ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY
Reg. No. S/74662 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961
P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist. Nadia, W. Bengal
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SRI DHAM MAYAPUR, FEBRUARY 19 – 26, 1998
1. Harikesa Swami is elected as GBC Chairman.
2. Ravindra Svarupa Das is elected as First GBC Vice-Chairman.
3. Badrinarayan Das is elected Second GBC Vice-Chairman.
4. Sesa Das and Akhandadhi Das are also elected to the Executive Committee.
5. Manjari Devi Dasi is elected GBC Secretary.
6. The following devotee is confirmed as a Full GBC member:
Bir Krishna Das Goswami
7. The following devotee is confirmed as an Acting GBC member:
Vaidyanath Das
8. The following devotees are confirmed as Assistant GBC members:
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
B.B. Govinda Swami
Manjari Devi Dasi
9. The following devotees are confirmed as candidates for GBC:
Malati Devi Dasi
Guru Sakti Das
1998 GBC Appraisal Recommendations Preface
Srila Prabhupada expected a lot from his GBC devotees. On studying his teachings we find that there are four main functions that he wanted the GBCs to carry out.
He wanted them to be siksa gurus for all the members of ISKCON. He wanted them to provide leadership to push on the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya, and he wanted them to manage the movement in a responsible way. He also wanted them to act as watchdogs, seeing that the proper standards of Krishna consciousness are maintained in all ISKCON temples, that ISKCON’s assets are protected, and that philosophical deviation is not allowed to creep in.
It has been widely accepted that the GBCs, individually and collectively, have made wonderful contributions to the preaching, management and development of the movement, and in many parts of the world we have seen significant achievements. At the same time it is very important that there be a system of ensuring that Srila Prabhupada’s high expectations are met, and that the responsibilities of the GBC are properly carried out. In this light it was decided last year that objective appraisals be carried out of the performances of the individual GBC members.
Initially the appraisals were compiled by a team consisting of the GBC Deputies and a group of non-GBC disciples of Srila Prabhupada, in a mood characterized by the GBC Chairman, Madhusevita das, as being “respectful and humble, but frank and open”. They produced reports noting the strong and weak points of each GBC member and made recommendations for them all. These were then discussed with the GBCs, and in consultation with them final recommendations were submitted to the Body for approval.
The approved recommendations presented here represent a highly distilled form of the work undertaken, and mainly express those points it was felt the devotees needed to improve on. In this way they are not criticisms, but are meant to further enhance the already existing qualities and contributions of the GBCs.
Recommendations
HH Bir Krishna Goswami
HH Bir Krishna Goswami should post the laws regarding ISKCON Gurus on the bulletin boards of the temples in his zone and make them known, by whatever means, to all the devotees. He should invite other senior devotees to preach on this subject as well.
HG Madhu Sevita Das
A suitable devotee should be found to work cooperatively with Madhu Sevita Prabhu to minister to the needs of some devotees in Italy as a counselor and assistant. This should be done in Consultation with the Italian National Council.
HH Navayogendra Swami
This was a complex issue that was not resolved by our subcommittee in the time allotted. We feel the GBC Body must consider this issue as the complexities are beyond our scope. We have no further recommendations.
HG Naveen Krishna Das
In consideration of the highly important nature and valuable contribution of Naveen Krishna Prabhu’s ministry, it is recommended he put more energy into his leadership training courses.[1]
HH Sivarama Swami
Sivarama Swami should make a conscientious effort to identify those devotees in the UK who feel the need for increased association and encouragement in their advancement in Krsna Consciousness. He should devise means to provide the necessary co-GBC, National Secretary or Temple President. This should be done in consultation with the UK National Council.
HH BB Govinda Swami
He should remain as a Candidate for GBC developing Central Asia and the GBC Body should discuss what to do in Vrindavana.
HH Romapada Swami
We recommend Romapada Swami should be more aware of the need for creating a mood of teamwork within the New York temple especially between temple management and congregation. Romapada Swami should be more communicative with the other leaders in his area regarding his personal plans, projects and preaching.
HG Virabahu Das
We recommend that Virabahu Prabhu decrease his zonal responsibilities. He should strive on being more visible in his sadhana performance, especially chanting with the devotees. He needs to improve in leadership, management and safeguarding the standards in his zone.
HH Bhakti Raghava Swami
Bhakti Raghava Swami is a wonderful Vaisnava of high moral character and has integrity and compassion. We recommend his offer of resignation be accepted and a new candidate be found. However he should continue his involvement at the Montreal Temple.
HH Giriraja Swami
It would be appreciated if he could give his association more to the devotees in general, and give more input to the missionary activities in his zone (eg. book distribution).
It is advisable that Giriraja Maharaja works with a co-GBC that is a good manager.
It is recommended that he spend more time this year in Spain.
HH Suhotra Swami
That Suhotra Maharaja train local devotees of the smaller centers in his zone to take more responsibility so that he can give more input in his bigger temples and preaching projects.
Suhotra Maharaja would like it known that he welcomes any feedback from anyone regarding how to improve the situation of his zone and himself as a GBC.
HG Ravindra Svarupa Das
It is recommended Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu give special attention to improving his visible performance of sadhana in order to set a proper example as a GBC member.
He needs to develop more plans and programs for preaching activities, or to seek assistance to do so.
HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami
Bhakti Tirtha Swami will work with the Communications Ministry with present and future books to see if certain editing is necessary to enhance his books for the devotee community.
It is recommended that he adhere more closely to the standard sannyasi dress code, at least while in ISKCON temples. The sannyasa minister must approach him to discuss this and decide what standard is suitable, including the use of a cane.
It is recommended that he try to increase the sastric content in his classes and preaching.
HH Bhakti Caru Swami
Maharaja is a most sought after preacher and our ISKCON society would benefit more if he could be freed from management activities and be engaged more in developing preaching projects.
It is recommended the local devotees in his zone be trained up to take up some of his management responsibilities.
It is recommended he be given two years leave from the GBC body to complete the Abhaya Carana series.
HH Kavicandra Swami
It is essential that Kavicandra Maharaja’s health problems be immediately assessed and addressed professionally. We recommend that this be done under the supervision of Prahladananda Swami.
It is recommended that Kavicandra Maharaja be assisted in Japan by Devamrta Swami as Regional Secretary, in Indonesia by Ramai Swami as co-GBC, and in Israel (if possible) by BB Govinda Swami as co-GBC.
It is recommended that Kavicandra Maharaja remain co-GBC in West Africa, making sure that he takes serious precautions about protecting his health.
HH Hrdayananda dasa Goswami
Hrdayananda dasa Goswami seems to be ideally situated in his present position as a teacher, scholar and philosopher, all of which he does brilliantly and which he commands a high degree of respect.
In order to more fully pursue his brahminical engagements we recommend that he avoid management on all levels. His observations and critique of ISKCON centers are often valuable, but he should refrain from criticising temple leaders and policy and in public, including darshans.
Rather he should his observations privately to the appropriate leaders. He should also refrain from changing the engagements of his disciples independent of their authorities.
HG Badrinarayana Das
Badrinarayana Prabhu will take courses on empathetic listening, peer and employer relations.
He will also discuss with Bhakti-tirtha Maharaja and other GBC’s seeking suggestions and advice on dealing with devotees.
HH Bhaktivaibhava Swami
Bhaktivaibhava Maharaja should consult with the GBC and local devotees on what his role should primarily be, whether he should concentrate on being a visiting preacher or more management/ supervision/ GBC duties.
HG Hari Vilasa Das
We recommend he improve his sadhana and visibility at the temple. He should improve his watch dog duties and visit the temples in his zone on a regular basis. Having been previously informed about these concerns, if the GBC does not see improvement then his GBC responsibilities will be reviewed next year.
HG Sesa Das
The GBC Body should re-consider Sesa Prabhu’s zonal assignment. The committee’s opinion is that ministry of justice, educational work, zonal assignments, and family duties are too much. The committee recommends development of the ministry of justice and his educational work. Both Sesa and the committee recommend that he transfer his Caribbean GBC duties to someone else.
HG Rohini Suta Das
It is accepted that Rohini Suta, due to weak bodily constitution, needs more rest. At the same time Rohini Suta will make continued attempts to attend mangal arati.
Rohini Suta will also continue to educate the local devotees, emphasizing the importance of attending mangal arati.
Rohini Suta will address the perception related to associating with ladies to see that such perceptions will not continue or recur. He will consult with senior GBC’s for advice.
When visiting temples, Rohini Suta Prabhu will be more attentive to the local schedules in regards to classes, lectures and public programs.
Rohini Suta Prabhu will take ISKCON management courses when available in Europe
It is recommended the GBC Body reduce Rohini Suta Prabhu’s zonal responsibilities.
HH Guru Prasada Swami
Guru Prasada Maharaja is satisfied with his service as a GBC and is willing to continue in this role. He will take ISKCON management course on leadership.
It is recommended his zone size be reduced. It is suggested the GBC committee working on Zonal re-structuring take into the utmost consideration the need for help in Mexico.
HH Mukunda Goswami
Mukunda Maharaj is aware of the need for harmonious and supportive relations between temple administration and the local communication dept. and will continue to encourage and improve those relations.
HH Giridhari Swami
There was not enough information to offer recommendation.
HH Jayapataka Swami
We note that Maharaja has already made adjustments in his approach to the question of siksa relationships in ISKCON and accept his assurance that he is not initiating discussion on the establishment of siksa relationships with those devotees who are not his disciples unless they themselves broach it.
Maharaja agrees that he is over-extended and is willing to reduce his zonal GBC obligations. We recommend therefore that he give up his GBC duties in S. America, S.E. USA and Thailand, provided proper competent replacements can be found.
We also recommend that Maharaja make more effort to regulate his travel so that he gets proper rest and avoids over straining himself.
We also recommend that in his dealings he concentrate on one business at a time rather than “multiprocessing” a number of things simultaneously. This will satisfy the devotees that he is giving them his full attention when dealing with their concerns.
Finally we recommend that Maharaja try to be very realistic about how much he can effectively achieve and not over-extend himself.
We also note he has made positive efforts to improve the visible chanting of his japa and attendance at the morning program and encourage him to continue with this.
HH Gopala Krishna Goswami
Given that Maharaja has great responsibilities in India with large projects like Bombay, Vrindavana and Delhi with Maharaja’s agreement we recommend that he give up his zonal GBC assignments in Central Asia, Washington DC, and rural Maharashtra and he not be involved in any new zonal assignments.
