Page 11 - BIKC - Eng
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PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION



              During the late 60’s and 70’s, upon the order of his spiritual
          master, the illustrious empowered preacher His Divine Grace A.C.
          Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda brought the science of Kåñëa
          consciousness to the Western world. At that time most of the world
          was experiencing an increasing degradation and departure from
          religious and moral principles. However, Çréla Prabhupäda
          gradually introduced a lifestyle hitherto unknown but to a few
          devoted souls in India: the Vedic culture of austerity for the goal
          of self-realization. The principles of brahmacarya formed an
          important part of this culture.
              Purified and enlivened by following the teachings and practice
          of bhakti-yoga as authoritatively presented by Çréla Prabhupäda,
          hundreds of bright-faced young men and women appeared on the
          streets of towns and villages throughout the world, taking up Çréla
          Prabhupäda’s mission to fulfill the prediction of Lord Caitanya to
          spread the holy name of Kåñëa to every corner of the globe. During
          those years of the expansion of the Kåñëa consciousness movement
          under the banner of ISKCON, the reasoning, principles and
          practice of  brahmacarya were often taught and heard in and
          around the increasing number of temples and  äçramas of the
          Society. The devotees became stronger in following the principles
          of brahmacarya under the exemplary guidance of the Founder-
          Äcärya of ISKCON, Çréla Prabhupäda.
              There are numerous instructions about         brahmacarya
          contained in the large body of literature, lectures, and letters left
          by Çréla Prabhupäda, for those diligent enough to study them.
          However, until now much of the principles and practice of
          brahmacarya has remained an oral tradition within ISKCON. But
          human lives and memories are short, and many of Çréla
          Prabhupäda’s young students have now entered other äçramas, or
          left for other spheres of activity. In order that the purity and
          momentum of the Kåñëa consciousness movement not be
          diminished with the passing of time, many devotees feel that this
          important aspect of the philosophy and application of Kåñëa
          consciousness should remain easily and frequently accessible to

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