GBC resolution
GBC resolutions and zonal assignments 2021
ISKCON Governing Body Commission
GBC resolutions and zonal assignments 2021
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ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY
Registration Number S/74662 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961
P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal 741313
https://gbc.iskcon.org/
https://www.iskcon-gbc.org/
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021
Go to 2021 Zonal Assignments
Section 100: Srila Prabhupada
100:03: Srila Prabhupada: Guidelines
[Title] – Celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Anniversary Vyasa Puja —
2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on August 18, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON,
and his teachings and example are the guide and inspiration for the entire International Society for Krishna
Consciousness;
Whereas celebration of his appearance in this world is an annual event of great significance for all ISKCON
devotees throughout the world;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja Day 2021 marks the 125th year of his appearance in this world;
and
Whereas special advance events leading up to the celebration of his 2021 Vyasa Puja Anniversary were
limited due to the impact of the global covid pandemic.
RESOLVED:
That, 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 utilize the ideas the Committee has generated,
including the official 125th Anniversary logo, as well as any other ideas and programs that may be locally
initiated, to celebrate this historic year in a humble mood of gratitude and service to His Divine Grace.
Section 200: Governing Body Commission
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
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[Title] – HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s Samadhi — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas HH Bhakti Charu Swami has rendered many years of exceptional service to Srila Prabhupada, Sri
Dhama Mayapur, and ISKCON;
Whereas Bhakti Charu Swami is a prominent devotee whose passing should be marked by a samadhi
structure over the place where his body is interred;
Whereas Bhakti Charu Swami departed from this world on the appearance day of Sanatana Goswami,
Guru Purnima, July 4, 2020, and his body was interred in Mayapur, 13 July 2020, therefore, there is an
urgency to finalize the samadhi structure.
RESOLVED:
HH Bhakti Charu Swami shall have a samadhi structure built over the place where his body is interred.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – Bhakti Charu Swami’s Samadhi size exception — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas it is necessary to finalize the decision for the samadhi of Bhakti Charu Swami;
Whereas Tamal Krishna Goswami’s full body samadhi in Mayapur is 2.7 metres long, (because he was put
into samadhi lying down) by 1.8 metres wide, by 2.9 metres high, and this is an exceptional circumstance;
Whereas Sridhara Swami’s full body samadhi in Mayapur is 1.6 metres long, by 1.7 metres wide, by 2.7
metres high;
Whereas Tatpar Swami’s full body samadhi in Mayapur is 1.0 metre long, by 0.8 metre wide, by 1.6 metres
high;
Whereas the standard size for samadhis in ISKCON is .9 metre (3ft) long, by .9 metre (3ft) wide maximum
footprint, and 1.5 metres (4ft 11in) maximum height;
Whereas the GBC body feels it is appropriate to make an exemption to the size restriction for Bhakti Charu
Swami’s samadhi.
RESOLVED:
That the samadhi structure for Bhakti Charu Swami will be the same size as the samadhi of Tamal Krishna
Goswami — a maximum footprint of 2.7 metres by 1.8 metres, and a maximum height of 2.9 metres.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – Final decision on samadhi of HH Jayapataka Swami and further
considerations regarding samadhis near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi in
Mayapur — 2021
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[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on January 6, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas after repeated attempts to get clarity on what is the right course of action regarding the samadhi
area near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi, a conclusion has not been reached;
Whereas further attempts via surveys seem impractical and unwanted;
Whereas there are a significant number of undecided members, therefore it is difficult to get a clear picture
of what the GBC wants;
Whereas the survey presented to the GBC members in December 2020 regarding more samadhis in the
area near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi received votes of 10 in favor, 9 against, and 9 undecided;
Whereas in 2018 there was a consensus amongst GBC members that HH Jayapataka Maharaja's samadhi
will be placed in this area.
RESOLVED:
That HH Jayapataka Swami's samadhi will be in the Mayapur Samadhi Park near Srila Prabhupada's
puspa samadhi. The samadhi will be no larger than the size of HH Tamal Krishna Goswami's samadhi.
There will be no further samadhis in the samadhi area near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi until the
matter is decided by the GBC body.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – Rompada Swami’s leave of absence extension — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021)
[Category] – Action Order
The Leave of Absence of Romapada Swami is extended by a further one year, to March 2022.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – HH Hridayananda dasa Goswami as GBC Emeritus — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on September 22, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
That in recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, HH Hridayananda dasa Goswami is again
hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.
204.01 GBC meetings: Regulations
[Title] – GBC Virtual and online meetings established as General Meetings, pt.
1 — 2021
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[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (passed on January 6, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Whereas Article VI Clause 1 of the Regulations of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)
Society of West Bengal states that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) "shall be held during Shree Krishna
Caitanya Mahaprabhu's birth anniversary celebrations at Shree Mayapur, District Nadia, West Bengal,
India, unless extraordinary events make such a venue and timing impossible";
Whereas the GBC Executive Committee posits that the current Covid-19 global situation is such an
"extraordinary event" whereby it is not feasible for the GBC to physically conduct its AGM in Mayapur in
February-March 2021;
Whereas the above view is wholeheartedly shared by the GBC's General Counsel;
Whereas Article VI Clause 4 of the Regulations of the ISKCON GBC Society allows for a Special General
Meeting to be called if an emergency exists;
Whereas pursuant to the above, the Executive Committee hereby calls for a Special General Meeting and
will place as one of the agenda items the postponement of the 2021 Mayapur AGM;
Whereas the EC shall, in the Special General Meeting also propose that all resolutions passed and
adopted from now till the next physical GBC meeting be conducted by Correspondence Vote pursuant to
GBC Resolution 418 of 2006.
This will include voting on any matters which ordinarily would have been conducted during the AGM;
Whereas the GBC EC shall also, in the Special General Meeting, propose that the GBC Virtual Conference
also become an official medium for dealing with all GBC business, including proposals and votes during the
year, regardless of the holding of an AGM or not.
RESOLVED:
That the GBC Annual General Meeting of 2021 is hereby postponed until further notice due to the current
Covid-19 global situation. All GBC business, including voting on proposals, may be conducted either via
correspondence on the GBC Discussions email conference, or online via the GBC Virtual meetings.
204.01 GBC meetings: Regulations
[Title] – GBC Virtual and online meetings established as General Meetings pt.
2— 2021
[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (Passed on January 6, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Whereas the GBC conducts virtual conference meetings using online platforms, along with face-to-face
plenary meetings and email correspondence voting;
Whereas proposals may be presented, voted on and made into official GBC resolutions using online
platforms;
Whereas the virtual meetings are attended by GBCs, Ministers, a representative from the SABHA, a
representative from the Deputies, a representative from the Executive Secretariat and others, as deemed
necessary by the GBC Executive Committee.
RESOLVED:
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GBC virtual meetings using online systems, such as Zoom etc. are accepted as an official platform for GBC
meetings.
204.02 GBC meetings: Agenda and schedule
[Title] – Dealing with urgent matters — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on May 14, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Whereas giving a fair and timely hearing to a large group of concerned GBC members seeking to share
information and engage in discussion and deliberation on a matter which they deem of great importance is
not only desirable but proper.
RESOLVED:
When 33% or more of the GBC members submit a request to the Executive Committee to place a matter
on the agenda of a GBC meeting for the purpose of discussion, deliberation and/or decision-making, that
matter shall be taken up as an introductory presentation of no more than 30 minutes on a GBC meeting
agenda to be held within 30 calendar days after submission of the request.
204.03 GBC Meetings: Annual General Meeting: Dates for 2022 GBC
Annual General Meeting — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 24, 2021)
[Category] – Action Order
RESOLVED:
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON Governing Body
Society shall be held online
206.01: GBC proposals, resolutions and voting: Voting
[Title] – Rules for voting online – 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Part A:
Whereas the sequential and ordered processing of proposals has been codified and can be managed
easily in the GEM software;
Whereas processes usually managed in face-to-face meetings are replicated, streamlined and stored
securely in the GEM;
Whereas proposal processing and voting can be readily captured and calculated online making it easy for
the GBC EC, Deputies, OrgDev, SABHA and secretaries to keep track of all stages of proposal
management;
Whereas comments can be quickly tabulated and incorporated into PMIs, presentations and proposals as
necessary.
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RESOLVED:
That the online GBC Environment for Meetings (GEM) shall be an official system for processing proposals
and resolutions for the ISKCON GBC Society (WB).
Part B: (passed during the GBC Virtual Meeting on November 24, 2021):
Whereas the rules for GBC voting via GEM need to be clarified.
RESOLVED:
1. All proposals submitted to the GBC will be processed using GEM except where the GBC EC
decides a different methodology is required.
2. All proposals shall be lodged via the Proposals conference and processed by the Deputies. Any
exemptions to the proposal process that may be in place for GBC- appointed committees shall
apply to GEM voting as well
3. When the GBC Executive Committee decides that a proposal warrants bypassing the Deputies, due
to considerations such as confidentiality or it being an emergency, etc, the proposal will be sent
directly to the GBC First Review level on GEM (see Point 6 below).
4. When using GEM during in-person meetings, schedules will be determined by the Deputy EC and
the GBC EC.
5. The following timeline refers to the use of GEM in a virtual setting, e.g. Zoom.
6. From the time the proposal reaches the GBC First Review stage on GEM, seven (7) days shall be
allowed for discussion before Straw Voting.
7. Following this initial discussion period five (5) days will be given for Straw Voting.
8. At the conclusion of the Straw Vote the Deputy EC, or in special cases, the Corresponding
Secretary, will distribute the results to all participants. If the proposal does not require editing, the
Deputy EC (or Corresponding Secretary) will then announce the commencement of the GBC Final
Review.
9. If editing is required, the Deputy EC (or Corresponding Secretary) Will then edit the proposal in a
maximum of three (3) days, following which The GBC Final Review will commence.
10. A period of seven (7) days will be allowed for the GBC Final Review before the Final Vote.
11. If, during the GBC Final Review, a member proposes an amendment, discussion will stop. The
amendment will be discussed for up to three (3) days after which it will be voted upon. The GBC
Final Review will then continue.
12. If, during the GBC Final Review, a member proposes that discussion should take place outside
GEM, and this is seconded, a vote will be taken. If there is a simple majority in favor, the discussion
will then take place virtually, e.g. on Zoom. The GBC Final Review will then continue.
13. Following the GBC Final Review, seven (7) days will be allocated for the GBC Final Vote.
14. Three quarters (75%) of the eligible participants must vote for a Final Vote to be considered binding.
(Eligible participants are GBC members who are not on a Leave of Absence or are not restricted
from voting for disciplinary or other reasons.)
15. Voting requirements for the various types of proposals, of either simple majority, two-thirds majority,
or three quarters majority etc, will be applied to votes as per the standard GBC Rules of Order.
16. If fewer than three quarters (75%) of the eligible participants have voted within seven (7) days, the
GBC Executive Committee will contact those who have not voted and attempt to get their votes in a
maximum of a further seven (7) days.
17. If, following that extended period, fewer than three quarters (75%) Of the eligible participants have
voted, then the vote is void. At the discretion of the Executive Committee, the proposal may be
reconsidered for additional discussion and voting via GEM, virtually, e.g. Zoom, or at the next
General Meeting.
18. All resolutions passed on GEM are final and binding, subject to Review by the SABHA where
appropriate, and Legal Review, and do not have to be further approved at either an Annual General
Meeting or a Midterm General Meeting.
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19. The GBC Secretariat shall keep detailed records of those who have not voted within the Final
Voting period. Reasons for not voting must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee.
206.02: GBC proposals, resolutions, and voting: Resolutions and
proposals
[Title] – GBC resolutions and cultural sensitivity — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 17, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas ISKCON is a growing international society, with communities on six continents;
Whereas ISKCON members and communities naturally interact, and exist within, many different cultures,
languages and historical traditions;
Whereas ISKCON is composed of devotees from a wide variety of backgrounds, races, ethnicities,
traditions, and cultures;
Whereas our Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada stressed the need to share Krishna Consciousness
according to time, place, and circumstance;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada taught us the importance of unity in diversity, and the importance of
cooperation;
Whereas, the Governing Body Commission acknowledges that the varieties of cultural expressions of
Krishna consciousness are a strength, not a weakness, and a symbol of our global success and expansion.
RESOLVED:
1. The GBC Body may, on exceptional occasions, pass resolutions which may, due to differing cultural
norms in certain parts of the world, require special attention, and thus the GBC may designate such
a resolution as potentially a “culturally sensitive resolution.”
2. A Regional Governing Body (RGB), or where there is no RGB, an authorized national council with
the support of their GBC, or where a national council has more than one GBC, a majority of their
GBCs, may apply to the GBC Body with a request to modify a culturally sensitive resolution for their
area/yatra. Such a request must include the details of the specific adjustment/s they propose to
make, as well as the reasons for requesting such an adjustment/s.
3. The GBC Body will give guidelines and set out the parameters regarding what may or may not be
adjusted within a culturally sensitive resolution. Any details, guidelines, parameters, timelines, etc.,
in regard to its exceptional status must be recorded within the resolution itself.
209.03: Spiritual Advisors Bhagavat Assembly (SABHA):
Membership
[Title] – Increasing the Age Limit of Youth Representatives on the SABHA —
2021
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[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on March 30, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the age limit for youth representatives assigned to the SABHA is currently 30 years of age;
Whereas discussions on the SABHA often take a high degree of maturity in knowledge, experience, and
perspective;
Whereas including devotees up through the age of thirty-five offers a greater number from which to choose;
Whereas the Youth Minister says, "Extending the age to 35 will be very helpful."
RESOLVED:
That GBC Resolution no.306/2018 (The SABHA — Spiritual Advisors Bhagavat Assembly) 6.l(b) (iv) be
changed from "Youth (3): Devotees below the age of thirty (30) at the time of election" to "Youth (3):
Devotees below the age of thirty-six (36) at the time of election."
Section 300: International Society for Krishna
Consciousness
301.04: ISKCON members: Reinstating a devotee’s participation in
ISKCON
[Title] – Reinstatement of Keshava Swami — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on October 20, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
RESOLVED:
Keshava Swami is hereby reinstated as an ISKCON sannyasi in good standing. His preaching and service
area is limited to Latin America. He may be invited by local leaders to speak at their temples in India.
301.05: ISKCON members: Restricting a devotee’s participation in
ISKCON
[Title] – Excommunication of Raya Nitai dasa aka Ryan DePue from ISKCON
worldwide — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on April 7, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas Raya Nitai dasa promotes Nazism, homophobia, racism, white supremacy and misogyny on
various websites, Facebook pages and published materials.
Whereas Raya Nitai claims that Srila Prabhupada promoted the above in his teachings.
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Whereas Raya Nitai's offensive materials misrepresent Srila Prabhupada, misrepresents ISKCON to the
public and offends devotees with his rhetoric.
Whereas Raya Nitai has been told by the North American Council to stop misrepresenting ISKCON and
Srila Prabhupada but refuses to do so. He claims he is not ISKCON and is truly representing Srila
Prabhupada's teachings.
Whereas many devotees are offended and upset by his actions and are demanding that the GBC make a
strong statement to protect ISKCON’s reputation and the integrity of Srila Prabhupada and his teachings.
RESOLVED:
Raya Nitai dasa has been excommunicated as a member of ISKCON and is not representing ISKCON or
Srila Prabhupada with his offensive propaganda. ISKCON does not support Nazism, white supremacy or
racism by its practices or teachings
[Footnotes to resolution]
North American Council has communicated with Raya Nitai dasa, demanded that he stop misrepresenting
ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada and effectively banned him from visiting temples or attending any ISKCON
events. He continues his damaging activities and in fact has escalated in his on-line forums.
A GBC Body resolution will reinforce the restrictions (world-wide ban from visiting any ISKCON centre or
attending any ISKCON event).
A GBC resolution will create a public statement that can be used in counter negative publicity and devotee
complaints about his activities.
301.06: ISKCON members: Individual devotees
[Title] – GBC decision concerning Ananda Caitanya dasa’s appeal — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on April 2, 2021)
[Category] – Administrative order
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa (BCAIS) and the lady with whom he had a relationship confessed that,
while he was a sannyasi, they engaged in illicit sex on a number of occasions;
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa, on numerous occasions, even during interviews in a formal investigation
into his actions, lied concerning the allegations of his deviations as a sannyasi;
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa committed numerous offenses against those conducting the investigation
into his actions;
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa violated the terms of his probation as given in GBC resolution (301.6 of
2020)
RESOLVED:
Two committees will be formed to monitor Ananda Caitanya dasa.
The first committee, an International committee, will be comprised of Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Bhakti
Caitanya Swami, Caitanya Candra Carana dasa, and Acyutatma dasa. This Committee will monitor Ananda
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Caitanya dasa’s general behavior and his adherence to the GBC’s decision and restrictions resulting from
his deviations.
The second committee, a Local committee, will be comprised of the Lithuanian national leadership headed
by Dhruvananda dasa. This committee will monitor Ananda Caitanya dasa’s services and adherence to the
GBC resolution in Lithuania.
Ananda Caitanya dasa will remain in Lithuania under the supervision of the local leadership for a period of
two years effective from the date of this resolution. Under their guidance and supervision, he will be
encouraged to serve in whatever capacity they see as appropriate. In Lithuania, during the next two years
effective from the date of this resolution, Ananda Caitanya dasa will not be permitted to give classes,
neither in person nor online nor lead kirtans in any ISKCON temple, ISKCON centre, and/or ISKCON
related organisations and/or congregations in Lithuania.
Ananda Caitanya dasa will be encouraged to serve senior devotees around the world in some non-public
setting, such as translating their lectures off-line.
The Lithuanian leadership will give a semi-annual report and recommendations concerning Ananda
Caitanya dasa to the International committee.
After two years, effective from the date of this resolution, the International and Local committees will decide
on which restrictions in Lithuania, which include, but are not limited to, preaching and leading kirtans will
continued to be imposed on Ananda Caitanya dasa.
It is suggested that the local authorities consider obtaining professional counseling to help Ananda
Caitanya dasa.
GBC Resolution 301.06 of 2020, which dealt with the possible future reinstatement of Ananda Caitanya
dasa as an ISKCON sannyasi, is hereby rescinded.
Outside of Lithuania, Ananda Caitanya dasa, for an indefinite period of time, effective from the date of this
resolution, is not allowed to give classes, lead kirtans, either in person and/or online, or take any leadership
position in any ISKCON temple, ISKCON centre, and/or ISKCON related organisations and/or
congregations worldwide.
The international committee can, after a period of 3 years, effective from the date of this resolution, submit
a request to the GBC that resolution be modified or rescinded.
When wearing dhoti and kurta Ananda Caitanya dasa must not dress in saffron.
Any violations by Ananda Caitanya dasa of any or all of the above restrictions will result in further
disciplinary measures being imposed upon him.
