officially International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
20th-century Hindu religious movement.
It was founded in the U.S. by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (18961977) in 1965. The organization claims a lineage of spiritual masters dating back to Caitanya (14851534?), whom it regards as an incarnation of Krishna . Hare Krishna became popular in the U.S. and Europe among young people of the 1960s and '70s counterculture, who often appeared in public places dressed in saffron robes, chanting, dancing, and asking for contributions. Members of the group are vegetarians. They renounce alcohol and drugs and chant several hours every day. Peace and joy are to be gained by surrendering to Krishna. Since the founder's death in 1977, the communes in which many members live have been governed by an international commission. The movement has endured several schisms since its founding and was among the first groups to be attacked by anticult organizations.