Is Hare Krishna part of real Hinduism? Do most Indians accept it as Hinduism?

Question

First off, I do not live in India. Recently I went to a Hare Krishna temple. Not many temples where I live. I'm not paticularly religious, neither are my parents. But it's really a little different to what I've been taught. I am not sure how I can explain but I always thought in Hinduism that god is one and all gods are one and the same. However Hare Krishna believe in only praying to Krishna as the supreme while the rest are "demi-gods". So I don't get it. Is this Hinduism? I picked up their version of the gita, and it was as if I was reading something else. So what is real Hinduism? Was it what I was taught or what I've just learned?

Answer 1

In the eyes of a true Vedantin, any worship pattern or belief pattern laid by Saints / Prophets / etc are acceptable and true, as all these lead to the same goal, through different highways.



When Jesus says, "I am the Truth" or "I am the way", a vedantin would construe it to mean that "I" is the Divine he represents and not the momentary body of Jesus he had taken for our sake to convey the message.



Even so, when Krishna says, "I am the Lord of all Creation" (bhootha maheswaram - BG 9:11), the vedantin would take it to mean that the Divinity (Brahman or God) he represents is the Lord and not just the from of Krishna it had taken for the purpose at that time!



So a Saivite worshipping Lord Siva as the ultimate Brahman (God) is as much right as the one worshipping Krishna or Jesus, in essence. But each would claim that the particular form chosen by him for worship and adoration is the only supreme Godhead.



Krishna himself says in his Bhagavad Geetha, "whoever approaches me in whatever way (form) I guide him in that (chosen) path, for people always follow only the way to (reach) me" (Ch.4 v.11)



The Supreme Saint (Param hamsa) Ramakrishna, says that the Lord accepts all religions / Faiths as leading to him only, as He had created different Faiths. The 'me' in the above verse therefore, does not logically indicate Krishna but just the Divine, for all Faiths do not worship the Krishna form.



Some may argue that 'different paths' refers to different yogs's explained by the Lord to realize the Truth and not different faiths, as declared by the St Sri Ramakrishna, but that would be more an intellectual argument only, because the saint was himself a great Yogi and no novice to spirituality to interpret a word of Lord out of context.



But Vaishnavites, Maadhva Vaishnava's, Saakthaa's etc would claim that only their chosen Saakaara Saguna (embodied holy forms) deities are the supreme. That is mainly to have the followers to achieve one pointed concentration - one name and one form - for easy realization. This is the speciality of Bhakthi Marg (Path of Devotion) suited to common folk, like us who can not follow sever penance or tough Raja yogs's.



It is just like the student of archery being told to look just at the target and nowhere around, so as to hit the target prefectly.



In the case of meditation on formless attributeless divine (Niraakaara, nirguna Brahman) there is no worship of forms at all, but it is possible only for the people of Gnaan or Wisdom path, which is difficult for the commons.



So you may not doubt the concept of Hare Krishna Movement, nor find it contrary to Veda's albeit its insistence on one chosen Form as the Supreme One. They would interpret veda's also in a way to justify their path and the Veda's seem to lend for such multiple interpretations deliberately to permit multiple ways of reaching the Godhood.



So no offense, as long as one simply adheres to his mode and does not go to the extent of blaming other paths. But it also happens as we do not have perfect vedantins full of love and wisdom now and people are too sure of their own perceptions to the exclusion of other hues of wisdom! True seekers have to ignore such discordant notes and take the beauty of each for appreciation, while sticking to one's chosen path for personal pursuit.



God bless.

Answer 2

Hari is the base word. Hare is the vocative of Hari. According to the Harinamamrita Vyakarana of Srila Jiva Gosvami, the sutra in the Nama Prakarana reads thus: Harer govindo jasi vrsnisu buddhe ca. This means, the last aksara of the word 'Hari' transforms into govinda (i becomes e) in the following three cases, viz., 1) prathama bahuvacana, 2) eka vacana of caturthi, pancami, sasti and saptami 3) sambodhana of the sage panini is called buddha by jiva (vocative) Therefore, Hari becomes Hare in the vocative and that is what is mentioned in the Hare Krishna mahamantra. Simailarly Krishna becomes Krishna in the vocative case though we see it is same word Technically the word 'Krishna' has undergone transformation in the vocative case by the sutra of Srila Jiva Gosvamin of the same Harinamamrita Vyakarana that reads as: e-o-vamenebhyo buddhasyadarsanam, which means something similar to the word 'Hari' undergoing change from i to e. But in the case of the word 'Krishna', the change brought about in the vocative case or buddha is the disappearance of Buddha, i.e, the case ending for vocative case 's[u]' disappears. Actually it is the pun on the word Buddha wherein the Buddha disappears according to the Buddhist philosophy (Nirvana or zero or disappearance). Anyway, it is very complex subject matter involving lot of analysis. But the simple fact is that simple devotees like Sips have accepted the words of the great acharyas who have given the conclusions after studying various scriptures and spiritual revelation and realization. And it is also a fact by the similar complex analysis that the word 'harA' becomes hare in the vocative In this case the harA is rAdhA. Please chant HARE KRISHNA and be happy. hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare

Answer 3

I have little knowledge on Hinduism, but can share with you what i have learned.



