ISKCON: Key Facts
ISKCON
FAQ
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is part of the Vaishnava
tradition, one of the three principal strands within Hinduism.
It began in Sixteenth Century Bengal with the saint Shri
Chaitanya who promoted a revival of bhakti (loving devotional service to God) and
ardently opposed the hereditary caste system.
Chaitanya's teachings were not new, but drawn from the ancient Vedic
texts, which embody the timeless, non-sectarian values of Sanatan Dharma (the eternal
religion).
Gaudiya (Bengali) Vaishnavism emphasises the importance of developing a personal relationship
with God, particularly through chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.
These teachings were transmitted through disciplic succession and finally brought to
the West by His
Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who officially incorporated ISKCON
in New York (1967).
The movement arrived in Britain in 1969, when early devotees opened a temple in London.
In 1973, ex-Beatle George Harrison donated Bhaktivedanta Manor, which now serves as the
Movement's UK headquarters.
The Society has a further ten centres throughout the UK, and over
three-hundred world-wide, in all major countries.
ISKCON's global headquarters are situated near the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya in Mayapur
(West Bengal).
Initiated devotees are strictly vegetarian. They also abstain from intoxication, gambling
and extramarital sex.
ISKCON's theology is 'inclusive monotheism' i.e. belief in one God, whilst acknowledging
the existence of many 'demigods'.
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The Aims of IES
 ISKCON
Educational Services was established in January 1991, primarily to offer support to the
educational world in its study and teaching of Hinduism. Those of us involved are also
concerned that ISKCON's traditions, both specific and broad, are accurately represented.
Hinduism, or more precisely Sanatan Dharma, teaches about universal principles and their
corresponding values. Consequently, we have no interest in converting people from one
religion to another, but wish to encourage every student's moral and spiritual development,
irrespective of their background or specific religious affiliation. Despite this inclusive
approach, we also recognise the need to acknowledge the autonomy of each discrete religious
tradition. One of our aims, therefore, is to serve the needs of the British Hindu community,
by helping them preserve their heritage. At IES, we attempt to support
and exemplify an approach towards RE which embodies the best of both spiritual and educational
principles.
What have we achieved?
Since IES was established we have:
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increased the number of school programmes from 25 to
more than 250 per year ( reaching more than 15,000 students annually); |
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developed and maintained a national correspondence service,
answering 200 letters each year; |
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established a Resource Centre at Bhaktivedanta
Manor, with a mail-order service for books and artefacts; |
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produced (and helped produce) over ten publications
on Hinduism and related topics; |
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assisted SCAA (the Schools Curriculum and Assessment
Authority, now the QCA) in
drawing up their 'Model Agreed Syllabuses' (1994), as members of the Hinduism Working
Party; |
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worked with the Hindu community to provide classical
dance and drama presentations to over 50 schools each year; |
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helped provide Hindu representatives to sit on local
SACRE's. |
Where do we stand today?
At the moment, IES has one full-time volunteer. The increased demand
from schools means that each term we are fully booked by the half-term break and are forced
to turn down more and more bookings. There is a desperate need to expand the programme
to avoid disappointment. We therefore intend to expand the Manor's team and to establish
a new management structure. This requires further resources.
How can you become involved?
We therefore ask you to consider helping with this important work. Your contribution
will help us reach our goal of 500 school engagements per year (reaching some 30,000 students).
If you are interested in preserving the tradition, or just respect this work for its spiritual
and educational value, then please click this link to donate securely by credit card:
or complete the form below and e-mail it to us right away (copy and paste it into your
favourite e-mail programme.) Do also let us know if there's any specific way that we can
help you. Many thanks!
The IES Team
ISKCON Educational Services
Bhaktivedanta Manor,
Hilfield Lane,
Aldenham,
Watford,
Hertfordshire WD2 8EZ
Tel: 01923-859578 (IES direct line),
Tel: 01923-857244 (reception) - ask for Indriyesha.
E-mail us at 
Please note that we only deliver resources within the UK and only to
schools and educational organisations.
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