The Hare Krishna movement scrapbook

0 of 9 pages turned

• About 500 years ago The holy name for everyone. A crowd dances down a street, led by a golden-skinned boy, with drums and karatalas. Turn the page.

  The holy name for everyone

  Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu led great kirtans through the streets of Bengal. He taught that anyone can chant Hare Krishna, whoever they are.

  What we learn Anyone can chant Krishna’s names.

  Tell me more

  He lived from 1486 to 1534. His followers, the Gaudiya Vaishnavas, kept His teachings alive for centuries.

  Turn back
• Soon after The Six Goswamis. Old books and a quill, under a tulasi plant in Vrindavan. Turn the page.

  The Six Goswamis

  Mahaprabhu sent six wise followers to live in Vrindavan. They wrote books, found the holy places and built temples.

  What we learn Mahaprabhu’s followers shared His love so everyone could learn it.

  Tell me more

  They were Rupa, Sanatana, Gopala Bhatta, Raghunatha Bhatta, Raghunatha dasa and Jiva. Their writings are still studied today.

  Turn back
• Over 100 years ago Bhaktivinoda Thakura. A lamp, a letter and a pen on a desk, with a ship sailing in a window. Turn the page.

  Bhaktivinoda Thakura

  Bhaktivinoda Thakura was a busy magistrate in Bengal. He wrote many books about Mahaprabhu, and found the place where He was born.

  What we learn You can serve Krishna even with a busy job.

  Tell me more

  He lived from 1838 to 1914. He wrote in English too, hoping Mahaprabhu’s message would one day travel to far lands.

  Turn back
• About 100 years ago Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. A printing press, and fresh pages hanging up to dry. Turn the page.

  Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati

  Bhaktivinoda’s son opened many temples and ran a printing press. He asked a young follower, Abhay, to share Krishna in English.

  What we learn Share what you love in words people understand.

  Tell me more

  He lived from 1874 to 1937. Abhay Charan De grew up to become Srila Prabhupada.

  Turn back
• 1965 A ship to America. A cargo ship sailing from India to America, on a sea chart. Turn the page.

  A ship to America

  Srila Prabhupada sailed to America on a cargo ship, with a trunk of books. He had almost no money, only faith in Krishna.

  What we learn Faith in Krishna can carry you far.

  Tell me more

  The voyage took 35 days, from Kolkata to Boston. He was nearly 70, and he was ill on the way.

  Turn back
• 1966 ISKCON begins. A small shop in New York, with a lotus sign and an open door. Turn the page.

  ISKCON begins

  In a small shop in New York, he started ISKCON. Young people came to chant and to listen.

  What we learn Big things can start small.

  Tell me more

  ISKCON stands for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In 1966 he also led a kirtan in Tompkins Square Park, and people sat down to chant with him.

  Turn back
• 1967 The chariot goes west. A big chariot rolls through a city street, near a tall red bridge. Turn the page.

  The chariot goes west

  The Ratha-yatra chariot festival rolled through San Francisco. Today it is pulled through cities all over the world.

  What we learn Joy grows when we share it.

  Tell me more

  Ratha-yatra began in Jagannatha Puri, in India, hundreds of years before. In San Francisco in 1967 it was the first one outside India.

  Turn back
• The 1970s Food for everyone. A big pot, a ladle and a row of full plates. Turn the page.

  Food for everyone

  Srila Prabhupada wanted no one near a temple to go hungry. Devotees now cook and share free vegetarian meals in many countries.

  What we learn Sharing food is a kind of prayer.

  Tell me more

  This work is called Food for Life. The food is first offered to Krishna, and then it is called prasadam.

  Turn back
• Today All around the world. A globe with little glowing lights on six continents. Turn the page.

  All around the world

  There are now hundreds of temples and centres in countries all over the world. Children sing, cook, dance and learn together.

  What we learn The holy name belongs to everyone.

  Tell me more

  By 1977, when Srila Prabhupada left this world, there were more than a hundred temples, and his books were being translated into many languages.

  Turn back