When Śrīla Prabhupāda stepped onto the Jaladuta bound for America in 1965, he was not just traveling to a foreign land — he was entering the battlefield of a global spiritual crisis. His mission was clear: to deliver the timeless message of Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to every corner of the world, without discrimination.
He saw no country as superior or inferior, but he did see spiritual urgency. He saw where Kṛṣṇa consciousness could flourish, where it was missing, and where it desperately needed to arrive. While ISKCON has grown remarkably since those early days, there are still many nations where Prabhupāda’s vision has only just touched the surface — or is yet to take root.
The following countries are not just places with “low presence.” They are nations where Prabhupāda would want to see the movement rise quickly and strongly — for reasons both practical and spiritual.
Japan — A Silent Giant Awaiting the Holy Name
Prabhupāda once noted that Japan was extremely advanced in industry and discipline, but spiritually empty. He desired the Japanese to become Kṛṣṇa conscious and predicted they would one day make wonderful devotees if the message reached their hearts.
Today, Japan remains largely untouched by deep bhakti outreach. Temples exist, but they are few and quiet. The pace of life, cultural formality, and emphasis on material success have created a wall that only humble, patient outreach can break.
But imagine a culture known for its precision, discipline, and beauty — infused with kīrtan, prasādam, and deep scriptural study. The Japanese heart, once touched by devotion, would serve with unmatched sincerity. Prabhupāda saw this potential. The rest is simply waiting for us to fulfill it.
France — Once Prominent, Now in Need of Revival
In the 1970s, France was a stronghold of ISKCON. Paris had vibrant temples, traveling sankīrtan parties, and public events that drew crowds. Śrīla Prabhupāda appreciated the French devotion and the early pioneers who carried out preaching there.
But over time, the energy faded. The movement in France became scattered, and while some sincere devotees remain, there is no strong momentum today. Yet France is still a deeply influential nation, culturally and intellectually.
This is not a land to give up on. In fact, it’s a land that desperately needs a second wave — one that connects modern seekers with eternal truth, in their own language, on their own streets. Prabhupāda once said, “They are intelligent people — they just need to be shown that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is their real intelligence.”
China — The Sleeping Continent of Bhakti
Śrīla Prabhupāda made it clear: China must be preached to. He viewed China not as a difficult zone, but as a major gateway to global transformation. “If China and Russia take up this Kṛṣṇa consciousness, then the whole world will change.”
And yet, while some underground preaching has reached individuals in China, there remains no large-scale effort. Legal restrictions are one hurdle, but the larger one is our own hesitation. The Chinese people are hungry for meaning — increasingly tired of pure materialism, open to spiritual paths, and curious about practices like meditation and mantra.
Kṛṣṇa consciousness doesn’t need mass media there — it needs deep personal connections. One heart at a time. Just as Prabhupāda began in New York with a handful of hippies, China too can begin — with one sincere soul and a well-cooked plate of prasādam.
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf — Hidden Devotees, Waiting for Support
Though preaching is restricted in the Gulf, thousands of Indians live and work across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE. Many of them are already inclined toward bhakti, but lack structured guidance, regular saṅga, and spiritual leadership.
Prabhupāda never supported illegal or disrespectful preaching, but he did encourage creative solutions. In the Gulf countries, outreach can happen in quiet, respectful ways — home programs, online classes, local satsangas. These devotees are already present; what they need is consistent support, training, and courage.
In many of these places, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books are read secretly, kīrtans are held in apartments, and fasting days are followed diligently — all without recognition. Isn’t that spirit exactly what Prabhupāda appreciated? Now it’s our responsibility to nourish and expand it.
South Korea — Orderly Yet Spiritually Empty
Much like Japan, Korea is advanced materially but dry in spiritual depth. While Buddhism and Confucianism once formed the cultural backbone, today’s youth often find themselves aimless, stressed, and overworked.
Prabhupāda understood this Westernization of Eastern cultures. He would call it a tragedy — that nations with ancient wisdom are now chasing temporary comforts. Korea is a prime field for book distribution, college programs, and youth outreach. But such outreach has yet to gain traction.
What’s needed is a team of determined preachers who understand Korean culture and language — and who are willing to live there, serve there, and grow with the people. That’s how ISKCON truly begins in a new land.