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Beliefs



Sacred Narratives

ISKCON adherents generally follow the normative beliefs and sacred narratives of Hinduism, especially material found in the Vedas and Bhagavata Purana.

Ultimate Reality and Divine Beings

ISKCON's theology centers on Krishna, whom adherents believe to be the supreme personality of Godhead, the creator and maintainer of the universe, and the object of all devotion.

Human Nature and the Purpose of Existence

Human beings seek to reunite with God, and to do so must follow a path called bhakti (devotional) yoga.

Suffering and the Problem of Evil

The Hare Krishna movement sees evil as a byproduct of the decayed state of the world during the current cosmic cycle (yuga), and traces individual suffering to the effects of karma.

Afterlife and Salvation

ISKCON upholds the Hindu notion of transmigration, and adherents believe that an individual's karma determines their rebirth. Devotees of Krishna may instead enjoy rebirth in God's spiritual realm.

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