2008年 GBC 决议（年度会议记录）

ISKCON GBC resolutions 2008 — archived copy of https://gbc.iskcon.org/2008/, 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 24 – MARCH 4, 2008



Section 100: APPOINTMENTS

101. GBC Officers, Members, and Candidates
RESOLVED:
1. Ramai Swami is elected GBC Chairman.
2. Romapada Swami is elected First Vice-Chairman.
3. Madhu Sevita Das is elected Second Vice-Chairman.
4. Bhakti Purusottama Swami is elected GBC Secretary.
5. Kavicandra Swami is elected Special Duty Officer.
6. Hrdaya Caitanya Das is appointed as an Acting GBC member.
7. Tamohara Das is appointed as an Assistant GBC member.
8. Candrasekhara Das continues as a Candidate for GBC.
9. Kaunteya Das continues as a Candidate for GBC.
10. The resignation of Satsvarupa Das Goswami as GBC Emeritus is accepted.

102. Sannyasa Waiting List
RESOLVED:
That the following are the candidates for sannyasa for 2008:

Acala Das                   3 year waiting list
Brhat Mrdanga Das               1 year waiting list
Carudesna Das                 3 year waiting list
Gaurahari Das                 3 year waiting list
Hrsikesa Das                 2 year waiting list
Jagat-Caksur Das              2 year waiting list
Jagat Guru Das                approved to take sannyasa this year
Jaya Govinda Das              1 year waiting list
Mahadyuti Das                1 year waiting list
Makhanlal Das                2 year waiting list
Nitai Caitanya Das            2 year waiting list
Prabodhananda Sarasvati Das      approved to take sannyasa this year
Purnacandra Das              approved to take sannyasa this year
Sarvaisvarya Das             1 year waiting list
Siddhartha Das               2 year waiting list
Vasudeva Das                1 year waiting list
Visuddha Sattva Das           2 year waiting list
Yadunandana Das               1 year waiting list

103. Assignments to Ministries and Standing Committees
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
That the following shall be the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership
assignments for 2008-09:

Ministry of Communications        Minister – Anuttama Das

Ministry of Health and Welfare      Minister – Prahladananda Swami

Congregational Development Ministry Minister – Jayapataka Swami

Vaisnavi Ministry           Interim Committee – Malati Dasi, Prasanta Dasi, Laxmimoni Dasi, Dina
Sharana Dasi

ISKCON Youth Ministry        Minister – Manu Das

Ministry of Sannyasa Services      Minister – Prahladananda Swami

Sannyasa Standing Committee:        Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Sivarama Swami, Guru Prasad Swami,
A.C. Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Prahladananda Swami

ISKCON Ministry of Deity Worship           Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca Das

Ministry of Book Distribution       Minister – Vijaya Das

Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture        Minister – Balabhadra Das

Ministry of Padayatra      Minister – Lokanath Swami

Ministry of Educational Development         Members – Sesa Das (Minister), Laxmimoni Dasi,
Saunaka Rsi Das, Braja Bihari Das, Yadunandana Das, Radhika Raman Das

Sastric Advisory Council     Members – Purnacandra Das (Chairman), Gopiparanadhana Das,
Drutakarma Das, Urmila Dasi, Mukunda Datta Das

Ministry of Justice       Minister – Sesa Das

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

ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection          Director – Tamohara Das

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

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

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

For the more effective functioning of the Board of Examinations, it shall no longer function as a
separate entity but shall now function under the direct control of the Ministry of Educational

Development.

Section 200: FINANCE

201. GBC Budget
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
The GBC budget for 2008/2009 is as follows. All amounts in Indian rupees:

EC Secretariat                               2,69,500
GBC Corresponding Secretary                      2,31,000
GBC Database                                   96,250
Emergency Fund                                1,15,500
EC Travel                                   2,69,500
GBC Deputy Travel                                77,000
ISKCON Resolve                                3,08,000
Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture            1,92,500
ISKCON Ministry of Deity Worship                    3,08,000
Ministry of Educational Development                  1,92,500
Dandavats                                    1,54,000
Ministry of Health and Welfare                       38,500
Vaisnavi Ministry                                57,750
World Holy Name Day                               19,250
Vaisnava Calendar Web Site                         13,475
Annual General Meeting                          1,92,500
Mayapur GBC Meeting Facilities                      38,500
Mid-Year Meeting                                      0
Mayapur Office                                 38,500
Total                                      26,12,225

202. Appointment of Auditor
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
Sri A. K. Shah, F.C.A., Chartered Accountant, of 125, Netaji Subhas Road, Room No. 45, Kolkata 700
001, is appointed as statutory auditor for the year 2008-2009.

