ISKCON has always been a really influential religious and spiritual group ever since its establishment. And if you are already feeling intrigued to join this group then you may wanna consider a thing or two. But if you are here to know how to join ISKCON, then worry not because we are going to give you a lowdown on just that along with a few other details you shouldn’t just skip. So yeah, let’s get down to it then. Shall we?
What Exactly Is ISKCON?
As you may already know, ISKCON stands for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This worldwide spiritual group got its start thanks to A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Big name, I know, but the guy had some big ideas to match! The main thing here is to spread Krishna consciousness, which is a sort of spiritual mindfulness that’s deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy.
Eligibility Criteria
Honestly, ISKCON’s doors swing wide open for folks from all corners and alleys of life. But, like every spiritual group, there are a couple of things you might wanna keep in mind:
- Age: Age is mostly just a number here. But hey, it wouldn’t hurt to give a ring to your local temple people and get the inside scoop on any age-related specifics.
- Lifestyle Prerequisites: ISKCON is all about that vegetarian life and living a clean, intoxicant-free life. It’s not just about playing by the rules; it’s vibing with their philosophy and living your best life.
- Spiritual Commitment: Committing to ISKCON is like jumping into the deep end of spiritual transformation. So, if you’re up for a soulful journey and not just a weekend retreat, you’re in the right place!
How To Join ISKCON Vrindavan?
First things first, you’ll need to locate where your nearest ISKCON temple or center is. It’s as simple as a quick Google search or, if you’re old-school, asking around in your local spiritual communities. And if you happen to be near Vrindavan, you’re in for a treat! The ISKCON temple there is not just a temple, it’s a full-blown spiritual carnival. There you’ll see gorgeous architecture, serene gardens, and a whole bunch of people who are just as spiritually pumped as you are.
And yeah, simply showing up won’t cut it. Engage, participate, and soak in the wisdom. Whether it’s a spiritual discourse by an experienced Swami or a lively discussion with fellow attendees, you’re going to learn a lot. This is your chance to get into the nitty-gritty of what ISKCON is all about and really make some solid connections. But, don’t just be a spectator, be a spiritual explorer. The more you engage in these activities, the better you’ll understand the ethos of the ISKCON community.
Once You Are In, What Else You Gotta Do?
Now let’s talk about the things you gotta do before you actually head over and sign up for ISKCON Vrindavan. These are the things you’ll be doing after becoming a monk or devotee.
1. Building Relationships
So you’ve been spending more time at the temple, right? That’s awesome! While you’re there, don’t miss out on the chance to chit-chat with the regulars. These devotees are like walking encyclopedias on everything ISKCON-related. And hey, making friends at the temple is the best way to truly get the ISKCON vibe and maybe even find your way into the inner circle.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Alright, here’s the deal, joining ISKCON is a bit like getting a lifestyle makeover. One big switch is simply going vegetarian. It’s all about that principle of ahimsa (basically, being cool and not harming others). Plus, you’ll get to enjoy prasadam, that’s food made with a whole lotta love and devotion for Krishna. So if you haven’t tried ditching the meat yet, now might be a good time to play around with some veggie recipes!
3. Spiritual Practices
Hey, so if you’re vibing with ISKCON’s spiritual journey, Bhakti yoga is where the magic happens. It’s all about falling head over heels in love with the Big Guy upstairs, yep we are talking about Krishna. You get to sing your heart out in kirtans, chant the Hare Krishna mantra like a pro, and basically do a bunch of soulful stuff that connects you big-time with Krishna.
4. Living in an ISKCON Temple
If you’re all about that full-immersion life and want to be in the Krishna zone 24/7, living in an ISKCON temple could be your thing. But, whoa, pump the brakes. This isn’t a casual sleepover, there are rules, daily rituals, and community stuff you gotta be part of. So, talk to the other experienced devotees to make sure you know what you’re signing up for.
Conclusion
That’s all you gotta do in order to join the ISKCON Vrindavan and become a devotee. Just follow the steps given in the post and keep in mind all the other things we talked about and you’ll be good for the most part.
Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.