ISKCON: Krishna temple in suburbs of Korea

History of ISKCON

ISKCON stands for The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is also known as the Hare Krishna movement. It includes five hundred major centers, temples and rural communities. Along with nearly one hundred affiliated vegetarian restaurants, thousands of namahattas or local meeting groups. And also a wide variety of community projects, and millions of congregational members worldwide. Although less than fifty years on the global stage, it has expanded widely since its founding by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda in New York City in 1966.

HOW TO REACH THERE

The temple is in the suburbs of Korea. The full address is: Gyeonggi-do, Pocheon-si, Soheul-up, Yidonggyo-ri 122, South Korea. You can also contact the temple people using this phone number +82 10-9618-0710.

After getting off at the station, there is an approximately 10 minutes of walk ahead of you and then you will reach the temple.

MISSION OF ISKCON

The incorporation document states Seven Purposes of ISKCON:

1. Systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all peoples 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. Propagate a consciousness of Krishna as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
3. Bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
4. Teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
5. TO be erect for the members, and for society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
6. Bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and 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 ATMOSPHERE INSIDE

Although it is a temple for Lord Krishna, there is belief it is about the people. The teachings are always playing in the background with a low volume. It gives a harmonious vibe to you. The peaceful vibes make you happy altogether with giving you calmness and serenity. In this busy life nowadays, a calm mind is really helpful. Therefore, this place is really impactful in making you happy.

There is a huge empty room in front of the idol of Lord Krishna. The disciples dress in the minimalistic fashion. There is a prayer ritual every day at noon. They enchant the name of The Lord and sing it using musical instruments. I get chills in such places and literally feel goosebumps then and there as well. It is really heart-warming to experience such emotions.

The disciples and everyone present perform the aarti after this. It is really heart throbbing and makes you feel warm and close to God. The disciples lay down the carpet and then people sit in lines to wait for lunch. This lunch is a sort of blessing that comes from God. The disciples prepare the food before hand and it is offered to Lord first and then to people.

REMARKS

Thank you so much for reading my post and sharing my experience. I have also made a youtube video about my trip. You can check it here. Also, if you like this post, please share your reviews or you can read about my other experiences here. Have a good day and stay safe !