Résolutions du GBC et affectations zonales 2014

ISKCON GBC resolutions 2014 — archived copy of https://gbc.iskcon.org/gbc_res/GBCRES14.html, retrieved 2 October
2026, by The Krishna Files. Text as published; site navigation removed. The year link on gbc.iskcon.org
(https://gbc.iskcon.org/resolutions-2014/) redirects to a copy on dandavats.com; this is the copy on gbc.iskcon.org.



          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


         MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

        SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 2,
                         2014

       Go to 2014 Zonal Assignments


       Section 100: APPOINTMENTS


       101. GBC Officers and Members

       RESOLVED:

       1. His Grace Anuttama Das is elected GBC Chairman.

       2. His Grace Praghosa Das is elected First Vice-Chairman.

       3. His Grace Sesa Das is elected Second Vice-Chairman.

       4. His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami is elected GBC Secretary.

       5. His Grace Candrasekhara Acarya Das continues as Acting GBC member.

       6. His Holiness Prahladananda Swami is appointed as Assistant GBC.

       7. His Grace Tirtharaj Das continues as GBC Candidate.

       8. His Grace Revati Raman Das is appointed as GBC Candidate.

       9. The resignation of His Grace Ravindra Svarupa Das as a GBC Member is
       accepted.


       102. Sannyasa Waiting List

The following are the candidates for sannyasa along with their respective waiting
periods:
 Akincana Das                       3 years
 Ambarish Das (GKG)                 2 years
 Ananda Caitanya Das                1 year
 Ananda Vardhana Das                3 years
 Asit Krsna Das                     3 year
 Badrinarayan Das                   accepted sannyasa in March
 Bhaktipada Das                      4 years
 Carudesna Das (BTS)                 1 year
 Dayavan Das                         2 years
 Deva Deva Das                       4 years
 Dhirasanta Das                      1 year
 Ganga Narayan Das                   1 year
 Gaura Krishna Das                   1 year
 Halayudha Das                       2 years
 Hari Vilas Das                      2 years
 Krsna Ksetra Das                    this year
 Lilasuka Das                        1 Year
 Mahadyuti Das                       3 years
 Mahat Tattva Das                    2 years
 Mahaprabhu Das                      3 years
 Nabadvip Dvija Gouranga Das         2 years
 Raghava Pandit Das                  2 years
 Rupa Raghunatha Das                 2 years
 Sankirtan Das                       1 year
 Uttamasloka Das                     2 years
 Vedavyasa Das                       accepted sannyasa in March
 Vivasvan Das                        this year
 Vishvavasu Das                      3 years
 Yamunacarya Das                     1 year


103. Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees
[Action Order]

The following are the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership
assignments for 2014-2015:

Ministry of              Minister – Anuttama Das
Communications

Ministry of Health and   Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Welfare                  Other member – Bir Krishna Das Goswami

Congregational           Co-Ministers – Jayapataka Swami, Kaunteya Das
Development Ministry

Vaisnavi Ministry        Co-Ministers – Malati Dasi, Dina Sharana Dasi, Prasanta
                         Dasi, Laxmimoni Dasi.

ISKCON Youth Ministry    Minister – Manorama Das

Ministry of Sannyasa       Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Services                   Other members: Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Sivarama Swami,
                           Guru Prasad Swami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti
                           Caitanya Swami

ISKCON Deity Worship       Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca Das
Ministry

Ministry of Book           Minister – Vijaya Das
Distribution

Ministry of Cow            Minister – Syamasundara Das
Protection and
Agriculture

Ministry of Padayatra      Minister – Lokanath Swami

Ministry of Education      Minister – Sesa Das

Ministry of Justice        Minister – Sesa Das

Ministry of Fund           Minister – Devakinandan Das
Development

Sastric Advisory Council   Members: Urmila Dasi, Drutakarma Das, Mukunda Datta
                           Das, Madana-mohana Das, Narayani Dasi, Adi-purusa Das,
                           Isvara-krsna Das, Caitanya-carana Das, Sarvajna Das,
                           Brijabasi Das, Vinoda-bihari Das, Yadunandana Swami

ISKCON Property Office     Members – Current GBC Executive Committee, Kuladri Das
                           (Convener-Secretary), Bhaktarupa Das

ISKCON Central Office of Director – Champakalata Dasi
Child Protection

GBC Vaisnava Calendar      Members – Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya Das, Sadasivananda
Committee                  Das, Bhaktarupa Das (Convener)

ISKCON Dispute             Minister of Justice, a representative of ISKCONResolve, the
Resolution Committee       second Vice-Chairman of the GBC, and the Director of the
(IDRC)                     ISKCON Dispute Resolution Office

BBT Construction Grant     Members – Ramai Swami, Bhanu Swami, Devamrita
Allocation Committee       Swami, Current GBC Chairman, Hrdaya Caitanya Das
(BBTCG)                    (Convener)

Guru Services Committee Members – Prahladananda Swami (Chairman), Anuttama
                        Das, Visakha Dasi, Virabahu Das, Ravindra Svarupa Das,
                        Bhakti Caitanya Swami

GBC Appointment            Members – Prahladananda Swami (Chairman), Praghosa
Committee                  Das, Madhu Sevita Das, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Bhakti
                           Caitanya Swami, Anuttama Das, Laxmimoni Dasi

World Holy Name Week      Global Coordination Team – Lokanath Swami, Janananda
Committee                 Goswami, Ekalavya Das

Vrindavan Samadhi         Gopal Krsna Goswami, Malati Devi Dasi, Satyanarayana
Standing Committee        Das, Naresvara Das, and Pancagauda Das (convener)

GBC-BBT Team              Members – Badrinarayan Das Goswami (Coordinator),
                          Gopal Krishna Goswami, Sivarama Swami, Madhu Sevita
                          Das, Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Praghosa Das




Section 200: FINANCES

201. GBC Budget

RESOLVED:

The GBC budget for 2014-15 is (in INR):

Child Protection Office                                          6,60,000
Dandavats                                                        3,42,000
Emergency Fund                                                   2,40,000
Executive Committee Travel                                       2,40,000
Finance & Bank Charges                                             24,000
GBC Annual General Meeting                                       4,50,000
GBC Community Relations Office                                   1,80,000
GBC Corresponding Secretary                                      3,60,000
GBC EC Secretariat                                               3,60,000
GBC Strategic Planning Team                                      6,60,000
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry                         90,000
ISKCON Database                                                  1,26,000
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry                                    6,00,000
ISKCON Office of Dispute Resolution                              1,80,000
ISKCON News                                                       210,000
ISKCON Resolve                                                   4,80,000
ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Committee                              2,40,000
Legal Fees – final repayment                                       85,860
Mayapur GBC Office                                               3.00.000
Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture                         1,83,000
Ministry of Education                                            3,60,000
Ministry of Sannyasa Services                                      30,000
Vaisnava Calendar Web Site                                         24,400
Vaisnavi Ministry                                                  36,600
Total:                                                          64,57,860


202. Appointment of Auditor

Sri Ritesh Shah and Associates, F.C.A., Chartered Accountant, of 125 Netaji
Subhash Road, Room No. 45, Kolkata 700 001, is appointed as statutory auditor

for the year 2014-2015.


Section 300: INTERNAL ISKCON


301. Midterm Meeting 2014

The Midterm Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society shall take place from October
13-19, 2014, at ISKCON Tirupati, AP, India.


302. Annual General Meeting 2015

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ISKCON GBC Society shall take place
from February 6-16, 2015, at ISKCON Mayapur, WB, India.


(Note: Resolutions 303-308, originally passed at the October 2013 Midterm
Meetings, were reconfirmed as follows:)

303: ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary

Whereas the GBC Body has recognized the extraordinary importance of the
upcoming 50th Anniversary of ISKCON and the great opportunities it presents

RESOLVED:

Every GBC member shall promptly appoint a 50th Anniversary zonal coordinator
for each country in his or her respective zone.
All GBCs, Ministers, and Regional Governing Bodies shall prepare and submit
preliminary ideas and plans for 50th Anniversary local events and celebrations.
Both of the above shall be reported to the Global Coordinator, Ajay Kumar (UK),
by Aksaya Tritiya (02 May) 2014 at ajay@iskcon50.org, who will then assist as a
central resource for the society.


