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ISKCON GBC resolutions 2017 (annual general meeting) — archived copy of
https://gbc.iskcon.org/gbc_res/GBCRES17.html, retrieved 2 October 2026, by The Krishna Files. Text as published; site
navigation removed.
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 9 - 22, 2017
Go to 2017 Zonal Assignments
Section 100: APPOINTMENTS
101. GBC Officers and Members
1. His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami is elected GBC Chairman.
2. His Grace Madhu Sevita Das is elected First Vice-Chairman.
3. His Holiness Bhaktivaibhava Swami is elected Second Vice-Chairman.
4. His Holiness Gopal Krsna Goswami is elected GBC Secretary.
5. His Grace Revati Raman Das is elected as a full GBC member.
6. His Holiness Giridhari Swami is re-appointed as a GBC member.
102. Sannyasa Waiting List
The following are the candidates for sannyasa along with their respective waiting periods:
Adi Purusa Das (Bhubaneswar) 1 year
Adwaitacharya Das (Bhubaneswar) this year
Akincana Das (Odisha) this year
Ananda Vardhana Das (Baltics/Finland/Europe) 1 year
Asit Krsna Das (India/Hong Kong/China/Taiwan) this year
Bhaktipada Das (New Vraja Dhama, Hungary) 1 year
Deva Deva Das (South America) 1 year
Eklavya Das (India/Middle East/North America) 1 year
Gaura Chandra Das (Mayapur) 1 year
Hari Das (Manipur) this year
Madhu Sevita Das (Italy/France/Benelux) 1 year
Mahadyuti Das (Europe/Russia/South America) this year
Mahaprabhu Das (Hungary/Romania) 1 year
Markandeya Risi (Malaysia) this year
Navadvip Dvija Gouranga Das (Bangladesh) 2 years
Priti Vardhana Das (Mayapur) 2 years
Puspashila Shyama Das (Bangladesh) 1 year
Raghava Pandit Das (Delhi/India) 2 years
Rupa Raghunatha Das (Europe/South America/India) this year
Santa Nrisimha Das (Jaipur) 2 years
Venudhari Das (Mayapur) 3 years
Vishvavasu Das (Germany/Baltics/Russia) 3 years
Added to the list in 2017:
Adhokshaja Das (Russia) 5 years
Asim Krishna Das (Mumbai) 3 years
Gargamuni Das (Jaipur) 5 years
Gopendra Das (Vrindavan) 5 years
Govindanandana Das (West Bengal) 5 years
Kamalalochan Das (Mumbai) 4 years
Premadata Das (Italy, India) 2 years
Radhashyamsunder Das (Vrindavan) 4 years
Sundarlala Das (Mauritius) 3 years
Sutapa Das (UK) 5 years
Vanamali Das (Mumbai) 4 years
Vrindavanchandra Das (Vrindavan) 2 years
103. Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees
The following are the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership assignments for
2017-18:
Congregational Development Ministry Co-Ministers – Jayapataka Swami, Kaunteya Das
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca Das
ISKCON Youth Ministry Minister – Manorama Das
Ministry of Book Distribution Minister – Vijaya Das
Ministry of Communications Minister – Anuttama Das
Ministry of Cow Protection and Minister – Kalakantha Das
Agriculture
Ministry of Education Minister – Sesa Das
Ministry of Fund Development Minister – Devakinandan Das
Ministry of Health and Welfare Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other member – Bir Krishna Das Goswami
Ministry of Justice Minister – Sesa Das
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute Minister of Justice, a representative of ISKCON Resolve,
Resolution Committee (IDRC) the second Vice-Chairman of the GBC, and the Director of
the ISKCON Dispute Resolution Office
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute Director – GBC EC, pending nomination
Resolution Office
Ministry of Padayatra Minister – Lokanath Swami
Ministry of Sannyasa Services Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other members: Sivarama Swami, Bhakti Gauravani
Goswami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya
Swami, Hrdaya Caitanya Das
Vaisnavi Ministry Co-Ministers – Malati Dasi, Prasanta Dasi, and Radha
Dasi (California)
BBT Construction Grant Allocation Members – Ramai Swami, Bhanu Swami, Devamrita
Committee (BBTCG) Swami, Current GBC Chairman, Hrdaya Caitanya Das
(Convener)
GBC Nominations Committee Members – Tamohara Das (Chairman), Prahladananda
Swami, Praghosa Das, Gopal Bhatta Das (Convenor),
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
Anuttama Das, Revati Raman Das, Gauranga Das,
Aniruddha Das, Laxmimoni Dasi
GBC-BBT Team Members – Badrinarayan Swami (Coordinator), Gopal
Krishna Goswami, Sivarama Swami, Madhu Sevita Das,
Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Praghosa Das
GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee Members – Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya Das,
Sadasivananda Das, Bhaktarupa Das (Convener)
Guru Services Committee Members – Anuttama Das (Chairman), Prahladananda
Swami, Virabahu Das, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Atul
Krishna Das (Mayapur)
ISKCON Central Office of Child Director – Kamlesh Krishna Das
Protection
ISKCON Property Office Members – Current GBC Executive Committee, Kuladri
Das (Convener-Secretary), Bhaktarupa Das
Sastric Advisory Council Members: Urmila Dasi (Acting Chair), Drutakarma Das,
Gauranga Das, Hari Parsad Das, Harideva Das, Narayani
Dasi, Adi-purusa Das, Caitanya-caran Das, Sarvajna Das,
Brijabasi Das, Krishna Abhishek Das
Associate Members: Giriraja Swami, Krishna Kshetra
Swami, Radhika Raman Das, Gopinatha-acarya Das,
Madana-mohana Das
World Holy Name Week Committee Global Coordination Team – Lokanath Swami,
Janananda Goswami, Eklavya Das
Section 200: FINANCES
201: Budget
The GBC budget for 2016-17 is (in INR):
Annual General Meetings 552,500
Cow Protection & Agriculture 325,000
Child Protection Office 650,000
Dandavats 389,025
Deity Worship Ministry 910,000
Emergency Fund 260,000
Legal & related expenses 650,000
Executive Committee Travel 195,000
Finance & Bank Charges 32,500
GBC Strategic Planning team 715,000
GBC Corresponding Secretary 429,000
GBC EC Secretary 429,000
ISKCON Office of Dispute Resolution 130,000
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry 162,500
ISKCON Temple Database 195,000
ISKCON Ethics and Code Department 162,500
ISKCON Lawbook 65,000
ISKCON News website 260,000
ISKCON Resolve 520,000
ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry 65,000
ISKCON Connection 292,500
Mayapur GBC Office 403,000
Ministry of Education 409,500
Swami Productions (Bhaktimarga Swami) 130,000
Vaisnava Calendar Web Site 32,500
Vaisnavi Ministry 65,000
Youth Ministry 97,500
TOTAL 8,527,025
202. Appointment of Auditor
Sri Ritesh Shah & Associates, Chartered Accountants, of P-27, Princep Street, Kolkata 700072, is
appointed as statutory auditor for the year 2017-18.
Section 300: INTERNAL ISKCON
301. Midterm Meeting 2017
The Midterm Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society shall take place from October 9-17, 2017, at
ISKCON Ujjain, India.
302. Annual General Meeting 2018
The dates of the Annual General Meeting shall be determined by the GBC Body based on the
recommendation of a subcommittee consisting of the GBC Executive Committee, Jayapataka Swami,
Lokanath Swami, Laxmimoni DD, and Sankarshan Nitai Das.
(Note: Resolutions 303-305 were originally passed at the October 2017 Midterm Meetings)
303: 2016 Child Protection Action
Whereas recent videos, publicity, and discussions have drawn particular attention to on-going
problems at the schools in Vrindavan and Mayapur. These locations are both centers of historic
Vaisnava worship and places that Srila Prabhupada envisioned to be exemplary centers of Krishna
Conscious education, worship and culture. They should therefore be flagships of child and devotee
care; not continued sources of concern or harm.
Whereas the ongoing problems in Vrindavan and Mayapur show that despite some genuine efforts,
clearly not enough has been done. Local leaders, and perhaps the GBC itself, are not living up to the
expectations demanded of them.
Whereas direct intervention is needed by the GBC to assure child protection within our ISKCON
Society and Schools, and also satisfy the greater ISKCON community that the GBC is acting
decisively,
Therefore, the following measures should be put in place regarding the Mayapur and Vrindavan
schools. (We recognize that some of these measures may already be in place. Such progress is
appreciated yet we list the full requirements below for proper documentation.)
Vrindavan School (Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School – BGIS)
Whereas, several months ago students of the Vrindavan school (BGIS) were sexually abused off site
by a local perpetrator who is known to be a danger. The school pushed police authorities to have the
alleged perpetrator, Devashish, arrested and a trial is proceeding. To push for the arrest and
prosecution in a region where police are usually unwilling to take strong action is commendable.
Whereas, that any abuse could again occur in the vicinity of this school—despite the high priority of
child protection we should expect there—is unacceptable. It demonstrates that the school did not
have adequate measures in place to ensure the safety of its students.
Whereas, the Director of the ISKCON Child Protection Office has determined that child protection
training, policies, and enforcement are inadequate within the BGIS.
RESOLVED:
The Vrindavan school (BGIS) is on notice for a minimum of one year from the date of the passage of
this resolution. Within that time, the school must address the following mandates or be subject to a
GBC discussion and possible decision to close its boarding school function. It is understood that
some of these items may have been recently put into place. The GBC Executive Committee
representative will be conducting an inquiry shortly after the conclusion of the midterm meetings to
determine the progress and what additional steps are needed on the following mandates:
1. Administration
The Principal of the school must live full time in Vrindavan and work full time at the school.
The Principal must fulfill all qualifications required of such a post as established by the Indian
Government, and have the appropriate educational background to oversee such a school.
The Principal must undergo full CPO training, off site if necessary, at the school’s expense.
2. Within three months a full time Child Protection Officer must be engaged at the school.
a. The school will pay the salary of the CP Officer at a level appropriate to attract a qualified,
well-trained person.
b. The Child Protection Officer is charged with ensuring the safety of the children at the
school, and that they are protected from all forms of abuse. Any training, policies, or
other programs that he or she deems necessary must be implemented by the Principal.
c. The CP Officer will be hired (or fired) with the advice and concurrence of the
international CPO Director.
d. The CP Officer is accountable to the international CPO Director and school
administration.
e. The CP Officer will file quarterly reports to the local administration, VEB, CPO, GBC EC,
India Bureau EC, and the Principal.
3. Within three months, or at the latest one month after the hiring of the Child Protection
Officer per above, the Principal must provide a detailed plan for ongoing child protection at
the school, in consultation with the CP Officer and the International CPO Director,
considering the school’s unique features and challenges.