Section 300: INTERNAL ISKCON

301. Extra Meeting 2008
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:
A five-day extra meeting for 2008 will be held in at Juhu, Mumbai, starting on Sunday morning, the
19th of October 2008, and ending on Thursday evening, the 23rd of October 2008.

302. Annual General Meeting 2009
[Action Order]
RESOLVED:

The Annual General Meeting for 2009 in Mayapur will start on the 12th of February 2009 and end
on the 23rd of February.

February 12 – February 23          GBC Meetings
February 14                    Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s Appearance Day
March 11                       Gaura Purnima

303. Mayapur Management
[Action Order]
Whereas the following resolution was passed in New Vrindaban in June 2007 and requires AGM
ratification;
RESOLVED:
The number of GBC Zonal Secretaries for Mayapur shall be expanded to include the following GBC
members:
Radhanath Swami
Praghosa Das
Gopal Krishna Goswami
Bhakti Charu Swami
Jayapataka Swami
Bhakti Purusottama Swami
GBC Chairman (ex-officio)

The co-GBCs shall meet regularly as a team and be empowered to make policy decisions for
Mayapur in both management and development areas. The individual co-GBCs may have designated
areas of oversight, but generally the policies will be set by the entire team.
The Mayapur GBC Team assumes the functions of the SPMDC. The SMPDC shall cease to exist as a
sub-committee of the GBC. The GBC expresses its gratitude to the members of the SMPDC for their
devotional service to ISKCON.
The Mayapur GBC Team shall meet at least three times a year.
An annual report from the Mayapur GBC Team shall be presented each year at the AGM at Mayapur.

304. Long Island Trustees
[Action Order]
1. Whereas the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc., a New York religious
corporation, was established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (Srila Prabhupada) in
New York City in 1966 as the first corporation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON); and
2. Whereas the doctrine that Srila Prabhupada desired to continue to act as diksa-guru after his
departure from this world, and did not desire any of his disciples to give diksa, or initiation, in
succession after him is an errant philosophical deviation (known as ritvikism); and
3. Whereas ritvikism directly contradicts the principle of parampara itself (of successive diksa and
siksa-gurus), which sustains the pure teachings and practices of Krsna consciousness; and
4. Whereas this principle has been established by Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Himself, and is upheld by all of the bona fide acaryas (teachers) in the Gaudiya Vaishnava religious
tradition, as well as all followers of Vedic culture; and
5. Whereas in the informed ecclesiastical opinion of the Governing Body Commission of ISKCON,
ritvikism has on numerous occasions been formally deemed to be an extreme deviation from the
teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the Krishna consciousness religion; and
6. Whereas the GBC has found it necessary to replace former officers and directors of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. (such as Viswa B. Garuda) because of their
advocacy of the ritvik doctrine on ISKCON temple property; and
7. Whereas after a thorough investigation, as well as information obtained in the ongoing litigation

involving control and ownership of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. temple
located at 197 South Ocean Avenue, Freeport, NY, USA, the GBC finds that persons asserting
themselves to be members of the board of directors or trustees of the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness, Inc. continue to actively espouse the ritvik doctrine, in direct defiance of the
instructions of the GBC; and
8. Whereas the so-called or purported members of the board of directors or trustees referred to
above are as follows: (1) Nathan Zakheim, who is also known by the name Nara Narayana Das, (2)
Nikhil Gupta, who is also known by the name Nimai Pandit Das, (3) Madhusudan R.S., who is also
known by the name Madhu Pandit Das, (4) John Hanton, who is also known by the name Jitarati
Das, and (5) Amit Joshi;
9. Whereas the so-called or purported members of the board of directors or trustees of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc., have violated numerous provisions of the
governing laws of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, as found in the ISKCON
LAW BOOK, (ISKCON GBC Press, Mayapur, 1997) including, but not limited to, sections 3.1.5.2.2,
5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.4.2, 5.4.2.2, 5.4.2.3, 5.5.3.2.2, 5.6.2.1, 5.6.2.2.1 (4), 10.4.4.6, 10.4.4.7 and
10.4.4.8;