304: Plans for Increasing Book Distribution

Whereas in some parts of the world book distribution is not increasing (and even
decreasing);

Whereas in parts of the world where there is some increase, we could do better;

Whereas cooperation and shared planning between the local GBCs and local BBT
trustee has proved successful in North America;

Whereas creating goals, timelines, and targeted results works;

Whereas without goals, timelines, and targeted results, the tendency is to drift
and to accept the status quo as success or the best that we can do;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada said that the GBC’s gathering together in Mayapur is
to make annual plans and then measure the results the following year

RESOLVED:

    1. The trustee of each BBT division will meet with the local GBCs to develop a
      plan for how to increase book distribution in their area. The scope of the
      plan will be from the Mayapur GBC meeting of 2014 to the Mayapur GBC
      meeting of 2015. The development of such a plan would naturally include
      the local Temple Presidents and other leaders as well.
   2. “Local GBCs” means those GBCs in a distinct region or set of countries who
      all buy the majority of their books from the same BBT division. For
      example, such a region or set of countries could be:
           (a) Latin America and the Caribbean—Latin BBT
           (b) Australia and New Zealand—Australian BBT
           (c) Western Europe—NE and Mediterranean BBTs
           (d) Eastern Europe—NE BBT
           (e) Canada and the USA—NA BBT
           (f) Japan and Southeast Asia—Far East/Middle East BBT

The GBCs and BBT trustees for other parts of the world should also meet to decide if
they can develop plans for their parts of the world.

There is flexibility and some overlap in how designating these areas or regions
would be decided. The local GBCs and BBT division director can work out the
details in consultation with each other.

Each group of GBCs will select one GBC member to serve as the chief liaison
with the BBT divisional director or trustee. That GBC member will also serve as
coordinator of the execution of the plan developed.

A summary of the plans thus developed will be presented by as many temples or
regions as possible to the full GBC at the Mayapur 2014 GBC meeting. The
individual GBC member selected as the liaison/coordinator will make the
presentation for his or her region and local BBT.

The selection of the GBC liaison officer for each group must be completed by the
local GBC group by the end of November 2013 at the latest.

While ISKCON, the GBC, and the BBT are independent entities and thus the
GBC cannot instruct the BBT trustees, the GBC humbly appeals to the BBT
trustees to kindly get involved in pushing this process forward and making sure
that the development of these plans actually happens.

The Indian BBT and Indian GBCs are exempted from this resolution as they are
already doing such powerful book distribution. Of course, they are welcomed
and encouraged to present a plan for the coming year if they wish.

The results of this resolution will be assessed at the 2015 Annual GBC Meeting.
At that time the GBC will determine whether to make this resolution permanent.


305: Establishing the Division of Legal, Accounting and Regulatory
Compliance

Whereas Srila Prabhupada wanted a high standard of legal, regulatory and
accounting compliance in ISKCON with the aim of protecting the properties,
preventing lawsuits, maintaining standards, etc.;

Whereas the GBC wishes all leaders to collaborate and communicate timely with
the Division of Legal, Accounting, and Regulatory Compliance

RESOLVED:

The GBC Division of Legal, Accounting, and Regulatory Compliance is hereby
established; the Division shall report to the Executive Secretariat.

The Compliance Division is authorized to request and receive legal and financial
documentation from all over the world and all managers must make every effort
to provide any information the Division may request in regard to the National
Councils, projects, centers, etc. under their management—subject to the
discretion of the GBC Zonal Secretary/ies.

Within their zones, the GBC Zonal Secretaries are responsible to ensure the
gathering of the data and documents as required by the Compliance Division. To
facilitate this task, they are encouraged to identify and establish, for each
country in their zone, a Compliance contact person, who will contact project
officers, board of directors' members, etc. to obtain data and documents. The
Compliance contact person shall upload information to the Compliance website
and provide updates as needed, at least annually.

Twice a year, before the AGM and midterm meetings, the Compliance Division
Director shall submit to the GBC reports on national and local performance in
regard to:

     Corporate-bylaws
     BoD succession provisions
     Oaths of Allegiance for all project leaders
     Property Trustee System (PTS) and other forms of property protection systems
     Intellectual Property such as trademarks, etc
     Other relevant information

Such reports will be provided also to each GBC zonal secretary for their
confirmation of the reports' accuracy.

The Compliance Division shall ensure confidentiality and protection of the data.

306: Zonal Configuration

RESOLVED:

1. North America Area - Idaho is divided along the time zone line; the Northern
part remains with the North West zone while the Southern part becomes part of
the Pacific/West zone.

2. Europe – instead of being divided into seven zones, Europe shall include the
following thirty-seven zones:

     1. Great Britain (England, Wales & Scotland)
     2. Ireland (including Northern Ireland)
     3. Iceland
     4. Sweden
     5. Denmark & Faroe Islands
     6. Norway
     7. Finland
     8. Estonia
     9. Latvia
     10. Lithuania
     11. Poland
     12. Czech Republic
     13. Slovakia
     14. France & Monaco
     15. Belgium & Luxembourg
     16. Netherlands
     17. Spain & Andorra
     18. Portugal
     19. Italy, San Marino & Vatican City
     20. Malta
     21. Greece
     22. Cyprus
     23. Israel
     24. Germany & Austria
     25. Switzerland & Liechtenstein
     26. Hungary
     27. Romania
     28. Bulgaria
     29. Turkey
     30. Slovenia
     31. Bosnia & Herzegovina
     32. Croatia
     33. Serbia
     34. Kosovo
     35. Montenegro
     36. Macedonia
     37. Albania

3. Indian Subcontinent Area – the Eastern part shall include nine zones:

      1. Odisha (Orissa)
      2. Bihar & Jharkhand
      3. Nepal
      4. West Bengal (except Sridham Mayapur), Sikkim & Bhutan
      5. Sridham Mayapur
      6. Bangladesh
      7. Asom (Assam) (without the Barak Valley), Meghalaya &
     Arunachal Pradesh
      8. Tripura & the Barak Valley (three Bengali-speaking districts of
     Asom)
      9. Manipur, Mizoram & Nagaland

4. Indian Subcontinent Area – South India shall include nine zones:

      1. Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Zone (districts: Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram,
Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam &
Nelluru)
      2. Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema Zone (districts: Chitoor, Ananthapur,
Kadapa & Kurnool).
      3. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Zone (districts: Hyderabad, Rangareddy,
Medak, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam, Nalgonda &
                            Mahabubnagar).
      4. Karnataka, Bangalore Zone
      5. Karnataka, Southern Districts Zone (all districts up to & including
Shimoga, Davangere Chitradurga)
      6. Karanataka, Northern Districts Zone
      7. Kerala (whole state)
      8. Eastern Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris & Coimbatore districts)
      9. Rest of Tamil Nadu

5. Indian Subcontinent Area – Maharashtra & Goa shall include five zones :

      1. Greater Mumbai (including Thane)
      2. Goa & Konkan
      3. North West Maharashtra
      4. South West Maharashtra
      5. Vidarbha (North East Maharashtra)

6. Indian Subcontinent Area:

       1. Sri Lanka: one zone
       2. Uttar Pradesh: four zones
       3. Delhi & National Capital Region: one zone
       4. Jammu & Kashmir: one zone
       5. Uttarkhand & Himachal Pradesh: one zone
       6. Rajasthan: three zones
       7. Madhya Pradesh: two zones
       8. Punjab: one zone
       9. Haryana & Chandigarh: one zone
       10. Chhattisgarh: one zone

7. Indian Subcontinent Area – Pakistan shall be a single zone

8. Russian Sphere Area - Russia shall be a single zone

9. Russian Sphere Area - Azerbaijan shall be a single zone

10. Russian Sphere Area:

     1. Mongolia: one zone
     2. Ukraine & Moldova: one zone
     3. Belarus: one zone
     4. Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Taijikistan, Uzbekistan &
Turkmenistan): one zone
     5. Georgia: one zone
     6. Armenia: one zone

11. Sub-Saharan Africa Area:

       1. Angola, Zambia & Namibia: one zone
       2. South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho & Swaziland: one zone
       3. Mozambique, Zimbabwe & Malawi: one zone
       4. Madagascar & Mauritius: one zone
       5. Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, & Liberia:
one zone
       6. Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso & Togo: one zone
       7. Benin & Nigeria: one zone
       8. Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, & Central African Republic: one zone
       9. Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda: one zone
       10. Rwanda & Burundi: one zone
       11. Ethiopia & Eritrea: one zone
       12. South Sudan: one zone


307: Amendment of Property Trustee Law 11.3.3
[ISKCON LAW]

Whereas Srila Prabhupada’s will states as follows regarding the removal of a
Property Trustee:

      The executive directors who have herein been designated are appointed
      for life. In the event of the death or failure to act for any reason of any of
      the said directors, a successor director or directors may be appointed by
      the remaining directors, provided the new director is my initiated
      disciple following strictly all the rules and regulations of the
      International Society for Krishna Consciousness as detailed in my books,
      and provided that there are never less than three (3) or more than five
      (5) executive directors acting at one time.

