Hare Krishna is a mantra or a chant composed of sixteen repetitive words. It first appeared in 15th century India, where it was intended to bring the chanter to a higher consciousness in the form of the pure love of God. The Hare Krishna has also become widely known in the United States due to the work of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (confusingly, this group has also become known by the name Hare Krishna).

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanata Swami Srila Prabhupada on July 11, 1966 in New York City. It quickly gained popularity, spreading to other parts of the country. For a time the Hare Krishna was loosely associated with the hippie movement.

Like most other religions, Krishna focuses on the eternal soul and the eternal connection to God rather than on the outward body. Followers are no longer expected to shave their heads and wear robes, but they do chant the Hare Krishna daily. They also attend weekly worship services, study scriptures, and follow a strictly vegetarian lifestyle.

The Krishna religion has four basic principles: compassion, truthfulness, cleanliness, and austerity. Cigarettes, alcohol, and recreational drugs are strictly forbidden, as is unsanctioned sex.

The ISKON struggled throughout the 1970′s and 1980′s. They were widely viewed as a cult that hung around airports trying to convert new followers. There were also some sexual abuse scandals that plagued Hare Krishna schools. But ISKON overcame these growing pains and today is considered fairly mainstream.

In fact, the Krishna boasts over one million followers worldwide and over 100,000 followers in the United States.