ISKCON Governing Body Commission Society
Reg. No. S/74662 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961
P.O. Sree Mayapura Dhama, Dist. Nadia, W. Bengal
Minutes of Plenary Meeting, Sridhama Mayapura, Feb. 3, 1996
1. H. H. Suhotra Swami is elected as GBC Chairman for 1996-97.
2. H. G. Madhusevita dasa is elected as GBC Vice-chairman for 1996-97.
3. H. H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami is elected as GBC Second Vice-chairman for 1996-97.
4. H. G. Sesa dasa is confirmed as an acting GBC member.
5. H. H. Bhakti Vaibhava Swami is confirmed as an acting GBC member.
6. H. H. Bir Krsna Goswami is confirmed as an assistant GBC member.
7. H. H. Param Gati Swami is confirmed as a full GBC member.
8. H. H. Radhanatha Swami is confirmed as a full GBC member.
9. H. H. Ramai Swami is confirmed as an acting GBC member.
10. H. H. Giridhari Swami is confirmed as an acting GBC member.
11.H.G. Manjari devi dasi is confirmed as an assistant GBC member.
12. H.G. Manjari Devi Dasi is elected as GBC Secretary.
13. Resolved that we the undersigned members and servants of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, today, the 11th of February, 1996, in Sridhama Mayapura at the ISKCON Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, express our profound bereavement on the passing of our dear Godbrother and fellow Governing Body Commissioner His Divine Grace Om Visnupada Sri Srimad Gaura Govinda Goswami Maharaja, the beloved disciple of ISKCON Founder/Acarya His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Sri Srimad Gaura Govinda Goswami Maharaja dedicated his life to fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s order to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world and specifically among the people of Orissa. He translated Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental literature and fulfilled Srila Prabhupada’s desire for a Krishna-Balaram Temple in Bhubanesvara. He was not only a topmost devotee but he was also a great and learned scholar. In this time of their great grief, we pledge ourselves to the service of his disciples and followers who are determined to carry on his great service to the mission of Srila Prabhupada.
With feelings of separation we note that Sri Srimad Gaura Govinda Goswami Maharaja departed this world February 9, 1996, on the auspicious Appearance day of Om Visnupada Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada, while reciting the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna, in the holy dhama of Sri Mayapura, at the ISKCON Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, the spiritual world headquarters of ISKCON, at the conclusion of a full day of unalloyed devotional service to his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. His departure shows all auspicious symptoms and his success fills our hearts with admiration. His life and disappearance pastimes shall remain a great inspiration to all members of ISKCON.
100.
SRILA PRABHUPADA CENTENNIAL RESOLUTIONS
Spreading the Holy Name
That at least once each month, each ISKCON temple should have an istagosti to discuss the importance of the Holy Name. Further, devotees should:
1) Read from books such as “Namamrta”;
2) Discuss obstacles in chanting;
3) Discuss the lives of great Nama Bhaktas;
4) (Especially for leaders) create an atmosphere that encourages regular performance of Harinama by joining the Harinama party, arranging special prasadam after Harinama, and having inspirational discussions before or after Harinama.
Uniting Prabhupada’s Family
That all initiating spiritual masters of ISKCON shall provide biographical information on all their disciples to the Global Database manager. The first report, updated to Dec. 1995, should be sent no later than April 31, 1996. Subsequently, a report on new disciples will be provided to the Global Database at least once a year a the time of the Mayapur festival.
That the Global Database manager is requested to research and apply standard procedures concerning maintaining the confidentiality of the data.
That the subtitle “ISKCON’s newsletter for Uniting Prabhupada’s Family” be added to “Prabhupadanuga”, and that, as an important mouthpiece in that effort, its publication continue beyond 1996 until and unless the target is achieved.
That a report of the survey conducted by Professor Burke Rochford be submitted to the Advisory Committee of the GBC no later than Srila Prabhupada’s Maha Vyasa-puja Day 1996.
That since the underlining theme of the Centennial is to perform the magic of Uniting Prabhupada’s Family, each and every devotee, through personal contact, shall personally help reconnect initiated devotees who have lost contact with ISKCON and/or the practice of devotional service. As an offering to Srila Prabhupada, each devotee is requested to cultivate at least one devotee.
That nurturing relationships with devotees who have become distanced from ISKCON is included in ISKCON’s congregational preaching efforts.
Strengthening ISKCON Management
That August 7, 1996, ISKCON’s Incorporation Day, be used as a deadline for temples to bring their management up to date, especially in the area of property registration and accounting. Sudharma devi dasi will be the event coordinator.
Sahasra Tirtha Jal program
In order to make Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial a total success and to fulfill the Centennial Goals every ISKCON temple should make a concerted effort to implement locally and sponsor internationally the Sahasra Tirtha Jala Maha Abhisheka Kalash sponsorship program. It is recommended to give everyone the opportunity to sponsor a kalash and get the mercy.
Every Zonal Secretary should inspire their Temple Presidents to implement this program and publicize it in the biggest possible manner. Let no one complain they didn’t know about it. Temple presidents should give top priority to the Sahasra Tirtha Jal program.
Distributing Srila Prabhupada’s Books
That every devotee is encouraged to help make book distribution a success, and that GBC secretaries shall arrange through their Temple Presidents and Sankirtan leaders to realize this program by :
establishing a proper understanding of book distribution as a primary way to please Srila Prabhupada according to guidelines given by the ministry;
organizing the distribution of books;
creating and supplying all necessary facilities required so that everybody can participate in book distribution (finding legal spots, getting books and vehicles, and teaching and organizing devotees);
conducting regular book distribution meetings at least monthly.
`Resolutions relating to Social and Educational Issues
101.
That a GBC Grihastha Ministry be established. The goals of this Ministry shall be:
1. To insure adequate information is available on Grihastha life.
2. To establish a system to counsel grihastha couples according to Srila Prabhupada’s instruction.
3. To establish and support continental representatives.
4. To work out guidelines in consultation with senior grhasthas in good standing about child raising, economic security, etc.
5. To organize seminars, presentations and/or conferences on Grihastha life.
The first duties of the Grihastha Ministry shall be:
1. To ensure these goals are complete by Mayapura, 1997 a by convening this committee: Naveen Krsna Prabhu (convener), Jaya Sila Prabhu, Prthu prabhu, Sesa prabhu, Sudharma Mataji, and Braja Bihari dasa. They shall do the following:
a. Develop the Mission and Objectives of the Ministry.
b. Establish regional co-ordinators in North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russian States, Africa, Southeast Asia and Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand. (by January 1997)
c. To choose an International Grihastha Minister in consultation with senior grhasthas from around the world, to be approved by the GBC via COM. (by June, 1996)
102.
The GBC Body shall establish an International Women’s Ministry. This Ministry will address the following concerns in a clear, mature, and deliberate manner:
1. Appreciating the contribution of ISKCON’s female devotees.
2. Increasing understanding of the serious concerns of women in ISKCON.
3. Providing facility, communication and support for all female members of ISKCON.
4. Addressing issues of abuse and sexual impropriety in ISKCON.
5. Defining the different female devotee situations (e.g. grhastha women, older, renounced women, and brahmacarinis).
6. Working with temple authorities and GBCs to identify role models and encourage them to inspire and train junior Vaisnavis.
The first duties of this Ministry:
1. Establishment of Regional Ministers (who will serve on a worldwide Women’s Ministerial Council.)
2. Selection of an International Women’s Minister.
3. Communication with regional GBC, temple presidents and other leaders as to the purposes, understanding and practical application of the Women’s Ministry in each individual region.
4. Positive, regional guidelines for protecting ISKCON women, including domestic violence, sexual impropriety, etc.
The first objectives of this Ministry:
STEP ONE: (Complete by July 1996)
Appoint Regional Ministers. The regional minister will by chosen conjointly by local senior Vaisnavis, GBC, and other ISKCON leaders. Her qualifications include: ability to communicate maturely with local leaders, senior and junior female devotees and female congregation; genuine understanding of the needs and concerns of ladies; ability to proceed with Women’s Ministry responsibilities in a non-confrontational yet serious manner.
STEP TWO: (Complete by October 1996)
Choose an International Minister. The International Minister will be chosen as follows:
1. Senior Vaisnavis from each region will nominate appropriate candidates.
2. Discussion of these candidates will ensue via COM, mail and phone.
Sudharma dasi, with the help of Bhaktitirtha Swami, Madhusevita Prabhu, and Bir Krishna Goswami will ensure the completion of these tasks.
103.
The GBC hereby requests all temple and congregational leaders to practically engage female devotees in areas of temple sadhana and preaching, giving careful and mature consideration to devotee ability, local culture, devotee seniority, dedication, service, need for encouragement, and temple environment.
ISKCON is a family where everyone should feel welcome. Although temple environments may differ, the underlying principle of facilitating ladies’ sadhana must remain, based on an attitude of encouragement and respect.
104.
That every GBC man and every ISKCON guru should write to those appropriate members under their jurisdiction (all grhastas and businessman) encouraging them to actively support education s part of the preaching activities of ISKCON. The following statements from Srila Prabhupada are recommended for inclusion:-
“It is necessary for the leaders of the Krishna Consciousness Movement to start educational institutions in different parts of the world to train children.” (S.B. 4.12.23)
“The important members of ISKCON should give careful attention to our Dallas school.” (Cc. Adi 17.103)
NB. At the time of writing, the Dallas Gurukula was the only one throughout the world.
“I consider the gurukula school to be one of the most important aspects of this movement. It should be given all serious consideration by the members.”
(letter to Stoka-Krsna 6/20/72)
“I greatly appreciate your activities for conducting our school to the highest standard of Krishna Consciousness. I consider your work the most important in the society, because you are shaping the future generation of our Krishna Conscious preachers. This is not a small thing.” (letter to Rupa-vilasa 6/20/72)
“I am especially stressing the importance of our gurukula for training up the next generation of Krishna Conscious preachers. This is the most important task ahead… It is very important work, and you are especially responsible to make it successful. All other GBC men should give you all assistance for building up the standard.”
(letter to Satsvarupa Maharaja 7/1/72)
“Do not neglect this educational program… You GBC members take it very seriously to develop that school for children. If we lose even one Vaisnava, it is a very great loss. This gurukula is the responsibility of every GBC man, not just the zonal secretary. You all should actually participate in its development.”
(letter to unknown 1972)
“It is the most important preaching work; training our children in Krishna Conscious education.” (letter to Mohanananda 12/11/72)
“All grhastas who are interested in doing business should do so in full swing… Let all the grhastas who wish to, execute business… The profits from the businesses should go first to support gurukula, and the balance may be given for the local temple’s maintenance… If grhastas want to do book distribution, they should be given a commission… of which part must go to gurukula. Others, who are engaged in important society projects, must get something for maintaining their children in gurukula.” (letter to Jayatirtha 1/22/76)
B. Copies of such letters should be sent to the International Office of Education no later than 4/15/96.
105.
Whereas our Society has not yet provided clear, secure pathways into adulthood for our succeeding generations, and there is an urgent need to provide a broad spectrum of training and occupational placement for succeeding generations growing up in ISKCON:
It is hereby resolved that all GBC representatives and ISKCON gurus issue, to the appropriate members under their jurisdiction, letters encouraging support of programs aimed at addressing the above problems. Such a letter should include the following points:-
a) That all departments within ISKCON accept responsibility, as their moral and spiritual duty, to offer training in their particular skills and expertise to members of our second generation.
b) adoption of a “second generation first” policy in terms of placing [or hiring] devotees in all positions within our society [given certain prerequisite qualifications are present]
c) encouraging all privately owned devotee businesses and services to look first for a member of the second generation to train and employ
d) addressing the misconception that if an ISKCON devotee or department trains a second generation devotee and they later take those skills and go “outside” ISKCON to get a job that this constitutes a loss for ISKCON. Rather, from such training an enthusiastic and supportive congregation will develop.
2. It is further resolved that all GBC men ensure that temple presidents in their zones take responsibility to acquire, distribute, encourage the completion of, collect, and return the Project Future Hope surveys. This can be done by the presidents directly or by overseeing someone else taking on this service. The surveys can be obtained from the North American Youth Ministry Office in Los Angeles.
106.
Whereas there is no clear format for hearing from, and dealing with, our second [and succeeding] generations – whose who’ve grown up in our movement, it is resolved:
a) that the North American Minister for Youth be recognized to act in an international capacity, specifically:
i) accessing ISKCON mailing lists and audiences
ii) establish reps. in various parts of the world [North European rep., etc.]
b) that a period [15-30 minutes] be designated annually at a GBC plenary session for a report from the Youth Minister
c) a $6000 budget be given to the Youth Ministry with which it will
i) establish and maintain a Youth Ministry Office
ii) develop a world-wide data base of second generation devotee youth
iii) develop a world-wide data base of training and occupational opportunities for second generation youth
iv) facilitate the connection of devotees from the above two subsets
v) produce a bimonthly newsletter describing this ongoing training and placement
d) that there be a permanent invitation for the ISKCON Minister of Youth to attend the Mayapur GBC meetings, and that he/she may elect one other second generation young adult to attend the meetings with him/her in his/her place with the approval of the GBC Executive Committee.
107
Whereas it is the responsibility of the GBC Body to provide vision for and practical assistance for the overseeing of the primary and secondary education of the children and youth of ISKCON;
Therefore it is resolved that:
1. A Ministry of Education be established to fulfill this function.
2. A group of Muralivadaka dasa (convener), Bhurijan dasa, and Manu dasa be assembled to perform the following single function: to assemble a greater, more representative committee suitable to fulfill other tasks, including:
a) proposing the mission and objectives for the ministry.
b) proposing an organizational structure for the ministry.
c) proposing persons to fulfill the positions within the structure, including a Minister of Education, and, in conjunction with local GBC men, regional representatives.
d) proposing five year plans as well as next year’s tasks, together with a budget and funding plan needed to fulfill those tasks.
e) submitting a proposal to the GBC Body via COM by the end of June which expresses the fulfillment of the above tasks.
108
That a committee shall be formed to research and formulate a viable sastric social structure for ISKCON. This committee shall initially consist of:
B.V. Purna Swami, Bhurijan dasa, Ravindra Swarupa dasa, Jayapataka Swami, Sesa dasa, Harikesa Swami, and Suhotra Swami.
