How a 1960s New York counterculture movement became a global religious powerhouse

Cultures · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1966 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness transformed from a small group of bohemians into a worldwide religious organization. By blending ancient Indian devotional practices with a strict, disciplined lifestyle, it challenged Western norms and established a unique, enduring spiritual footprint.

The movement, commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, traces its roots to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, a branch of Hinduism that emerged in 16th-century Bengal. Its theological foundation rests on the belief that Krishna is the supreme deity, manifesting in various forms while remaining the singular reality. Central to its practice is bhakti yoga, or devotional service, which includes chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, following ethical disciplines, and engaging in congregational singing known as sankirtana. This approach emphasizes a personal, emotional connection to the divine, often described as a science of the spirit.

When Prabhupada arrived in New York City in 1965, he initially struggled to find an audience among the upper class. He eventually found success by connecting with the 1960s counterculture. These young followers were attracted to the structure and discipline the movement provided, which stood in stark contrast to the loose, permissive nature of the era. By 1970, Prabhupada established the Governing Body Commission to manage the organization, and the movement expanded rapidly, eventually claiming a global membership of about one million people.

Following Prabhupada's death in 1977, the organization faced significant internal turmoil. The transition of power to eleven appointed gurus led to factionalism, financial scandals, and debates over authority. The movement struggled with issues ranging from the treatment of women to the ethics of aggressive fundraising tactics like picking. Despite these crises, the organization survived by implementing reforms, such as democratizing the guru system and reaffirming Prabhupada as the movement's sole primary authority. Today, it remains a prominent, if complex, representative of Hindu philosophy in the West.

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