[toggle title=”1979″]
5. Resolved: That although all respects should be shown to his Holiness Sridhar Swami and all the other senior vaisnavas of the Gaudiya Math, no one should independently approach these respected personalities with the intention of begging advice or opinions regarding management or any controversial matters pertaining to ISKCON. The GBC has been designated by Srila Prabhupada as the highest ISKCON authority, and the final word rests with that body in all ISKCON affairs.
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[toggle title=”1982″]
36. That no sannyasi even though initiated by other Gaudiya Acaryas will be allowed to give classes or preach within ISKCON temples until they have been examined and approved by the GBC body especially in regards to their acceptance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as the Founder-Acharya as the ultimate authority in matters of the ISKCON movement and who accept the GBC as his representative.
March 1,1982.
1. That since all the spiritual knowledge and instruction required is available in Srila Prabhupada’s books and from ISKCON, no ISKCON member shall be allowed to seek spiritual instruction from any other person or institution outside of ISKCON without approval of the GBC body.
2. That any member of ISKCON who willfully disobeys the above order will thereby sever his connection with ISKCON.
March 5,1982.
1. That devotees who live and work within ISKCON must be initiated in ISKCON except:
a. If someone was previously initiated by a recognized sampradaya who afterwards wants to join and serve in ISKCON under the approval and direction of the local GBC.
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[toggle title=”1991″]
85. That ISKCON welcomes the interest which has been shown for preaching in ISKCON’s Temples and to its congregation by prominent preachers from other branches of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya, especially since it was Srila Prabhupada’s desire that in the future there may be a unity amongst the followers of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and especially the Saraswat family (disciplic descendants of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur). To further this cooperation, whenever a prominent member of a bona fide non-ISKCON Gaudiya Vaisnava organization intends to make multiple use of ISKCON facilities either locally or while on tour, he and his organization should:
1) Acknowledge Srila Prabhupada’s position as a bona fide acharya in the sampradaya whose views represent the desires of the previous acharyas;
2) Acknowledge Srila Prabhupada’s right to use that name, and not be adverse to referring to him in that way;
3) Acknowledge that ISKCON is a distinct and bona fide branch of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya;
4) Allow ISKCON preachers similar facility within their institutions;
5) Acknowledge ISKCON’s authority structure under the GBC Body and agree to abide by its laws and decisions.
6) Make a formal reciprocal agreement with ISKCON for cooperation and furthering the same principles and processes which is either approved directly by the GBC Body or according to guidelines it may establish in the future. {91}
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[toggle title=”1994″]
35.That the following statement be accepted as ISKCON’s statement about the Founder-Acharya:
To fulfill the previous acharya’s desire for a united worldwide preaching organization to expand Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission, Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness as a distinct branch of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya. Therefore he is the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.
a. Srila Prabhupada is the foundational siksa guru for all ISKCON devotees because he has realized and presented the teachings of the previous acharyas of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya appropriately for the modern age.
b. Srila Prabhupada’s instructions are the essential teachings for every ISKCON devotee.
c. Srila Prabhupada’s books are the embodiment of his teachings and should be accepted as the standard by all future generations of ISKCON.
d. Srila Prabhupada should be worshiped daily by every ISKCON member.
e. Every ISKCON spiritual master is responsible to guide his disciples to follow Srila Prabhupada’s instructions.
f. As Founder-Acharya, Srila Prabhupada gave directions for management, principles of co-operation, and other practical guidelines which form the basis and inspiration for ISKCON’s policies.
g. Srila Prabhupada established the Governing Body Commission to execute his will, following the order of the previous acharyas.
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[toggle title=”1995″]
73. THAT:
1. A: In obedience to the instruction of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the GBC directs that the members of ISKCON should respect all senior Gaudiya Vaishnavas outside ISKCON, but should not intimately associate with them, personally or through printed or recorded media, for guidance, teaching, instruction, or initiation as their presentation of Krishna consciousness often differs from that of Srila Prabhupada in emphasis, balance and other aspects of both teaching and practice.