      [Note: The terms “director” and “executive director” used by Srila
      Prabhupada here are now referred to in ISKCON parlance as “Property
      Trustee”.]

Whereas it has come to the attention of the GBC that according to the
conventions of standard trust law, the term “failure to act” can refer to any
failure on the part of a trustee to fulfill his/her assigned duties under the trust.
Thus, the above statement from the will is referring not only to inaction by a
Property Trustee but also any other failure of the Property Trustee to properly
discharge their assigned duty, including acting beyond the scope of their
authority;

Whereas ISKCON Law, Section 11.3.3 states, in part, as follows:

       If the property trustee fails to act within a reasonable time upon a
       specific proposal related to a property from either the local
       management, a co-trustee, the ISKCON property office, or the GBC
       Body, the local management or the co-trustees, may submit a request for
       removal of the trustee to the ISKCON property office stating the facts of
       the failure to act. The ISKCON property office may grant the request
       immediately, if the submitted facts are sufficiently compelling, or it may
       again formally request the trustee to act on the proposal. If the trustee
       continues to fail to act, then the trustee shall be removed. Temple
       management can approach the property office to bypass a non-
       functioning trustee without replacing him.

This section requires to be rewritten to take into account the newly-understood
intention of Srila Prabhupada as to when a Property Trustee may be replaced or
removed.

RESOLVED:

That the final paragraph of Section 11.3.3 of the ISKCON Property Trustee Law
shall be amended as follows:

If the property trustee is seen to be failing to properly execute his duties under
ISKCON property law or is seen to be acting beyond the scope of his authority,
then the local management or the co-trustees may submit a request for removal
of the trustee to the ISKCON Property Office, which, after hearing the response
of the trustee and considering the matter carefully, may grant the request. In the
case of a property trustee that is simply not responding promptly to specific
requests for trustee action, the local management responsible for the property in
question or the local Zonal Secretary(ies) may, alternatively, approach the
ISKCON Property Office for permission to bypass such a non-functioning trustee
without removing him.


308: Adding New GBCs

RESOLVED:

Adding new members to the GBC, including all levels of GBC, shall generally be
put on hold until the AGM 2016. The GBC requests the Succession Committee,
Org Dev and the GBC Appointment Committee to give a priority to

collaboratively strengthen the system of identifying, developing and vetting new
GBCs. Potential improvements shall be presented for review at each GBC
meeting. Final review shall be ready for the Midterm Meeting 2015.


310: “Srila Prabhupada: The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON” on
founderacharya.com
[Guideline]

Whereas the booklet, “Srila Prabhupada: The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON,”
released by Ravindra Svarupa Das and published by the ISKCON GBC Press, is
approved by the GBC body as the foundational document on this topic;

Whereas the booklet is now available for free download on the website
www.founderacharya.com;

Whereas making the booklet widely available is important for the future of
ISKCON, because establishing Srila Prabhupada’s position of Founder-Acarya
will benefit devotees generation after generation

RESOLVED:

That every ISKCON project website should have a link to
www.founderacharya.com


311: Devotee Healthcare Guidelines
[Guideline]

Whereas at present there are no official guidelines regarding the fiscal
responsibility of ISKCON centers and other entities for the healthcare of resident
or full-time devotees;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada prioritized the health of devotees as number one,
followed by sadhana, then seva;

And whereas serving devotees is very important.

RESOLVED:

1. All ISKCON entities are encouraged to ensure that all essential medical and
dental expenses of its resident and fully supported devotees are supplied. The
authorities of those ISKCON entities are recommended to investigate options for
local insurance plans, government plans, or other reliable options to ensure as far as
possible that quality health care is provided.

2. A person choosing to become a resident or fully supported devotee dependent on
an ISKCON entity should be informed as to the extent of medical and dental
insurance or coverage, or absence thereof, that will be supplied by the entity before
they commit to dedicate themselves to the ISKCON entity.

3. All such assurances may be put into writing, with a copy given to the devotee, and
the original retained in the permanent files of the ISKCON entity.


312: Should Women be Called “Prabhu”, “Mataji”, or “Devi”?

Whereas in ISKCON men had generally been taught to see all women other than
their wives as mother;

Whereas in more recent times a practice has gained momentum that women
should not be called "Mataji," but "Prabhu;"

Whereas the word "Prabhu" is traditionally used to address men;

Whereas one section of ISKCON considers addressing women as "Prabhu" to
have no cultural or
linguistic backing, or any evidentiary or experiential support from Srila
Prabhupada's teachings;

Whereas another section of ISKCON cites conversational or correspondence-
based evidence that Srila Prabhupada addressed female disciples as "Prabhu;"

Whereas there is increasing discord among the proponents of these two
opinions;

Whereas all initiated women also have the title "Devi" as part of their spiritual
name, an address that could also apply to the non-initiated

RESOLVED:

That the Sastric Advisory Committee is requested to research the evidence for
women being called "Mataji", "Prabhu" or "Devi" and give a conclusive directive
as to which of these terms should and should not be used by members of
ISKCON.


313: Sound Systems Guideline
[Guideline]

Whereas the sound pressure levels produced by sound systems, especially during
festivals, can produce volumes of sound that can be dangerous;

Whereas when sound systems are pushed into levels of extreme volume and
distortion the sound produced is potentially less than pleasant, sweet, and
attractive;

Whereas ours is a preaching movement and we want to attract people as
opposed to discouraging them from listening to our sound vibrations;

Whereas the volume of sound can be measured by Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
meters, that can be purchased professionally, or downloaded as apps for iPhone,

Android, and other devices

RESOLVED:

That the GBC Body hereby encourages ISKCON managers to monitor the levels
of the sound systems in use at their centers. The sound system should be
adjusted so that it sounds clear, sweet and attractive as opposed to overly loud,
distorted or painful.

Whenever possible, the sound pressure levels should regularly be measured
using sound pressure level meters to make sure that dangerous sound pressure
levels are prevented. Such meters are available on mobile devices. (For example,
dB Meter Pro on the App Store.)

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the
USA, exposure to a noise level of 85 dBA over an eight hour work day and a 40
year working life is acceptable. For every 3 dBAs over 85dBA, the permissible
exposure time before occupational noise-induced hearing loss can occur is cut in
half.


314: The Hare Krsna Maha-mantra Should be the Primary Mantra in
all ISKCON Kirtans
[ISKCON Law]

Whereas Srila Prabhupada has stressed the preeminent position of the Hare
Krishna maha-mantra in ISKCON kirtan:

“In our temple, strictly Hare Krishna chanting should be given more importance.
There is no harm in this mantra you have heard, but it is not very important.
There are many such common songs composed by common devotees out of
sentiment. But our principle is to stick to the authorities, and always remember
that Hare Krishna is the prime authorized mantra.” (Letter to Malati Dasi, 28
January 1969);

Whereas it has been observed that it is commonplace in ISKCON kirtans that
many mantras are chanted. Often the chanting of the maha-mantra occupies
only a small percentage of the kirtan.

Whereas the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is the primary mantra to be chanted in
the age of Kali as presented by Sri Krishna Caitanya, our previous acaryas and
Srila Prabhupada:

                  hare krsna hare krsna krsna krsna hare hare
                   hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare

                 iti sodasakam namnam kali-kalmasa nasanam
                    natah parataropayah sarva vedesu drsyate

The sixteen words of the Hare Krsna mantra are especially meant for
counteracting the sins of the age of Kali. To save oneself from the contamination
of this age there is no alternative but to chant the Hare Krsna mantra. After
searching through all the Vedic literatures, one cannot find a method of religion
for this age so sublime as the chanting of Hare Krsna. [Kali-Santarana Upanisad
5-6]

RESOLVED:

That in all ISKCON kirtans, the Hare Krsna maha-mantra should be the primary
mantra.

Note: This is for kirtans, but does not apply to bhajans such as Jaya Radha
Madhava, Nrsimha prayers, etc.


315: Chanting of the Holy Names of Srimati Radharani
[Guideline]

Whereas many devotees have expressed concern that the standard upheld
during Srila Prabhupada’s presence in regards to the chanting of Srimati
Radharani’s holy names and related mantras appears to be diminishing;

Whereas there have been conflicts amongst our devotees arising as a result of
not having a definitive policy on this topic.

