INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acarya: His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION
GBC BODY MEETING RESOLUTIONS
1995 Sri Dham Mayapur
1)
That Sesa dasa is accepted as assistant GBC.
2)
THAT Bir Krishna Goswami is accepted as a candidate for GBC for the
Southeastern
USA zone.
3)
THAT Bhaktivaibhava Swami is accepted as assistant GBC.
4) THAT Naveen Krishna dasa is approved to
become a full GBC.
5) THAT Bhakti Raghava Swami is accepted as
acting GBC.
6) THAT Rohini Suta dasa is accepted as a full
GBC.
7)
THAT Param Gati Swami is accepted as acting GBC.
8) THAT Radhanatha Swami is accepted as acting
GBC.
9) THAT Ramai Swami is accepted as assistant
GBC.
10) THAT the following officers are elected:
a. Badrinarayan dasa is elected as GBC
Chairman. He will also serve as
chairman
for the duration of this meeting, filling the vacancy left by
Jagadisa
Goswami's resignation.
b. Bhakti Tirtha Swami is elected as GBC
vice-chairman.
c. Naveen Krishna dasa is elected as GBC
secretary.
11) Proposal Name: Re-Organization of Education Office/Board ID#
VI-1
A.
1. THAT the members of the GBC Education Sub-committee are:
Bhurijan Dasa,
Bir
Krishna Swami, Badrinarayana Dasa, Kavichandra Swami, Gaura Govinda
Swami,
Dhanvantari Swami (replacing Bhakti Bhusan Swami if approved as an
Assistant
GBC) and Bhaktarupa Prabhu (Treasurer).
2. The GBC Sub-committee will meet in Mayapur
annually to serve as an
interface
between the GBC Body and the Office of Education and deal with
educational
matters assigned to it by the GBC Body.
3. THAT Bhurijana Dasa is appointed Chairman of
the GBC Education Sub-Com-
mittee.
B.
1. THAT Muralivadaka Dasa is appointed
"Director of the Office of Educa-
tion." He may organize a worldwide committee to
attain the goals of this
office
which are to:
(a)
give child protection training & recording (WHAT?)
(b)
serve as a center for help and information
(c) develop strategies and goals for ISKCON
education worldwide
(d) oversee the "Office of Accreditation & Curriculum Development
"
(e) oversee the allocation of the education
budget.
C.
1. THAT Urmila devi dasi is appointed
"Accreditation & Curriculum Develop-
ment
Coordinator." She will develop standards
for accrediting schools and
the
writing & printing of the curriculum.
2. THAT a committee of Bir Krsna Swami, Bhakti
Tirtha Swami, and Badrinar-
ayana
dasa will meet with Muralivadaka Dasa and Urmila devi dasi to implement
this
revised system.
12)
Proposal Name: GBC Official
Archives ID# VI-7
1. THAT the GBC Correspondence Secretary
establish and supervise an official
document
archive in Sri Mayapur Dhama. The
Correspondence Secretary is
empowered
to publish detailed rules, guidelines, and fee schedules for
operating
the archive.
2. THAT any ISKCON devotee may place a document
in the archives upon payment
of
a fee and issuance of a receipt. Certified copies of documents may be
issued to the holder of a receipt or any ISKCON temple officer upon payment
of
a fee..
3. THAT duplicates should be made and kept in
Mayapur by the Correspondence
Secretary.
13)
Proposal Name: Child Protection
Guidelines ID# VI-3
1. THAT The local GBC should be advised if a
Temple President knowingly
arranges
for a confirmed child abuser to be supported by a temple, or live on
temple
property without first notifying the householder community as per
ISKCON
laws. The local GBC is to supervise
the situation to be sure the
Temple
President follows the following GBC guidelines:
"In
no case should a confirmed perpetrator remain in the local community
unless
the local ISKCON authorities obtain the written authorization of no
less
than three-quarter of the parents of children at the project or in the
community. The local government authorities and/or the
ISKCON Board of
Education
will make the final determination of the appropriate degree of
segregation.
(1990-119.4)"
2. THAT every GBC make sure the temples
presidents in his zone are made
aware
of this resolution and GBC guidelines.
14)
PROPOSAL NAME: SANNYASI ANNUAL
COMMITMENT ID# IV-18
1. THAT sannyasis who are not GBC's or ISKCON
Managers shall annually submit
in
writing to the GBC a "service program" report they are committing
themsel-
ves
to for the following year. This report
shall include the following:
a)
what devotional services they intend to do;
b)
where they intend to perform their services;
c)
when they intend to be in different places, if not always in the
same
zone;
d)
anything else they would like the GBC to know.
2. THAT these Sannyasis shall also submit their
"annual devotional service
progress"
report explaining in brief the highlights, achievements, and any
obstacles
in their devotional service during the previous year.
3. THAT the above two reports shall be
submitted to the Sannyasa Minister,
on
behalf of the GBC, one month prior to the GBC meeting.
15) PROPOSAL NAME: MINOR PROPERTY LAW REVISION
ID# I-11
THAT
Section 2.2.2 of ISKCON Law 93-54 shall be amended to read: "It is not
allowed
for any private individual or non-ISKCON entity to hold equity in any
structure
built on ISKCON property if that equity constitutes a legal
encumbrance
on that property."
16) PROPOSAL NAME: ZURICH RELOCATION
ID# N-5
THAT
the GBC Body gives its blessings to ISKCON Zurich to relocate Their
Lordships
Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi and Sri Sri Gaura--
Nitai
to a new location in Zurich.
17) PROPOSAL NAME: EXPANDING INITIATING GURUS
ID# V-20
THAT devotees first initiated by Srila Prabhupada
and second initiated by
Srila
Prabhupada's disciples may, with the written consent of the mantra
guru,
be accepted as a candidate for initiating spiritual master like any
other
Srila Prabhupada disciple.
18) PROPOSAL NAME: FOUNDER ACARYA BUILDING PLAQUES
ID# N-14
1. THAT either before or during the Srila
Prabhupada Centennial, all ISKCON
temples
and prominent buildings which don't already have Srila Prabhupada's
name
enscripted upon them, shall install a plaque stating Srila Prabhupada's
full
name as the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness.
2. THIS shall also apply to the prominent
buildings of the BBT, BI and any
other
society founded by Srila Prabhupada or affiliated to ISKCON.
3. THE BBT shall mention Srila Prabhupada as
the Founder-Acarya.
4. THE Communications Ministry shall give a
standard format and wording for
these
plaques upon request.
19) PROPOSAL NAME: LEGAL, TAX, FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE ID# I-12
1. THAT every Temple President is to insure his
temple is operating at
acceptable
standards in all legal, tax, and accounting matters according to
local
law.