B: This resolution is intended to apply categorically to all ISKCON members. ISKCON leaders’ first responsibility is to give considerate direction, guidance, and counseling to any ISKCON devotees personally affected by this resolution so as to bring them back to the path set by Srila Prabhupada. In any case, those who continue to act in violation of this resolution are subject to sanctions by temple presidents and GBC zonal secretaries, who may exercise their discretion to prohibit any such devotees from living on ISKCON properties or participating in ISKCON functions.
Those who persist in violating this resolution are cautioned they may be reported to the GBC Executive Committee for immediate action or action at the following year’s annual GBC meeting. The Executive Committee is hereby given authority for the 1995-96 GBC year to suspend any violator from ISKCON.
2. That the members of ISKCON should regularly study Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-Caritamrta, and the other books given by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The recent proliferation in ISKCON of literature focusing on “rasika-bhakti,” intimate Radha-Krsna lila, and other subject matters suitable only for highly advanced souls, represents a departure from Srila Prabhupada’s orders and obstructs the
smooth spiritual progress of ISKCON devotees. ISKCON members should therefore avoid collecting, reading, discussing, or distributing such literature.
3. That the GBC body expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the devotees around the world who recognized (and impressed upon the GBC body) the need, in the “rasika bhakti” controversies, to guard ISKCON and its devotees from swerving even slightly from the lotus feet of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his unadulterated teachings.
4. The concerned devotees will prepare a document to correct any philosophical misconceptions that have arisen in ISKCON as a result of their statements and actions. The paper shall deal with, among others, statements made at the
Visvarupa Mahotsava, Vrndavana Istagosthi, and in Following in the Footsteps, and will be sent to all GBC members to use in correcting deviations wherever they may appear. The final draft will be approved by Harikesa Swami, Jayadvaita Swami, Ravindra Swarupa Dasa and Suhotra Swami.
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[toggle title=”1996″]
ADDITIONAL CODES FOR DETERMINING SPIRITUAL OFFENSES
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.
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[toggle title=”1998″]
This committee, working with the Protection of ISKCON Ministry, will produce an educational package on the topics of rtvik-vadi, “Going outside” / Gaudiya Math, and Visa-vadi. That informational package will be distributed to the GBC members who are in turn will make sure that the devotees in their care are systematically educated on these topics.
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[toggle title=”1999″]
6. He will follow ISKCON Law 7.2.4. (passed in 1993) and in addition will not allow any new persons to come and stay in the temple if such person has any kind of interest or loyalty to the Gaudiya Math institution.
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[toggle title=”2002″]
ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
1. THE DESIRE OF THE PREVIOUS ACARYAS
We believe that acharyas of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya, to please Lord Sri Krishna and Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, desired a unified worldwide organization to systematically propagate Krishna Consciousness in this material world which would benedict all living entities.
2. SRILA PRABHUPADA HAS FULFILLED THE DESIRE OF THE PREVIOUS ACHARYAS
We believe His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to be the representative of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya who is fulfilling the desire of the previous acharyas, specifically with relation to establishing a unified world-wide organization to systematically propagate Krishna consciousness in this material world which would benedict all living entities.
3. ISKCON IS SRILA PRABHUPADA’S OFFERING TO FULFILL THE DESIRE OF THE PREVIOUS ACHARYAS
We believe that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) specifically to fulfill the desire of the previous acharyas for a unified worldwide organization to systematically propagate Krishna consciousness in this material world and to benedict all living entities.
4. SRILA PRABHUPADA’S FOUNDATIONAL PURPOSES FOR THE INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF ISKCON
We believe the institutional structure of ISKCON as established by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is meant to provide the spiritually dynamic organizational principles essential to establishing and maintaining a unified worldwide organization to systematically propagate Krishna consciousness, to provide spiritual shelter and association for those interested in dedicating their lives to the pursuit of Krishna consciousness, and to encourage the spiritual progress of all living entities.