109
The following sannyasi recommendations were confirmed:
1. Gauranga dasa (Mayapur) – 4 year waiting list.
2. Ramacandra dasa (Fiji) – 4 year waiting list.
3. Gaura Narayana dasa (Vrindavan) – 4 year waiting list
4. Gita Govinda dasa (Nigeria) – 2 year waiting list. In case of an emergency, the GBC Executive Committee can authorize that he be given sannyasa immediately.
5. Pariksit dasa (Nigeria) – 3 year waiting list. In case of an emergency, the GBC Executive Committee can authorize that he be given sannyasa immediately.
6. Canakya Pandit dasa (Nigeria) – 3 year waiting list. In case of an emergency, the GBC Executive Committee can authorize that he be given sannyasa immediately.
7. Sruti dhama (UK) – 5 year waiting list.
8. Kadamba Kanana Rasa Parayana dasa (Benelux) – 1 year waiting list.
9. Drutakarma dasa (Los Angeles) – 3 year waiting list.
10. Danavir dasa (USA) – 1 year waiting list.
11. Balabhadra dasa (Scotland) – 2 year waiting list.
12. Ksirodaksayi Visnu (Vrndavan) – 2 year waiting list
13. Candra Mali Maharaja is recognized as an ISKCON sannyasi.
14. Partha Sarathi dasa Can take sannyasa after passing the Bhakti Sastri exam.
15. Sarvaisvarya dasa – 5 year waiting list.
16. Simhesvara dasa – 5 year waiting list.
110
That applications for sannyasa candidacy should include written endorsements from the local GBC(s) and the local managerial body or bodies where the candidate serves. In addition it should include a resume detailing the candidate’s devotional career.
111
That a standing GBC sub-committee be established to deal with sannyasa matters. Prahladananda Swami will finalize its members in consultation with this year’s GBC executive committee.
112
Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja and Candrasekhara Maharaja who were formerly connected with New Vrindavan and who are now connected with ISKCON, may carry on as sannyasis under ISKCON authority.
a. They should come to Mayapur next year so their situation can be discussed.
b. They should travel with an ISKCON sannyasi (decided upon in consultation with the Sannyasa Minister) for at least 3 weeks.
c. They should individually visit, for at least a week, each Australian regional area. Before next Mayapur, the Australian National Council should give its opinion on their preaching to the Sannyasa Minister.
Resolutions Regarding Deity Worship and Philosophical Issues
201.
The GBC has been asked to establish Srila Prabhupada’s time of birth for astrological purposes. The GBC determines that there is currently insufficient factual evidence to establish Srila Prabhupada’s exact time of birth. Therefore, no conclusive decision concerning Prabhupada’s correct astrological chart is possible at present.
202.
The GBC gives permission for Radha Krishna Deities be installed at the farm in Hungary (together with Giriraja and Gauranga Mahaprabhu).
203. 1: The GBC will publish a book about the principle of guru and its application in ISKCON by Gour Purnima 1997.
The book will establish the proper philosophy in opposition to the posthumous rtvik theory and other such doctrines incompatible with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. This book will review the history of guru issues in ISKCON since Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance. The preparation of the book will be supervised by a editorial board comprised of H. H. Bhakti Charu Maharaja, H. H. Giriraja Maharaja, H. G. Virabahu Prabhu and H. G. Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu.
2: The posthumous rtvik theory has been prohibited in ISKCON. Temple presidents, at their discretion, have the right to prohibit its advocates from participating in ISKCON functions or visiting an ISKCON temple if their advocacy creates a disturbance.
204.
The GBC hereby establishes a standing committee called “The Philosophical Committee” as a resource available to ISKCON members. Individual devotees and ISKCON entities (e.g., the GBC Body, Continental committees, or International Temple presidents). may approach the Philosophical Committee for the settlement of disputes on philosophical matters that arise within ISKCON. The Philosophical Committee will examine the issues and their implications, clarify what the areas of conflict are, and determine what is at stake. The Committee may then propose resolutions to the GBC Body. However, if the Philosophical Committee finds that a dispute simply concerns questions of correct practical application of philosophy, it will refer the matter to the local GBC secretary.
ISKCON leaders may also request the Philosophical Committee to review publications which are perceived to be questionable. The members of the Philosophical Committee for 1996 – 97 shall be:
1) H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami
2) H. H. Hrdayananda das Goswami
3) H. H. Jayadvaita Swami
4) H. G. Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu
5) H. H. Suhotra Swami
In addition, the International GBC Chairman shall be an ex-officio member of the committee and serve as its chairman.
205.
A “Vaisnava Etiquette Guide” shall be prepared for submission to the GBC at the 1997 annual meeting by H. H. Bhakti Caru Maharaja, H. H. Bhaktividya Purna Maharaja, and H. H. Jayapataka Maharaja. They shall present the work in progress to the GBC Philosophy Committee during the year.
Any items changing current ISKCON Law regarding behavior toward spiritual masters shall be considered separately by the GBC body before being included in the Guide.
206.
The GBC grants permission to ISKCON Bhayandar (near Bombay) to move the Deities named Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari from the rental apartment to the new ISKCON-owned property at Mira Road, when it is possible to do so without decreasing their standard of service.
207.
The GBC body gives its blessings for His Grace Rukmini Pati dasa to accept disciples in ISKCON.
208
That, in cases where the formal guru-disciple relationship has not been properly sanctioned by procedures given in ISKCON Law, no ISKCON member shall engage in giving any of the elements of the initiation ceremony—such as: giving a devotional name, giving sanctified chanting beads, or neck beads, or participating in some ceremony or ritual of commitment–in any number or combination, to other devotees in ISKCON or it’s congregations, with the stated or unstated purpose or effect of creating the resemblance of a formal Guru-disciple relation.
When such unauthorized activities have already taken place :
all participants should be informed that no initiation has taken place, nor any binding pledge leading towards initiation
The junior devotee in the transaction should seek to establish a relationship with an authorized initiating guru in whom he can place full faith
All devotees must cease using any names given, if any.
209
That the following activities are not allowed as part of ISKCON functions, whether conducted on ISKCON property or elsewhere:
Satya Narayana Katha. (This is a concocted form of worship).
Garbha dance, when it is conducted in association with the worship of Durga. (Garbha dance is usually performed as part of Nava-ratri, a Durga festival. However, there are also Garbha dances in glorification of Krishna. Temple authorities permitting a Garbha dance must be confident that the performance is entirely Krishna centered.)
The reading of Tulsidasa’s Rama-carita-manasa. (Ramayana readings should be from Valmiki Ramayana, as Tulsidasa’s work is tinged with impersonalism.)
Lectures advocating Mayavada or other offensive philosophies.
The singing of the Hindi arati song “om jaya jagadisha hari”. (This is a prayer for material benedictions).
Regarding worship of demigods:
A. Worship of demigods as independent gods is not permitted in Krishna consciousness. However, the Nectar of Devotion says that demigods should be respected. Worshipping demigods as Vaisnavas is authorized. For preaching, in order to teach people the right position of the demigods as great Vaisnavas, ISKCON temples may hold on special occasions ceremonies or pujas respecting and worshipping demigods as great Vaisnavas, provided:
i) The worship is only as a Vaisnava (This means that the deva/devi shall be offered: the prasadam arotika items immediately after they are offered to Lord Krishna, Krishna prasadam flower garlands, and Krishna prasadam foodstuffs. No independent worship is offered. Only the chanting of Hare Krishna and Vishnu’s names is done, as Lord Caitanya did in South India.)
ii) Their status as servants of Krishna is made as clear as possible through signs, symbols, and iconography, and
Offerings are of Krishna prasadam.
B. Deities of demigods (incl. Lakshmi where no Vishnu is established), shall not be established without permission of the GBC. Where they are permitted or where ISKCON aquires a temple with already established murtis of demigods, they may remain, provided they are worshipped as Vaisnavas, as provided above.
3. It is permitted for other groups, at the discretion of the local ISKCON authorities, to rent space in ISKCON premises, outside the temple room, for their own ceremonies and functions, even for functions listed above (1.A-E), provided that the public understand clearly that the function is not being sponsored or conducted by ISKCON. However, no function on ISKCON property shall include any activity contrary to the four regulative principles. The GBC recommends that temples provide outside groups rental contracts clearly stipulating the above restrictions.
Resolutions Regarding ISKCON Internal Affairs
301.
That the following arrangement is accepted for Brazil GBC: That Guruprasad Swami will assume GBC responsibility for Brazil with the following conditions:
1) Isvara Swami will work as Guruprasada Swami’s representative in South Brazil.
2) That Dhanvantari Swami, Jagat Vicitra Prabhu, Candra-mukhya Swami, Somaka Swami and Rukmini-pati prabhu will work as Guruprasada Swami’s representative in the areas designated by Guruprasada Swami.
3) That the above representatives of Guruprasada Swami should meet three times annually at a minimum or as directed by Guruprasada Swami.
4) The Sao Paulo Temple situation must be resolved by the above representatives as a priority.
302.
That Prthu Prabhu be appointed Candidate for GBC for Northwest USA.
303.
That Harikesa Swami as be appointed Co-GBC for France.
304.
That Rohini Suta Prabhu becomes the sole GBC for the Ural Region of Russia (instead of Prabhavisnu Swami and Rohini Suta being Co-GBC’s)
305. That the Co-GBC for Eastern Canada are Bhakti-raghava Swami, Sridhar Swami and Bir Krsna Goswami (for Toronto only).
306
That the Ottawa temple activities will remain as they are and any changes will be reviewed with Niranjana Swami.
307
Rohini-Suta das shall be Co-GBC with Harikesa Swami for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia and Northern Germany (Berlin, Hamburg and Hannover)
308
That the Co-GBC’s for Hawaii are Bir Krsna Goswami, Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Swami, and Madhusevita prabhu.
309
That Niranjana Swami and Bhaktivaibhava Swami shall be the co-GBCs for Belarus. (This means that Prabhavishnu Swami will no longer be co-GBC for Belarus).
310
Whereas the position of property trustee is of grave importance within ISKCON because the trustee is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving Srila Prabhupada’s will , there fore every devotee holding the position of property trustee must:
1. routinely participate in ISKCON activities (temple programs, festival gathering, etc.) or, in the event that trustee doesn’t reside within close proximity to an ISKCON temple, maintain a standard ISKCON sadhana program at home and regularly attend major temple festivals such as Janmastami, Vyasa Puja, Gaura Purnima, etc.
2. regularly associate with ISKCON devotees.
3. visibly adhere to the spiritual standards expected of any full-time member of ISKCON.
4. sign the oath of allegiance.
The GBC Executors Committee shall see to it that all Property Trustees meet these criteria, and advise, warn, remove and replace Property Trustees who do not.
311
That the Deities of San Francisco, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, will be taken by ISKCON Scotland, arranged by Balabhadra prabhu.
312
That a Committee be appointed to study the current child protection guidelines and present a revised comprehensive version (with regional variations) by next year’s meeting. The Chairman will be Bir Krsna Maharaja. Members will include Yasoda devi dasi, Murlivadaka dasa, Bhurijan dasa, Jayapataka Swami, Amarendra dasa, Sesa dasa, and all current members of the board of Education.
Bir Krsna Maharaja shall ask GBC members if they need a regional variation on the guidelines, and, if so, who they will assign to be their liaison and regional representative.
313
That Hrdayananda Goswami be the GBC minister of Advanced Vaisnava studies.
314
That the GBC body gives its unanimous thanks His Holiness Bhakti Marg Swami for his twenty plus years of service in ISKCON Toronto and offers its blessings for his planned Centennial offering, Padayatra across Canada.
315.
That the GBC body welcomes Visvambhara Prabhu’s return to active preaching within ISKCON and gives its blessing for his preaching activities in France. The GBC body also hereby appeals to other French-speaking preachers to visit France, including:
Divya Purursha dasa (China); Akrura dasa (Germany); Ajita dasa (Australia); Vishaka dasi (Bombay); Prasanta dasi and Gaurangi dasi (Centennial); Acaryavana dasa (London); Kaliyapani dasa (London); and Radha Caran das (Australia).
316.
That Navayogendra Swami be confirmed as Candidate for GBC for Jamnu and Kashmir, Haridwar and Rishikesh, sharing responsibility with Harivilas Prabhu, the GBC representative for these areas. In addition, Navayogendra Maharaja will share GBC responsibility for Goa, Lucknow, and Himachal Pradesh with Gopal Krishna Maharaja. (Executive memo attached to this resolution).
317.
That Murali Krsna dasa be reinstated as a full and active member of ISKCON in good standing.
318
The GBC Body authorizes the present North American GBC Executive Committee to deal with the Long Island temple as they decide in consultation with the GBC Executive Committee.
319
H. G. Vaidyanatha dasa is confirmed as a Candidate for GBC.
320
In light of his many qualifications and the immense potential for spreading Krishna consciousness in southern Ontario, the GBC Body requests Kratu prabhu to take up the service of temple president for ISKCON Toronto. The Executive committee shall issue a letter of invitation.
322 (Unpublished)
323
That the ISKCON Oath of Allegiance 95 be amended to read as follows:
1) To accept His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as the Founder Acarya and Supreme Authority of ISKCON. To follow his teachings, instructions and directions.;
2) to accept the Governing Body Commission of ISKCON as the ultimate managing authority of ISKCON as directed in Srila Prabhupada’s last will and testament.
3) To abide by the Society’s spiritual rules, namely no illicit sex, no intoxication, no gambling, no meat-eating and chant a minimum of sixteen rounds of maha-mantra japa every day. To follow the principles set forth in Srila Prabhupada’s books.
4) To accept that all ISKCON’s funds, assets and properties under my control or direction, including anything ISKCON may have acquired under my direction, is the sole property of ISKCON and in the event of my death, resignation or other relinquishment of all ISKCON responsibilities, all these shall accrue solely to ISKCON and at all times I shall have no claim on them whatsoever.
5) To be guided by the spiritual directions of ISKCON’s management, to cooperate with the local GBC representative, and to fulfill my duties in a serving spirit never intentionally acting against ISKCON’s interests.
6) I will maintain the spiritual programs, standards, and teaching established by Srila Prabhupada in the projects and with the devotees placed in my care. I further agree not to involve the society or those devotees placed under my care in any activities contrary to the above mentioned principles.
324
That Balabhadra prabhu be accepted as “candidate for GBC” for Scotland and Ireland, subject to approval of local devotees in consultation with the Executive Committee and Rohini Suta Prabhu’s approval of Scotland yatra’s SKP techniques.
Resolutions Regarding ISKCON Organization and Development
401
1. (ISKCON Law) That an ISKCON central secretariat shall be created to facilitate the management of ISKCON.
2. The ICS (ISKCON Central Secretariat) shall be organized and managed by the Finance & Management Minister, who at present is HG Naveen Krishna Dasa.
3. The ICS shall:
a. Create and maintain a database of information of all temples in the World and monitor’s areas of responsibility.
b. Develop and implement a practical system of reporting by consulting Monitors, GBC’s and Temple Presidents as to what they require, desire and are capable of providing. As far as possible implementation shall be done through “Regional” Committees (Regional, National, Zonal, Continental as the case may be).
c. Develop a database that may contain statistical information of:
1. Temple Finances assets & liabilities, Annual income & expenses)
2. Temples/Managers Contacts (addresses, phone/fax, etc.)
3. Details of owned properties
4. Complete data on all transactions with Temple buildings.
5. Progress towards fulfilling mission statements.
6. Annual reports for all ministries.
7. Devotee bio-data.
8. And any other information deemed useful
d. Present reports shall in a format useful for the individual Ministers, GBC Zonal Secretaries, Committees, and ISKCON Managers.
e. Provide global status reports on ISKCON international projects.
4. Areas which are declared as a security risk for reporting purposes may not have to report. This arrangement can be made between the local GBC and the Secretariat.
402
[GBC Rule] Considering that there will be urgent matters requiring resolution by the GBC body at the annual meeting there shall be permanent working committees which may be created as required. Members shall be assigned every year.
[Standing Order] Resolving Internal Conflicts and Emergencies, Philosophical Issues, Zonal Reorganization & Appointments shall be permanent working committees.
3. The GBC Meeting Planning Committee shall see to it that the Standing Committees meet on different days than the Ksetra Committees.
403
The following amendments to existing laws are accepted.
1. That a Minister shall be appointed by the GBC Body for each Statement of Mission.
His prime duties are to become expert in his field, to act as a professor, to establish the curriculum of his discipline and disseminate this knowledge throughout ISKCON.
The Minister’s mandate is:
a) To educate Zonal Secretaries and ISKCON Managers how to take practical steps towards achieving the Statement of Mission and Progressive Goals;
b) To monitor ISKCON’s progress in his area.
c) To work through the regular ISKCON administrators, and not independently unless requested.
d) To make reports as required.
e) To create a staff as required including advisers (who are experts in the field).
2. GBC Standing Committees, known as Kshetra Committees shall be comprised of the Ministers of the committee’s topics , assigned GBC Members, and any other qualified devotees as the GBC deems necessary. The committee shall have a permanent chairman and permanent members. A Kshetra Committee has the following purposes:
To find Ministers who are committed and qualified to develop their field.
To insure that each Minister fulfills his duties.
A Kshetra Committee shall have the following general duties:
a) To evaluate the progress reports of the Ministers, and other related information, and when required make proposals to the GBC body;
b) To create integrated strategies for preaching and advancement of the mission of ISKCON.;
c) To refer issues to other standing committees as required;
d) To continue meeting during the year in person or by correspondence;
e) To otherwise act as a standing sub-committee to the GBC body and perform such duties as the GBC delegates to it from time to time.
The procedure for dealing with proposals shall be:
a) To identify and reformulate essential issues of a proposal to present to the GBC to save plenary session time and energy.
b)To formulate the issues, the history, the original proposal if it was rewritten, as well as the rationale behind all their decisions and present them to the GBC body.
c)To present proposals in one of three categories
i) Recommendations that receive a consensus (a majority for with no opposing vote): The GBC shall be requested to pass the proposal, no alternative proposal will be required;
ii) Recommendations that do not receive a consensus: The GBC shall be requested to review the issues and decide amongst alternative proposals;
iii) Requests for direction from the plenary body.
The proposals shall be accompanied with the details of the vote results.
d) To ask the GBC body for direction when questions of principle or differences of opinion arise;
e) To reconsider matters which the GBC body has given direction;
f) To refer matters back to Ministers when additional work is needed before it can be presented to the GBC;
3. That the Ksetra Committees shall be reassigned ministries for better efficiency. If other changes of ministries are required the GBC Agenda Planning Committee shall be empowered to make them. The Ksetra committees shall be reorganized as follows:
Ksetra Committee 1 – Essential Preaching
Book Distribution
Public Chanting and Festivals
Prasadam Distribution:
Food for Life
Restaurants
Congregational Programs
Ksetra Committee 2 – Specialized Preaching
Scientific Preaching
“College” Preaching
Youth Preaching
Padayatra
Cultural Programs
Ksetra Committee 3 – Education and Spiritual Development
Gurukula
Adult education
Spiritual Standards
Training New Bhaktas
Ksetra Committee 4 Essential ISKCON Infrastructure for preaching.
Fund Raising
Management and Administration
Finance and Accounting
Communications
Ksetra Committee 5 – Holy Places & Communities:
Mayapur and Vrindaban
Deity Worship
Spiritual Communities
Daiva-varnasram development
Cow-Protection
Self-sufficiency
Temples as places of pilgrimage [Tirthas]
Ksetra Committee 6– International ISKCON
Justice Systems
Legal Affairs
Unity of ISKCON
Zonal Affairs
Constitutional Issues
404 (Unpublished)
405
WHEREAS standing GBC Divisional Councils with permanent membership can give the Society strength, continuity and an increasingly more expert group of managers who can assist the GBC in its management.
WHEREAS there is need for a platform for:
1. association amongst peers.
2. exchanging new ideas.
3. taking inspiration from others successes.
4. discussing GBC Divisional preaching strategies
Therefore it is hereby resolved that:
ISKCON recognizes “GBC Divisional Councils” as a distinct level of spiritual management of the society. A GBC Divisional council is assigned for a particular geographic area and shall be constituted of all temple presidents and Regional secretaries and the GBC Zonal Secretary (if he wants to attend) within the region as well as resident sannyasis or other leading devotees as the council desires or the local GBC recommends. The GBC Divisional Council represents the interests of ISKCON, the GBC Zonal Secretary and the temples in a particular geographical area. Such councils may be continental, multi-national, national, or within a country, as is practical or existing. The councils should be within an area that enables them to meet frequently together. There may be more than one GBC Divisional Council in a Continental Committee’s area.
GBC Zonal Secretaries who have areas which have functioning GBC Divisional councils shall declare them as so for the purpose of this ISKCON Law.
The purpose of the GBC Divisional councils is to maximize the management in their regions, to relieve the GBC zonal secretaries from excessive management, and to assist the GBC Executive Committee and the GBC Emergency Task Force by resolving their problems.
They shall:
1. Work as an extension of the management of the GBC Zonal Secretary to maximize the efficiency of accomplishing the mission of ISKCON in their region.
2. Meet regularly as required. They must meet at least twice a year, but can meet monthly or more if the need arises.
3. Have officers.
4. Maintain an official minute book in which all resolutions are recorded.
5. Resolve all issues given them by their GBC zonal secretary or secretaries, the GBC Chairman and the Minister of Emergencies.
6. Examine the situation within their region and create the means by which potential problems can be resolved before they become a crisis.
7. Collect the monthly reports on behalf of the GBC Zonal Secretary from the temples in their region, analyze these reports, and recommend action to the Temple Presidents when the need arises.
8. Send copies of all reports to the GBC Zonal Secretary and the official reports in prescribed form to the ISKCON Secretariat for processing and archiving.
9. Insure that the proper standards of management and conduct are maintained by the temple managers in the region.
10. Decide disciplinary matters according to ISKCON Law for ISKCON Managers within their region.
11. As needed, suggest new appointments for temple presidentships to the local GBC for final approval.
12. Suggest means to rectify severe financial problems within a temple or reorganize the temple if required.
13. Approve all requests for sannyas within their area of responsibility.
14. Have its members serve on the “10-man committee” required by ISKCON Law for considering the nomination of candidates who reside within their area of responsibility for serving as new initiating gurus.
[Standing Order:]
1. That the Organization and Development committee make a survey of all GBC men to find out which “Regional”, “Zonal” or other councils which are presently functioning in ISKCON and could easily be established as GBC Divisional councils. When the most practical arrangement of GBC Divisional management is uncovered, the committee shall present to the GBC body the complete list of world-wide GBC Divisional councils with the list of its members which will then be officially recognized as a constitutional part of ISKCON management structure.
2. Those GBC men who have areas which do not have any functioning GBC Divisional councils shall create one or more before the end of the 1996 annual meeting.
The following is accepted as a position paper on GBC Divisional management.
ISKCON requires to bring the bulk of the management of the Society down to a level which is appropriate for such a diverse, world-wide organization. The GBC Divisional councils will assist the GBC men in the management of their zones by dealing on a peer level with the temple’s managers and relieving the GBC from having to enter too much into temple affairs thus distracting him from his real business of providing spiritual leadership for the zone. These councils will also assist the GBC Chairman and Task Force Minister by acting as their extensions in times of emergency. The Chairman of the GBC can delegate problems to this body for local rectification. If neither the GBC Divisional councils nor the local GBC(s) can resolve a particular problem, then, when requested by the council or GBC’s, the GBC Chairman can send the problem to the Task Force Minister for complete investigation. The Task Force Minister can make recommendations to the GBC Chairman who can then either resolve the issue with the Executive Committee or place the item on the agenda for the GBC Body to resolve either through COM or at their annual meeting.
There are three ways in which problems can be solved in ISKCON by the GBC Executive Committee during the year.
1) Problems relating to a particular GBC committee are sent there for resolution.
2) Problems which can be resolved locally are sent to the GBC Divisional Councils.
3) Emergencies can be sent to the proposed Task Force.
When the pressure from pressing issues is taken off the GBC Chairman and executive committee, then they can concentrate on their more important business of eliciting from the GBC men the leadership and vision sorely needed in ISKCON.
406
That:{ISKCON Law}
The ISKCON Foundation is encouraged and authorized to establish ISKCON Training Centers in different continents and shall be responsible for their direction and proper management. They shall also arrange the required operating expenses by setting up ISKCON Foundation chapters in the local areas and engaging interested congregational members, who will be nominated by the local Temple Presidents and Zonal GBCs and will serve under their direction. They shall work in close continuous cooperation with the respective local temples to assist the GBC Ministers and GBC Zonal Secretaries in their work of training ISKCON temple and congregational devotees by:
a) organizing seminars and courses in all ministry areas;
b) providing materials and resources for training;
c) providing ongoing consultation and advice;
d) employing/engaging full/part-time or volunteer staff trained by GBC Ministers and Zonal Secretaries to do the above.
e) gather data and information and communicate such with the appropriate entities
{Provisional Order}:
In the year 1996 Ministerial Training Centers will be established in Alachua, London and Bombay.
407
THAT:
1. A GBC Planning, Review & Continuity Standing Committee be formed to plan and organize the GBC Meetings according to the Goal oriented systems and GBC Rules. They shall consist of permanent members to insure continuity in GBC Meetings. They should:
a) Receive all GBC proposals (instead of the executive committee) and organize the agenda for meetings.
b) Organize GBC correspondence voting on COM or by mail.
c) Insure that annual goals of ministries and temples are set and the proper review system is followed for monitoring progress.
d) See that the GBC’s desires in regard to meetings are implemented as far as possible.
e) Remind the GBC officers of their specific duties in regard to meetings.
2. The following shall be the members of the committee:
a) The Minister of Management and Finance
b) The COM GBC conference organizer
c) The GBC Parliamentarian
d) The GBC Corresponding Secretary or Secretaries, as the case may be.
3. The Chairman of the GBC shall insure that this committee does its duty.
408
WHEREAS bringing the best non-GBC ISKCON members into the decision making process will help make the GBC more relevant to the needs of the Society while creating valuable training opportunities for these members;
Therefore it is hereby resolved that:
There shall be “GBC Deputies” appointed from the ISKCON Managers [Temple Presidents, Regional Secretaries, etc.] to assist the GBC body in its global management of ISKCON in addition to their normal duties. The “GBC Deputies” shall have the following responsibilities:
a) To attend the annual GBC Meetings in Sridham Mayapur.
b) To be appointed for a term of 3 years, reappointment is permitted.
c) To be assigned to GBC Kshetra Committees, standing or other committees and to serve as regular voting members of the same.
d) To stay in communication during the year and continue to serve as committee members.
e) To do other things as requested by the GBC body.
SELECTION OF GBC DEPUTIES:
Each GBC man shall carefully consider the qualifications of the leaders in his zone and choose those who are most qualified to become GBC Deputies and who are able and enthusiastic to attend GBC annual meetings.
The GBC men should prepare a bio-data report describing why he has chosen the candidate and his particular qualifications.
The ISKCON International Managers’ Meeting shall also nominate 16 managers of whom eight shall be chosen by the GBC Deputies Nominations Committee as GBC Deputies.
A ‘GBC Nominations Committee’ made up of Jayapataka Swami, Mukunda Goswami, Harikesa Swami, Navina Krishna Prabhu and Sridhara Swami shall examine the list of candidates and the reports from the GBC men and the nominations from the ISKCON Managers and select the most qualified devotees to serve the GBC Body as GBC Deputies. They shall also fill all vacancies in the group of GBC Deputies which may arise. For this purpose 10 alternate Deputies shall be selected.
The Deputies shall be chosen at each meeting. They shall sign an acceptance form and commitment to attend the GBC meetings for the next three years and to fulfill the responsibilities of a GBC Deputy and to serve and to communicate during the year as required. Failure to accept an appointment shall create a vacancy which can be filled by the next eligible “alternate Deputy” selected.
GBC DEPUTIES’ COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
The GBC Standing committee for agenda and meeting management shall, before every annual meeting, assign the GBC Deputies to serve in relevant GBC Ksetra Committees, standing committees, and working committees. There shall also be a standing committee known as the ISKCON Management Standing Working Committee completely comprised of GBC Deputies to be given GBC matters which are most relevant to ISKCON managers.
The complete body of GBC Deputies shall be known as the Standing Committee of ISKCON Managers which, when requested by the GBC Executive Committee and the Meeting Management Committee, may meet at any time, including during the GBC plenary session, to transact business and resolve the issues which have been assigned to their committee.