2. THAT competent lawyers and accountants
(retained or volunteer) be engaged
to
review current standards and guide ISKCON temples to come up to acceptable
standards
by January 1, 1996.
3. THAT the Ministry of Finance will provide
minimum standards for legal,
tax
and accounting procedures for ISKCON, which apply whenever local law does
not
require compliance at least to these
minimum standards. The Ministry of
Finance
shall also give an annual report to the GBC to verify this com-
pliance. Where needed, the local GBC shall assist the
Ministry to ensure
that
temples in their zone are in compliance.
20) PROPOSAL NAME: TEMPLE DEITY WORSHIP STANDARDS
ID# II-6
1. THAT the book "The Method of Deity
Worship fir the International Society
for
Krishna Consciousness" is approved by the GBC Body.
2. THAT all devotees engaged in Deity worship
in ISKCON temples with
installed
Deities should study and take guidance from
this book.
3. With the approval of this book, the
previous 1983 Resolution 25.2.2 may
be
updated by the ISKCON Law Revision Committee.
21) PROPOSAL NAME: MANOR CAMPAIGN THANK YOU
ID# VI-5
THAT
the GBC makes the following statement:
"The
GBC would like to thank the devotees and members of the Society in the
United
Kingdom who have served so valiantly in keeping Bhaktivedanta Manor
open
as a place of public worship. Foremost
we would like to thank Akhandad-
hi
Das, the Temple President, who made his life one with the Manor Campaign
for
the last decade. Thanks also goes to
Frank Ward, a friend of the Society
and
local councilor; Naresh Chada and the Hare Krsna Temple Defense Movement;
the
Patrons Council; Sruti Dharma Das, Pranabandu Das and the United Kingdom
Life
Membership preachers; Atmanivedana
Swami; Riddha Das Adhikary; all
congregational
members; and others not individually mentioned. Their
dedication
and determination is an example to the members of ISKCON world-w-
ide
and a great source of pleasure to Srila Prabhupada who was concerned that
his
followers maintained what he had given them".
22) PROPOSAL NAME: SANNYASA APPLICATION NO.2
ID# N-15
THAT
sannyasa candidates must meet personally with the Sannyasa Committee in
Mayapur
before receiving final approval for taking sannyasa, unless exempted
by
the Sannyasa Minister.
23) PROPOSAL NAME: MURLI KRSNA DASA REINSTATEMENT
ID# N-8
THAT
Murli Krsna Dasa be admitted as a member of ISKCON for a one-year
probationary
period. He is to maintain regular contact with the ISKCON temple
in
Boston during the probationary period. If the Boston temple authorities,
through
Niranjana Swami, give a favorable report to the GBC Body in 1996 on
Murli
Krsna Dasa, he may be fully reinstated in 1996.
THAT
these same conditions apply if Murli Krsna Dasa moves to another
location
within the next year, (i.e. he should maintain regular association
with
ISKCON devotees in his area). These devotees should submit a report
through
their GBC representative.
24) PROPOSAL NAME: SANNYASA APPLICATION NO.1
ID# N-14
THAT
candidates for sannyasa must submit their applications in accordance
with
the GBC Rules of Order and include along with the statement by a GBC
member
listing the candidate's qualifications to take sannyasa, a letter
written
by the candidate explaining his reasons for wanting to accept
sannyasa.
25) PROPOSAL:
PRAHLADANANDA SWAMI SANNYASA MINISTER ID# N-5
THAT
Prahladananda Swami is re-appointed Sannyasa Minister.
26) PROPOSAL NAME: CONTINENTAL TRAINING SEMINARS
ID# V-18
THAT
GBC Zonal Secretaries and GBC Global Ministers/Monitors, in cooperation
with
Continental Leaders, will organize and personally participate in
training
seminars once a year in 1) North America; 2) South America; 3)
Europe/Africa;
4) India/Asia; 5) CIS; and 6) Australasia. Each seminar will
be
of approximately four to six days and will be called "ISKCON
Conventions."
ISKCON
Foundation and its staff will be the Coordinators of these conven-
tions.
27) PROPOSAL NAME: JAYAPATAKA SWAMI CO-GBC FOR BRUNEI ID# IV-11
THAT
Jayapataka Swami be appointed Co-GBC for Brunei.
28) PROPOSAL NAME: CIS GBC CHANGES ID# IV-30
1. THAT Gopal Krishna Goswami be appointed
Co-GBC for Southern Russia.
2. THAT Rohini Suta Dasa be appointed Co-GBC
for Volga.
3. THAT
Bhakti Vaibhav Swami be appointed Assistant GBC to Niranjana Swami
for
Belarus to replace Prabhavisnu Swami.
29) PROPOSAL NAME: KRISHNALOKA PROJECT (SURAT)
id# IV-14
THAT
Krishnaloka Project at Gangapur (Surat) be accepted as an ISKCON temple.
Jayapataka Swami will give advise on the
finer legal points to bring the
project
under ISKCON authority. Gopal Krsna
Swami is the GBC as Surat is in
his
zone.
30) PROPOSAL: ISKCON Policies Manual ID # V-16
THAT
Kalakantha dasa will review and organize the existing ISKCON law
revisions
work thus far done by the Constitutional Committee to form a draft
booklet
of ISKCON current law. On May 23rd and 24th, 1996 this draft will be
reviewed
in Alachua in person by the Law Revisions Committee including
Kavicandra
Swami, Jaya Pataka Swami, Naveen Krishna dasa, Ravindra Swarupa
dasa,
and one devotee lawyer such as Balavanta dasa or Sesa dasa. They shall
be
empowered to finalize the compilation, including editing, definitions and
whatever
else needed to complete the law revision. This review group will
cause
this to be published and mailed out to temple's worldwide as the
official
updated booklet of ISKCON law.
THAT
after the official booklet of ISKCON laws is published, it shall be
updated
after every annual GBC meeting and provided to ISKCON GBC's, temple
presidents
and others within three months of Gaura Purnima.
31) PROPOSAL: ISKCON Leadership Definitions and
Constitution ID # V-2
THAT
Sesa dasa will join the constitutional team to review the official
ISKCON
lawbook and from this create a draft constitution for ISKCON. The
final
draft of this constitution will be completed by September 1, 1995. This
draft
constitution will be sent to all GBC members by letter, FAX or COM as a
correspondence
proposal to be finally voted upon before December 1, 1995,
thus
providing ISKCON with a constitution before the centennial year begins.
32) PROPOSAL: Congregational Development
Ministry ID # V-7
THAT
the GBC body establishes a Ministry for Congregational Development to
help
achieve ISKCON's goals in this vital area. Jaya Pataka Swami shall be
the
minister.