5. THE GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION AS SRILA PRABHUPADA’S REPRESENTATIVES WITHIN THE INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF ISKCON
We believe that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada created the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) to facilitate his foundational purposes for the institutional structure of ISKCON. The GBC is not simply an arbitrary legal structuring in the sense in which every organization in time subjects itself. Rather, the formation of the GBC is an expression of Srila Prabhupada’s fidelity to the desire of the previous acharyas in the matter of conducting a unified worldwide organization.
6. SRILA PRABHUPADA INTENDED THAT THE GBC PERPETUATE THE MISSION OF ISKCON AFTER HIS DEPARTURE FROM THIS WORLD
We believe that in specifying that the GBC would be the ultimate managing authority for ISKCON in his Last Will and Testament, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada intended that the GBC lead and make decisions in pursuance of the foundational purposes of the institutional structure of ISKCON after his physical departure from this world.
7. SRILA PRABHUPADA INTENDED THAT INDIVIDUAL TEMPLES FORM THE BASIC ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT OF ISKCON
We believe that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada intended that the individual striving, work, responsibility and competitive spirit necessary to accomplish the foundational purposes of ISKCON would best be encouraged through an institutional structure based on individual temple units.
8. SRILA PRABHUPADA HAS PROVIDED ADEQUATE INSTRUCTION; PURITY WILL INSURE THE PERPETUATION OF ISKCON
We believe that the GBC, Temple Presidents and other leaders within the institutional structure of ISKCON are capable of perpetuating ISKCON as long as they are strictly following the example, spiritual discipline and institutional instructions of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and are actively striving to fulfill his desires in the association of like-minded devotees.
9. ISKCON REMAINS DEPENDENT UPON THE MERCY OF SRILA PRABHUPADA
We believe that the institutional structure of ISKCON remains spiritually dynamic and capable of receiving spiritual inspiration in the physical absence of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as long as those members of ISKCON occupying positions within the institutional structure are strictly following His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
10. SRILA PRABHUPADA WANTED ALL MEMBERS OF ISKCON TO CONTRIBUTE TO AND COOPERATE IN THE PERPETUATION OF ISKCON
We believe that the decisions made by members of ISKCON occupying positions within the institutional structure of ISKCON for the propagation of Krishna consciousness and for the spiritual progress of the members of ISKCON can be understood to be in fulfillment of the desire of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada when taken by collaborative and deliberative processes free from personal ambition.
11. SRILA PRABHUPADA SET THE EXAMPLE OF HOW TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITHIN ISKCON
We believe that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada desired that collaborative and deliberative processes be characterized by open and honest communication, seeking consensus, representation and voting procedures undertaken to preserve and promote ISKCON.
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[toggle title=”2003″]
510. Saraswat Gaudiya Vaisnava Association
[STATEMENT] Jayapataka Swami is encouraged to continue his service with the Sarasvata Gaudiya Vaisnava Association, and is authorized to represent ISKCON and co-opt additional representatives to attend SGVA meetings as needed
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[toggle title=”MEMORANDUM FROM THE GBC”]
The following brief description is offered to GBC members to use at their discretion. It is the authorized GBC account of how the GBC body has addressed the “rasika bhakti issue” during this year’s meetings.
The Governing Body Commission considers it necessary to provide some information to the members of ISKCON concerning a problem which has been facing our Society and the way that problem is being resolved. Srila Prabhupada created the Governing Body Commission to act as the instrument of his will to protect ISKCON.
1. It was apparent that some ISKCON members had become overly involved in confidential topics of rasika bhakti under the influence of Gaudiya Vaisnavas outside of ISKCON. The GBC responded to devotees’ concerns by investigating and carefully considering the matter during this year’s annual meeting. The history and findings are detailed below.
2. The GBC discussed the matter in great detail with some involved senior devotees. It was seen that no unusual or deviant practices, like artificial siddha pranali, were being engaged in, but in fact some straying from Srila Prabhupada’s instructions was having detrimental and potentially far-reaching malefic effects on the movement. Initially the devotees involved didn’t fully realize the gravity of the matter. Deep philosophical and personal discussions with GBC members led to a change of heart and to profound realizations about what Srila Prabhupada desired in this regard. The whole matter was then discussed openly in a very cooperative and positive manner.
