Brahmacarya in Krishna Consciousness

During the late 60's and 70's, upon the order of his spiritual master, the illustrious empowered preacher His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada brought the science of Krishna consciousness to the Western world. At that time most of the world was experiencing an increasing degradation and departure from religious and moral principles. However, Srila Prabhupada gradually introduced a lifestyle hitherto unknown but to a few devoted souls in India: the Vedic culture of austerity for the goal of self-realization. The principles of brahmacarya formed an important part of this culture.

Purified and enlivened by following the teachings and practice of bhakti-yoga as authoritatively presented by Srila Prabhupada hundreds of bright-faced young men and women appeared on the streets of towns and villages throughout the world, taking up Srila Prabhupada's mission to fulfil the prediction of Lord Caitanya to spread the holy name of Krishna to every corner of the globe. During those years of the expansion of the Krishna consciousness movement under the banner of ISKCON, the reasoning, principles and practice of brahmacarya were often taught and heard in and around the increasing number of temples and asramas of the Society. The devotees became stronger in following the principles of brahmacarya under the exemplary guidanudy themce of the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada.

There are numberous instructions about brahmacarya contained in the large body of literature, lectures, and letters left by Srila Prabhupada, for those dilligent enough to study them. However, until now, much of the principles and practice of brahmacarya has remained an oral tradition within ISKCON. But human lives and memories are short, and many of Srila Prabhupada's young students have now entered other asramas, or left for other spheres of activity. In order that the purity and momentum of the Krishna consciousness movement not be diminished with the passing of time, many devotees feel that this important aspect of the philosophy and application of Krishna consciousness should remain easily and freely accessible to the present and future generations of devotees--in all asramas and statuses. This is the purpose of this book, "Brahmacarya in Krishna Consciousness."