4. The school will facilitate bi-annual inspections by the International Child Protection Director,
or his or her representatives, and cover all the costs of such a visit. The first inspection
should be conducted by January 2017. The visits shall last as long as needed, as determined
by the CPO Director, and during that time the CPO Director shall have unhindered access to
the school and to meet with students, administrators, parents, teachers, and other interested
parties.
a. Any recommendations of the CPO must be undertaken by the school administrators
within a time frame established by the CPO.
b. Failure to act on those recommendations will be reported to the GBC EC, and the
ISKCON India Bureau, and may be cause for further probation or will subject the school
to a vote of the GBC whether its boarding school functions, or the entire school, should be
closed.
5. If the above steps are not in place within three months from passage of this resolution then all
fund-raising for a new school campus shall be suspended, as determined by the GBC EC with
the advice of the International CPO Director.
Mayapur Schools
Whereas, numerous problems and complaints have been directed toward the Mayapur Schools, and
several recent CPO investigations and cases have been undertaken.
Whereas, despite sincere attempts of the management to address child protection concerns, these
have appeared inadequate to meet the many issues and problems associated with a very large
community with multiple schools.
RESOLVED:
1. Within 3 months the Mayapur Management is directed to reconstitute its Child Protection
Team (CPT), as the current CPT objectivity may be compromised due to family affiliations.
The local CPT should be composed of parents and other concerned adults. It is recommended
that teachers and administrators from the several Mayapur schools should participate and
act as advisors, but shall not vote nor be the decision makers of the CPT.
2. A full time Child Protection Officer must be engaged at the Mayapur community and
schools within 3 months of the date of this resolution.
a. The local schools will share the costs the salary with the community for the CP Officer
(proportionally as determined MAC with approval of the MEB) at a level appropriate to
attract a qualified, well-trained person.
b. The Child Protection Officer is charged with ensuring the safety of the children at the
schools and community, and that they are protected from any abuse. Any training, policies,
or other programs that he or she deems necessary must be implemented by the respective
school’s Principal.
c. The CP Officer will be hired (or fired) with the advice and concurrence of the International
CPO Director.
d. The CP Officer is accountable to the international CPO Director and local administration.
e. The CP Officer will file quarterly reports to the MAC, CPO, GBC EC, ISKCON Indian
Bureau, and the Principals.
3. The International CPO Director or their representative shall visit the Mayapura schools a
minimum of twice a year. Costs of the visit will be borne by the schools and community.
During that time the CPO Director shall have unhindered access to all the schools located in
Mayapura, and to meet with students, administrators, parents, teachers, and other interested
parties.
Recommendations of the CPO must be undertaken by school administrators within the time
frame determined by the CPO.
4. Failure to act on those recommendations will be reported to the GBC EC, and the Bureau, and
may be cause for further action by the GBC including possibly ending boarding school
functions, or closure of certain schools.
5. The previous principal is required to complete the full mandate of the previous CPO decision
about him. That is, he shall permanently relocate to a living space off, and away from any
school facility. The CPO decision that he must not be engaged in any administration work
must also be followed strictly. The CPO and Ministry of Education will ensure prior CPO
decisions are being followed.
6. School officials shall do whatever necessary to correct the erroneous conception that the
Bhaktivedanta Academy is “Maharaja’s school” as he is prohibited from managing the school
by a prior CPO decision.
Additional Recommendations
Due to the above mentioned issues and problems with the schools within India, the ISKCON India
Bureau is urged and directed to establish a CPO for India that will work under the direction of the
International CPO and report to both the Bureau and the International CPO, as is currently done in
other regional CPO offices. Sufficient funds should be provided to ensure a capable Director is hired
along with payment for necessary office functions.
The Bureau Chairman is requested to report back to the GBC by the AGM 2017 in regards to
progress in this matter.
(Please click here for the CPO Director’s report on the above Resolution)
304: Global Duty Officers
Whereas GBC Resolution 305 of 2016 created the position of Global Duty Officers (GDOs) to “assist
the GBC in its international functions within special projects, GBC Standing Committees, Strategic
Planning Network initiatives, global Ministries, attending and serving during GBC meetings, etc. as
required by the GBC;”
RESOLVED:
That the following devotees are hereby appointed as Global Duty Officers. They are listed along with
their respective locations and service illustrations:
1. Bhakti Prabhava Swami United Kingdom Sannyasa Ministry
2. Devakinandan Das Singapore GBC Legal Office
3. Gauranga Das India ISKCON Knowledge Exchange
Portal and ISKCON Administration
4. Govardhan Das South Africa ISKCON Economy
5. Hanuman Das Spain Sannyasa Ministry
6. Krsnadas Kaviraja Das Canada Sannyasa Ministry
7. Mathuresa Das Bolivia GBC Executive Secretariat & GBC
College for Leadership Development
Latin America coordination
8. Mukunda Madhava Das India Fundraising
9. Parabhakti Das Italy Service under Definition
10. Praharana Dasi Canada GBC Executive Secretary
11. Radha Krsna Das Hungary GBC vetting process development
12. Satya Gopinath Das India Fundraising
13. Srivallabha Das UAE GBC Support Staffing, SGGS Office
14. Srivas Das Ghana GBC Executive Secretariat Africa
Coordination
15. Srivas Pandit Das Myanmar Sannyasa Ministry
16. Tapana Misra Das Kuwait/Mayapur OrgDev-GBC Support Staffing, GDO
Coordination, Congregational
Development Ministry
17. Tirtharaj Das Hong Kong ISKCON Knowledge Exchange
Portal
305: Appointing Zonal Supervisors (Midterm Meeting 2016)
RESOLVED:
That the following graduates from the GBC College are hereby appointed as Zonal Supervisors:
Acyuta Priya Das: Ukraine & Moldova
Paramatma Das: Suriname
Srivas Pandit Das: Myanmar
Trilokatma Das: Slovakia, Albania & Macedonia
306: Appointing Zonal Supervisors (AGM 2017)
RESOLVED:
That the following graduates from the GBC College are hereby appointed as Zonal Supervisors:
Dayananda Swami: Scotland & North England
Devakinandan Das: Botswana
Divya priya DD: Ecuador
Doyal Govinda Das: Germany & Austria
Jai Nitai Das: London & Southeast England
Krsnapremarupa Das: Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Manohara Das: Belgium, the Netherlands, & Luxembourg
Nityananda Pran Das: US Midwest
Sutapa Das: North London (including Bhaktivedanta Manor)
Nrsimha Krsna Das: Turkey
307: China Zonal Configuration
RESOLVED:
China shall include ten zones:
1. Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong & Tianjin
2. Liaoning, Jilin & Harbin
3. Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia & Shaanxi
4. Xinjiang, Xizang & Qinghai
5. Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou & Chongqing
6. Henan, Hubei & Hunan
7. Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang & Jiangxi
8. Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan & Fujian
9. Hong Kong & Macau
10. Taiwan
308: Forming a Representative Body
Whereas the Sanga of GBCs, Gurus & Sannyasis (SGGS) wishes to see an increase of faith in the
leadership and of unity among the leaders;
Whereas the SGGS wishes to see the establishment of a system that provides checks & balances by
tapping into the collective wisdom of the senior devotees;
Whereas the SGGS wishes to see an approach that offers broader connection and representation,
thus providing increased legitimacy to the decisions of the GBC and some form of course-correction:
RESOLVED:
The GBC Organizational Development Committee (Org Dev) is mandated to work on the details of a
formal proposal, to be submitted at the October 2017 GBC midterm meeting, for a representative
body that would cooperatively work with the GBC and that would incorporate the following general
guidelines:
Functions:
Review GBC legislation & remand to GBC when needed.
Propose new legislation.
Advise on issues of concern for the GBC to consider.
Composition:
· Sannyasis
· Gurus
· At large seniors
· Continental representatives
· Vaisnavis
· Temple Presidents
· Youth
· Legal & Accounting professionals
The body should be composed of around thirty members.
The proposal should include details of the required training & qualifications for membership, the
procedure for selection/election of members, their tenure, etc.
309: Leadership Discussions Conference Policies
“Leadership Discussions” shall be a members-only web-based conference meant for the top level of
international ISKCON leadership to share and discuss information and issues related to their
service. Any issue related to management may be discussed. The moderator of the conference shall
be appointed by the GBC Executive Committee (GBC EC).
Conference membership is mandatory for GBC Members, Ministers, Deputies, and Global Duty
Officers, Zonal Supervisors and optional for GBC Emeriti.
One is automatically added to the conference when appointed to any of the above roles and upon
accepting the rules of participation in the conference. One's membership is revoked upon
retirement, resignation, demise or removal from their position.
Code of Conduct:
Courtesy
Members shall be courteous in tone and use respectful Vaishnava language when addressing issues
and topics that come before them, especially while referring to specific people or sensitive
information.
Gravity
While conducting official ISKCON matters, they shall avoid drawing insufficiently informed
conclusions about issues and/or individuals. Facts should be clearly documented with the source of
the information (unless where trusted sources deserve anonymity), and conjectures should be clearly
presented as such.
Respect
If a member has issues related to the personal conduct, speech, attitude, conference
participation etc., of another conference member that require resolution, they shall not express these
issues to others but instead, if appropriate, express them directly to the individual concerned, using
all the tact and Vaishnava etiquette at their command. Alternatively, or if direct communication fails
to bring a resolution, they should seek aid from a responsible third party such as a senior Vaishnava
or a representative of ISKCON Resolve.
Relevance
The content of postings to the conference must be within the following categories:
1. It is relevant to a matter of ISKCON policies or procedures.
2. It is relevant to a matter of GBC Body past, current or future action.
3. It is information of importance to the conference membership.
Confidentiality
Members shall maintain strict confidentiality about all issues and topics that are discussed on the
conference. Information from conference discussions should not be shared with non-conference
members without first taking written permission from the original poster(s).
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
Any member who feels that the Code of Conduct has been violated may directly and privately convey
this, together with the supporting evidence, to the moderator.
If the moderator receives evidence that in his opinion gives a prima facie indication that
a member has breached confidentiality then he shall immediately place that member on suspension
from the conference pending investigation. The moderator or a person(s) appointed by the
moderator shall present the received evidence to the member for an explanation and clarification of
the circumstances which led to the alleged breach. If required, further investigation may be
necessary. On the conclusion of the investigation the GBC EC shall give a written ruling that
includes:
· the specific breach and why it was judged so;
· the specific program of rectification, if any;
· the time period of suspension from the conference, if any, which shall be no longer than
one year; and
· the specific prerequisites for early restoration of conference privileges, if any.
If there has been a history of previous multiple violations of confidentiality then the GBC EC ruling
should include that the GBC Body should consider a proposal that the conference member be
removed from his or her positions held under GBC Body authority.
Violations of the aspects of the code of conduct other than confidentiality shall be dealt with
similarly, except that immediate suspension from the conference pending investigation shall be at
the discretion of the moderator.
Secretaries or other assistants managing a member's participation are subject to the same
policies:they must be made aware of these policies by the member they are assisting. Failure to do so
resulting in a breach of confidentiality shall result in the disciplining of the member as if the
member had been directly participating.