We also recommend that Maharaja put more effort into developing strong interpersonal relationships since the large projects under his leadership require much attention for their successful development in the area of congregational development etc.
HH Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami
In view of the fact that Maharaja accepts he is not a natural manager we strongly recommend that he not be burdened with any zonal GBC responsibilities beyond his current duties in BI, Manipur, Bhubaneswar, Burma and Hawaii.
We note that at the request of the GBC Maharaja has taken visible steps to improve his sadhana in the areas of chanting rounds, and attending the regular morning programs and we encourage him to continue with this. He should also take steps to improve the participation of his disciples in France in the activities of ISKCON there.
We also recommend that he strictly follow the standard ISKCON procedures and time periods for the giving of initiations.
HH Prabhavisnu Swami
We have no recommendations for Maharaja provided he finish his studies this year and returns to full time zonal GBC responsibilities. In the event he does not do this, a further review of his zonal responsibilities will be in order.
HH Ramai Swami
In light of his positive appraisal there are no recommendations.
HG Bhurijana Das
Being of a very brahminical and scholarly nature, Bhurijana Prabhu isn’t really suited for zonal assignments. However since he may desire to carry some type of GBC Ministership he should be contacted by the GBC to see if he wishes to continue as a GBC and what his proposal might be for his service.
HH Radhanatha Swami
It is recommended Radhanatha Swami continue with his present GBC assignments and increase his preaching all over the world as far as he is capable.
HH Sridhara Swami
Sridhara Swami should continue as Zonal Secretary for Mumbai, New York and New Jersey unless the managers of those places don’t see the need for his assistance. He should be relieved of his responsibility in Long Island, New York.
HH Niranjana Swami
Niranjana Swami has to visit 45 cities per year. To relieve some of the burden in managing such a large area we recommend Acyuta dasa be made assistant GBC for the Ukraine.
HH Harikesa Swami
To avoid being a target of fault finders and so there is no misunderstanding amongst sincere ISKCON members it is recommended Harikesa Swami arrange for the public release of an informative article regarding his receiving treatment from a female physio-therapist. We also recommend a “GBC only” COM conference be created to analyze particular preaching techniques and strategies used by various GBC members. Particularly Harikesa Swami’s involvement in the production and mass distribution of mixed music CD’s incorporating techno and pop music styles accompanying vaisnava mantras.
HH Paramgati Swami
Paramgati Swami recognizes a need to develop better management skills. We recommend he take management training courses and continue with his current assignments. If he could be replaced as GBC for Spain his performance in France would be greatly enhanced.
HG Prthu Das
It is recommended he continue for another year as a candidate for GBC. He is perceived in a negative way by some devotees for what is recognized as insensitive behavior. It is recommended he take steps to change that perception.
HH Tamal Krishna Goswami
We encourage Tamal Krishna Goswami to continue with his current zonal assignments.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. BASIC PREACHING
2. SPECIALIZED PREACHING
[Vision] 201 THAT the “Abhay Charan” video production is recognized as an official ISKCON global project.
3. EDUCATIONAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
[Law] 301 THAT the Ministry of Education is dissolved.
[Law] 302 THAT the Ministry for Social Development Information is established. The purpose of this Ministry is to:
(a) help with the development of other ministries in the Social Circle (Cow Protection and Agriculture, Grhasta and Community Development and Health and Welfare),
(b) actively pursue improved communications between ISKCON and its members,
(c) facilitate communications among ministries on matters of social development,
(d) propagate understanding of social principles among devotees by publications, seminars and visiting devotee communities,
(e) identify competent devotees to head various projects for social development,
(f) engage in fund raising for it and the ministries it represents, in addition to any funds that the individual ministries are able to generate for themselves. (Funds are to be allocated by a committee representative of the four ministries).
[Action Order] Lokanatha Swami is appointed the Minister.
[Law] 303 THAT the Grhasta Ministry is renamed the Grhasta and Community Development Ministry. The purpose of this ministry is to:
a) develop grhasta education programs and encourage establishment of guilds and chambers of commerce.
b) offer and help to develop varnashrama colleges in coordination with the Ministry of Education Development.
c) be a catalyst for the development of the social structure of ISKCON according to Srila Prabhupada’s vision.
[Action Order] Jaya Sila Das is appointed the Minister.
[Law] 304 THAT the Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture is established. [Action Order] Balabhadra Das is appointed the Minister and he is to prepare the scope of works of the Ministry as soon as possible and present them to the Executive Committee for provisional acceptance. Final approval will take place in next year’s meeting.
[Law] 305 THAT the proposal of the Child Protection Task Force outlining a justice system, central office, and various guidelines for GBC Members, Regional Secretaries and Temple Presidents to assure enforcement and implementation, is approved in total and is the approved standard everyone should follow.
[Action Order] 306 Whereas the GBC recognizes that deep, consistent understandings and applications of Gaudiya Vaisnava guru tattva, as taught by Srila Prabhupada, are essential for the healthy growth of ISKCON.
Whereas in order to accomplish this, the GBC needs to systematically address related issues through research, publication, communication, education, and the development of appropriate practices and policies.
