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What is the current state of the Hare Krishna movement globally, and where is it most prominent?

Eber O'Donohue

Hey there! Are you curious about the Hare Krishna movement and what's up with it these days? Well, let me fill you in on the current state of this colorful community!

Firstly, let's start with a little bit of background for those who may not be familiar. The Hare Krishna movement, also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is a spiritual organization founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York City. Its core beliefs are centered around devotion to the Hindu god Krishna and achieving a state of spiritual enlightenment through chanting and other practices.

So, where is the Hare Krishna movement at now? Well, despite some controversy and setbacks over the years, the movement is actually still going strong globally. In fact, it continues to grow steadily in some parts of the world. As of 2021, there are over 600 ISKCON centers worldwide and millions of followers.

One country where the Hare Krishna movement has particularly taken off is India, the birthplace of Krishna and Hinduism. Here, ISKCON has become a major player in the country's spiritual scene, with numerous temples and congregations attracting large numbers of devotees each year. The famous Hare Krishna chant can often be heard echoing through the streets of Indian cities.

But it's not just in India where the Hare Krishnas are making waves. The movement has a strong presence in many other countries as well, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Brazil. In fact, the largest Hare Krishna temple in the world is currently under construction in the city of Bangalore, India, and is expected to be completed in the near future.

Of course, as with any organization, the Hare Krishna movement has faced its fair share of challenges and controversies throughout its history. One of the most notable examples was the infamous "Hare Krishna airport scam" of the 1970s, in which members of the movement were accused of soliciting donations and then pressuring people to buy their books. However, it's worth noting that the vast majority of Hare Krishna followers are sincere and dedicated individuals who are simply seeking spiritual fulfillment.

So, there you have it - a quick overview of the current state of the Hare Krishna movement. Whether you're a curious bystander or a potential future devotee, there's no denying that this colorful community continues to inspire and fascinate people all around the world. And who knows - maybe you'll be the next one chanting "Hare Krishna" in the streets!