RESOLVED that:
1. The purported board members referred to in paragraph 8 are hereby deemed to be in flagrant
violation of the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON Law, and as a direct result of such “ritvik
activities” are no longer members in good standing of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness.
2. The purported board members referred to in paragraph 8 are hereby expelled from the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and prohibited from having any involvement, or
serving in any official or unofficial capacity, including, but not limited to, officers or directors of the
corporation.
3. To the extent that any of the purported board members referred to in paragraph 8 reside, work,
visit, or otherwise occupy the ISKCON temple located in Freeport, NY, they are hereby prohibited
from continuing such activities, as well as visiting or attending any function(s) at the Freeport
temple, until such time as the GBC, in its ecclesiastical discretion, decides to allow the said directors
to resume their involvement with ISKCON generally, and the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness, Inc., in particular, and the capacity in which they may resume such participation, if
any.
4. The election in which the purported directors referred to in paragraph 8 were elected is hereby
declared to be null and void.
5. The purported board members referred to in paragraph 8, and those acting with or in concert with
them in the ritvik-related activities or in violation of the ISKCON laws described herein, shall, to the
extent they have not already done so, vacate the temple premises within seven (7) days of receipt of
notice to do so delivered to them by a GBC representative.
6. The purported board members referred to in paragraph 8 shall immediately take all steps
necessary to return control of the temple premises located at 197 South Ocean Avenue, Freeport, NY,
to the sole and exclusive control of the GBC, for the purpose of the GBC putting in place ISKCON
members in good standing to serve as members of the Board of Directors or Trustees and as officers
of the corporation, and to manage the corporation and its assets according to the directives of the
GBC. In this regard, the GBC hereby delegates full authority to the North American GBC Executive
Committee to determine those persons who are in good standing to become the new officers and
directors of ISKCON Inc., as well as to reside in the temple located at 197 South Ocean Avenue,
Freeport, NY.

305. Appointment of Trustees for ISKCON, Inc.
[Action Order]
1. Whereas the bylaws of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. (hereafter
ISKCON, Inc.), Article III Section 1, recognize that the Governing Body Commission (hereafter GBC)
of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (hereafter ISKCON) establishes the
ecclesiastical policies for ISKCON, Inc.;
2. Whereas the bylaws of ISKCON, Inc., Article III Section 2, clearly state that ISKCON, Inc. “shall
not conduct itself in any way contrary to the ecclesiastical policies of ISKCON, as established by the
GBC”;
3. Whereas the bylaws of ISKCON, Inc., Article V Section 3.C, clearly state that, in the event that
there are no valid trustees that the local GBC representative shall have the power to appoint new
trustees;
4. Whereas there is an ongoing dispute regarding who is a valid trustee for ISKCON, Inc.;
5. Whereas Romapada Swami, the GBC representative for New York and Long Island, is hereby
requesting the full Governing Body Commission to specifically name a Board of Trustees for
ISKCON, Inc.;
6. Whereas the GBC in its role as the sole ecclesiastical authority for ISKCON, Inc., and the
worldwide ISKCON movement, has the power to determine, relying solely on its own authority, the
ecclesiastical qualifications for holding all posts within ISKCON, and has the authority to determine
who is a congregational member or devotee in good standing, or not;

RESOLVED: That the following devotees are hereby appointed to serve as trustees on the Board of
Directors of ISKCON, Inc., 197 S. Ocean Ave., Freeport, NY.
Adarsi Das – North Bellmore, NY (legal name Edward Kelley)
Romapada Swami – Brooklyn, NY (legal name Brian Rumbaugh)
Chandrasekhar Swami – Brooklyn, NY (legal name Chris Ostrowski).

306. Balabhadra Das
[Action Order]
Whereas the GBC Executive Committee has compiled an extensive report on Balabhadra Das,
formerly Bhakti Balabh Puri Goswami, based on the findings and recommendations prepared by its
Monitoring Sub-committee, and have made decisions regarding his future relationship with
ISKCON;
Whereas that report contained an agreement with Balabhadra Das in which he voluntarily submitted
his resignations from the sannyasa asrama, as well as from his service as diksa guru and wherein he
voluntarily agreed to move to Mayapur as his place of residence and future service;
Whereas Balabhadra Das subsequently chose to act independent of that agreement, the Monitoring
Sub-committee, and the GBC Executive, although he was given every opportunity to rectify himself
and remain in good standing in the society;
Whereas to protect the integrity of the society and regulate any future interaction between
Balabhadra Das and ISKCON;
RESOLVED that:
1. As per Balabhadra Das’s request, he shall no longer function within ISKCON as a spiritual master
or as a sannyasi.
2. Balabhadra Das shall no longer represent the Society in any position of authority now or in the
future.
3. His membership in ISKCON is suspended until he personally contacts the GBC Executive
Committee and makes appropriate steps to be re-instated as a member of the Society.
The GBC Body makes the following additional statements:

1. The Body expresses its deep gratitude to devotees previously initiated by Balabhadra Das,
especially those in Scotland and Hungary, for continuing their important services to ISKCON and for
remaining faithful to Srila Prabhupada. The body encourages these devotees to take shelter of senior
Vaisnavas of their choice and to continue to work co-operatively with their local authorities.
2. The Body thanks the Monitoring Committee for making the best of a difficult situation in its work
of the last three years and requests it to meet with Balabhadra Das and encourage him to contact the
GBC Executive Committee in order to be reinstated as a member of the Society and encourage him
to follow the agreement he made in August 2007.
3. The Body notes that Sivarama Swami, feeling responsible that Balabhadra Das’s deviations took
place for the most part under his jurisdiction as GBC, has thus tendered his resignation as a GBC
member. The GBC Body, however, does not accept the resignation.
Devotees who have any questions or concerns in this matter after reading the above-referenced
report are also requested to contact the GBC Executive Committee.

307. Jurisdiction of ISKCON Centers
[Statement]
Whereas ISKCON has grown into an organization with multi-faceted preaching programs;
Whereas it may not be possible for a single temple or project to cover all such preaching programs;
Whereas the GBC would like to encourage ISKCON members’ individual initiatives to preach;
RESOLVED: That multiple ISKCON entities can be accommodated in a particular city or
geographical area. Such entities should work cooperatively with existing ISKCON temples and
projects. Any concerns that arise in the course of expanding ISKCON’s preaching in this fashion
should be worked out amongst the leaders of those projects, and/or by the Zonal Secretary(s) for
that area.

308. The Garden of Inspiration
[Action Order]
Whereas the following resolution was passed by the GBC in 1997:
504. 1. THAT the following guidelines are accepted for those who want their samadhi in the Sri
Mayapur master plan area for all Srila Prabhupada disciple-gurus in good standing:
(a) they are to be located near Srila Prabhupada’s puspa samadhi, and
(b) their size is to be three feet by three feet floor space and four feet to five feet high.
2. Non-guru Srila Prabhupada disciples are to have a memorial wall with plaques.
Whereas ISKCON Mayapur management has expressed that the current area designated for
samadhis near Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi is already insufficient to adequately house the
remains of any future exalted disciples of Srila Prabhupada;
Whereas there is presently no cohesive plan to properly commemorate those disciples of Srila
Prabhupada who are not ISKCON gurus;
RESOLVED: That GBC resolution 504 of 1997 is hereby superseded by the following:
1. A two-acre plot of land should be designated in coordination with the ISKCON Mayapur
Management to serve as a memorial garden for all disciples of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Prabhupada.
2. The memorial garden will include full samadhis, puspa samadhis, and memorial plaques in the
form of a columbarium, in an inspiring, serene setting.
3. The ISKCON Mayapur Management is to present a proposal at the GBC AGM 2009 as to the
location of the assigned plot, the landscaping design draft, standardized samadhi and plaque sizes
and designs, and cost calculations.
4. The GBC Commemoration Committee is to decide which of the departed disciples of Srila
Prabhupada will be interred in full or puspa samadhi or honored with a plaque.

309. GBC Commemoration Committee
[Action Order]
Whereas there is a need of a committee to deal with the process of honoring departed Vaisnavas;
Whereas there is a need for a standard set of guidelines documenting the process for correctly
honoring departed Vaisnavas;
Whereas ISKCON will benefit from remembering departed Vaisnavas and their services;
Whereas there should be a central committee that determines the level of honor ascribed to departed
Vaisnavas at the place that is dedicated to their memory;
RESOLVED: That the standing Commemoration Committee is established with the mandate as
follows:
1. To research and establish a standard set of guidelines documenting the process for correctly
honoring departed Vaisnavas.
2. To maintain records of departed ISKCON Vaisnavas and a summary of their services for the
society.
3. To determine the application of the guidelines in individual cases.
4. To decide which of the departed disciples of Srila Prabhupada will be interred in full, given a
puspa samadhi, or honored with a plaque in the Mayapur Garden of Inspiration.

Praghosa Das (convenor), Bhakti Charu Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and Mahamaya Devi
Dasi are assigned to the standing committee.