Therefore, it is resolved:
[Action Order] 307 THAT the Guru-tattva Committee is established consisting of Badrinarayana dasa (Chairman), Giriraja Swami, Bhakti Caru Swami, Sivaram Swami, Virabahu Das, Pancaratna Das, Aniruddha Das and Dhyana-kunda Dasi. Their mandate will continue until the 1999 GBC meetings in Mayapur.
A budget of $5,500 is approved for this committee to produce three journals a year, to provide for writers, and to disseminate and educate the Society.
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.
4. ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR PREACHING
5. HOLY PLACES AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNITIES
6. INTERNAL ISKCON
[Law] 601.1 THAT the existing Oath of Loyalty Law is amended to read as follows:
“1. The GBC Secretary shall review annually the listing of all GBCs, temple managers, gurus, and property trustees and insure that a notarized signed ISKCON oath of allegiance is on file for that devotee.
2. The Oath of Allegiance and a list of the names of those devotees who have not submitted a notarized signed Oath of Allegiance shall be sent to the GBC and other COM conferences and addresses. They are to return the oaths duly signed and notarized to the GBC Office in Mayapur prior to ISKCON’s registration day.
3. Failure of ISKCON leaders to submit a notarized oath in the required time shall earn an automatic censure. Continued failure to comply by the following GBC meeting shall put the devotee on automatic probation and possible suspension.
4. All ISKCON leaders and any members present shall orally take the Oath of Allegiance on the ISKCON registration day before Srila Prabhupada and the Deities as a loving offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.”
[Vision] 602.1 THAT the GBC Body would like to commend Adarsi Das in his endeavors to salvage the Long Island, NY project which was on the verge of bankruptcy. The GBC recognizes that Adarsi Das is a senior disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in good standing with the International Society for Krsna Consciousness , and a significant ISKCON team player in founding of the Hare Krsna temple in Long Island, NY, which has served the Long Island community for more than 20 years for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. The GBC also recognizes Adarsi Das was unjustly accused of many improprieties in management of the ISKCON project in Long Island without sufficient evidence warranting such accusations. We wish to offer Adarsi Das our deepest apologies and ask for his forgiveness for any offenses that may have been committed against him or his family. In addition the GBC Body would like to offer its wholehearted encouragement to Adarsi Das and his family to continue to give their very desired and important association to the ISKCON project in Freeport, Long Island.
[Action Order] 603.1 THAT the GBC hereby reconfirms the following resolutions regarding Hansadutta that were passed on July 8, 1983 at an extraordinary meeting of the GBC held in ISKCON Miami, USA:
“1. That Hansadutta [Swami] (alias Jack London, alias Hans Kary) is no longer a member of ISKCON, the GBC, the BBT, or an initiating guru, due to his moral and spiritual deviations.
“4. All necessary actions to deny BBT copyrights from Hansadutta [Swami] should be taken.
“6. All necessary actions to deny the Society’s religious tradenames (ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the Hare Krishna Movement, the Krishna Consciousness Movement, BBT, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, Govinda’s, etc.) from Hansadutta [Swami] should be taken.
and
“7. No ISKCON Temple should order any books from Hansadutta [Swami] or his affiliates.”
2. THAT the GBC also re-confirms another resolution regarding Hansadutta passed on March 6, 1984, at the regular 1984 GBC meetings in Mayapur, the language of which is as follows:
“Hamsadutta [Swami] is hereby removed from his membership on the GBC, his position as a BBT Trustee, and his position as an initiating guru. He shall no longer be considered a sannyasi. All ISKCON corporations are hereby advised that Hamsadutta is no longer qualified to serve in any authoritative capacity relative to such corporations. All of Hamsadutta’s disciples are [encouraged] to accept initiation from another ISKCON recognized guru.”
3. WHEREAS, on previous occasions the GBC has found it necessary and expedient to pass resolutions removing Hansadutta Das (alias Jack London, alias Hans Kary) from all positions within ISKCON and to clarify that Hansadutta is not affiliated with ISKCON in any way; and
WHEREAS, the GBC has determined that Hansadutta Das, for selfish personal motives, has espoused philosophical or theological positions that are contrary to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, in order to attempt to position himself as a leader within certain dissident or heretical groups; and
WHEREAS, as part of his heretical and theologically deviant machinations, Hansadutta has alleged in certain Court actions (i.e., DC Suit No. 8754 of 1992 in the Subordinate Court of Singapore and Case No. BC 170617 in the Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles), among other things, as follows: that he is a trustee of a trust which owns the copyrights to Srila Prabhupada’s books, that for some time he was the sole trustee of such trust and in 1995 he appointed Diane Marie Chan and Veda Guhya Das as his co-trustees, and that the assignments of the rights to such copyrights by ISKCON affiliated entities to Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.(“BBTI”) were invalid and void, and along with his alleged co-trustees has requested the Los Angeles County Superior Court to name a new beneficiary of the alleged trust; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention and desire of the GBC, as the highest ecclesiastical and managing authority of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, that BBTI should hold and administer the intellectual property associated with the Movement’s publishing operations known as “Bhaktivedanta Book Trust”, in accordance with the terms of BBTI’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time by the directors of that independent, ISKCON affiliated corporation;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that all ISKCON individual members, temples, affiliated corporations or other ISKCON affiliated organizations or enterprises of any kind, shall cooperate with the officers and directors of BBTI in establishing and maintaining its ownership of the property rights at issue, and shall refrain from assisting Hansadutta or his associates in challenging such ownership.