303.03: ISKCON temples and affiliates: Guidelines for ISKCON
temples
[Title] – Eco-theology and Three Tiers of Eco-Guidelines — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on April 10, 2021)
[Category] – Guideline
Whereas Srila Prabhupada’s Sixth Purpose for ISKCON is to teach a “simpler more natural way of life;”
Whereas the ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI) has produced a document “The Eco-theology of Our
Tradition” delineating the importance of environmental awareness and appropriate behaviors for Gaudiya
Vaishnavas and the followers of Srila Prabhupada;
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Whereas ISKCON communities both urban or rural should be exemplary in upholding the principles of
sattvic lifestyles in all areas, including in their vision, teaching, and management;
Whereas ISKCON communities lack specific guidelines for practical steps to undertake regarding respect
and care for the natural environment;
Whereas the ISKCON Global Duty Officer for the Environment, the ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI),
and ISKCON Communications Ministry have developed appropriate guidelines in three tiers, or levels of
application, for temple communities and members;
Whereas such guidelines have been reviewed and endorsed by leading members and managers of
ISKCON who are concerned and knowledgeable in these issues;
Whereas care of the earth is an essential issue facing society-at-large, and there is a significant role for
ISKCON to play in demonstrating care for Lord Krishna’s creation;
Whereas ISKCON communities, members, and the world in general will benefit from the GBC endorsing
such guidelines and encouraging their application within ISKCON.
RESOLVED:
The document “Three Tiers of Environmental Practices” as presented by the ISKCON Environmental
Initiative, the ISKCON Global Duty Officer of the Environment, and the ISKCON Communications Ministry,
and with the endorsement of other global ISKCON leaders and scholars, is hereby adopted as an Official
Guideline for all ISKCON Temples and Communities. The GBC strongly encourages all ISKCON temples,
communities, and projects, and wherever possible individual devotees, to apply the principles and
guidelines in their daily lives and practices. (It is understood that these guidelines may be updated, every 3-
5 years, at the discretion of the GDO of the Environment, the ISKCON Communications Ministry, and the
ISKCON Environmental Initiative.)
Furthermore, the document “Eco-theology of Our Tradition” is recognized by the GBC as providing valuable
insights on the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy regarding the need for ISKCON devotees and leaders to
strive to live in harmony with the natural environment, and to respect the natural world as the property and
energy of the Supreme Lord.
[Footnotes to resolution]
Recognizing the document “Eco-theology of Our Tradition” carries no cost.
Adopting the Three Tiers of Environmental Practices as Guidelines may have some initial costs, but will
have a positive short and long term economic impact on local communities.
1. Most Tier One guidelines, such as composting and recycling, will incur no costs. Some guidelines,
such as minimizing waste of food and energy will immediately save money. Some items, such as
stopping the use of environmentally harmful garden products and only using biodegradable plates,
cups, and flatware may incur initial costs but are likely to inspire donors to cover those costs.
2. Some Tier Two guidelines will immediately save money, such as growing more food in temple
gardens. Other items, such as purchasing energy efficient machines and automobiles, will require
upfront costs that will be recovered over time, and save money in the long run.
301.03: ISKCON members: Guidelines
[Title] – Code of ethical behavior — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on August 16, 2021)
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[Category] – Statement
Whereas Srila Prabhupada wished his followers to exhibit exemplary ethical behavior;
Whereas the GBC Body seeks to encourage ISKCON devotees in such behavior;
Whereas since 1975 the GBC has created meaningful ethical guidelines;
Whereas there is a need of consolidating these guidelines into a concise document,
RESOLVED:
That the ISKCON GBC accepts the Code of Ethical Behaviour and the guidelines contained therein as a
living document that gives guidance to devotees and provide resources to leaders and managers who are
called upon to deal with issues regarding ethical behaviour.
307.04: ISKCON — other: General
[Title] – ISKCON’s statement on race — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on September 1, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas ISKCON needs to reinforce its position on race;
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON’s global Governing Body Commission (GBC) issues the following as ISKCON’s official
position statement on race:
In this time of global strife, tension, and polarization, the insights expressed in the Bhagavad Gita, a
timeless wisdom text, irrevocably establish the spiritual equality of all beings. Such equality fosters
tolerance, understanding, deep compassion, and unity in diversity. Moreover, Sri Isopanisad says,
“He who systematically sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord, who sees all living entities
as His parts and parcels, and who sees the Supreme Lord within everything never hates anything or
any being.” In this way, all living beings are souls, children of God, brothers and sisters in God’s all-
embracing family.
In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, of which the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON) is a present-day branch, inclusiveness has been taught by generations of teachers,
including Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534), the pioneer of a great social and religious
movement that began five centuries ago in India. Despite forceful opposition, Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu, who is understood by the tradition to be Lord Krishna (God) Himself, opened his
movement to everyone.
In turn, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, (1896‒1977), ISKCON’s
Founder-Acharya, travelled the world to establish ISKCON and spread the message of bhakti, or
unconditional love of God, and to teach that spiritually we are all equal. Hence, Sri Caitanya’s vision
of equality and inclusiveness underpins ISKCON’s worldview.
Srila Prabhupada tirelessly proclaimed the physical body to be like an outward dress and the spirit
soul to be the real person. He taught that material differences were external and superficial. What
matters is the person, not the dress — the soul, not the body. On the spiritual plane of the soul,
equality is true and absolute. In this way, his teachings pivoted on spirit, not matter. They went far
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beyond the considerations of body, mind, intellect, and false ego to culminate in pure devotion and
service to God, which only begins in earnest when our sense of who we are is firmly removed from
any bodily, psychological, or intellectual designation.
Through his prolific writings, lectures, and organizational designs, Srila Prabhupada tirelessly
endeavored to assist everyone in rekindling this vision and their natural love and in refining the
kindness, integrity, and happiness that ensue. He placed love and compassion at the center of his
personal dealings, and he exemplified these divine qualities in the way he inspired and directed the
communities and organizations he founded. He taught that traits such as sex, race, and social class
are ultimately irrelevant. His efforts were heroic; his accomplishments profound.
Clearly, such a sublime, spiritual vision warmly embraces all communities and races. Indeed,
ISKCON, or the Hare Krishna movement, is committed to this vision and therefore invites everyone
to participate and share fellowship in service to God, take responsibility, and hold positions of
spiritual leadership.
Thus, the Hare Krishna movement stands against any form of racial bigotry and discrimination and
condemns any behavior that is derogatory, demeaning, and racially insensitive. Instead, it
encourages racial harmony and spiritual equality, as did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila
Prabhupada. We are committed to creating an environment in which everyone feels valued and is
educated to manifest a culture of universal peace, understanding, respect, tolerance, friendliness,
and forgiveness. Furthermore, we remain committed to intervening, wherever and whenever
necessary within ISKCON, to stop any wrongdoing that opposes such values.
Let us all acknowledge our shared spirituality, transcend racial differences and divides, and together
live up to aspirations worthy of our ultimate connectedness with every living being, and with God.
Section 400: ISKCON Ministries and Committees
409.01: ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry: Standards
[Title] – Mood of worship — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on April 17, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas deity worship is an essential element of the process of bhakti and the development of a sadhaka;
Whereas it is intrinsic to a devotee’s development in bhakti, and when engaged in deity worship, that a
devotee follows the proper rules and regulations governing the worship and understand and follow the
appropriate mood of worship;
Whereas devotees who have not attained the platform of spontaneous attachment in devotional service
render devotional service under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master according to the regulative
principles mentioned in the revealed scriptures;
Whereas Lord Caitanya explained the mood of worship to Sanatana Goswami as awe and reverence:
sadhu-sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-sravana
mathura-vasa, sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana
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One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-
Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura and worship the Deity with faith and veneration. CC Madhya
22.128
Whereas Srila Prabhupada in his books and other writings, has established the mood of worship for
ISKCON temples, most notably in SB 4.24.45-46:
Generally the worship of the Lord begins with the worship of Narayana, or Visnu, whereas the
worship of Lord Krsna and Radha is most confidential. Lord Narayana is worshipable by the
pancaratrika-vidhi, or regulative principles, whereas Lord Krsna is worshipable by the bhagavata-
vidhi. No one can worship the Lord in the bhagavata-vidhi without going through the regulations of
the pancaratrika-vidhi. Actually, neophyte devotees worship the Lord according to the pancaratrika-
vidhi, or the regulative principles enjoined in the Narada Pancaratra. Radha-Krsna cannot be
approached by the neophyte devotees; therefore temple worship according to regulative principles
is offered to Laksmi-Narayana. Although there may be a Radha-Krsna vigraha, or form, the worship
of the neophyte devotees is acceptable as Laksmi-Narayana worship. Worship according to the
pancaratrika-vidhi is called vidhi-marga, and worship according to the bhagavata-vidhi principles is
called raga-marga. The principles of raga-marga are especially meant for devotees who are
elevated to the Vrndavana platform.
Whereas Srila Prabhupada has explained: The greatest danger to our movement will come when we
manufacture and create our own process for worshiping the deities. Letter Jan. 4, 1973;
Whereas deity worship is not a forum for free expression where devotees are able to offer service
according to their own idea, but it must be offered according to the direction of guru, sadhu, and sastra;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada established specific standards of deity worship in ISKCON with the mood of
awe and reverence being the most central to these standards;
Whereas in recent years we have noticed a steady drift away from this mood of worship established by
Srila Prabhupada;
Whereas it is apparent in various temples that this mood of worship is not being followed or has not been
understood.
RESOLVED:
The GBC reaffirms that the mood of worship established by Srila Prabhupada, which is to be followed in all
ISKCON centres, is the mood of awe and reverence.
All worship conducted in ISKCON centres, both regular daily worship and occasional worship (such as
festivals), must be conducted according to this standard.
All ISKCON leaders are required to ensure that devotees and centres under their care understand and
implement worship according to these standards.
As such, all practices that demonstrate a different mood of worship are not approved and must be actively
discouraged by leaders at all levels. This includes but is not limited to:
• Devotees’ conduct in the presence of the deities
• The way devotees interact with the deities
• The manner in which devotees dress the deities, and
• The different aspects of daily and festival services
410: Ministry of Health and Welfare: Dissolution of Ministry
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[Title] – Dissolution of Ministry of Health and Welfare — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 24, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the ISKCON Ministry of Health & Welfare is hereby dissolved.
The GBC Body expresses its gratitude for HH Prahladananda Swami's thirty years of service as the
Minister of Health & Welfare.
440.01: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee [VMSC]:
Establishing the committee
[Title] – Establishing the Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee [VMSC] —
2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on May 19, 2021)
[Category] – Administrative order
Whereas the GBC affirms there is a need to have standard policy on the establishment of Vaisnava
memorials and who is eligible for what type of memorial;
Whereas the GBC deems this is a task that should be overseen by a committee and therefore, at the 2008
AGM, passed the following Resolution:
That the standing Commemoration Committee is established with the mandate as follows:
1. To research and establish a standard set of guidelines documenting the process for correctly
honoring departed Vaisnavas.
2. To maintain records of departed ISKCON Vaisnavas and a summary of their services for the
society.
3. To determine the application of the guidelines in individual cases.
4. To decide which of the departed disciples of Srila Prabhupada will be interred in full, given a
puspa samadhi, or honored with a plaque in the Mayapur Garden of Inspiration.
Praghosa dasa (convenor), Bhakti Caru Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and Mahamaya devi
dasi are assigned to the standing committee.
Whereas this committee was never active;
Whereas the committee's focus is to establish guidelines for, and approval for Vaisnavas who may be
remembered in memorial parks, Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC), is a more appropriate
name;
Whereas, as the devotee population ages, an increasing number of devotees are passing away and the
need to establish a universal policy for Vaisnava memorials is ever more pressing.
RESOLVED:
That the GBC re-establishes the Commemoration Standing Committee and renames it the Vaisnava
Memorial Standing Committee. The mandate or scope of the Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee will
be as follows:
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1. To research and establish a standard, global policy for appropriately honoring departed devotees.
Such a policy will take into account, and reflect the global diversity of ISKCON, and shall duly
respect the contribution of Vaisnavas as well as Vaisnavis.
2. To proactively reach out to all sannyasis, gurus, GBCs and other senior devotees to establish what
they want done with their bodies or remains after their passing away, either by obtaining a copy of
their will and testament, or by their own written statement, and:
a. Establish and maintain a list of devotees who are eligible for samadhi, either full body or
other;
b. Decide how departed devotees will be honored;
c. Determine what standard size of memorial is appropriate for all departed devotees;
d. Identify exceptional cases and refer them to the GBC body.
3. To communicate with regional bodies and temples, looking for recommendations for candidates for
samadhi.
4. To maintain records of departed devotees and a summary of their services for ISKCON, and to
make this information readily available to the members of ISKCON, through a website, and/or other
suitable means.
440.02: Vaiṣṇava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Types Of Memorials For Departed Vaisnavas — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas of the 27 GBC members who voted on this topic, 23 members voted for a plaque, a structure, or
both.
RESOLVED:
That Vaiṣṇavas being recognized in the Memorial Park may have one of the following:
1. A plaque established on the Remembrance Wall
2. A small ash samadhi (a plinth with their name on it)
3. A small puspa samadhi (a plinth with their name on it)
4. A full body samadhi with a samadhi structure
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Samadhis for Sannyasis — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
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Whereas the GBC Samadhi Committee has presented evidence that sannyasis are generally buried;
Whereas it is not essential that a ‘samadhi structure’ be erected over the body of a departed sannyasi.
Instead a tulasi plant or a tree could be planted over their body;
Whereas of the 21 GBC members that voted on the question “Should Sannyasis automatically get a vapu
samadhi?” 16 voted against;
Whereas of the 45 sannyasis that responded to a SABHA survey on samadhis, 22 said they did not want
their bodies put in samadhi;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada said ‘Anyone who is in full Krishna Consciousness and is dedicating his life for
Krishna is already a sannyasi even if he is a married man.’
RESOLVED:
That although sannyasis are usually buried, it is not essential this must be done nor is it essential that a
samadhi structure be erected for every sannyasi.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Location of Vaiṣṇava Memorial Park in Sri Mayapur Dhama — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas a number of GBC members expressed reservations about establishing future memorials in the
location next to Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi in Sridham Mayapur.
Whereas there is a need to have a memorial park for Vaisnavas in Mayapur.
RESOLVED:
That the general location for future samadhis for the majority of devotees shall be near the Jagannath
Mandir in Simantadvipa.
At this location devotees may be honored in the following ways:
Their full body is placed in the ground, with either a samadhi structure, a plinth with a plaque, or a
tree above;
Puspa or ash samadhis, with either a samadhi structure, a plinth with a plaque, or a tree above;
A memorial wall or other structure for memorial plaques;
A kiosk where devotees visiting the memorial park may learn about departed ISKCON devotees.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
17
[Title] – Vaiṣṇava memorial wall in Sri Mayapur Dham — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas an important element of Vaiṣṇava memorials is a memorial wall with plaques where visiting
devotees may remember departed ISKCON devotees and reflect on their service to Lord Kṛṣṇa, Srila
Prabhupada, and the guru parampara;
Whereas the GBC body agreed there should be a memorial wall in Sri Mayapur Dham;
Whereas the GBC body expressed their desire not to overdevelop the area next to Srila Prabhupada’s
puspa-samadhi in Sri Mayapur Dham;
Whereas there are other suitable locations where a memorial wall may be located.
RESOLVED:
That there may be more than one memorial wall in Mayapur. The first memorial wall will be located on the
inside wall of the ground floor or first floor of Srila Prabhupada’s puspa-samadhi, to be finalised in
discussion with Mayapur Management. A second Memorial Wall could be located at the Jagannath Mandir
Vaiṣṇava Memorial Park as required.
Wherever memorial walls are located there will also be a kiosk where visiting devotees can access
information about the departed ISKCON devotees.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Worship at Vaiṣṇava samadhis — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas at present there is daily worship going on at Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi;
Whereas the worship at other existing samadhis is going on at different levels depending on the disciples of
the devotee(s) involved;
Whereas of the 21 GBC members that voted in the survey, 13 GBC members opted for no daily worship at
the individual samadhis;
Whereas ISKCON Law 701.05, “Guru Worship Standards —2009” amends ISKCON Law 6.4.8.1.3 to the
following:
D. In order to focus more fully on Srila Prabhupada and every devotee's special relationship with
him, an ISKCON siksa or diksa guru may accept public guru puja (arati and/or foot bathing) in
person once a year on ISKCON property on his or her Vyasa-puja.
RESOLVED:
1. No daily worship, either individual or collective, is required to be offered to any Vaiṣṇava in any
Vaiṣṇava Memorial Park in Mayapur. However, individuals may occasionally offer incense, flowers,
or prasadam remnants.
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2. A modest ceremony honoring a departed Vaiṣṇava may be organized on the appearance and
disappearance days of the departed Vaisnava. This function may include offering bhoga, arati,
puspanjali, glorification of the departed Vaiṣṇava, and a feast.
3. In accordance with existing ISKCON Law there will be no murti (deity) of any departed Vaiṣṇava.
There may be a photo of the departed Vaiṣṇava and where applicable a pair of shoes or other
similar paraphernalia.
4. This resolution is retroactive and applies to all existing samadhis located anywhere on ISKCON land
in Mayapur.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – GBC direction to Mayapur leadership regarding further samadhi area
in Mayapur — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
RESOLVED:
That, the GBC hereby directs the Mayapur leadership to identify land near the Jagannath Mandir that can
be used as a second location for samadhis, and to make whatever preliminary, minimum arrangements are
required.
451.02: Prevention of Leadership Misconduct Office
[Title] –Polices and procedures for the PLM office— 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 31, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas in 2018 it was resolved that the ISKCON International Office for the Prevention of Leader
Misconduct (PLM Office) be established as a permanent ISKCON organizational entity subject to annual
review by the GBC Body (as with other Offices and Ministries);
Whereas the immediate goal of the PLM Office was to draft a document of ISKCON International Policies
and Procedures.
RESOLVED:
The document entitled International Policy and Procedure Guidelines is hereby adopted as ISKCON’s
official policies on:
(a) preventing Leader Sexual Misconduct
(b) responding to complaints and
(c) conducting investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct by leaders in ISKCON and resultant
disciplinary proceedings.
453.03: Sastric Advisory Council: Papers
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[Title] – Sastric Advisory Council’s Hermeneutic Foundation Document —
2020
[Meeting] – AGM 2020 (passed on February 17, 2020, not published then by oversight)
[Category] – Statement
RESOLVED:
The GBC acknowledges the SAC Hermeneutic Foundation Document as the basis for starting hermeneutic
training in ISKCON and acknowledges the SAC Hermeneutic Supplementary Materials as a useful guide to
the Foundation Document. Others may produce their own guides to the Foundation Document.
The SAC has produced a level one training course based on these materials that may be of value to
ISKCON members.