3. Initially it may seem astonishing that even responsible and senior devotees, who are normally quite cautious about anything even slightly different from Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, could act in this way. In fact it is not expected that a GBC member or guru would do so. In the course of the GBC’s investigation, frank and open discussions revealed that over a period of many years an affectionate relationship can gradually develop with an outside Gaudiya Vaisnava. Especially when most of what he teaches is not different from Srila Prabhupada, the significance of gradual shifts in emphasis and subject matter over the course of time may not be readily apparent. The GBC found that those senior members with whom they were concerned were in fact all serious devotees who had a sincere desire to be Krishna conscious and loyal to Srila Prabhupada, but were gradually, and almost unnoticeable to them, being led in a way that upset the balance established by Srila Prabhupada. It was also seen that they were all strict devotees who carefully observed the regulative principles. The GBC and those involved all came to the conclusion–a conclusion subsequently endorsed by the Temple Presidents and other ISKCON managers–that the society requires clear guidance regarding both the taking of intimate association with Gaudiya Vaisnavas outside of ISKCON and the giving of undue emphasis to topics regarding rasika bhakti. This guidance has been offered in the form of ISKCON laws.
4. When the concerned GBC members realized the gravity of the issue, they expressed deep regret and offered sincere apology to the GBC and the ISKCON managers. They offered to resign from the Governing Body Commission, and they submitted themselves to be engaged in Srila Prabhupada’s service in whatever manner the GBC saw fit. It was clear that Srila Prabhupada was transcendentally present and that His Divine Grace was personally resolving any discrepancies in his sincere devotees’ hearts. Considering their humility and sincerity in the light of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions in similiar cases, the Governing Body Commission requested them to remain on the body and helppush forward Srila Prabhupada’s movement with renewed enthusiasm and dedication. Srila Prabhupada had acted directly and through his representatives to maintain the integrity, purity, and spiritual strength of ISKCON.
5. The problem at hand has not, of course, been restricted to those whom the GBC was able to deal with directly. In its own way, the matter has gradually spread, affecting devotees in a variety of places. The GBC will try to do all within its capacity to help such devotees to fully take shelter of the direct teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the association of Srila Prabhupada’s followers in ISKCON and to stem any detrimental effects in ISKCON. The senior devotees who had been involved particularly have volunteered to help in this regard. Temple Managers must also be careful that no subtle influences from outside ISKCON adversely affect the devotees under their care. Some resolutions in this regard have been passed.
6. The GBC doesn’t want to alarm anyone with this report. The matter seems to have been resolved on the higher level, but since rumors and concocted stories may spread, an official account is offered to the ISKCON Managers who can decide the extent to which it needs to be explained to the devotees in general. Foreseeing that in a spiritual movement problems are bound to arise, Srila Prabhupada instituted the Governing Body Commission on the order of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, to protect the movement from danger. Srila Prabhupada said we are in a vast ocean of kali-yuga and the ocean is filled with dangers. His Divine Grace cautioned us about taking intimate association and instructions from outside Gaudiya Vaisnavas. At the same time His Divine Grace said to maintain cordial, respectful, and friendly relations with a hope for future cooperation. To balance these two instructions we must deeply study Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and be firmly grounded in his vision. Association with outside Gaudiya Vaisnavas should be conducted under authorized supervision and in conformity with ISKCON law in order to ensure that Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, practices, emphasis, and respect are uncompromised.
7. The GBC is grateful to the sincere devotees involved for their introspection, their ability to hear from their godbrothers, and for their strong determination to work unitedly with their godbrothers in carrying on Srila Prabhupada’s mission. In so doing they have shown their sincerity and character. Srila Prabhupada said that obstacles are the stepping stones to success. By the causeless mercy of Srila Prabhupada and dedication to his instructions we can pass all tests. ISKCON devotees may see these experiences in a positive light and take good instructions from them. Although detractors will always criticize, Srila Prabhupada said that we must continue marching forward.
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