[Law] 604 THAT the amended Memorandum of Association, Regulations and Rules of Order of the Society are accepted (copies available upon request).
[Action Order] 605 THAT the GBC Fund pay out Rs 60,000 immediately and that the MVT are to repay this by paying the GBC Fund Rs60,000 by 1st June 1998.
[Law] 606 THAT the logo designed by Pada Sevanam Das and presented by Mukunda Goswami, designated as design number one and attached to this document or minute book, is accepted as the one single official global logo for ISKCON for, but not limited to, legal, identification, construction, social and political purposes.
[Action Order] 607 THAT Ramai Swami is appointed co-GBC of Indonesia with Kavichandra Swami. Apart from regular zonal duties, Ramai Swami will assess and evaluate the situations in Indonesia to make recommendations for further adjustments in the Indonesian Yatra that he deems are necessary. Bhakti Raghava Swami is encouraged to continue his yearly visits and successful preaching programs. Co-operative preaching is highly recommended for this zone.
[Action Order] 608 THAT permission is given for the relocation of Sri Sri Radha Govinda and the New York ISKCON Temple. Permission to sell the Brooklyn property and buy a property in Queens and the relocation of Sri Sri Radha Govinda is subject to the approval of the following ISKCON authorities; the present New York ISKCON GBC, the New York ISKCON property trustees, the New York Temple President, New York Board of Directors and the North American GBC Chairman.
This is the last time the GBC Body will allow Sri Sri Radha Govinda be moved.
[Vision] 609 THAT the GBC Body wishes to issue the following statement:
Concerning the allegations that Srila Prabhupada was poisoned: the GBC wishes to announce that the investigator appointed by the GBC reports that to date he has not uncovered any solid forensic evidence to support the claim that a crime has been committed. Even though the GBC body believes that Srila Prabhupada did not pass away by malicious intent, it is continuing to sponsor an investigation by an impartial agent in order to alleviate whatever misgivings there may be in the people’s minds. The GBC urges the body of devotees not to become swayed by speculations based on circumstantial evidence and hostile propaganda. The result of a thorough and impartial investigation is expected within three months.
[Action Order] 610 THAT owing to the numerous discrepancies and misrepresentations contained in the anonymous paper entitled “The Final Order,” the GBC Body will be requesting certain devotees to prepare several responses to be released as soon as possible. In the meantime devotees are recommended to read the GBC Paper “Disciple of my disciple,” which is a partial response.
[Law] 611
Whereas ISKCON undergoes repeated attacks and harassment from various persons and parties (related to ISKCON as former members or as members of kindred organizations) that advocate deviant philosophies or that aggressively present themselves as offering a superior alternative to ISKCON;
Whereas history and experience show that attacks from such separatists, deviant or aggressive parties are likely to remain a permanent condition of ISKCON’s existence;
Whereas ISKCON has no regular facility to protect its members from such attacks;
1. THAT the Ministry for Protection of ISKCON is established. The mission for this ministry is to monitor the parties in question, to respond to their attacks, and to provide ISKCON members with all the means necessary to defend themselves against them.
[Action Order] 2. THAT Ravindra Svarupa Das is appointed the Minister for the Protection of ISKCON Ministry.
[Vision] 612
Whereas allegiance in principle should be one and undivided, yet devotees in ISKCON sometimes feel their allegiance to their spiritual master and to ISKCON are not intrinsically related and could become separated;
Whereas there is sometimes evidence of irresolution among devotees in ISKCON as to the priorities of their allegiance to their spiritual master on the one hand and their allegiance to ISKCON on the other;
Whereas, to strengthen the devotee’s commitment, there is the need for a clear and unequivocal understanding of how our allegiance is one and indivisible;
1. THAT the GBC hereby issues this statement on allegiance:
For all devotees in ISKCON, allegiance to the spiritual master and allegiance to ISKCON must be understood as two manifest features of one and the same indivisible allegiance. The reason for this is that all devotees in ISKCON, whether they act as spiritual masters or not, are equally bound by the order of the founder-acharya Srila Prabhupada, and Srila Prabhupada has enjoined us repeatedly to serve him cooperatively within the framework of ISKCON. ISKCON is the instrument which Srila Prabhupada crafted by his own hands for our service to him, and which, in virtue of his position as founder-acharya, continues to be his manifest body for receiving personal service from us. Consequently, for a devotee to serve the spiritual master in the line of Srila Prabhupada and to serve ISKCON are simply two different aspects of a single service to Srila Prabhupada. Consequently, devotees in ISKCON have only one allegiance, which is manifest in three features: allegiance to the guru, to ISKCON, and to Srila Prabhupada.
[Action Order] 613 THAT the GBC adopts the paper entitled ‘Structural Concept for the Organization of ISKCON’ with the attached commentary entitled, ‘Questions from the GBC and answers from the Restructuring Committee’ as the direction it will take for the next three years to manage the GBC and ministerial functions of ISKCON.
Harikesa Swami is elected the chairman of the GBC. Ravindra Swarupa dasa, Badrinarayana dasa, and Sesa dasa are hereby elected to the Executive Committee of the GBC. The GBC Body will reconfirm the appointments every year at the annual meetings.