Section 700: Gurus and disciples
701.02: ISKCON spiritual masters: Approval and regulations
[Title] – Initiating in the presence of one’s guru: Amendment — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on June 8, 2021)
[Category] – Governing law
Whereas there is a need to increase the number of diksa gurus in ISKCON which will necessarily include:
1) requesting and training qualified second generation devotees whose diksa-gurus are no longer
physically with us (or in good standing), to take up the service of diksa-guru immediately
2) requesting present diksa-gurus to identify, train, and empower qualified disciples to accept the
service of offering diksa initiation, even while they are still present.
Whereas it can be clearly observed that whenever Srila Prabhupada spoke about disciples not initiating in
the presence of their guru he always referred to it as etiquette.
Whereas on 2 December, 1975 Srila Prabhupada wrote to Tusta Krishna Swami and used the phrase "law
of disciplic succession" in the following manner: "Keep trained up very rigidly and then you are bona fide
Guru, and you can accept disciples on the same principle. But as a matter of etiquette it is the custom that
during the lifetime of your Spiritual master you bring the prospective disciples to him, and in his absence or
disappearance you can accept disciples without any limitation. This is the law of disciplic succession".
Whereas even in the one letter where he used the phrase "law of disciplic succession", it is important to
observe that he continued to use the same term etiquette while referring to disciples not initiating in the
presence of their guru.
Whereas considering Srila Prabhupada’s consistent and overwhelming use of the phrase "etiquette"
without exception including the letter where he wrote about the "law of disciplic succession", the said letter
should be seen in the same context of etiquette rather than something distinct.
Whereas we have precedents in our parampara like Srila Syamananda Pandita who authorised his disciple
Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to accept disciples in his physical presence but did not stop initiating himself. Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was also requested to initiate in the presence of his guru(s) and Srila
Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave initiation even while Vipina-Bihari Goswami and Jagannatha dasa Babaji were
present.
20
Whereas Srila Prabhupada was present with us for only a brief period of twelve years. It was natural that in
such a short span of twelve years he was insistent about the etiquette of his disciples not initiating in his
physical presence.
Whereas the current situation is vastly different from the 12 years of Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence
with us, borne by the fact that some disciples of presently initiating gurus have been in the movement for
more than 40 years.
Whereas if a guru were to recommend such long serving disciples to start initiating, then it should be
accepted as applying a precedent from our parampara according to time, place, and circumstances.
Whereas to facilitate devotees to serve as diksa-gurus while their own gurus are physically present, is
currently a bureaucratic and time-consuming process due to the 2019 amendment of GBC Law 7.3.2.
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON Law 7.3.2 reverts to its previous formulation thus:
“As taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not initiating in the presence of one’s diksa-guru will
be upheld in ISKCON. However, Srila Prabhupada and historical precedents also teach us that
disciples may sometimes initiate in the physical presence of their diksa-gurus, if so directed by
them. In such a case, the disciple should go through the normal procedure for commencing the
service of diksa-guru (7.4.1).”
[Footnotes to resolution]
The 2019 amendment being repealed by this resolution is as follows:
Section 700: Gurus and Disciples
701.2 ISKCON Spiritual Masters Conditions for Second-generation Diksa-gurus — 2019 [Governing
law]
Whereas ISKCON Law 7.3.2 now reads: “As taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not
initiating in the presence of one’s diksa-guru will be upheld in ISKCON. However, Srila Prabhupada
and historical precedents also teach us that disciples may sometimes initiate in the physical
presence of their diksa-gurus, if so directed by them. In such a case, the disciple should go through
the normal procedure for commencing the service of diksa-guru (7.4.1).”
Resolved: ISKCON Law 7.3.2 is amended to read as follows:
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
Guru Services Committee will confirm that the candidate for becoming a second generation guru
has met all these conditions:
Mandatory Conditions:
1. The candidate must have been practicing Krishna consciousness for not less than 25 years
2. The candidate’s diksa-guru has affirmed in writing to the GBC Body that he agrees the candidate
is suitable for this service and that he gives his blessings.
3. A letter of approval for the candidate to take up the role of diksa-guru has been received from the
Regional Council, or if none exists, the National Council, Area Council or, if none of the above
exists, the GBC member of that area where the candidate primarily serves or resides.
4. All standard procedures for commencing the service of diksa-guru according to ISKCON law,
including required training and other conditions, as well as additional appropriate training from
diksa- and/or siksa- gurus, have been met.
5. Final acceptance of the candidate to begin initiating is affirmed by a ¾ vote of the GBC Body.
Additional Mandatory Condition (may be waived by a ¾ vote of the GBC Body):
The candidate’s own diksa-guru has to retire completely from accepting disciples, or agree to
immediately retire upon acceptance of the candidate to accept his own disciples.
Factors to be considered by the GBC in determining if a waiver may be approved:
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• The area in which the candidate will initiate has a substantial number of devotees wanting initiation,
and a shortage of gurus to do this service. Language barriers necessitate gurus who speak the local
language in a specific area(s).
• The currently initiating guru is overburdened with responsibilities.
• The currently initiating guru is experiencing serious health problems.
• Optional conditions that may be applied in an individual case, per a ¾ vote of the GBC:
• When the candidate takes up the service of diksa-guru he will only be able initiate in a specific
area(s).
• The number of disciples the new diksa-guru may initiate can be limited by the GBC.
The GBC Guru Services Committee shall develop a more detailed process to implement the above
resolution. This process will come for final review by the GBC Body.
701.03: ISKCON spiritual masters: Qualifications and training
[Title] – Educational Program for those who serve as Diksa- and Siksa-gurus
in ISKCON — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on July 19, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas Srila Prabhupada repeatedly called upon his disciples and followers to qualify themselves as
spiritual masters to propagate Lord Caitanya’s mission worldwide;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada also wanted the spiritual masters to be qualified, which requires training based
on his teachings;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada made giving and receiving sikṣa the primary function of ISKCON, and whereas
we as his followers should endeavor to enhance and improve this function;
Whereas developing such a systematic guru training program can easily avail itself of existing educational
initiatives.
Whereas the rapid international growth of ISKCON necessitates a proportionate increase in the number of
competent spiritual masters.
Whereas this initiative follows in the footsteps of a number of GBC resolutions seeking to address this
requirement.
RESOLVED:
That the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness accepts and
supports the following principles for preparing devotees to act in the role of gurus:
All devotees, especially after taking second initiation, are encouraged to undergo systematic training to
become qualified to act as spiritual preceptors.
The program shall include but not be limited to:
• demonstrating sastric knowledge (including but not limited to Bhagavad-gita, Nectar of Devotion,
Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta);
• learning about Srila Prabhupada’s biography and position;
• assimilating the proper codes of personal behavior (Vaiṣṇava sad-acara);
• training on balancing life’s priorities and obligations;
• how to serve harmoniously within ISKCON;
• relevant ISKCON legislation;
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• emphasis on loyalty to Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON and the GBC;
• instruction on how to guide and counsel siksa- and diksa-disciples;
• personal mentorship of candidates; and
• considerations for regional variations.
To facilitate participation and completion, the training program shall be self-paced and include a blend of
online and in-person training.
The Guru Services Committee, the GBC College for Leadership Development and the ISKCON Board of
Examinations, shall collaborate in drafting and defining the curriculum, which shall be submitted to the GBC
for approval before implementation. The curriculum shall include ongoing training and support for those
serving as siksa- and diksa-gurus.
After an interim period — the length and parameters of which shall be defined separately — such a training
program shall become a mandatory prerequisite for commencing the service of an initiating spiritual master.
701.06: ISKCON spiritual masters: Vaisnavi Diksa-gurus
[Title] – Vaisnavi diksa-gurus — 2019: Amendment — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on December 22, 2021)
[Category] – Governing law
Whereas the GBC put in abeyance the 2019 Vaishnavi Diksa Guru resolution so that the GBC and the
Indian Bureau could discuss the topic in more detail,
Whereas representatives of the Bureau and representatives of the GBC met jointly more than two dozen
times over the period of a year,
Whereas those meetings were facilitated by professional mediators, including a mediator chosen by the
Bureau, and another mediator who is a senior member of ISKCONResolve,
Whereas the GBC representatives made a sincere effort to hear and understand the concerns and opinions
of the Bureau representatives,
Whereas the GBC representatives noted that they valued the time spent with the Bureau members, and
that they now better understand the views of the Bureau representatives after those meetings,
Whereas the GBC delegation concluded that further meetings, or additional study of the matter, would not
provide new insights,
Whereas the GBC delegation reported that, based on these discussions, some clarifications of the 2019
Resolution on Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus are required, 701.6, “ISKCON Spiritual Masters, Vaisnavi Diksa-
gurus—2019.
Whereas the GBC, in its November 17, 2021, meeting, determined that on rare occasions a GBC
Resolution may be certified as a Culturally Sensitive Resolution, and thus, within specific GBC guidelines,
that Resolution may be applied differently across ISKCON regions,
Whereas in 2009 the GBC Resolved (Female Diksa Gurus):
The GBC accepts the philosophical conclusion presented in the SAC's Female Diksa
Guru Paper that a mature, qualified, female devotee may accept the role of an initiating spiritual
master.
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The GBC Body authorizes local area committees to put forward for approval as initiating guru any
devotee in their area, male or female, who is qualified according to existing GBC Law.
Whereas, the GBC has worked to achieve consensus and implementation of this resolution for many years,
including the above mentioned extensive dialogues with representatives of the India Bureau;
Therefore, the Resolution regarding Vaisnavi Diksa Gurus of 2019, 701.6, “ISKCON Spiritual Masters,
Vaisnavi Diksa-gurus—2019 is amended and replaced by the following:
1. Vaisnavis are eligible to give diksa within ISKCON provided that they:
a. Meet all the qualifications listed for ISKCON diksa-guru applicants;
b. Are at least 55 years of age.
c. Are in a stable family situation living under the protection of a husband, elder son or son-in-law,
qualified householder couple or senior Vaisnava or Vaisnavi sanga;
2. After five years the GBC shall review this resolution to determine if the number of Vaisnavis
initiating in any region, or as a total for the world, is in keeping with Srila Prabhupada's indication of
"not so many."
Prof. O'Connell: Is it possible, Swamiji, for a woman to be a guru in the line of disciplic succession?
Prabhupada: Yes. Jahnava devi was---Nityananda's wife. She became. If she is able to go to the
highest perfection of life, why it is not possible to become guru? But, not so many. Actually one who
has attained the perfection, she can become guru. But man or woman, unless one has attained the
perfection... Yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā sei guru haya [Cc. Madhya 8.128].
3. Furthermore, this resolution is designated as a “Culturally Sensitive Resolution.” Per GBC law:
A Regional Governing Body (RGB), or where there is no RGB, an authorized national council with
the support of their GBC, or where a national council has more than one GBC, a majority of their
GBCs, may apply to the GBC Body with a request to modify a culturally sensitive resolution for their
area/yatra. Such a request must include the details of the specific adjustment/s they propose to
make, as well as the reasons for requesting such an adjustment/s.
The GBC Body will give guidelines and set out the parameters regarding what may or may not be
adjusted within a culturally sensitive resolution…. Any details, guidelines, parameters, timelines,
etc., in regard to its exceptional status must be recorded within the resolution itself.
Thus, by designating this as a Culturally Sensitive Resolution, the GBC hereby establishes that an RGB or
other authorized ISKCON leadership body as denoted in the above referenced law—may opt out of this
mandate and choose to not allow any Vaisnavis to initiate within their jurisdiction. Any given RGB that does
not opt out and proceeds to fully implement this resolution, may, at their discretion, allow any given country
within their region to opt out of applying this resolution. Naturally that would only be done after very careful
consideration, as the default position is to always fully implement GBC resolutions.
In those regions or countries that choose to opt out, if a particular candidate for diksa guru is approved by a
special 2/3 vote of that RGB, or other authorized body, per above, then she shall be accepted as a diksa
guru in that region or country.
A decision to opt out must be reaffirmed by that RGB, or authorized body per above, every five years. No
other adjustments to this resolution are authorized or will be permitted.
This resolution lifts the abeyance on this matter stated in resolution 310 of 2015.
24
702.02: Diksa-gurus
[Title] – Increasing the Number of Diksa-gurus – 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on July 29, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas connection via diksa to the parampara is essential for anyone aspiring to advance in Krishna
consciousness.
Whereas ISKCON needs a sufficient number of initiated devotees to perform many essential services,
which can only be performed by properly initiated devotees
Whereas ISKCON still has a similar number of diksa-gurus as at the end of the 1980s (+/- 80), while the
number of aspiring devotees in ISKCON has increased at least fiftyfold or more since then; thus an acute
lack of diksa-gurus has become an ever growing problem to facilitate the increased number of persons now
engaged in devotional service
Whereas the present generation of diksa-gurus will be drastically reduced within the next decade or so.
Thus a new generation of diksa-gurus urgently needs to be established in ISKCON
Whereas ISKCON´s demography has changed from ashrama living to largely being a movement of
congregational devotees centred around communities; there is an increasing need of a more natural and
organic diksa-guru culture in line with Srila Prabhupada’s statement in CC. Adi 1.35 purport: “Generally a
spiritual master who constantly instructs a disciple in spiritual science becomes his initiating spiritual
master.”
Whereas we can observe – for different reasons - a clear change in the social culture of the world and
therefore cannot take it for granted that smooth travel all over the world will be possible in the future; thus
an increasing number of more locally accessible diksa-gurus, each having a moderate number of disciples
will be more sustainable and will strengthen our preaching movement as a whole, as well as local
preaching projects.
Whereas a considerable number of the local “spiritual masters who constantly instruct their disciples in
spiritual science” are often not disciples of diksa-gurus who have left this world.
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-gurus are
present.
The GBC will support programs that facilitate more diksa-gurus while the present diksa-gurus are with us.
Section 800: Appointments
802.01: GBC Officers and Members: GBC officers
[Title] – GBC officers — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March17, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
25
1. HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami Swami is elected GBC Chairman
2. HH Bhanu Swami is elected First Vice-Chairman
3. HG Revati Raman dasa (JPS) is elected Second Vice-Chairman
4. HH Gopal Krsna Goswami is elected GBC Secretary
802.02: Officers and members: Individual member appointments
[Title] – Gauranga dasa (RNS) appointed as a GBC Member — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 5, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the GBC Body authorized the GBC Nominations Committee to vet candidates for GBC Secretary
positions;
Whereas the referrals and the authorities fully support Gauranga dasa to fulfil the GBC Secretary role;
Whereas Gauranga dasa fulfilled all requirements of the Nomination Process, including essays,
questionnaires, zonal analysis, GDO service and was fully cooperative during the process;
Whereas Gauranga dasa has a service track record that proves his eligibility to be an international leader;
Whereas there are no financial conditions that would restrict Gauranga dasa to become a GBC Secretary;
Whereas Gauranga dasa’s skills and competencies are developed enough to serve in the capacity of a
GBC Secretary;
Whereas the areas of improvement are not contradictory to the GBC Secretary service;
Whereas the Zonal Analysis and Strategy submitted by Gauranga dasa are fully in compliance with the
GBC Body’s strategic plan;
Whereas the Nominations Committee voting resulted in 9 yeses and 1 abstention.
RESOLVED:
HG Gauranga dasa is appointed the GBC Secretary for Human Resource Development & Capacity
Building, GBC Global Duty position.
802.02: Officers and members: Individual member appointments
[Title] – Devakinandana dasa (MVG) appointed as a GBC Member — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the GBC Body authorized the GBC Nominations Committee to vet candidates for GBC Secretary
positions;
26
Whereas the referrals and the authorities fully support Devakinandana dasa to fulfill the GBC Secretary
role;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa fulfilled all requirements of the Nomination Process, including essays,
questionnaires, zonal analysis and was fully cooperative during the process;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa has a service and occupational track record that proves his eligibility to be
an international leader;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa’s spouse agreed that the applicant can accept the GBC Secretary position if
the GBC Body accepts the applicant;
Whereas there are no financial conditions that would restrict Devakinandana dasa to become a GBC
Secretary;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa’s skills and competencies are developed enough to serve in the capacity of
a GBC Secretary;
Whereas the areas of improvement are not contradictory to the GBC Secretary service;
Whereas the Zonal Analysis and Strategy submitted by Devakinandana dasa Adhikari are fully in compliant
with the GBC Body’s strategic plan;
RESOLVED:
HG Devakinandana dasa (MVG) becomes the GBC Secretary for the Global Legal GBC Secretary role.
802.04 GBC officers and members: Individual members leave of
absence
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on May 19, 2021
[Category] – Action order
1. HG Sesa dasa is granted a leave of absence for health reasons
2. HH Bhakti-bhusana Swami is granted a leave of absence for health reasons
802.06: GBC officers and members: Area assignments
[Title] – Dina Sharana dd appointed as Area GBC — 2021
[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (passed on January 3, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
Dina Sharana dd is appointed as Area GBC for Germanic Europe (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and
Switzerland).
