Definition

1. Proper Noun (Religious Movement):

   • A modern Hindu religious movement, formally known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It was founded in the United States in 1966 and is based on ancient Vedic scriptures. Its core practice involves the devotional chanting of the names of the Hindu deity Krishna.
   • A member or follower of this religious movement. Devotees are often recognized by practices such as vegetarianism, celibacy, and wearing saffron-colored robes.

2. Noun (Mantra):

   • A sacred chant or mantra directed to the Hindu god Krishna. It consists of the Sanskrit words "Hare," "Krishna," and "Rama."

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun (Movement/Member):

  • He joined the Hare Krishna movement in the 1970s.
  • The Hare Krishna devotees distributed vegetarian food in the city park.

• Noun (Mantra):

  • The sound of the Hare Krishna mantra filled the temple.
  • Their primary spiritual practice is the chanting of Hare Krishna.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used attributively to describe things associated with the movement.
  • We visited a Hare Krishna temple.
  • She follows a Hare Krishna diet.

Variants and Related Words

• ISKCON: The official acronym for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, often used interchangeably with "Hare Krishna" to refer to the organization.
• Krishna Consciousness: Another name for the philosophy and state of spiritual awareness promoted by the movement.
• Devotee: A general term for a dedicated follower, commonly used within the context of the Hare Krishna movement.

Synonyms

• (For the movement): ISKCON, the Krishna Consciousness movement.
• (For a follower): Devotee, Vaishnava (a broader term for a worshipper of Vishnu/Krishna).

Related Phrases and Concepts

• The Maha Mantra: The full name of the primary chant, which is "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare."
• Sankirtana: The public congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, considered a core devotional activity.
• Prasadam: Sanctified vegetarian food offered to Krishna and then distributed, a key part of the community's practice.

Noun

1. a chant to the Hindu god Krishna
2. a religious sect founded in the United States in 1966; based on Vedic scriptures; groups engage in joyful chanting of `Hare Krishna' and other mantras based on the name of the Hindu god Krishna; devotees usually wear saffron robes and practice vegetarianism and celibacy
3. worshipper of Krishna and member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness