Page 11 - BIKC - Eng

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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