33) PROPOSAL:
Implementation of Temple Stapak Sastra ID # II-3
THAT
it is advised as a guideline that all ISKCON temples with installed
deities
may immediately begin and maintain a stapak sastra using a long-last-
ing
hard-bound book suitable for establishing a legacy. Each temple's
historical
events should be recorded in the stapak sastra by the Temple
President
and Head Pujari after due consideration and mutual agreement. The
stapak
sastra should be maintained on the altar as the Deities' personal
paraphernalia. Suggestions for entries are:
1.
Formation of the temple.
2.
Special lilas and instructions given by the Founder Acarya, Srila Prab-
hupada.
3.
Special history of the Deities e.g.: how They were named, how They came,
Their
standard of service, Their extraordinary lilas, etc.
4.
Accomplishments of the devotees and temple e.g.: winners of Christmas
marathons.
5.
Temple's annual history.
6.
The last words of retiring Temple Presidents.
34) PROPOSAL: Funding Mayapur Panca-Tattva ID # VI-9
THAT
Sridhara Swami will do a fund-raiser during the Navadvipa Mandala
Parikrama
for the Panca Tattva temple in Mayapur. GBC members and others are
also
invited to contribute.
35) PROPOSAL: Sannyasa Waiting List ID #'s
IV-24, 26, 31-35
THAT
Balabhadra dasa be placed on the three year sannyasa waiting list.
THAT
Kadamba Kanana Rasa Parayana dasa be placed on the one year sannyasa
waiting
list.
THAT
Ramacandra dasa be placed on the five year sannyasa waiting list.
THAT
Mahamantra dasa be placed on the two year sannyasa waiting list.
THAT
Gauranga dasa be placed on the five year sannyasa waiting list.
THAT
Gaura Narayana dasa be placed on the five year sannyasa waiting list.
THAT
Paratha Sarathi dasa (French) be placed
on the one year sannyasa
waiting
list.
36) THAT Vedavyasa Priya Swami be pre-approved
to have his sannyasa re-con-
firmed
from a bonafide ISKCON guru of his choice. He must also sign an oath
of
allegiance to ISKCON.
37) THAT Vrndavana Swami be pre-approved to have
his sannyasa re-confirmed
after
his accepting a bonafide ISKCON guru of his choice for first and second
initiation.
All three initiations are authorized to be given at the same
time,
at the discretion of the initiating guru who he accepts. He must also
sign
an oath of allegiance to ISKCON.
38) THAT Nityo Dita Swami be pre-approved to
have his sannyasa re-confirmed
from
a bonafide ISKCON guru of his choice. He must also sign an oath of
allegiance
to ISKCON.
39) THAT Umapati Swami be authorized as an
initiating guru in ISKCON.
40) THAT Varsana Swami be authorized as an
initiating guru in ISKCON after
signing
an oath of allegiance to ISKCON and affirming that he has renounced
all
allegiance to Kirtanananda.
41) PROPOSAL: GBC Newsletter V-15
THAT
the GBC Executive Committee will edit and oversee a quarterly GBC
newsletter
to go to all ISKCON temples throughout the world. The newsletter
will
be drafted and produced by ISKCON Foundation. Cost to the GBC will be
U.S.
$1200. ISKCON Foundation will donate staff, time and equipment.
42) PROPOSAL: Deity Protection I-2
THAT
all temples must make arrangements for the protection of installed
Deities
immediately. This is to include adequate protection during darsana
times
when the curtain and doors are open. Locking iron gates are recom-
mended.
All GBC men must include details on how the Deities in each temple in
their
zone are being protected in their 1995 Annual Report. [This is already
an
ISKCON law but it should be implemented by the 1996 Centennial.]
43) PROPOSAL: France--GBC Question IV-3
THAT
Bhakti Charu Swami shall resign as GBC of France. The GBC Executive
Committee
requests Bhakti Charu Swami and Bhakti Svarupa Damodar Swami to
encourage
their disciples to remain in France and work cooperatively with the
ISKCON
institution there.
44) PROPOSAL: Kirtan Melodies II-2
THAT
the Minister of Culture, Bhakti Charu Swami, shall organize a committee
of
senior devotees to review Srila Prabhupada's instructions on kirtan
melodies. Then a cassette tape and sheet music shall
be made with sample
melodies
and songs for specific melodies. An
examination shall be prepared
of
different melodies for different times.
45) PROPOSAL:
Property Improvements N-19
THAT
before making any improvements on an ISKCON property the local manage-
ment
shall comply (where applicable) with building, health and fire codes.
Building
permits shall be obtained as required by local law before commencing
the
work. The local Zonal Secretary shall
oversee that this guideline is
being
adhere to.
46) PROPOSAL:
Increasing Correspondence Proposals
V-20
THAT
In order to expedite GBC business, concentrating on the preaching vision
and
avoiding distractions, the GBC Body shall process as many correspondence
proposals
as possible, especially in the realm of legal, administrative,
financial,
social, behavioral and philosophical areas of discussion. For
1995-1996,
these proposals shall be processed through the GBC Secretary,
Naveen
Krishna dasa. All proposals first shall
be sent to the Chairman who
decides
in consultation with the Executive Committee which proposals go to
correspondence
and which do not. In accordance with
existing policy, any
proposals
not completed at the end of the GBC meeting shall be submitted to
the
Chairman and his Executive Committee for further action.
47) PROPOSAL:
Private Residences N-18
THAT
to have a "private" residence on an ISKCON property, someone must
have
a
written legal agreement signed with the proprietary ISKCON entity. The
agreement
shall include the following:
1. The property shall remain legally
unencumbered.
2. In case any improvements are ever to be made
on the residence, they shall
comply
with these guidelines:
a.
That they comply with the ISKCON Law on making "property improve-
ments";
b.
That it shall state whether the improvement is a donation, or a
claimed
asset of the resident. In the case of a
claimed asset, the limit and
nature
of any compensation shall be detailed so as to avoid any legal
complication
in the future.
c. That the written permission of the
competent local authorities shall
be
taken prior to making any improvements.
3. The resident shall maintain the spiritual
standards of ISKCON.
4. Reasonable clauses for vacating the resident
if required.
5. Any other clauses needed for maintaining
good relations and avoiding
legal
or practical problems between the occupant and ISKCON.
48) PROPOSAL:
Debt-Free Temples N-1
THAT
:
1.
As a general principle of management temple presidents and temple ad-
ministrations
shall keep ISKCON temples free from debts. No external debts
should
be created by any temple administration. This shall be implemented in
the
following manner:
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,
otherwise
prior to incurring a debt one should obtain the written permission
of
the local GBC Zonal Secretary.
