A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), emphasized numerous
teachings based on the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic scriptures. Here are 40
essential teachings derived from his works and instructions:
Chant the Holy Names: Regularly chant the Hare Krishna
mantra to purify the mind and heart.
Study the Scriptures: Read and study the Bhagavad-gita,
Srimad Bhagavatam, and other Vedic literatures daily.
Follow the Four Regulative Principles: No meat-eating, no
intoxication, no gambling, and no illicit sex.
Serve Krishna: Engage in devotional service (bhakti-yoga) to
please Krishna.
Live Simply: Embrace a simple living, high thinking
lifestyle.
Spread Krishna Consciousness: Share the teachings of Krishna
consciousness with others through preaching and distribution of literature.
Association with Devotees: Seek the company of like-minded
devotees to strengthen one's faith.
Offer Food to Krishna: Prepare and offer all food to Krishna
before eating (prasadam).
Regular Temple Visits: Visit and participate in temple
activities regularly.
Daily Worship: Perform daily worship (arati) and other
rituals at home or in the temple.
Remember Krishna Always: Strive to remember Krishna in all
activities.
Surrender to Krishna: Fully surrender to Krishna's will and
protection.
Serve the Spiritual Master: Follow the instructions and
guidance of a bona fide spiritual master.
Engage in Sankirtana: Participate in congregational chanting
and singing of the holy names.
Understand Your Spiritual Identity: Recognize that you are
not the body, but an eternal spirit soul (atma).
Practice Detachment: Detach from material possessions and
temporary pleasures.
Live a Sattvic Life: Embrace a mode of goodness lifestyle,
avoiding rajasic and tamasic influences.
Be Compassionate: Show compassion and kindness to all living
entities.
Meditate on Krishna's Pastimes: Reflect on and find joy in
Krishna's divine pastimes and activities.
Engage in Deity Worship: Participate in the worship and care
of Krishna's deities.
Cultivate Humility: Develop humility and a service attitude.
Avoid Offenses: Be careful to avoid offenses in chanting,
deity worship, and dealings with devotees.
Honor the Cow: Protect and respect cows as sacred animals.
Practice Cleanliness: Maintain physical and spiritual
cleanliness.
Fast on Ekadashi: Observe fasting on Ekadashi days to purify
oneself.
Accept Krishna as Supreme: Recognize Krishna as the Supreme
Personality of Godhead.
Cultivate Knowledge: Pursue spiritual knowledge and wisdom
through study and practice.
Offer All Actions to Krishna: Dedicate all your actions and
work to Krishna.
Depend on Krishna: Depend on Krishna for all needs and
protection.
Maintain Faith: Keep strong faith in Krishna and the process
of devotional service.
Serve Others: Serve others selflessly as an expression of
devotion to Krishna.
Embrace Tolerance: Develop tolerance and patience in all
circumstances.
Control the Mind and Senses: Practice self-discipline and
control over the mind and senses.
Seek Liberation: Aim for liberation (moksha) from the cycle
of birth and death through devotion.
Respect the Guru Parampara: Honor the disciplic succession
and the teachings of previous acharyas.
Live with Integrity: Lead a life of honesty, integrity, and
moral principles.
Develop Love for Krishna: Foster pure, unconditional love
for Krishna.
Participate in Festivals: Actively engage in and celebrate
Vaishnava festivals and holy days.
Renounce Material Desires: Gradually give up material
desires and attachments.
Aspire for Vrindavan: Seek the ultimate goal of attaining
Krishna's eternal abode, Vrindavan, through pure devotion.
These teachings encapsulate the core principles of Krishna
consciousness as taught by Srila Prabhupada, guiding practitioners toward
spiritual growth and ultimate liberation.
A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Thoughts
