The word Bhakti can be translated as “Krishna consciousness,” a term Srila Prabhupada often used. When he started an institution where persons on the Bhakti path could find fellowship and inspiration, he called it “The International Society for Krishna Consciousness.” As souls with an eternal relationship with Krishna (a relationship that defines our identity), we are all originally Krishna consciousness—aware of our relationship with Krishna and always acting in that relationship. Now, in our material condition, we’ve forgotten that relationship, which is one of pure love. So awakening our Krishna consciousness means awakening our Bhakti.

The heart of Bhakti practice is to hear about Krishna, because hearing makes us conscious of Him. And the more we are conscious of Krishna, the more our natural love for Him is drawn out.

All Bhakti practices are meant to serve the purpose of remembering Krishna. An understanding of this principle guides each Bhakti practitioner in how to apply Krishna consciousness in daily life.