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.
c. Purchases of vehicles or other movable
assets such as equipment of
machinery
should only be done with the concerned vehicle as collateral and
not
endangering other assets of default. If purchasing a vehicle will
compromise
a major portion of the temple cash flow, or there is danger of
defaulting,
then permission of the local GBC Zonal Secretary shall be taken
in
writing prior to creating the debt.
d. Any debt which could endanger the
immovable properties in case of
default
shall also 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 for which permission have
been given and 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 deviate from this principle
shall
be liable for remedial or disciplinary action including:
a. Imposing restrictions on ability to
spend (additional signers, etc.);
b.
Censuring;
c. Placing on probation and/or reducing
to an acting status;
d. Removal in extreme or chronic cases.
49) Proposal: Prema Dhvani Correction II-9
THAT
the GBC body informs ISKCON temples around the world that if "nitya lila
pravistha"
is chanted in the beginning of the Jayadhvani prayers, the words
"paramhamsa"
and "parivrajakacarya" should not be used. If "nitya lila
pravistha"
is not chanted, the words "paramahamsa" and
"parivrajakacarya" are
appropriate.
50)
Proposal: Bhaktarupa Prabhu/GBC Dispute
III-1
THAT
Jaya Pataka Swami draw up a detailed job description for the GBC
Correspondence
Secretary. Such description shall
include, at the very least,
restrictions
similar to those contained in the second half of last year's
resolution
concerning Bhaktarupa dasa.
THAT
the GBC Body does NOT accept the resignation of Bhaktarupa dasa as
Correspondence
Secretary and encourages him to continue in this service.
51)
Fallen Sannyasa Gurus IV-19
THAT
those who have taken sannyasa from a sannyasi in ISKCON who was in good
standing
but later fell from sannyasa are recommended to take sannyasa
reinitiation
by an authorized ISKCON sannyasi.
That
anyone who took sannyasa outside of ISKCON whose sannyasa guru has
fallen,
but wants to serve as an ISKCON sannyasi must take sannyasa re-initi-
ation
from an ISKCON sannyasi.
52) Property Law Revision N-17
THAT the last sentence of Resolution #19 of 1981
be changed as follows:
"The
North American Continential Committee is responsible to see that a
standard
uniform legal plan is implemented".
53) M.M. De Case III-13
THAT
the GBC:
1) Confirms that the case affects India only
2) Directs the Indian Continental Committee and
Indian BBT trustees to
settle
this issue
54) Property TRUstee CHange APOProvals N-23
THAT
Section 3.2.2. of ISKCON Law 1993-54 be modified as follows:
In
the event of the death or failure to act for any reason of any of the said
Property
Trustees, a successor initiated disciple of ISKCON who is following
strictly
all the rules and regulations of the International Society for
Krishna
Consciousness as detailed in Srila Prabhupada's books, and provided
that
there are never less than three or more than five Trustees acting at one
time.
No objections to the appointment must be obtained in writing from the
local
GBC's, and the Monitoring Executor for the property in question must
certify
in writing that the change is in accordance with ISKCON Law and
Executors
Committee Policies. The Trustees shall
be responsible to notify
the
Executor Committee of any changes so effected by sending copies of all
relevant
documents to the Secretary.
55) THAT Sukadeva Swami be pre-approved to have
his sannyasa re-confirmed
after
his accepting a bonafide ISKCON guru of his choice for first and second
initiation.
All three initiations are authorized to be given at the same
time,
at the discretion of the initiating guru who he accepts. He must also
sign
an oath of allegiance to ISKCON. In the meantime he can remain in the
sannyasa
asrama.
56) N.V. Sannyasis O-2
THAT
Bhaktisiddhanta Swami, Candra Mali Swami, and Candra Sekhara Swami, all
formerly
connected with New Vrindaban, now connected with ISKCON, may carry
on
as sannyasis under ISKCON authority, and they should come to Mayapur next
year
so that their situation can be discussed.
57)
THAT TO live on ISKCON property, Satadhanya dasa must first have a "risk
assessment." If he receives a "low to no risk"
approval, he can live on
ISKCON
Mayapur property. The assessment should
be done by experts approved
by
Yasoda dasi.
58) THAT the GBC approves the compilation of
rules called "Gurus and
Initiation"
submitted by the ISKCON Rules Revision Committee as follows:
59)
THAT the above resolution is amended as follows: "1.3.5. Objecting GBC
Communicates
First With Candidate, Council" is deleted. GBC men are only
required
to submit their objections regarding a proposed ISKCON initiating
spiritual
master to the Executive Committee.
60) New Vrindaban / ISKCON I-5
THAT:
a. the GBC body welcomes back all devotees of
New Vrindaban who have
rejected
the authority of Kirtanananda Swami and who again wish to be a part
of
ISKCON;
b. ISKCON is willing to help the New Vrindaban
community in any way pos-
sible;
c. ISKCON World Review will publish an article
informing the society how New
Vrindaban
is following proper standards;
d. The GBC will send a document to New
Vrindaban explaining what it means to
be
part of ISKCON and encouraging them to rejoin. It will also state that the
GBC
body intends to work in a cooperative and non-disruptive fashion with New
Vrindaban
should they want to rejoin ISKCON.
e.
Bhakti Tirtha Swami and Radhanath Swami shall be co-GBC for West Virginia.
They
shall act as liaison between the GBC body and New Vrindaban during the
transition
to full ISKCON affiliation.
61)
P.R. Issues VI-4
THAT:
1.
Each temple, underground or banned regions excepted, shall produce and
dessiminate
a two-page (minimum) newsletter at least monthly which is sent to
all
the congregational members. The main elements should be positive presen-
tations
of ISKCON's philosophy and achievements of ISKCON locally, nationally
and
internationally and should also include glorificatoin and recognition of:
a. Deserving active members of the
congregation, recognizing their
services
and contributions.
b. Local ISKCON members and leaders
including temple president, preache-
rs,
etc.
c. Other ISKCON leaders, gurus,
sannyasis, preachers, etc. as thought
appropriate,
including their noteworthy achievements.
2.
Each newsletter shall also contain a monthly financial report. Expenses
are
described in terms of temple functions and projects according to the
principles
of functional accounting. (Contact ISKCON Foundation for specifics
on
functional budget and newsletter recommendations.)
3.
Wherever possible every temple shall form an advisory board according to
the
guidelines established by the ISKCON Foundation. Some of the important
advisory
board functions include:
a. Monthly meetings to understand the
needs, concerns and interests of
the
greater ISKCON community and local congregation.
b. To improve the quality and effect of
the newsletter, temple programs
and
other outreach programs including the congregational preaching, fes-
tivals,
Food for Life programs, educational programs and all preaching.
c. To discuss confidentially the
detractors and come up with goals and
styrategies
to better to deal with reputation mangement and to empower the
advisory
board members to work with the greater community on behalf of
ISKCON.