The number of GBC Deputies shall be 32.
REMOVAL OF GBC DEPUTIES
A GBC Deputy who does not attend a GBC meeting without a prior permission shall be deemed to have resigned leaving his position vacant.
A GBC Deputy who does not perform his duties responsibly and is deemed as non-productive by the committees he serves on shall be removed.
A GBC Deputy who ceases to be an ISKCON Manager and is not given a special leave to continue by the GBC Executive Committee shall cease to be a GBC Deputy.
A GBC Deputy may be removed by a resolution of the GBC body.
A GBC Deputy may resign in writing if he so desires.
409
That
1. An ISKCON Minister of Emergencies be created to assist the executive committee to handle all emergencies throughout the year which require personal resolution. This Minister shall utilize the GBC Executive Committee Continental Representatives and other secretaries as he requires.
2. Amending Resolution #34 of 1993, these GBC Executive Committee Continental Representatives shall as far as possible be senior Non-GBC members who shall serve for a 3 year term and may be repainted.
3. At his discretion, the chairman shall forward emergencies, problems or other issues to the Minister of the task force. The Chairman shall work together with the Minister and when required should direct the strategy for dealing with the issues.
4. The ISKCON Emergency Task Force shall be GBC executive action secretaries who should attend annual GBC meetings if possible.
5. Wherever possible the expenses should be paid by the local areas concerned and when not possible from the GBC budget. The Minister’s expenses shall be paid from the GBC budget.
6. That H. H. Trivikrama Swami serve as Minister of Emergencies for 1996-97. He is confirmed as an assistant GBC while he is filling this post.
410
1. The ISKCON Foundation and the Ministry of Management Finance, represented by Naveen Krsna dasa, shall appoint three devotees to oversee the grants to the scientific preachers. These three devotees shall comprise the ‘GBC Funding Committee’. One of the three devotees shall be the Minister of Management Finance. It is recommended that for ease of management, all three should be resident in North America and not engaged in scientific preaching. They should be completely neutral parties without allegiance to any particular fashion of the BI. All their decisions must be made unanimously by all committee members.
2. The additional members initially be : Hari Vilas dasa, Bhakti Tirtha Swami.
and Sesa dasa. Sesa das will be the chairman.
The duties of this committee of three devotees are as follows:
To find out after the yearly BBT Trustees meeting (approximately end June) the amount of BBT funds available for scientific preaching.
To receive these funds in an ISKCON Foundation bank account from the BBT International
To create a standard grant request application and procedures specifically designed to get the best understanding of the economic requirements, including progress reports and plans, of the scientific preachers.
To receive grant requests from the BI as a whole, if it is functioning in that manner, or otherwise by individuals who are engaged in scientific preaching which is recognized as valuable by the GBC Funding Committee.
To carefully analyze these grant requests.
To carefully scrutinize the yearly statement of accounts, progress reports and plans, which the receivers of past funding must provide before receiving new funds.
To determine how much money shall be given to all parties deemed worthy of receiving funds.
To obtain final approval of intended grants from Harikesa Swami.
To disburse these funds to properly constituted bank accounts of the entities receiving the funds.
In order to protect the members of the committee and anyone mentioned in this resolution, and to insure that the interests of the GBC and BBT are protected, the shall be no lobbying or protests from the applicants either before or after the decisions are made. If the applicants lobby and protest, their application will be rejected. This is standard procedure for grant approval organizations.
The applicants are allowed one written appeal which will go to the committee and Harikesa Swami. Their decision after reviewing the appeal shall be final for the fiscal year which will be July 1st – June 30th.
The relevant GBC Ksetra committee shall review this resolution and its implementation on a yearly basis at the annual GBC meeting. Naveen Krsna das shall present the decisions of the committee on COM as soon as they are available.
411
1. That the NA GBCs and Temple Presidents, based on current projections for availability of fund raising materials, be allowed till January 31, of 1999 to pay off the loan, and;
2. That at the 1996 May Continental meetings in Alachua the final amount of the loan balance and interest to date be fully allocated amongst all the responsible parties; further the allocation details including timetable of payment plan should be sent to the entire GBC Body by June 15th, 1996, and that it be noted that interest will continue to accrue to each responsible party until their allocated portion is paid off and,
3. That the allocations already made to the NA GBC’s, NA BBT and ISKCON Los Angeles shall not be increased as they were full allocations at their inception.
412
THAT:
1. The following ISKCON Law from 197? Is to be amended to read as follows:
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[AMENDED VERSION AS ISKCON LAW]:
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
An ISKCON Manager may be granted a leave of absence only at his own request for any of the following reasons.
a.) acute and unremitting health problem(s);
b.) compelling personal reasons;
The member seeking a leave of absence shall clearly explain in writing to his GBC Zonal Secretary specific reasons for his request. If granted, the leave of absence shall not exceed a period of one year at a time.
RESIGNATION
An ISKCON Manager may tender his resignation to his GBC Zonal Secretary at any time. A resignation should be submitted in writing.
CENSURE
An ISKCON Manager (Temple President, Regional Secretaries, Project Leaders) may be censured for any of the following transgressions during his tenure of office:
I. Misconduct and indiscipline
a.) Willful violation of GBC resolutions
b.) Vilification of ISKCON or the GBC Body
c.) Misconduct in office (physical assault except in self-defense, improper relationships with opposite sex, improper sexual behavior, abusive behavior to devotees, improper dealings with external society, and so on.)
d.) Habitually or knowingly making false charges and accusations or other consistent Vaisnava aparadhas.
e.) Serious interference in the guru & disciple relationship.
f.) Duplicitous or untruthful dealings (giving false promises to devotees, lying to spiritual authorities, and other serious prevarication).
II.. Improper discharge and neglect of duty, misuse of funds and gross mismanagement.
a.) Consistent unexcused absences at Divisional Council meetings.
b.) Consistent failure to submit prescribed monthly reports.
c.) Consistent interference in the guru-disciple relationship or consistent disregard of the devotees requirement to accept a Spiritual Master and serve him.
d.) Consistent or serious economic mismanagement of such a nature that it endangers the temple or preaching mission.
e.) Serious degradation of Temple standards (Deity worship, cleanliness and kitchen standards, devotee morale, preaching, temple economy, and so on.)
III. Spiritual discrepancy
a. Failure to follow strictly the rules and regulations in Srila Prabhupada’s books.
b. Philosophical deviation.
c. Consistently irregular attendance at the temple morning program without bona fide cause.
d. Failure to follow any of the 4 regulative principles or to regularly chant 16 rounds of japa.
A Divisional Council by 2/3 Majority vote shall have the power to censure an ISKCON Manager serving within its region. In addition, the local GBC Zonal Secretary along with two consenting GBC’s, or an authorized ISKCON Judicial Committee, or the GBC body, shall also have the power to censure an ISKCON Manager.
A vote of censure is to be understood as a reprimand aimed at reformation of the member and prevention of further offending acts. It is the warning voice of suspension or removal. If the motion to censure is adopted, it shall be entered into the Divisional Council Minute Book or the censuring body’s minutes. Furthermore, it will be strongly impressed upon the offender the meaning of the censure note which may be worded as follows:
“Dear ______________ Maharaja/Prabhu,
Please understand that a Temple President / ISKCON Manager is a representative of Srila Prabhupada and has the responsibility to act in a manner befitting such a position. Due to the reasons stated below you have been censured by vote of the Divisional Council (ISKCON Governing Body Commission/ a GBC Judicial Committee / GBC’s) for the reasons contained in the resolution. A censure expresses disapproval of your conduct. A censure is an official warning. It is the warning voice of suspension or removal. Please take due notice thereof and rectify the situation.
[insert reasons for censure]
[signature(s) of censuring authority]”
A member who has been censured three times shall be placed on probation.
If, during a period of three years, no motion to censure is adopted against a member, then his slate of censures is wiped clean.
PROBATION
An ISKCON Manager censured three times shall be placed on probation. That body shall also assign the offending member a specific program of rectification for the period of his probation. They may determine to what degree he may continue his service.
The period of probation shall normally be for one year or until the problem is deemed rectified by the censuring body or the Divisional Council.
SUSPENSION
If he has been on probation for at least one year and the situation has not been rectified the Divisional Council by 2/3 Majority vote can recommend to suspend a ISKCON Manager which if approved by the local GBC(s) concerned and other GBC’s (totaling a minimum of 3 GBCs, preferably from the same region) he may be suspended from his present position until revoked or he is removed. In addition, the ISKCON Manager’s local GBC Zonal Secretary along with two consenting GBC’s, or an authorized ISKCON Judicial Committee, or the GBC body, shall also have the power to suspend an ISKCON Manager. In emergencies the GBC Executive Committee can suspend an ISKCON Manager.
The terms applying to a suspended ISKCON Manager for the duration of his period of suspension shall be as follows:
a.) He may not exercise any authority of his previously held position.
b.) He may not vote as an ISKCON Manager
c.) He must be assigned a specific program of rectification.
The rectification and proper engagement of a suspended ISKCON Manager shall be a primary concern. As a result, the suspending body shall assign the offending ISKCON Manager a specific program of rectification for the duration of the period of suspension. The assigned program of rectification shall be understood as an opportunity for the suspended ISKCON Manager to redress himself and to regain his status as an ISKCON Manager in good standing. The suspending body shall personally or through a delegated council/committee carefully monitor the progress of the ISKCON Manager throughout his period of suspension. This committee shall submit quarterly progress reports to the suspending body.
The period of suspension shall not exceed one year at which time the GBC body at its annual meeting shall carefully consider the case of the suspended ISKCON Manager in order to either reinstate, or remove, or relocate and to give whatever directions or conditions deemed appropriate.
REMOVAL
Under normal circumstances an ISKCON Manager will be removed from his position only after being suspended and unable to rectify his situation. Such cases should be resolved by the GBC body.
There should ideally be no change of Presidents or ISKCON Managers. If there are any difficulties they should be resolved by careful mediation. However, in an urgent situation the Executive Committee in conjunction with the local GBC Zonal Secretary (if he is in good standing, and if not they may do it on their own) shall be empowered to remove an ISKCON Manager. An urgent situation shall be defined as:
a. Any violation which endangers ISKCON’s stability and security locally, nationally or internationally which cannot wait for the usual process of suspension and removal.
b. Severe spiritual, philosophical or moral deviation.
c. Rebellion against the authority of Srila Prabhupada and the GBC body.
413
WHEREAS the GBC requires a means to resolve issues during the year between annual meetings;
Therefore it is resolved that:
COM shall be an official medium for dealing with correspondence proposals of the GBC Body during the year. This shall be ideal for discussing simple straightforward matters which do not require complex editing.
COM shall be used to discuss relevant GBC issues vote on correspondence proposals between annual meetings.
All GBC men and GBC Deputies are required to log onto COM at least once a week during discussion sessions or more, if possible, and twice a week or more during voting sessions and all GBC representatives should participate in the GBC conferences.
There will be the following conferences on COM for GBC Business:
GBC Discussions conference: This is a type of free forum where a GBC representative, may discuss issues he considers important. Everyone may respond as they like. It is not meant to be structured. However, proposals can be made on this conference when desired. This is a permanent conference.
GBC Proposals conferences: When a proposal is made in the Discussions conference and accepted [see below], it will appear within a conference created specifically for that proposal. The proposal will be stated, commented on, modified and so on, and ultimately voted upon within this conference. This conference will remain until the end of the next annual meeting in Mayapur.
GBC Announcements conference: Here, any GBC representative may make announcements which are important for others to hear.
GBC Proposal acceptance and structuring conference: This conference is meant for a select group of GBC men (the Proposal Preparation Committee) who shall, on behalf of the GBC body, make sure that the proposals made are fit for the GBC body to discuss. They shall also, if required, reword the proposal for clarity or require that the person who originally proposed it to correct it until it is accepted by this committee. This is a permanent conference.
GBC Proposal Rewording Conference: Here, proposals will be adjusted, if required, by the Proposal Preparation Committee, which shall, on behalf of the GBC body, taking into consideration the comments of the members of the proposal discussion conference, reword the proposal preparing it for final voting. This shall be a permanent conference.
GBC Minutes Book: This will be the place where all passed resolutions shall be recorded and from where the resolutions will be taken to be added to the official GBC Minutes book in Mayapur. This is a permanent conference.
There will also be a permanent GBC COM Conference Organizer, who is the official COM Correspondence Secretary of the GBC Body. His acronym shall be C2O (COM Conference Organizer).
The C2O shall be Premarnava das, BBT Korsnas Gard, Sweden.
The members of the Proposal Preparation Committee shall be the present GBC Chairman, the C2O, Jayapataka Swami, Harikesa Swami, and Suhotra Swami.
All GBC members and GBC Deputies shall be members of the GBC Discussions conference, the Announcements conference, the GBC Minutes Conference as well as all proposal conferences.
Procedure how a proposal takes birth and grows till its final disposition:
Discussions take place in the GBC Discussions conference.
When someone makes a serious proposal, which is co-sponsored by at least two other GBC members, he should prepare it in standard GBC format (including title of proposal, proposer name, and brief presentation of proposal, ‘whereas’ clauses, as well as the complete proposal itself and reasons why the proposal should be accepted) and the C2O will copy the proposal into the Proposal Preparation Conference where it will be examined to see if it is a proper proposal worthy of the consideration of the whole body on COM. In most cases it will be accepted.
The PPC (Proposal Preparation Committee) shall, if needed, work with the original proposer to reword the proposal to their satisfaction, or they shall suggest rewording to him.
When the proposal is in a proper form, the C2O shall create a conference specifically for that proposal. The first text shall be the approved proposal.
The proposal will be discussed during the discussion sessions [see below] for normally not less than three weeks. If the discussion period is less than three weeks it shall, unless there is an emergency, automatically be moved to the next discussion period.
There will be three cycles of discussion sessions and final voting sessions during the year. Participation in voting sessions is mandatory. These periods shall be as follows:
Discussion Voting
April/May June
July/August September
October/November December
If a proposal seems to be not going anywhere, the PPC can call for a straw vote to help everyone understand which direction to take.
