Statement from the Executive Committee of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission on Vaisnavi Diksa Guru – GBC AGM 2026<\/p>\n
At the GBC AGM 2026, the GBC considered and approved a proposal submitted by the GBC – ISKCON Bureau (IB) Committee concerning the topic of Vaisnavi Diksa Guru. The GBC Executive Committee presents the proposal below in its original form, as approved by the GBC. The proposal approved by the GBC is as follows: <\/p>\n
Whereas the GBC – ISKCON IB joint committee was given the responsibility of suggesting to the GBC a way forward to resolve the issue of whether Vaisnavis can take up the service of being diksa-gurus in ISKCON;<\/p>\n
Whereas this committee has since then discussed and deliberated Vaisnavi diksa gurus (VDG) and various connected issues to arrive at a way forward;<\/p>\n
Whereas many highly qualified ISKCON Vaisnavis have done and are doing commendable service under Srila Prabhupada\u2019s guidance and protection in the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu;<\/p>\n
Whereas the GBC-IB committee concluded that the role of a guru in ISKCON needs to be further examined and clarified in relationship to Srila Prabhupada\u2019s position, the managerial system that Srila Prabhupada established, the guru\u2019s disciples, and other devotees in ISKCON;<\/p>\n
Whereas to conclusively determine who is qualified to take up a service of leadership in ISKCON it is necessary to first determine what the parameters of that service are and the necessary qualifications required to perform it.<\/p>\n
Whereas not only scriptural study is required for different parties to come to an agreement on such an important issue, but also continued discussion between concerned open-minded leaders who have mutual respect for each other. It will be helpful if underlying issues which are obstacles for the successful conclusion of the issue be recognized and attempts to resolve them made;<\/p>\n
Whereas from the GBC-IB committee\u2019s discussions and deliberations the committee can now present a way forward to resolve this issue. The committee\u2019s proposal was arrived at after an examination of Srila Prabhupada\u2019s instructions and example as well as after consultation with various ISKCON\u2019s committees, leaders, and scholars.<\/p>\n
Resolved:<\/p>\n
1. There should be an ongoing discussion on guru-tattva based on Srila Prabhupada\u2019s teachings and examples amongst qualified devotees in ISKCON. Details can be discussed further. <\/p>\n
2. There should be a system to give more recognition and spiritual authority to certain qualified siksa-gurus within ISKCON.<\/p>\n
3. Qualified Vaisnavis or Vaisnavas can be recognized as these special siksa-gurus. <\/p>\n
4. Until the issue is satisfactorily resolved concerning Vaisnavi diksa-gurus, qualified Vaisnavis should only be recognized as siksa-gurus, with the exception of Narayani Devi Dasi who remains the diksa-guru of her current disciples.<\/p>\n
5. The present committee remains open to assist in further research and discussions on the topic according to the GBC\u2019s desire.<\/p>\n
Issued by: <\/p>\n
GBC Communications<\/p>\n