Conscious eating
No meat, fish or eggs; ingredients suitable for offering to Krishna.
ISKCON Alicante · A path of knowledge, service and love
Bhakti Yoga and Devotional Life
Explore the meaning of bhakti, different paths of yoga and everyday practices within the ISKCON tradition.
Editorial drafts requiring doctrinal approval. Initiation vows are not entry requirements for open programmes.
ISKCON · The four regulative principles01 02 03 04
The four regulative principles
Traditional vows for initiated devotees, not conditions for visiting the centre.
Sobriety
Avoid intoxicants, including caffeine under strict traditional ISKCON standards.
Responsibility
No gambling or betting.
Self-control and family life
Traditional initiation vows regulate sexual conduct within marriage and toward procreation.
Practical guides
First Steps in Bhakti Yoga
A friendly and practical beginner guide.
Read article or guide ↗How to Prepare Food for Offering to Krishna
Ingredients, hygiene, tradition and allergen awareness.
Read article or guide ↗Four Principles: Visitors and Initiates
Understand religious commitments without disclosing private information.
Read article or guide ↗Balanced Vegetarian or Vegan Event Meals
Planning ideas, not a substitute for individual nutrition advice.
Read article or guide ↗Japa and Kīrtan: How They Differ
Individual mantra repetition and congregational chanting.
Read article or guide ↗Common questions
What does Bhakti Yoga mean?
It is the path of loving devotion and service to Krishna, not merely physical exercise.
How is it different from hatha yoga?
Haṭha yoga often focuses on posture and breath, while bhakti centres on devotion and service.
What are ISKCON’s four principles?
No meat, fish or eggs; no intoxicants; no gambling; and sexual conduct regulated by traditional initiation vows.
Must I follow all four principles to visit?
No. They are practitioner and initiation vows, not entry requirements for open events.
Why no meat, fish or eggs?
The devotional discipline avoids these products and prepares suitable food for offering to Krishna.
Why are garlic and onion excluded?
ISKCON offering kitchens generally omit them for devotional reasons, not because they are medically harmful.
Does ISKCON allow tea or coffee?
Strict initiation practice avoids caffeine, including tea and coffee. Visitors are not required to do so.
Does vegetarian mean vegan?
No. Prasādam may contain dairy; ask about ingredients, allergens and vegan options.
What is prasādam?
Food offered to Krishna and then shared; its spiritual meaning does not replace food-safety requirements.
Must everyone fast?
No. Check local Ekādaśī dates and health needs, especially for children or people with medical conditions.
What does no gambling mean?
Avoiding betting and games with financial stakes, not every harmless game.
May I learn without initiation?
Yes. Introductory reading, kīrtans and open classes do not require initiation.
Spiritual education is open to visitors. Nutritional information is not a substitute for professional advice.