Whereas although it is neither mandatory nor necessary to do so because all
personalities are automatically glorified within the maha-mantra, it is
understandable that some devotees may want to emphasize the name of Srimati
Radharani on Radhastami;

Whereas it is well known that no one could come before Srila Prabhupada and
chant “Radhe Radhe” repetitively as he would not allow it. He always told us to
chant the Hare Krishna mantra. Srila Prabhupada himself was never heard
chanting “Radhe Radhe”. There is no evidence to show that Srila Prabhupada
chanted or encouraged others to chant Srimati Radharani's names in isolation at
any time, including Radhastami. Whenever Srila Prabhupada was greeted with
“Jaya Radhe” he always replied by saying “Hare Krishna”, even in Vrndavana.

Whereas there is risk of deviation if we do not follow Srila Prabhupada and the
acaryas. Srila Prabhupada disapproved of the introduction of mantras which
were not given by the previous acaryas or were not found in shastra

RESOLVED:

The following should be avoided in all temple and public programs, as well as in
recorded media:

       (1) Chanting of the holy name of Srimati Radharani without the holy
       name of Sri Krishna, i.e. Radhe, Radhe, Radhe, Radhe, Radhe. . . .

       (2) Chanting of the holy name of Srimati Radharani within mantras that
       were not introduced by Srila Prabhupada, previous Gaudiya Vaisnava
       Acaryas, or in sastra, including but not limited to:

               (a) Jaya Radhe, Jaya Radhe. Jaya Radhe Jaya Radhe
               (b) Radhe Radhe, Radhe Radhe
               (c) Jaya Radhe Jaya Radhe Radhe, Jaya Radhe Jaya Sri Radhe
               (d) Radhe Radhe Radhe Radhe Radhe Govinda
               (e) Radharani ki jai, Maharani ki jai
               (f) Radhe Shyam, Radhe Shyam, Shyam Shyam, Radhe Radhe

       On Radhastami, devotees may chant Srimati Radharani’s holy name in
       isolation of Sri Krishna’s name to a limited degree, not more than two or
       three minutes.

       If ISKCON devotees want to give some special emphasis or attention to
       the glorification of Srimati Radharani, beyond chanting of the maha-
       mantra, they should do so by chanting mantras or bhajans which are
       authorized by Srila Prabhupada and our disciplic line. An example of this
       is the chanting of Sri Radhika-stava from the Stava-mala of Srila Rupa
       Goswami.


316: Gender Kirtan
[Guideline]

Whereas a new practice has emerged in ISKCON kirtan consisting of:

         Kirtan Leader Chants Ladies Only Respond
         Kirtan Leader Chants Men Only Respond
         Kirtan Leader Chants Full Congregation Responds

Whereas there is no description of Srila Prabhupada ever leading kirtan like this, nor of
any devotee leading kirtan like this in Srila Prabhupada’s presence;

Whereas this new practice emphasizes the bodily conception of life and our false
designations as man and woman;

Whereas when such questionable chanting occurs, some devotees are
uncomfortable, alienated, disturbed, or may even refuse to participate in such a
kirtan, and thus the unity of our movement, even in its most core activity—
sankirtan—is jeopardized

RESOLVED:

Kirtan leaders in all temple and public programs, should refrain from separating
the congregation into responding sections based on bodily considerations like
male, female, young, old, etc.

317: ISKCON Disciple Course Mandate

Whereas there is a need for standardized training of new devotees about the:

   a. Preeminent position of Srila Prabhupada
   b. Duties of a disciple regarding the guru and other ISKCON authorities
   c. Appropriate selection of a diksa-guru
   d. Importance of initiation vows
   e. Service to our parampara and the mission of ISKCON
   f. Other relevant matters

Whereas ISKCON does not have a standard training system or course for new
members in regards to the specific duties of initiated disciples;

Whereas such a course would promote shared vision, unity, and cooperation
among ISKCON devotees around the world;

Whereas an ISKCON Disciple Course was created under the auspices of the
GBC Guru Services Committee, the Mayapur Institute, and ISKCON
Communications with the input of senior devotees, diksa- and siksa-gurus,
and educators from around the world;

Whereas the Disciple Course was taught and tested for two years in many
diverse countries evoking positive results and feedback from new and senior
devotees;

Whereas the Disciple Course is translated into major languages including
Hindi, Bengali, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian and Chinese,
and is also available online in English via the Bhaktivedanta College,
Radhadesh;

Whereas the Guru Services Committee is working with ISKCON Desire Tree
to create online versions of the Course in several Indian languages;

Whereas ISKCON leaders have requested the Disciple Course be mandatory
before initiation and ideally before devotees select a diksa-guru

RESOLVED:

That the ISKCON Disciple Course, as developed by the GBC Guru Services
Committee, shall be a mandatory pre-requisite for all devotees accepting first
or second initiation by an ISKCON guru, effective Janmastami, 2015. After
that date, no guru may initiate a disciple who has not first completed the
Disciple Course. This is in addition to current requirements of new initiates.

Furthermore, all GBC Members and Temple Presidents shall ensure that
within their respective areas of authority, no later than Janmastami, 2015:

       1. Devotees shall be advised and encouraged to complete the Disciple
       Course before selecting a diksa-guru
       2. Devotees shall have reasonable access to enroll in the Disciple
       Course
       3. A sufficient number of teachers shall be identified and facilitated to
       teach the Course
       4. No devotee shall be allowed to accept initiation before completing
       the Course (subject to exemptions below)

Teachers/facilitators of the ISKCON Disciple Course must:

       a. Beinitiated for at least 5 years
       b. Have completed the ISKCON Disciple Course
       c. Be recommended by their Disciple Course facilitator
       d. Have completed the VTE Teacher Training Course 1 (TTC1)* or have
       equivalent training or experience
       e. Have the approval of their local GBC representative
       f. Teach from the official curriculum, manuals and other materials as
       approved by the GBC Guru Services Committee

Illiterate devotees are welcome to participate in the Course. Upon completion
they shall be required to undergo a minimal oral examination at the discretion of
the teacher.

In rare cases of the infirmity or terminal illness of a prospective disciple the
requirement for completing the Disciple Course may be waived by the local
Temple President.

GBC members who find a specific area within their jurisdiction needs more
time for implementation due to exceptional circumstances, may request an
extension of up to one year by submitting a request no later than July 31,
2015, to the GBC Executive Committee for approval.

*An exemption for the requirement of the TTC1 may be granted by the local GBC Zonal
Secretary based upon an assessment of the potential teacher’s maturity and teaching
skills. The Mayapur Institute shall provide to the GBC a list of criteria by which such
evaluations should be made.


318: Regulations for Commencing the Service of Diksa-guru in
ISKCON
[ISKCON Law]
                          PREAMBLE

ISKCON’s ethos of multiple diksa- and siksa-gurus serving under the auspices of
a global managerial board is unique in the history of Vaisnavism, and so is the
challenge it poses: the institutional management has the obligation of
safeguarding devotees in their quest for spiritual guidance while simultaneously
not intruding upon the necessary freedom of inspiration that is the very heart of
this journey.

There has been an ongoing discussion about how ISKCON Law should be
structured to meet this challenge, with proposals ranging from rigid
standardization of guruship to full dependence on a policy of caveat emptor
("consumer beware") provisions. However, the model that seems optimal is one
in which aspiring disciples are empowered through education, the vetting
process for guru candidates is delegated as much as possible to local leaders, and
the GBC, per Srila Prabhupada’s mandate, retains a level of oversight over all
individual ISKCON leaders.

Below are the amendments of ISKCON law on the guru topic, which

   ·   facilitate the education of devotees in the principles of guru-disciple
       relationships
   ·   empower devotees in the acceptance of guru
   ·   provide for a more organic, secure, and sensitive vetting mechanism for
       diksa-guru candidates
   ·   allow for the identifying and vetting of diksa-guru candidates more
       efficiently and in better accordance with other tenets of ISKCON law
   ·   as far as possible, delegates the responsibility of vetting diksa-guru
       candidates to local leaders

PART A

    Amendments to ISKCON Law, Part 7 “Discipleship in ISKCON”

Whereas the scriptures and Srila Prabhupada emphasize that ascertaining the
qualifications of a prospective guru is the duty of an aspiring disciple:

       So therefore the process is before accepting a guru, one must hear him at
       least for one year. And when he's convinced that "Here is actually a guru
       who can teach me," then you accept him, guru. Don't accept whimsically.
       This system now should stop that somebody's coming for three days –
       "Prabhupada, initiate him." Why... This should not be allowed.
       Therefore, in Hari-bhakti-vilasa by Sanatana Gosvami it is directed that
       the spiritual master and the disciple must meet together at least for one
       year so that the disciple may also understand that "Here is a person
       whom I can accept as my guru," and the guru also can see that "Here is
       a person who is fit for becoming my disciple." Then the business is nice.
       (Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.16.25 – Hawaii, January 21, 1974)

[Note that even though Srila Prabhupada was at that time the only diksa-guru in
ISKCON, and qualified par excellence, in his eyes this fact did not relieve
aspiring disciples from the duty of testing him as a prospective guru.]

