritual life lived in community.
Simple Living
A clean, purposeful lifestyle that supports devotion—“simple living and high thinking.”
Books are the basis. Preaching is the essence. Purity is the force. Utility is the principle.
Srila Prabhupada’s Vision
Making Krishna Consciousness Global
Srila Prabhupada’s vision extended far beyond simply establishing an organisation. He wanted to create a worldwide spiritual revolution that would transform human consciousness. His mission was to re-establish the ancient Vedic culture’s principles of Krishna consciousness in modern society—showing that spirituality is not separate from practical life, but the foundation of a meaningful, purposeful existence.
Literary Legacy
Translating Vedic scriptures with authentic commentary to preserve spiritual knowledge for future generations.
Temple Establishment
Creating centres of spiritual culture where people can practise Krishna consciousness in an authentic environment.
Farm Communities
Developing self-sufficient rural communities demonstrating “simple living and high thinking”.
Educational Institutions
Establishing schools and universities to train future generations in both material and spiritual sciences.
Through his teachings, writings, and personal example, Srila Prabhupada showed that anyone—regardless of background, nationality, or education—can practise bhakti-yoga and achieve spiritual perfection.
The Four Regulative Principles
Foundation of Spiritual Life
These four principles form the essential foundation of Krishna consciousness. They are not moral impositions, but practical, time-tested guidelines that purify consciousness and support steady spiritual progress.
No Meat Eating
Abstaining from all meat, fish, and eggs. Violence against innocent animals creates karmic reactions and clouds spiritual consciousness. A vegetarian diet nourishes both body and soul while cultivating compassion for all living beings.
No Intoxication
Avoiding all intoxicating substances including alcohol, tobacco, drugs, tea, and coffee. Intoxication dulls the mind, weakens self-control, and obstructs spiritual realisation. Clear consciousness is essential for genuine self-awareness.
No Gambling
Refraining from gambling and speculative behaviour. This principle extends to any activity that promotes greed, dishonesty, or dependence on chance rather than honest effort and Krishna’s arrangement.
No Illicit Sex
Restricting sexual activity to marriage for procreation. Uncontrolled sense gratification drains spiritual energy and disturbs the mind. A regulated life preserves clarity, strength, and spiritual focus.
When supported by these principles, the regular chanting of the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra awakens our dormant love for Krishna and accelerates spiritual realisation.
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahā-mantra
The Sublime Method for Self-Realisation
The holy name is the simplest and most powerful practice of bhakti-yoga—accessible to everyone, anywhere, at any time.
The Science of Sound
The Hare Krishna mahā-mantra is a sublime combination of the holy names of God. “Hare” addresses Krishna’s divine energy, whilst “Krishna” means “the all-attractive one” and “Rama” means “the reservoir of all pleasure.” This transcendental sound vibration directly invokes the presence of the Supreme Lord.
Unlike material sound, which is different from its meaning, spiritual sound is absolute. The name of Krishna and Krishna Himself are non-different. Therefore, by chanting His holy names, we directly associate with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Sound is spiritual when connected to Krishna
- Chanting awakens devotion from within
- Practice is universal and non-sectarian
How to Chant (Japa)
Devotees chant the mahā-mantra on beads (japa-mālā) consisting of 108 beads. One round equals chanting the mantra 108 times. Serious practitioners chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily (approximately two hours).
- 1Find a quiet place and sit comfortably.
- 2Chant clearly, hearing each word.
- 3Bring the mind back gently when it wanders.
- 4Continue steadily—quality first, then quantity.
“The holy name of Krishna is transcendentally blissful. It bestows all spiritual benedictions, for it is Krishna Himself, the reservoir of all pleasure.”
Understanding Krishna
The Supreme Personality of Godhead
Krishna is not merely a Hindu god or mythological figure—He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all that exists. Vedic literature describes Krishna as possessing unlimited spiritual qualities: infinite beauty, strength, wisdom, fame, wealth, and renunciation. He is both the all-powerful creator of countless universes and the intimate friend of every living being.
Eternal Form
Possessing a transcendental, spiritual body full of knowledge, bliss, and eternity.
All-Attractive
The source of unlimited beauty that attracts all living beings throughout creation.
Omnipotent
Possessing unlimited power whilst remaining completely independent and self-satisfied.
All-Knowing
Perfect knowledge of past, present, and future throughout all time and space.
Supremely Pure
Completely transcendental to material contamination and the source of all purity.
Self-Effulgent
The source of all light, knowledge, and consciousness in all worlds.
