International Society for Krishna Consciousness The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is the spiritual institution founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in July 1966 as a continuation of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya. ISKCON was personally directed by its Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada until his departure on November 14, 1977. According to Srila Prabhupada's will, ISKCON continued thereafter under the ultimate managing authority of the Governing Body Commission (GBC). Accordingly, ISKCON is that institution founded by Srila Prabhupada and originally directed by him, which continues to be directed after his departure by the GBC
The Seven Purposes of ISKCON 1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life, and to achieve real unity and peace in the world. 2. To propagate consciousness of Krsna as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. 3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krsna, the prime entity, and thus develop the idea within the members and humanity at large that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krsna). 4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. 5. To erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the Personality of Krsna. 6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life. 7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books, and other writings.