310. GBC Nominations Committee
[Action Order]
Whereas the role and position of a GBC member is a highly responsible position within ISKCON;
Whereas it is desirable that members of the GBC Body be as highly qualified as possible;
Whereas a systematic evaluation of a potential GBC member is the most assured method of
obtaining qualified members on the GBC Body;

RESOLVED: That a GBC Nominations Committee be made up of the following: Prahladananda
Swami, Bhakti Vijnana Swami, Anuttama Das, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Laxmimoni Dasi, Sivarama
Swami, Praghosa Das, Madhu Sevita Das and Badrinarayan Das, to evaluate all nominations for
membership of the GBC Body.

They will establish a system based on sastra and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings to assess all proposed
Candidates for GBC, plus Acting and Assistant GBCs regarding their qualifications to become
members. Such evaluation will include at least:

   1. A devotional history of the candidate.
   2. Recommendations from senior devotees as to the candidate’s qualifications.
   3. The committee personally interviewing the candidate.
   4. An appropriate aptitude test assessing the candidate based on these criteria:

      Sadhana
      Loyalty to Srila Prabhupada and his teachings
      Understanding of Srila Prabhupada and his teachings
      Ability to manage and understanding of the principles of management
      History of management
      Ability to cooperate with other devotees and work as a team player
      Ability to preach and protect Srila Prabhupada’s movement and his followers
      Qualities such as honesty and integrity

      Time they can devote to the service as a GBC member
      Freedom from personal interest and material motivation

The committee can also work on appropriate educational tools that will train all GBC candidates to
assume the service of GBC members within ISKCON.
The committee will receive recommendations for Candidates for GBC, Acting and Assistant GBCs at
least two months before the AGM in Mayapur. They will interview the candidates and give a written
evaluation to the EC during the AGM. This evaluation will be made available to all GBC members
within two days before any vote on the proposed nomination.

311. End Notes or Appendices in Srila Prabhupada’s Books
Whereas some of Srila Prabhupada’s books contain sentences such as the following, which when
taken in isolation may be considered derogatory to and offensive against women:

    Although rape is not legally allowed, it is a fact that a woman likes a man who is very expert
    at rape. (SB 4.25.41, p.)

    When a husbandless woman is attacked by an aggressive man, she takes his action to be
    mercy. (SB 4.25.42, p.)

    Generally, when a woman is attacked by a man–whether her husband or some other man–
    she enjoys the attack, being too lusty. (SB 4.26.26, p.)

Whereas some ISKCON devotees may have used these statements out of context as an excuse to
offend, neglect and abuse women;
Whereas some people who read such statements may consider them to be derogatory or offensive,
may misunderstand what Srila Prabhupada actually means, and may not want to further read those
books, notwithstanding the many other beneficial statements in them;
RESOLVED: That the GBC Body recommends to the BBT Trustees that the above quotes, and other
such statements as determined by the BBT, be explained in endnotes or in appendices.

312. Moving San Diego Deities
[Statement]
Whereas Sri Sri Radha Giridhari, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra
of ISKCON San Diego are to be moved to a much better facility;
Whereas the temple and the land it is on are owned by ISKCON and paid for in full;
Whereas the new temple (“ISKCON of Escondido”) is an ISKCON corporation with bylaws meeting
the recommended NA GBC standard;
Whereas the requirement of GBC-appointed property trustees with full powers as outlined by GBC
resolutions is included in the bylaws and recorded with the deed;
Whereas the board members and temple president, as directed in the bylaws, must all be ISKCON-
initiated devotees in good standing;
Whereas the brahmanas and devotees currently maintaining the Deities’ worship will move along
with the Deities to continue the current or an improved standard of worship;
Whereas the property trustees for the San Diego temple (Virabahu Das, Anuttama Das, and
Badrinarayan Das) all approve the above move;
Whereas the devotees of ISKCON San Diego humbly appeal that the international GBC bless the new
project with speedy completion and give their permission to move the Deities into Their new home
when the new temple is done (assuming the above conditions are in place at that time and remain in
place in perpetuity);

RESOLVED: That the GBC approves the moving of Sri Sri Radha Giridhari into their new temple
upon completion, subject to the above-mentioned conditions.

