ISKCON teaches four regulative principles: abstaining from meat, fish and eggs; avoiding intoxication; abstaining from gambling; and avoiding sexual relations defined as illicit within its religious discipline. These relate to compassion, sobriety, responsibility and self-control.
At initiation, practitioners undertake these as personal vows. ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission also sets a first-initiation commitment of at least sixteen daily rounds of mahā-mantra japa. These vows are not a requirement for someone simply attending an open temple event.
The dietary principle excludes meat, fish and eggs. Traditional cooking intended for offering to Krishna also generally avoids onion and garlic. This is a devotional practice, not a compulsory diet for every visitor.
Avoiding intoxicants includes alcohol, recreational drugs and tobacco; traditional ISKCON educational materials also include caffeinated tea and coffee. A spiritual discipline is not a substitute for healthcare when treating dependence.
No gambling means avoiding betting and other financially risky games of chance. Traditional initiation standards describe sexual activity as confined to marriage and oriented toward procreation. This is a descriptive account of a religious teaching, not a judgement about visitors’ private lives.
No one visiting ISKCON Alicante is asked to report intimate behaviour, declare religious beliefs or commit to initiation. Anyone interested in deeper commitments should speak privately with a qualified spiritual adviser, without pressure.