Its theology is traditional, derived largely from the Vaishnava Hinduism from which it claims its lineage. The practice is largely devotional, based on bhakti yoga, primarily the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, often accompanied by a simple dance.
Devotees do two hours of chanting every day.
The lifestyle is ascetic, requiring early rising, a daily cold shower, and vegetarian diet. It attracted extensive media attention in the 1970s, partly because of its influence on various celebrities, in particular the Beatle George Harrison who used Hare Krishna chants in his music and donated a large house which became the movement's present British headquarters. Controversy followed Prabhupada's death, when some of the 11 gurus he had appointed as his successors were accused of abusing their authority. It is now managed by a Governing Body Commission, which meets annually to guide the worldwide confederation of over 100 temples, centres and schools. Devotion to Krishna is expressed through chant, mainly the 16-word 'Hare Krishna, Hare Rama' chant, representing the names of God.