1

World Religions

Major Research Assignment

Submitted By – Sarbpreet Singh

Student Id - 301175598
 2

Executive Summary

This assignment aims to research about the two different religions i.e.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and Baha’i so that

underlying principles of both religions can be identified. The main objective of

this assignment is to learn the teachings of different religions and analyse the

basic principles of both the religions and movements. This assignment focuses

on the main principles and teachings of both religions and explains the inception

of both religions.
 3

Table of Contents

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)..............................4

Introduction...........................................................................................................4
Mission.................................................................................................................5
Krishna Consciousness.........................................................................................6
Principles of ISKCON..........................................................................................6
No Intoxication.....................................................................................................7
No Meat Eating.....................................................................................................7
No Gambling........................................................................................................7
No Illicit Sex.........................................................................................................8
Baha’i....................................................................................................................9
Introduction...........................................................................................................9
Baha’i Teachings................................................................................................10
Life of Spirit.......................................................................................................10
God and His Creation.........................................................................................11
Essential Relationships.......................................................................................11
Universal Peace..................................................................................................11
Conclusion..........................................................................................................12
References...........................................................................................................13
 4

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

Introduction

ISKCON is also known as the Hare Krishna movement founded by Swami

Prabhupada in the United States in 1966. BY 2003, ISKCON became a

prominent international movement with more than 350 temples and centers in

the entire world. The core philosophy is based on the scriptures like

Bhagavadgita and Srimad Bhagavatam. The aim of this movement was to global

association of Krishna devotees and promotes the teachings of Bhagavadgita

and Srimad Bhagavatam through understanding of the self and relationship with

the supreme God. It has established various organizations, communities,

temples and restaurants in the world all devoted to the Supreme Person referred

to as “Krishna” but a lot of names are also there. ISKCON can be considered as

extension of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Sankirtan Movement with a pursuit of

spreading chanting of names of God in which “Hare Krishna” is the specific

mantraa. It belongs to Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradāya as well which is a

tradition of Hindu Culture. ISKCON is performing the role of spiritual

educational institution making teachings of Swami Prabhupada available to the

general public. ("The International Society for Krishna Consciousness

(ISKCON) | Krishna.com", 2021) ISKCON

 5

Mission

There are basically seven main purposes of the ISKCON –

1. To disseminate spiritual knowledge in the society at a vast level so that

imbalance of values can be corrected and real unity and peace can be

achieved in the world.

2. To educate people about Krishna Consciousness as given in Bhagavad-

gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

3. To unite the society together and close to Krishna that is supreme power

of the universe and develops a feeling of humanity in people so that they

can understand that all people are all part and parcel of the quality of

Godhead, Krishna.

4. Encourage Sankirtan movement and holy chanting of God’s name

according to the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

5. To make a spiritual place for the personality of Krishna for the whole

society and communities.

6. To bring everyone together for a simple and more meaningful and natural

way of life.

7. Publish periodicals, magazines and books for preaching aforesaid

purposes and their achievement. ("Mission", 2020)

 6

Krishna Consciousness

Krishna Consciousness is a state in which humans act in synchronization with

the ultimate reality of Krishna. It is a kind of Bhakti Yoga which is performed

to devote one’s thoughts and actions to please the God i.e. Krishna. To act in

Krishna consciousness means that we must free ourselves from the illusion that

our body is different from this universe and we should feel the bliss of nature.

Everyone can feel Krishna Consciousness because every person has

consciousness naturally by birth. Yoga can be very helpful in practising Krishna

Consciousness because it helps to step out of the ego. ("What is Krishna

Consciousness? - Definition from Yogapedia", 2018)

Principles of ISKCON

The four main principles of ISKCON are explained as following –

No Intoxication

According to scriptures, humans are not allowed to consume intoxicants and

alcohol because this principle is based on the pillar of austerity. The end goal of

humans is to mediate and serve the divine couple Radha and Krishna and

consuming intoxicants can restrict the mediation and serving of Lordships. So,

the question arises why Krishna made all intoxicants if these are not allowed

according to scriptures. Because humans want freedom and independence and

Krishna provided us to enjoy the material world. It totally depends on whether

 7

we get trapped in this or seek our real state of Sachidananda that will be full of

knowledge and bliss.

No Meat Eating

This principle restrict us from killing animals and eating flesh as it is based on

the principle of compassion. A spiritual human seeks Prana-Aradhya in

everyone or divine couple in all the creatures of the universe. That’s why he

cannot kill or hurt anybody just for the sake of enjoyment or food. Also, it has

been found in various studies that animal flesh is not absorbable in the human

body and cannot be digested.

No Gambling

This principle tells us to not to play with fate because it is based on

truthfulness. The concept of sincere seekers taught us that we should

surrender fully to the Lord by performing at our best capacity and giving

100% efforts in our work and social responsibilities. The Chintan is of

extreme importance and chanting the holy names Hare Krishna Hare

Krishna | Krishna Krishna Hare Hare | Hare Rama Hare Rama | Rama

Rama Hare Hare even while performing at our occupation or seva as

allotted by the supreme power. The gambling keeps humans away from the

Lord and bhajan (spiritual practice) and hence it is forbidden in scriptures.