804.01: Sannyasa waiting list
Title] – Sannyasa appointments: Sannyasa waiting list — 2021
27
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 10 & 24, 2021
[Category] – Action order
The following are the candidates for sannyasa along with their respective waiting periods:
Ekalavya dasa (LOK) (India, Middle East, North America) This year
Bhaktipada dasa (SRS) (Hungary) This year
Vanamali dasa (GKG) (Mumbai) One year
Radha Shyamsunder dasa (LOK) (Vrindavan) One year
Adhoksaja dasa (NRS) (Russia) One year
Sutapa dasa (KKS) (UK) One year
Kamalalochan dasa (GKG) (Mumbai) One year
Sankarshan Nitai dasa (JPS) One year
Prana Govinda dasa (USA) One year
Gopendra dasa (BCS) (Vrindavan) Two years
Valmiki dasa (CCCD) Two years
Atmaram dasa (GGS) Two years
Vishvavasu dasa (NRS) (Germany/Baltics/Russia) Two years
Trailokyanatha dasa (GGS) Two years
Savyasachi dasa (JPS) Two years
Govindanandana dasa (BCS) Three years
Savyasachi dasa (BCS) (Swaziland) Four years
805.01: Ministry and Standing Committee appointments:
Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees
[Title] – Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021
[Category] – Action order
The following are the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership assignments for 2020-21:
Co-Ministers – Jayapataka Swami, Kaunteya
Congregational Development Ministry
dasa (JPS)
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca dasa (IDS)
ISKCON Youth Ministry Minister – Manorama dasa (SNS)
28
Ministry of Book Distribution Minister – Vijaya dasa (HDG)
Ministry of Communications Minister – Anuttama dasa
Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture Minister – Kalakantha dasa (IS)
Co-Ministers – Sesa dasa, Tapana Misra dasa
Ministry of Education
(BVKS)
Ministry of Fund Development Minister – Devakinandan dasa (Juhu)
Ministry of Justice Minister – pending nomination
Co-Directors: Brahmatirtha Das, Vraj Vihari Das
Ministry of Justice: ISKCONResolve
(BJD)
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute
Director – GBC EC, pending nomination
Resolution Office
Prahladananda Swami (Chair), Champakalata
Dasi (Vice-chair) (IDS), Devakinandana Das
(MVG), Hansarupa Das, Kamalesh Krsna Das
ISKCON Dispute Resolution Department
(BCS), Radha Dasi (MG), Sesa Das, Praharana
Dasi, Vraja Vihari Das (BJD), Navina-shyam
Das (BCS)
Ministry of Padayatra
Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other members: Bhakti Gauravani Goswami,
Ministry of Sannyasa Services
Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (SDG)
Vaishnavi Ministry Minister – Radha dasi (MG) (California)
ISKCON General Counsel Devakinandan dasa (MVG)
Members – Bhakti Caitanya Swami (Chairman),
Praghosa dasa (SDG), Gopal Bhatta dasa
(Convener), Anuttama dasa, Badrinarayan
Swami, Revati Raman dasa (JPS), Radha Krsna
GBC Nominations Committee
dasa (BBGS), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Aniruddha
dasa (BJD), Devakinandan dasa (MVG),
Kaunteya dasa (JPS), Tapana Misra dasa
(BVKS)
Gopal Bhatta dasa & Kaunteya dasa (JPS) (Co-
chairs) – Anuttama dasa, Bhakti Caitanya
Swami, Badrinarayan Swami, Jayapataka
Swami, Praghosa dasa (SDG), Revati Raman
dasa (JPS), Aniruddha dasa (BJD), Caitanya
GBC Organizational Development
Avatari dasa (JPS), Devakinandan dasa (Juhu),
Committee
Devakinandan dasa (MVG), Gaura Krishna dasa
(HDG), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Praharana dasi,
Subhananda dasa (PSDG), Tapana Misra dasa
(BVKS), Tirtharaja dasa (TKG), Vraja Vihari
dasa (BJD)
Gopal Bhatta dasa (chair), Vraja Vihari dasa
(BJD), Subhananda dasa (PSDG), Deva
Madhava dasa (JPS), Adi Kurma dasa (HKS),
Kaunteya dasa (JPS), Pancharatna dasa,
GBC Strategic Planning Team
Vrsabhanu dasa (PSDG), Govinda Priya Devi
Dasi (RNS), Parijata Dasi (RNS), Aradhya
Bhagavan Das (BCS), Shyama Sakhi Devi Dasi
(BCS)
Members – Badrinarayan Swami (Coordinator),
Gopal Krishna Goswami, Madhu Sevita dasa,
BBT-GBC Team Praghosa dasa (SDG), Devamrita Swami,
Bhaktivaibhava Swami, BBT Trustees and BBTI
Directors
Members – Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya dasa
GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee
(BVS), Sadasivananda dasa (JPD), Bhaktarupa
29
dasa (Convener)
Badrinarayan Swami (coordinator), Bhakti-
bhusana Swami, Bhanu Swami, Guru Prasad
Guru Daksina Committee
Swami, Niranjana Swami, Praghosa dasa (JPS),
Prahladananda Swami, Ramai Swami
Members – Anuttama dasa, Prahladananda
Swami (Chairman), Virabahu dasa, Bhakti
Guru Services Committee
Caitanya Swami, Bhaktimarga Swami, Ramai
Swami, Atul Krishna dasa (PVD) (Mayapur)
ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection Director – Kamalesh Krishna dasa (BCS)
Members: Janananda Goswami, Ekalavya dasa
ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry
(LOK)
Members – Current GBC Executive Committee,
Bhaktarupa Das, Devakinandan dasa (MVG),
Global Property Office
Govardhan dasa (BCAIS), Tapana Misra dasa
(BVKS)
Members: Urmila dasi (Chair), Bhakti Prabhava
Swami, Hari Parsad dasa (RGS), Narayani dasi,
Adi-purusa dasa (GKG), Sarvajna dasa (NRS),
Kartika Chandra dasa (RNS)
Sastric Advisory Council Associate Members: Giriraja Swami, Krishna
Ksetra Swami, Drutakarma dasa, Radhika
Ramana dasa (HPS), Caitanya-caran dasa
(RNS), Gopinatha-acarya dasa (KKS), Bhakti-
Vijnana Goswami, Gopal Hari dasa (GKG),
Kanai Krishna dasa (RNS)
Prevention of Leadership Misconduct
Director: Champakalata dasi (IDS)
Office
Bhanu Swami, Giriraja Swami, Malati DD,
Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (convenor) (SDG),
Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee
Gauranga dasa (RNS), Nrsimha Kavaca dasa
(IDS)
Praharana dasi, Srivasa dasa (BTS), Tirtharaj
GBC Executive Secretariat
dasa (TKG), Mathuresa dasa (JPS)
805.03 Ministry and Standing Committee appointments: Individual
ministers
[Title] – Tapana Misra dasa appointed as co-minister of education — 2021
[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (passed on February 8, 2021
[Category] – Action order
Whereas, the Ministry of Education mandate requires more administrative leadership to sufficiently execute
its GBC assigned mandate;
Whereas the educational services provided to the ISKCON mission are dramatically increasing;
Whereas His Grace Tapan Mishra dasa (BVKS) in his role of Executive Director for the Ministry of
Education has demonstrated the necessary managerial and creative abilities to execute the duties of a Co-
Minister;
Whereas the current Ministry EC Team has voted unanimously in favor of this appointment;
30
RESOLVED:
Tapana Misra dasa is appointed as Co-Minister with Sesa dasa for the Ministry of Education
807.01: Appointment of auditor
[Title] – Appointment of auditor — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021
[Category] – Action order
Sri Ratnesh Singh Chandel aka Rasa Parayana dasa (GKG), Partner, Kothari Chandel & Co Chartered
Accountants 219/220 Office No. 2, Murlidhar Apartment, Kelkar Road, Narayan Peth, Pune 411030, is
appointed as statutory auditor for the year 2021-22.
809.01: Zonal Supervisor appointments: New supervisors
[Title] – Appointment of Zonal Supervisors — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the following devotees are appointed as Zonal Supervisors:
Govinda Vallabha dasa (IDS): Guangdong, Hunan & Hainan
Sandhini devi dasi (UD): Liaoning, Jilin & Harbin
Gaudiya dasa (TKG): Fujian & Jiangxi
Gaurananda dasa (CCCD): Latvia
Harideva dasa (BCAIS): Mauritius
Dayavan dasa (RSD): Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan)
810.01: Global Duty Officer appointments: Appointments
[Title] – Samba dasa appointed as Global Duty Officer for ISKCON property
records and GBC funding — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 24, 2021
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the GBC Nominations Committee has approved that Samba dasa (JPS) become a Global Duty
Officer with the service of updating the ISKCON properties database and raising funds for the GBC Body;
Whereas the GBC Nominations Committee has recommended to the GBC Body that Samba dasa therefore
become a Global Duty Officer with that service.
RESOLVED:
31
That Samba dasa is appointed as a Global Duty Officer with the service of verifying the ISKCON properties
database and raising funds for the GBC Body.
810.02: Global Duty Officer appointments: Reappointments
[Title] – Reappointment of Global Duty Officers — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 5, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the following Global Duty Officers are reappointed for a further one-year term:
ISKCON Initiated-
Caitanya Avatari dasa
India disciples’ database, CDM
(JPS)
support
Devakinandan dasa (MVG) Singapore GBC Legal Office
International Projects’
Devakinandan dasa India masterplan development,
Mayapur, Puri
Everything Website,
Gauranga dasa (RNS) India
ISKCON Administration
Org Dev Co-chair,
Congregation
Kaunteya dasa (JPS) Mayapur
Development Co-minister,
SPT
Krishna Premarupa dasa Long Term Guru Training
Switzerland
(BSDS) Development
Latin America GBC
Mathuresa dasa (JPS) Bolivia College; GBC Executive
secretariat Office (ESO)
Mukunda Madhava dasa
India GBC Finance
(BSDS)
GBC Executive
Praharana dasi Canada
secretariat Office (ESO)
Training and making
Radheshyam dasa (RNS) India
devotees from/in the West
Shyamananda Krishna
Australia Environment
dasa (GKG)
ISKCON Global Support
Srivasa Pandit dasa (GGS) Myanmar for upcoming centres;
Sannyasa Ministry
GDO Office, Education
Tapana Mishra dasa
Kuwait Ministry, ISKCON
(BVKS)
Property Office, GBC NC
Global Leaders Database,
Tirtharaja dasa (TKG) Hong Kong
ESO
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One World Book
Vaisesika dasa USA
Distribution Team
Section 900: Financial and legal
901: GBC annual budget
[Title] – GBC Budget — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 5, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the Covid-reduced GBC Budget for 2021-22 is (in INR):
Annual General Meetings 420,000
Cow Protection & Agriculture 175,000
Child Protection Office 350,000
Dandavats 224,800
Deputies –Travel for Assistant 35,000
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry 490,000
Emergency Fund 140,000
Legal & related expenses 350,000
Executive Committee Travel 105,000
Finance & Bank Charges 17,500
GBC Strategic Planning Team 385,000
GBC Corresponding Secretary 462,000
GBC EC Secretary 462,000
GBC Executive Secretariat 22,470
GBC 50th Anniversary Films 140,000
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry 105,000
ISKCON Dispute Resolution Committee 70,000
ISKCON Temple Database 49,000
ISKCON Mayapur’s Ethics, Standards & Compliance Office (ESCO) 87,500
ISKCON Law Book 70,000
ISKCON News 154,000
ISKCON Resolve 262,500
ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry 105,000
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ISKCON Connection 70,000
Prevention of Leader Misconduct Office 175,000
Mayapur GBC Office 280,000
Ministry of Education 220,500
Sastric Advisory Council (SAC) 280,000
Vaisnava Calendar Website 17,500
Vaishnavi Ministry 52,500
Youth Ministry 52,500
TOTAL 5,688,970
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Zonal Assignments 2021
Note: In the interest of enhancing the readability of this document, we have simplified the entries by
omitting the country names "India", "USA", "UK", and "Canada".
I. Zonal Assignments according to GBC Area
1. Western Africa
Area GBC: Kavicandra Swami
Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia,
Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome & Principe,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
2. Central & Eastern Africa
Area GBC: Gopal Krsna Goswami
Countries: Burundi, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
3. Southern Africa
Area GBC: Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique,
Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, eSwatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe
4. Arab League and other Islamic countries:
Area GBC: BB Govinda Swami
Countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,
Mauritania, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,
Tunisia, UAE, Yemen
5. Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean
Area GBC: Guru Prasad Swami
Countries: Belize, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago (and all other Caribbean countries & territories),
Costa Rica, El Salvador, French Guyana, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua,
Panama, Suriname.
6. Andean Countries
Area GBC: To be Defined
Countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela.
7. Brazil
Area GBC: To be Defined
Country: Brazil
8. Southern Latin America
Area GBC: Virabahu Das
Countries: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
9. Northern Europe
Area GBC: To be Defined
Countries: United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway,
Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
10. Western Europe
Area GBC: Madhu Sevita Das
Countries: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Gibraltar, Italy,
Malta
11. Germanic Europe:
Area GBC: Dina Sharana Devi Dasi
Countries: Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland
12. Central Europe and Balkans
Area GBC: To be Defined
Countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania
13. South Eastern Europe:
Area GBC: To be Defined
Countries: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel
14. Russian Sphere 1
Area GBC: Acyutatma Das
Regions: Belarus, Russia: Arkhangelsk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Chuvash Republic, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad,
Kaluga, Karelia, Republic of; Komi Republic, Kostroma, Kursk, Lipetsk, Mari El Republic, Moscow,
Moscow Region, Murmansk, Nenets Autonomous District, Nizhny Novgorod, Novgorod, Oryol, Pskov,
Ryazan, Saint Petersburg, Smolensk, Tambov, Tatarstan, Republic of; Tula, Tver, Vladimir, Vologda,
Voronezh, Yaroslavl
15. Russian Sphere 2
Area GBC: To be Defined
Countries/Regions: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan
Russia: Adygea, Republic of; Astrakhan Region, Bashkortostan, Republic of (south), Chechen Republic,
Crimea, Republic of; Dagestan, Republic of; Ingushetia, Republic of, Kabardino-Balkar Republic,
Kalmykia, Republic of; Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Krasnodar Territory, Mordovia, Republic of;
North Ossetia-Alania, Republic of; Orenburg Region, Penza Region, Rostov Region, Samara Region,
Saratov Region, Sevastopol, Stavropol Territory, Ulyanovsk Region, Volgograd Region
16. Russian Sphere 3
Area GBC: Caitanya Chandra Charan Das
Regions: Altai Territory, Altai Republic, Bashkortostan, Republic of (North); Chelyabinsk, Kemerovo,
Khanty–Mansi Autonomous District – Yugra, Kirov, Kurgan, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Perm Territory,
Sverdlovsk, Tomsk, Tyumen, Udmurt, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District
17. Russian Sphere 4
Area GBC: To be Defined
Regions: Mongolia, Russia: Amur Region, Buryatia, Republic of; Chita region (Zabaykalsky Territory),
Chukotka Autonomous District, Evenk Autonomous District, Irkutsk Region, Jewish Autonomous
Region, Kamchatka Territory, Khabarovsk Territory, Khakassia, Republic of; Krasnoyarsk Territory,
Magadan Region, Primorsky Territory, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, Sakhalin Region, Taimyr Dolgano-
Nenets Autonomous, Tuva Republic
18. Japan, South Korea and North Korea
Area GBC: To be Defined
19. China
Area GBC: Giridhari Swami
Countries: China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau, Taiwan, Philippines
20. South East Asia
Area GBC: To be Defined
Countries: Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
21. Oceania & Indonesia
Area GBC: Ramai Swami
Countries: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the rest of Oceania, Indonesia and
East Timor
22. Canada and Northern USA
Area GBC: Bhaktimarga Swami
Regions: Canada, Alaska, Minnesota, Montana, North & South Dakota, Wyoming
23. Western USA
Area GBC: Badrinarayan Swami
States: Arizona, California (except Berkeley), Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico,
Oregon, Utah, Washington (except Seattle)
24. Northeast USA
Area GBC: To be Defined
States: Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia
25. Midwest/South USA
Area GBC: To be Defined
States: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas,
Wisconsin
26. Southeast USA
Area GBC: To be Defined
States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Indian Subcontinent
Areas: To be Defined
Area GBCs: To be Defined
Note: For a visual representation of the above, see GBC AREAS
II. Zonal Assignments for GBC Members
Acyutatma Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Russia: Central Region
Co-Zonal Secretary with Caitanya Chandra Charan Das for
Russia: Bashkortostan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami for:
Russia: Kaliningrad
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:
Russia: Northwest
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Russia: Moscow
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami and Niranjana Swami for:
Belarus
Russia: Kaliningrad
Anuttama Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Delaware
Florida: Northern Florida, including Alachua & Tallahassee
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland
Missouri
Nebraska
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:
Pennsylvania: Eastern
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Gopal Krsna Goswami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami and
Hrdaya Caitanya Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Badrinarayan Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Arizona
California (except Berkeley)
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Nevada
New Mexico
Oregon
Utah
Washington (except Seattle)
Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Algeria
Egypt
Ethiopia
Libya
Mauritania
Morocco
Somalia
Sudan
Tunisia
Armenia
Russia: Volga Region
Afghanistan
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Syria
Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami for:
Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Senegal
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krsna Goswami for:
Djibouti
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Govardhana Das for:
Mauritius
Co-Zonal Secretary with Caitanya Chandra Charan Das for:
Georgia (CIS)
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Revati Raman Das for:
Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Estonia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Govardhana Das for:
Angola
Botswana
Lesotho
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami and Govardhana Das for:
Mauritius
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Govardhana Das for:
Comoros
Seychelles
Co-Zonal Secretary with Acyutatma Das for:
Russia: Northwest
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
Russia: Baikal
Russia: Eastern Siberia
Russia: South Siberia
Russia: Western Siberia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
Latvia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami for: Lithuania
Bhakti Purusottama Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for: Bangladesh
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
North Korea
South Korea
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ekanath Das and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Arunachal Pradesh
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Anuttama Das and Hrdaya
Caitanya Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Devakinandan Das for:
Bihar
Jharkhand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami and Revati Raman Das for:
Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Assam
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krsna Goswami and Ekanath Das for:
Mizoram
Nagaland
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:
Bhutan
Nepal
Odisha: North & Puri, except Puri Project
Odisha: West
Sikkim
West Bengal, except Mayapur and Calcutta
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Radhanath Swami for: West Bengal:
Calcutta
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Ekanath Das and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Meghalaya & Tripura
Bhakti-bhusana Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:
Paraguay
Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami and Bhakti Sundar Goswami for:
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Panama
Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:
Costa Rica
Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:
Belize
Nicaragua
Colombia
Bhaktimarga Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Canada: Quebec
Alaska
Montana
Wyoming
Co-Zonal Secretary with Anuttama Das for:
North & South Dakota
Minnesota
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Canada: British Columbia, Maritime Provinces, Prairie Provinces, The Territories, Ontario
Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:
Cuba
Bhaktivaibhava Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Mongolia
Russia: Far East
Albania
Czech Republic
Finland
Macedonia
Slovakia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:
Russia: Baikal
Russia: Eastern Siberia
Russia: South Siberia
Russia: Western Siberia
Latvia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:
North Korea
South Korea
Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami and Acyutatma Das for:
Belarus
Russia: Kaliningrad
Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami for:
Ukraine
Co-Zonal Secretary with Prahladananda Swami for:
Bulgaria
Bhanu Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Vinoda Swami for:
Kerala
Tamil Nadu: Western
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Radhanath Swami for:
Karnataka: Belgaum
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Revati Raman Das for:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Shankhadhari Das for:
Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram,
Tuticorin, Virudunagar
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:
Brunei
Malaysia
Karnataka, except Belgaum
Lakshadweep
Maldives
Puducherry
Sri Lanka
Tamil Nadu: Eastern
Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami for:
Japan
Bir Krishna Das Goswami
Zonal Secretary for:
Alabama
Louisiana
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Virginia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Prahladananda Swami for:
Slovenia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Radha Krsna Das for:
Israel: Harish
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami for:
Fiji
Caitanya Chandra Charan Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Russia: Ural Region
Co-Zonal Secretary with Acyutatma Das for:
Russia: Bashkortostan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami for:
Georgia (CIS)
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Candrasekhar Acarya Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Giridhari Swami for:
China: Mainland
Macau
Hong Kong SAR
Taiwan
Devamrita Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Georgia (USA)
New Jersey
Pennsylvania: Port Royal
Co-Zonal Secretary with Anuttama Das for:
Pennsylvania: Eastern
Co-Zonal Secretary with Radhanath Swami for:
New York, except Freeport
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami for:
Australia
New Zealand
Dina Sharana Devi Dasi
Zonal Secretary for:
Austria
Germany
Liechtenstein
Co-Zonal Secretary with Praghosa Das for:
Switzerland
Co-Zonal Secretary with Hrdaya Caitanya Das for:
France: Dole
Giridhari Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Philippines
Co-Zonal Secretary with Candrasekhar Acarya Das for:
China: Mainland
Macau
Hong Kong SAR
Taiwan
Gopal Krishna Goswami
Zonal Secretary for:
Burundi
Kenya
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda
Azerbaijan
Russia: Golden Ring
Russia: South
Delhi, except Noida
Maharashtra: Kharghar
Myanmar
Pakistan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami for:
Djibouti
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami for:
Canada: British Columbia
Canada: Maritime Provinces
Canada: Prairie Provinces
Canada: The Territories
Canada: Ontario
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhima Das for:
Maharashtra: Mira Road
Co-Zonal Secretary with Devakinandan Das for:
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh, except Vrindavan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ekanath Das for:
Mizoram
Nagaland
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jasomatinandana Das for:
Gujarat
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Anuttama Das and Hrdaya
Caitanya Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Mahaman Das and Ekanath Das for:
Manipur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Mahaman Das for:
Chattisgarh
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Punjab
Uttaranchal
Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami and Acyutatma Das for:
Russia: Moscow
Co-Zonal Secretary with Radhanath Swami for:
Goa, Daman and Diu
Maharashtra: Pune
Co-Zonal Secretary with Radhanath Swami, Bhima Das and Devakinandan Das for:
Maharashtra: Mumbai Juhu
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
Govardhana Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:
Angola
Botswana
Lesotho
Madagascar
Malawi
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
eSwatini (Swaziland)
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami for:
Mauritius
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:
Comoros
Seychelles
Guru Prasad Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Mexico
Trinidad & Tobago
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami and Bhakti Sundar Goswami for:
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Panama
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami for:
Costa Rica
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami for:
Belize
Nicaragua
Colombia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:
Caribbean
French Guiana
Guyana
Suriname
Venezuela
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami for:
Cuba
Hrdaya Caitanya Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Andorra
Gibraltar
Co-Zonal Secretary with Dina Sharana Devi Dasi for:
France: Dole
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami
and Anuttama Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Madhu Sevita Das for:
Belgium
France, except Dole
Luxembourg
Portugal
Spain
The Netherlands
Jayapataka Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Bolivia
Ecuador
Peru
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya` Swami and Govardhana Das for:
Comoros
Seychelles
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami for: Odisha: Central, except
Puri
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami for: Bangladesh
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami for:
Odisha: South
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Devakinandan Das for:
Bihar
Jharkhand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Revati Raman Das for:
Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Assam
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:
Bhutan
Nepal
Odisha: North & Puri, except Puri Project
Odisha: West
Sikkim
West Bengal, except Mayapur and Calcutta
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Radhanath Swami for: West Bengal:
Calcutta
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Ekanath Das and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Meghalaya
Tripura
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Bhakti Vinoda Swami for:
Kerala
Tamil Nadu: Western
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Radhanath Swami for:
Karnataka: Belgaum
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Revati Raman Das for:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Shankhadhari Das for:
Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram,
Tuticorin, Virudunagar
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami for:
Brunei
Malaysia
Karnataka, except Belgaum
Lakshadweep
Maldives
Puducherry
Sri Lanka
Tamil Nadu: Eastern
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Anuttama
Das and Hrdaya Caitanya Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami for:
Singapore
Thailand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:
Chile
Kavicandra Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
Benin
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Congo
Congo - Kinshasa
Gabon
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast
Liberia
Nigeria
Rio Muni
Sierra Leone
Togo
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami for:
Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Senegal
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami for:
Japan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:
Singapore
Thailand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami for:
Indonesia
Co-Zonal Secrtary with Radha Krsna Das for:
Israel: Ariel
Madhu Sevita Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Cyprus
Greece
Italy, except Villa Vrindavana, Firenze Area, Centro Studio Bhaktivedanta, Bologna Area, and Venice Area
Malta
San Marino
Co-Zonal Secretary with Radhanath Swami for:
Italy, Villa Vrindavana, Firenze Area, Bologna Area, and Venice Area
Co-Zonal Secretary with Hrdaya Caitanya Das for:
Belgium
France, except Dole
Luxembourg
Portugal
Spain
The Netherlands
Malati Devi Dasi
Zonal Secretary for:
Indiana
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio
Pennsylvania: Western
Niranjana Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Moldova
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
North American Festival of India
Rhode Island
Vermont
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for: Lithuania
Co-Zonal Secretary with Acyutatma Das and Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
Belarus
Russia: Kaliningrad
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
Ukraine
Praghosa Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Channel Islands
Denmark
England
Faroe Islands
Iceland
Ireland
Northern Ireland
Norway
Scotland
Sweden
Wales
Co-Zonal Secretary with Dina Sharana Devi Dasi for:
Switzerland
Prahladananda Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Croatia
Poland
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo
Serbia and Montenegro
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
Bulgaria
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bir Krishna Das Goswami for:
Slovenia
Radha Krishna Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Hungary
Turkey
Romania
Macedonia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Madhu Sevita Das for:
Greece
Cyprus
Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami and Bir Krsna Das Goswami for:
Israel
Radhanath Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Maharashtra: Mumbai Chowpatty
Italy: Centro Studio Bhaktivedanta
Co-Zonal Secretary with Madhu Sevita Das for:
Italy: Villa Vrindavana, Firenze Area, Centro Studio Bhaktivedanta, Bologna Area, and Venice Area
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:
Karnataka: Belgaum
Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:
New York, except Freeport
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Goa, Daman and Diu
Maharashtra: Pune
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Bhima Das and Devakinandan Das for:
Maharashtra: Mumbai Juhu
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for: West Bengal:
Calcutta
Ramai Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
East Timor
Melanesia, except Fiji
Micronesia
Papua New Guinea
Polynesia, except Hawaii and New Zealand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Sesa Das for: Washington State:
Seattle
Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:
Australia
New Zealand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bir Krsna Das Goswami for:
Fiji
Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami for:
Indonesia
Revati Raman Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andhra Pradesh
Telangana
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:
Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
Romapada Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
New York: Freeport
Sesa Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Florida: Gainesville
Florida: Orlando
Florida: Miami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami for:
Washington State: Seattle
Virabahu Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Argentina
Falkland Islands
Uruguay
Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:
Caribbean (except Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago)
French Guiana
Guyana
Suriname
Venezuela
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:
Chile
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami for:
Paraguay
III. Zonal Assignments for Special Committees
GBC Executive Committee
Zonal Secretary for:
Brazil
[Special Duty Officers for Brazil: Dhanvantari Swami & Kaunteya Das (JPS)]
North American Executive Committee
Zonal Secretary for:
Alaska
Arkansas
California: Berkeley
Miami
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas
Puri Development Committee
Members: Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Devakinandan Das (Chairman), Braja Hari Das
(Vice-Chairman), Basu Ghosh Das, Vanamali Das, Gour Nitai Das, and Bhaktarupa Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Odisha: Puri Project
Vrindavan Executive Board
Members: Gopal Krishna Goswami, Sesa Das, Bhima Das, Kadamba Kanana Swami,
Devakinandana Das, Bhakti Rasamrita Swam, Shankhadhari Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Uttar Pradesh: Vrindavan
Mayapur Executive Board
Members: Jayapatak Swami, Gopal Krsna Goswami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Anuttama Das, Hrdaya
Caitanya Das, GBC EC Chairman (ex-officio), Basu Ghosh Das, Devakinandan Das, Dayaram Das
Zonal Secretary for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
IV. Zonal Assignments for Zonal Supervisors
Acyuta Priya Das - Ukraine & Moldova
Adiras Das, (ex-Aditi Duhka-ha Das) – Russia, South Region
Amara Gouranga Das – Chile
Aniruddha Gopal Das – Krsnakatha Desh
Bhakti Ananta Krsna Goswami – Russia, Golden Ring Region
Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami – Philippines
Bhakti Bhagavatamrita Kesava Swami – Russia, South Region
Dayananda Swami - Scotland & North England
Dayavan Das – Russia, Volga Region, Central Asia
Devakinandan Das (KDS) - Botswana
Devakinandan Das (MVG) - Singapore
Divya priya DD - Ecuador
Doyal Govinda Das – Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein
Harideva Das – Mauritius
Gaudiya Das – Fujian & Jiangxi
Gaurananda Das – Latvia
Govinda Vallabha Das – Guangdong, Hunan & Hainan
Jai Nitai Das – London, SE England, England, Scotland & Wales
Jaya Krsna Das – Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Eastern Pennsylvania, Illinois & Missouri
Krsnapremarupa Das - Switzerland
Krsna Smaranam Das – Russia, Eastern Siberia Region
Mathuresh Das - Bolivia & Peru
Nityananda Pran Das - US Midwest
Nrsimha Krsna Das - Turkey
Paramatma Das – Suriname
Prithvi-pati Das – Hungary
Sandhini Devi Dasi -- Liaoning, Jilin & Heilongjiang
Srivas Das - West Africa
Srivas Pandit Das - Myanmar
Sutapa Das - North London (including Bhaktivedanta Manor) & the Midlands
Syamananda Krsna Das – Pakistan
Tapana Misra Das – Iran, Kuwait
Tamohara Das – Northern Florida
Tarakanath Das – Wales & SW England
Trilokatma Das – Slovakia, Albania, Macedonia
Vraja Pran Das – Mathuradesh
Vrinda DD -- Canada, Alaska, North & South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming
V. Zonal Assignments for Non-GBC Members
Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for: Odisha: Central, except
Puri
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:
Odisha: South
Bhakti Sundar Goswami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami and Guru Prasad Swami for:
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Panama
Bhakti Vinoda Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:
Kerala
Tamil Nadu: Western
Bhima Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Maharashtra: Mira Road
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Radhanath Swami and Devakinandan Das for:
Maharashtra: Mumbai Juhu
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
Devakinandan Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh, except Vrindavan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Radhanath Swami and Bhima Das for:
Maharashtra: Mumbai Juhu
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:
Bihar
Jharkhand
Ekanath Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Arunachal Pradesh
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Mahaman Das for:
Manipur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Mizoram
Nagaland
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Shree Jeeva Das for:
Meghalaya
Tripura
Mahaman Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Ekanath Das for:
Manipur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
Chattisgarh
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, except Ujjain
Punjab
Uttaranchal
Co-Zonal Secretary with Navayogendra Swami for:
Jammu and Kashmir
Navayogendra Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Mahaman Das for:
Jammu and Kashmir
Shankhadhari Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:
Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram,
Tuticorin, Virudunagar
Shree Jeeva Das
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Ekanath Das for:
Arunachal Pradesh
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:
Assam
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Ekanath Das for:
Meghalaya
Tripura
ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY
Registration Number S/74662 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961
P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal 741313
https://gbc.iskcon.org/
https://www.iskcon-gbc.org/
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021
Go to 2021 Zonal Assignments
Section 100: Srila Prabhupada
100:03: Srila Prabhupada: Guidelines
[Title] – Celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Anniversary Vyasa Puja —
2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on August 18, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON,
and his teachings and example are the guide and inspiration for the entire International Society for Krishna
Consciousness;
Whereas celebration of his appearance in this world is an annual event of great significance for all ISKCON
devotees throughout the world;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja Day 2021 marks the 125th year of his appearance in this world;
and
Whereas special advance events leading up to the celebration of his 2021 Vyasa Puja Anniversary were
limited due to the impact of the global covid pandemic.
RESOLVED:
That, 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 utilize the ideas the Committee has generated,
including the official 125th Anniversary logo, as well as any other ideas and programs that may be locally
initiated, to celebrate this historic year in a humble mood of gratitude and service to His Divine Grace.
Section 200: Governing Body Commission
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
1
[Title] – HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s Samadhi — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas HH Bhakti Charu Swami has rendered many years of exceptional service to Srila Prabhupada, Sri
Dhama Mayapur, and ISKCON;
Whereas Bhakti Charu Swami is a prominent devotee whose passing should be marked by a samadhi
structure over the place where his body is interred;
Whereas Bhakti Charu Swami departed from this world on the appearance day of Sanatana Goswami,
Guru Purnima, July 4, 2020, and his body was interred in Mayapur, 13 July 2020, therefore, there is an
urgency to finalize the samadhi structure.
RESOLVED:
HH Bhakti Charu Swami shall have a samadhi structure built over the place where his body is interred.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – Bhakti Charu Swami’s Samadhi size exception — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas it is necessary to finalize the decision for the samadhi of Bhakti Charu Swami;
Whereas Tamal Krishna Goswami’s full body samadhi in Mayapur is 2.7 metres long, (because he was put
into samadhi lying down) by 1.8 metres wide, by 2.9 metres high, and this is an exceptional circumstance;
Whereas Sridhara Swami’s full body samadhi in Mayapur is 1.6 metres long, by 1.7 metres wide, by 2.7
metres high;
Whereas Tatpar Swami’s full body samadhi in Mayapur is 1.0 metre long, by 0.8 metre wide, by 1.6 metres
high;
Whereas the standard size for samadhis in ISKCON is .9 metre (3ft) long, by .9 metre (3ft) wide maximum
footprint, and 1.5 metres (4ft 11in) maximum height;
Whereas the GBC body feels it is appropriate to make an exemption to the size restriction for Bhakti Charu
Swami’s samadhi.
RESOLVED:
That the samadhi structure for Bhakti Charu Swami will be the same size as the samadhi of Tamal Krishna
Goswami — a maximum footprint of 2.7 metres by 1.8 metres, and a maximum height of 2.9 metres.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – Final decision on samadhi of HH Jayapataka Swami and further
considerations regarding samadhis near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi in
Mayapur — 2021
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[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on January 6, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas after repeated attempts to get clarity on what is the right course of action regarding the samadhi
area near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi, a conclusion has not been reached;
Whereas further attempts via surveys seem impractical and unwanted;
Whereas there are a significant number of undecided members, therefore it is difficult to get a clear picture
of what the GBC wants;
Whereas the survey presented to the GBC members in December 2020 regarding more samadhis in the
area near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi received votes of 10 in favor, 9 against, and 9 undecided;
Whereas in 2018 there was a consensus amongst GBC members that HH Jayapataka Maharaja's samadhi
will be placed in this area.
RESOLVED:
That HH Jayapataka Swami's samadhi will be in the Mayapur Samadhi Park near Srila Prabhupada's
puspa samadhi. The samadhi will be no larger than the size of HH Tamal Krishna Goswami's samadhi.
There will be no further samadhis in the samadhi area near Srila Prabhupada's puspa samadhi until the
matter is decided by the GBC body.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – Rompada Swami’s leave of absence extension — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021)
[Category] – Action Order
The Leave of Absence of Romapada Swami is extended by a further one year, to March 2022.
203.04: GBC members: Individual members
[Title] – HH Hridayananda dasa Goswami as GBC Emeritus — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on September 22, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
That in recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, HH Hridayananda dasa Goswami is again
hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.
204.01 GBC meetings: Regulations
[Title] – GBC Virtual and online meetings established as General Meetings, pt.
1 — 2021
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[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (passed on January 6, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Whereas Article VI Clause 1 of the Regulations of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)
Society of West Bengal states that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) "shall be held during Shree Krishna
Caitanya Mahaprabhu's birth anniversary celebrations at Shree Mayapur, District Nadia, West Bengal,
India, unless extraordinary events make such a venue and timing impossible";
Whereas the GBC Executive Committee posits that the current Covid-19 global situation is such an
"extraordinary event" whereby it is not feasible for the GBC to physically conduct its AGM in Mayapur in
February-March 2021;
Whereas the above view is wholeheartedly shared by the GBC's General Counsel;
Whereas Article VI Clause 4 of the Regulations of the ISKCON GBC Society allows for a Special General
Meeting to be called if an emergency exists;
Whereas pursuant to the above, the Executive Committee hereby calls for a Special General Meeting and
will place as one of the agenda items the postponement of the 2021 Mayapur AGM;
Whereas the EC shall, in the Special General Meeting also propose that all resolutions passed and
adopted from now till the next physical GBC meeting be conducted by Correspondence Vote pursuant to
GBC Resolution 418 of 2006.
This will include voting on any matters which ordinarily would have been conducted during the AGM;
Whereas the GBC EC shall also, in the Special General Meeting, propose that the GBC Virtual Conference
also become an official medium for dealing with all GBC business, including proposals and votes during the
year, regardless of the holding of an AGM or not.
RESOLVED:
That the GBC Annual General Meeting of 2021 is hereby postponed until further notice due to the current
Covid-19 global situation. All GBC business, including voting on proposals, may be conducted either via
correspondence on the GBC Discussions email conference, or online via the GBC Virtual meetings.
204.01 GBC meetings: Regulations
[Title] – GBC Virtual and online meetings established as General Meetings pt.
2— 2021
[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (Passed on January 6, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Whereas the GBC conducts virtual conference meetings using online platforms, along with face-to-face
plenary meetings and email correspondence voting;
Whereas proposals may be presented, voted on and made into official GBC resolutions using online
platforms;
Whereas the virtual meetings are attended by GBCs, Ministers, a representative from the SABHA, a
representative from the Deputies, a representative from the Executive Secretariat and others, as deemed
necessary by the GBC Executive Committee.
RESOLVED:
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GBC virtual meetings using online systems, such as Zoom etc. are accepted as an official platform for GBC
meetings.
204.02 GBC meetings: Agenda and schedule
[Title] – Dealing with urgent matters — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on May 14, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Whereas giving a fair and timely hearing to a large group of concerned GBC members seeking to share
information and engage in discussion and deliberation on a matter which they deem of great importance is
not only desirable but proper.
RESOLVED:
When 33% or more of the GBC members submit a request to the Executive Committee to place a matter
on the agenda of a GBC meeting for the purpose of discussion, deliberation and/or decision-making, that
matter shall be taken up as an introductory presentation of no more than 30 minutes on a GBC meeting
agenda to be held within 30 calendar days after submission of the request.
204.03 GBC Meetings: Annual General Meeting: Dates for 2022 GBC
Annual General Meeting — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 24, 2021)
[Category] – Action Order
RESOLVED:
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON Governing Body
Society shall be held online
206.01: GBC proposals, resolutions and voting: Voting
[Title] – Rules for voting online – 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Rule of order
Part A:
Whereas the sequential and ordered processing of proposals has been codified and can be managed
easily in the GEM software;
Whereas processes usually managed in face-to-face meetings are replicated, streamlined and stored
securely in the GEM;
Whereas proposal processing and voting can be readily captured and calculated online making it easy for
the GBC EC, Deputies, OrgDev, SABHA and secretaries to keep track of all stages of proposal
management;
Whereas comments can be quickly tabulated and incorporated into PMIs, presentations and proposals as
necessary.
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RESOLVED:
That the online GBC Environment for Meetings (GEM) shall be an official system for processing proposals
and resolutions for the ISKCON GBC Society (WB).
Part B: (passed during the GBC Virtual Meeting on November 24, 2021):
Whereas the rules for GBC voting via GEM need to be clarified.
RESOLVED:
1. All proposals submitted to the GBC will be processed using GEM except where the GBC EC
decides a different methodology is required.
