r/ISKCON

I live very close to New Vrindavan, WV where a large ISKCON center has been in existence near Moundsville, really since the 60s. I barely see any ISKCON missionary activity in or around Moundsville. If anything, the views of the people in Moundsville are rather negative toward ISKCON. Lately, I am seeing mostly Indians and Nepalese at the temple and not whites, blacks or Latinos. This makes me question the long term viability of ISKCON in North America if it cannot provision itself in communities. What do you guys think?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.
Millions of people visit temples every year for peace, devotion, and spiritual connection… but honestly many experiences now feel:

overcrowded
unsafe
commercialized
rushed
exhausting for elderly people

We’ve recently seen situations around temple rushes and even deaths during heavy crowding, and it made me wonder:

What are the biggest problems devotees actually face today while trying to practice their faith or visit temples?

Examples:
crowd management?
scams?
VIP culture?
lack of digital systems?
stress during yatras?
safety for parents/senior citizens?
difficulty for NRIs to stay spiritually connected?
younger generation feeling disconnected from spirituality?

I’m genuinely trying to understand whether devotees today need better solutions beyond just “online puja apps.”

If someone built a truly useful platform for devotees, what should it solve first?
Would honestly love real experiences and opinions.

Purushottama Month comes around roughly every three years and is considered a particularly auspicious time for increasing devotional service. More chanting, more reading, more hearing, more temple attendance, more service, etc.

I know for me, it can often feel overwhelming...many of us feel that we are doing so much already that the idea of trying to add more seems daunting. Because of that, i'm doing a little bit of the opposite this time. Instead of trying to take on more, I'm trying to do less....but be more deliberate and intentional about it.

What this might look like, i'm not 100% sure yet...might be chanting 16 rounds but really focusing on quality. It might be reading a bit less, but taking in what I'm reading with more deliberation and thought. Really the goal is just to be more conscious about how i'm spending my time and making sure I'm using it effectively.

Whats everyone else doing this month? Any vows, practices, or service that youre taking on for Purushottama?

✨ We are thrilled to present Week #4 of Spirituality For Thinkers!

Each Sunday, we gather for thoughtful discussion, kirtan meditation, and meaningful connection in a welcoming community setting. 🪷

📍 We meet every Sunday at 10:30am
in our home in the Duckpond neighborhood of Gainesville

224 NE 10th Avenue

This event is free and open to all.
Come with your questions, curiosity, and open mind. ✨ Please join the conversation.

Came across this term a lot of time, and on every different slokha it means different. Never really understand this term.

Hare Krishna dear devotees,

I’ve been reflecting deeply on increased japa and would genuinely appreciate hearing from devotees who have experience with chanting 64 rounds or periods extended immersion in chanting.

I’m especially curious about:

Chanting 64 rounds daily:
If you’ve maintained this either temporarily or long-term, did you notice a substantial increase in purification, steadiness, taste for bhakti, detachment, or remembrance of Krishna?

Extended chanting on Ekadashi:
For devotees who chant all day or aim for very high numbers on Ekadashi, did the extended absorption noticeably affect your consciousness or spiritual life afterward?

Full-day immersion in the Holy Name:
Has anyone spent an entire uninterrupted day primarily focused on japa? I’d love to hear whether your experience of the maha-mantra changed after many hours of hearing and chanting. Did the quality of your attention or absorption deepen as the day went on?
I’m mainly asking out of curiosity and sincere interest in others’ realizations. I’ve only chanted 64 rounds once myself, so I’m interested in hearing from devotees who have explored this more deeply or consistently.

[Disclaimer]
I understand Srila Prabhupada repeatedly emphasized active devotional service and preaching, and did not encourage becoming a solitary bhajanandi at the expense of one’s prescribed duties. I’m not asking from a mood of escapism or neglect of service, but rather to better understand whether devotees found that deeper immersion in the Holy Name significantly strengthened their bhakti and purification.

Dandavat pranams.

Rules:

Be logical and respectful.

No stories only refrences may be.

My first point:

Does God exists?