CHICAGO: Devotees in hundreds flocked to Hare Krishna ISKCON temple on Lunt Avenue in Chicago on Janmasthami night to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna 5000 years ago.
The celebrations on August 25 were highlighted with Bhajans, Discourse, Aarti and Prasadam.
ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada taught that the path to happiness was not found in material pursuits but in simple living, high thinking and in awakening love of God – Lord Krishna.
ISKCON is rooted in the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya, a monotheistic tradition, within Hindu culture. Its tenets include that the soul is eternal and different from the body; that chanting God’s names, or mantra meditation, can awaken knowledge of the Self; and that healthy life comes through the practice of cleanliness, self-discipline, mercy, and truthfulness, and avoiding intoxication, illicit sex, meat-eating and gambling.
The festival of Krishna Janmastami-the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna-has been celebrated since ancient times. The scriptures of India teach that Lord Krishna personally descends to Earth to re-establish religious principles and to save human society from forgetfulness of God.
Surendra Ullal