2. All proposals shall be lodged via the Proposals conference and processed by the Deputies. Any
exemptions to the proposal process that may be in place for GBC- appointed committees shall
apply to GEM voting as well
3. When the GBC Executive Committee decides that a proposal warrants bypassing the Deputies, due
to considerations such as confidentiality or it being an emergency, etc, the proposal will be sent
directly to the GBC First Review level on GEM (see Point 6 below).
4. When using GEM during in-person meetings, schedules will be determined by the Deputy EC and
the GBC EC.
5. The following timeline refers to the use of GEM in a virtual setting, e.g. Zoom.
6. From the time the proposal reaches the GBC First Review stage on GEM, seven (7) days shall be
allowed for discussion before Straw Voting.
7. Following this initial discussion period five (5) days will be given for Straw Voting.
8. At the conclusion of the Straw Vote the Deputy EC, or in special cases, the Corresponding
Secretary, will distribute the results to all participants. If the proposal does not require editing, the
Deputy EC (or Corresponding Secretary) will then announce the commencement of the GBC Final
Review.
9. If editing is required, the Deputy EC (or Corresponding Secretary) Will then edit the proposal in a
maximum of three (3) days, following which The GBC Final Review will commence.
10. A period of seven (7) days will be allowed for the GBC Final Review before the Final Vote.
11. If, during the GBC Final Review, a member proposes an amendment, discussion will stop. The
amendment will be discussed for up to three (3) days after which it will be voted upon. The GBC
Final Review will then continue.
12. If, during the GBC Final Review, a member proposes that discussion should take place outside
GEM, and this is seconded, a vote will be taken. If there is a simple majority in favor, the discussion
will then take place virtually, e.g. on Zoom. The GBC Final Review will then continue.
13. Following the GBC Final Review, seven (7) days will be allocated for the GBC Final Vote.
14. Three quarters (75%) of the eligible participants must vote for a Final Vote to be considered binding.
(Eligible participants are GBC members who are not on a Leave of Absence or are not restricted
from voting for disciplinary or other reasons.)
15. Voting requirements for the various types of proposals, of either simple majority, two-thirds majority,
or three quarters majority etc, will be applied to votes as per the standard GBC Rules of Order.
16. If fewer than three quarters (75%) of the eligible participants have voted within seven (7) days, the
GBC Executive Committee will contact those who have not voted and attempt to get their votes in a
maximum of a further seven (7) days.
17. If, following that extended period, fewer than three quarters (75%) Of the eligible participants have
voted, then the vote is void. At the discretion of the Executive Committee, the proposal may be
reconsidered for additional discussion and voting via GEM, virtually, e.g. Zoom, or at the next
General Meeting.
18. All resolutions passed on GEM are final and binding, subject to Review by the SABHA where
appropriate, and Legal Review, and do not have to be further approved at either an Annual General
Meeting or a Midterm General Meeting.
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19. The GBC Secretariat shall keep detailed records of those who have not voted within the Final
Voting period. Reasons for not voting must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee.
206.02: GBC proposals, resolutions, and voting: Resolutions and
proposals
[Title] – GBC resolutions and cultural sensitivity — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 17, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas ISKCON is a growing international society, with communities on six continents;
Whereas ISKCON members and communities naturally interact, and exist within, many different cultures,
languages and historical traditions;
Whereas ISKCON is composed of devotees from a wide variety of backgrounds, races, ethnicities,
traditions, and cultures;
Whereas our Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada stressed the need to share Krishna Consciousness
according to time, place, and circumstance;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada taught us the importance of unity in diversity, and the importance of
cooperation;
Whereas, the Governing Body Commission acknowledges that the varieties of cultural expressions of
Krishna consciousness are a strength, not a weakness, and a symbol of our global success and expansion.
RESOLVED:
1. The GBC Body may, on exceptional occasions, pass resolutions which may, due to differing cultural
norms in certain parts of the world, require special attention, and thus the GBC may designate such
a resolution as potentially a “culturally sensitive resolution.”
2. A Regional Governing Body (RGB), or where there is no RGB, an authorized national council with
the support of their GBC, or where a national council has more than one GBC, a majority of their
GBCs, may apply to the GBC Body with a request to modify a culturally sensitive resolution for their
area/yatra. Such a request must include the details of the specific adjustment/s they propose to
make, as well as the reasons for requesting such an adjustment/s.
3. The GBC Body will give guidelines and set out the parameters regarding what may or may not be
adjusted within a culturally sensitive resolution. Any details, guidelines, parameters, timelines, etc.,
in regard to its exceptional status must be recorded within the resolution itself.
209.03: Spiritual Advisors Bhagavat Assembly (SABHA):
Membership
[Title] – Increasing the Age Limit of Youth Representatives on the SABHA —
2021
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[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on March 30, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the age limit for youth representatives assigned to the SABHA is currently 30 years of age;
Whereas discussions on the SABHA often take a high degree of maturity in knowledge, experience, and
perspective;
Whereas including devotees up through the age of thirty-five offers a greater number from which to choose;
Whereas the Youth Minister says, "Extending the age to 35 will be very helpful."
RESOLVED:
That GBC Resolution no.306/2018 (The SABHA — Spiritual Advisors Bhagavat Assembly) 6.l(b) (iv) be
changed from "Youth (3): Devotees below the age of thirty (30) at the time of election" to "Youth (3):
Devotees below the age of thirty-six (36) at the time of election."
Section 300: International Society for Krishna
Consciousness
301.04: ISKCON members: Reinstating a devotee’s participation in
ISKCON
[Title] – Reinstatement of Keshava Swami — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on October 20, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
RESOLVED:
Keshava Swami is hereby reinstated as an ISKCON sannyasi in good standing. His preaching and service
area is limited to Latin America. He may be invited by local leaders to speak at their temples in India.
301.05: ISKCON members: Restricting a devotee’s participation in
ISKCON
[Title] – Excommunication of Raya Nitai dasa aka Ryan DePue from ISKCON
worldwide — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on April 7, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas Raya Nitai dasa promotes Nazism, homophobia, racism, white supremacy and misogyny on
various websites, Facebook pages and published materials.
Whereas Raya Nitai claims that Srila Prabhupada promoted the above in his teachings.
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Whereas Raya Nitai's offensive materials misrepresent Srila Prabhupada, misrepresents ISKCON to the
public and offends devotees with his rhetoric.
Whereas Raya Nitai has been told by the North American Council to stop misrepresenting ISKCON and
Srila Prabhupada but refuses to do so. He claims he is not ISKCON and is truly representing Srila
Prabhupada's teachings.
Whereas many devotees are offended and upset by his actions and are demanding that the GBC make a
strong statement to protect ISKCON’s reputation and the integrity of Srila Prabhupada and his teachings.
RESOLVED:
Raya Nitai dasa has been excommunicated as a member of ISKCON and is not representing ISKCON or
Srila Prabhupada with his offensive propaganda. ISKCON does not support Nazism, white supremacy or
racism by its practices or teachings
[Footnotes to resolution]
North American Council has communicated with Raya Nitai dasa, demanded that he stop misrepresenting
ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada and effectively banned him from visiting temples or attending any ISKCON
events. He continues his damaging activities and in fact has escalated in his on-line forums.
A GBC Body resolution will reinforce the restrictions (world-wide ban from visiting any ISKCON centre or
attending any ISKCON event).
A GBC resolution will create a public statement that can be used in counter negative publicity and devotee
complaints about his activities.
301.06: ISKCON members: Individual devotees
[Title] – GBC decision concerning Ananda Caitanya dasa’s appeal — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on April 2, 2021)
[Category] – Administrative order
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa (BCAIS) and the lady with whom he had a relationship confessed that,
while he was a sannyasi, they engaged in illicit sex on a number of occasions;
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa, on numerous occasions, even during interviews in a formal investigation
into his actions, lied concerning the allegations of his deviations as a sannyasi;
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa committed numerous offenses against those conducting the investigation
into his actions;
Whereas Ananda Caitanya dasa violated the terms of his probation as given in GBC resolution (301.6 of
2020)
RESOLVED:
Two committees will be formed to monitor Ananda Caitanya dasa.
The first committee, an International committee, will be comprised of Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Bhakti
Caitanya Swami, Caitanya Candra Carana dasa, and Acyutatma dasa. This Committee will monitor Ananda
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Caitanya dasa’s general behavior and his adherence to the GBC’s decision and restrictions resulting from
his deviations.
The second committee, a Local committee, will be comprised of the Lithuanian national leadership headed
by Dhruvananda dasa. This committee will monitor Ananda Caitanya dasa’s services and adherence to the
GBC resolution in Lithuania.
Ananda Caitanya dasa will remain in Lithuania under the supervision of the local leadership for a period of
two years effective from the date of this resolution. Under their guidance and supervision, he will be
encouraged to serve in whatever capacity they see as appropriate. In Lithuania, during the next two years
effective from the date of this resolution, Ananda Caitanya dasa will not be permitted to give classes,
neither in person nor online nor lead kirtans in any ISKCON temple, ISKCON centre, and/or ISKCON
related organisations and/or congregations in Lithuania.
Ananda Caitanya dasa will be encouraged to serve senior devotees around the world in some non-public
setting, such as translating their lectures off-line.
The Lithuanian leadership will give a semi-annual report and recommendations concerning Ananda
Caitanya dasa to the International committee.
After two years, effective from the date of this resolution, the International and Local committees will decide
on which restrictions in Lithuania, which include, but are not limited to, preaching and leading kirtans will
continued to be imposed on Ananda Caitanya dasa.
It is suggested that the local authorities consider obtaining professional counseling to help Ananda
Caitanya dasa.
GBC Resolution 301.06 of 2020, which dealt with the possible future reinstatement of Ananda Caitanya
dasa as an ISKCON sannyasi, is hereby rescinded.
Outside of Lithuania, Ananda Caitanya dasa, for an indefinite period of time, effective from the date of this
resolution, is not allowed to give classes, lead kirtans, either in person and/or online, or take any leadership
position in any ISKCON temple, ISKCON centre, and/or ISKCON related organisations and/or
congregations worldwide.
The international committee can, after a period of 3 years, effective from the date of this resolution, submit
a request to the GBC that resolution be modified or rescinded.
When wearing dhoti and kurta Ananda Caitanya dasa must not dress in saffron.
Any violations by Ananda Caitanya dasa of any or all of the above restrictions will result in further
disciplinary measures being imposed upon him.
303.03: ISKCON temples and affiliates: Guidelines for ISKCON
temples
[Title] – Eco-theology and Three Tiers of Eco-Guidelines — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on April 10, 2021)
[Category] – Guideline
Whereas Srila Prabhupada’s Sixth Purpose for ISKCON is to teach a “simpler more natural way of life;”
Whereas the ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI) has produced a document “The Eco-theology of Our
Tradition” delineating the importance of environmental awareness and appropriate behaviors for Gaudiya
Vaishnavas and the followers of Srila Prabhupada;
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Whereas ISKCON communities both urban or rural should be exemplary in upholding the principles of
sattvic lifestyles in all areas, including in their vision, teaching, and management;
Whereas ISKCON communities lack specific guidelines for practical steps to undertake regarding respect
and care for the natural environment;
Whereas the ISKCON Global Duty Officer for the Environment, the ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI),
and ISKCON Communications Ministry have developed appropriate guidelines in three tiers, or levels of
application, for temple communities and members;
Whereas such guidelines have been reviewed and endorsed by leading members and managers of
ISKCON who are concerned and knowledgeable in these issues;
Whereas care of the earth is an essential issue facing society-at-large, and there is a significant role for
ISKCON to play in demonstrating care for Lord Krishna’s creation;
Whereas ISKCON communities, members, and the world in general will benefit from the GBC endorsing
such guidelines and encouraging their application within ISKCON.
RESOLVED:
The document “Three Tiers of Environmental Practices” as presented by the ISKCON Environmental
Initiative, the ISKCON Global Duty Officer of the Environment, and the ISKCON Communications Ministry,
and with the endorsement of other global ISKCON leaders and scholars, is hereby adopted as an Official
Guideline for all ISKCON Temples and Communities. The GBC strongly encourages all ISKCON temples,
communities, and projects, and wherever possible individual devotees, to apply the principles and
guidelines in their daily lives and practices. (It is understood that these guidelines may be updated, every 3-
5 years, at the discretion of the GDO of the Environment, the ISKCON Communications Ministry, and the
ISKCON Environmental Initiative.)
Furthermore, the document “Eco-theology of Our Tradition” is recognized by the GBC as providing valuable
insights on the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy regarding the need for ISKCON devotees and leaders to
strive to live in harmony with the natural environment, and to respect the natural world as the property and
energy of the Supreme Lord.
[Footnotes to resolution]
Recognizing the document “Eco-theology of Our Tradition” carries no cost.
Adopting the Three Tiers of Environmental Practices as Guidelines may have some initial costs, but will
have a positive short and long term economic impact on local communities.
1. Most Tier One guidelines, such as composting and recycling, will incur no costs. Some guidelines,
such as minimizing waste of food and energy will immediately save money. Some items, such as
stopping the use of environmentally harmful garden products and only using biodegradable plates,
cups, and flatware may incur initial costs but are likely to inspire donors to cover those costs.
2. Some Tier Two guidelines will immediately save money, such as growing more food in temple
gardens. Other items, such as purchasing energy efficient machines and automobiles, will require
upfront costs that will be recovered over time, and save money in the long run.
301.03: ISKCON members: Guidelines
[Title] – Code of ethical behavior — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on August 16, 2021)
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[Category] – Statement
Whereas Srila Prabhupada wished his followers to exhibit exemplary ethical behavior;
Whereas the GBC Body seeks to encourage ISKCON devotees in such behavior;
Whereas since 1975 the GBC has created meaningful ethical guidelines;
Whereas there is a need of consolidating these guidelines into a concise document,
RESOLVED:
That the ISKCON GBC accepts the Code of Ethical Behaviour and the guidelines contained therein as a
living document that gives guidance to devotees and provide resources to leaders and managers who are
called upon to deal with issues regarding ethical behaviour.
307.04: ISKCON — other: General
[Title] – ISKCON’s statement on race — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on September 1, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas ISKCON needs to reinforce its position on race;
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON’s global Governing Body Commission (GBC) issues the following as ISKCON’s official
position statement on race:
In this time of global strife, tension, and polarization, the insights expressed in the Bhagavad Gita, a
timeless wisdom text, irrevocably establish the spiritual equality of all beings. Such equality fosters
tolerance, understanding, deep compassion, and unity in diversity. Moreover, Sri Isopanisad says,
“He who systematically sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord, who sees all living entities
as His parts and parcels, and who sees the Supreme Lord within everything never hates anything or
any being.” In this way, all living beings are souls, children of God, brothers and sisters in God’s all-
embracing family.
In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, of which the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON) is a present-day branch, inclusiveness has been taught by generations of teachers,
including Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534), the pioneer of a great social and religious
movement that began five centuries ago in India. Despite forceful opposition, Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu, who is understood by the tradition to be Lord Krishna (God) Himself, opened his
movement to everyone.
In turn, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, (1896‒1977), ISKCON’s
Founder-Acharya, travelled the world to establish ISKCON and spread the message of bhakti, or
unconditional love of God, and to teach that spiritually we are all equal. Hence, Sri Caitanya’s vision
of equality and inclusiveness underpins ISKCON’s worldview.
Srila Prabhupada tirelessly proclaimed the physical body to be like an outward dress and the spirit
soul to be the real person. He taught that material differences were external and superficial. What
matters is the person, not the dress — the soul, not the body. On the spiritual plane of the soul,
equality is true and absolute. In this way, his teachings pivoted on spirit, not matter. They went far
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beyond the considerations of body, mind, intellect, and false ego to culminate in pure devotion and
service to God, which only begins in earnest when our sense of who we are is firmly removed from
any bodily, psychological, or intellectual designation.
Through his prolific writings, lectures, and organizational designs, Srila Prabhupada tirelessly
endeavored to assist everyone in rekindling this vision and their natural love and in refining the
kindness, integrity, and happiness that ensue. He placed love and compassion at the center of his
personal dealings, and he exemplified these divine qualities in the way he inspired and directed the
communities and organizations he founded. He taught that traits such as sex, race, and social class
are ultimately irrelevant. His efforts were heroic; his accomplishments profound.
Clearly, such a sublime, spiritual vision warmly embraces all communities and races. Indeed,
ISKCON, or the Hare Krishna movement, is committed to this vision and therefore invites everyone
to participate and share fellowship in service to God, take responsibility, and hold positions of
spiritual leadership.
Thus, the Hare Krishna movement stands against any form of racial bigotry and discrimination and
condemns any behavior that is derogatory, demeaning, and racially insensitive. Instead, it
encourages racial harmony and spiritual equality, as did Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila
Prabhupada. We are committed to creating an environment in which everyone feels valued and is
educated to manifest a culture of universal peace, understanding, respect, tolerance, friendliness,
and forgiveness. Furthermore, we remain committed to intervening, wherever and whenever
necessary within ISKCON, to stop any wrongdoing that opposes such values.
Let us all acknowledge our shared spirituality, transcend racial differences and divides, and together
live up to aspirations worthy of our ultimate connectedness with every living being, and with God.
Section 400: ISKCON Ministries and Committees
409.01: ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry: Standards
[Title] – Mood of worship — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on April 17, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas deity worship is an essential element of the process of bhakti and the development of a sadhaka;
Whereas it is intrinsic to a devotee’s development in bhakti, and when engaged in deity worship, that a
devotee follows the proper rules and regulations governing the worship and understand and follow the
appropriate mood of worship;
Whereas devotees who have not attained the platform of spontaneous attachment in devotional service
render devotional service under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master according to the regulative
principles mentioned in the revealed scriptures;
Whereas Lord Caitanya explained the mood of worship to Sanatana Goswami as awe and reverence:
sadhu-sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavata-sravana
mathura-vasa, sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana
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One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Srimad-
Bhagavatam, reside at Mathura and worship the Deity with faith and veneration. CC Madhya
22.128
Whereas Srila Prabhupada in his books and other writings, has established the mood of worship for
ISKCON temples, most notably in SB 4.24.45-46:
Generally the worship of the Lord begins with the worship of Narayana, or Visnu, whereas the
worship of Lord Krsna and Radha is most confidential. Lord Narayana is worshipable by the
pancaratrika-vidhi, or regulative principles, whereas Lord Krsna is worshipable by the bhagavata-
vidhi. No one can worship the Lord in the bhagavata-vidhi without going through the regulations of
the pancaratrika-vidhi. Actually, neophyte devotees worship the Lord according to the pancaratrika-
vidhi, or the regulative principles enjoined in the Narada Pancaratra. Radha-Krsna cannot be
approached by the neophyte devotees; therefore temple worship according to regulative principles
is offered to Laksmi-Narayana. Although there may be a Radha-Krsna vigraha, or form, the worship
of the neophyte devotees is acceptable as Laksmi-Narayana worship. Worship according to the
pancaratrika-vidhi is called vidhi-marga, and worship according to the bhagavata-vidhi principles is
called raga-marga. The principles of raga-marga are especially meant for devotees who are
elevated to the Vrndavana platform.
