One argument for a beardless deity of Advaita Acarya is that we should follow Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Certainly we should follow the previous acaryas. Sometimes, as in the case of Maharaja Priyavrata, the param-guru may override the decision of the guru. In this regard, Srila Prabhupada wrote, “The duty of a great devotee is to carry out the order of the spiritual master, or the spiritual master of the spiritual master in the parampara system. “ (SB 5.1.20 purport) Unfortunately, neither Srila Prabhupada...

Gradually in ISKCON various gurus, as well as some ISKCON authorities who recommend devotees for 1st and 2nd initiation, have introduced additions, subtractions, and changes to the system of initiation that Srila Prabhupada had for his society. The changes to the giving of the Brahma-gayatri mantra was what first came to the GBC's attention, and so they requested their Sastric Advisory Council (SAC) to research the topic. After years of review and discussion on the SAC's research, the GBC now publishes their paper, along with four related resolutions. Anyone who wants to be e...

The devotees wake up to a changed reality -- tanks rolling through the streets in some places, explosions in their neighborhoods in others, and the sound of gunshots in the distance. While the tendency for a living entity in such a situation is naturally to be overcome with fear, our devotees are finding that Srila Prabhupada has offered them an extraordinary alternative -- they are taking shelter of the Holy Names, of the association of the Vaisnavas, and of the most merciful Sri Sri Radha-Madhava who have appeared in Kyiv in their beautiful deity forms.

RESOLVED: The GBC hereby states their commitment to increase the number of diksa-gurus in ISKCON by systematically and promptly increasing the number of diksa-gurus before we lose the present gurus. The GBC also accepts the principle that the number of diksa-gurus must reflect, as closely as possible, the actual size of ISKCON, and that the future system leans to having many local diksa-gurus with fewer disciples, rather than having a limited number of international gurus with many disciples. Furthermore, the GBC members will support and promote prominent siksa-gurus initiating while their diksa-g...

As taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not initiating in the presence of one's diksa-guru will be upheld in ISKCON. However historical precedents also teach us that disciples may sometimes, in exceptional cases, initiate in the physical presence of their diksa-gurus. The GBC clarifies that an individual devotee taking up the service of diksa-guru in the physical presence of their guru may be allowed as an exception when the following conditions are met.

The 2021 GBC Resolutions have finally been released. Due to the global pandemic, it was not possible for the GBC Body to conduct in-person meetings and therefore the AGM 2021 was conducted online. Similarly, the 2022 AGM will also be conducted online. To ensure online resolutions become final and binding, two resolutions were passed to change the GBC's Rules of Order. These are included in the Resolution file.

It seems that this horrible Covid disease is attacking quite a number of our devotees again. We sincerely hope you are all taking precautions to prevent falling ill. There is the old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", and particularly under these circumstances this is very much true.

December 22, 2021—The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON today passed a resolution amending a 2019 law affirming that qualified Vaisnavis, or women devotees, may under certain conditions, initiate disciples (give diksa) within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada wrote: “Now this displeasing of godbrothers has already begun and gives me too much agitation in my mind. Our Gaudiya Math people fought with one another after the demise of Guru Maharaja but my disciples have already begun fighting even in my presence. So I am greatly concerned about it . . . Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in this Kali yuga. But, for this Krsna consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there a...

The Governing Body Commission requests all ISKCON regions, temples, and communities to highlight and celebrate Srila Prabhupada's 125th Appearance Anniversary throughout the upcoming year, including Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja Day 2021 and ending with Vyasa Puja Day 2022. The GBC is particularly grateful for the ideas, themes and programs generated by the Prabhupada 125th Anniversary Committee in India. The GBC recommends that devotees around the world to utilize the ideas the Committee has generated, including the official 125th Anniversary logo, as well as any other ideas and programs that may be...

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and caused the deaths of millions of people globally. As of February 2021 it shows no signs of slowing down. Many members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, including sannyasis, gurus, and other senior devotees -- as well as some younger devotees -- have passed away as a result of COVID-19 infections and related complications. Numerous other devotees who contracted and have recovered from COVID-19 continue to suffer from its weakening effects.

[Guideline] Whereas Srila Prabhupada should be worshiped in ISKCON in a manner befitting his status as the founder Acarya of ISKCON. Our worship of His Divine Grace is an expression of our love and respect for him;

Statement by GBC Executive Chairman, Ramai Swami, on the occasion of Sri Krsna Janmastami (3 min. video)

Exploring the People behind the Policies with newly appointed GBC Govardhan Das who was interviewed by Gopal Bhatta Das. Govardhan Das shares his thoughts on the economic risks and mitigation on ISKCON, arising from COVID-19 in addition to other issues.

We also request the following precautions: . Anyone involved in cooking or serving prasadam must wash their hands every twenty minutes with hot water and soap for twenty seconds. Servers must wear disposable gloves. . Anyone showing any symptoms of any illness should remain out of the kitchen and also not serve prasadam. . Avoid shaking hands.

In light of the seriousness of the situation, we request all of our ISKCON communities, temples, and centers to adhere to the following recommendations: Temple events will continue as scheduled. However, we request that you do not visit the temple if: . You have any symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus -- fever, cough, or shortness of breath. . You have been around anyone else with the above symptoms.

Here HH Bhaktivaibhava Swami, the 2019 ISKCON GBC Chairman introduces the work of the Executive Committee of the ISKCON GBC Body and gives some insights as to what they do in their service.

Resolved: Any devotees referred to in any proposal to the GBC will be identified by adding the abbreviation of their spiritual master’s name after their initiated name. The Guru Services Committee is directed to maintain this list and generate abbreviations for new initiating spiritual masters.

A primary reason this issue was brought before the SAC was to consider whether a husband initiating his wife is like a guru marrying his disciple. There are major differences in the two scenarios. Traditionally, a guru is sometimes considered to be like a parent, and for a guru to marry a disciple is like a parent marrying his or her own offspring – something strongly disapproved in both general society and śāstra