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Section 700: Gurus and Disciples<\/p>\n
701.2 ISKCON Spiritual Masters Conditions for Second-generation Diksa-gurus \u2014 2019 [Governing
\nlaw]\n
Whereas ISKCON Law 7.3.2 now reads: \u201cAs taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not
\ninitiating in the presence of one\u2019s diksa-guru will be upheld in ISKCON. However, Srila Prabhupada
\nand historical precedents also teach us that disciples may sometimes initiate in the physical
\npresence of their diksa-gurus, if so directed by them. In such a case, the disciple should go through
\nthe normal procedure for commencing the service of diksa-guru (7.4.1).\u201d<\/p>\n
Resolved: ISKCON Law 7.3.2 is amended to read as follows:<\/p>\n
As taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not initiating in the presence of one\u2019s diksa-guru will
\nbe upheld in ISKCON. However historical precedents also teach us that disciples may sometimes,
\nin exceptional cases, initiate in the physical presence of their diksa-gurus.
\nThe GBC clarifies that an individual devotee taking up the service of diksa-guru in the physical
\npresence of their guru may be allowed as an exception when the following conditions are met. The
\nGuru Services Committee will confirm that the candidate for becoming a second generation guru
\nhas met all these conditions:<\/p>\n
Mandatory Conditions:<\/p>\n
1. The candidate must have been practicing Krishna consciousness for not less than 25 years
\n2. The candidate\u2019s diksa-guru has affirmed in writing to the GBC Body that he agrees the candidate
\nis suitable for this service and that he gives his blessings.
\n3. A letter of approval for the candidate to take up the role of diksa-guru has been received from the
\nRegional Council, or if none exists, the National Council, Area Council or, if none of the above
\nexists, the GBC member of that area where the candidate primarily serves or resides.
\n4. All standard procedures for commencing the service of diksa-guru according to ISKCON law,
\nincluding required training and other conditions, as well as additional appropriate training from
\ndiksa- and\/or siksa- gurus, have been met.
\n5. Final acceptance of the candidate to begin initiating is affirmed by a \u00be vote of the GBC Body.
\nAdditional Mandatory Condition (may be waived by a \u00be vote of the GBC Body):
\nThe candidate\u2019s own diksa-guru has to retire completely from accepting disciples, or agree to
\nimmediately retire upon acceptance of the candidate to accept his own disciples.
\nFactors to be considered by the GBC in determining if a waiver may be approved:<\/p>\n
\u2022 The area in which the candidate will initiate has a substantial number of devotees wanting initiation,
\nand a shortage of gurus to do this service. Language barriers necessitate gurus who speak the local
\nlanguage in a specific area(s).
\n\u2022 The currently initiating guru is overburdened with responsibilities.
\n\u2022 The currently initiating guru is experiencing serious health problems.
\n\u2022 Optional conditions that may be applied in an individual case, per a \u00be vote of the GBC:
\n\u2022 When the candidate takes up the service of diksa-guru he will only be able initiate in a specific
\narea(s).
\n\u2022 The number of disciples the new diksa-guru may initiate can be limited by the GBC.
\nThe GBC Guru Services Committee shall develop a more detailed process to implement the above
\nresolution. This process will come for final review by the GBC Body<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/Cwx2oYY.jpeg)
By the GBC<\/strong><\/p>\n