313. Murali Krsna Das
[Action Order]
Whereas in 1994 Murali Krsna Das was expelled from ISKCON for propagating the idea that HH
Gour Govinda Swami was the only bona fide guru in ISKCON, but was later reinstated in 1996;
Whereas Murali Krsna Das, as a result of causing serious disturbances to the Estonian yatra, as well
as a number of Russian devotees, has been banned from visiting ISKCON temples in those regions
by both the Estonian and Russian National Councils in 2005 and 2007 respectively;
Whereas in 2006 Murali Krsna Das was ordered by the GBC EC to renounce his unauthorized
sannyasa, and reintegrate himself within ISKCON, but never did so;
Whereas many devotees have reported that Murali Krsna Das consistently criticizes ISKCON gurus
and other leaders and systematically uses his followers to canvass ISKCON devotees to join his
group;
RESOLVED that:
1. Murali Krsna Das is hereby suspended as a member of ISKCON.
2. During his suspension, he is forbidden to visit any ISKCON temples or affiliates or attend any
ISKCON public programs, Nama Hattas, etc. He is also forbidden to represent himself as a member
of ISKCON.
3. Should Murali Krsna Das wish to reintegrate himself with ISKCON, he must first:

      sign an oath of allegiance accepting the authority of the ISKCON GBC
      renounce his unauthorized sannyasa title and sannyasa dress
      offer a written apology for the disruptions he has caused in the ISKCON society
      instruct all his followers who have left ISKCON centers to return to their previous service
      engagements.

4. If, after becoming re-established as an ISKCON member, Murali Krsna Das wishes to serve in any
part of ISKCON he must first get the approval of the local GBC/s and temple leaders.
5. All ISKCON managers are encouraged to also restrict the participation of those followers of Murali
Krsna Das who are observed to be canvassing on his behalf amongst ISKCON devotees. They may be
restricted from visiting ISKCON centers, attending ISKCON programs, or representing themselves
as ISKCON members.
This resolution has immediate effect. It may be immediately published on all official ISKCON
websites and posted on ISKCON temples’ notice boards.

314. Relocation of Sri Sri Radha Govinda
[Action Order]
Whereas in 1998, the GBC Body gave permission for the relocation of Sri Sri Radha Govinda of
ISKCON New York to “a property in Queens”;
Whereas Sri Sri Radha Govinda have not yet been relocated, but an opportunity for Them to relocate
may come soon, and it is necessary to modify the previous statement of permission;
RESOLVED: That Action Order 608 of 1998 is hereby modified to state, in full, as follows:
That permission is given to the Board of Directors of ISKCON New York (Bharati Center, Inc.) in
consultation with the New York ISKCON Zonal Secretary, Romapada Swami, the ISKCON New York
Property Trustees, and the Chairman of the North American GBC Committee, to sell the property at
305 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, and relocate Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Their vijaya vigrahas to
a new property. This new property may be in Queens or in close outlying peripheral areas of New
York City proper (e.g. Long Island, Lower Westchester, Yonkers, etc.)

The GBC Body understands that in order to accomplish this relocation, it may be necessary to first
shift the Deities to a temporary location within New York City while Their Lordships’ new home is
being prepared for Them.
In accordance with ISKCON law, any funds realized in the property sale shall remain under the
supervision of the three property trustees until such funds have been fully utilized in preparing Their
Lordships’ new home.

315. ISKCON International Fundraising
[Action Order]
Whereas ISKCON as a society has expanded greatly in the last few decades without being able to
provide sufficient and essential infrastructure to service the growing congregation and devotees;
Whereas managing the society requires resources in terms of administrative manpower and money;
Whereas ISKCON needs an international fundraising program along the lines of the ISKCON
Foundation to raise funds for international projects, emergency expenses, and GBC Body
expenditure;
Whereas Devakinandan Das and his team have offered to work cooperatively with temples
worldwide in pursuit of raising funds for this purpose;
Whereas Devakinandan Das has offered to head a fundraising team with its initial office in Mumbai;
Whereas this will be further discussed in the upcoming Indian RGB meeting in April;
RESOLVED: That ISKCON establishes an Office for International Fundraising with the mandate to
collect funds to support:

      International projects
      Emergency expenses
      Devotee Heath and Welfare
      Education and Training Programs
      Strategic Planning
      GBC Body expenditure.

The Office will work co-operatively with temples worldwide in the pursuit of raising funds for this
purpose. Their team will not go anywhere unless invited and will seek to raise funds from new
donors rather than existing ones.
The Office will work under and report to the GBC EC.
The GBC EC will manage and disburse the collected funds.
Devakinandan Das is appointed to head the Office with its initial premises in Mumbai.
This proposal will be subject to clearance from the Juhu Temple Management and the Indian RGB.

