"Krishna consciousness, devotional service to Krishna, is the ocean of eternal bliss."
Srila Prabhupada
Founder-Acharya of the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) is revered as a leading Vedic scholar, translator, and teacher, renowned for his expertise in bhakti-yoga, the devotional service to Sri Krishna as taught in ancient Indian scriptures. He founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and translated key Vedic texts, including the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam, into English.
Srila Prabhupada's spiritual journey began under the guidance of his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, who instructed him to spread Krishna consciousness worldwide. In 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada traveled to New York City with the aim of sharing the message of peace and goodwill from India. Over the next twelve years, he inspired thousands to embrace Krishna consciousness, establishing temples, farm communities, and educational institutions globally.
His impact extended beyond his literary contributions. With the help of his students, he established ISKCON in 1966, popularly known as the "Hare Krishna" movement. He traveled extensively, circling the globe 14 times on lecture tours, spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. Men and women from diverse backgrounds embraced his message, leading to the establishment of temples, farm communities, and educational institutions worldwide. He also initiated the world's largest vegetarian food relief program, Hare Krishna Food for Life, emphasizing the importance of compassion and service to humanity.
Throughout his life, Srila Prabhupada sought to nourish the roots of Krishna consciousness in its homeland, India. He opened numerous temples, including prominent centers in Vrindavana and Mayapura, sparking a revival in the Vaishnava tradition. His mission was to facilitate the association and education of bhakti-yoga practitioners, a vision that his followers continue to uphold. Srila Prabhupada's legacy endures through the ISKCON community and his timeless teachings, inspiring countless individuals on their spiritual journey.
OUR VISION
The ISKCON Muskoka vision, conceived in 2020, was driven by the aspiration to create a Krishna temple specifically in the Muskoka region, recognizing the unique cultural and spiritual potential that Muskoka offers. The serene and picturesque environment of Muskoka, coupled with its diverse community, was deemed an ideal setting to foster spiritual growth and community engagement.