Whereas current ISKCON Law states:

       It is the personal responsibility of candidates for initiation to correctly
       decide, by the exercise of their own intelligence, to surrender to a
       particular devotee as spiritual master. Candidates for initiation should
       accept initiation from a spiritual master only after developing firm and
       mature faith in that devotee and in his ability to take them back to
       Godhead. Sadhu, sastra, and guru are the authoritative references to
       apply in ascertaining the level of advancement of a devotee.

       Receiving official ISKCON guru approval signifies that the devotee has
       successfully completed the authorization process set forth in ISKCON
       Law, and that in the judgment of certain senior devotees the candidate
       measures up to the standards and guidelines given in ISKCON law.
       However, such approval is not automatically to be taken as a statement
       about the degree of God-realization of the approved guru, and it is not
       intended to replace the intelligent discrimination of the candidate.
       (ISKCON Law 7.2 “Responsibility of Candidate for Initiation”)

Whereas, according to Vaisnava philosophy as reflected in the existing ISKCON
Law, 6.4.2, “Vows of Guru,” one's position as a guru derives from and is
dependent on one's position as a disciple:

       A devotee authorized to act as a guru in ISKCON must publicly take the
       following vows in a ceremony before Srila Prabhupada’s vyasasana:
       ....
       3. I recognize that a bona fide guru is first of all a bona fide disciple.

Whereas in this regard, the role of the GBC and ISKCON is to educate these
prospective disciples, prior to their accepting shelter of a devotee as their guru:

   ·   about genuine symptoms of spiritual advancement in prospective gurus
   ·   about the principles governing guru-disciple relationships
   ·   about ISKCON laws concerning the lines of authority in ISKCON

Whereas the newly developed ISKCON Disciple Course is aimed at preparing
prospective disciples for a mature, sastrically sound, and responsible approach
to accepting a spiritual master, soon to be a standard educational requirement
for prospective disciples before they accept a spiritual master;

Whereas, in addition to such education, the GBC simultaneously has the
responsibility of monitoring and regulating ISKCON leaders, including gurus, in
order to maintain appropriate standards of Vaisnava behavior and principles of
devotional service as taught by Srila Prabhupada within ISKCON.

RESOLVED:

   1. Part 7 of ISKCON Law, “Discipleship in ISKCON” becomes Part 6, and
      Part 6 of ISKCON Law, “ISKCON Spiritual Masters (Diksa- & Siksa-
      Gurus)” becomes Part 7, with corresponding renumbering of their
      subsections.
   2. The sections of ISKCON Law 6.1, “Right of Devotees to Choose their
      Guru,” and 6.2 “Responsibility of Candidate for Initiation,” (not including
      the subsections) are replaced in their entirety with the following:

              6.1: “The Process for Accepting a Spiritual Master”

       Srila Prabhupada spoke and wrote consistently both on the vital
       importance of accepting a bona fide guru for one’s assured progress in
       spiritual life as well as on qualifications essential for a devotee to serve as
       spiritual master, such as:
                        tasmad gurum prapadyeta jijnasuh sreya uttamam
                       sabde pare ca nisnatam brahmany upasamasrayam

              "Any person who is seriously desirous of achieving real happiness
              must seek out a bona fide spiritual master and take shelter of him
              by initiation. The qualification of a spiritual master is that he must
              have realized the conclusion of the scriptures by deliberation and
              arguments and thus be able to convince others of these
              conclusions. Such great personalities, who have taken complete
              shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving aside all material
              considerations, are to be understood as bona fide spiritual
              masters." (SB 11.3.21 quoted in SB 4.29.55 purport)
              and
              “The expert spiritual master knows well how to engage his
              disciple's energy in the transcendental loving service of the Lord,
              and thus he engages a devotee in a specific devotional service
              according to his special tendency. A devotee must have only one
              initiating spiritual master because in the scriptures acceptance of
              more than one is always forbidden. There is no limit, however, to
              the number of instructing spiritual masters one may accept.
              Generally a spiritual master who constantly instructs a disciple in

             spiritual science becomes his initiating spiritual master later on.”
             (CC Adi 1.35 purport.)

      Having developed some faith in the process of Krishna consciousness and
      prior to accepting a devotee as his or her spiritual master, a person should
      have scrutinized Srila Prabhupada’s teachings on this essential topic in
      the association of ISKCON devotees and, when available, have taken the
      ISKCON Disciple Course.

      According to the instructions of Srila Prabhupada and the previous
      acaryas, a person who has developed some faith in the process of Krishna
      consciousness, should further strengthen it by associating with one or
      more devotees and hearing from them about devotional service. Such
      devotees of varying levels of realization and maturity in Krishna
      consciousness give knowledge about devotional service. One or more of
      these may come to be a source of substantial instruction vital for one’s
      ongoing progress, along with providing an inspiring personal example
      and a shelter for that person, thereby becoming his or her instructing
      spiritual master(s).

      By regular association with, and service to, such instructing spiritual
      masters, the spiritual aspirant may develop a particularly strong
      reciprocal connection with one of the siksa-gurus, who demonstrates
      both willingness and practical ability for the ongoing guidance of the
      spiritual aspirant. After testing this connection for an extended period of
      time by further association, inquiries, and service, the candidate may
      desire to solidify that relationship by taking initiation from this siksa-
      guru.

      He or she should then approach the local ISKCON authorities for further
      guidance as to accepting this devotee as one’s diksa-guru.



                                                  PART B

           Amendments to ISKCON Law, Part 7.4 “Regulations”

Whereas in connection with prospective diksa-gurus, ISKCON Law 6.4.1.4
states:

“If the Corresponding Secretary receives at least three letters of non-approval,
the candidate shall not take up the role of guru, and his candidacy shall be
considered by the GBC body at its next Annual General Meeting”;

Whereas the GBC, per Srila Prabhupada’s mandate, must retain an essential
level of oversight over all individual leaders of ISKCON, including diksa-gurus;

Whereas a multi-tier vetting process for a diksa-guru candidate will further
clarify that the GBC does not directly appoint diksa-guru candidates;

Whereas the current ISKCON Law terminology of GBC’s authorizing or
approving diksa-gurus adds to the perception that the GBC certifies and
appoints diksa-gurus;

Whereas with the rising number of diksa-guru nominations, the GBC will be
increasingly less informed and thereby less equipped to assess a given candidacy
and/or to provide a candidate with appropriate guidance in case of non-
approval;

Whereas the Local Area Council is generally in the best position to assess
eligibility of a particular devotee to serve as a diksa-guru and to advocate that
devotee’s candidacy to the GBC Body, if necessary, as well as to guide the
candidate towards improvement as a spiritual guide and preacher;

Whereas it is generally against a Vaisnava’s nature to consider oneself qualified
to be a guru, what to speak of promoting and advocating one’s qualification as a
guru to others

RESOLVED:

1. All references in ISKCON law to authorization or approval in relation to being
allowed to serve as a diksa-guru are changed to appropriate forms of “will/may
commence the service of diksa-guru.”

2. ISKCON Law, part 7.4 “Regulations,” be amended as follows:

7.4.1: Procedure for Commencing the Service of Diksa-guru
        A devotee may serve as diksa-guru in ISKCON after the completion of the
        following procedure:

       7.4.1.1: Endorsement by a Local Area Council [AMENDED]
       When the Zonal Secretaries for a local area, in consultation with the local
       leadership, conclude that a particular devotee, through preaching in that
       area, has been providing substantial guidance and shelter to devotees,
       they may convene a Local Area Council to consider nominating this
       devotee for serving as a diksa-guru.

       In addition to the Local Area Council, Regional Governing Bodies may, at
       their discretion, have additional oversight for candidates in their area of
       responsibility.

              7.4.1.1.1: Composition of Council [AMENDED]
              The Council must consist of the local Zonal Secretaries and at least
              ten other devotees from the local area who are familiar with the
              candidate. It must include all Regional Secretaries, Temple
              Presidents, and resident sannyasis in the area. The Council
              members should elect a Chairman from among themselves.