310: Global Observance of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi
[Guideline]
Whereas Sri Ramanujacarya, the great Vaisnava saint who lived between 1017 and 1137, requires no
introduction to the saintly, especially the Vaisnavas;
Whereas Sri Ramanujacarya’s 1000th anniversary is being celebrated around the world this year,
2017. According to the Sri Vaishnava calendar, his 1000th appearance day is on May 1, 2017;
Whereas although 1000 years have passed since the appearance of Sri Ramanujacarya, the years
have not dulled the level of adherence to his teachings and attraction to his exemplary life. Millions
of people now base their spiritual practices and religious conceptions on his words in both southern
India, and due to emigration, in the western world also. In many parts of the world, ISKCON is
associated very strongly with the Sri Vaisnavas;
Whereas our Gaudiya Acaryas including Srila Jiva Goswami, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura,
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura have all referenced and
commented on the teachings and life of Sri Ramanuja;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada used Sri Ramanuja`s works, amongst others, to give us the "Bhagavad-
Gita As It Is";
Whereas ISKCON Sriperumbudur and Kanchipuram are organizing grand celebrations this March in
which international devotees, sannyasis, and leaders are participating in the 10 day festival at
Sriperumbudur, the birth place of Acarya Sri Ramanuja;
Whereas following in the tradition of our acaryas, it would be a great opportunity for ISKCON to get
the mercy of Sri Ramanujacarya, and to enhance our already good relationships with the Sri
Vaishnava community globally, by having a "Global Observance" throughout the year, or particularly
leading up to May 1, 2017;
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON centers worldwide have a "Global Observance of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi", leading
up to May 1, 2017, or anytime through the year 2017, with suitable events and glorification befitting
the venerable and worshipable Vaisnava Acarya.
311: Regulation of Installations - Amendment
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas in 2012 the GBC passed the following law:
Any ISKCON center wishing to install any deities for public temple worship or commence the
worship of any deity in an ISKCON center must first receive a “Certificate of Readiness for
Worship” for the said deities.
Centers may not make any commitments or agreements regarding procuring and/or worshiping
deities until the “Certificate of Readiness for Worship” is granted. This “Certificate of Readiness for
Worship” applies only to the deities for which it is granted and is not a generic permanent
approval.
The readiness for worship will be assessed by a panel consisting of one local representative (either
from the temple concerned, the local GBC or a representative from the National Council or RGB,
etc.), a GBC appointed by the EC, and an ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry representative.
Whereas this law has proven very effective.
Whereas after 5 years of implementation, it is apparent that refinements need to be made to better
accommodate the needs and concerns of all;
Amendment 1
Whereas the following assessment panel has in practice not been implemented fully;
The readiness for worship will be assessed by a panel consisting of one local representative (either
from the temple concerned, the local GBC or a representative from the National Council or RGB,
etc.), a GBC appointed by the EC, and an ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry representative.
RESOLVED:
That the above be amended to:
The readiness for worship will be assessed by a local representative (from the temple concerned); the
local GBC, regional leadership (which may include a representative from the National Council or
RGB, etc.); and an ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry (IDWM) representative. The GBC Executive
Committee will be informed of the assessment outcome.
Amendment 2
Whereas in some cases temples have delayed planned installation dates, and their capacity to
worship deities has changed;
RESOLVED:
That the following clause is added to the above law:
This Certificate of Readiness is valid for up to 180 days beyond the initial scheduled installation
date. If the 180 day period has elapsed without the installation being completed, the temple will be
reassessed by the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry for a new Certificate of Readiness to be issued.
Amendment 3
Whereas Srila Prabhupada gave the following standard:
You have asked about Balarama Krsna deities. No, Balarama and Krsna are already there
as Caitanya and Nitai: Vrajendranandana yei, saci suta hailas sei . . . The best thing is to
establish Gaura Nitai deities. In Vrindaban we are establishing Balarama Krsna deities because
most of the centers there have Radha Krsna and there is not Balarama-Krsna. That has a different
purpose. We should not imitate that. Better to have Gaura-Nitai, Radha-Krsna, and
Lord Jagannatha—that system must continue. — Letter to Kirtanananda – 12 January 1974
Whereas there have been several applications for deities outside Srila Prabhupada’s preferred
deities;
Whereas to assess the validity of the need to install deities outside of the norm given by Srila
Prabhupada, ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry needs the support and direction of the GBC Body in
this regard:
RESOLVED:
For any applications for deities apart from those given by Srila Prabhupada, i.e. Radha
Krsna; Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra; Gaura-Nitai (or Panca Tattva) and śālagrāma silas; the
IDWM requires executive input. Therefore, for any application that includes Krsna-Balarama
or Sita Rama Lakshman Hanuman, the IDWM will consult with the GBC Executive Committee for
approval.
Any deities apart from the aforementioned must be approved by the GBC Body before IDWM can
issue a Certificate of Readiness for installing deities.
Amendment 4
Whereas it is apparent that there is a need to modify the law to sufficiently facilitate new centers in
the planning, fund-raising, and construction phase;
Whereas there needs to be accommodation in the law to procure deities and begin promoting
planned temple opening and installation plan prior to the Certificate of Readiness being granted;
while also not giving final approval to actually finalize the date of installation, or install/commence
worship of said deities;
Whereas the law currently states:
Centers may not make any commitments or agreements regarding procuring and/or worshiping
deities until the “Certificate of Readiness for Worship” is granted. This “Certificate of Readiness for
Worship” applies only to the deities for which it is granted and is not a generic permanent
approval.
RESOLVED:
That the above paragraph is amended to:
Centers may procure deities and begin promoting planned temple openings or additions to existing
worship once they have successfully completed the first stage of the approval process. Centers shall
not commit to and/or publicly advertise final dates for commencement of worship until they receive
a “Certificate of Readiness for Worship.”
This “Certificate of Readiness for Worship” applies only to the deities for which it is granted and is
not a generic permanent approval.
The initial contact:
The center wanting to commence the worship of deities makes an application via IDWM’s website.
After receiving this application, IDWM contacts local GBC and regional authorities to assess the
viability of the application. If this consultation shows the center has made a proper analysis of
requirements to worship deities and are moving in the right direction regarding allocation resources,
etc. to the worship of the deities, then the first stage approval is given. This then enables the temple
to make arrangements to acquire deities and commence fund-raising, etc.
The second and final stage will be assessed based on the findings of a site visit by an IDWM
representative, or comprehensive consultation with concerned devotees.
(kindly visit this page on the IDWM website for the full revised law)
312: Principles for Creating a Diksa-guru System for ISKCON
RESOLVED:
The following document as presented by the Guru Services Committee is accepted as an ISKCON
position paper:
Principles for Creating a Diksa-guru System for ISKCON
This paper explains the authority of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) to create a
system for devotees to take up the service of diksa-guru within the society, focusing on the
principles behind the system.
Through many written and spoken instructions, Srila Prabhupada made it abundantly clear that
after his departure the GBC should serve as ISKCON’s ultimate managerial authority. In his will he
states:
1. The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing
authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
[LD 6: Declaration of Will, June 1977]
Although within the Vedic literature we may not find specific references describing a system of
management with Vaisnavas working under a central authority such as the GBC, Srila Prabhupada
created one. In doing so he followed the order of his Guru Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Thakura, who requested his disciples to create a governing body. The significance of this is discussed
in Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi 12.8, purport:
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, at the time of his departure, requested all his
disciples to form a governing body and conduct missionary activities cooperatively. He did
not instruct a particular man to become the next acarya. But just after his passing away,
his leading secretaries made plans, without authority, to occupy the post of acarya, and
they split into two factions over who the next acarya would be.
Similarly, in the Vedic scriptures we will not find directions for Vaisnava institutions to endorse or
authorize spiritual positions like sannyasa or diksa-guru. Our evidence for the legitimacy of the
GBC establishing such processes consists of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and activities.
Concerning such important functions as approving sannyasa candidates, during his time with us
Srila Prabhupada gradually turned these over to the GBC. In ISKCON’s early years Srila Prabhupada
personally awarded sannyasa to those he thought qualified. Later he asked the GBC Body to
establish systems for assessing potential sannyasis:
For taking sannyasa you may consult your GBC member as we shall be
starting a new policy where the sannyasa candidate must meet certain
requirements to be determined by the GBC. [Letter to Danavir, 6 February
1973]
Your program for those who are desiring to take sannyasa is approved by
me and I request that you make something concrete and distribute it to all
the other GBC members and amongst yourselves you may decide who will
take sannyasa. [Letter to Satsvarupa, 10 February 1973]
Since Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, the GBC Ministry for Sannyasa Services has developed
systems for assessing and training candidates for sannyasa and recommending them to the GBC for
the GBC’s final approval.
Just as Srila Prabhupada established that the qualifications of prospective sannyasis should be
assessed, he similarly indicated that diksa gurus should have certain qualifications.
Srila Prabhupada expected that after his physical departure his disciples would continue the disciplic
succession, serving as gurus and accepting disciples into the parampara. He stated this as early as
1967:
Anyone following the order of Lord Chaitanya under the guidance of His
bonafide representative, can become a spiritual master and I wish that in my
absence all my disciples become the bonafide spiritual master to spread
Krishna consciousness throughout the whole world. I want it. . . . [Letter to
Madhusudana, 2 November 1967]
In 1975 he wrote that after his departure he wanted his disciples to become diksa-gurus if they
developed the necessary qualifications:
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. I want to see my disciples become bona fide spiritual master and
spread Krsna consciousness very widely. That will make me and Krsna very happy. [Letter
to Tusta Krsna Swami, 2 December 1975]
Srila Prabhupada wanted his disciples to attain a certain level of spiritual advancement before taking
up the service of giving diksa. The minimum level he expected is expressed in the following quotes:
Generally the spiritual master comes from the group of such eternal
associates of the Lord; but anyone who follows the principles of such ever
liberated persons is as good as one in the above mentioned group. . . . A
person who is liberated acharya and guru cannot commit any mistake, but
there are persons who are less qualified or not liberated, but still can act as
guru and acharya by strictly following the disciplic succession. [Letter to
Janardana, 26 April 1968]
Tamal Krsna: Well, I have studied myself and all of your disciples, and it’s
a clear fact that we are all conditioned souls, so we cannot be guru. Maybe
one day it may be possible . . .
Prabhupada: Hmm.
Tamal Ksna: . . . but not now.
Prabhupada: Yes. I shall choose some guru. I shall say, “Now you become
acarya. You become authorized.” I am waiting for that. You become all
acarya. I retire completely. But the training must be complete.
Tamal Krsna: The process of purification must be there.
Prabhupada: Oh, yes, must be there. Caitanya Mahaprabhu wants that.
amara ajnaya guru hana. “You become guru.” [laughs] But be qualified.
Little thing, strictly follower . . .
Tamal Krsna: Not rubber stamp.
