A natural way to begin is simply to spend time in the association of devotees. Visiting a nearby ISKCON temple or center, especially during Sunday feast programs, allows one to experience kirtan (devotional chanting), spiritual discussions, and sanctified vegetarian food (prasadam) in a communal setting. Many centers also hold daily arati ceremonies, study groups on the Bhagavad-gita and related texts, and bhakti-yoga or meditation sessions. Festivals such as Janmashtami and Ratha-yatra further immerse the visitor in the culture of Krishna devotion. Through these regular encounters, a person gradually becomes familiar with the mood, practices, and community life of ISKCON.

Alongside temple visits, personal practice at home deepens the connection. Central to this is chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra—Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare—either individually (japa) or in group kirtan. Studying foundational works of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, such as Bhagavad-gita As It Is and other key texts, provides the philosophical framework for what is experienced in the temple. Many find that reading and chanting in a disciplined way naturally leads to a desire for more structured learning, such as introductory courses or systematic study of bhakti philosophy.

Engaging in practical service, or seva, is another doorway into deeper involvement. Temples typically welcome help with cooking, cleaning, administration, music, outreach, and book distribution, as well as participation in public chanting. Such service is not viewed merely as volunteer work but as a concrete expression of devotion, performed in a spirit of humility and gratitude. Through serving alongside experienced practitioners, one gains both spiritual guidance and supportive friendships. Over time, this shared service can transform casual interest into a stable, lived commitment.

For those who wish to formalize their relationship with the movement, ISKCON recognizes different levels of commitment. Many remain as congregation members, attending programs while maintaining their ordinary household and professional responsibilities. Others may join structured training programs, living part-time or full-time in a temple environment to systematically learn the practices of Krishna consciousness. Those who feel a strong and sustained calling sometimes seek initiation from a qualified ISKCON guru, which involves taking vows, including adherence to the four regulative principles and a fixed daily standard of chanting. This step is generally preceded by a substantial period of practice and guidance, allowing one’s involvement to mature in a thoughtful and steady way.