The word Hinduism is coming from the Mohammedans, and was used to address those living across the river Sindhu, for the Mohammedans couldn't pronounce the S , so instead of Sindhu, they said Hindu.



So the word Hindu or Hinduism is not found in any of the revealed scriptures of the Hindoes. Hinduism is know as Sanatana Dharma

meaning the eternal occupation of the living entities.



The eternal occupation of the living entities is to serve God with love and devotion. And the most ancient servants of God are known as Vaisnavas or Servant of Lord Vishnu. So the Vaisnavas practice Sanatana Dharma. And Sanatana Dharma can be found in the revealed scriptures of the Hindoes.



Vaisnavism is the origin of Hinduism,and the Hare Krishna are part of one of the 4 groups or lines of disciplic succession in the Vaisnava movement.



One of the main revealed scriptures of the Vaisnavas is the Bhagavad Gita, which was spoken by Lord Krishna. The Hare Krishna have the Bhagavad Gita as it is. In the Gita Lord Krishna says :



aham sarvasya prabhavo

mattah sarvam pravartate

iti matva bhajante mam

budha bhava-samanvitah



TRANSLATION

I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who know this perfectly engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.



So Lord Krishna Himself explains that He is the origin of all Gods and Demi-Gods.



The Hare Krishnas dont believe in only praying to Krishna, they can pray to any of Krishnas expansions which are on the same level as

Krishna, in other word his personal expansions. But they dont pray

to Demigods, because Krishna has recommended that its not needed.

Just as if you know the president of USA, why go to his staff first,

if you can go to him directly ? Demigods are not equal to God,

they are his representatives, they are on a different level than God.



Krishna is endless and therefore has endless expansions, such as Rama, Nrisimhadeva, Vasudeva, Sankarsana, Gauranga, Pradyumna, Vishnu just to name a few. SO Hare Krishna can pray to many names

or forms of God.



I would say the real HInduism is what you was taught and the origin of Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma or Vaisnavism is what you have just learned.



Its up to you to follow what your heart demands, in love there is no force !!!!!!!!!!!!



Hare Krishna,



Aspiring ever well wishing servant,

errol

Answer 4

There’s a big misunderstanding about Hinduism in society. “Hindu”, is not a religion. It’s a concept. Word Hindu was given by some people to those living near river Sindhu in India, cause they coudnt pronounce “Sindhu”. Basically Hindu’s do not have nay philosophical understanding behind their belief. They just blindly follow everything they feel is working for them.



The Vedic scriptures like Bhagavad-Gita, which are considered as Hindu scriptures, doesn’t support this religion Hinduism. And all those scriptures explains Krsna as supreme personality of Godhead. While other gods are demigods. I suppose if you read Bhagavad-Gita completely it will make more sense to you. Good luck.



@ philosopher…if you think the Soul and Super Soul are one and equal then why did we, as a Soul, come under illusion? It means, illusion is more powerful then the Supreme Soul.

Answer 5

Indians are not necessarily following 'Hinduism'. Hinduism is an ideology like other 'ideologies like Islam' 'Sikhism", 'Budd ism'



Ideologies are propounded by individuals and such first individual or many staunch individual followers are made icons of that ideology later on. Krishna is one of the such Icon of Hinduism.



Hinduism is basically based on Vedic ideology and Vedas are timeless thoughtful realizations compiled much after. Vedas are not created by Icons or any individuals neither they are any 'ism'. Vedas are purely 'utterances' by individuals who self realized some universal elements of this Universe.. [Sanskrit meaning of Veda is to speak].

Answer 6

There are many different forms of Hinduism. Very broadly speaking, Hinduism is either Vedantic or Tantric. Broadly speaking again, there are 3 forms of Vedantic Hinduism: dualistic (dvaitic), qualified non-dualistic (vashistadvaita) and non-dualistic (advaita). Advaita Vedanta, of which I am a Western adherent of (reformed Vedanta in the lineage of Sri Ramakrishna and his disciples, namely, Swami Vivekananda), believes in one "God" who is not like the Christian God exactly but is existence, consciousnness, and Reality itself. Everything is a manifestation of that and all the gods of the Hindu pantheon and anyone's gods are considered different forms or ways of thinking about or approaching the one Reality. This philosophy comes from the Upanishads, the writings of Shankaracharya, and some later texts. The Hare Krishna group are Vedantists as well, but they are Dvaita (dualist) Vedantists. They think that God and the soul or creation are separate from each other and that salvation comes from worshipping God as Vishnu in the form of his Hindu incarnations, primarily Krishna, who is a legendary, not historical person. They put strong emphasis on devotionalism whereas Advaita Vedantists put emphasis on gaining spiritual knowledge and on meditation disciplines.