Prabhupada:: Then you’ll not be effective. You can cheat, but it will not be
effective. [Room Conversation, 22 April 1977, Bombay]
An example of training and assessment for initiating spiritual masters that could be further
developed is scriptural training and tests. As early as 1969 Srila Prabhupada explained a future
program of sastric training so that his disciples would have the necessary philosophical knowledge to
act as initiating spiritual masters:
Next January there will be an examination on this Bhagavad-gita. Papers will
be sent by me to all centers, and those securing the minimum passing grade will be
given the title as Bhakti-sastri. Similarly, another examination will be held on Lord
Caitanya's Appearance Day in February, 1970 and it will be upon Srimad-
Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Those passing will get the title of Bhakti-
vaibhava. Another examination will be held sometimes in 1971 on the four books,
Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and Nectar of
Devotion. One who will pass this examination will be awarded with the title of
Bhaktivedanta. I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this
title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue
through the generations. Those possessing the title of Bhaktivedanta will be allowed
to initiate disciples. Maybe by 1975, all of my disciples will be allowed to initiate and
increase the numbers of the generations. That is my program. So we should not
simply publish these books for reading by outsiders, but our students must be well
versed in all of our books so that we can be prepared to defeat all opposing parties
in the matter of self-realization.
[Letter to: Hansadutta -- Los Angeles 3 January, 1969]
While neither Srila Prabhupada nor the GBC put the specifics of this idea in place, the principle is
clear that devotees who accept disciples are subject to specific training, standards and oversight
before they are allowed to initiate disciples.
After creating the GBC in 1970, Srila Prabhupada wrote: I have formed this GBC for that purpose, to
keep the devotional standards at the highest level and at the same time to manage a world-wide
organization. [Letter to Rupanuga, 4 Nov 1970]
Certainly the qualifications of gurus (and the qualifications of disciples) fall within the "devotional
standards" mentioned by Srila Prabhupada to be safeguarded, and in some cases clarified, by the
GBC.
Srila Prabhupada indicated the need for sastric degrees for many levels of service in ISKCON, and he
left the duty to clarify and codify those degrees and levels to the GBC: As far as the Bhakti-sastri
and other examinations are concerned, that we will discuss at the GBC meeting. [Letter to Nitai, 24
Jan 1976]
The persons best able to ascertain whether a proposed guru has been sufficiently steady in his
service and loyal to Srila Prabhupada are the senior devotees who have known and served with the
candidate for many years; that is, his peers and seniors in his geographic areas of service.
Prospective diksa-gurus are assessed by a group of senior ISKCON leaders from the area where they
reside and preach to determine whether they have the minimum qualifications required to accept
disciples according to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions. A final review is done by the GBC.
The GBC has also provided the “Spiritual Leadership Seminar: Being a guru in ISKCON” to assist
diksa gurus in their service of caring for disciples and serving within Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON.
There are also regular sangas where the gurus, sannyasis and GBC associate with each other.
The GBC, following Srila Prabhupada’s example and instructions, thus understands that one of its
duties is to implement systems of assessment and training so that qualified devotees may take up the
service of becoming initiating spiritual masters in ISKCON.
313: Global Duties & Responsibilities of the Governing Body Commission
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas the GBC wishes to formalize the understanding of its global services to the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness;
Whereas it is important that duties and responsibilities be clarified at all levels of the Society;
Whereas the GBC wishes to produce a legacy document for the instruction and training of future
GBC members:
RESOLVED:
That the document “Global Duties & Responsibilities of the Governing Body Commission (GBC)” is
accepted as an official statement and shall be part of ISKCON Law.
ISKCON GBC resolutions 2017 (mid-term general meeting) — archived copy of
https://gbc.iskcon.org/gbc_res/GBCRES17MGM.html, retrieved 2 October 2026, by The Krishna Files. Text as
published; site navigation removed.
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 MIDTERM GENERAL MEETING
UJJAIN, MP, OCTOBER 9-17, 2017
Section 100: APPOINTMENTS
101. GBC Officers and Members
1. Hridayananda Das Goswami is elected as a GBC member with zonal responsibility for Brazil.
2. Acyutatma Das is elected as a GBC member with zonal responsibilities for Moscow and St.
Petersburg.
3. The resignation of Bhakti-Vijnana Goswami is accepted.
4. The GBC Body appoints a team of Romapada Swami, Devamrita Swami, Radhanath Swami and
Vaisesika Das to function as the GBC authority for the Greater New York area.
102: Global Duty Officers’ Re-appointment
Resolved:
That the following Global Duty Officers are hereby reappointed for a further one year term:
1. Bhakti Prabhava Swami
2. Devakinandan Das
3. Gauranga Das
4. Govardhan Das
5. Hanuman Das
6. Krsnadas Kaviraja Das
7. Mathuresa Das
8. Mukunda Madhava Das
9. Parabhakti Das
10. Praharana Dasi
11. Radha Krsna Das
12. Satya Gopinath Das
13. Srivallabha Das
14. Srivas Das
15. Srivas Pandit Das
16. Tapana Misra Das
17. Tirtharaj Das
Section 300: INTERNAL ISKCON
301. Midterm General Meeting 2018
The Midterm General Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society shall take place from October 15-21,
2018, at ISKCON Kanpur, UP, India.
302: Shared Statement of the GBC Body & HH Hridayananda Das Goswami
On October 15th and 16th, HH Hridayananda Das Goswami and HG Brahma Tirtha Prabhu met
with the GBC Body and a special subcommittee to discuss some mutual philosophical concerns and
Krishna West.
The committee members included the GBC Executive Committee--Bhakti Charu Swami, Madhu
Sevita Das & Bhaktivaibhava Swami--as well as Sivarama Swami, Radhanath Swami, Guru Prasad
Swami, Prahladananda Swami, Badrinarayan Swami, Bir Krishna Das Goswami and Praghosa Das.
While those discussions are a work in progress and will continue up to and during the 2018 GBC
Annual General Meeting, the meeting in Ujjain was conducted in a very polite, cordial, and Vaisnava
way and the following statement was unanimously agreed upon:
As a liberated maha-bhagavata, Srila Prabhupada perfectly presented the teachings of Lord Krishna
and the previous acaryas. Controversial or paradoxical statements should be understood and
explained in a way that shows proper veneration toward Srila Prabhupada and protects his dignity
as the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, and a pure devotee of Lord Krishna.
The GBC Body and Hridayananda Das Goswami are jointly striving toward a better integration of
Krishna West within the general ISKCON preaching strategy.
The GBC body has requested Hridayananda Das Goswami to serve as the GBC for Brazil, provisional
to confirmation at the AGM. It is hoped that in due time, Dhanvantari Swami will assist Maharaja as
a co-GBC. Dhanvantari Swami is requested to begin the process and education required to take up
the service.
We are grateful for everyone's cooperation in this matter. While this group endeavors to come to a
mutually beneficial and encouraging path forward, we request the assembly of devotees to maintain
a respectful attitude towards all involved parties and avoid criticism on either side of the issue. Any
questions in the meantime should be referred to the official spokesperson of the committee, Bir
Krishna das Goswami.
303: GBC Decision Regarding the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School,
Vrindavan
The GBC hereby establishes that the Vrindavan CPT team now has full child protection authority
over the BGIS school. That team is composed of Gaura Purnima Dasi (Chairperson), Sevamurti
Radhika Dasi, Kirtan Premi das, Nadia Dasi, and Sri Rama Pandit Das. Additional members may be
appointed by the CPO Director.
Sevamurti Radhika will continue to serve as the full time Child Protection Officer for the school.
The CPO International Director, Kamlesh Krishna Das, will be in regular contact and seek reports
from the CPT team and the school management to measure progress and expected improvements in
child protection standards at the school.
The principal of the school, Harikeshwar Das, and Sevamurti Radhika Dasi, will attend weekly
meetings of the Vrindavan Management Committee.
The Administrators of the BGIS agreed to fully cooperate with the CPT team above, and recognize
that the CPT team is directly empowered as a representative of the GBC Body.
The CPO International Director will submit a formal report to the GBC regarding progress,
standards, and any violations of child protection in advance of the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
of the GBC in February 2018.
The GBC shall review this report and make further decisions regarding the future status of the
school at that time.
304: Accepting a Resignation from the California BBT Trust (passed by Correspondence
Vote in July 2017)
Whereas Jayadvaita Swami has submitted his resignation from the post of trustee of the
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (California/USA),
And whereas Jayadvaita Swami has offered the following reasons for his resignation:
(a) I am aging. And though (as far as I am aware) no mortal disease has yet laid claim on me, I have
reached the years where my powers are dwindling, not growing.
(b) I am a member of an older generation, I welcome the opportunity to move aside in favor of those
who are younger.
(c) I will be happy to continue to serve the BBT as an advisor for however long my service may be
useful. But for this I need not hold a post.
And whereas the other trustees of the California trust have accepted his resignation;
And whereas we, the GBC, respect his decision to resign and have no objections
Resolved:
We hereby confirm our acceptance of the resignation of Jayadvaita Swami from the post of trustee of
the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (the California/USA trust based in Los Angeles).
We understand that Jayadvaita Swami continues to work as part of the global body of BBT trustees
and directors as a consultant, thus pushing forward the BBT's mission.
The GBC would also like to offer its deep appreciation for Jayadvaita Swami's decades of dedicated
and excellent service to the BBT.
305: One World Team (passed by Correspondence Vote in September 2017)
Summary: "Inspired by the success of the goal-driven model for increasing book distribution in
North America, the BBT Marketing and Communications Department would like to propose a "One
World Team" approach with an aim to increase book distribution in all temples around the world.
By setting a unified worldwide goal and by providing methods by which congregations can be
engaged in systematic book distribution efforts, the 'One World Team' has the potential to create a
new wave of increased book distribution throughout ISKCON."
Whereas the 7th purpose of ISKCON is "With a view towards achieving all aforementioned
purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings."
Whereas any devotee who has studied Srila Prabhupada’s life and teachings knows that he wanted
his followers to inundate the world with his transcendental books.
Whereas the 'One World Team' proposal incorporates a unified world-wide goal-driven approach for
book distribution for temples all over the world.
Resolved:
1. The GBC embraces the 'One World Team' to cooperate with the expansion and organization of
book distribution all over the world.
2. The GBC Zonal Secretary will ratify the annual goals set for the 'One World Team' and will
monitor and encourage their zones to accomplish those goals.
Note: The related logistics and support services for this proposal will be performed by the BBT
Marketing and Communications Department.
ISKCON GBC zonal assignments 2017 — archived copy of https://gbc.iskcon.org/gbc_res/ZASSGN17.html, retrieved 2
October 2026, by The Krishna Files. Text as published; site navigation removed.