The Executive Committee will do its best during the next year to put all the essential elements of this structure into action. It is understood that more time might be required to fill in all the areas and that the EC will continue to expand the efficiency of the management of ISKCON and thus increase the preaching capacity for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.’
[Action Order] 614 THAT it is the firm direction of the GBC Body that Navayogendra Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami must begin a visible process of conciliation to demonstrate the mutual trust and cooperation expected between two senior men and godbrothers,
Navayogendra Swami’s candidacy for GBC shall continue for another year with the following stipulations and if these conditions are neglected he will forgo his candidacy.
1. He must accept supervision and assessment. The supervisor will be Trivikrama Swami. He was given an eight part agenda last year that remains incomplete.
2. It is imperative the remaining items are finalized within the next six months most notably, the Lucknow title must be transferred to ISKCON.
3. His zone shall remain the same with the exception of the inclusion of Amritsar for collection purposes to be shared jointly with Gopal Krishna Maharaja.
4. As Gopal Krisha Goswami will no longer be working in Lucknow the sole GBC will be Hari Vilasa Das with Navayogendra Swami as candidate for co-GBC.
5. To be assessed are the following situations; Amritsar, Lucknow, Hardwar and Udampur. The aim of this procedure is to bring these centers up to ISKCON standards and investigate all charges of impropriety. Yasomatinandanda Das is recommended for this service.
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SANNYASA RESOLUTIONS:
The following table contains the decisions regarding the sannyasa waiting list for 1998. The New column has an asterisk if this was a new candidate for 1998. The 97 Waiting Period was the amount of years they were recommended to wait in 1997. The 1998 Waiting Period is that recommended for this year. The remarks column were from the Sannyasa Board. The Y,N,A columns are the recording of the vote. ‘Y’ for Yes, ‘N’ for No and ‘A’ for Abstain. The Final Decision from GBC column contains what the GBC Body accepted.
Candidate’s Name |
New |
97 Waiting Period |
98 Waiting Period |
Remarks |
Y |
N |
A |
Final Decision from GBC |
||
| Amala Bhakta dasa | 2 | 1 | 20 | Accepted | ||||||
| Balabhadra dasa | 2 | 0 | Requires 4/5 th vote to pass. Must pass the Bhakti Sastri exam and devotees in his yatra must attend the Book Distribution training course. | 20 | 2 | To take sannyasa this year provided passes the Bhakti Sastri Exam. Book Training not a pre-requisite. | ||||
| Canakya Pandita dasa | 2 | 1 | 19 | 3 | Accepted | |||||
| Druta Karma dasa | 2 | 1 | 19 | 1 | Accepted | |||||
| Gaura Narayana dasa | 3 | 2 | 15 | 4 | Accepted | |||||
| Gauranga Prema dasa |
* |
N/A | 0 | Requires 4/5 th vote to pass otherwise automatically goes to waiting list for three years. Must pass the Bhakti Sastri exam. | 20 | 1 | 2 | One year waiting period. | ||
| Gita Govinda dasa | 2 | 1 | 15 | 4 | Accepted | |||||
| Maha Mantra dasa |
* |
N/A | 2 | Requires 4/5 th vote to pass otherwise automatically goes to waiting list for three years. | 17 | 5 | 3 year waiting period. | |||
| Pariksit dasa | 2 | 1 | 18 | 3 | Accepted | |||||
| Radha Ramana dasa |
* |
N/A | 4 | Must pass the Bhakti Sastri exam. | 14 | 1 | 9 | Accepted. Must clarify relationship with Jayapataka Swami who is his diksa. | ||
| Ramacandra dasa | 4 | 3 | 18 | 3 | Accepted | |||||
| Rasananda dasa |
* |
N/A | N/A | Incomplete application. Advised to reapply next year. | Accepted | |||||
| Sarvaisvarya dasa | 5 | 4 | 18 | 3 | Accepted | |||||
| Simheswara dasa | 4 | 3 | 16 | 4 | Accepted | |||||
| Tribhuvanatha dasa |
* |
N/A | 5 | 22 | 1 | Accepted | ||||
Committee Members
Prahladananda Swami
Sivarama Swami
Guru Prasada Swami
Bhakti Vaibhava Swami
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu
The budget was accepted and for 1998/99 is Rs. 3 laks.
A vote of thanks was passed by the GBC Body for the GBC Meeting Office staff, (Manjari Devi Dasi, Arjuna Sakhi Dasi, Rasajna Dasi, Saranam Dasi and Kesava Das), for the Mayapur Namahatta devotees for the meeting prasad and service and also for the Mayapur sankirtana devotees for serving refreshments.
THE GBC ZONAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 1998-99 ARE AS FOLLOWS: (not final version)
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:
Two year leave of absence from zonal assignments. Assignment is “Abhay Charan” video production.