Answer 7

In Hinduism there are many Gods as there are many personalities with different likings. Hinduism accepts unity in diversity. One Charvak muni denied existence of God but still he has got place in Hindu vedanta and revered as great Rishi. We hindus do not insist to forced/cheats/baited conversions. We say be a Muslim/ Christen but be A good Christen or Muslim. Don't hate or abuse other faiths. Vedas have proclaimed,



"Ekam Sat Vipraha bahudha vadanti"

There is but one God, learned scholars call this God by different names... Veda Quote.



There are many ways to lead that supreme God. and as all are able to reach That, everybody has right to do that.



“Janma Jaata Shudra Sarve

Karmenu Brahman Bhavati”… aVedic Quote

All humans are inferior (Shudra) by birth and they become superior (Brahmins) only by their good deeds later in their life.



In spirituality we are taught to catch one Ishta (liking) Devata and respect others. Preach that Devata with any or all Navavidha bhakti methods so that you reach that final goal early. It is like there can be many roads to lead a particular destination but you can not travel from all roads at the same time.

Sri la Prabhupada shown a most popular and accepted road of Krishna consciousness and many many have reached that goal all over the world. It is Bhakti gives more importance to Bhakti and kirtan ways. It is purely Hinduism no doubt about it. If some one accepts basic teachings of hinduism he is a Hindu. Whether he accepts it or not that is immaterial.(see link)



Jai Shree Ram!!!!!

Answer 8

Actually Hinduism comprises of many different sections and denominations.

Four major denominations are:

1. Vaishnavism (Vaishnavism is the monotheistic tradition worshiping Vishnu (or his forms of Krishna and Rama) as the supreme or svayam bhagavan)

2. Shaivaism (Śaivites are those who primarily worship Siva as the supreme god, both immanent and transcendent)

3. Shaktism (Shaktas worship Shakti, the divine Mother, in her many forms like (Kali, Durga, Laxmi, Saraswati etc.) and

4. Smartism (Smarthas have free rein to choose whichever deity they wish to worship. They usually worship five deities (pancopasana) or panchadevata as personal formful manifestations of the impersonal Absolute, Brahman. Smarthas accept and worship the six manifestations of God, (Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda) and the choice of the nature of God is up to the individual worshiper since different manifestations of God are held to be equivalent. It is a liberal and eclectic sect)

So Hare Krishna movement belongs to Vaishnavite denomination and thats why they consider Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu as the Supreme Being.

Read more in sources.

Answer 9

They came out of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a branch of a branch of Hinduism, but it has developed into a religion that is considered by a lot of people in India to be different than traditional forms of Hinduism.

Answer 10

It is indeed pure Hinduism. ISKCON is doing great service to world community by spreading the bakthi movement.



All gods are not one and the same. It is the supreme Godhead who manifests Himself as various forms.

Answer 11

Those who believe strongly in Krishna only , they will obviously say our deity's way of teaching mankind is the better one.

What you have learned , only believe in that and never criticize them also.They are right in their own way.They are showing you 6 , but you have perception that its 9 , as you are standing on other side.But both are right.Hinduism always believe in self realization.

Answer 12

ISKON or The International Society for Krishna Consciousness popularly known as Hare Krishna group is registered as "Non-Hindu" society in India. However it is one of the Hindu Vaishnava religious organizations.



Non-sectarian in its ideals, ISKCON was formed to spread the practice of bhakti yoga (devotion to God), in which aspirant devotees (bhaktas) dedicate their thoughts and actions towards pleasing the Supreme Lord, Krishna (seen as non-different from God).



Srila Prabhupada had set out following 7 aims for ISKCON:



1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people 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 a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).

4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord 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 Krishna.

6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.

7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.



The popular name for ISKON came from its Maha Mantra:



The Maha Mantra:



Hare Krishna Hare Krishna



Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama



Rama Rama Hare Hare



Srila Prabhupada prescribed four regulative principles, in relation to the four legs of dharma, as the basis of the spiritual life:



* No eating of meat, fish or eggs (lacto-vegetarianism)

* No illicit sex

* No gambling

* No intoxication (including alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and other recreational drugs).



The four legs of Dharma are:



* Daya: Mercy

* Tapas: Self-Control or Austerity

* Satyam: Truthfulness

* Śaucam: Cleanliness of body and mind



Whatever may be the reason for registering ISKON as non-Hindu organization, but looking at its preachings, it follows Hinduism, just that it's way of worship it different from traditional Hindu worship.

Answer 13

No hare krishna cult is formed by misguided christians

Answer 14

NO