              7.4.1.1.2: Principles of Evaluation [new]
              The Council shall evaluate the candidate by confirming, to the best
              of their ability, that the candidate:

                    1. is twice-initiated for at least ten years

            2. has been requested to initiate by the candidate’s
                own diksa-guru, if physically present
            3. is in good standing in ISKCON
            4. has good sadhana, including chanting a minimum
                of sixteen rounds daily and following the four
                regulative principles
            5. has shown consistent adherence to the principles of
                one’s asrama in terms of:
                    - acceptable Vaisnava behavior (sadacara)
                    - engagement in Srila Prabhupada’s mission
            6. has substantial knowledge and realization of sastra,
                including a Bhakti-sastri degree
            7. preaches according to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings
            8. works cooperatively with local authorities
            9. recognizes the GBC body as the ultimate managing
                authority in ISKCON, supports the GBC system, and
                follows the GBC
            10. has no loyalties that compete with or compromise
                the candidate’s loyalty to Srila Prabhupada, to his
                teachings, and to ISKCON

        7.4.1.1.3: Council Integrity Maintained [UNCHANGED]
      Once the Council has been formed to evaluate a particular
      candidate, it cannot be reconstituted except to replace a member
      who has left his position as a local ISKCON leader, or who has
      resigned from the Council, or who has become spiritually unfit.

      7.4.1.1.4: Communication of Objection [amended]
      If the candidate for serving as diksa-guru is not supported by the
      Local Area Council, the Chairman of the Local Area Council shall
      inform the candidate and aspiring disciples, if any, of this decision
      in writing.

7.4.1.2: Provision for “No Objection” Letters [AMENDED]

If the candidate for serving as diksa-guru has been active for less than
five years in the area making the nomination, the nominating Local Area
Council shall obtain “no objection” letters from the Zonal Secretaries and
Temple President(s) of the other area(s) the candidate was active in
during the five years previous to the candidacy.

Additionally, the Local Area Council shall formally consult the leadership
of every area outside the jurisdiction of the nominating Local Area
Council in which the candidate spends significant time before deciding on
the candidacy.

7.4.1.3: Names Sent to All GBC Members

    7.4.1.3.1: Letter of Nomination to GBC Corresponding Secretary
[AMENDED]
    If the candidacy receives support from the Local Area Council, the
    Chairman of the Council shall send a letter to the GBC

      Corresponding Secretary that includes the following:

             1. A description of how the candidate conforms to the GBC
             standards and guidelines for guru
             2. A complete history of the devotional service of the
             candidate, including the dates and places of his
             engagements
             3. A list of the nominating council members along with their
             service, tenure, vote, and rationale

    7.4.1.3.2: Corresponding Secretary Verifies and Distributes
[AMENDED]

      After verifying that the candidate has been properly nominated,
      the Corresponding Secretary shall send the candidate’s name to all
      members of the GBC.

7.4.1.4 Three GBC Requests for Further Review [AMENDED]

During the six months from the date of submission of the candidate’s
application to the GBC, members of the GBC who question the suitability
of the candidate as per the qualifications in ISKCON Law 7.4.1.1.2 may file
written statements with the GBC Corresponding Secretary requesting
further review.

      7.4.1.4.1 Absence of Three Requests for Further Review [NEW]

      If the GBC Corresponding Secretary has not received at least three
      requests for further review by the end of the six month period, the
      GBC Corresponding Secretary shall so inform the Chairman of the
      recommending Council. Then the candidate, after taking the
      prescribed vows, may commence the service of a diksa-guru in
      ISKCON.

      7.4.1.4.2 Requests for Further Review [NEW]

      If the Corresponding Secretary receives at least three requests for
      further review by the end of the six month period, and if the
      rationales are deemed legitimate by the GBC Executive Committee
      per ISKCON Law 7.4.1.1.4, then the GBC Executive Committee will
      communicate the reasons for the review requests to the Chairman
      of the Local Area Council that nominated the candidate and ask for
      the Local Area Council's response.

      The same applies if even a single request for further review
      provides sufficient doubt about the candidate’s good standing as a
      devotee.

      If the GBC Executive Committee, in consultation with the GBC
      members requesting the review, as necessary, is able to resolve the
      said concerns with the local area council, then the candidate, after

      taking the prescribed vows, may commence the service of a diksa-
      guru in ISKCON.

      If the GBC Executive Committee, in consultation with the GBC
      members requesting the review, as necessary, is unable to resolve
      the said concerns with the Local Area Council, then the candidate
      shall be reviewed by the GBC Body at its next Annual General
      Meeting. If the candidacy receives a simple majority vote, then the
      candidate, after taking the prescribed vows, may commence the
      service of a diksa-guru in ISKCON.

      7.4.1.4.3 Local Area Council Presenting at the Annual General
      Meeting [NEW]

      The Local Area Council has the option of making a presentation to
      the GBC Body before its final vote on the candidacy, preferably by
      sending a delegation of one or two members to address the Body.
      The candidate may also make a presentation to the Body,
      preferably by personal appearance.

      7.4.1.4.4 Further Direction to Candidate [NEW]
      If the GBC chooses to not approve the candidacy, then the Guru
      Services Committee shall provide direction to the candidate, which
      might include recommendations on how the candidate can come to
      the standard to serve as a diksa-guru in the future.

      7.4.1.4.5 Corresponding Secretary Monitors and Informs
      [UNCHANGED]
      The Corresponding Secretary shall monitor this procedure and
      keep all the concerned parties informed as needed.

7.4.2 Appeal of the Local Area Council Decision [AMENDED]

If a Local Area Council does not support a diksa-guru candidate, the case
may be appealed by any interested party to the relevant Regional
Governing Body, if existing in the area. If the Regional Governing Body
decides that the candidate has met the mandatory qualifications and
eligibility requirements for serving as diksa-guru per ISKCON Law
7.4.1.1.4, then the Regional Governing Body may, at their discretion,
decide to support the candidate. After notifying the Local Area Council,
the Chairman of the Regional Governing Body shall then send a letter of
nomination to the GBC Corresponding Secretary accompanied by the
decision of the Local Area Council so the process may continue with the
Regional Governing Body acting as the nominating body instead of the
Local Area Council.

If there is no Regional Governing Body, the case can be appealed directly
to the GBC Body. (Any proposal to the GBC Body must be sponsored by a
GBC member.)

NOTE: To be compliant with this Resolution, the wording of some
current GBC Laws requires editing and updating. The GBC Executive

       Committee has requested
       the GBC Deputies to take up this task. These adjustments will be
       reviewed at the next GBC meeting.


319: Extension of the Sastric Advisory Council’s Number of Members

Whereas the Sastric Advisory Council has proved to be a valuable resource in
many GBC decisions on philosophical and practical matters;

Whereas the GBC Resolution 604 of 2002 establishing the Sastric Advisory
Council (SAC) sets the upper limit of the number of its members at 12:

       Procedure for Selecting and Endorsing SAC Members:
        a. SAC core members will number between six and twelve.
        b. The SAC core members should be mutually acceptable to both the
       GBC Body and SAC.

Whereas both the SAC and some GBC members feel that the SAC service can
benefit from adding a few more members;

Whereas there should ideally be an odd number of SAC members to avoid split
votes

RESOLVED:

GBC Resolution 604 of 2002 is hereby amended as follows:

    Procedure for Selecting and Endorsing SAC Members:
      a. There will be an odd number of SAC core members between seven and fifteen.
      b. The SAC core members should be mutually acceptable to both the GBC Body
and SAC. [unchanged]


320: General Membership

Whereas there is a need to recognize as general members those who wish to
identify with the spiritual family of ISKCON,

Whereas such recognition should include some basic parameters,

Whereas such recognition should not involve any legal rights for the general
members,

RESOLVED:

Whoever, regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, etc., subscribes to the
following statement, shall be considered a general member of ISKCON:

      “I wish to be counted as part of the spiritual family of the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and I will practically support its
mission. I accept the         teachings of Lord Krishna as presented by His

Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of
ISKCON.

       “While I understand that this general membership does not confer upon
me any rights in ISKCON organizations, I am grateful to participate in this
spiritual movement             intended for the upliftment of the entire human
society.”


321. Female Diksa Gurus

The subject of Vaisnavis initiating in ISKCON is further tabled until additional
discussion at the 2014 GBC Midterm Meeting. In the meantime the GBC
Eexecutive Committee will work on the following process:

  1. Creating a committee of devotees who have no pre-determined view on this
topic who will gather documents from all sources on the subject of female diksa-
gurus.

  2. The committee will sort, summarize, and categorize all documentation.
Categories could include Srila Prabhupada's quotations, varnasrama-dharma,
history within our
     sampradaya and other Vaisnava sampradayas, etc.

  3. As far as possible all documentation will be verified for accuracy,
authenticity, etc.

  4. As far as possible this committee will do whatever other research may be
required.

  5. The committee will then provide all those documents to the GBC members
prior to the Midterm meeting. Thus all GBC members will come to the Midterm
Meeting well
     aware of all the arguments, information, and evidences available. This will
then enable the GBC to make either informed progress or an informed decision
on this matter.


