What are the 4 things prohibited in Iskcon?

December 18, 2025 •

2 min read

For initiated devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), spiritual life is built upon a foundation of discipline and purification, with four key things prohibited to aid in one's devotional service. These principles serve as cornerstones for cultivating a higher consciousness and overcoming the influences of the material world.

Quick Summary

ISKCON devotees adhere to four regulative principles that forbid meat-eating, intoxication, gambling, and illicit sex to purify the mind, body, and consciousness for spiritual advancement.

Key Points

Mercy and Vegetarianism: The prohibition of meat, fish, and eggs is based on the principle of mercy towards all living creatures, a core tenet of Vaishnava philosophy.
Spiritual Purity: Avoiding intoxication, including alcohol, drugs, and caffeine, is crucial for maintaining a clear consciousness essential for spiritual meditation.
Honesty and Austerity: By rejecting gambling, devotees embrace a truthful and honest life, developing austerity and reliance on Krishna rather than chance.
Illicit Sex and Cleanliness: The restriction of sex to procreation within marriage promotes physical and mental cleanliness, helping to curb lust and focus on spiritual goals.
Four Pillars of Dharma: The four regulative principles are directly linked to the four pillars of religion: mercy (no meat-eating), austerity (no intoxication), truthfulness (no gambling), and cleanliness (no illicit sex).
Higher Purpose: These prohibitions are not just rules but are designed to help devotees cultivate a higher taste for spiritual life, which naturally leads to the rejection of material pleasures.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a spiritual organization based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Devotees follow four main regulative principles, which align with the four pillars of religion: mercy, cleanliness, austerity, and truthfulness. These principles help devotees minimize material distractions and focus on developing love for Krishna.

The Four Pillars of Dharma and the Associated Prohibitions

1. No Meat-Eating: Mercy

Avoiding meat, fish, and eggs is the first prohibition. This practice promotes mercy by preventing the killing of animals, which ISKCON teaches generates negative karma. A lacto-vegetarian diet is followed, with food offered to Krishna as prasadam, purifying the body and mind.

2. No Intoxication: Austerity

This principle prohibits alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and caffeine. Intoxicants hinder clear consciousness needed for spiritual practice. Avoiding them cultivates austerity (tapas), strengthening self-control and focusing on finding happiness in Krishna.

3. No Gambling: Truthfulness

Gambling, including games of chance and speculative business, is forbidden. It promotes dishonesty and goes against truthfulness (satyam). Avoiding gambling encourages an honest life focused on sincere effort and dedication to Krishna.

4. No Illicit Sex: Cleanliness

Sexual activity is restricted to marriage for procreation. Any sex outside of marriage is illicit. This rule fosters cleanliness (saucam) by controlling lust and attachment. It helps devotees see others as spiritual beings and promotes purity.

Comparison of the Four Prohibitions


Prohibited Activity	Corresponding Pillar of Dharma	Primary Reason for Prohibition	Spiritual Benefit
Meat-eating	Mercy (Daya)	Avoids generating negative karma from animal slaughter.	Develops compassion and purifies consciousness.
Intoxication	Austerity (Tapas)	Prevents the clouding of the mind and senses.	Cultivates self-control and fosters true happiness.
Gambling	Truthfulness (Satyam)	Eliminates dishonesty and a cheating mentality.	Fosters honesty, integrity, and reliance on Krishna.
Illicit Sex	Cleanliness (Saucam)	Curbs lust and attachment to material senses.	Promotes purity of mind and helps focus on spiritual goals.

Conclusion: The Purpose of the Regulative Principles

The four prohibitions are a framework for spiritual advancement, helping devotees overcome material influences and awaken their love for God. By following these principles, devotees cleanse their hearts and minds, enabling them to experience a fulfilling spiritual life beyond material pleasures. This discipline, along with chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, leads to inner peace and helps achieve the goal of returning to the spiritual world. For more details, Krishna.com offers extensive explanations on these practices and Vedic philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illicit sex refers to any sexual activity outside of marriage. Within a marriage, it is restricted for the purpose of having children and should not be used for mere sensual gratification.

Yes, for initiated devotees, the 'no intoxication' rule includes all addictive and mind-altering substances, which includes caffeine from products like coffee and tea, in addition to alcohol and drugs.

Gambling is prohibited because it promotes a dishonest mentality, the desire for easy money, and fosters a cheating nature, which goes against the principle of truthfulness in spiritual life.

Yes, avoiding meat, fish, and eggs is a core tenet for all initiated devotees, promoting compassion and adhering to the principle of mercy. Food is also first offered to Krishna before being consumed.

While the four prohibitions are the core regulative principles, devotees also follow other practices like chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, studying scriptures, and worshiping the deity.

By following these rules, devotees purify their minds and senses, making it easier to focus on devotional service and develop a higher, spiritual attachment to Krishna, rather than material attachments.

While these are the standards for initiated devotees, many adherents and temple visitors may follow them to varying degrees, with full commitment expected for those taking formal initiation.