If the proposal is fairly straightforward and the PPC deems it appropriate, the proposal shall, after being discussed sufficiently, be called to a vote during the months designated. All voting shall follow standard GBC voting rules. The C2O shall prepare a brief summary of the discussions for the members of the proposal conference before the voting session begins. The voting will take place within the conference created for that proposal and the members shall state whether they are in favor or opposed to the proposal.
If the proposal has been discussed and changes which are generally accepted by the members suggested, the PPC shall reword the proposal to reflect the changes desired by the Body and present the reworded proposal for final vote.
If the proposal was seriously altered and there seems to be a split opinion amongst the GBC members, alternative proposals shall be presented by the PPC and all proposals voted on. One may vote in favor of only one alternative, or none, if one so desires.
For a vote to be valid a quorum of members has to be established. 51% of the GBC is a quorum. When there is not a quorum late votes shall be accepted to reach a quorum only up to the end of the voting session month.
Accepted resolutions shall be entered into the GBC Minutes Conference by the C2O.
Additional voting procedural rules for handling proposals, amendments, etc. can be made by the PPC during the year to facilitate the GBC COM meetings.
413
That the following are accepted as spiritual standards & qualifications for ISKCON temple presidents;
A Temple President must be an initiated devotee who follows daily sadhana and full morning program, demonstrably chants sixteen rounds, follows strictly the four regulative principles, studies Srila Prabhupada’s books, regularly gives classes, and participates in temple festivals and harinam parties.
A Temple President must live in or near enough to a Krishna Conscious temple community to regularly, on a daily basis, participate in devotional activities and associate with devotees.
A Temple President should be exemplary in all respects in his behavior and character.
A Temple President must accept the authority of the GBC body and the GBC Zonal Secretary and maintains the proper service attitude to senior devotees especially GBC members, initiating spiritual masters and sannyasis.
A Temple President must fit into one of the following categories;
Sannyasis, brahmacari(ni)s, vanaprasthas, and brahminical grhasthas (living in facilities provided by ISKCON) who are fully maintained by ISKCON are to be fully engaged in devotional service with all their time and energy.
Grhasthas who dedicate the major part of their time and energies to their ISKCON duties. They need, however, to earn a minimum amount of income for family obligations that are not defrayed by ISKCON. They are exempted from the 50 percent donation rule.
Grhasthas who choose to engage in full-time occupation outside of ISKCON must follow the 50 percent donation rule, and all of their non-occupational time should also be engaged in devotional service, sacrificing a major portion given in voluntary service to ISKCON.
An ideal Temple President should possess or develop the following;
Must be a competent and committed manager who is honest, and trustworthy.
Can manage, organize, and conduct meetings
Has a service attitude, respects all devotees and is able to work with others.
Can communicate well and is able to motivate and inspire people
Cares for people
Must be expert in his or her area of service or possess a willingness to learn
Exercising the Temple President’s Authority:
In engaging devotees according to nature.
The temple president shall engage devotees according to their qualifications, propensities and capabilities with a goal to provide a satisfying service which encourages a loving sacrifice to Krishna.
The Temple President and department heads shall provide adequate training for each devotee assigned to a temple service and strive to maximize the devotee’s potential through further training and personal development. They shall maintain an open and supportive climate among the temple staff, inviting suggestions and explaining grievance channels.
The temple president shall meet with each resident member when they join the Temple and at least quarterly to ensure they are effectively engaged in their service and are progressing in their spiritual life. Thus the personal and spiritual career needs of the devotee can be monitored.
In following ISKCON Laws and GBC directives.
The Temple President is duty bound to follow all ISKCON Laws and directives without exception.
In relation to his GBC zonal secretary(s).
The Temple President should cooperate with the GBC representative(s) assigned to his Temple, consult them on important issues and consider their advice. The GBC representatives are not meant to involve themselves in the day to day management of a temple. However they are responsible for seeing that the ISKCON standards are maintained within all aspects of the Society’s activities. When the President is given advice or instructions as to how to maintain or improve these standards then such instructions are to be followed.
In dealings regarding guru disciple relationships and with gurus whose disciples reside in temple.
The Temple President’s responsibility is to see that the spiritual and administrative standards of ISKCON are maintained. He should inspire, nurture and guide the devotees of the Community in their devotional service. Since in ISKCON it is not always possible for the gurus to directly manage and engage their disciples in devotional service, the Temple President engages all the disciples of all Spiritual Masters in their day to day devotional service to Guru and Krishna by allocating appropriate services to the devotees for the pleasure of their respective spiritual masters and Srila Prabhupada. The Temple President shall give due consideration to the potentials, strengths and weaknesses (both material and spiritual) and overall maturity of the devotees. His mood is as servant of the Community members. The Temple President shall take into account any specific suggestions offered by the spiritual masters in regard to guiding their disciples and assigning services. The Temple President shall make the final decision on the services of the devotees based on considerations of effective management of the community.
Must encourage all devotees to establish a relationship with an ISKCON Guru.
Must not canvas for a particular Guru.
Must not undermine or interfere with the relationship of any bona fide ISKCON Guru and his disciple.
Must preach to temple devotees who are disciples of various Gurus to cooperate together in Srila Prabhupada’s family.
If conflicts arise with a particular Guru then the GBC Zonal Secretary(s) should be immediately informed so that he may rectify the situation on his level.
It is recommended the Temple President and Department Heads perform a quarterly appraisal of all initiated devotees in their community which can then be used to measure performance and build strategies for improvement. This document can then be shared with the spiritual masters who can also offer their guidance and insights.
In following local laws.
The Temple President should ensure that all local, state and national laws are abided by all Temple and Community members.
ISKCON members are law abiding citizens. However, where demonic laws interfere with the execution of bona fide preaching duties then one can resist such orders. In such cases, Srila Prabhupada recommended to do the needful taking into consideration the circumstances of the laws of the country, the customs of the local people, the reputation of our society and the example which will be set for the future devotees to follow.
In investing and spending Temple’s funds.
In financial management the Temple President should always keep in mind, that money should be spent cautiously and not be wasted and the temple should always be kept out of debt. The Temple’s funds should always be seen as belonging to Lord Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Certainly, they should never be thought of as being one’s own.
The following principles should always be adhered to:
Financial records should be properly maintained.
Accurate and meaningful financial statements should be prepared.
Budgets should be prepared to avoid and anticipate financial problems.
Funds should be properly banked and where not possible very securely kept. As a principle a minimum of two signatories should sign on each account.
Government statutes, income tax regulations for recognized non-profit organizations, and all regulations for bookkeeping shall be complied with.
Temple funds shall be invested in book distribution, prasadam distribution and other preaching activities as well as property purchases and recurring expenditures which support temple programs. They shall not be advanced, loaned or invested in speculative enterprises or personal projects. A ceiling should be set for discretionary funds.
Investments of large sums of money (as determined by the local Zonal Secretary or GBC Divisional Council) should be approved by the local GBC Zonal Secretary, GBC Divisional Council and local Temple council or Board. If investments are made in fixed deposits such accounts should as far as possible have multiple signatories at least two of which can sign.
The Temple President should direct the Treasurer, and as far as possible have little to do with the direct handling of Temple funds. The Temple President and Treasurer and if desired other officers shall create the temple budget. The Treasurer should carefully handle the finances according to the approved budget under the directions of the President and see to the proper maintenance of the accounts. The Temple President shall sign on accounts. Srila Prabhupada wanted the character and behavior of the Presidents to be above suspicion. Except in unavoidable cases the Temple President or his/her spouse should not be the Treasurer.
In dealings with members of the opposite sex.
It is impossible for a Temple President to avoid some dealings with the opposite gender. In so doing the following guidelines should be adhered to avoid compromising spiritual standards.
A Male Temple President should;
Always see all women as mother except one’s wife.
Never be alone with a woman except one’s wife.
Avoid intimate dealings with women.
Appoint a senior woman to deal with all women’s affairs
In dealings with his own family affairs (if grihasta).
There is nothing wrong with a householder managing a temple so long as he does not utilize the facilities of the temple for his own personal sense gratification. Certainly the president may get his basic requirements for living and eating fulfilled through the temple, and he may also have his own place to live outside. However, he should not exploit the temple for his own sense gratification. A temple president must be careful not to take more than what would be allotted to any other householder who is working full time for the temple. For example, he should not have specially prepared opulent meals when the temple devotees are eating austerely. In fact he should eat with the devotees. Neither should he use temple funds to buy himself a nice vehicle while the other devotees are walking or taking the bus. He should take what is needed to expand his service, but not for expanding his sense gratification.
In removing a devotee from a temple.
A Temple President must be diligent in assuring spiritual standards are maintained within the Temple and it’s asramas. He shall observe the procedures as per ISKCON Laws and may order censure, probation, dissociation, divestiture or request the GBC to ex-communicate a member from the Temple, in consultation with the temple board, but should always be mindful of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions. “First try to rectify, and if the man cannot be rectified then you may remove”:
Removal can be affected for any of the following transgressions;
Consistent and habitual violation of any of the four regulative principles
Persistent neglect to complete 16 rounds of japa daily.
Openly inimical or defying Srila Prabhupada or ISKCON’s policies, or ISKCON spiritual and managerial authorities.
Flagrant and repeated misrepresentation of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Being overly attached to sense gratification in a serious, prolonged or hopeless way.
Violation of national, state or local government laws.
Acting against the interests of the Society.
In disciplining a devotee of the temple.
If a devotee is found to be engaged in any of the above activities the Temple President has a responsibility to rectify the situation. Circumstances giving rise to the need for disciplining a devotee are an opportunity to encourage the devotee to engage in positive activities conducive for spiritual advancement. Transgressions requiring discipline are deviations from basic standards of Vaisnava etiquette and so the proper standards should be encouraged and enforced through appropriate counseling and encouragement. In such situations, it is best to talk with a devotee in private rather than humiliate them before others or to demonstrate one’s own superiority. In all cases it should be first determined that the person has actually been engaged in the alleged activity.
Disciplining a temple devotee may be done for the above and following reasons;
Breaking of service agreements
Fighting or verbal disagreements
Inappropriate gender relationships
Impersonal or nasty behavior
In dealings with non-resident devotees
Temple Presidents and ISKCON leaders shall encourage and facilitate the important preaching role of non-resident devotees as they introduce Krishna consciousness to their neighbors and business or work associates. The non-resident devotees should get respectful treatment, encouragement and prasadam.
Temple Presidents, in consultation with the temple board, may suspend the privileges of nonresident members for:
Openly inimical or defying Srila Prabhupada or ISKCON’s policies, or ISKCON spiritual and managerial authorities.
Flagrant and repeated misrepresentation of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Any violation of the government laws which places ISKCON in jeopardy.
Acting against the interests of the Society.
The Temple President shall give the suspended devotee a clear written explanation of why he or she has been suspended.
Temple President Duties:
To the Deities, Srila Prabhupada, the GBC and the initiating spiritual masters;
Ensure that nobody preaches a philosophy contradictory to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
Maintain the worship of the Temple Deities.
Conduct an active and effective missionary campaign to spread Krishna consciousness in the temple’s geographical jurisdiction.
Oversee and supervise spiritual standards for practicing members and temple programs
To the devotees of the Temple Community
Assign each devotee with satisfactory and well-planned service.
Provide opportunities for devotees to expand responsibilities, initiate activities, attend to personal matters, and voice suggestions or grievances.
Provide all residents space and facilities to rest, to store and secure belongings, to maintain the body, and to study. They shall also provide sufficient quantity and good quality prasadam
To ensure all dependent devotees are provided with adequate health care and health insurance except in those countries where health insurance is provided by state authorities.
To guests:
ISKCON leaders shall provide approved guests with adequate room and prasadam arrangements as well as attentive training in Krishna consciousness.
Registered ISKCON Life Members and their immediate family members may stay for up to three days in ISKCON ashrams free of charge. Life Members must show a current ISKCON membership card or passport. The temple president or temple secretary shall record Life Members’ names, addresses, and membership numbers upon the members’ arrival.
In the event that the temple cannot provide acceptable ashram space, the temple president shall attempt to accommodate the Life Members in alternative facilities, such as a grhastha’s residence.
In Management:
Appointment of Temple President
The GBC Zonal secretary/s shall be the authority to appoint or approve a new Temple President to fill in a vacancy of the post in an existing temple or in a newly established temple. If the candidate is holding such a position for the first time then he shall be appointed only as an acting Temple President for a trial period of one year. A Preaching center shall not have the post of a President but shall have the post of a Manager. In all such appointments the Zonal secretary/s shall give due considerations to the recommendations of the Divisional Council.
ISKCON Temple Presidents shall;
Take ISKCON’s Oath of Loyalty.
Implement policies and directions set by Divisional Council and the GBC Body.
Consult with the GBC representative or Divisional Council for all significant matters.
Attend all Divisional Council meetings.
Attend continental training seminars and continental committee meetings.
Attend annual International Managers’ Meeting in Mayapura
Provide monthly financial and prescribed reports to the GBC representative
Provide a written annual report to the GBC representative and other ISKCON bodies as required.
By careful planning, learn to invest most of their time in activities that are developmental such as teaching, preaching, studying, and planning, rather than reactive engagements of crisis management, emergency counseling, creating patchwork solutions, etc.
Participate in the organization’s strategic planning to develop and carry out Temple policies and to provide an annual budget and current written strategic action plan for the Temple.
Regularly review and improve the strategic plan as required to ensure the strategies are current, effective and efficient.
Motivate the devotees and organize the temple’s progress in each area of the strategic plan.
Conduct temple community istagosthis regularly to communicate Temple policies, progress and strategies and thereby foster cooperation and participation amongst the devotees.
Establish a communication link with the appropriate GBC ministries
Facilitate and organize Department Heads into an effective Management Team
Ensure quality of service and behavior of Department Heads
Train assistant(s) so work and quality continue without interruption
Develop and uphold ISKCON’s good reputation in the local community.
Ensure devotees are not engaged in illegal activities according to ISKCON Law.
Ensure compliance to fiscal and legal requirements.
414
That the leaders of the Krishna consciousness movement, as followers of Srila Prabhupada, ought to see the duty of training and facilitating congregational members as their primarily function, in order to fulfill the order of Lord Caitanya:
” Therefore I order every man within this universe to accept this Krsna consciousness movement and distribute it everywhere.” and the numerous instructions that Srila Prabhupada has given in his books, lectures, letters and conversations on how people can practice Krishna consciousness in their home, be initiated, “establish a center in their home”, “preach Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam” from their home.
