Caring for Life – a unique approach to welfare.

As an independent welfare organization the Hare Krishna society is completely dependent on the work of volunteers and the support of the community. Our work is certainly important for its practical contribution to solving the problems of our society and of our world. Moreover our approach to the whole issue of welfare is significant because of the holistic understanding that underpins all of our work. Our founder often said that there is actually no shortage of anything in this world except spiritual understanding. In all of our welfare activities we bring such a spiritual understanding to bear ­ not just on the problems themselves but on the deeper issues that underlie those problems. This approach to welfare is not only effective practically but will ensure a lasting change for a better future.

Our commitment is to caring for life, all life.   Thank you for your support.

Food Relief

The Hare Krishna movement has become famous for its pure vegetarian food. Millions worldwide have been to our restaurants and our temples for meals.

As "Food for Life" we are the largest vegetarian/vegan food relief organisation in the world, providing free, healthy meals daily to the poor. 170 programs worldwide regularly distribute meals to people in 60 countries.

We also help the elderly and student communities all over the world with subsidised, inexpensive, yet quality meals.

In addition to this daily distribution, special efforts are made during crises such as the recent tsunami and hurricane disasters, providing food, clothes, shelter and medical aid. All members are volunteer workers and dedicate their time to bringing relief to those in need.

• Over 100 million free meals served worldwide

• Over 100,000 free meals served daily

• Over 2 million free meals served in Australia

• Worldwide disaster relief

• Mobile food van operation in Sydney

"The commitment of Food for Life goes beyond the need for the basic necessities of life; it is a commitment to improve the quality of life." - Bob Carr, former NSW Premier

"Hare Krishna Food for Life has set an example for all South Africans of a caring and community spirit..." - Nelson Mandela

Food for Life Global site    Food for Life in Sydney

Drug Rehabilitation

Social problems, especially of a personal nature such as drug and alcohol addiction, depression and abuse, are symptomatic of an underlying disease, a disease of the spirit.

For the individual who wants to bring about a deep, lasting change in his or her life we offer a program of education and counselling and a unique environment dedicated to physical and emotional health, yoga, meditation and spiritual uplift. A strong support network helps reinvigorate the individual with a renewed sense of life purpose and assists in bringing about a permanent improvement in diet, health, moral and ethical outlook and spiritual vision.

Through the work of our dedicated counsellors and with the support of our holistic centres many, many people have left abusive lifestyles and problems of addiction far behind.

"One should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence and thus – by spiritual strength – conquer over all ones addictions." - Bhagavad-gita 3.43

Hunter Valley Farm Retreat    Murwillumbah Farm Retreat

Animal Protection

The Hare Krishna movement has several farm projects in Australia, where all the animals are allowed to peacefully live out their natural existence. On our farm just north of Sydney, in the Hunter Valley, almost a hundred cows are living peacefully and happily without any threat of slaughter.

The ancient Vedic philosophy of the Hare Krishna movement propounds that every living being is equal spiritually, only circumstantially in different bodies. Understanding this, therefore, all living beings should be given full shelter and protection. In following this precept, all members of the Hare Krishna movement are strict vegetarians and practice non-violence.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Gandhi

"Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet." - Albert Einstein

ISKCON Cow Protection Program    Murwillumbah Cow Protection Program

Environmental Awareness

The slogan: "The environment, it's a living thing" is often seen around the world. Yes, the environment, nature, the planet itself, is indeed a living organism. The Hare Krishna philosophy supports "simple living and higher thinking". On our farms, in our ashrams and right throughout our many publications, a holistic, clean, healthy, responsible and simple life is advocated.

It is being understood more clearly that the current environmental crisis we all face can only be solved by a shift in each individual's consciousness. As Gandhi said, "There is enough for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed".

Through our educational programs, farming projects and practical example we are assisting the world in becoming more aware of the need for a spiritual perspective on our environment.

"Today more than ever before life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility." - Dalai Lama

Hunter Valley Farm Community    Murwillumbah Farm Community

Spiritual Upliftment

People have often wondered why the Hare Krishna's are seen singing and dancing on streets around the world. The chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, an ancient Sanskrit mantra, is the recommended means for achieving peace and happiness in today's society. The Hare Krishna devotees are normal, everyday people experiencing this peace and happiness and sharing it with others.

Along with the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, the movement has published over 100 volumes of India's ancient Vedic scriptures in almost every language of the world. Of these 'Bhagavad-gita' is widely considered a literary masterpiece of the eternal spiritual science known as Krishna consciousness.

Rather than a sectarian concern, the Hare Krishna movement is a broad-based educational movement dedicated to the spiritual upliftment of human society. Its concern is with the welfare of all living beings in all circumstances of existence. In caring for life, all life!

"Bhagavad-Gita... the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which exercise us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

ISKCON Sydney    ISKCON Worldwide    Krishna.com

How You Can Help

To support us financially please contact us on (02) 9959 4558 or email us to find out how to make a contribution to our welfare activities.

Cheques made payable to 'ISKCON Inc.' can be sent to PO Box 459, CAMMERAY, NSW 2062.

Thank you for your support!