Bhakti Raghava Swami: Candidate for GBC
GBC – Quebec and Maritime Provinces
co-GBC with Bir Krishna Goswami, Romapada Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami for Ontario
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, and Orissa
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Prabhavisnu Swami for Tirupati
co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami for Burma
co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami for Kuruksetra
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami for Andra Pradesh, except Tirupati
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami:
co-GBC with Kavichandra 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 Giriraja Swami for South Africa
Co-GBC with Ravindra Svarupa for Potomac
Bhaktivaibhava Swami:
co-GBC to Suhotra Swami for Czech Republic and Slovakia
co-GBC to Prabhavisnu Swami for Siberia and Far East Russia
co-GBC to Niranjana Swami for Ukraine and Belarus
Bhurijana Das:
No zonal assignment
Bir Krishna Goswami:
GBC – Hawaii and Virginia
co-GBC with Jayapataka Swami for Southeast United States
co-GBC with Bhakti Raghava Swami and Romapada Swami for Toronto
GBC Executive Committee:
GBC for Fiji and Gadaigiri, Balikuda, Orissa, India.
Giridhari Swami:
co-GBC with Tamal Krishna Goswami for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines
Giriraja Swami:
GBC—Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Angola, and Cape Islands
GBC—Mauritius and Reunion
Co-GBC—Bhakti-tirtha Swami for South Africa
Co-GBC—Paramgati Swami for Portugal
Co-GBC—Gopal Krsna Swami, Radhanath Swami and Sridhara Swami for Bombay
Co-GBC—Hari Vilas for Pakistan
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Sri Lanka
Co-GBC –with Madhusevita for Spain
Gopal Krsna Goswami:
GBC—Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and Rwanda, West Uttar Pradesh (including Vrndaban), Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
Co-GBC—Sridhara Swami, Radhanatha Swami, and Giriraja Swami for Bombay
Co-GBC—Radhanatha Swami for Poona and Kuruksetra and interior Maharastra
Co-GBC—Prabhavisnu Swami for East Uttar Pradesh and Southern Russia
Co-GBC—with Rohini Suta for Azerbaijan
Co-GBC — with Bir Krishna Goswami, Romapada Swami, Bhakti Raghava Swami for Ontario
Co-GBC – with Bhakti Raghava Swami and Hari Vilasa for all of Canada except Quebec, Ontario and Saranagati
Guru Prasad Swami:
GBC—Colombia, Northern Brazil, Arizona, Central America, Mexico and Trinidad
Co-GBC-Virabahu for Venezuela
Harikesa Swami:
GBC-Germany Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Lichenstein and Dole
Co-GBC for Mayapur
Co-GBC—Niranjana Swami and Vaidyanath Das for Moscow and St. Petersburg
Co-GBC—Rohini Suta Das for Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, Austria, and Northern Germany ( Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover)
Hari Vilas:
GBC—Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, North and South Yemen, Afghanistn, Morroco, Algeria, Tunesia, Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger, Chad, Northern California, Oregon, Jammu and Kashmir, Hardwar and Rishikesh, Gao, Himachal Pradesh
**Co- GBC — Bhakti Raghava Swami for Western Canada, State of Washington, and Alaska
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirites, and Oman
Co-GBC—Rohini Suta for Armenia
Co-GBC—Giriraja Swami for Pakistan
Hrdayananda Goswami:
Minister of Advanced Vaisnava Studies
Jayapataka Swami:
GBC for Bolivia, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondichery, Maldives, Bhutan, Andaman, And Nicobar Islands
Co-GBC – with Bir Krishna Goswami for Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
GBC Minister of Congregational Preaching
Co-GBC-Virabahu for Equador, Chile, and Peru
Co-GBC-Prabhavisnu Swami for Bihar, Sikkim, Nepal, Malaysia, Brunei, and Tamil Nadu
Co-GBC—Prabhavisnu Swami and Bhakti Svarup Damodar Swami for Tirupati
Co-GBC—Bhaktisvarup Damodar Swami for Tripura, Assam, Orissa, and Meghalaya
Co-GBC—Prabhavisnu Swami for Bangladesh
Co-GBC—Kavicandra Swami for Thailand and Singapore
Co-GBC—Bhaktisvarup Damodar Swami for Andhra Pradesh, except Tirupati
Co-GBC—Giriraja Swami for Sri Lanka
Co-GBC—Hari Vilas for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirites, and Oman
Co-GBC—Radhanath Swami for Belgaum, Karnataka
Co-GBC for Mayapur and Calcutta
Kavicandra Swami:
GBC-Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, Israel, Laos, Cambodia
Co-GBC—Bhaktitirthe Swami for Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Benin, Togo, Liberia, Camaroon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Zaire, Gabon, Rio Muni, Central Africa Republic, and Congo
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Thailand and Singapore
Co-GBC with Ramai Swami for Indonesia
Madhu Sevita Das:
GBC for Italy
Co-GBC—Giriraja Swami for Spain
Co-GBC—Suhotra Swami for Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, and Cyprus
Mukunda Goswami:
GBC Minister of Communications
Navina Krsna Das:
GBC Minister of Management and Finance
Niranjana Swami:
