Inaugurating the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement - The Divine Revolution of Lord Caitanya
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not a modern fabrication; it has deep historical and theological roots. It was inaugurated five hundred years ago by Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, who is Kṛṣṇa Himself appearing in the role of a devotee. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this inauguration was a "revolution" designed to save human society from the degradation of the Kali-yuga. This article explores the divine origins of the movement, its revolutionary purpose, and its continued expansion in the modern world.
The Father and Inaugurator
The saṅkīrtana movement—the congregational chanting of the holy names—was formally inaugurated by Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu in Navadvīpa, Bengal. Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies Lord Caitanya as the "father and inaugurator" of this movement. Interestingly, the Lord's descent was precipitated by the prayers of Śrī Advaita Ācārya, who felt that only Kṛṣṇa Himself could establish the religious principles for the age.
- Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the father and inaugurator of the sankirtana movement.
- My name, 'Advaita,' will be fitting if I am able to induce Krsna to inaugurate the movement of the chanting of the holy name.
- Since Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is Krsna Himself, inaugurated the Krsna consciousness movement, without His mercy one cannot be elevated to the transcendental platform of Krsna consciousness.
A Spiritual Revolution
The inauguration of this movement was not merely a ritualistic event; it was a social and spiritual revolution. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Lord Caitanya started a revolution against the rigid, exclusionary brahminical system of His time. By introducing the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa, He opened the path of deliverance to everyone, regardless of caste, creed, color, or social position. It is described as the "only panacea" for the material world's diseases.
- Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu actually started a revolution against this brahminical system by inaugurating the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra. By this chanting, one can be delivered regardless of caste, creed, color or social position.
- Actually this Krishna Consciousness Movement inaugurated by Lord Caitanya is the only panacea for all the diseases of the material world; the missing point is forgetfulness of God.
- Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya says that "This movement, Krsna consciousness movement enunciated by, inaugurated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, what is this? Vairagya-vidya. This is the instructional lesson, or education, vidya, education."
Continuing the Mission
The work inaugurated by Lord Caitanya is intended for the whole world. Following in His footsteps, the modern Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is executing the "superior orders" to spread this benevolence to every town and village. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that if the current leaders of the movement strictly follow the principles, they will usher in a new era of sanātana-dharma.
- Following in the footsteps of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who five hundred years ago inaugurated the movement of sankirtana, krsna-kirtana, we are trying to introduce this movement, according to superior orders, all over the world.
- It is the desire of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu that the benevolent activities of the sankirtana movement, which was inaugurated five hundred years ago in Navadvipa, be spread all over the world for the benefit of all human beings.
- Now, if the inaugurators of this movement strictly follow the regulative principles and spread this movement for the benefit of all human society, they will certainly usher in a new way of life by reestablishing sanatana-dharma.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement marks a turning point in the history of the Kali-yuga. It is the flowing river of mercy that can inundate the entire world, saving even the most fallen souls. As Śrīla Prabhupāda states, "We shall eagerly wait for the happy days of Bhāgavata-dharma, or prema-dharma, inaugurated by the Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu."
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Inaugurating the Krsna Consciousness Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.