Zonal Assignments 2017
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
Washington DC
Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:
Pennsylvania: Eastern
Co-Zonal Secretary with Tamohara Das for:
West Virginia
Badrinarayan Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
California: Except Berkeley
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Utah
Wyoming
Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Algeria
Burkina Faso
Chad
Djibouti
Egypt
Ethiopia
Gambia
Libya
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Niger
Senegal
Somalia
Sudan
Tunisia
Armenia
Russia: Volga Region
Afghanistan
Iran
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: Baikal
Russia: Eastern Siberia
Russia: South 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 and Hridaya Caitanya Das 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
West Bengal: Calcutta
Co-Zonal Secretary with Ramai Swami and Sesa Das for:
Washington State: Seattle
Bhakti Purusottama Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Charu Swami and 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, Bhakti Charu Swami,
Praghosa Das and Hridaya Caitanya Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami and Devakinandan Das for:
Bihar
Jharkhand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka 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 Jayapataka Swami for:
Bhutan
Nepal
Orissa: North & Puri, except Puri Project
Orissa: West
Sikkim
West Bengal, except Mayapur and Calcutta
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: Baikal
Russia: Eastern Siberia
Russia: South 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:
Quebec
Cuba
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami for:
British Columbia
Canada: Maritime Provinces
Canada: Prairie Provinces
Canada: The Territories
Ontario
Co-Zonal Secretary with Tamohara Das for:
Florida: Miami
Bhaktivaibhava Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Mongolia
Albania
Czech Republic
Finland
Macedonia
Slovakia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:
Russia: Baikal
Russia: Eastern Siberia
Russia: South Siberia
Russia: Western Siberia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Caitanya Swami for:
Latvia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Purusottama Swami for:
North Korea
South Korea
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 Prahladananda Swami for:
Bulgaria
Poland
Co-Zonal Secretary with Sivarama Swami for:
Romania
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 Bangalore and Belgaum
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
Co-Zonal Secretary with Giridhari Swami for:
China: Mainland
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Devamrita Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Pennsylvania: Port Royal
Co-Zonal Secretary with Anuttama Das for:
Pennsylvania: Eastern
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
Giridhari Swami
Co-Zonal Secretary with Candrasekhara Acarya Das for:
China: Mainland
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Gopal Krishna Goswami
Zonal Secretary for:
Burundi
Kenya
Rwanda
Tanzania
Uganda
Azerbaijan
Delhi, except Noida
Maharashtra: Kharghar
Myanmar
Pakistan
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Vijnana Goswami for:
Russia: Golden Ring
Russia: South
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami for:
British Columbia
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 Jasomatinandana Das for:
Gujarat
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami,
Praghosa Das and Hridaya Caitanya Das 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
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
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 and Manonatha Das for:
Costa Rica
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti-bhusana Swami for:
Belize
Nicaragua
Colombia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Virabahu Das for:
Venezuela
Hridaya Caitanya Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Andorra
Gibraltar
Portugal
Spain
Co-Zonal Secretary with Dina Sharana Devi Dasi for:
France: Dole
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Charu Swami,
Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Praghosa Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Co-Zonal Secretary with Madhu Sevita Das for:
Belgium
France, except Dole
Luxembourg
The Netherlands
Jayapataka Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Comoros
Seychelles
Bolivia
Ecuador
Peru
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 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
Orissa: North & Puri, except Puri Project
Orissa: West
Sikkim
West Bengal, except Mayapur and Calcutta
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:
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 Bangalore and Belgaum
Lakshadweep
Maldives
Puducherry
Sri Lanka
Tamil Nadu: Eastern
Co-Zonal Secretary with Gopal Krishna Goswami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Bhakti Purusottama
Swami, Praghosa Das and Hridaya 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 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, Umbria, Southern Italy, and Rome Area
Malta
San Marino
Co-Zonal Secretary with Hridaya Caitanya Das for:
Belgium
France, except Dole
Luxembourg
The Netherlands
Malati Devi Dasi
Zonal Secretary for:
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio
Pennsylvania: Western
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 and Hridaya Caitanya Das for:
West Bengal: Mayapur
Prahladananda Swami
Zonal Secretary for:
Croatia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktivaibhava Swami for:
Bulgaria
Poland
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
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
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:
Melanesia, except Fiji
Micronesia
Polynesia, except Hawaii and New Zealand
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Charu Swami and Sesa Das for:
Washington State: Seattle
Co-Zonal Secretary with Devamrita Swami for:
Australia
New Zealand
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:
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Vermont
Wisconsin
Sesa Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Florida: Gainesville
Florida: Orlando
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhakti Charu Swami and Ramai Swami for:
Washington State: Seattle
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)
Hawaii
Oregon
Tennessee
Co-Zonal Secretary with Anuttama Das for:
West Virginia
Co-Zonal Secretary with Bhaktimarga Swami for:
Florida: Miami
Virabahu Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Caribbean, except Cuba and Trinidad & Tobago
French Guiana
Guyana
Surinam
Argentina
Falkland Islands
Uruguay
Co-Zonal Secretary with Guru Prasad Swami for:
Venezuela
Co-Zonal Secretary with Jayapataka Swami for:
Chile
II. Zonal Assignments for Special Committees
GBC Executive Committee
Zonal Secretary for:
Brazil
Special Committee for the Philippines, members: Giridhari Swami, Janananda
Goswami, Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami, Tirtharaj Das
Zonal Secretary for:
Philippines
North American Executive Committee
Zonal Secretary for:
Alaska
Arizona: Phoenix Area
Arizona: Tucson Area
Arkansas
California: Berkeley
Oklahoma
Texas
Washington State, except Seattle
Puri Development Committee, members: Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Purusottam
Swami,
Devakinandan Das (Chairman), Braja Hari Das (Vice-Chairman), Basu Ghosh Das,
Vanamali
Das, Gour Nitai 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 Zonal Supervisors
Acyuta Priya Das - Ukraine & Moldova
Amara Gouranga Das - Chile
Dayananda Swami - Scotland & North England
Devakinandan Das - Botswana
Divya priya DD - Ecuador
Doyal Govinda Das - Germany & Austria
Jai Nitai Das - London & Southeast England
Krsnapremarupa Das - Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Manohara Das - Belgium, the Netherlands, & Luxembourg
Mathuresh Das - Bolivia & Peru
Nityananda Pran Das - US Midwest
Nrsimha Krsna Das - Turkey
Paramatma Das – Suriname
Radha Krsna Das - Hungary & Romania
Srivas Das - West Africa
Srivas Pandit Das - Myanmar
Sutapa Das - North London (including Bhaktivedanta Manor)
Trilokatma Das - Slovakia, Albania & Macedonia
IV. 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
Maharashtra: Navi Mumbai and Thane District
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
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
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
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 GBC resolutions 2017 (annual general meeting), earlier version — archived copy of
https://gbc.iskcon.org/gbc_res/GBCRES17.html as published on 10 June 2017, retrieved 2 October 2026, by The Krishna
Files. Text as published; site navigation removed.
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 9 - 22, 2017
Go to 2017 Zonal Assignments
Section 100: APPOINTMENTS
101. GBC Officers and Members
1. His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami is elected GBC Chairman.
2. His Grace Madhu Sevita Das is elected First Vice-Chairman.
3. His Holiness Bhaktivaibhava Swami is elected Second Vice-Chairman.
4. His Holiness Gopal Krsna Goswami is elected GBC Secretary.
5. His Grace Revati Raman Das is elected as a full GBC member.
6. His Holiness Giridhari Swami is re-appointed as a GBC member.
102. Sannyasa Waiting List
The following are the candidates for sannyasa along with their respective waiting periods:
Adi Purusa Das (Bhubaneswar) 1 year
Adwaitacharya Das (Bhubaneswar) this year
Akincana Das (Odisha) this year
Ananda Vardhana Das (Baltics/Finland/Europe) 1 year
Asit Krsna Das (India/Hong Kong/China/Taiwan) this year
Bhaktipada Das (New Vraja Dhama, Hungary) 1 year
Deva Deva Das (South America) 1 year
Eklavya Das (India/Middle East/North America) 1 year
Gaura Chandra Das (Mayapur) 1 year
Hari Das (Manipur) this year
Madhu Sevita Das (Italy/France/Benelux) 1 year
Mahadyuti Das (Europe/Russia/South America) this year
Mahaprabhu Das (Hungary/Romania) 1 year
Markandeya Risi (Malaysia) this year
Navadvip Dvija Gouranga Das (Bangladesh) 2 years
Priti Vardhana Das (Mayapur) 2 years
Puspashila Shyama Das (Bangladesh) 1 year
Raghava Pandit Das (Delhi/India) 2 years
Rupa Raghunatha Das (Europe/South America/India) this year
Santa Nrisimha Das (Jaipur) 2 years
Venudhari Das (Mayapur) 3 years
Vishvavasu Das (Germany/Baltics/Russia) 3 years
Added to the list in 2017:
Adhokshaja Das (Russia) 5 years
Asim Krishna Das (Mumbai) 3 years
Gargamuni Das (Fiji) 5 years
Gopendra Das (Vrindavan) 5 years
Govindanandana Das (West Bengal) 5 years
Kamalalochan Das (Mumbai) 4 years
Premadata Das (Italy, India) 2 years
Radhashyamsunder Das (Vrindavan) 4 years
Sundarlala Das (Mauritius) 3 years
Sutapa Das (UK) 5 years
Vanamali Das (Mumbai) 4 years
Vrindavanchandra Das (Vrindavan) 2 years
103. Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees
The following are the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership assignments for
2017-18:
Congregational Development Ministry Co-Ministers – Jayapataka Swami, Kaunteya Das
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca Das
ISKCON Youth Ministry Minister – Manorama Das
Ministry of Book Distribution Minister – Vijaya Das
Ministry of Communications Minister – Anuttama Das
Ministry of Cow Protection and Minister – Kalakantha Das
Agriculture
Ministry of Education Minister – Sesa Das
Ministry of Fund Development Minister – Devakinandan Das
Ministry of Health and Welfare Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other member – Bir Krishna Das Goswami
Ministry of Justice Minister – Sesa Das
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute Minister of Justice, a representative of ISKCON Resolve,
Resolution Committee (IDRC) the second Vice-Chairman of the GBC, and the Director of
the ISKCON Dispute Resolution Office
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute Director – GBC EC, pending nomination
Resolution Office
Ministry of Padayatra Minister – Lokanath Swami
Ministry of Sannyasa Services Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other members: Sivarama Swami, Bhakti Gauravani
Goswami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya
Swami, Hrdaya Caitanya Das
Vaisnavi Ministry Co-Ministers – Malati Dasi, Prasanta Dasi, and Radha
Dasi (California)
BBT Construction Grant Allocation Members – Ramai Swami, Bhanu Swami, Devamrita
Committee (BBTCG) Swami, Current GBC Chairman, Hrdaya Caitanya Das
(Convener)
GBC Nominations Committee Members – Tamohara Das (Chairman), Prahladananda
Swami, Praghosa Das, Gopal Bhatta Das (Convenor),
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
Anuttama Das, Revati Raman Das, Gauranga Das,
Aniruddha Das, Laxmimoni Dasi
GBC-BBT Team Members – Badrinarayan Swami (Coordinator), Gopal
Krishna Goswami, Sivarama Swami, Madhu Sevita Das,
Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Praghosa Das
GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee Members – Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya Das,
Sadasivananda Das, Bhaktarupa Das (Convener)
Guru Services Committee Members – Anuttama Das (Chairman), Prahladananda
Swami, Virabahu Das, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Atul
Krishna Das (Mayapur)
ISKCON Central Office of Child Director – Kamlesh Krishna Das
Protection
ISKCON Property Office Members – Current GBC Executive Committee, Kuladri
Das (Convener-Secretary), Bhaktarupa Das
Sastric Advisory Council Members: Urmila Dasi (Acting Chair), Drutakarma Das,
Gauranga Das, Hari Parsad Das, Harideva Das, Narayani
Dasi, Adi-purusa Das, Caitanya-caran Das, Sarvajna Das,
Brijabasi Das, Krishna Abhishek Das
Associate Members: Giriraja Swami, Krishna Kshetra
Swami, Radhika Raman Das, Gopinatha-acarya Das,
Madana-mohana Das
World Holy Name Week Committee Global Coordination Team – Lokanath Swami,
Janananda Goswami, Eklavya Das
Section 200: FINANCES
201: Budget
The GBC budget for 2016-17 is (in INR):
Annual General Meetings 552,500
Cow Protection & Agriculture 325,000
Child Protection Office 650,000
Dandavats 389,025
Deity Worship Ministry 910,000
Emergency Fund 260,000
Legal & related expenses 650,000
Executive Committee Travel 195,000
Finance & Bank Charges 32,500
GBC Strategic Planning team 715,000
GBC Corresponding Secretary 429,000
GBC EC Secretary 429,000
ISKCON Office of Dispute Resolution 130,000
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry 162,500
ISKCON Temple Database 195,000
ISKCON Ethics and Code Department 162,500
ISKCON Lawbook 65,000
ISKCON News website 260,000
ISKCON Resolve 520,000
ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry 65,000
ISKCON Connection 292,500
Mayapur GBC Office 403,000
Ministry of Education 409,500
Swami Productions (Bhaktimarga Swami) 130,000
Vaisnava Calendar Web Site 32,500
Vaisnavi Ministry 65,000
Youth Ministry 97,500
TOTAL 8,527,025
202. Appointment of Auditor
Sri Ritesh Shah & Associates, Chartered Accountants, of P-27, Princep Street, Kolkata 700072, is
appointed as statutory auditor for the year 2017-18.
