WELCOME TO
KRISHNA WEST
Krishna West is an international coalition of communities and individuals dedicated to spiritual attainment, and human progress. We recognize that only a society inspired and guided by a coherent spiritual understanding can solve the seemingly intractable problems that threaten to upend modern civilization. Although the problems are various – social, political, environmental, economic etc. – they are all symptoms of an underlying spiritual deficit.
While sincerely respecting all virtuous spiritual traditions, we take special guidance from the timeless wisdom of the sacred Bhakti-yoga texts of South Asia, most famous of which is the Bhagavad-Gita.
Krishna West provides all the essential benefits of this ancient spiritual wisdom and practice but without insisting that one adopt ethnic customs historically associated with this practice in other parts of the world.
To learn more about Krishna West’s relationship to ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, click here.
What is Bhakti-Yoga?
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root Yuj, which in a spiritual context means to link or reconnect with the Source of our existence, God or Krishna. Bhakti-yoga means to do this through the disciplined practice of loving service to God. This entails both our own self-realization, and a profound concern for the Earth and all its creatures, a concern that manifests as dynamic spiritual activism. Bhakti-yoga is a timeless, non-sectarian path which has profoundly benefitted hundreds of millions of people for thousands of years.
Krishna West practices bhakti-yoga as taught by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), by far the leading exponent of the tradition in modern times. We do so within ISKCON, the society he founded and led.
One prominent practice of bhakti-yoga is the chanting, and meditation on, what is called the Mahā-mantra, the Great-mantra:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
This chanting or meditation on the Mahā-mantra can be practiced alone, or in groups, by itself or with musical accompaniment. Chanting in a big or small group, often with musical accompaniment, is called kīrtana. More individual, meditative chanting is called japa.
Krishna West
Discover yourself, discover meaningful connections through the practice of a verified spiritual science. Krishna West presents the essential teachings and core spiritual practices of the Bhakti-yoga tradition in a way that is culturally accessible for most Westerners. We uphold the key teachings and practices of our tradition, but endeavor to make this path relevant, enjoyable, and easy for today’s world, without sacrificing any essential component.
But what does this mean in practice?
A Culture of Empowerment
Krishna West is a grassroots organization that empowers local leaders to create programs that draw on their own strengths, while adhering to the universal spiritual standards of ISKCON.
In what is perhaps the most famous book of Western philosophy, The Republic, Plato taught that there are three parts to human life – the intellectual, the emotional, and the sensorial. Prabhupada’s simple bhakti-yoga program, preserved intact in the standard Krishna West, engages all three human dimensions.
In that light, a typical Krishna West program includes a discussion of spiritual philosophy to engage our intellect, singing of beautiful mantras to engage our feelings, and vegan or vegetarian refreshments to engage our senses.
Krishna West offers programs both online and through in-person events. Find out how to join us.