("What is ISKCON?", 2020)

 8

No Illicit Sex

This principle tell us not to indulge in any kind of illicit sexual activity other

than religiously wedded wife and that also for the procreation of children

that will be Krishna Conscious. Sex is for procreation of child that is ideal

according to Vedic scriptures but a married couple can also support each

other in bhajan and spiritual practices by controlling their urges that will take

them close to the Lord. Married life or Grihasta Ashram is not only meant

for sexual life but for supporting each other in the journey of chanting

bhajans so that they can remember Lilas of Lordships and render their

devotional service. (Kashyap, 2019)

 9

Baha’i

Introduction

Baha’i’s faith is a new religion that teaches the importance of all religions

and unity in the people. According to the Baha’i faith, “The Earth is one

country and mankind its citizens.” This religion was developed in Iran in 19th

Century started by Baha'u'llah whose name means, “Glory of God”. The

father of Baha'u'llah was a minister in Iran’s government, so he was also

offered a position in the government. But he joined a new religious

movement that was started by a young Iranian Boy named Bab. This Babi

movement was known for revolutionary changes in society like protecting

women’s rights. Bab claimed that his teachings portray teachings of God and

soon manifestation of God would appear. Bab was charged with heresy and

put to death by Shi’s religious officials in 1850. Several protests and mob

violence started as a result of it. To tackle the situation, the Iranian

government imprisoned Baha'u'llah. The government released after three

years in 1853 and instructed him for exile to Baghdad. This was the time

when he officially established the Baha’i faith. He claimed that he is a

manifestation of God which Bab had already told the public and he got a

large following. (Heern, 2017)

 10

Baha’i Teachings

Baha’i teachings inspire humans to improve their lives and should contribute

to the improvement in civilization. The main beliefs of the religion are

Oneness of God and religion, oneness of humanity, universal peace,

development of relationships among individuals to experience oneness,

purpose of life and development of spiritual qualities.

Life of Spirit

This principle teaches us that humans have a purpose in life that is to attain

God and his presence. Our true identity is only the inner soul who has free

will without any prejudice and helps us to develop a better understanding

about life and develop a better society. If we walk on the path of service to

God, it will enable a purpose in human’s life making it meaningful and help

us to be prepared for the moment when our soul will leave the human body

so that it can continue its journey towards the ultimate Maker of this

universe. ("The Life of the Spirit | What Bahá’ís Believe", n.d.)

God and His Creation

Baha’i teachings explain that we cannot understand the reality of God with

our mortal mind but we may experience the expression of his characteristics

in every living thing he created. He sent manifestations of God from time to

time, in the form of Divine messengers to educate and guide the whole of
 11

humanity in the way of improvement of civilization. Through various

manifestations like Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus

Christ, Muḥammad, Báb and Bahá’u’lláh etc. God is cultivating spiritual

practices in humanity. ("God and His Creation | What Bahá’ís Believe", n.d.)

Essential Relationships

The main principle and goal of Bahá’u’lláh’s revelation was to experience

and realize the oneness of humanity at one time. With comparison of human

body to humanity, Bahá’u’lláh teaches that millions of cells and tissues

organize and function in the proper way to maintain a healthy system and in

a similar way synchronized relationships and harmony in communities help

us to sustain the society for a long time and improve civilization. ("Essential

Relationships", n.d.)

Universal Peace

The supreme goal of mankind is to get universal peace through noble

behaviour of human beings, inculcating spiritual qualities, interacting with

nature etc. The search for truth, oneness of humanity removing all kinds of

prejudices and racial inequalities, harmony existing between science and

religion and equality of both genders all must be experienced and preached

to promote universal peace. Other teachings include compulsory education,

universal language, abolition of extreme poverty and wealth, removing

disputes between nations, providing equal justice to everyone etc. These

 12

principles promote universal peace and Baha’i do not consider this as a

matter of aspiration but practical application for communities and

individuals for the betterment of society. ("Universal Peace | What Bahá’ís Believe",

n.d.)

Conclusion

In this research we researched about two different religions or movements

i.e. ISKCON and Baha’i movement. The two movements are based on

different scriptures and promoted by different individuals, but the underlying

principle or objective of two religions is the same i.e. to promote spiritual

knowledge to the society and experience oneness with humanity and the

supreme power of the universe. Both religions focus on the promotion of

universal peace and betterment of individuals with awakening of inner soul

and good qualities. Thus, we must follow religious practices irrespective of

any religion as the underlying values of religions are the same.

 13

References

Essential Relationships. Bahai.org. Retrieved 8 August 2022, from

https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/essential-relationships/.

God and His Creation | What Bahá’ís Believe. Bahai.org. Retrieved 8 August

2022, from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/god-his-creation/.

Heern, Z. (2017). Who are the Baha'is and why are they so persecuted?. The

Conversation. Retrieved 8 August 2022, from

https://theconversation.com/who-are-the-bahais-and-why-are-they-so-

persecuted-84042.

Kashyap, A. (2019). 4 regulative principles everyone must follow regardless

and why [Confidential] - Vraj Vrindavan. Vraj Vrindavan. Retrieved 7

August 2022, from https://vrajvrindavan.com/4-regulative-principles-in-

bhakti/.

Mission. ISKCON.org. (2020). Retrieved 7 August 2022, from

https://www.iskcon.org/about-us/mission.php.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) | Krishna.com.

Krishna.com. (2021). Retrieved 7 August 2022, from

https://www.krishna.com/info/international-society-krishna-

consciousness-iskcon#.

The Life of the Spirit | What Bahá’ís Believe. Bahai.org. Retrieved 8 August

2022, from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/life-spirit/.

 14

Universal Peace | What Bahá’ís Believe. Bahai.org. Retrieved 8 August 2022,

from https://www.bahai.org/beliefs/universal-peace/.

What is ISKCON?. ISKCON. (2020). Retrieved 7 August 2022, from

https://www.iskcon.org/about-us/what-is-iskcon.php.