The History of "Hare Krishna" (Gaudiya Vaishnavism)

The History of "Hare Krishna" (Gaudiya Vaishnavism)

Author: Filip Holm June 21, 2026 Duration: 55:28

The Hare Krishna movement didn't start with chanting monks in airports, it began over 500 years ago with a Bengali mystic named Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This video traces the full history of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, from its roots in 16th-century devotional Hinduism to its transformation into the global ISKCON movement, brought to the West by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1965. We cover the theology of Krishna Consciousness, the bhakti tradition, and how an obscure regional sect became one of the most visible spiritual movements in modern history.


Written by Anmol Kohli

Co-written by Filip Holm


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https://linktr.ee/filipholm


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Sources/Recommended Reading:


Swami Tapasyananda, Bhakti Schools of Vedanta (Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai,

1990).

o Chapter on ‘Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu: Life’, pages 323-407.

o Chapter on ‘Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu: Philosophy’, pages 408-451.


Bryant, Edwin (2004). "The Hare Krishna Movement: The Postcharismatic Fate of a Religious Transplant". Columbia University Press.


Bryant, Edwin (translated by) (2017). "Bhakti Yoga: Tales and Teachings from the Bhagavata Purana". North Point Press.


Bryant, Edwin. Bhakti Yoga: Tales and Teachings from the Bhagavata Purana (Pan Macmillan India, 2018).


Dwyer, Graham & Richard J. Cole (ed.) (2007). "The Hare Krishna Movement: Forty Years of Chant and Change". I.B. Tauris.






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Hosted by Filip Holm, Let's Talk Religion is a deep, accessible exploration of belief systems that have shaped human history and continue to define cultures. This isn't about preaching or debate; it's a thoughtful journey grounded in academic rigor and genuine curiosity. Each episode serves as a guided conversation, peeling back the layers of major world religions and lesser-known spiritual paths to examine their core tenets, historical development, and cultural impact. You'll hear detailed profiles of pivotal figures, from foundational prophets and philosophers to mystical poets and reformers, all placed within their rich historical context. The goal is to build a foundation of understanding, moving beyond headlines and stereotypes to appreciate the complex narratives and lived experiences within each tradition. By approaching religion as a multifaceted subject worthy of serious study, this podcast creates a space for listeners to reflect on the profound questions and diverse answers humanity has offered. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that treats religious thought with the depth and nuance it deserves, making each topic resonate with both intellectual and personal significance. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to listen and learn, to find connections and contrasts in the stories we tell about the divine, the sacred, and our place in the world.
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