The Vedic scriptures state that spiritual life begins when one
inquires into the nature of the absolute truth, the Supreme Godhead.
Gaudiya Vaisnavas are monotheists and know the personality of Godhead
as Krishna, the All-attractive. But it is also recognised that the
Supreme has unlimited names such as Rama, Buddha, Vishnu, Jehovah,
Allah, etc. The ultimate goal of Gaudiya Vaisnavism is to develop
a loving relationship with the Supreme Godhead.
The
Vedas also tell us that the understanding of the self, as being
non-material or spiritual by nature, is the preliminary stage of
realisation of the absolute truth. To understand knowledge of self-realisation
one must approach a genuine spiritual master, just as one learns
the essence of any subject from a perfected practitioner.
The congregational chanting of the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna, Hare
Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama
Rama, Hare Hare, as promoted by Sri Caitanya, is accepted by the
Vedas as the most effective means of self-purification in this age.
The Vedas describe the mantra as a prayer to the Lord, "Please
Lord, engage me in Your service".
Devotees may accept formal initiation into the chanting of the
Holy Name vowing to abstain from intoxication, gambling, illicit
sexual connections and the eating of meat, fish or eggs. ISKCON
members believe indulgence in the aforementioned activities disrupts
physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and increases anxiety
and conflict in society. At the time of initiation devotees also
agree to chant a prescribed number of mantras each day.
Find out more about ISKCON and its simple structure - here.
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