4.
Each temple should empower the other mature leaders of the congregation
such
as nama hatta leaders, gathering organizers, etc. with ISKCON materials
to
answer questions that may arise due to opposing elements.
5.
Each temple shall utilize the following and other resource and promotional
materials
as far as possible:
a. Back to Godhead
b. ISKCON World Review
c. Hare Krishna Today Video Magazine
d. Centennial Materials
e. International Newsletters
62)
New Oath Proposal N-10
THAT
the following revised Oath of Loyalty be accepted:
A. OATH OF LOYALTY
As
a devotee, officer and leader within the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness
(ISKCON), I shall abide by the following:
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 representative
of
his will and the ultimate managing authority of ISKCON.
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.
B. PROCEDURES FOR TAKING OATHS:
1. All members of the GBC, ISKCON gurus,
Sannyasis, Regional Secretaries,
Temple
Presidents, Temple Vice-Presidents, Temple Board of Directors, Project
Leaders
(such as ISCOWP, BI, etc.), and other ISKCON managers shall complete
the
approved ISKCON Oath of Loyalty in the following manner:
a. A signed Oath certified by the appropriate
legal authority prescribed for
giving
testimony of a declaration (Notary Public, Judicial Magistrate,
Commissioner
of Oaths, etc.) in the locaton shall be deposited with the GBC
Corresponding
Secretary. This shall be renewed once
in five years or
whenever
there is a change in their responsibilities.
b. The GBC's shall make the above Oath orally,
in a group, before the
Deities
in Sridham Mayapur during the course of their annual meetings.
c. Every Temple President, Regional Secretary,
Temple Officer, etc. shall
take
the Oath orally before the Deities of the Temple every year. The Oath
shall
be administered by a local GBC Zonal Secretary. Optionally the Oath
may
be taken at ISKCON Sridham Mayapur during the Gaura Purnima Festival
period).
d. Other leaders not covered above shall also
make an annual oral declara-
tion
of the Oath before an ISKCON Deity administered by the GBC authority or
liason
assigned.
C. This resolution shall overide and replace
all previous legislation on
Oaths
for ISKCON leaders. This doesn't
replace the additional Oath that
ISKCON
gurus must also take.
63) PROPOSAL NAME: Ministry of Indian Community Relations ID#: IV-29
THAT
a portfolio of Indian Community Relations be established under the
direction
of Naveen Krishna dasa with the following functions:
(1) To propose guidelines for ISKCON's dealings
with its Life Members,
(2) To receive complaints and suggestions from
Indian members and congrega-
tions,
(3) To help resolve disputes and make reports
and recommendations to the
GBC
Executive Officers involving ISKCON management and Indian Life Members
and
congregation,
(4) To establish local committees of ISKCON
Indian friends and members to
handle
these kind of issues. Committees to be approved by local ISKCON
management.
(5) Initially, for the next two years, pursue
the above purposes in a few
particular
centers as requested by the local Zonal GBC's.
THAT
Subhavilas dasa be appointed Global Coordinator for Indian Community
Relations
for establishing the above portfolio.
64) THAT the GBC gives their approval and
blessings for ISKCON devotees to
coolaborate
with the Indian Heritage Research Foundation (IHF) in their
production
of the Indian Heritage Encyclopedia as proposed by the Bhak-
tivedanta
Institute staff. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami will be the chief
co-ordinator
and Rasaraja dasa (assisted by Rajahamsa dasa) will be the
liaison
with the IHF. The following devotees shall write their respective
articles
on ISKCON: Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, Hridayananda dasa Goswami,
Ravindra
Svarupa dasa, Garuda dasa, Lokanath Swami, Jayadvaita Swami, Jaya
Pataka
Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Subhag Swami, Mukunda Goswami, Drutakarma
dasa,
Sadaputa dasa, Rasaraja dasa, Rajahamsa dasa and Bhaktisvarupa Damodar
Swami.
65)
THAT Gaura Mandala Bhumi dasa be appointed Candidate for GBC for In-
donesia
and Indo China (Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam).
66)
THAT the GBC approves of the paper entitled "On My Order" which es-
tablishes
as ISKCON law the final siddhanta on Srila Prabhupada's desire for
continuing
the disciplic succession after the departure of His Divine Grace.
67)
THAT:
1.
the acceptance of Vasudeva dasa's resignation should be rescinded ad he
should
be re-admitted to the GBC;
2.
Subhavilas dasa should visit Fiji to explore possible means to repair
relations
with Vasudeva dasa and his family;
3.
Subhavilas dasa shall report the outcome to the GBC body via correspon-
dence;
4.
New of this resolution will be carried to Fiji by Subhavilas dasa.
68)
THAT Bhakti Bhusana Swami will be GBC for Southern and Central Brazil,
with
Dhanvantari Swami as Regional Secretary for the Central Zone. Dhanvan-
tari
Swami will be proposed in the future for GBC if accepted by the leaders.
THAT
Guru Prasada Swami will be GBC for North and Northest Brazil. Somaka
Swami
and Jagat Vicitra dasa will be Regional Secretaries for that area.
THAT
this is a temporary arrangement for one year allowing Bhakti Bhusana
Swami
and Guru Prasada Swami time to consult with the leaders and presidents
to
arrive at a final arrangement next year.
69)
THAT:
1. If needed or desired, an ISKCON Rural
Community outside India may be
permitted
to alienate or encumber a portion of its properties subject to one
or
more of the following conditions:
a.
The temple project has excess land which ISKCON cannot fully develop
in
the foreseeable future;
b.
ISKCON property is endangered by a large mortgage, inability to
conform
to government regulations, or any other cause.
c.
The community needs to facilitate householders in order to build up
the
project in a manner which will not be detrimental to the Deity's inter-
ests.
2. If any of the above conditions exists,
approval to alienate or encumber
may
be sought as follows:
a. The local administration and zonal secretary
must explain to the property
trustees
how the Rural Community's property fits under one or more of the
above mentioned conditions.
b.
In their application the local administration and zonal secretary
must
also explain how they plan to protect the Deity's and ISKCON's interests
providing
the following information:
(1)
Which properties will remain ISKCON's and the Deities'
possessions,
including lands for Temple, Deity gardens, asramas, brahminical
and
other temple devotees' lodging, non-encumbered rental or income earning
assigned
homesteads, temple's cows, temple's agricultural lands, temple owned
gurukula,
temple administration, preaching facilities,
utilities, roads and
any
other similar areas. These lands and
properties will be designated
"Deity
property".
