NPR online - Credo: The Hare Krishna Cult TV - Killer Clans TV -
The Hare Krishna movement is a branch of Hinduism, formally known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Its name comes from its chant — Hare Krishna — which devotees repeat over and over. It was started in the 16th century by Sri Chaitanya of Bengal (1486-1533). He emphasized the worship of Krishna and believed that chanting the names of God was so powerful that in addition to one’s own meditation on them, they should also be chanted in the streets for the benefit of all.
Swami Prabhupada brought the movement — formally called the International Society of Krishna Consciousness — to the US in 1966. Public dancing and chanting became its trademark.
Devotees of the Hare Krishna movement consider themselves monotheistic. According to the sacred texts, Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavat Purana, Krishna is the supreme God, who oversees millions of demigods — who are seen as administrators of the universal affairs. NPR online article 22 May 2008
Hare Krishna followers are a familiar sight on the streets of London and many Western cities. Credo: The Hare Krishna Cult, BBC 1980
The rules are strict, the life difficult. ibid.
Tim’s first thought is to fix his mind on God by continually chanting His name. His mind is allowed to wander away from God only during sleep. Dedicated followers of Krishna like Tim are called devotees. They believe in simple living and high thinking. ibid.
The beliefs and practices of Hare Krishna come from the traditional religion of India – Hinduism. ibid.
Hare Krishna was brought to young Westerners in 1965. ibid.
The introductory course lasts three months. ibid.
Marriage is for life; there is no divorce. ibid.
The children live under the same discipline as the adult devotees. ibid.
When young seeker Steve Bryant devotes his life to the Hare Krishnas he thinks he’s found a blissful community. But soon he learns that a renegade guru has corrupted this peaceful religion with evil. When the guru sets his sights on Steve’s young wife, this journey of devotion turns deadly. Killer Clans: Temple of Doom, CCTV 2011
6The Guru’s [Guru K] past: Kirtanananda was born Keith Ham in Peekskill, New York, and was an early Hare Krishna disciple. ibid.
The man lifts a .45 automatic pistol to Steve’s head and fires two bullets. ibid.
Guru K serves eight years in federal prison. ibid.