Wherever we have powerful leaders — whether GBC members, gurus, sannyasis, or temple presidents — they ought to impress upon their followers that everyone must be brought into the congregation and empowered to preach Krishna consciousness purely. This will directly please Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada. Congregational preaching should be understood to be one of the most essential works of ISKCON (books are the basis; preaching is the essence) following the footsteps of Lord Nityananda and the previous acaryas.
2. ISKCON temples should try to annually double their congregation by training and empowering the congregation through small local Nama Hatta “cell” groups.
3. Local spiritual authorities shall be responsible to establish programs for effectively involving, training and otherwise helping and encouraging congregational devotees to gradually become qualified for initiation. Congregational members shall be subject to the same standards for initiation as stated in ISKCON Law on initiation and for acceptance of guru. ISKCON Law states that the local Temple or Regional Authorities must recommend the congregational candidate however this shall be done in the same manner as any other qualified devotee. If a local authority considers a candidate for initiation not qualified then the candidate should be informed what needs to be done in order to become qualified according to ISKCON Law. It shall be prohibited to require a minimum donation or financial commitment or other requirements not mentioned by Srila Prabhupada or ISKCON Law. As already mentioned in ISKCON Law, an individual guru is under no obligation to initiate a devotee because a proper recommendation has been given.
415
That the Minister of Management and Finance shall provide a manual, annually updated, detailing all resources at the disposal of ISKCON Managers during the year and during their annual meetings. It shall contain lists detailing;
GBCs
Ministers
Standing Committees
GBC Deputies
Divisional Councils
The ISKCON Law Book
ISKCON Management Guidelines
An ISKCON Directory containing all addresses, e-mail addresses, phone and fax numbers of ISKCON Centers.
In addition the Chairman of the executive committee shall keep a written log or record of the actions the Executive Committee and its agents take during its year of office. This shall be handed over to the new Executive Committee at an explanatory briefing session so the new officers are up to date with their immediate service requirements.
Resolutions Regarding ISKCON Preaching
501
That ISKCON establish an officially GBC-appointed interfaith commission.
The specific purpose of this commission is to present officially authorized ISKCON representatives for interreligious dialogue. These official representatives are authorized to speak on behalf of the ultimate managing authority, the GBC. This commission encourages the devotees in their taking initiative to speak on behalf of ISKCON in less official capacities.
The commission will consist initially of Bhakti-tirtha Swami, Ravindra Svarupa prabhu, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja, Hridayananda Goswami, Tamal Krsna Goswami, Prthu dasa, Saunaka Rsi and Mukunda Goswami.
This commission will be empowered to act as ISKCON’s official voice and representation to the heads of all world religions and is empowered to engage other devotees in this service. Before publishing or issuing any major position statements the commission will obtain the approval of the GBC executive officers. The commission will have different functions. It will act as a consultant for those who meet heads of religions; its members and their representatives will meet heads of religions; its members will appoint, assign and authorize official ISKCON representatives. Before a ISKCON representative is made official, the committee will have to vote and approve him or her by majority vote. After each meeting with a major faith or its representative, the ISKCON representative will send a report to each member of the commission. These reports will be kept carefully by the commission. At the end of the year the, commission will make an official report to the GBC body of its activity throughout the year. Among themselves, the committee members will decide how they will administrate their various functions throughout the year. If they are in doubt at any point about their decision-making, they will consult with the GBC executive officers for guidance.
The specific purpose of this commission is to present officially authorized ISKCON members to speak on behalf of the entire organization. This is our internal system
for that. This commission will not discourage devotees taking initiative to preach on behalf of ISKCON in any less official capacity.
502
That Navina Nirada Prabhu is accepted as the Global Book Distribution Monitor replacing Rohini Suta dasa in this capacity.
503
WHEREAS the GBC needs to produce and publish a concise statement of exactly what it stands for, what it is and what it does, especially for all ISKCON members to see;
That a committee be formed to draw up an initial draft of a mission statement for ISKCON as well as a mission statement for the GBC. We recommend that Sridhara
Swami will execute the committee’s duties, including selection of officers.
The first drafts of these two mission statements will be available to all GBC members via the GBC Discussions Conference on COM by 30 June 1996.
Suggested members of the committee are :
Harikesa Swami; Jayapataka Swami; Mukunda Goswami; Sridhar Swami; Navina Krsna dasa; Damodara dasa; Vaidyanatha dasa.
All GBC members will then be invited to comment and review these two statements. It will then be this committee’s responsibility to produce a final draft of these two mission statements as an offering to Srila Prabhupada on his Maha Vyasa Puja day on 6 September 1996 to receive His blessings.
GBC members will then be invited to further refine these two statements such that they will be put into final form no later than the 1997 Annual GBC Meeting in Mayapura. The final ratification of these two statements will take place no later that the 1997 Mayapura GBC Annual Meeting.
504
Whereas the ISKCON Bhativedanta Ashram in Jagannatha Puri is an international project, also called Hare Krishna Kunj.
It is hereby given permission to raise funds for the proposed development of the five acre plot overlooking the Bay of Bengal. ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Ashram is allowed to advertise its project in standard ISKCON publications, such as BTG or IWR and in cities throughout the world when approved by the local temple authorities. Before proceeding with this effort Mayapur Chandra Prabhu must get written approval from the Bombay accounts office.
506
THAT from end of March 1996 onward, all ISKCON dealings with South African President Dr. Nelson Mandela, Deputy President Mr. Mbeki and Zulu leader Mongotsu Bhutelezi–anywhere in the world–will be undertaken only with the prior sanctions and arrangements of His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami or Bhakti Tirtha Swami or their appointed representatives such as Sruti Kirti prabhu, ISKCON Temple president.
507
THAT Sridhar Swami, in consultation with the GBC executive Committee, prepares a proposal for the 1997 GBC meeting for the purchase of projection equipment and other devices to enable our committees to function more effectively during the annual GBC meetings.
508
Research team for University professors committee.
To assist the “University Professors Committee”, a research team will be established to compile information on how other religious organizations around the world conduct their preaching and missionary activity via University professors. Each member of the “University Professors Committee” is encouraged to involve qualified researchers to participate in this research project.
A) The following are persons who may know qualified researchers:
Jayadwaita Swami
Hrdayananda das Goswami
Prabhavisnu Swami
Gunagrahi Goswami
Lilamadhava prabhu
Naveen Krsna prabhu
Sundararupa prabhu
Saunaka Rsi prabhu
Amoghalila prabhu
Krsna Ksetra prabhu
B) The following persons are invited and encouraged to participate in the research:
Rasamandala prabhu (UK)
Aja prabhu (N. Europe)
Radhika-atma prabhu (Australia)
Vijai Pai (Houston)
Dr. Vajapeyi (Delhi)
Brahmadev prabhu (S. Africa)
Siddhi-lalasa mataji (Mauritius)
Shankla family (Washington, D.C.)
Visnu dasa (Houston)
Varahadeva prabhu (Germany)
Gadadhara prabhu (Germany)
B. Kailash and Kandarpa Manjari (Durban)
Vasu Murty (San Francisco)
H. H. Romapada Swami is requested to organize the team of researchers and present a first draft to the “University Professors Committee” by July 30th, 1996, by E-Mail. A COM conference will be created for this Committee.
By September 30, 1996, all discussions on the report should be finalized, and a final draft should be prepared by Rasamandala prabhu by January 15th, 1997.
509 (unpublished)
510
THAT the planners for the future Mayapur temple and city will include in that plan a purpose-built structure for GBC plenary and committee meetings as well as GBC member accommodation.
511 (unpublished)
512
THAT the GBC body officially recognizes “Hare Krishna Food for Life” and gives the program its blessings.
513
THAT all ISKCON publications such as books, magazines, newsletters, leaflets, fliers, invitations, etc., should clearly display the full name and titles of Srila Prabhupada including “Founder/Acharya”, “Prabhupada”, and “His Divine Grace”, for example:
“His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya
of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness”
514
In order to preserve the integrity of preaching to public figures, VIP’s and other people of influence including opinion leaders, a global standing Committee / Advisory board should be constituted, to assess the preaching to such individuals. The principle is to encourage and assist preaching which is already going on between devotees and important persons. ISKCON officers and managers are requested to notify the aforesaid committee about contacts with such persons as they occur in their area.
As needed the committee will provide appropriate guidelines for such preaching.
Suggested Committee members
Bhakti Tirtha Swami, Bhakti Caru Swami, Mukunda Goswami, Radhanath Swami
Giriraj Swami, Gopala Krishna Goswami, Gaura Lila Prabhu
515
That a committee (NVCOM) consisting of Mukunda Goswami, Anuttama dasa, Ravindra Svarupa dasa, Badrinarayana dasa, Radhanatha Swami, and Amarendra dasa be formed to hold discussion with officials of New Vrindavana and investigate New Vrindavana’s initiative to officially and legally re-enter ISKCON. NVCOM will recommend the conditions required for re-entry.
The GBC executive officers are empowered to accept, on behalf of the entire GBC body, the recommendations of NVCOM, including any recommendations NVCOM makes about officially and legally reuniting New Vrindavana with ISKCON. The GBC Executive Offices are thus empowered to officially readmit New Vrindavan into ISKCON, if this is part of NVCOM’s recommendations, without having to wait for the 1997 GBC Annual Meeting at Mayapur.
Resolutions Concerning ISKCON Justice and Legal Issues
601
That the now inactive ISKCON Ministry of Justice be revived as described herein;
that this newly reconstituted Ministry of Justice be recognized as fully authorized by the GBC to carry out the mandate described herein, given assurance of the participatory support of each GBC member which will be necessary for successful executing the mandate described herein, and given sufficient resources to efficiently and effectively deal with grievances and complaints which arise within ISKCON;
that Sesa das, who has been requested by the GBC to accept the position of Minister of Justice, be appointed Minister of Justice based on his experience as a mediator, attorney, ombudsperson, and his depth of experience within ISKCON; that the Ministry of Justice be structured as follows:
The Minister of Justice shall oversee the development, implementation and ongoing operation of complaint and dispute resolution mechanisms for the ISKCON community. The Minister of Justice shall be responsible for the creation of procedures and guidelines, as well as for the selection of personnel for the following services:
A. For the Investigation of Complaints
Ombudsperson Services
Devotee ombudspersons will be engaged to receive and investigate complaints. The ombudsperson will then work to achieve satisfactory resolution of complaints through neutral analysis of the complaint presented; analysis of relevant instructions of Srila Prabhupada and the sastras, research of existing GBC resolutions, comparisons with procedures in other traditions (religious and secular), and the recommendation of changes in ISKCON procedures.
B. For the Resolution of Disputes
1. Mediation Services
Mediation involves an independent (neutral) third party who acts as a facilitator, hears both sides of the problem and helps devotees achieve a satisfactory resolution about the issues at hand. The mediator’s primary function is to provide a forum where disputants can construct their own mutual agreement. Mediators work directly and in-depth with the parties in dispute and encourage discussion. No decisions are imposed by mediators but mediators do help devotees make their own decisions about what solutions will work for them.
2. Arbitration Services
Arbitration is more formal than mediation. In arbitration, the parties to a dispute select one or more neutral persons to serve as arbitrators for the dispute. As part of the arbitration, the parties usually agree in advance to accept the decision of the arbitrators as binding, although the decision may be merely a recommendation. Parties to the dispute present their case to the arbitrators in a common meeting. The arbitration proceeding may be informal or almost as formal as a legal trial, depending on the agreement of the parties.
C. To Prevent the Development of Complaints and Disputes
Complaint Registry Services
The Ministry of Justice shall maintain a registry of complaints against devotees, quasi-devotees, and devotee organizations which either refuse to participate in the dispute resolution mechanisms above or who fail to abide by agreements reached. Thus the ISKCON community will have one place it can go to find out information of previous complaints against individuals or organizations. Essentially this shall serve like a Better Business Bureau.
Another aspect of this service would be to maintain a registry of questionable characters who travel the ISKCON world. Such individuals may be listed with the Complaint Registry and information would be available upon request.
As this service has the potential of being misused, listing and reporting will be subject to the discretion of the Minister of Justice.
D. Publishing Services
The Ministry of Justice will compile and disseminate information conducive to the education of the ISKCON community which respect to the above services.
In all instances the GBC Body will remain the ultimate authority for resolution of complaints and disputes in ISKCON, and as such shall, at its discretion, accept appeals from the processes described above.
Conclusion
The Ministry will develop continental committees.
This replaces the current Justice Committee in the GBC resolutions. As sections of the Ministry and procedures are developed, they shall be subject to revision by the GBC Body.
602
That:
A model last will and testament for ISKCON devotees will be drafted by Sesa dasa in consultation with other ISKCON attorneys for use by members of the Society. The model shall include sample clauses covering the following areas:
Physical remains
Last rites
Properties held in his of her name that belong to ISKCON
ISKCON Properties over which he or she has in his or her control
All personal property acquired with ISKCON funds or held as a result of one’s service or position in ISKCON.
Any additional gifts and bequests
Living will – in case of one’s becoming incapacitated.
It is recommended that all ISKCON gurus, GBCs, leaders and managers make a last will and testament.
This model last will and testament should be presented for approval to the GBC body by the 1997 Mayapur meetings.
603 (Unpublished)
604
That:
(a) “THAT the Minister of Justice is to be fully acquainted with all the provisions in the Society’s Memorandum of Association, Regulations and Rules of Order. He is to check all resolutions passed as being in line with these documents before they are made final. There should be legal review of all ISKCON resolutions before they are published.”
605
THAT Resolution No. 75, 1995 (inviting guests and observers to take part in the GBC Body meetings) be amended by changing the last sentence from “Observers pay their own expenses,” to “Everyone pays for their own expenses.”
606
That: GBC resolution 95-48 be amended to read as follows:
48) THAT: 1. Since Temples are places of worship and ISKCON’s funds and assets are considered to be the personal property of the Supreme Lord , it was Srila Prabhupada’s desire that as a general principle of management temple presidents and temple administrations shall keep ISKCON temples free from debts. No external debts should be created by any temple administration. The approved guideline for implementing this is:
a. Except for BBT book consignment purchases and deferred payment short-term purchases which can be timely met by the temple from its normal cash flow, all other purchases and expenses should be made on cash basis. Temple Presidents should involve their temple board if this is deemed not possible before incurring a significant debt and the advice of the local GBC Zonal Secretary should be sought.
b. Immovable property purchases on mortgage or time payment done with concerned property as only collateral and after taking requisite permission as per ISKCON laws on property are exempt.
