What are the main beliefs and practices of Hare Krishna?

The main beliefs and practices of Hare Krishna, also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), are as follows:

1. Beliefs:
- Devotion to Lord Krishna: Hare Krishna followers believe in the supreme deity Lord Krishna as the ultimate source of all existence and the embodiment of love and divine consciousness.
- Reincarnation: They believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as reincarnation, and that the soul transmigrates from one body to another until it achieves liberation.
- Karma: Hare Krishna followers believe in the law of karma, which states that every action has consequences and that one's present circumstances are a result of past actions.
- Bhakti Yoga: They emphasize the practice of bhakti yoga, the path of devotion and love towards God, as the means to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

2. Practices:
- Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra: The primary practice of Hare Krishna devotees is the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, also known as the Maha Mantra. This mantra is believed to invoke the divine presence of Lord Krishna and purify the mind and heart.
- Vegetarianism: Hare Krishna followers adhere to a strict vegetarian diet, considering it a way to show compassion towards all living beings and to maintain a pure consciousness.
- Temple worship: Devotees regularly visit temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, where they participate in rituals, offer prayers, and engage in devotional activities such as singing and dancing.
- Study of sacred texts: Hare Krishna followers study and contemplate the teachings of ancient Hindu scriptures, especially the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam, to deepen their understanding of spiritual truths and principles.
- Distribution of spiritual literature: They actively engage in the distribution of spiritual literature, particularly the works of their founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna and promote spiritual awareness.

It is important to note that these beliefs and practices may vary among individual Hare Krishna devotees and different branches within the ISKCON movement.