316. Moscow Temple Project Development Committee
[Action Order]
Whereas the Moscow Temple Project Development Committee [hereinafter “MTPDC”] has been in
existence for two years;
Whereas the MTPDC will likely need to remain in place for at least five more years;
Whereas the MTPDC will greatly benefit from being an official GBC standing committee;
RESOLVED that:
1. MPTDC is hereby an official standing committee of the GBC.
2. The initial members of the MPTDC shall be Bhakti Charu Swami (chairman), Gopal Krsna
Goswami, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Praghosa Das, Devakinandan Das, Hrdaya Caitanya Das, Gauri
Das, Pranabandhu Das, Srutidharma Das.

317. Guru Seminar
[Statement]
Whereas there is a need for devotees who serve as initiating spiritual masters to understand clearly
their role within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness as well as the need to work
cooperatively within the society and the GBC leadership;
Whereas there is a need to build stronger bonds of association among the spiritual masters of
ISKCON for their mutual benefit and the benefit of the society;
RESOLVED: That all devotees of ISKCON who, in the future take up service to the society as
initiating spiritual masters, must first attend the ISKCON Guru Seminar, prior to initiating disciples.
That seminar shall be offered at least once per year, in Ujjain, India, or another location as
determined by the GBC Guru Services Committee.
All devotees currently serving as initiating spiritual masters in ISKCON are strongly recommended
to attend this Guru Seminar.
In addition, all initiating spiritual masters, now and in the future, are strongly recommended to
attend the four-day Guru Retreat on an annual basis, or at least bi-annually. The Guru Retreat shall
be organized by the Guru Services Committee and held in Ujjain, India, or other locations as
determined by the committee.

318. Annual World Holy Name Week
[Action Order]
Whereas in 2007, the World Holy Name Day celebration was a successful program;
Whereas some temples observed the World Holy Name celebration for more than one day;
Whereas many temples celebrated on different days within a one-week time span;
RESOLVED: That the World Holy Name Day Resolution passed by the GBC in 2007 is modified to
World Holy Name Week.
Centers are encouraged to celebrate for one day within the one-week time frame. They are welcome
to also celebrate more than one day, if desired.
World Holy Name Week is an annual program for all ISKCON centers. Different countries or
continents can modify the title as needed.
The observance of World Holy Name Week is to be held in connection with Srila Prabhupada’s
arrival in the USA (Sept. 17, 1965) to coincide with and commemorate his delivering the gift of the
holy name to the world.
The Global Coordination Team for World Holy Name Day — Lokanath Swami, Janananda Goswami,
and Ekalavya Das — shall coordinate this now-expanded festival.

319. Suhotra Das
[Statement]
We, the Governing Body Commissioners of ISKCON, express our bereavement at the passing of His
Grace Suhotra Das.
We miss him deeply as we remember and glorify his life of service to Srila Prabhupada.
Suhotra Das served Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON as a brahmacari and then sannyasi for over thirty-
seven years, first in the United States and subsequently in Europe.
As a member of the original BBT Library Party, Suhotra Das helped introduce Srila Prabhupada’s
books to universities and libraries in the United States. His preaching activities in Europe led to the
spreading of Krishna Consciousness in countries such as Norway, Iceland, Germany, Romania,
Poland, Czech Republic and Bulgaria.
Gifted with a strong philosophical acumen, he wrote books exploring the philosophy of Krishna
consciousness.
He became a member of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission in 1991 and served the society in

this position until 2001. During his tenure he served as Chairman of the GBC for the year 1996-97.
We pray that Suhotra Das eternally continues his service to Srila Prabhupada.

320. Latin American Regional Governing Body
[Action Order]
Whereas the needs of the Latin American yatras are sufficiently uniform to be considered a single
region, and the continent itself is similar politically, economically, and linguistically;
Whereas the existing leadership within the region is sufficiently mature to be able to assume such a
responsibility of regional management;
Whereas the region has a track record of cooperative management, through the proper functioning
of a Continental Committee, since the year 2007, and which was formed with the view of
establishing a Latin American Regional Governing Body as per ISKCON Resolution 3.4.1;
Whereas the Latin American RGB wishes to be recognized, officially, by the GBC body;

RESOLVED: That the GBC Body hereby designates “Latin America” as a “Region” as defined under
ISKCON Law 3.4.1.1. The region may consist of any or all of the following countries and areas, with
notification to the GBC Secretary:

      Argentina
      Bolivia
      Brazil
      Chile
      Colombia
      Central America
      French Guiana
      Ecuador
      Guatemala
      Guyana
      Mexico
      Paraguay
      Peru
      Surinam
      The Caribbean
      Uruguay
      Venezuela