48.1 c. Purchases of vehicles or other movable assets such as equipment of machinery should only be done with the concerned vehicle or other movable assets as collateral and not endangering other assets of default. If purchasing a vehicle or other movable assets will compromise a major portion of the temple cash flow, or there is danger of defaulting, then this should be avoided.
d. Any debt which could endanger the immovable properties in case of default shall require the permission of the property trustees in writing prior to creating the debt, and if the property has installed Deities, then the permission of the GBC body shall be required.
2. GBC Zonal Secretaries shall insure that their temple presidents and administrations learn to follow the principle of keeping the temple free of debts, and are following this principle.
3. The GBC Zonal Secretary to the GBC body shall include in his annual report:
a. Any deviation from following this principle and what steps have been taken to correct it.
b. Any debts which with just cause could not be avoided and the current status of the debt.
4. In urgent cases during the year the GBC Zonal Secretary shall inform the GBC Executive Committee of any blatant disregard of this principle or action which is placing the temple entity into significant debt risk for which the Zonal Secretary is not able to prevent or correct.
5. Temple presidents and administrations which chronically endanger the Lord’s properties by deviating from this principle shall be liable for remedial or disciplinary action including:
a. Attendance of an approved course on proper financial management procedures. b. Censure;
c. Probation and/or reducing to an acting status;
d. Removal in extreme or chronic cases.
607
That the following are accepted as standards for defining various standings for members of ISKCON:
1. Standards for devotees in good standing.
A devotee in good standing may enjoy all the privileges which are normally offered to all the members of the society, in accordance to their situation, as per ISKCON Law, the ISKCON constitution and the GBC resolutions.
2. Principles for determining who is “in good standing” in ISKCON.
“A member in good standing” may be understood differently according their personal vows, responsibilities and asrama situation. Accordingly, all the following principles shall be applied when determining the status of a devotee:
a. An ISKCON devotee (temple resident/ congregational) who follows the rules and regulations appropriate to his situation, who is not acting inimically to ISKCON or its interests, who is not put under any disciplinary mandate, and;
b. anyone serving in ISKCON who is a disciple of a bona fide guru, who is faithfully following his vows and obligations to his guru, and;
c. a person who is appropriately adhering to the rules and regulations in his asrama, and;
d. a spiritual authority who is not on probation or suspension,
—- is in good standing.
This list is not exhaustive, the GBC or its delegated authorities may add standards for determining devotees in good standing as required.
3. Disciplinary Remedial Measures for ISKCON members:
ISKCON devotees (Temple-resident or congregation) shall be subject to the following disciplinary remedial measures actions:
A. Censure
The Temple President along with two other temple officers, or by 2/3 majority vote of the Temple Board, if it exists, or by any higher local spiritual authority as per ISKCON Law shall have the power to censure an ISKCON devotee serving within their region.
A censure is to be understood as a reprimanding remedial measure aimed at reformation of the member and prevention of further offending acts. It is the warning voice of more serious disciplinary action.
An ISKCON Devotee may be censured for any of the following transgressions:
I. Misconduct and indiscipline
a. Willful violation of GBC resolutions
b. Vilification of ISKCON or the GBC Body or other ISKCON Authority
c. Misconduct in temple or spiritual community (physical assault except in self-defense, inappropriate dealings with opposite sex, abusive behavior to other devotees, and so on.)
d. Habitually or knowingly making false charges and accusations or other consistent Vaisnava aparadhas.
e. Seriously interfering with the guru & disciple relationship with another devotee.
f. Duplicitous or untruthful dealings (lying to spiritual authorities, and other serious prevarication).
g. Acting irresponsibly in publicly expressing grievances rather than taking recourse to the prescribed process for settling grievances as per ISKCON Law.
II. Improper discharge and neglect of duty, and misuse of funds.
a. Consistent disobedience of service instructions.
b. Consistent failure to be accountable to authorities.
c. Consistent or serious misuse of ISKCON funds or any act/s that endangers the temple or preaching mission.
III. Spiritual discrepancy
a. Willful and consistent neglect to follow the rules and regulations of Krishna consciousness as appropriate to the vows one has taken.
b. Conscious and serious philosophical deviation from Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
c. Consistently irregular in their personal sadhana as appropriate to the vows one has taken and without bona fide cause.
If the order to censure is given, it shall be put in writing by the respective authorities and copies preserved. Furthermore, it shall be carefully impressed upon the offender the meaning of the censure note which may be worded as follows:
“Dear ______________ Maharaja/Prabhu,
Please understand that an ISKCON devotee is a member of Srila Prabhupada’s family and as such has the duty to act in a befitting Krishna conscious manner demonstrating concern for your own and others spiritual welfare and for the well-being of ISKCON. Due to the reasons stated below you have been censured. A censure expresses disapproval of your conduct. A censure is an official note of caution. Please take due notice thereof and rectify the situation.
[insert reasons for censure]
[signature(s) of censuring authority]”
A member who has been censured three times shall be placed on probation. Each censure shall last for a period of three years after which it is expired. Once one has successfully satisfied the conditions of probation and has regretted and repented his acts then his slate of censures is wiped clean.
B. Probation
A devotee shall be placed on probation by the appropriate authority according to ISKCON Law for a specified time when prescribed in ISKCON Law or when one has been censured three times. However, if there is a serious spiritual offense as provided for in ISKCON Law, or if the transgressions of spiritual practices for an ISKCON initiated or resident devotee are of a more grave nature involving serious moral turpitude then a member can be directly put under probation without having three censures. A specific program of rectification shall be assigned as deemed appropriate for the period of his or her probation. Such programs may include:
Disciplinary or remedial transfer to another location;
Reformatory change of service;
Prohibited for visiting or living in a specified temple or community;
Specific spiritual remedial programs;
A divestiture of certain actions for the period of probation;
Reasonable and just reformatory programs.
C. Divestiture or disqualification
1. An appropriate authority according to ISKCON Law can order the divestiture (disqualification) of a devotee for his performance of specified activities in any one of following categories:
Right to Initiate by an ISKCON guru.
Priestly functions (Worshipping the Deity, performing fire yajna, etc.)
Managerial authority (TP, RS, GBC, Temple Board Member, Department Head, Gurukula teacher)
Preaching responsibilities (authority to give temple classes, public speaking and other preaching on behalf of ISKCON)
2. The authority who can divest:
Generally the authority who invested or gave the authority can also divest the devotee unless otherwise provided for in ISKCON Law.
D. Dissociation
Dissociation is an order which restricts, excludes or prohibits the association and participation in ISKCON to one of the following degrees:
Prohibited from being a dependent ISKCON (temple) devotee.
Prohibited from living in a ISKCON Community
Prohibited from being an active Temple or Congregation but can visit as a guest.
E. Excommunication-
Someone who is ex-communicated is prohibited from visiting the temple except expressly allowed to visit as a guest by the local authority. ISKCON devotees should avoid association with an excommunicated person except when authorized to preach to him for his rectification.
F. Principles of Clemency and Repentance
Should a person found guilty of a transgression or offense express his or her repentance in an appropriate manner or in writing then it shall be duly considered by the adjudicating or appeal authorities. It shall be at their discretion whether such expression is adequate to remedy the situation and accordingly shall adjust the prescribed remedial measure or grant reprieve. The principle is to give remedial measures with the spirit of rectifying the erring devotee and protecting the interests of ISKCON rather than as a punishment.
4. ADDITIONAL CODES FOR DETERMINING SPIRITUAL OFFENSES
A. OFFENSES AGAINST KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AND ISKCON UNITY
1. OFFENSES AGAINST FOUNDER-ACARYA AND GURU-PARAMPARA
A person guilty of denouncing, openly blaspheming, or publicly abandoning loyalty to the Founder-Acharya; the previous acharyas in the disciplic succession; or Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, incurs automatic dissociation from ISKCON the right to revoke being reserved to the local Governing Body Commissioner. If the offending person holds a position of spiritual authority the right to revoke the dissociation is reserved to the Governing Body Commission. If the seriousness of the offense warrants a more severe reaction, other measures may be brought to bear, including dismissal from authority, disqualification for initiating, and excommunication.
2. OFFENSES AGAINST THE UNITY OF ISKCON AND THE GURU-PARAMPARA
A person in a position of spiritual authority guilty of creating or attempting to create a schism in ISKCON, for example by culpable destruction of faith in the initiating spiritual master, the Guru-parampara, or the Governing Body Commission, incurs automatic suspension the right to revoke being reserved to the Governing Body Commission. If no rectification is forthcoming, other penalties may be added, including dismissal from spiritual authority and excommunication.
3. OFFENSE OF ACCEPTING RE-INITIATION RENOUNCING BONA FIDE GURU.
A devotee duly initiated by a bona fide ISKCON initiating spiritual master who is in good standing who rejects his guru by accepting any form of re-initiation or subsequent initiation without the permission of the initiating spiritual master incurs automatic excommunication the right to revoke being reserved to the initiating spiritual master or the Governing Body Commission. The so-called “re-initiations” are deemed invalid, null and void. If the initiating spiritual master concerned has no objection, a Governing Body Commissioner may grant reprieve by lessening the penalty to dissociation within his zone–if he feels remedy is possible without endangering the spiritual lives of others in ISKCON.
4. OFFENSE OF COLLABORATING IN GURU-PARAMPARA OFFENSES:
A person guilty of having recommended or encouraged a member or associate of ISKCON to accept any form of initiation outside of ISKCON or any further initiation or duplicate initiation from someone other than his bona fide ISKCON initiating spiritual master shall be corrected with a censure. If the person guilty is a spiritual authority, he shall incur automatic suspension;
and if rectification is not forthcoming, then additional remedial measures may be adopted, including dismissal. If a spiritual authority has failed to discourage a member in his care from accepting re-initiation or renouncing his spiritual master, he shall be corrected with a suitable remedy.
OFFENSES TO SACRED OBJECTS
A person who blasphemes or tries to inflict physical injury upon installed Deities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, or who desecrates the Vedic literature or commits a similar offense to a sacred object incurs automatic dissociation, including probation from entering Krishna conscious temples. In the case of the above-mentioned offense to the Deities, the offender receives automatic dissociation the right to revoke being reserved to temple spiritual authorities.
If a Brahman willfully removes and renounces his sacred thread, or if an initiate consciously throws away his japa beads, or in the case of a similar offense to sacred objects used in devotional service, the offender incurs an automatic dissociation the right to revoke being reserved to the concerned temple spiritual authority or the concerned initiating spiritual master.
5. CULPABLE FALSEHOOD BEFORE GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION
A person who commits perjury (intentional falsehood) while asserting something or testifying something before the Governing Body Commission or a body representing the Governing Body Commission is to be corrected with a suitable remedial measure.
6. ENVIOUS ACTS AGAINST KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT
A person who uses a public speech, published writings, or other media of social communication to blaspheme, or to seriously damage the good faith of ISKCON members and associates, or who tries to stir up hatred or contempt against the Krsna Consciousness Movement or the Governing Body Commission is to be corrected with a just remedial measure.
B. OFFENSES AGAINST SPIRITUAL AUTHORITIES
1. VIOLENT OFFENSES AGAINST SPIRITUAL AUTHORITIES
One who uses physical force against a Governing Body Commissioner or who willfully injures, through false denunciation, the good reputation of a Governing Body Commissioner, incurs in the zone concerned an automatic dissociation the right to revoke being reserved to a Governing Body Commissioner. If the offender is a spiritual authority, a just corrective measure–including removal from his position of spiritual authority–can be added, in accord with the seriousness of the offense.
One who commits the above offenses against an ISKCON Guru or sannyasi or other senior spiritual authority incurs an automatic probation. If the offender is a spiritual authority, he also incurs an automatic suspension, the right to revoke being reserved to the offended person.
One who uses physical force against a ISKCON Manager or senior brahmana is to be corrected with a just remedial measure.
One who acts contemptuously toward a spiritual authority or toward the principles of brahminical respect shall be corrected with a just remedial measure.
2. TEACHING UNAUTHORIZED DOCTRINES
A person who teaches members of Krsna Consciousness any teachings condemned by the Bhagavat philosophy and who does not make a retraction after having been
cautioned by the Governing Body Commission or another spiritual authority
shall be corrected with a just remedial measure.
3. STIRRING UP HOSTILITIES AGAINST SPIRITUAL AUTHORITIES
One who publicly stirs up hostilities or hatred among members against the Governing Body Commission or its deputed representative, on account of some disliked spiritual directive , or one who incites members of ISKCON to disobey the Governing Body Commission incurs an automatic probation and is to be corrected by just remedial measures.
C. MISUSE OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY AND UNAUTHORIZED ASSUMPTION
1. TO GIVE OR RECEIVE INITIATION WITHOUT SANCTION:
A person who without being duly empowered acts as an initiating spiritual master by giving initiation, or by accepting worship or titles as if one was an initiating spiritual master, incurs automatic suspension with a censure the right to revoke being reserved to the Governing Body Commission. If the person persists after having been cautioned, he may be corrected with just penalties, up to excommunication. For one who accepted an unauthorized initiation from an unauthorized ISKCON member, his initiation shall not be valid and he should be corrected with remedial measures.
2. TO TRANSGRESS ISKCON LAW REGARDING GURU DISCIPLE DEALINGS INCLUDING TO INITIATE A SANNYAS WITHOUT PERMISSION:
If a bona fide Spiritual Master transgresses ISKCON Law on guru behavior codes including giving any initiation without following the proper procedure, a remedial measure is to be applied, up to giving a censure and if repeated then additional remedial measures may be applied.
3. TO MAKE ILLEGITIMATE PROFIT FROM DEVOTIONAL SERVICE:
A spiritual authority guilty of misappropriating funds or goods or of making a personal profit without sanction shall be held responsible to repay to the concerned institution a just amount. Other remedial measures may be added, and in serious cases the person may be removed from his position of spiritual authority.
4. TO UNJUSTLY REMOVE ANOTHER FROM SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY:
If a spiritual authority removes a subordinate spiritual authority or Brahman from his devotional service without due process or just cause, the unjustly penalized person is to be reinstated or given an equal service. The erring authority is to be corrected up to receiving a censure.
