Iskcon vs. Kashmir Shaivism

Attribute	Iskcon	Kashmir Shaivism
Founder	Swami Prabhupada	Various philosophers and saints
Belief in God	Worship of Krishna as the Supreme God	Belief in a formless, all-pervasive divine consciousness
Scriptures	Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam	Shiva Sutras, Vijnana Bhairava Tantra
Practices	Chanting, deity worship, vegetarianism	Meditation, yoga, rituals
Goal	Attaining love and devotion to Krishna	Realization of the divine consciousness within oneself

Beliefs

Iskcon, also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a religious movement that focuses on the worship of Lord Krishna as the supreme deity. Followers of Iskcon believe in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the importance of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. On the other hand, Kashmir Shaivism is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in Kashmir and emphasizes the concept of Shiva as the ultimate reality. Practitioners of Kashmir Shaivism believe in the existence of a divine consciousness that pervades all aspects of the universe.

Practices

Iskcon followers engage in various practices such as devotional singing, dancing, and the distribution of spiritual literature. They also adhere to a strict vegetarian diet and participate in regular temple worship ceremonies. In contrast, Kashmir Shaivism practitioners focus on meditation, self-reflection, and the study of sacred texts. They often engage in rituals that involve the use of mantras, yantras, and other spiritual tools to connect with the divine.

Community

Iskcon has a strong sense of community among its followers, who often live in close-knit temple communities and participate in group activities such as festivals, feasts, and service projects. The organization also has a global presence with temples and centers around the world. On the other hand, Kashmir Shaivism practitioners may come together for spiritual gatherings and retreats, but the tradition does not have the same level of organizational structure as Iskcon.

Philosophy

Iskcon's philosophy is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the writings of its founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The movement emphasizes the importance of surrendering to Krishna and living a life of devotion and service. In contrast, Kashmir Shaivism is a non-dualistic philosophy that teaches the unity of the individual soul (atman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). Practitioners of Kashmir Shaivism seek to realize their true nature through self-realization and spiritual practice.

Scriptures

Iskcon followers primarily study and follow the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Srimad Bhagavatam, and other Vaishnava scriptures. These texts provide guidance on how to live a life of devotion and service to Lord Krishna. In contrast, Kashmir Shaivism draws on a different set of scriptures, including the Shiva Sutras, the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, and the Pratyabhijna Hridayam. These texts explore the nature of consciousness, reality, and the path to spiritual liberation.

Goal

The ultimate goal of Iskcon followers is to attain liberation (moksha) by developing a loving relationship with Lord Krishna and serving him with devotion. They believe that by surrendering to Krishna and following the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, they can achieve spiritual perfection and eternal bliss. On the other hand, the goal of Kashmir Shaivism practitioners is to realize their true nature as divine consciousness and experience oneness with the universe. Through meditation, self-inquiry, and spiritual practice, they seek to transcend the limitations of the ego and achieve spiritual enlightenment.