Whereas Srila Prabhupada has explained: The greatest danger to our movement will come when we
manufacture and create our own process for worshiping the deities. Letter Jan. 4, 1973;
Whereas deity worship is not a forum for free expression where devotees are able to offer service
according to their own idea, but it must be offered according to the direction of guru, sadhu, and sastra;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada established specific standards of deity worship in ISKCON with the mood of
awe and reverence being the most central to these standards;
Whereas in recent years we have noticed a steady drift away from this mood of worship established by
Srila Prabhupada;
Whereas it is apparent in various temples that this mood of worship is not being followed or has not been
understood.
RESOLVED:
The GBC reaffirms that the mood of worship established by Srila Prabhupada, which is to be followed in all
ISKCON centres, is the mood of awe and reverence.
All worship conducted in ISKCON centres, both regular daily worship and occasional worship (such as
festivals), must be conducted according to this standard.
All ISKCON leaders are required to ensure that devotees and centres under their care understand and
implement worship according to these standards.
As such, all practices that demonstrate a different mood of worship are not approved and must be actively
discouraged by leaders at all levels. This includes but is not limited to:
• Devotees’ conduct in the presence of the deities
• The way devotees interact with the deities
• The manner in which devotees dress the deities, and
• The different aspects of daily and festival services
410: Ministry of Health and Welfare: Dissolution of Ministry
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[Title] – Dissolution of Ministry of Health and Welfare — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 24, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the ISKCON Ministry of Health & Welfare is hereby dissolved.
The GBC Body expresses its gratitude for HH Prahladananda Swami's thirty years of service as the
Minister of Health & Welfare.
440.01: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee [VMSC]:
Establishing the committee
[Title] – Establishing the Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee [VMSC] —
2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on May 19, 2021)
[Category] – Administrative order
Whereas the GBC affirms there is a need to have standard policy on the establishment of Vaisnava
memorials and who is eligible for what type of memorial;
Whereas the GBC deems this is a task that should be overseen by a committee and therefore, at the 2008
AGM, passed the following Resolution:
That the standing Commemoration Committee is established with the mandate as follows:
1. To research and establish a standard set of guidelines documenting the process for correctly
honoring departed Vaisnavas.
2. To maintain records of departed ISKCON Vaisnavas and a summary of their services for the
society.
3. To determine the application of the guidelines in individual cases.
4. To decide which of the departed disciples of Srila Prabhupada will be interred in full, given a
puspa samadhi, or honored with a plaque in the Mayapur Garden of Inspiration.
Praghosa dasa (convenor), Bhakti Caru Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and Mahamaya devi
dasi are assigned to the standing committee.
Whereas this committee was never active;
Whereas the committee's focus is to establish guidelines for, and approval for Vaisnavas who may be
remembered in memorial parks, Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC), is a more appropriate
name;
Whereas, as the devotee population ages, an increasing number of devotees are passing away and the
need to establish a universal policy for Vaisnava memorials is ever more pressing.
RESOLVED:
That the GBC re-establishes the Commemoration Standing Committee and renames it the Vaisnava
Memorial Standing Committee. The mandate or scope of the Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee will
be as follows:
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1. To research and establish a standard, global policy for appropriately honoring departed devotees.
Such a policy will take into account, and reflect the global diversity of ISKCON, and shall duly
respect the contribution of Vaisnavas as well as Vaisnavis.
2. To proactively reach out to all sannyasis, gurus, GBCs and other senior devotees to establish what
they want done with their bodies or remains after their passing away, either by obtaining a copy of
their will and testament, or by their own written statement, and:
a. Establish and maintain a list of devotees who are eligible for samadhi, either full body or
other;
b. Decide how departed devotees will be honored;
c. Determine what standard size of memorial is appropriate for all departed devotees;
d. Identify exceptional cases and refer them to the GBC body.
3. To communicate with regional bodies and temples, looking for recommendations for candidates for
samadhi.
4. To maintain records of departed devotees and a summary of their services for ISKCON, and to
make this information readily available to the members of ISKCON, through a website, and/or other
suitable means.
440.02: Vaiṣṇava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Types Of Memorials For Departed Vaisnavas — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas of the 27 GBC members who voted on this topic, 23 members voted for a plaque, a structure, or
both.
RESOLVED:
That Vaiṣṇavas being recognized in the Memorial Park may have one of the following:
1. A plaque established on the Remembrance Wall
2. A small ash samadhi (a plinth with their name on it)
3. A small puspa samadhi (a plinth with their name on it)
4. A full body samadhi with a samadhi structure
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Samadhis for Sannyasis — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
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Whereas the GBC Samadhi Committee has presented evidence that sannyasis are generally buried;
Whereas it is not essential that a ‘samadhi structure’ be erected over the body of a departed sannyasi.
Instead a tulasi plant or a tree could be planted over their body;
Whereas of the 21 GBC members that voted on the question “Should Sannyasis automatically get a vapu
samadhi?” 16 voted against;
Whereas of the 45 sannyasis that responded to a SABHA survey on samadhis, 22 said they did not want
their bodies put in samadhi;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada said ‘Anyone who is in full Krishna Consciousness and is dedicating his life for
Krishna is already a sannyasi even if he is a married man.’
RESOLVED:
That although sannyasis are usually buried, it is not essential this must be done nor is it essential that a
samadhi structure be erected for every sannyasi.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Location of Vaiṣṇava Memorial Park in Sri Mayapur Dhama — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas a number of GBC members expressed reservations about establishing future memorials in the
location next to Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi in Sridham Mayapur.
Whereas there is a need to have a memorial park for Vaisnavas in Mayapur.
RESOLVED:
That the general location for future samadhis for the majority of devotees shall be near the Jagannath
Mandir in Simantadvipa.
At this location devotees may be honored in the following ways:
Their full body is placed in the ground, with either a samadhi structure, a plinth with a plaque, or a
tree above;
Puspa or ash samadhis, with either a samadhi structure, a plinth with a plaque, or a tree above;
A memorial wall or other structure for memorial plaques;
A kiosk where devotees visiting the memorial park may learn about departed ISKCON devotees.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
17
[Title] – Vaiṣṇava memorial wall in Sri Mayapur Dham — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas an important element of Vaiṣṇava memorials is a memorial wall with plaques where visiting
devotees may remember departed ISKCON devotees and reflect on their service to Lord Kṛṣṇa, Srila
Prabhupada, and the guru parampara;
Whereas the GBC body agreed there should be a memorial wall in Sri Mayapur Dham;
Whereas the GBC body expressed their desire not to overdevelop the area next to Srila Prabhupada’s
puspa-samadhi in Sri Mayapur Dham;
Whereas there are other suitable locations where a memorial wall may be located.
RESOLVED:
That there may be more than one memorial wall in Mayapur. The first memorial wall will be located on the
inside wall of the ground floor or first floor of Srila Prabhupada’s puspa-samadhi, to be finalised in
discussion with Mayapur Management. A second Memorial Wall could be located at the Jagannath Mandir
Vaiṣṇava Memorial Park as required.
Wherever memorial walls are located there will also be a kiosk where visiting devotees can access
information about the departed ISKCON devotees.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – Worship at Vaiṣṇava samadhis — 2020
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas at present there is daily worship going on at Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi;
Whereas the worship at other existing samadhis is going on at different levels depending on the disciples of
the devotee(s) involved;
Whereas of the 21 GBC members that voted in the survey, 13 GBC members opted for no daily worship at
the individual samadhis;
Whereas ISKCON Law 701.05, “Guru Worship Standards —2009” amends ISKCON Law 6.4.8.1.3 to the
following:
D. In order to focus more fully on Srila Prabhupada and every devotee's special relationship with
him, an ISKCON siksa or diksa guru may accept public guru puja (arati and/or foot bathing) in
person once a year on ISKCON property on his or her Vyasa-puja.
RESOLVED:
1. No daily worship, either individual or collective, is required to be offered to any Vaiṣṇava in any
Vaiṣṇava Memorial Park in Mayapur. However, individuals may occasionally offer incense, flowers,
or prasadam remnants.
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2. A modest ceremony honoring a departed Vaiṣṇava may be organized on the appearance and
disappearance days of the departed Vaisnava. This function may include offering bhoga, arati,
puspanjali, glorification of the departed Vaiṣṇava, and a feast.
3. In accordance with existing ISKCON Law there will be no murti (deity) of any departed Vaiṣṇava.
There may be a photo of the departed Vaiṣṇava and where applicable a pair of shoes or other
similar paraphernalia.
4. This resolution is retroactive and applies to all existing samadhis located anywhere on ISKCON land
in Mayapur.
440.02: Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee (VMSC):
Regulations
[Title] – GBC direction to Mayapur leadership regarding further samadhi area
in Mayapur — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
RESOLVED:
That, the GBC hereby directs the Mayapur leadership to identify land near the Jagannath Mandir that can
be used as a second location for samadhis, and to make whatever preliminary, minimum arrangements are
required.
451.02: Prevention of Leadership Misconduct Office
[Title] –Polices and procedures for the PLM office— 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 31, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas in 2018 it was resolved that the ISKCON International Office for the Prevention of Leader
Misconduct (PLM Office) be established as a permanent ISKCON organizational entity subject to annual
review by the GBC Body (as with other Offices and Ministries);
Whereas the immediate goal of the PLM Office was to draft a document of ISKCON International Policies
and Procedures.
RESOLVED:
The document entitled International Policy and Procedure Guidelines is hereby adopted as ISKCON’s
official policies on:
(a) preventing Leader Sexual Misconduct
(b) responding to complaints and
(c) conducting investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct by leaders in ISKCON and resultant
disciplinary proceedings.
453.03: Sastric Advisory Council: Papers
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[Title] – Sastric Advisory Council’s Hermeneutic Foundation Document —
2020
[Meeting] – AGM 2020 (passed on February 17, 2020, not published then by oversight)
[Category] – Statement
RESOLVED:
The GBC acknowledges the SAC Hermeneutic Foundation Document as the basis for starting hermeneutic
training in ISKCON and acknowledges the SAC Hermeneutic Supplementary Materials as a useful guide to
the Foundation Document. Others may produce their own guides to the Foundation Document.
The SAC has produced a level one training course based on these materials that may be of value to
ISKCON members.
Section 700: Gurus and disciples
701.02: ISKCON spiritual masters: Approval and regulations
[Title] – Initiating in the presence of one’s guru: Amendment — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on June 8, 2021)
[Category] – Governing law
Whereas there is a need to increase the number of diksa gurus in ISKCON which will necessarily include:
1) requesting and training qualified second generation devotees whose diksa-gurus are no longer
physically with us (or in good standing), to take up the service of diksa-guru immediately
2) requesting present diksa-gurus to identify, train, and empower qualified disciples to accept the
service of offering diksa initiation, even while they are still present.
Whereas it can be clearly observed that whenever Srila Prabhupada spoke about disciples not initiating in
the presence of their guru he always referred to it as etiquette.
Whereas on 2 December, 1975 Srila Prabhupada wrote to Tusta Krishna Swami and used the phrase "law
of disciplic succession" in the following manner: "Keep trained up very rigidly and then you are bona fide
Guru, and you can accept disciples on the same principle. But as a matter of etiquette it is the custom that
during the lifetime of your Spiritual master you bring the prospective disciples to him, and in his absence or
disappearance you can accept disciples without any limitation. This is the law of disciplic succession".
Whereas even in the one letter where he used the phrase "law of disciplic succession", it is important to
observe that he continued to use the same term etiquette while referring to disciples not initiating in the
presence of their guru.
Whereas considering Srila Prabhupada’s consistent and overwhelming use of the phrase "etiquette"
without exception including the letter where he wrote about the "law of disciplic succession", the said letter
should be seen in the same context of etiquette rather than something distinct.
Whereas we have precedents in our parampara like Srila Syamananda Pandita who authorised his disciple
Sri Rasikananda Prabhu to accept disciples in his physical presence but did not stop initiating himself. Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was also requested to initiate in the presence of his guru(s) and Srila
Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave initiation even while Vipina-Bihari Goswami and Jagannatha dasa Babaji were
present.
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Whereas Srila Prabhupada was present with us for only a brief period of twelve years. It was natural that in
such a short span of twelve years he was insistent about the etiquette of his disciples not initiating in his
physical presence.
Whereas the current situation is vastly different from the 12 years of Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence
with us, borne by the fact that some disciples of presently initiating gurus have been in the movement for
more than 40 years.
Whereas if a guru were to recommend such long serving disciples to start initiating, then it should be
accepted as applying a precedent from our parampara according to time, place, and circumstances.
Whereas to facilitate devotees to serve as diksa-gurus while their own gurus are physically present, is
currently a bureaucratic and time-consuming process due to the 2019 amendment of GBC Law 7.3.2.
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON Law 7.3.2 reverts to its previous formulation thus:
“As taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not initiating in the presence of one’s diksa-guru will
be upheld in ISKCON. However, Srila Prabhupada and historical precedents also teach us that
disciples may sometimes initiate in the physical presence of their diksa-gurus, if so directed by
them. In such a case, the disciple should go through the normal procedure for commencing the
service of diksa-guru (7.4.1).”
[Footnotes to resolution]
The 2019 amendment being repealed by this resolution is as follows:
Section 700: Gurus and Disciples
701.2 ISKCON Spiritual Masters Conditions for Second-generation Diksa-gurus — 2019 [Governing
law]
Whereas ISKCON Law 7.3.2 now reads: “As taught by Srila Prabhupada, the etiquette of not
initiating in the presence of one’s diksa-guru will be upheld in ISKCON. However, Srila Prabhupada
and historical precedents also teach us that disciples may sometimes initiate in the physical
presence of their diksa-gurus, if so directed by them. In such a case, the disciple should go through
the normal procedure for commencing the service of diksa-guru (7.4.1).”
Resolved: ISKCON Law 7.3.2 is amended to read as follows:
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
Guru Services Committee will confirm that the candidate for becoming a second generation guru
has met all these conditions:
Mandatory Conditions:
1. The candidate must have been practicing Krishna consciousness for not less than 25 years
2. The candidate’s diksa-guru has affirmed in writing to the GBC Body that he agrees the candidate
is suitable for this service and that he gives his blessings.
3. A letter of approval for the candidate to take up the role of diksa-guru has been received from the
Regional Council, or if none exists, the National Council, Area Council or, if none of the above
exists, the GBC member of that area where the candidate primarily serves or resides.
4. All standard procedures for commencing the service of diksa-guru according to ISKCON law,
including required training and other conditions, as well as additional appropriate training from
diksa- and/or siksa- gurus, have been met.
5. Final acceptance of the candidate to begin initiating is affirmed by a ¾ vote of the GBC Body.
Additional Mandatory Condition (may be waived by a ¾ vote of the GBC Body):
The candidate’s own diksa-guru has to retire completely from accepting disciples, or agree to
immediately retire upon acceptance of the candidate to accept his own disciples.
Factors to be considered by the GBC in determining if a waiver may be approved:
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• The area in which the candidate will initiate has a substantial number of devotees wanting initiation,
and a shortage of gurus to do this service. Language barriers necessitate gurus who speak the local
language in a specific area(s).
• The currently initiating guru is overburdened with responsibilities.
• The currently initiating guru is experiencing serious health problems.
• Optional conditions that may be applied in an individual case, per a ¾ vote of the GBC:
• When the candidate takes up the service of diksa-guru he will only be able initiate in a specific
area(s).
• The number of disciples the new diksa-guru may initiate can be limited by the GBC.
The GBC Guru Services Committee shall develop a more detailed process to implement the above
resolution. This process will come for final review by the GBC Body.
701.03: ISKCON spiritual masters: Qualifications and training
[Title] – Educational Program for those who serve as Diksa- and Siksa-gurus
in ISKCON — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed via GEM on July 19, 2021)
[Category] – Statement
Whereas Srila Prabhupada repeatedly called upon his disciples and followers to qualify themselves as
spiritual masters to propagate Lord Caitanya’s mission worldwide;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada also wanted the spiritual masters to be qualified, which requires training based
on his teachings;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada made giving and receiving sikṣa the primary function of ISKCON, and whereas
we as his followers should endeavor to enhance and improve this function;
Whereas developing such a systematic guru training program can easily avail itself of existing educational
initiatives.
Whereas the rapid international growth of ISKCON necessitates a proportionate increase in the number of
competent spiritual masters.
Whereas this initiative follows in the footsteps of a number of GBC resolutions seeking to address this
requirement.
RESOLVED:
That the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness accepts and
supports the following principles for preparing devotees to act in the role of gurus:
All devotees, especially after taking second initiation, are encouraged to undergo systematic training to
become qualified to act as spiritual preceptors.
The program shall include but not be limited to:
• demonstrating sastric knowledge (including but not limited to Bhagavad-gita, Nectar of Devotion,
Srimad-Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta);
• learning about Srila Prabhupada’s biography and position;
• assimilating the proper codes of personal behavior (Vaiṣṇava sad-acara);
• training on balancing life’s priorities and obligations;
• how to serve harmoniously within ISKCON;
• relevant ISKCON legislation;
22
• emphasis on loyalty to Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON and the GBC;
• instruction on how to guide and counsel siksa- and diksa-disciples;
• personal mentorship of candidates; and
• considerations for regional variations.
To facilitate participation and completion, the training program shall be self-paced and include a blend of
online and in-person training.
The Guru Services Committee, the GBC College for Leadership Development and the ISKCON Board of
Examinations, shall collaborate in drafting and defining the curriculum, which shall be submitted to the GBC
for approval before implementation. The curriculum shall include ongoing training and support for those
serving as siksa- and diksa-gurus.
After an interim period — the length and parameters of which shall be defined separately — such a training
program shall become a mandatory prerequisite for commencing the service of an initiating spiritual master.
701.06: ISKCON spiritual masters: Vaisnavi Diksa-gurus
[Title] – Vaisnavi diksa-gurus — 2019: Amendment — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on December 22, 2021)
[Category] – Governing law
[NOTE: This resolution has been sent back by the SABHA and thus its implementation is
suspended pending further GBC review]
Whereas the GBC put in abeyance the 2019 Vaishnavi Diksa Guru resolution so that the GBC and the
Indian Bureau could discuss the topic in more detail,
Whereas representatives of the Bureau and representatives of the GBC met jointly more than two dozen
times over the period of a year,
Whereas those meetings were facilitated by professional mediators, including a mediator chosen by the
Bureau, and another mediator who is a senior member of ISKCONResolve,
Whereas the GBC representatives made a sincere effort to hear and understand the concerns and opinions
of the Bureau representatives,
Whereas the GBC representatives noted that they valued the time spent with the Bureau members, and
that they now better understand the views of the Bureau representatives after those meetings,
Whereas the GBC delegation concluded that further meetings, or additional study of the matter, would not
provide new insights,
Whereas the GBC delegation reported that, based on these discussions, some clarifications of the 2019
Resolution on Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus are required, 701.6, “ISKCON Spiritual Masters, Vaisnavi Diksa-
gurus—2019.
