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Hare Krishnas

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Religion

The Resume

    (1965- )
    Born in United States
    Officially known as the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
    Founder is His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedenta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977)
    Modern form of Gaudiya, a 16th century Indian movement based on Hinduism
    Hindu god Krishna regarded as the supreme deity
    Most important sacred text is the Bhagavad Gita (as translated by Prabhupada)
    Main aim is to achieve 'Krishna Consciousness'
    250,000 to 1,000,000 followers with 10,000 full or temple-based members

Why Hare Krishnas might be annoying:

    The original followers were San Francisco hippies.
    Some former members claim they were brainwashed and held against their will.
    Several students who attended the movement’s boarding schools were physically and sexually abused in the 70s and 80s.
    Full members are forbidden to eat meat, drink alcohol or have sex (except to procreate within marriage).
    Followers are required to chant the Hare Krishna mantra 1728 times a day.
    Required to proselytize, members frequently solicit people on the street.
    Donations have ended up in the personal bank accounts of a number of leaders.

Why Hare Krishnas might not be annoying:

    Prabhupada was 70 when he founded the movement.
    Followers distribute the Bhagavad Gita and other devotional literature for free.
    Members are not required to come from a Hindu family, as is the case with other forms of Hinduism.
    Their charitable program ‘Food for Life’ provides vegetarian meals for the poor.
    The movement was endorsed by George Harrison.
    Leaders sought out former students who had suffered abuse and offered financial compensation.
    Leadership has become more transparent and accountable in recent years.

Credit: Georgina


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 8 Votes: 87.50% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 19 Votes: 57.89% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 14 Votes: 71.43% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 23 Votes: 47.83% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 24 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 48 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 18 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 42 Votes: 59.52% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 36 Votes: 52.78% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 48 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 40 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 37 Votes: 70.27% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 33 Votes: 72.73% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 71 Votes: 64.79% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 143 Votes: 49.65% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 63 Votes: 73.02% Annoying