Section 300: INTERNAL ISKCON
301. Midterm Meeting 2017
The Midterm Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society shall take place from October 9-17, 2017, at
ISKCON Ujjain, India.
302. Annual General Meeting 2018
The dates of the Annual General Meeting shall be determined by the GBC Body based on the
recommendation of a subcommittee consisting of the GBC Executive Committee, Jayapataka Swami,
Lokanath Swami, Laxmimoni DD, and Sankarshan Nitai Das.
(Note: Resolutions 303-305 were originally passed at the October 2017 Midterm Meetings)
303: 2016 Child Protection Action
Whereas recent videos, publicity, and discussions have drawn particular attention to on-going
problems at the schools in Vrindavan and Mayapur. These locations are both centers of historic
Vaisnava worship and places that Srila Prabhupada envisioned to be exemplary centers of Krishna
Conscious education, worship and culture. They should therefore be flagships of child and devotee
care; not continued sources of concern or harm.
Whereas the ongoing problems in Vrindavan and Mayapur show that despite some genuine efforts,
clearly not enough has been done. Local leaders, and perhaps the GBC itself, are not living up to the
expectations demanded of them.
Whereas direct intervention is needed by the GBC to assure child protection within our ISKCON
Society and Schools, and also satisfy the greater ISKCON community that the GBC is acting
decisively,
Therefore, the following measures should be put in place regarding the Mayapur and Vrindavan
schools. (We recognize that some of these measures may already be in place. Such progress is
appreciated yet we list the full requirements below for proper documentation.)
Vrindavan School (Bhaktivedanta Gurukula & International School – BGIS)
Whereas, several months ago students of the Vrindavan school (BGIS) were sexually abused off site
by a local perpetrator who is known to be a danger. The school pushed police authorities to have the
alleged perpetrator, Devashish, arrested and a trial is proceeding. To push for the arrest and
prosecution in a region where police are usually unwilling to take strong action is commendable.
Whereas, that any abuse could again occur in the vicinity of this school—despite the high priority of
child protection we should expect there—is unacceptable. It demonstrates that the school did not
have adequate measures in place to ensure the safety of its students.
Whereas, the Director of the ISKCON Child Protection Office has determined that child protection
training, policies, and enforcement are inadequate within the BGIS.
RESOLVED:
The Vrindavan school (BGIS) is on notice for a minimum of one year from the date of the passage of
this resolution. Within that time, the school must address the following mandates or be subject to a
GBC discussion and possible decision to close its boarding school function. It is understood that
some of these items may have been recently put into place. The GBC Executive Committee
representative will be conducting an inquiry shortly after the conclusion of the midterm meetings to
determine the progress and what additional steps are needed on the following mandates:
1. Administration
The Principal of the school must live full time in Vrindavan and work full time at the school.
The Principal must fulfill all qualifications required of such a post as established by the Indian
Government, and have the appropriate educational background to oversee such a school.
The Principal must undergo full CPO training, off site if necessary, at the school’s expense.
2. Within three months a full time Child Protection Officer must be engaged at the school.
a. The school will pay the salary of the CP Officer at a level appropriate to attract a qualified,
well-trained person.
b. The Child Protection Officer is charged with ensuring the safety of the children at the
school, and that they are protected from all forms of abuse. Any training, policies, or
other programs that he or she deems necessary must be implemented by the Principal.
c. The CP Officer will be hired (or fired) with the advice and concurrence of the
international CPO Director.
d. The CP Officer is accountable to the international CPO Director and school
administration.
e. The CP Officer will file quarterly reports to the local administration, VEB, CPO, GBC EC,
India Bureau EC, and the Principal.
3. Within three months, or at the latest one month after the hiring of the Child Protection
Officer per above, the Principal must provide a detailed plan for ongoing child protection at
the school, in consultation with the CP Officer and the International CPO Director,
considering the school’s unique features and challenges.
4. The school will facilitate bi-annual inspections by the International Child Protection Director,
or his or her representatives, and cover all the costs of such a visit. The first inspection
should be conducted by January 2017. The visits shall last as long as needed, as determined
by the CPO Director, and during that time the CPO Director shall have unhindered access to
the school and to meet with students, administrators, parents, teachers, and other interested
parties.
a. Any recommendations of the CPO must be undertaken by the school administrators
within a time frame established by the CPO.
b. Failure to act on those recommendations will be reported to the GBC EC, and the
ISKCON India Bureau, and may be cause for further probation or will subject the school
to a vote of the GBC whether its boarding school functions, or the entire school, should be
closed.
5. If the above steps are not in place within three months from passage of this resolution then all
fund-raising for a new school campus shall be suspended, as determined by the GBC EC with
the advice of the International CPO Director.
Mayapur Schools
Whereas, numerous problems and complaints have been directed toward the Mayapur Schools, and
several recent CPO investigations and cases have been undertaken.
Whereas, despite sincere attempts of the management to address child protection concerns, these
have appeared inadequate to meet the many issues and problems associated with a very large
community with multiple schools.
RESOLVED:
1. Within 3 months the Mayapur Management is directed to reconstitute its Child Protection
Team (CPT), as the current CPT objectivity may be compromised due to family affiliations.
The local CPT should be composed of parents and other concerned adults. It is recommended
that teachers and administrators from the several Mayapur schools should participate and
act as advisors, but shall not vote nor be the decision makers of the CPT.
2. A full time Child Protection Officer must be engaged at the Mayapur community and
schools within 3 months of the date of this resolution.
a. The local schools will share the costs the salary with the community for the CP Officer
(proportionally as determined MAC with approval of the MEB) at a level appropriate to
attract a qualified, well-trained person.
b. The Child Protection Officer is charged with ensuring the safety of the children at the
schools and community, and that they are protected from any abuse. Any training, policies,
or other programs that he or she deems necessary must be implemented by the respective
school’s Principal.
c. The CP Officer will be hired (or fired) with the advice and concurrence of the International
CPO Director.
d. The CP Officer is accountable to the international CPO Director and local administration.
e. The CP Officer will file quarterly reports to the MAC, CPO, GBC EC, ISKCON Indian
Bureau, and the Principals.
3. The International CPO Director or their representative shall visit the Mayapura schools a
minimum of twice a year. Costs of the visit will be borne by the schools and community.
During that time the CPO Director shall have unhindered access to all the schools located in
Mayapura, and to meet with students, administrators, parents, teachers, and other interested
parties.
Recommendations of the CPO must be undertaken by school administrators within the time
frame determined by the CPO.
4. Failure to act on those recommendations will be reported to the GBC EC, and the Bureau, and
may be cause for further action by the GBC including possibly ending boarding school
functions, or closure of certain schools.
5. The previous principal is required to complete the full mandate of the previous CPO decision
about him. That is, he shall permanently relocate to a living space off, and away from any
school facility. The CPO decision that he must not be engaged in any administration work
must also be followed strictly. The CPO and Ministry of Education will ensure prior CPO
decisions are being followed.
6. School officials shall do whatever necessary to correct the erroneous conception that the
Bhaktivedanta Academy is “Maharaja’s school” as he is prohibited from managing the school
by a prior CPO decision.
Additional Recommendations
Due to the above mentioned issues and problems with the schools within India, the ISKCON India
Bureau is urged and directed to establish a CPO for India that will work under the direction of the
International CPO and report to both the Bureau and the International CPO, as is currently done in
other regional CPO offices. Sufficient funds should be provided to ensure a capable Director is hired
along with payment for necessary office functions.
The Bureau Chairman is requested to report back to the GBC by the AGM 2017 in regards to
progress in this matter.