5. CULPABLE NEGLIGENCE:
One who through culpable negligence acts in such a way as to damage the propagation of Krsna Consciousness, destroy valuable ISKCON property, or causes serious injury to the spiritual life of an ISKCON member (or members) is to be corrected with a just remedial measure.
D. OFFENSES AGAINST KRISHNA CONSCIOUS OBLIGATIONS
1. VIOLATION OF THE OBLIGATION IMPOSED BY A REMEDIAL MEASURE.
One who violates the obligations imposed by a compulsory remedial or corrective measure can be subjected to additional remedial measures.
2. SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY NOT MAINTAINING A REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE:
A spiritual authority guilty of willfully breaking any of the regulative principles shall incur immediate suspension the right to revoke being reserved to his immediate superior spiritual authority–with the exception of a sannyasi who intends to regress in ashram after taking prior necessary permission from the Governing Body Commission.
Miscellaneous Resolutions Presented by the Executive Committee
700
As ordered by GBC resolution, ISKCON Foundation has prepared the ISKCON Guidelines Manual. The ISKCON Guidelines Manual, as prepared by ISKCON Foundation and revised by GBC Subcommittees, is approved as guidelines for ISKCON members for 1996-97. (Guidelines are defined as non-binding, educational recommendations. They are ISKCON Law or GBC Resolutions only where noted).
The manual will be distributed to ISKCON temples and used as a reference at ISKCON Continental Conventions. The manual is meant to generate, preserve, and disseminate good ideas. ISKCON members are invited to submit ideas for improving the manual to ISKCON Foundation. ISKCON Foundation shall update the manual in cooperation with the GBC Body as part of the 1997 GBC meetings. The manual will be produced in a loose-leaf format in hopes that it will continually be updated and improved as a valuable ISKCON resource.
704
WHEREAS HH Gour Govinda Maharaja was a great devotee of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada
WHEREAS HH Gour Govinda Maharaja was an ISKCON Guru in good standing;
WHEREAS HH Gour Govinda Maharaja was a member of the GBC.
WHEREAS HH Gour Govinda Maharaja passed from this world in Sri Mayapura Dham on the Holy appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, on the occasion of the Centennial Celebration of the appearance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and
WHEREAS HH Gour Govinda Maharaja passed from this world while preaching the intimate glories of Lord Jagannath, Radha & Krsna.
THEREFORE it is resolved that the disappearance day of HH Gour Govinda Maharaja be observed on the ISKCON GBC and BBT Calendar every year.
705
That the GBC members extend their heartfelt gratitude to the 1996 GBC Executive Committee (Badrinaryana prabhu, Bhakti Tirtha Swami, and Naveen Krishna prabhu), meeting secretary Kalakantha prabhu, permanent secretary Manjari mataji, and meeting assistants Sumitra mataji, Arjuna Sakhi mataji, Bhaktin Alexandra, Radha Govinda prabhu, Nitya Dham prabhu, Devaki Pran prabhu, Yadunandana prabhu, Nitya Siddha Gopal prabhu, and Siddha prabhu. Special thanks to the Mayapura devotees and gurukula students under the direction of H. H. Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami, for preparing and serving Krishna prasadam.
706
(Continuation of past resolutions) That Naresvara prabhu will assess all ISKCON centers for payments for Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi in Mayapura totaling US$360,000.
707
WHEREAS Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial has generated enthusiasm and focus on pleasing Srila Prabhupada
Whereas Lokanath Maharaj has been a great inspiration for ISKCON and has proven his ability to lead and inspire projects of international importance.
1. From the completion of the Srila Prabhupada Centennial year (1997) ISKCON shall make the achievement of Srila Prabhupada’s and the previous acharyas’ dream to build the Mayapur Temple of Vedic Planetarium as the focus of all its activities until its completion (the 20 year anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s foundation stone laying).
2. The Mayapur Centennial Office shall become the office for promotion of the Mayapur Temple of Vedic Planetarium. Lokanath Maharaj shall be the Minister of Information for Mayapur (or some other name to be finalized).
Lokanath Maharaj shall propagate the Mayapur project throughout the world utilizing the facility of the transformed Centennial office.
708. The budget for 1996/97 is Rs105,000. This will be collected from donations received by our GBC members.
91) THAT the GBC Zonal Assignments for 1995-96 are as follows:
Badrinarayan Das:
GBC for Southern California, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas
co-GBC with Romapada Swami for Illinois and Missouri
co-GBC with Virabahu for Los Angeles
Bhakti Charu Swami:
GBC for Madagascar, Comoro Islands, and Seychelles
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for West Bengal
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Prabhavisnu Swami for Bangladesh
co-GBC with Giriraj Swami and Bhaktitirtha Swami for South Africa, Mauritius and Reunion
co-GBC for Mayapur and Calcutta (*)
Bhakti Raghava Swami:
GBC — Quebec and Maritime Provinces
co-GBC with Niranjana Swami for Ontario
co-GBC with Sridhar Swami and Bir Krsna Goswami (Toronto only) for Eastern Canada
co-GBC with Hari Vilas for Western Canada, State of Washington, and Alaska
Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami:
GBC — Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Prabhavisnu Swami for Tirupati
co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami for Burma
co-GBC with Gopal Krsna Goswami for Kuruksetra
co-GBC with Paramgati Swami, for France, except Dole
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami for Andhra Pradesh, except Tirupati
Bhaktitirtha Swami:
co-GBC with Kavicandra Swami for Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, Liberia, Camaroon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Zaire, Gabon, Rio Muni, Central African Republic, and Congo
co-GBC with Radhanatha Swami for West Virginia
co-GBC with Ravindra Svarupa for Detroit and Gita Nagari
co-GBC with Bhakti Charu Swami and Giriraja Swami for South Africa
Bhaktivaibhava Swami:
co-GBC to Suhotra Swami for Czech Republic and Slovakia
co- GBC to Prabhavishnu Swami for Siberia and Far East Russia
co- GBC to Niranjana Swami for Ukraine
co- GBC to Niranjana Swami for Belarus
Bhurijana Das:
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami for West Uttar Pradesh (including Vrindaban), Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
Bir Krsna Goswami
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for SE United States; co-GBC with Bhakti Swarupa Damodar Swami and Madhusevita dasa for Hawaii
co- GBC with Sridhar Swami and Bhakti Raghava Swami for Toronto
Giridhari Swami:
Assistant GBC to Tamal Krishna Goswami for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines
Giriraj Swami:
GBC — Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Angola, and Cape Verde Islands.
co-GBC with Bhakti Charu Swami for Mauritius and Reunion
co-GBC with Bhakti Charu Swami and Bhaktitirtha Swami for South Africa
co-GBC with Paramgati Swami for Spain and Portugal
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Radhanatha Swami, and Sridhara Swami for Bombay
co-GBC with Hari Vilas for Pakistan
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Sri Lanka
Gopal Krsna Goswami:
GBC — Goa, Delhi, Maharashtra (other than Bombay), Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda
co-GBC with Sridhara Swami, Radhanatha Swami, and Giriraj Swami for Bombay
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Bhaktisvarup Damodar Swami for Andhra Pradesh, except Tirupati
co-GBC with Radhanatha Swami for Poona and Kuruksetra
co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami for East Uttar Pradesh and Southern Russia
co-GBC with Bhurijan Das for West Uttar Pradesh (including Vrindaban), Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
co-GBC with Ravindra Swarup for Washington DC
co-GBC with Niranjana Swami for Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan, and Kirghizistan
co-GBC with Rohini Suta for Golden Circle cities (Russia), and Azerbaijan
Guru Prasad Swami:
GBC for Colombia, Brazil, Arizona, Central America, Mexico, and Trinidad
co-GBC with Virabahu for Venezuela
Harikesa Swami:
GBC — Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Lichtenstein, and Dole,
co-GBC with Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami and Paramgat Swami for France.
co-GBC for Mayapur (*)
co-GBC with Niranjana Swami for Moscow and St. Petersburg
co-GBC with Rohini Suta dasa for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, and Northern Germany (Berlin,Hamburg and Hannover)
Hari Vilas Das:
GBC — Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, North and South Yemen, Afghanistan, Morocco, Algeria, Tunesia, Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger, Chad, Northern California, Oregon, Jammu and Kashmir, Hardwar and Rishikesh
co-GBC with Bhakti Raghava Swami for Western Canada, State of Washington, and Alaska
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman
co-GBC with Harikesa Swami and Rohini Suta for Armenia
co-GBC with Giriraj Swami for Pakistan
Hrdayananda Das Goswami:
Minister of Advanced Vaishnava Studies
Jayapataka Swami:
GBC for Bolivia, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, Maldives, Bhutan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
GBC Minister of Congregational Preaching
co-GBC with Virabahu for Ecuador, Chile, and Peru
co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami for Bihar, Sikkim, Nepal, Malaysia, Brunei, and Tamil Nadu
co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami and Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami for Tirupati
co-GBC with Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami for Tripura, Assam, and Meghalaya
co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami and Bhakti Charu Swami for Bangladesh
co-GBC with Kavicandra Swami for Thailand, and Singapore
co-GBC with Bhakti Charu Swami for West Bengal other than Mayapur
co-GBC with Gour Govinda Swami for Orissa
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Bhaktisvarup Damodar Swami for Andhra Pradesh, except Tirupati
co-GBC with Giriraj Swami for Sri Lanka
co-GBC with Hari Vilas for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman
co-GBC with Radhanatha Swami for Belgaum, Karnataka
co-GBC for Mayapur and Calcutta(*)
Kavicandra Swami:
GBC — Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Israel, Cambodia
co-GBC with Bhaktitirtha Swami for Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, Liberia, Camaroon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Zaire, Gabon, Rio Muni, Central African Republic, and Congo
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Thailand, and Singapore
Madhu Sevita Das:
GBC for Italy
co-GBC with Suhotra Swami for Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, and Cyprus
co-GBC with Bir Krishna Goswami and Bhakti Swarupa Damodar Swami for Hawaii
Mukunda Goswami:
GBC Minister of Communications
Navina Krishna Das:
GBC Minister of Management and Finance
Niranjana Swami:
GBC — New England, Festival of India, Lithuania, Estonia, and Moldova
GBC, assisted by Bhaktivaibhava Swami, for Ukraine
co-GBC with Bhakti Raghava Swami for Ontario
co-GBC with Prabhavishnu Swami for Latvia
co-GBC with Harikesa Swami for Moscow and St. Petersburg
co-GBC with Rohini Suta for Russia west of Nijney Novgorod and north of Voronesh, except for Moscow and St. Petersburg areas
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami for Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan, and Kirghizistan
co-GBC with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for Belarus
Paramgati Swami:
co-GBC with Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami for France, except Dole.
co-GBC with Giriraja Swami for Spain and Portugal
Prabhavisnu Swami:
co-GBC with Ramai Swami, for Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia
co-GBC with by Bhaktivaibhava Swami, for Siberia and Far East Russia
co-GBC with Bhaktisvarup Damodar Swami for Burma
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Bihar, Sikkim, Nepal, Malaysia, Brunei and Tamil Nadu
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swami for Tirupati
co-GBC with Gopal Krsna Goswami for Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Southern Russia
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Charu Swami for Bangladesh
co-GBC with Niranjana Swami for Latvia
co-GBC with Rohini Suta Volga Region of Russia
co-GBC with Niranjana Swami, assisted by Bhaktivaibhava Swami, for Belarus
Radhanatha Swami:
GBC for Bombay Chowpatti, Rishikesh
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Belgaum, Karnataka,
co-GBC with Bhaktitirtha Swami for West Virginia
co-GBC with Sridhara Swami, Giriraja Swami, and Gopal Krishna Goswami for Bombay
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami for Poona and Kuruksetra
Ramai Swami:
Assistant GBC to Prabhavishnu Swami for Australia, New Zealand, P. New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Solomons
Ravindra Svarupa Das:
GBC — Michigan (except Detroit), Pennsylvania (except Gita Nagari Farm), Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami for Washington DC
co-GBC with Radhanatha Swami for Ohio
co-GBC with Bhaktitirtha Swami for Detroit and Gita Nagari Farm
Rohini Suta Das:
GBC — Georgia, Ural region of Russia
co-GBC with Niranjana Swami for Russia west of Nijney Novgorod and north of Voronesh, except for Moscow and St. Petersburg areas
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami for Golden Circle Region of Russia and Azerbaijan
co-GBC with Hari Vilas for Armenia
co-GBC with Prabhavishnu Swami for Volga Region of Russia
co-GBC with Harikesa Swami for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia and Northern Germany
(Berlin, Hamburg, and Hannover)
Romapada Swami:
co-GBC with Sridhara Swami for New York and New Jersey
co-GBC with Badrinarayan for Illinois and Missouri
Sesa Das:
Assistant GBC to Guru Prasad Swami for Trinidad
Assistant GBC to Virabahu for Caribbean except for Trinidad
Sivarama Swami:
GBC — England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Ireland, Hungary
Sridhara Swami:
GBC Minister of Life Membership
co-GBC with Romapada Swami for New York and New Jersey
co-GBC with Giriraj Swami, Radhanatha Swami, and Gopal Krishna Goswami for Bombay
co-GBC with Bhakti Raghava Swami and Bir Krsna Goswami (Toronto Only) for Eastern Canada
Suhotra Swami:
GBC – Greece, Cyprus, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania
GBC, assisted by Bhaktivaibhava Swami, for Czech Republic and Slovakia
co-GBC with Madhu Sevita for Belgium, Luxembourg, and Holland
Tamal Krsna Goswami:
GBC — Polynesia
GBC, assisted by Giridhari Swami, for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, and Polynesia
co-GBC for Mayapur and Calcutta (*)
Virabahu Das:
GBC for Florida, Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and balance of Caribbean except for Trinidad
co-GBC with Badrinarayan for Los Angeles
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Peru, Ecuador and Chile
co-GBC with Guru Prasad Swami for Venezuela
* co-GBC’s for Mayapur are Jayapataka Swami, Harikesa Swami, Tamal Krishna Goswami, and Bhakti Charu Swami
[Note: A person in celibate order is not in good standing for intimate associating with the opposite sex. However, if there is a change of asrama permitting that association, he would be in good standing in that new asrama.]