Three Aspects of the Absolute Truth
The impersonal spiritual effulgence that pervades everything.
The Supersoul residing within all beings, guiding from within.
The Supreme Personality with unlimited qualities, form, and loving relationships.
Bhagavad Gītā
Krishna’s Divine Instructions to Arjuna
The Bhagavad Gītā, often called the “Song of God,” is a 700-verse Sanskrit scripture forming part of the great epic Mahābhārata. Spoken by Lord Krishna to His friend and devotee Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra, it addresses the deepest questions of human existence: Who am I? Why do I suffer? What is my purpose?
In eighteen chapters, Lord Krishna systematically explains the science of self-realisation, revealing the paths of karma-yoga (selfless action), jñāna-yoga (spiritual knowledge), and bhakti-yoga (loving devotional service). He concludes that bhakti-yoga is the highest perfection of spiritual life.
Chapter Structure
Eighteen chapters presenting progressive spiritual understanding—from fundamental knowledge to pure devotion to Krishna.
Universal Wisdom
Practical guidance applicable to all people, regardless of time, place, culture, or circumstance.
Complete Philosophy
A comprehensive spiritual science addressing metaphysics, ethics, psychology, and theology in a unified vision.
“Bhagavad-gītā As It Is”, translated by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, presents Krishna’s message without speculation or distortion, preserving the original meaning through the disciplic succession.
Translated into over 80 languages and distributed in tens of millions of copies worldwide.
The Bhagavad Gītā is not merely a religious text—it is a timeless guide for living with purpose, clarity, and devotion, culminating in loving surrender to Lord Krishna.
Key Teachings from Bhagavad Gītā
Wisdom for Modern Living
The Gītā explains deep realities of karma, prakṛti (material nature), time, ātmā (the soul), and Bhagavān (the Supreme Person), offering practical guidance for daily life and spiritual progress.
The Eternal Soul (Ātmā)
“For the soul there is neither birth nor death… It is not slain when the body is slain.” (2.20)
You are not the temporary body—you are an eternal spiritual being, full of consciousness.
Law of Karma (Action)
“You have a right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits thereof.” (2.47)
Act responsibly, but let go of selfish attachment to outcomes—offer the results to Krishna.
Controlling the Mind
“For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends.” (6.6)
Through spiritual practice, the mind becomes an ally; without discipline, it becomes a constant enemy.
Path of Devotion (Bhakti)
“Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me.” (9.34)
Pure devotion is the highest path—remember Krishna, serve Him, and live in loving connection with Him.
Complete Surrender to Bhagavān
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.” (18.66)
The Gītā’s final instruction is wholehearted surrender to Krishna—the Supreme Person—trusting His protection and guidance in all circumstances.
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam
The Beautiful Story of the Lord
The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) is revered as the cream of all Vedic literature. Composed by Śrīla Vyāsadeva, the literary incarnation of God, it contains 18,000 verses divided into twelve cantos. It is especially meant for those seeking liberation from material bondage and aspiring to develop pure love for Krishna.
Literary Masterpiece
The Bhāgavatam begins with creation and systematically describes the nature of the Supreme, the material and spiritual worlds, the process of devotional service, and the activities of the Lord’s various incarnations. The Tenth Canto, the longest section, exclusively describes Krishna’s transcendental pastimes in Vrindāvan, Mathurā, and Dvārakā.
This scripture is so potent that simply hearing it with a submissive attitude can awaken dormant Krishna consciousness.
“By regular attendance in classes on the Bhāgavatam and by rendering service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed.”
Canto Overview
12 CantosFoundation and purpose
Establishes the need for bhakti and the essence of spiritual inquiry.
Creation science
Explains cosmology, creation, and the Lord’s energies and avatars.
Cosmic structure
Describes the universe, karma, and the journey of the soul.
Great devotees’ histories
Inspirational narratives of pure devotion and divine protection.
Krishna’s pastimes
The heart of the Bhāgavatam—Krishna’s loving līlā in Vrindāvan and beyond.
Final instructions
Concludes with essential teachings, detachment, and devotion.
Śrīla Prabhupāda translated and provided detailed commentary for the entire Śrīmad Bhāgavatam in eighteen volumes, making this profound scripture accessible worldwide.
His Bhaktivedanta purports illuminate the philosophical conclusions whilst preserving the devotional mood.
Spiritual Library
Complete Vedic Literature by Śrīla Prabhupāda
Explore the complete spiritual library below, featuring all major scriptures, books, lectures, conversations, and personal letters written by His Divine Grace Śrīla A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. This timeless knowledge is preserved for the benefit of all humanity.