International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) believe that the Earth's resources, nature, and our own bodies are all sacred gifts from God and should be treated responsibly.

The VaishnavaPhilosophy that the " Hare Krishna Movement " is rooted in, teaches that all living beings are inter-related through Krishna, the common Father.

ISKCON followers respect the animals' right to live, and practice a diet that seeks to minimize violence and exploitation. Thus, they see Vegetarianism .. with its countless documented ecological, social, and health benefits·· as most conducive to a compassionate, environmentally friendly, and wholesome way of life.

The " Hare Krishna Movement " actively promotes the benefits of Vegetarianism. ISKCON temples offer visitors delicious, sanctified vegetarian food.

" Hare Krishna Movement " has established more than 100 vegetarian restaurants around the world, and has distributed more than 300 million nutritious vegetarian meals to the disadvantaged through its affiliate, " Food for Life ".

ISKCON members regularly teach vegetarian cooking classes at their temples and local universities, and also several ISKCON members are authors of acclaimed cook-books.

All Hare Krishna devotees oppose exploitative treatment of animals, especially the cow. Traditional Indian culture favored organic farming and gave distinctive recognition to the cow, who provides nourishing milk, and the bull, who ploughs fields, calling for these gentle creatures to be protected.

This custom continues today in North America at severansxcos rural communities, which have made cow protection a primary focus. These communities educate the public, run cruelty-free dairies, and allow wellwishers to help save cows from slaughter through an innovative" Adopt a Cow" sponsorship program.

Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder ISKCON, included in the Movement's Mission Statement an aim : " To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life. "

ISKCON members are developing agrarian communities. These communities aim at self-sufficiency, exploring self-contained techniques such as : natural pest and weed controls, the production of alternate fuel, waste management, and crop rotation.

Source: " www.iskcon.com "