(2)
Which properties are to be alienated from ISKCON and how they
will
be used. Such uses could include sale,
rental or any encumbered
allotment
of land for homesteads, privately owned cottage industries, private
agriculture
and dairy, community government, and any other use not against
Krishna
conscious principles. These lands and
properties will be designated
"Non-Deity
property".
(3)
How income earned from the alienation shall only be utilized
for
removing danger to the property by paying off pending mortgages or BBT
capital
loans, fulfilling government regulations, constructing temple
buildings,
etc., to ISKCON's and the Deities' capital benefit.
(4)
Evidence that there are devotees ready and able to invest in
buying
or renting alienated land.
(5)
A proposed scheme or covenant on land sale to prohibit use of
land
for purposes against the principles of Krishna consciousness (as legally
as
possible).
(6)
Statement that the land price is equal to or greater than the
local
fair market value for such property.
(7)
A land use sketch showing where the lands designated in (1)
and
(2) above will be situated.
(8)
Any other supporting information.
c.
If the property trustees unanimously approve of the proposal and the
Deity
is situated anywhere on the ISKCON property, the proposal in the above
format
must be forwarded with the trustees' recommendation to the executors
committee. The executors committee may then approve the
proposal demarcating
"Deity
property" [non-alienable], and "Non-Deity property" [alienable],
by
2/3
majority. If a simple majority approve,
but less than 2/3, the executors
committee
may forward the proposal to the GBC body for resolution.
d.
After the proposal is approved, the project may be designated as an
ISKCON
Village Community and the property trustees alone can approve propos-
als
from the local management to alienate or encumber land not designated as
the
Deity's. The property trustees shall
insure that proceeds from the
alienation
are invested according to the approved plan.
e.
In their order, the executors committee shall give specific instruc-
tions
to insure proper execution and provide safeguards to protect the
capital
assets as per the approved scheme.
70)
THAT the GBC shall send a three man committee to Toronto to investigate
the
complaints about the temple management. The Committee shall consist of
Bir
Krsna Swami, Naveen Krishna dasa and Bhakti Tirtha Swami.
71)
THAT:
1.
Someone who has been connected with the Krsna consciousness movement for
more
than one year either as a congregational member or a mature child
brought
up in a Krishna conscious devotee's household shall be allowed to
accept
an ISKCON guru as a siksa guru and be accepted as an aspirant for
shelter
and initiation in the future, provided the temple president or
gurukula
principal (for gurukula students) gives his approval and, in the
case
of a minor child, a parent gives approval.
2.
Someone who has accepted an ISKCON guru as siksa guru and is an "aspirant
for
shelter and initiation" may cultivate a personal spiritual relationship
with
the spiritual master and by taking personal guidance try to further
progress
in Krsna consciousness.
3.
Someone who has accepted an ISKCON guru as siksa-guru and is an "aspirant
for
shelter and initiation" and who wants to subsequently accept another
ISKCON
guru as siksa guru, etc. should inform both gurus and follow the
procedure
as provided for in paragraph #1 above.
72.
THAT the following statement is accepted as ISKCON's position statement
on
the environment:
Fostering a more simple and natural way of
life is one of the founding
principles
of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The
members
of the Society are therefore committed to helping solve the planet's
environmental
problems. These include water pollution, air pollution, toxic
waste,
nuclear and chemical accidents, destruction of wildlife, and deser-
tification.
While appreciating the good intentions of
those working to solve these
problems
by individual and group efforts of a material nature, we believe the
environmental
crisis is ultimately a spiritual one requiring a spiritual
solution.
The environmental crisis is a product of a
society that has become overly
dependent
upon destructive industrial technology. This dependency is rooted
in
reductionist science, which has removed God and the soul from the forefr-
ont
of human concern. When people forget that nature is the propriety of God,
they
are driven to exploit it unlimitedly for their own material gratifica-
tion.
Scholars of the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness are
therefore
introducing an alternative culture based on the Vedic teachings of
ancient
India. This philosophical system acknowledges the fundamental reality
of
a nonmaterial conscious self, or soul, present in each individual. All
souls
have their source in a Supreme Conscious Self, God. Nature also
emanates
from God as a perfectly balanced system capable of sustaining all
living
things. When humans fail to properly understand their total identity
as
body-mind-soul and the connect of nature with God, the system becomes
unbalanced.
Ultimately, we would like to see society
move toward a more natural
economy,
in which people are not dependent upon the present environmentally
destructive
system. They would instead live in smaller, self-sufficient
economic
units, based on simple living and high thinking. These villages,
towns,
and small cities would provide for basic needs locally and offer
secure
lifetime employment.
To this end, the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness is
gradually
developing rural communities all over the world and a town for
20,000
in Mayapur, India.
To reduce the urge to excessively exploit
and consume material resources,
ISKCON
teaches people methods for experiencing nonmaterial happiness from the
soul.
Chief among these is the time-honored practice of Hare Krishna mantra
meditation.
Without elevating desires from material to spiritual, the basic
impetus
to environmentally destructive behavior will remain intact.
We recognize the major detrimental effect
of the meat industry, par-
ticularly
the cattle industry, has on the environment. ISKCON's model
programs
for protecting cows and using bulls for transport and agriculture,
based
on the Vedic spiritual teachings, are thus environmentally beneficial.
Such
programs are now operating in ISKCON rural communities around the world.
The
spiritual vegetarian diet followed by ISKCON members saves scarce
resources
and has a far less negative impact on the environment than a
meat-based
diet. Since its founding in 1966, ISKCON has provided over 900
million
vegetarian meals through its restaurants, temples, and Food for Life
program
(for the homeless, hungry, or disadvantaged). The Society has also
sold
over 10 million vegetarian cookbooks.
While working to make this world a better
place, ISKCON also encourages
people
to understand their identity as spirit souls and return to the
spiritual
world, which is the natural environment of the soul.
73.
THAT:
1. A: In obedience to the instruction of His
Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedan-
ta
Swami Prabhupada, the GBC directs that the members of ISKCON should
respect
all senior Gaudiya Vaishnavas outside ISKCON, but should not in-
timately
associate with them, personally or through printed or recorded
media,
for guidance, teaching, instruction, or initiation as their presenta-
tion
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 there-
fore
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. Bhak-
tivedanta
Swami Prabhupada and his unadulterated teachings.
4. The concerned devotees will prepare a
document to correct any philosophi-
cal
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.
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 ad-
dressed
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 Prab-
hupada
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 discus-
sions
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 transcenden-
tally
present and that His Divine Grace was personally resolving any dis-
crepancies
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 help
push
forward Srila Prabhupada's movement with renewed enthusiasm and dedica-
tion.
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 volun-
teered
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 intro-
spection,
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.