GBC—New England (USA), Festival of India, Lithuania, Estonia, and Moldova
Co-GBC—Bhaktivaibhava Swami for Ukraine
Co-GBC—Prabhavisnu Swami and Bhakti Caitanya Swami for Latvia
Co-GBC—Harikesa for Moscow and St. Petersburg
Co-GBC—Vaidyanatha Das for Russia west of Nijney Novgorod and North Voronesh, except for Moscow and St. Petersburg areas
Co-GBC—BB Govinda Swami for Kasakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan, and Kirghizistan
Co-GBC—Bhaktivaibhava Swami for Belarus
Co-GBC- Bhakti Caitanya Swami for Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Paramgati Swami:
GBC- France except Dole, Central Brazil
Co GBC- Giriraja Swami for Portugal
Co-GBC-GuruPrasad Swami for Novo Gokul
Prabhavisnu Swami:
Co-GBC—Ramai Swami for Australia, New Zealand, Soloman Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia
Co-GBC-Bhaktivaibhava Swami for Siberia and Far East Russia
Co-GBC—Bhaktisvarup Damodar Swami for Burma
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Bihar, Sikkim, Nepal, Malaysia, Brunei, and Tamil Nadu
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami and Bhaktisvarup Damodar for Tirupati
Co-GBC—Gopal Krsna Swami for Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Southern Russia
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Bangladesh
Co-GBC—Niranjana Swami for Latvia
GBC for Volga region of Russia
Radhanatha Swami:
GBC for Bombay Chowpatti, Ohio and Kentucky
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Belgaum and Karnataka
Co-GBC—Bhaktitirtha Swami for West Virginia
Co-GBC—Sridhara Swami, Giriraja Swami, and Gopal Krsna Swami for Bombay
Co-GBC—Gopal Krsna Goswami for Poona and Kuruksetra, Inner Maharastra
Ramai Swami:
Co-GBC—Prabhavisnu Swami for Australia, New Zealand, P. New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Solomons
Co-GBC with Kavichandra Swami for Indonesia
Ravindra Svarup Das:
GBC-Michigan-(except Detroit), Pennsylvania(except Gita-Nagari Farm), Delaware, Maryland,
Co-GBC-Bhaktitirtha Swami for Detroit , Gita Nagari Farm, Potomac
Rohini Suta Das:
GBC—Georgia, Ural region of Russia, Azerbajan, Murmansk
Co-GBC—Hari Vilas for Armenia
Co-GBC—Harikesa Swami for Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Mecedonia, and Northern Germany (Berlin, Hamburg and Hanover)
Romapada Swami:
GBC-New Jersey, Indiana
Co-GBC—Sridhara Swami for New York
Co-GBC—Badrinarayan for Illinois and Missouri
Co-GBC—with Bir Krishna Goswami and Bhakti Raghava Swami in Ontario
Sesa Das:
Co-GBC—Sridhar Swami for Long Island
Co-GBC—Virabahu for Guyana
Co-GBC—Virabahu for Carribean
Co-GBC –Guru Prasad Swami for Trinidad
Sivarama Swami:
GBC—England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Ireland, Hungary
Sridhara Swami:
GBC Minister of Fund Development
Co-GBC–Romapada Swami for New York
Co-GBC—Giriraja Swami, Radhanatha Swami, and Gopal Krsna Swami for Juhu
Suhotra Swami:
GBC- Greece, Cyprus, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania
GBC assisted by Bhaktivibhava Swami for Czech Republic and Slovakia
Co-GBC—Madhu Sevita for Belgium, Luxemburg and Holland
Tamal Krsna Goswami:
GBC—Polynesia
Co-GBC—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, Uruguay, Guyana, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic
Co-GBC—Badrinarayan for Los Angeles
Co-GBC—Jayapataka Swami for Peru, Ecuador, and Chile
Co-GBC—Guru Prasad Swami for Venezuela
Co-GBC—Sesa Das for Guyana Caribbean except for Trinidad and Dominican Republic
Vaidyanatha Das Acting GBC
Co-GBC with Niranjana Swami and Harikesa Swami in Moscow and St. Petersburg
Co-GBC with Niranjana Swami in Moscow Region
Co-GBC with Rohini Suta in Sakhumi
BB Govinda Swami: Assistant GBC
Co-GBC in Vrndavan with Gopal Krsna Swami,
Co-GBC with Hari Vilas for Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, North and South Yemen, Afghanistan, N. Africa, Morroco, Algeria, Egypt, Tunesia, Lybia, Pakistan, and Israel
Co-GBC with Niranjana Swami in Central Asia
Co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami in Volga Region
Co-GBC with Gopal Krishna Goswami in Golden Ring
Malati Devi Dasi: GBC Candidate
Co-GBC with Radhanatha Swami for Ohio, West Virgina, , Kentucky
Co-GBC with Ravindra Svarupa and Bhakti Tirtha Swami for Detroit
Co-GBC with Ravindra Svarupa for Western Pennsylvania
Prthu Das: GBC Candidate
Co-GBC with Bir Krsna Das Goswami in Hawaii with Hari Vilas in Oregon and Washington, and with Gopal Krsna Goswami in Vrndavan
Navayogendra Swami: GBC Candidate
Co-GBC with Hari Vilasa for Jammu-Kashmir, Himacal Pradesh, Lucknow, Hardwar, Goa
Bhakti Caitanya Swami Assistant GBC
Co-GBC with Niranjana Swami in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia
Co-GBC with Prabhavisnu Swami and Bhaktivaibhava Swami in Siberia
Guru Sakti- Candidate for GBC
Co-GBC in France with Prthu and Paramgachit Swami
________________________________________
[1] We recommend that the Poison Investigation be concluded as soon as possible and then a representative of the North American GBC approach Naveen Krishna Prabhu to discuss their findings with the intention of him continuing with his service.