The Latin American RGB is officially recognized as a GBC-authorized RGB, with full authority to act
as such under the Laws of ISKCON.
The Latin American RGB will be initially constituted of the following members: HH Jayapataka
Swami, HH Guru Prasad Swami, HH Bhakti-bhusana Swami, HH Paramgati Swami, HH
Hridayananda Das Goswami, HG Virabahu Das, HG Kaunteya Das, HH Gunagrahi Das Goswami,
HG Atmarama Das, HG Tirtharaja Das, HG Jagajivan Das, HG Jagat-Caksur Das, and HG Tridandi
Das. It is hereby submitting its Rules and Regulations for approval as per ISKCON Resolution
3.4.1.4.
The Regional Governing Body (RGB) for Latin America, when duly constituted as per the new
ISKCON Law, shall be authorized to nominate Zonal Secretaries for Latin America and to assign
them zones. Such zonal assignments will be confirmed annually at the AGM of the GBC, beginning
in 2008. The RGB shall only nominate devotees who are qualified as per the standards for
membership of the GBC Body.
Zonal Secretaries appointed under this system shall have all the authority and responsibility as

currently held by existing GBC Zonal Secretaries, and will be accountable to both the GBC Body
(through the GBC Secretariat) and to the Latin American RGB.
The RGB shall at all times be a body under, and subject to, the rules and regulations of the ISKCON
GBC Body. The GBC Body may override any decision of the local RGB by a majority vote. In
emergencies the GBC EC may veto any decision taken by the local RGB.

321. Srila Prabhupada Puja and Murti Care Standards
[Guideline]
Whereas Srila Prabhupada should be worshiped in ISKCON in a manner befitting his status as the
founder Acarya of ISKCON. Our worship of His Divine Grace is an expression of our love and respect
for him;
RESOLVED: That the document entitled “Srila Prabhupada Puja and Murti Care Standards” is
adopted as an official guideline for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

322. Financial Reporting
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas at the 2000 AGM, the GBC resolved in Resolution 614 (amended by Resolution 305 of
2007) that all GBC Body members, gurus, sannyasis, and International Project Directors shall be
required to file annual personal financial reports to the Executive Committee of the GBC Body, and,
where requested, their National Executive Body;
Whereas there are devotees who are not GBC members, gurus, sannyasis or International Project
Directors who also represent the society as a whole and handle the funds of the society under GBC
Body authorization;
Whereas those ministries and committees that receive funding from the GBC budget are required to
submit financial reports as part of the budgeting process, while others who do not receive funding
from the GBC budget should also report.
Therefore it is resolved that resolution 614 of 2000 be amended to be applicable to “all GBC Body
members, gurus, and sannyasis, as well as GBC-appointed Ministers, International Project
Directors, and anyone else who receives funds for activities that are directly authorized by the GBC
Body, regardless of the source of those funds.”

323. Initiations where there are no Temples
[Action Order]
Whereas the ISKCON Law Book includes the following under reference 6.4.3.4 (3):

    [An ISKCON-approved initiating guru] must not initiate any devotee who has not received
    proper recommendation from the appropriate ISKCON spiritual authority.

And, under reference 7.2.1.3.1:

    Before a candidate can receive first initiation, his prospective guru must receive a formal
    written recommendation from the appropriate ISKCON spiritual authority, as determined by
    the candidate’s situation.

And, under reference 7.2.1.3.5:

    Qualified candidates for initiation who reside away from temple communities may be
    recommended for initiation (in the manner prescribed above) by one of the following spiritual
    authorities (excluding the prospective initiating guru) who knows them well: a local Zonal
    Secretary, the nearest Temple President, the local Regional Secretary, the concerned

    congregational preaching director, or an ISKCON sannyasi who is regularly preaching in
    that area.

Whereas sometimes the only senior devotee that knows such prospective initiates is the guru, and in
such cases it is sometimes found that gurus are anyway initiating prospective initiates or making ad
hoc arrangements for the functioning of “initiation committees” for an area not served by a temple;
RESOLVED: That in a case when a prospective disciple who lives in such an isolated place that none
of the spiritual authorities listed in ISKCON Law 7.2.1.3.5 can recommend him/her for initiation,
requests initiation from an ISKCON initiating guru, then the guru is required to inform the National
Council or the RGB body of the situation and receive their permission to go through all the
applicable rules for initiation as the recommending authority. In the absence of such a
national/regional body, such permission should be received from the Chairperson of the GBC Guru
Services Committee who will then monitor that all applicable rules regarding initiation are followed.

A spiritual master who fails to follow this resolution will be reprimanded as per GBC rules.