74)
THAT Danavir dasa be placed on the two year sannyasa waiting list.
75)
THAT up to ten guests will be invited to attend the GBC meetings in
Mayapur
at the annual session. They will be observers in the plenary session
and
participants in the committee meetings. The chairman, vice-chairman and
secretary
of the ISKCON Managers Meeting elected from the previous years
meeting
will be automatically included. The ISKCON Managers shall appoint
five
others from among their own members. The remaining guests will be chosen
by
the Executive Committee from persons requested by individual GBC members.
Individual
GBC members will send a prioritized list of temple president
invitees
to the GBC Executive Committee in writing by 31st December in order
to
be accepted for consideration. Executive Committee may ask observers to
leave
during confidential discussions. Observers pay their own expenses.
76)
THAT Radha Govinda Maharaja is hereby authorized to initiate as soon as
the
Executive Committee is satisfied that 1) there is no danger of ISKCON's
name
arising from a court case in which he has been named, and 2) he has
delivered
a letter of apology to Jayapataka Swami for re-initiating one of
his
disciples.
77)
THAT Giridhari Swami is accepted as an assistant GBC.
78)
THAT the GBC Body requests Mahamana dasa to take up the responsibility of
temple
president of the Krishna-Balarama Temple in Vrndavana.
79)
THAT:
1.
Vaikuntha is that place from which no one ever falls down. The living
entity
belongs to Lord Krsna's marginal potency (tatastha-sakti). On this we
all
agree. The origin of the conditioned life of the souls now in this
material
world is undoubtedly beyond the range of our direct perception. We
can
therefore best answer questions about that origin by repeating the
answers
Srila Prabhupada gave when such questions were asked of him:
"The original home of the living
entity and the Supreme Personality of
Godhead
is the spiritual world. In the spiritual world both the Lord and the
living
entities live together very peacefully. Since the living entity
remains
engaged in the service of the Lord, they both share a blissful life
in
the spiritual world. However, when the living entity, misusing his tiny
independence,
wants to enjoy himself, he falls down into the material world."
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.28.54, purport)
No
ISKCON devotee shall present or publish any contrary view as conclusive in
any
class or seminar or any media (print, video, electronic, etc.).
2.
In resolving philosophical controversies, the teachings, instructions, and
personal
example of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
shall
be the first and primary resource for ISKCON devotees. We should
understand
Vedic literature, the writings of previous acaryas, and the
teachings
of current bona fide acaryas outside ISKCON through the teachings
of
Srila Prabhupada. Where we perceive apparent differences, we may attribute
them
to our own lack of understanding or (more rarely) to "differences among
acaryas."
When acaryas apparently differ, we shall defer to what is taught by
His
Divine Grace, our Founder-Acarya.
3.
The GBC rejects the speculation that Srila Prabhupada, while teaching
about
the original position of the jiva, did not mean what he said. The GBC
finds
this speculation unwarranted, poorly supported, unintentionally
offensive
to Srila Prabhupada, and, as a precedent, dangerous.
The GBC therefore directs that, effective
immediately, the book In
Vaikuntha
Not Even the Leaves Fall shall be prohibited from sale and dis-
tribution
at all ISKCON centers and by all ISKCON entities. The GBC members
and
temple presidents shall be responsible for carrying out this resolution.
The
GBC appreciates Satyanarayana dasa's willingness to withdraw the book.
80)
THAT the GBC suggests that devotees interested in apparent logical
contradictions
surrounding the "fall of the jiva" read the following paper on
the
topic, which Srila Prabhupada had sent to devotees in Australia in 1972
to
resolve controversies that arose among them about this topic. The paper
came
as an attachment to a letter from Srila Prabhupada to Madhudvisa dasa
dated
June 6, 1972.
Crow
And Tal-Fruit Logic
We
never had any occasion when we were separated from Krsna. Just like one
man
is dreaming and he forgets himself. In dream he creates himself in
different
forms: now I am the King discussing like that. This creation of
himself
is as seer and subject matter or seen, two things. But as soon as the
dream
is over, the "seen" disappears. But the seer remains. Now he is in
his
original
position.
Our
separation from Krsna is like that. We dream this body and so many
relationships
with other things. First the attachment comes to enjoy sense
gratification.
Even with Krsna desire for sense gratification is there. There
is
a dormant attitude for forgetting Krsna and creating an atmosphere for
enjoying
independently. Just like at the edge of the beach, sometimes the
water
covers, sometimes there is dry sand, coming and going. Our position is
like
that, sometimes covered, sometimes free, just like at the edge of the
tide.
As soon as we forget, immediately the illusion is there. Just like as
soon
as we sleep, dream is there.
We
cannot say therefore that we are not with Krsna. As soon as we try to
become
Lord, immediately we are covered by Maya. Formerly we were with Krsna
in
His lila or sport. But this covering of Maya may be of very, very, very,
very
long duration, therefore many creations are coming and going. Due to
this
long period of time it is sometimes said that we are ever-conditioned.
But
his long duration of time becomes very insignificant when one actually
comes
to Krsna consciousness. Just like in a dream we are thinking very long
time,
but as soon as we awaken we look at our watch and see it has been a
moment
only. Just like with Krsna's friends, they were kept asleep for one
year
by Brahma, but when they woke up and Krsna returned before them, they
considered
that only a moment had passed.
So
this dreaming condition is called non-liberated life, and this is just
like
a dream. Although in this material calculation it is a long, long
period,
as soon as we come to Krsna consciousness then this period is
considered
as a second. For example, Jaya and Vijaya. They had their lila
with
Krsna, but they had to come down for their little mistake. They were
given
mukti, emerging into the Brahmasayujya after being killed three times
as
demons. This Brahmasayujya mukti is non-permanent. Every living entity
wants
pleasure, but Brahmasayujya is minus pleasure. There is eternal
existence
only. So when they do not find transcendental bliss, they fall down
to
make a compromise with material bliss. Just like Vivekananda founded so
many
schools and hospitals. So even Lord Brahma, he is still material and
wants
to lord it over. He may come down to become a germ, but then he may
rise
up to Krsna consciousness and go back to home, back to Godhead. This is
the
position.
So
when I say Yes, there is eternal lila with Krsna, that means on the
evidence
of Jaya-Vijaya. Unless one develops full devotional service to
Krsna,
he goes up only up to Brahmasayujya but falls down. But after millions
and
millions of years of keeping oneself away from the lila of the Lord, when
one
comes to Krsna consciousness this period becomes insignificant, just like
dreaming.
Because
he falls down from Brahmasayujya, he thinks that may be his
origin,
but he does not remember that before that even he was with Krsna. So
the
conclusion is that whatever may be our past, let us come to Krsna
consciousness
and immediately join Krsna. Just like with a diseased man, it
is
a waste of time to try to find out how he has become diseased, better to
spend
time curing the disease.