Whereas the GBC, in its November 17, 2021, meeting, determined that on rare occasions a GBC
Resolution may be certified as a Culturally Sensitive Resolution, and thus, within specific GBC guidelines,
that Resolution may be applied differently across ISKCON regions,
Whereas in 2009 the GBC Resolved (Female Diksa Gurus):
The GBC accepts the philosophical conclusion presented in the SAC's Female Diksa
Guru Paper that a mature, qualified, female devotee may accept the role of an initiating spiritual
master.
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The GBC Body authorizes local area committees to put forward for approval as initiating guru any
devotee in their area, male or female, who is qualified according to existing GBC Law.
Whereas, the GBC has worked to achieve consensus and implementation of this resolution for many years,
including the above mentioned extensive dialogues with representatives of the India Bureau;
Therefore, the Resolution regarding Vaisnavi Diksa Gurus of 2019, 701.6, “ISKCON Spiritual Masters,
Vaisnavi Diksa-gurus—2019 is amended and replaced by the following:
1. Vaisnavis are eligible to give diksa within ISKCON provided that they:
a. Meet all the qualifications listed for ISKCON diksa-guru applicants;
b. Are at least 55 years of age.
c. Are in a stable family situation living under the protection of a husband, elder son or son-in-law,
qualified householder couple or senior Vaisnava or Vaisnavi sanga;
2. After five years the GBC shall review this resolution to determine if the number of Vaisnavis
initiating in any region, or as a total for the world, is in keeping with Srila Prabhupada's indication of
"not so many."
Prof. O'Connell: Is it possible, Swamiji, for a woman to be a guru in the line of disciplic succession?
Prabhupada: Yes. Jahnava devi was---Nityananda's wife. She became. If she is able to go to the
highest perfection of life, why it is not possible to become guru? But, not so many. Actually one who
has attained the perfection, she can become guru. But man or woman, unless one has attained the
perfection... Yei kṛṣṇa-tattva-vettā sei guru haya [Cc. Madhya 8.128].
3. Furthermore, this resolution is designated as a “Culturally Sensitive Resolution.” Per GBC law:
A Regional Governing Body (RGB), or where there is no RGB, an authorized national council with
the support of their GBC, or where a national council has more than one GBC, a majority of their
GBCs, may apply to the GBC Body with a request to modify a culturally sensitive resolution for their
area/yatra. Such a request must include the details of the specific adjustment/s they propose to
make, as well as the reasons for requesting such an adjustment/s.
The GBC Body will give guidelines and set out the parameters regarding what may or may not be
adjusted within a culturally sensitive resolution…. Any details, guidelines, parameters, timelines,
etc., in regard to its exceptional status must be recorded within the resolution itself.
Thus, by designating this as a Culturally Sensitive Resolution, the GBC hereby establishes that an RGB or
other authorized ISKCON leadership body as denoted in the above referenced law—may opt out of this
mandate and choose to not allow any Vaisnavis to initiate within their jurisdiction. Any given RGB that does
not opt out and proceeds to fully implement this resolution, may, at their discretion, allow any given country
within their region to opt out of applying this resolution. Naturally that would only be done after very careful
consideration, as the default position is to always fully implement GBC resolutions.
In those regions or countries that choose to opt out, if a particular candidate for diksa guru is approved by a
special 2/3 vote of that RGB, or other authorized body, per above, then she shall be accepted as a diksa
guru in that region or country.
A decision to opt out must be reaffirmed by that RGB, or authorized body per above, every five years. No
other adjustments to this resolution are authorized or will be permitted.
This resolution lifts the abeyance on this matter stated in resolution 310 of 2015.
Section 800: Appointments
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802.01: GBC Officers and Members: GBC officers
[Title] – GBC officers — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March17, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
1. HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami Swami is elected GBC Chairman
2. HH Bhanu Swami is elected First Vice-Chairman
3. HG Revati Raman dasa (JPS) is elected Second Vice-Chairman
4. HH Gopal Krsna Goswami is elected GBC Secretary
802.02: Officers and members: Individual member appointments
[Title] – Gauranga dasa (RNS) appointed as a GBC Member — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 5, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the GBC Body authorized the GBC Nominations Committee to vet candidates for GBC Secretary
positions;
Whereas the referrals and the authorities fully support Gauranga dasa to fulfil the GBC Secretary role;
Whereas Gauranga dasa fulfilled all requirements of the Nomination Process, including essays,
questionnaires, zonal analysis, GDO service and was fully cooperative during the process;
Whereas Gauranga dasa has a service track record that proves his eligibility to be an international leader;
Whereas there are no financial conditions that would restrict Gauranga dasa to become a GBC Secretary;
Whereas Gauranga dasa’s skills and competencies are developed enough to serve in the capacity of a
GBC Secretary;
Whereas the areas of improvement are not contradictory to the GBC Secretary service;
Whereas the Zonal Analysis and Strategy submitted by Gauranga dasa are fully in compliance with the
GBC Body’s strategic plan;
Whereas the Nominations Committee voting resulted in 9 yeses and 1 abstention.
RESOLVED:
HG Gauranga dasa is appointed the GBC Secretary for Human Resource Development & Capacity
Building, GBC Global Duty position.
802.02: Officers and members: Individual member appointments
[Title] – Devakinandana dasa (MVG) appointed as a GBC Member — 2021
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[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021)
[Category] – Action order
Whereas the GBC Body authorized the GBC Nominations Committee to vet candidates for GBC Secretary
positions;
Whereas the referrals and the authorities fully support Devakinandana dasa to fulfill the GBC Secretary
role;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa fulfilled all requirements of the Nomination Process, including essays,
questionnaires, zonal analysis and was fully cooperative during the process;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa has a service and occupational track record that proves his eligibility to be
an international leader;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa’s spouse agreed that the applicant can accept the GBC Secretary position if
the GBC Body accepts the applicant;
Whereas there are no financial conditions that would restrict Devakinandana dasa to become a GBC
Secretary;
Whereas Devakinandana dasa’s skills and competencies are developed enough to serve in the capacity of
a GBC Secretary;
Whereas the areas of improvement are not contradictory to the GBC Secretary service;
Whereas the Zonal Analysis and Strategy submitted by Devakinandana dasa Adhikari are fully in compliant
with the GBC Body’s strategic plan;
RESOLVED:
HG Devakinandana dasa (MVG) becomes the GBC Secretary for the Global Legal GBC Secretary role.
802.04 GBC officers and members: Individual members leave of
absence
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on May 19, 2021
[Category] – Action order
1. HG Sesa dasa is granted a leave of absence for health reasons
2. HH Bhakti-bhusana Swami is granted a leave of absence for health reasons
802.06: GBC officers and members: Area assignments
[Title] – Dina Sharana dd appointed as Area GBC — 2021
[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (passed on January 3, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
Dina Sharana dd is appointed as Area GBC for Germanic Europe (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and
Switzerland).
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804.01: Sannyasa waiting list
Title] – Sannyasa appointments: Sannyasa waiting list — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 10 & 24, 2021
[Category] – Action order
The following are the candidates for sannyasa along with their respective waiting periods:
Ekalavya dasa (LOK) (India, Middle East, North America) This year
Bhaktipada dasa (SRS) (Hungary) This year
Vanamali dasa (GKG) (Mumbai) One year
Radha Shyamsunder dasa (LOK) (Vrindavan) One year
Adhoksaja dasa (NRS) (Russia) One year
Sutapa dasa (KKS) (UK) One year
Kamalalochan dasa (GKG) (Mumbai) One year
Sankarshan Nitai dasa (JPS) One year
Prana Govinda dasa (USA) One year
Gopendra dasa (BCS) (Vrindavan) Two years
Valmiki dasa (CCCD) Two years
Atmaram dasa (GGS) Two years
Vishvavasu dasa (NRS) (Germany/Baltics/Russia) Two years
Trailokyanatha dasa (GGS) Two years
Savyasachi dasa (JPS) Two years
Govindanandana dasa (BCS) Three years
Savyasachi dasa (BCS) (Swaziland) Four years
805.01: Ministry and Standing Committee appointments:
Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees
[Title] – Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021
[Category] – Action order
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The following are the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership assignments for 2020-21:
Co-Ministers – Jayapataka Swami, Kaunteya
Congregational Development Ministry
dasa (JPS)
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca dasa (IDS)
ISKCON Youth Ministry Minister – Manorama dasa (SNS)
Ministry of Book Distribution Minister – Vijaya dasa (HDG)
Ministry of Communications Minister – Anuttama dasa
Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture Minister – Kalakantha dasa (IS)
Co-Ministers – Sesa dasa, Tapana Misra dasa
Ministry of Education
(BVKS)
Ministry of Fund Development Minister – Devakinandan dasa (Juhu)
Ministry of Justice Minister – pending nomination
Co-Directors: Brahmatirtha Das, Vraj Vihari Das
Ministry of Justice: ISKCONResolve
(BJD)
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute
Director – GBC EC, pending nomination
Resolution Office
Prahladananda Swami (Chair), Champakalata
Dasi (Vice-chair) (IDS), Devakinandana Das
(MVG), Hansarupa Das, Kamalesh Krsna Das
ISKCON Dispute Resolution Department
(BCS), Radha Dasi (MG), Sesa Das, Praharana
Dasi, Vraja Vihari Das (BJD), Navina-shyam
Das (BCS)
Ministry of Padayatra
Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other members: Bhakti Gauravani Goswami,
Ministry of Sannyasa Services
Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (SDG)
Vaishnavi Ministry Minister – Radha dasi (MG) (California)
ISKCON General Counsel Devakinandan dasa (MVG)
Members – Bhakti Caitanya Swami (Chairman),
Praghosa dasa (SDG), Gopal Bhatta dasa
(Convener), Anuttama dasa, Badrinarayan
Swami, Revati Raman dasa (JPS), Radha Krsna
GBC Nominations Committee
dasa (BBGS), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Aniruddha
dasa (BJD), Devakinandan dasa (MVG),
Kaunteya dasa (JPS), Tapana Misra dasa
(BVKS)
Gopal Bhatta dasa & Kaunteya dasa (JPS) (Co-
chairs) – Anuttama dasa, Bhakti Caitanya
Swami, Badrinarayan Swami, Jayapataka
Swami, Praghosa dasa (SDG), Revati Raman
dasa (JPS), Aniruddha dasa (BJD), Caitanya
GBC Organizational Development
Avatari dasa (JPS), Devakinandan dasa (Juhu),
Committee
Devakinandan dasa (MVG), Gaura Krishna dasa
(HDG), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Praharana dasi,
Subhananda dasa (PSDG), Tapana Misra dasa
(BVKS), Tirtharaja dasa (TKG), Vraja Vihari
dasa (BJD)
Gopal Bhatta dasa (chair), Vraja Vihari dasa
(BJD), Subhananda dasa (PSDG), Deva
Madhava dasa (JPS), Adi Kurma dasa (HKS),
Kaunteya dasa (JPS), Pancharatna dasa,
GBC Strategic Planning Team
Vrsabhanu dasa (PSDG), Govinda Priya Devi
Dasi (RNS), Parijata Dasi (RNS), Aradhya
Bhagavan Das (BCS), Shyama Sakhi Devi Dasi
(BCS)
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Members – Badrinarayan Swami (Coordinator),
Gopal Krishna Goswami, Madhu Sevita dasa,
BBT-GBC Team Praghosa dasa (SDG), Devamrita Swami,
Bhaktivaibhava Swami, BBT Trustees and BBTI
Directors
Members – Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya dasa
GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee (BVS), Sadasivananda dasa (JPD), Bhaktarupa
dasa (Convener)
Badrinarayan Swami (coordinator), Bhakti-
bhusana Swami, Bhanu Swami, Guru Prasad
Guru Daksina Committee
Swami, Niranjana Swami, Praghosa dasa (JPS),
Prahladananda Swami, Ramai Swami
Members – Anuttama dasa, Prahladananda
Swami (Chairman), Virabahu dasa, Bhakti
Guru Services Committee
Caitanya Swami, Bhaktimarga Swami, Ramai
Swami, Atul Krishna dasa (PVD) (Mayapur)
ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection Director – Kamalesh Krishna dasa (BCS)
Members: Janananda Goswami, Ekalavya dasa
ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry
(LOK)
Members – Current GBC Executive Committee,
Bhaktarupa Das, Devakinandan dasa (MVG),
Global Property Office
Govardhan dasa (BCAIS), Tapana Misra dasa
(BVKS)
Members: Urmila dasi (Chair), Bhakti Prabhava
Swami, Hari Parsad dasa (RGS), Narayani dasi,
Adi-purusa dasa (GKG), Sarvajna dasa (NRS),
Brijabasi dasa (IDS), Kartika Chandra dasa
(RNS)
Sastric Advisory Council Associate Members: Giriraja Swami, Krishna
Ksetra Swami, Drutakarma dasa, Radhika
Ramana dasa (HPS), Caitanya-caran dasa
(RNS), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Gopinatha-
acarya dasa (KKS), Bhakti-Vijnana Goswami,
Gopal Hari dasa (GKG), Kanai Krishna dasa
(RNS)
Prevention of Leadership Misconduct
Director: Champakalata dasi (IDS)
Office
Bhanu Swami, Giriraja Swami, Malati DD,
Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (convenor) (SDG),
Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee
Gauranga dasa (RNS), Nrsimha Kavaca dasa
(IDS)
Praharana dasi, Srivasa dasa (BTS), Tirtharaj
GBC Executive Secretariat
dasa (TKG), Mathuresa dasa (JPS)
805.03 Ministry and Standing Committee appointments: Individual
ministers
[Title] – Tapana Misra dasa appointed as co-minister of education — 2021
[Meeting] – Correspondence Vote (passed on February 8, 2021
[Category] – Action order
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Whereas, the Ministry of Education mandate requires more administrative leadership to sufficiently execute
its GBC assigned mandate;
Whereas the educational services provided to the ISKCON mission are dramatically increasing;
Whereas His Grace Tapan Mishra dasa (BVKS) in his role of Executive Director for the Ministry of
Education has demonstrated the necessary managerial and creative abilities to execute the duties of a Co-
Minister;
Whereas the current Ministry EC Team has voted unanimously in favor of this appointment;
RESOLVED:
Tapana Misra dasa is appointed as Co-Minister with Sesa dasa for the Ministry of Education
807.01: Appointment of auditor
[Title] – Appointment of auditor — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 3, 2021
[Category] – Action order
Sri Ratnesh Singh Chandel aka Rasa Parayana dasa (GKG), Partner, Kothari Chandel & Co Chartered
Accountants 219/220 Office No. 2, Murlidhar Apartment, Kelkar Road, Narayan Peth, Pune 411030, is
appointed as statutory auditor for the year 2021-22.
809.01: Zonal Supervisor appointments: New supervisors
[Title] – Appointment of Zonal Supervisors — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on February 10, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the following devotees are appointed as Zonal Supervisors:
Govinda Vallabha dasa (IDS): Guangdong, Hunan & Hainan
Sandhini devi dasi (UD): Liaoning, Jilin & Harbin
Gaudiya dasa (TKG): Fujian & Jiangxi
Gaurananda dasa (CCCD): Latvia
Harideva dasa (BCAIS): Mauritius
Dayavan dasa (RSD): Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan)
810.01: Global Duty Officer appointments: Appointments
[Title] – Samba dasa appointed as Global Duty Officer for ISKCON property
records and GBC funding — 2021
[Meeting] – GBC Virtual Meeting (passed on November 24, 2021
[Category] – Action order
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Whereas the GBC Nominations Committee has approved that Samba dasa (JPS) become a Global Duty
Officer with the service of updating the ISKCON properties database and raising funds for the GBC Body;
Whereas the GBC Nominations Committee has recommended to the GBC Body that Samba dasa therefore
become a Global Duty Officer with that service.
RESOLVED:
That Samba dasa is appointed as a Global Duty Officer with the service of verifying the ISKCON properties
database and raising funds for the GBC Body.
810.02: Global Duty Officer appointments: Reappointments
[Title] – Reappointment of Global Duty Officers — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 5, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the following Global Duty Officers are reappointed for a further one-year term:
ISKCON Initiated-
Caitanya Avatari dasa
India disciples’ database, CDM
(JPS)
support
Devakinandan dasa (MVG) Singapore GBC Legal Office
International Projects’
Devakinandan dasa India masterplan development,
Mayapur, Puri
Everything Website,
Gauranga dasa (RNS) India
ISKCON Administration
Org Dev Co-chair,
Congregation
Kaunteya dasa (JPS) Mayapur
Development Co-minister,
SPT
Krishna Premarupa dasa Long Term Guru Training
Switzerland
(BSDS) Development
Latin America GBC
Mathuresa dasa (JPS) Bolivia College; GBC Executive
secretariat Office (ESO)
Mukunda Madhava dasa
India GBC Finance
(BSDS)
GBC Executive
Praharana dasi Canada
secretariat Office (ESO)
Training and making
Radheshyam dasa (RNS) India
devotees from/in the West
Shyamananda Krishna
Australia Environment
dasa (GKG)
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ISKCON Global Support
Srivasa Pandit dasa (GGS) Myanmar for upcoming centres;
Sannyasa Ministry
GDO Office, Education
Tapana Mishra dasa
Kuwait Ministry, ISKCON
(BVKS)
Property Office, GBC NC
Global Leaders Database,
Tirtharaja dasa (TKG) Hong Kong
ESO
One World Book
Vaisesika dasa USA
Distribution Team
Section 900: Financial and legal
901: GBC annual budget
[Title] – GBC Budget — 2021
[Meeting] – Online AGM (passed on March 5, 2021
[Category] – Action order
RESOLVED:
That the Covid-reduced GBC Budget for 2021-22 is (in INR):
Annual General Meetings 420,000
Cow Protection & Agriculture 175,000
Child Protection Office 350,000
Dandavats 224,800
Deputies –Travel for Assistant 35,000
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry 490,000
Emergency Fund 140,000
Legal & related expenses 350,000
Executive Committee Travel 105,000
Finance & Bank Charges 17,500
GBC Strategic Planning Team 385,000
GBC Corresponding Secretary 462,000
GBC EC Secretary 462,000
GBC Executive Secretariat 22,470
GBC 50th Anniversary Films 140,000
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry 105,000
ISKCON Dispute Resolution Committee 70,000
ISKCON Temple Database 49,000
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ISKCON Mayapur’s Ethics, Standards & Compliance Office (ESCO) 87,500
ISKCON Law Book 70,000
ISKCON News 154,000
ISKCON Resolve 262,500
ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry 105,000
ISKCON Connection 70,000
Prevention of Leader Misconduct Office 175,000
Mayapur GBC Office 280,000
Ministry of Education 220,500
Sastric Advisory Council (SAC) 280,000
Vaisnava Calendar Website 17,500
Vaishnavi Ministry 52,500
Youth Ministry 52,500
TOTAL 5,688,970
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