322: Guru Paper

GBC Resolution 307 of 2012 commissioned the Guru Services Committee to
produce a paper explaining the commencement of the service of diksa-guru. The
second draft of this paper is currently under review.


323: Letter of Appreciation to Ravindra Svarupa Das

March 2, 2014

Dear Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The entire Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to you for your many years
of service to the GBC.

You have served as a member of the GBC with the highest standard of integrity,
loyalty and dedication. This is a great credit to both yourself and our spiritual
master, Srila Prabhupada. For almost three decades, your thoughtful comments,
academic and sastric insights, bold analysis and devotional perspectives have
helped to inform and form GBC opinion and resolutions.

You came onto the GBC Body in 1987 during a period of great challenges. At that
time, there was a need for calm consideration, intelligence and renewal. Your
voice and presence on the GBC provided all three. Thus, you helped to steady the
"ship" of ISKCON through those turbulent waters and into a bright and new
beginning.

Your next twenty-seven years on the GBC--including your two terms as our
Chairman--tested your patience and determination, but you did not waiver in
your commitment to making ISKCON spiritually sound.

Among your many unique contributions, you guided us through the difficult
years of bringing the New Vrindavana community back into ISKCON. You
contributed to the development of the Bhaktivedanta Institute and its pioneering
scientific and cultural outreach and preaching. You have written prolifically for
Back to Godhead magazine. And, you continue to lead the research developing
key elements of Srila Prabhupada's Temple of Vedic Planetarium.

As our Chair in 2000, you completed a vow to chant 64 rounds a day for a month
at the foot of the sacred Govardhan Hill, thus praying for ISKCON and
personifying the need for sincere personal austerity and purification to advance
us in service.

During the last two years, your leadership and academic skills again were fully
manifest as you researched, consulted with GBC members and leaders world-
wide, and then wrote "Srila Prabhupada: The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON." It is
an historic text for ISKCON, and your pivotal role in its creation will not be
forgotten.

While acknowledging your significant contributions, we must also recognize
your able and highly qualified wife, Saudamini Devi Dasi. She too has made
great sacrifices and contributions in the service of Srila Prabhupada, and she has
stood by your side throughout your entire career of service to ISKCON.

Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu, you have chosen to retire this year from active full-
time GBC service, and we reluctantly accept your resignation. We will deeply
miss your regular association at GBC meetings.

As a token of our respect, love, and appreciation, we hereby bestow upon you the
position of GBC Emeritus.

We are grateful that we will still be able to call upon you for special projects and
writing assignments in service to Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON--that great
cause for which you have so honorably, and lovingly, given your life.

We pray that the eternal blessings of your beloved Sri Sri Radha-Sharadbihari,
Sri Jagannath, Sri Baladeva, Srimati Subhadra Devi, and Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai may
be upon you, and for your continued empowerment in Their service for the rest
of this life and beyond.

On behalf of the Governing Body Commission, and with the unanimous approval
of the GBC,

Your servants,

Tamohara dasa, Chairman

Anuttama Das, First Vice-Chairman

Praghosa Das, Second Vice-Chairman

ISKCON GBC zonal assignments 2014 — archived copy of https://gbc.iskcon.org/gbc_res/ZASSGN14.htm, retrieved 2
October 2026, by The Krishna Files. Text as published; site navigation removed.



                                Zonal Assignments 2014
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 for GBC Members

Anuttama Das

     Zonal Secretary for:

          Delaware
          Maryland
          Pennsylvania: Eastern
          Washington DC

     Co-Zonal Secretary with Malati Devi Dasi and Tamohara Das for:

          West Virginia

Badrinarayan Das

     Zonal Secretary for:

          California: Southern
          Colorado
          Idaho
          Montana
          Nevada
          New Mexico
          Utah
          Wyoming

Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami

     Zonal Secretary for:

          Russia: Volga Region
          Iraq
          Lebanon
          Syria

     Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:

       Mauritius

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Caitanya Chandra Charan Das for:

       Georgia (CIS)
       Kazakhstan
       Kyrgyzstan
       Tadjikistan
       Turkmenistan
       Uzbekistan

Bhakti Caitanya Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Angola
       Botswana
       Lesotho
       Malawi
       Mozambique
       Namibia
       Swaziland
       Zambia
       Zimbabwe
       Estonia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami for:

       Mauritius

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Northwest

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Eastern Siberia
       Russia: Western Siberia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:

       Latvia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:

       South Africa

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami for:

       Lithuania

Bhakti Charu Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama
   Swami, Praghosa Das, Hridaya Caitanya Das and Ramai Swami for:

       West Bengal: Mayapur

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami for:

       Orissa: Central, except Puri

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:

       Bangladesh

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Radhanath Swami
   for:

       West Bengal: Calcutta

Bhakti Purusottama Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       North Korea
       South Korea

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Charu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:

       Bangladesh

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Ekanath Das and Shree Jeeva Das for:

       Arunachal Pradesh

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami,
   Praghosa Das, Hridaya Caitanya Das and Ramai Swami for:

       West Bengal: Mayapur

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhanu Swami for:

       Andaman and Nicobar Islands

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Hari Vilas Das for:

       Bahrain
       Kuwait
       Oman
       Qatar
       Saudi Arabia
       United Arab Emirates

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Shree Jeeva Das for:

       Assam

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:

       Bhutan
       Bihar
       Jharkhand
       Nepal
       Orissa: North & Puri, except Puri Project
       Orissa: West
       Sikkim
       West Bengal, except Mayapur and Calcutta
       Jordan
       Yemen

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami and Radhanath Swami for:

       West Bengal: Calcutta

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Ekanath Das and Shree Jeeva Das for:

       Meghalaya
       Tripura

Bhakti Vijnana Goswami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Israel

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:

       Russia: Eastern Siberia
       Russia: Western Siberia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:

       Russia: Northwest

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:

       Russia: Far East

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Caitanya Chandra Charan Das for:

       Russia: Ural Region

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Niranjana Swami for:

       Russia: Moscow

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Russia: Golden Ring
       Russia: South

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami for:

       Russia: Central Region

Bhakti-bhusana Swami

   Zonal Secretary 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 and Manonatha Das for:

       Costa Rica

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:

       Belize
       Nicaragua
       Colombia

Bhaktimarga Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Florida: Miami
       Quebec

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Hari Vilas Das for:

       British Columbia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Canada: Maritime Provinces
       Canada: Prairie Provinces
       Canada: The Territories
       Ontario

Bhaktivaibhava Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Mongolia
       Albania
       Bulgaria
       Czech Republic
       Finland
       Macedonia
       Poland
       Slovakia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Eastern Siberia
       Russia: Western Siberia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:

       Latvia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Far East

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami for:

       Belarus
       Russia: Kaliningrad
       Ukraine

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Sivarama Swami for:

       Romania

Bhanu Swami

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:

       Andaman and Nicobar Islands

   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:

       Andhra Pradesh

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Shankhadhari Das for:

       Karnataka, except Bangalore and Belgaum

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:

       Brunei
       Malaysia
       Karnataka: Bangalore
       Lakshadweep
       Maldives
       Puducherry
       Sri Lanka
       Tamil Nadu: Eastern

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami for:

       Japan

Bir Krishna Das Goswami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Fiji
       Louisiana
       Mississippi
       North Carolina

       South Carolina
       Virginia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Prahladananda Swami for:

       Bosnia and Herzegovina
       Kosovo
       Serbia and Montenegro
       Slovenia

Caitanya Chandra Charan Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami for:

       Georgia (CIS)
       Kazakhstan
       Kyrgyzstan
       Tadjikistan
       Turkmenistan
       Uzbekistan

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Ural Region

Candrasekhar Acarya Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       China
       Hong Kong
       Taiwan

Devamrita Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Pennsylvania: Port Royal

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:

       South Africa

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami for:

       Australia
       New Zealand

Dina Sharana Devi Dasi

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Austria
       Germany
       Liechtenstein
       Switzerland

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Hridaya Caitanya Das for:

       France: Dole

Gopal Krishna Goswami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Burundi
       Kenya
       Rwanda
       Tanzania
       Uganda
       Azerbaijan
       Delhi, except Noida
       Maharashtra: Kharghar
       Myanmar

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Golden Ring
       Russia: South

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami and Hari Vilas Das for:

       British Columbia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami for:

       Canada: Maritime Provinces
       Canada: Prairie Provinces
       Canada: The Territories
       Ontario

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhima Das for:

       Maharashtra: Mira Road

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Devakinandan Das for:

       Rajasthan
       Uttar Pradesh, except Vrindaban

Co-Zonal Secretary with Ekanath Das for:

    Mizoram
    Nagaland

Co-Zonal Secretary with Hari Vilas Das for:

    Pakistan

Co-Zonal Secretary with Jasomatinandana Das for:

    Gujarat

Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami,
Praghosa Das, Hridaya Caitanya Das and Ramai Swami for:

    West Bengal: Mayapur

Co-Zonal Secretary with Lokanath Swami for:

    Delhi: Noida

Co-Zonal Secretary with Mahaman Das and Ekanath Das for:

    Manipur

Co-Zonal Secretary with Mahaman Das for:

    Chattishgarh
    Haryana
    Himachal Pradesh
    Madhya Pradesh, except Ujjain
    Punjab
    Uttaranchal

Co-Zonal Secretary with Niranjana Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami 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

Guru Prasad Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Mexico

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami and Bhakti Sundar Goswami for:

       El Salvador
       Guatemala
       Honduras
       Panama

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami and Manonatha Das for:

       Costa Rica

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami for:

       Belize
       Nicaragua
       Colombia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Paratma Nistha Tridandi Goswami Das for:

       Trinidad & Tobago

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:

       Venezuela

Hari Vilas Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Algeria
       Burkina Faso
       Chad
       Djibouti
       Egypt
       Ethiopia
       Gambia
       Libya
       Mali
       Mauritania
       Morocco
       Niger
       Senegal
       Somalia

       Sudan
       Tunisia
       Armenia
       Afghanistan
       Iran
       Alaska
       Arizona: Phoenix Area
       California: Northern
       Hawaii
       Oregon
       Washington State

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami and Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       British Columbia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Pakistan

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:

       Bahrain
       Kuwait
       Oman
       Qatar
       Saudi Arabia
       United Arab Emirates

Hridaya Caitanya Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Andorra
       France: New Mayapur
       Gibraltar
       Portugal
       Spain

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Dina Sharana Devi Dasi for:

       France: Dole

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Madhu Sevita Das for:

       Belgium
       France, except New Mayapur and Dole
       Luxembourg

       The Netherlands

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami,
   Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Ramai Swami and Praghosa Das for:

       West Bengal: Mayapur

Jayapataka Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Comoros
       Seychelles
       Ecuador

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Charu Swami and Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami for:

       Orissa: Central, except Puri

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Charu Swami and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:

       Bangladesh

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami for:

       Orissa: South

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Bhanu Swami for:

       Andaman and Nicobar Islands

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Shree Jeeva Das for:

       Assam

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:

       Bhutan
       Bihar
       Jharkhand
       Nepal
       Orissa: North & Puri, except Puri Project
       Orissa: West
       Sikkim
       West Bengal, except Mayapur and Calcutta
       Jordan
       Yemen

Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Bhakti Charu 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:

    Andhra Pradesh

Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Shankhadhari Das for:

    Karnataka, except Bangalore and Belgaum

Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami for:

    Brunei
    Malaysia
    Karnataka: Bangalore
    Lakshadweep
    Maldives
    Puducherry
    Sri Lanka
    Tamil Nadu: Eastern

Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Bhakti Purusottama
Swami, Praghosa Das, Hridaya Caitanya Das and Ramai Swami for:

    West Bengal: Mayapur

Co-Zonal Secretary with Hari Vilas Das and Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:

    Bahrain
    Kuwait
    Oman
    Qatar

       Saudi Arabia
       United Arab Emirates

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jagajivana Das for:

       Bolivia
       Peru

   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 Bhanu Swami for:

       Japan

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:

       Singapore
       Thailand

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami for:

       Indonesia

Madhu Sevita Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Cyprus
       Greece
       Italy: Villaggio Hare Krishna, Milano Area, South Umbria , Southern Italy, and Rome Area
       Malta
       San Marino

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Hridaya Caitanya Das for:

       Belgium
       France, except New Mayapur and Dole
       Luxembourg
       The Netherlands

Malati Devi Dasi

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Kentucky
       Michigan
       Ohio
       Pennsylvania: Western

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Anuttama Das and Tamohara Das for:

       West Virginia

Niranjana Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Moldova
       North American Festival of India

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:

       Lithuania

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Central Region

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:

       Belarus
       Russia: Kaliningrad
       Ukraine

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:

       Russia: Moscow

Praghosa Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Channel Islands
       Denmark
       England
       Faroe Islands
       Iceland
       Ireland
       Northern Ireland
       Norway
       Scotland
       Sweden
       Wales

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami,
   Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Hridaya Caitanya Das and Ramai Swami for:

       West Bengal: Mayapur

Prahladananda Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Croatia

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bir Krishna Das Goswami for:

       Bosnia and Herzegovina
       Kosovo
       Serbia and Montenegro
       Slovenia

Radhanath Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Italy: Villa Vrindavana, Firenze Area, Centro Studio Bhaktivedanta, Bologna Area, and
       Venice Area
       Maharashtra: Mumbai Chowpatty

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:

       Karnataka: Belgaum

   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

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Bhakti Charu
   Swami for:

       West Bengal: Calcutta

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Lokanath Swami for:

       Maharashtra, except Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane District, and Pune

Ramai Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Micronesia
       New Caledonia
       Papua New Guinea
       Solomon Islands
       Vanuatu

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:

       Australia
       New Zealand

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami,
   Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Hridaya Caitanya Das and Praghosa Das for:

       West Bengal: Mayapur

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Kavicandra Swami for:

       Indonesia

Revati Raman Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhanu Swami and Jayapataka Swami for:

       Andhra Pradesh

Romapada Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Illinois
       Indiana
       Iowa
       Kansas
       Minnesota
       Missouri
       Nebraska
       New England
       New Jersey
       New York
       North Dakota
       South Dakota
       Wisconsin

Sesa Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Florida: Gainesville
       Florida: Orlando

Sivarama Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Hungary
       Turkey

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:

       Romania

Tamohara Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Alabama
       Florida, except Gainesville, Miami, and Orlando
       Georgia (US)

       Tennessee

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Anuttama Das and Malati Devi Dasi for:

       West Virginia

Virabahu Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Caribbean: Dominican Republic
       Puerto Rico

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gunagrahi Das Goswami for:

       Argentina
       Falkland Islands
       Uruguay

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:

       Venezuela

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:

       Chile

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Paratma Nistha Tridandi Goswami Das for:

       Caribbean, except Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago
       French Guiana
       Guyana
       Surinam

                 II. Zonal Assignments for Special Committees

GBC Executive Committee

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Philippines
       Brazil

North American Executive Committee

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Arizona: Tucson Area
       Arkansas

       Oklahoma
       Texas

Puri Development Committee, members Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottam
Swami, Devakinandan Das (Chairman), Braja Hari Das (Vice-Chairman), Bhima
Das, Basu Ghosh Das, Vanamali Das, Gour Nitai Das, Jagjivan Das, and Bhaktarupa
Das

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Orissa: Puri Project

Vrindavan Executive Board Members: Gopal Krishna Goswami, Sesa Das, Bhima
Das, Kadamba Kanana Swami, Devakinandana Das, Bhakti Rasamrita Swami

   Zonal Secretary for:

       Uttar Pradesh: Vrindaban

                 III. Zonal Assignments for Non-GBC Members

Bhakti Gaurava Narayan Swami

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhakti Charu Swami for:

       Orissa: Central, except Puri

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:

       Orissa: 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

Devakinandan Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Rajasthan
       Uttar Pradesh, except Vrindaban

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Radhanath Swami and Bhima Das for:

       Maharashtra: Mumbai Juhu

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

Gunagrahi Das Goswami

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:

       Argentina
       Falkland Islands
       Uruguay

Jagajivana Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:

       Bolivia
       Peru

Jasomatinandana Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Gujarat

Lokanath Swami

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Delhi: Noida

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Radhanath Swami for:

       Maharashtra, except Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane District, and Pune

Mahaman Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami and Ekanath Das for:

       Manipur

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:

       Chattishgarh
       Haryana
       Himachal Pradesh
       Madhya Pradesh, except Ujjain
       Punjab
       Uttaranchal

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Navayogendra Swami for:

       Jammu and Kashmir

Manonatha Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami and Guru Prasad Swami for:

       Costa Rica

Navayogendra Swami

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Mahaman Das for:

       Jammu and Kashmir

Paratma Nistha Tridandi Goswami Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:

       Trinidad & Tobago

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:

       Caribbean, except Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago
       French Guiana
       Guyana
       Surinam

Shankhadhari Das

   Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Bhanu Swami for:

       Karnataka, except Bangalore and Belgaum

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