On
the top of the tree there is a nice tal-fruit. A crow went there and
the
fruit fell down. Some panditas--big, big learned scholars--saw this and
discussed:
The fruit fell due to the crow agitating the limb. No, the fruit
fell
simultaneously with the crow landing and frightened the crow so he flew
away.
No, the fruit was ripe and the weight of the crow landing broke it from
the
branch, and so on and so on. What is the use of such discussions? So
whether
you were in the Brahmasayujya or with Krsna in His lila, at the
moment
you are in neither, so the best policy is to develop your Krsna
consciousness
and go there, never mind what is your origin.
Brahmasayujya
and Krsna lila--both may be possible, but when you are
coming
down from Brahmasayujya or when you are coming down from Krsna lila,
that
remains a mystery. But at the present moment we are in Maya's clutches,
so
at present our only hope is to become Krsna conscious and go back to Home,
back
to Godhead. The real position is servant of Krsna, and servant of Krsna
means
in Krsna lila. Directly or indirectly, always we are serving Krsna's
lila.
Even in dream. Just like we cannot go out of the sun when it is
daytime,
so where is the chance of going out of Krsna lila? The cloud may be
there,
it may become very gray and dim, but still the sunlight is there,
everywhere,
during the daytime. Because I am part
and parcel of Krsna, I am
always
connected. My finger, even though it may be diseased, remains part and
parcel
of my body. Therefore, we try to treat it, cure it, because it is part
and
parcel. So Krsna comes Himself when we forget Him, or He sends His
representative.
Awakening
or dreaming, I am the same man. As soon as I awaken and see
myself,
I see Krsna. Cause and effect are both Krsna. Just like cotton
becomes
thread and thread becomes cloth, still, the original cause is cotton.
Therefore,
everything is Krsna in the ultimate sense. When we cannot contact
Krsna
personally, we contact His energies. So there is no chance to be
outside
Krsna's lila. But differences we see under different conditions. Just
like
in the pool of water and in the mirror the same me is reflecting, but in
different
reflections. One is shimmering, unsteady, one is clear and fixed.
Except
for being in Krsna consciousness, we cannot see our actual position
rightly,
therefore the learned man sees all living entities as the same parts
and
parcels of Krsna. Material existence is impersonal because my real
personality
is covered. But we should think that because I am now covered by
this
clay, I am diseased, and we should think that I must get to business to
get
myself uncovered, not wonder how I got this way. Now the fruit is there,
take
it and enjoy, that is your first business. God is not bound by cause. He
can
change, He is the Cause of all Causes. Now don't waste your time with
this
"Kaka taliya nyaya," crows and tal-fruit logic.
81)
THAT Lokasaksi dasa's resignation as GBC is accepted.
82)
THAT Jagadisa Goswami's resignation as GBC is accepted.
83)
THAT the GBC Body shall pay Rs. 58,717.80 for the completion of the GBC
conference
room.
84)
THAT the GBC will replace Bhaktarupa dasa's services as Legal and
Corresponding
Secretary. Naveen Krsna dasa will arrange to cover his GBC
secretarial
duties from Alachua; Bhakti Charu Swami and Jaya Pataka Swami
will
arrange to cover his legal services from Mayapur. The Executive Commit-
tee
is authorized to arrange for Bhaktarupa dasa's smooth transition to his
next
service. Jaya Pataka Swami, Bhaktarupa dasa and Manjari-devi dasi will
compile
and send a complete check-off list to the Executive Committee to
insure
this smooth transition.
The
GBC thanks Bhaktarupa dasa for his seven years of secretarial and legal
services.
He has been instrumental in improving ISKCON through his service to
the
GBC and we are sure he has greatly pleased Srila Prabhupada.
85)
THAT 1996 GBC meetings will end three days before Navadvipa Mandala
Parikrama
so that GBC members may have time to oversee the final preparations
for
the Hare Krishna World Convention programs and seminars.
86)
Every country is encouraged to send one representative to take part in
Srila
Prabhupada's Maha Vyasa-puja celebration in Calcutta.
87) The Sahasra Tirtha Jala sponsorship program
is approved as a fund-rais-
ing
scheme for the Centennial.
88)
Every temple sponsors at least one kalash for the Calcutta Sahasra Tirtha
Jala
Maha Abhisheka of Srila Prabhupada (qualification as ISKCON temple to be
certified
by local GBC).
89)
The GBC suggests that the BBT pays $0.10 to the Centennial Global
Ministry
for each Lilamrta book sold to temples.
90)
The GBC approves a budget of US $1,000,000 for the Centennial Ministry
for
the period from April 1995 to March 1997, subject to review by Sridhara
Swami,
Harivilas dasa and Executive Committee.
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
Bhusana Swami:
GBC
-- Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Southern and Central Brazil
Bhakti
Caru 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
-- Ontario, Quebec and Maritime Provinces
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 Bhakticaru Swami and Giriraja Swami for South Africa
Bhaktivaibhava
Swami:
Assistant
GBC to Suhotra Swami for Czech Republic and Slovakia
Assistant
GBC to Prabhavishnu Swami for SIberia and Far East Russia
Assistant
GBC to Niranjana Swami for Ukraine
Assistant
GBC to Niranjana Swami and Prabhavishnu Swami for Belarus
Bhurijana
Das:
co-GBC
with Gopal Krishna Goswami for West Uttar Pradesh (including Vrin-
daban),
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
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 Caru Swami for Mauritius and Reunion
co-GBC
with Bhakti Caru 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, Chan-
digarh,
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
Gour
Govinda Swami:
co-GBC
with Jayapataka Swami for Orissa
Guru
Prasad Swami:
GBC
for Colombia, Northern and Northeast 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, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Yugoslavia,
Lichtenstein,
and Dole, France.
co-GBC
for Mayapur (*)
co-GBC
with Niranjana Swami for Moscow and St. Petersburg
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 Bhaktiraghava 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
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 Bhakticaru Swami for Bangladesh
co-GBC
with Kavicandra Swami for Thailand, and Singapore
co-GBC
with Bhakti Caru 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, Hawaii
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
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 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 Prabhavishnu Swami, assisted by 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:
GBC,
assisted by Ramai Swami, for Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands,
Vanuatu,
Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia
GBC,
assisted 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 Bhakticaru Swami for Bangladesh
co-GBC
with Niranjana Swami for Latvia
co-GBC
with Rohini Suta for Ural Mountain Region and 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, Papua New
Guinea,
New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands
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
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 Ural Mountain Region and Volga Region of
Russia
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
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, 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 Bhakticaru Swami