(Please click here for the CPO Director’s report on the above Resolution)
304: Global Duty Officers
Whereas GBC Resolution 305 of 2016 created the position of Global Duty Officers (GDOs) to “assist
the GBC in its international functions within special projects, GBC Standing Committees, Strategic
Planning Network initiatives, global Ministries, attending and serving during GBC meetings, etc. as
required by the GBC;”
RESOLVED:
That the following devotees are hereby appointed as Global Duty Officers. They are listed along with
their respective locations and service illustrations:
1. Bhakti Prabhava Swami United Kingdom Sannyasa Ministry
2. Devakinandan Das Singapore GBC Legal Office
3. Gauranga Das India ISKCON Knowledge Exchange
Portal and ISKCON Administration
4. Govardhan Das South Africa ISKCON Economy
5. Hanuman Das Spain Sannyasa Ministry
6. Krsnadas Kaviraja Das Canada Sannyasa Ministry
7. Mathuresa Das Bolivia GBC Executive Secretariat & GBC
College for Leadership Development
Latin America coordination
8. Mukunda Madhava Das India Fundraising
9. Parabhakti Das Italy Service under Definition
10. Praharana Dasi Canada GBC Executive Secretary
11. Radha Krsna Das Hungary GBC vetting process development
12. Satya Gopinath Das India Fundraising
13. Srivallabha Das UAE GBC Support Staffing, SGGS Office
14. Srivas Das Ghana GBC Executive Secretariat Africa
Coordination
15. Srivas Pandit Das Myanmar Sannyasa Ministry
16. Tapana Misra Das Kuwait/Mayapur OrgDev-GBC Support Staffing, GDO
Coordination, Congregational
Development Ministry
17. Tirtharaj Das Hong Kong ISKCON Knowledge Exchange
Portal
305: Appointing Zonal Supervisors (Midterm Meeting 2016)
RESOLVED:
That the following graduates from the GBC College are hereby appointed as Zonal Supervisors:
Acyuta Priya Das: Ukraine & Moldova
Paramatma Das: Suriname
Srivas Pandit Das: Myanmar
Trilokatma Das: Slovakia, Albania & Macedonia
306: Appointing Zonal Supervisors (AGM 2017)
RESOLVED:
That the following graduates from the GBC College are hereby appointed as Zonal Supervisors:
Dayananda Swami: Scotland & North England
Devakinandan Das: Botswana
Divya priya DD: Ecuador
Doyal Govinda Das: Germany & Austria
Jai Nitai Das: London & Southeast England
Krsnapremarupa Das: Switzerland & Liechtenstein
Manohara Das: Belgium, the Netherlands, & Luxembourg
Nityananda Pran Das: US Midwest
Sutapa Das: North London (including Bhaktivedanta Manor)
Nrsimha Krsna Das: Turkey
307: China Zonal Configuration
RESOLVED:
China shall include ten zones:
1. Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong & Tianjin
2. Liaoning, Jilin & Harbin
3. Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia & Shaanxi
4. Xinjiang, Xizang & Qinghai
5. Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou & Chongqing
6. Henan, Hubei & Hunan
7. Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang & Jiangxi
8. Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan & Fujian
9. Hong Kong & Macau
10. Taiwan
308: Forming a Representative Body
Whereas the Sanga of GBCs, Gurus & Sannyasis (SGGS) wishes to see an increase of faith in the
leadership and of unity among the leaders;
Whereas the SGGS wishes to see the establishment of a system that provides checks & balances by
tapping into the collective wisdom of the senior devotees;
Whereas the SGGS wishes to see an approach that offers broader connection and representation,
thus providing increased legitimacy to the decisions of the GBC and some form of course-correction:
RESOLVED:
The GBC Organizational Development Committee (Org Dev) is mandated to work on the details of a
formal proposal, to be submitted at the October 2017 GBC midterm meeting, for a representative
body that would cooperatively work with the GBC and that would incorporate the following general
guidelines:
Functions:
Review GBC legislation & remand to GBC when needed.
Propose new legislation.
Advise on issues of concern for the GBC to consider.
Composition:
· Sannyasis
· Gurus
· At large seniors
· Continental representatives
· Vaisnavis
· Temple Presidents
· Youth
· Legal & Accounting professionals
The body should be composed of around thirty members.
The proposal should include details of the required training & qualifications for membership, the
procedure for selection/election of members, their tenure, etc.
309: Leadership Discussions Conference Policies
“Leadership Discussions” shall be a members-only web-based conference meant for the top level of
international ISKCON leadership to share and discuss information and issues related to their
service. Any issue related to management may be discussed. The moderator of the conference shall
be appointed by the GBC Executive Committee (GBC EC).
Conference membership is mandatory for GBC Members, Ministers, Deputies, and Global Duty
Officers, Zonal Supervisors and optional for GBC Emeriti.
One is automatically added to the conference when appointed to any of the above roles and upon
accepting the rules of participation in the conference. One's membership is revoked upon
retirement, resignation, demise or removal from their position.
Code of Conduct:
Courtesy
Members shall be courteous in tone and use respectful Vaishnava language when addressing issues
and topics that come before them, especially while referring to specific people or sensitive
information.
Gravity
While conducting official ISKCON matters, they shall avoid drawing insufficiently informed
conclusions about issues and/or individuals. Facts should be clearly documented with the source of
the information (unless where trusted sources deserve anonymity), and conjectures should be clearly
presented as such.
Respect
If a member has issues related to the personal conduct, speech, attitude, conference
participation etc., of another conference member that require resolution, they shall not express these
issues to others but instead, if appropriate, express them directly to the individual concerned, using
all the tact and Vaishnava etiquette at their command. Alternatively, or if direct communication fails
to bring a resolution, they should seek aid from a responsible third party such as a senior Vaishnava
or a representative of ISKCON Resolve.
Relevance
The content of postings to the conference must be within the following categories:
1. It is relevant to a matter of ISKCON policies or procedures.
2. It is relevant to a matter of GBC Body past, current or future action.
3. It is information of importance to the conference membership.
Confidentiality
Members shall maintain strict confidentiality about all issues and topics that are discussed on the
conference. Information from conference discussions should not be shared with non-conference
members without first taking written permission from the original poster(s).
Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
Any member who feels that the Code of Conduct has been violated may directly and privately convey
this, together with the supporting evidence, to the moderator.
If the moderator receives evidence that in his opinion gives a prima facie indication that
a member has breached confidentiality then he shall immediately place that member on suspension
from the conference pending investigation. The moderator or a person(s) appointed by the
moderator shall present the received evidence to the member for an explanation and clarification of
the circumstances which led to the alleged breach. If required, further investigation may be
necessary. On the conclusion of the investigation the GBC EC shall give a written ruling that
includes:
· the specific breach and why it was judged so;
· the specific program of rectification, if any;
· the time period of suspension from the conference, if any, which shall be no longer than
one year; and
· the specific prerequisites for early restoration of conference privileges, if any.
If there has been a history of previous multiple violations of confidentiality then the GBC EC ruling
should include that the GBC Body should consider a proposal that the conference member be
removed from his or her positions held under GBC Body authority.
Violations of the aspects of the code of conduct other than confidentiality shall be dealt with
similarly, except that immediate suspension from the conference pending investigation shall be at
the discretion of the moderator.
Secretaries or other assistants managing a member's participation are subject to the same
policies:they must be made aware of these policies by the member they are assisting. Failure to do so
resulting in a breach of confidentiality shall result in the disciplining of the member as if the
member had been directly participating.
310: Global Observance of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi
[Guideline]
Whereas Sri Ramanujacarya, the great Vaisnava saint who lived between 1017 and 1137, requires no
introduction to the saintly, especially the Vaisnavas;
Whereas Sri Ramanujacarya’s 1000th anniversary is being celebrated around the world this year,
2017. According to the Sri Vaishnava calendar, his 1000th appearance day is on May 1, 2017;
Whereas although 1000 years have passed since the appearance of Sri Ramanujacarya, the years
have not dulled the level of adherence to his teachings and attraction to his exemplary life. Millions
of people now base their spiritual practices and religious conceptions on his words in both southern
India, and due to emigration, in the western world also. In many parts of the world, ISKCON is
associated very strongly with the Sri Vaisnavas;
Whereas our Gaudiya Acaryas including Srila Jiva Goswami, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura,
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura have all referenced and
commented on the teachings and life of Sri Ramanuja;
Whereas Srila Prabhupada used Sri Ramanuja`s works, amongst others, to give us the "Bhagavad-
Gita As It Is";
Whereas ISKCON Sriperumbudur and Kanchipuram are organizing grand celebrations this March in
which international devotees, sannyasis, and leaders are participating in the 10 day festival at
Sriperumbudur, the birth place of Acarya Sri Ramanuja;
Whereas following in the tradition of our acaryas, it would be a great opportunity for ISKCON to get
the mercy of Sri Ramanujacarya, and to enhance our already good relationships with the Sri
Vaishnava community globally, by having a "Global Observance" throughout the year, or particularly
leading up to May 1, 2017;
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON centers worldwide have a "Global Observance of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi", leading
up to May 1, 2017, or anytime through the year 2017, with suitable events and glorification befitting
the venerable and worshipable Vaisnava Acarya.
311: Regulation of Installations - Amendment
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas in 2012 the GBC passed the following law:
Any ISKCON center wishing to install any deities for public temple worship or commence the
worship of any deity in an ISKCON center must first receive a “Certificate of Readiness for
Worship” for the said deities.
Centers may not make any commitments or agreements regarding procuring and/or worshiping
deities until the “Certificate of Readiness for Worship” is granted. This “Certificate of Readiness for
Worship” applies only to the deities for which it is granted and is not a generic permanent
approval.
The readiness for worship will be assessed by a panel consisting of one local representative (either
from the temple concerned, the local GBC or a representative from the National Council or RGB,
etc.), a GBC appointed by the EC, and an ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry representative.
Whereas this law has proven very effective.
Whereas after 5 years of implementation, it is apparent that refinements need to be made to better
accommodate the needs and concerns of all;
Amendment 1
Whereas the following assessment panel has in practice not been implemented fully;
The readiness for worship will be assessed by a panel consisting of one local representative (either
from the temple concerned, the local GBC or a representative from the National Council or RGB,
etc.), a GBC appointed by the EC, and an ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry representative.
RESOLVED:
That the above be amended to:
The readiness for worship will be assessed by a local representative (from the temple concerned); the
local GBC, regional leadership (which may include a representative from the National Council or
RGB, etc.); and an ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry (IDWM) representative. The GBC Executive
Committee will be informed of the assessment outcome.
Amendment 2
Whereas in some cases temples have delayed planned installation dates, and their capacity to
worship deities has changed;
RESOLVED:
That the following clause is added to the above law:
This Certificate of Readiness is valid for up to 180 days beyond the initial scheduled installation
date. If the 180 day period has elapsed without the installation being completed, the temple will be
reassessed by the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry for a new Certificate of Readiness to be issued.
Amendment 3
Whereas Srila Prabhupada gave the following standard:
You have asked about Balarama Krsna deities. No, Balarama and Krsna are already there
as Caitanya and Nitai: Vrajendranandana yei, saci suta hailas sei . . . The best thing is to
establish Gaura Nitai deities. In Vrindaban we are establishing Balarama Krsna deities because
most of the centers there have Radha Krsna and there is not Balarama-Krsna. That has a different
purpose. We should not imitate that. Better to have Gaura-Nitai, Radha-Krsna, and
Lord Jagannatha—that system must continue. — Letter to Kirtanananda – 12 January 1974
Whereas there have been several applications for deities outside Srila Prabhupada’s preferred
deities;
Whereas to assess the validity of the need to install deities outside of the norm given by Srila
Prabhupada, ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry needs the support and direction of the GBC Body in
this regard:
RESOLVED:
For any applications for deities apart from those given by Srila Prabhupada, i.e. Radha
Krsna; Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra; Gaura-Nitai (or Panca Tattva) and śālagrāma silas; the
IDWM requires executive input. Therefore, for any application that includes Krsna-Balarama
or Sita Rama Lakshman Hanuman, the IDWM will consult with the GBC Executive Committee for
approval.
