The Hare Krishna movement is a branch of Hinduism, formally known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Its name comes from its chant — Hare Krishna — which devotees repeat over and over. It was started in the 16th century by Sri Chaitanya of Bengal (1486-1533).

Why do Iskcon people dance?

Devotees celebrate Krishna’s presence in everything, for everything is either God itself or God’s power. The devotees’ chanting and dancing are ways they can gain greater consciousness of God, free themselves from the anxieties of the material world, and gain a sense of brotherhood with men and women.

Do Hare Krishnas believe in God?

Devotees of the Hare Krishna movement consider themselves monotheistic. According to the sacred texts, Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavat Purana, Krishna is the supreme God, who oversees millions of demigods — who are seen as administrators of the universal affairs. These demigods are needed to run creation.

Where is New Vrindaban West Virginia?

New Vrindaban, West Virginia. New Vrindaban is an unincorporated area and an ISKCON ( Hare Krishna) intentional community located in Marshall County, West Virginia near Moundsville. The town consists of 1,204 acres (4.87 km 2) (of which 0.1 km² is of water), and several building complexes, homes, apartment buildings,…

What is the history of New Vrindaban?

New Vrindaban was founded in 1968 under the direct guidance of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, by his disciple Kirtanananda Swami. It is named for the Indian city of Vrindavan .

What is ISKCON New Vrindaban?

New Vrindaban developed under the guidance of Kirtanananda Swami (honored as “Srila Bhaktipada” after March 1979), and by the mid-1970s the live-in population had grown to over 100. By the 1980s the population was more than 500. ISKCON New Vrindaban is strictly vegetarian and believes that meat consumption creates negative karma.

What are the biggest industries in New Vrindaban?

The chief components in New Vrindaban’s economy are tourism, agriculture, and cottage industries. The religious organization ISKCON New Vrindaban is the largest holder of land in New Vrindaban with 38% of the land.