Any deities apart from the aforementioned must be approved by the GBC Body before IDWM can
issue a Certificate of Readiness for installing deities.
Amendment 4
Whereas it is apparent that there is a need to modify the law to sufficiently facilitate new centers in
the planning, fund-raising, and construction phase;
Whereas there needs to be accommodation in the law to procure deities and begin promoting
planned temple opening and installation plan prior to the Certificate of Readiness being granted;
while also not giving final approval to actually finalize the date of installation, or install/commence
worship of said deities;
Whereas the law currently states:
Centers may not make any commitments or agreements regarding procuring and/or worshiping
deities until the “Certificate of Readiness for Worship” is granted. This “Certificate of Readiness for
Worship” applies only to the deities for which it is granted and is not a generic permanent
approval.
RESOLVED:
That the above paragraph is amended to:
Centers may procure deities and begin promoting planned temple openings or additions to existing
worship once they have successfully completed the first stage of the approval process. Centers shall
not commit to and/or publicly advertise final dates for commencement of worship until they receive
a “Certificate of Readiness for Worship.”
This “Certificate of Readiness for Worship” applies only to the deities for which it is granted and is
not a generic permanent approval.
The initial contact:
The center wanting to commence the worship of deities makes an application via IDWM’s website.
After receiving this application, IDWM contacts local GBC and regional authorities to assess the
viability of the application. If this consultation shows the center has made a proper analysis of
requirements to worship deities and are moving in the right direction regarding allocation resources,
etc. to the worship of the deities, then the first stage approval is given. This then enables the temple
to make arrangements to acquire deities and commence fund-raising, etc.
The second and final stage will be assessed based on the findings of a site visit by an IDWM
representative, or comprehensive consultation with concerned devotees.
(kindly visit this page on the IDWM website for the full revised law)
312: Principles for Creating a Diksa-guru System for ISKCON
RESOLVED:
The following document as presented by the Guru Services Committee is accepted as an ISKCON
position paper:
Principles for Creating a Diksa-guru System for ISKCON
This paper explains the authority of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) to create a
system for devotees to take up the service of diksa-guru within the society, focusing on the
principles behind the system.
Through many written and spoken instructions, Srila Prabhupada made it abundantly clear that
after his departure the GBC should serve as ISKCON’s ultimate managerial authority. In his will he
states:
1. The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing
authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
[LD 6: Declaration of Will, June 1977]
Although within the Vedic literature we may not find specific references describing a system of
management with Vaisnavas working under a central authority such as the GBC, Srila Prabhupada
created one. In doing so he followed the order of his Guru Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Thakura, who requested his disciples to create a governing body. The significance of this is discussed
in Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi 12.8, purport:
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, at the time of his departure, requested all his
disciples to form a governing body and conduct missionary activities cooperatively. He did
not instruct a particular man to become the next acarya. But just after his passing away,
his leading secretaries made plans, without authority, to occupy the post of acarya, and
they split into two factions over who the next acarya would be.
Similarly, in the Vedic scriptures we will not find directions for Vaisnava institutions to endorse or
authorize spiritual positions like sannyasa or diksa-guru. Our evidence for the legitimacy of the
GBC establishing such processes consists of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and activities.
Concerning such important functions as approving sannyasa candidates, during his time with us
Srila Prabhupada gradually turned these over to the GBC. In ISKCON’s early years Srila Prabhupada
personally awarded sannyasa to those he thought qualified. Later he asked the GBC Body to
establish systems for assessing potential sannyasis:
For taking sannyasa you may consult your GBC member as we shall be
starting a new policy where the sannyasa candidate must meet certain
requirements to be determined by the GBC. [Letter to Danavir, 6 February
1973]
Your program for those who are desiring to take sannyasa is approved by
me and I request that you make something concrete and distribute it to all
the other GBC members and amongst yourselves you may decide who will
take sannyasa. [Letter to Satsvarupa, 10 February 1973]
Since Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, the GBC Ministry for Sannyasa Services has developed
systems for assessing and training candidates for sannyasa and recommending them to the GBC for
the GBC’s final approval.
Just as Srila Prabhupada established that the qualifications of prospective sannyasis should be
assessed, he similarly indicated that diksa gurus should have certain qualifications.
Srila Prabhupada expected that after his physical departure his disciples would continue the disciplic
succession, serving as gurus and accepting disciples into the parampara. He stated this as early as
1967:
Anyone following the order of Lord Chaitanya under the guidance of His
bonafide representative, can become a spiritual master and I wish that in my
absence all my disciples become the bonafide spiritual master to spread
Krishna consciousness throughout the whole world. I want it. . . . [Letter to
Madhusudana, 2 November 1967]
In 1975 he wrote that after his departure he wanted his disciples to become diksa-gurus if they
developed the necessary qualifications:
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. I want to see my disciples become bona fide spiritual master and
spread Krsna consciousness very widely. That will make me and Krsna very happy. [Letter
to Tusta Krsna Swami, 2 December 1975]
Srila Prabhupada wanted his disciples to attain a certain level of spiritual advancement before taking
up the service of giving diksa. The minimum level he expected is expressed in the following quotes:
Generally the spiritual master comes from the group of such eternal
associates of the Lord; but anyone who follows the principles of such ever
liberated persons is as good as one in the above mentioned group. . . . A
person who is liberated acharya and guru cannot commit any mistake, but
there are persons who are less qualified or not liberated, but still can act as
guru and acharya by strictly following the disciplic succession. [Letter to
Janardana, 26 April 1968]
Tamal Krsna: Well, I have studied myself and all of your disciples, and it’s
a clear fact that we are all conditioned souls, so we cannot be guru. Maybe
one day it may be possible . . .
Prabhupada: Hmm.
Tamal Ksna: . . . but not now.
Prabhupada: Yes. I shall choose some guru. I shall say, “Now you become
acarya. You become authorized.” I am waiting for that. You become all
acarya. I retire completely. But the training must be complete.
Tamal Krsna: The process of purification must be there.
Prabhupada: Oh, yes, must be there. Caitanya Mahaprabhu wants that.
amara ajnaya guru hana. “You become guru.” [laughs] But be qualified.
Little thing, strictly follower . . .
Tamal Krsna: Not rubber stamp.
Prabhupada:: Then you’ll not be effective. You can cheat, but it will not be
effective. [Room Conversation, 22 April 1977, Bombay]
An example of training and assessment for initiating spiritual masters that could be further
developed is scriptural training and tests. As early as 1969 Srila Prabhupada explained a future
program of sastric training so that his disciples would have the necessary philosophical knowledge to
act as initiating spiritual masters:
Next January there will be an examination on this Bhagavad-gita. Papers will
be sent by me to all centers, and those securing the minimum passing grade will be
given the title as Bhakti-sastri. Similarly, another examination will be held on Lord
Caitanya's Appearance Day in February, 1970 and it will be upon Srimad-
Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Those passing will get the title of Bhakti-
vaibhava. Another examination will be held sometimes in 1971 on the four books,
Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and Nectar of
Devotion. One who will pass this examination will be awarded with the title of
Bhaktivedanta. I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this
title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue
through the generations. Those possessing the title of Bhaktivedanta will be allowed
to initiate disciples. Maybe by 1975, all of my disciples will be allowed to initiate and
increase the numbers of the generations. That is my program. So we should not
simply publish these books for reading by outsiders, but our students must be well
versed in all of our books so that we can be prepared to defeat all opposing parties
in the matter of self-realization.
[Letter to: Hansadutta -- Los Angeles 3 January, 1969]
While neither Srila Prabhupada nor the GBC put the specifics of this idea in place, the principle is
clear that devotees who accept disciples are subject to specific training, standards and oversight
before they are allowed to initiate disciples.
After creating the GBC in 1970, Srila Prabhupada wrote: I have formed this GBC for that purpose, to
keep the devotional standards at the highest level and at the same time to manage a world-wide
organization. [Letter to Rupanuga, 4 Nov 1970]
Certainly the qualifications of gurus (and the qualifications of disciples) fall within the "devotional
standards" mentioned by Srila Prabhupada to be safeguarded, and in some cases clarified, by the
GBC.
Srila Prabhupada indicated the need for sastric degrees for many levels of service in ISKCON, and he
left the duty to clarify and codify those degrees and levels to the GBC: As far as the Bhakti-sastri
and other examinations are concerned, that we will discuss at the GBC meeting. [Letter to Nitai, 24
Jan 1976]
The persons best able to ascertain whether a proposed guru has been sufficiently steady in his
service and loyal to Srila Prabhupada are the senior devotees who have known and served with the
candidate for many years; that is, his peers and seniors in his geographic areas of service.
Prospective diksa-gurus are assessed by a group of senior ISKCON leaders from the area where they
reside and preach to determine whether they have the minimum qualifications required to accept
disciples according to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions. A final review is done by the GBC.
The GBC has also provided the “Spiritual Leadership Seminar: Being a guru in ISKCON” to assist
diksa gurus in their service of caring for disciples and serving within Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON.
There are also regular sangas where the gurus, sannyasis and GBC associate with each other.
The GBC, following Srila Prabhupada’s example and instructions, thus understands that one of its
duties is to implement systems of assessment and training so that qualified devotees may take up the
service of becoming initiating spiritual masters in ISKCON.
313: Global Duties & Responsibilities of the Governing Body Commission
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas the GBC wishes to formalize the understanding of its global services to the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness;
Whereas it is important that duties and responsibilities be clarified at all levels of the Society;
Whereas the GBC wishes to produce a legacy document for the instruction and training of future
GBC members:
RESOLVED:
That the document “Global Duties & Responsibilities of the Governing Body Commission (GBC)” is
accepted as an official statement and shall be part of ISKCON Law.
314: Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee
At the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the GBC discussed the work of the Executive Committee
consisting of Sesa Das (chairman), Bhakti Charu Swami (1st vice-chairman) and Praghosa Das (2nd
vice-chairman) in the matter of the pending sale of Bharati Center Inc. (“Brooklyn temple”).
In light of the complex issues (legal, technical, financial, etc.) arising from the sale and sale approval
process by New York State and the imperative of timely decision-making, the GBC now constitutes a
successor ad hoc "Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee” consisting of Sesa Das (chairman), Bhakti
Charu Swami and Praghosa Das to act in the name of 2017 Executive Committee.
The GBC authorizes the Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee to take all necessary and appropriate
measures on behalf of ISKCON and the GBC with regard to the Sale, effective as of the date of
adjournment of the 2017 GBC Annual General Meeting until the date of convening of the 2018 GBC
Annual General Meeting. At its 2016 Annual General Meeting, the GBC charged the Executive
Committee with stopping the sale of the Brooklyn temple property unless selling was the only way to
avoid severe legal or financial penalties arising from a failure to perform the contract of sale.
Additionally, the GBC now tasks the Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee to fulfill the above mandate
while remaining receptive to relevant timely new information which may be submitted by Romapada
Swami, the local GBC for Brooklyn.“इनमें उद्धृत
0अभी तक किसी अभिलेख में उद्धृत नहीं।