GBC meetings for 2005

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

Here are the days summaries for the meetings (these are not written by me).

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

February 28 was the second day of the GBC meetings and was devoted entirely

to a presentation by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The purpose of the

presentation was to "improve the relationship between the BBT and GBC."

 

The traditional opening kirtana and Bhagavatam reading were performed by BBT

Trustee Jayadvaita Swami and GBC Chairman Praghosa Das respectively. After

some general announcements from the Chairman, the stage was given to Brahma

Muhurta Das, the North European BBT Trustee who coordinated the presentation

with the technical help of Govinda Das, BBT International Secretary.

 

The rest of the morning was devoted to the highly professional multi-media

presentation of the activities of the BBT, including videos of

 

* Srila Prabhupada stressing the importance of book distribution, as well as

several related humorous clips

* Book distributors in action in Slovenia, Los Angeles and Sweden

* History of the first shipment of Russian books

* Vaisesika Prabhu presenting novel ways of book distribution

* a humorous clip from the popular "Jay Leno" show

 

And charts of

 

* BBT production, including completed titles, recently printed titles,

titles currently under production, and titles to be produced, including

those in exotic languages like Burmese, Korean, Farsi, Kazak, Sanskrit,

Braille, etc.

* the various divisions of the BBT and the BBT's financial situation

* various quotations showing Srila Prabhupada's stress on book distribution

* country-wide increase and decrease in book distribution last year

 

Some notable facts and figures from the presentation:

 

* reported book distribution worldwide increased from 2.9 million books in

2002 and 3.6 million in 2003 to 4.1 million books in 2004

* 15.5 million copies of Bhagavad-gita As It Is have been printed in 52

languages

* phenomenal book distribution in Scotland

* Large numbers of French books donated by the BBT to West and Central

Africa

 

 

Several speakers from both the BBT and GBC body also spoke briefly:

 

* Sivarama Swami encouraged the GBC to put more emphasis on book

distribution

* Gopal Bhatta Das presented the BBT Special Projects division with

particular emphasis on the upcoming Sanskrit school at Govardhan under the

direction of Gopiparanadhana Prabhu. He also requested the all GBC's to

encourage their temples to report book sales to the World Sankirtan

Newsletter.

* Jayadvaita Swami expressed the need for the BBT to adapt to new marketing

strategies and book design. He also spoke about ISKCON Tirupati, where an

entire spiritual community is being developed on the basis of book

distribution

* Badarinarayana Das cited instances of Srila Prabhupada's stress on books,

and on how Los Angeles temple thrives on book distribution

* Manidhar das on his service of European book distribution minister

* Gopal Krishna Goswami on Srila Prabhupada's love of hearing book scores,

and how the congregation can be engaged in book distribution

* Bhakti Vijnana Goswami gave more information on the history of book

distribution in Russia

* Svavasa Das reminisced of his days of book distribution and how Srila

Prabhupada was pleased with his service

* Devamrta Swami on how Srila Prabhupada's books brought him to Krsna

consciousness, and the need to maintain the utmost emphasis on book

distribution

 

 

News from the Deputies' meetings:

 

Yesterday, after the opening ceremony the GBC deputies met separately to

help process the GBC proposals for this year. Of particular interest, the

Deputies rejected the proposal aimed at suspending the GBC resolution

regarding equal facility for Women in ISKCON. Furthermore, on similar lines,

today the first of several meetings took place between devotees serving in

ISKCON India and the Women's Ministry. This dialogue, aimed at increasing an

understanding amongst these somewhat divergent groups, began by each

participant being asked to share his or her realizations on the subject.

Topics included:

 

* To what extent was the establishing of the details of Vedic Culture

regarding women an integral part of Srila Prabhupada's mission vis-à-vis

women preaching and serving alongside men in spreading the sankirtana

movement?

 

* Is there a difference between Vedic tradition and Vaisnava tradition?

 

* How much of what we consider Vedic to be is truly Vedic? How much was

influenced by the British in the 19th Century? How much of our viewpoints

are influenced by our own conditioning?

 

Attendees were Ravindra Svarupa Das, Malati Dasi, Laxmimoni Dasi, Bhaktarupa

Das, Sudharma Devi Dasi, Devakinandana Das, Anuttama Das, Rasaraj Das, and

Basu Ghosh Das.

 

 

--The GBC Secretariat

 

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

GBC Meetings, Day 3

March 1

 

The meetings began at 9:00 a.m. because there was no breakfast. Devotees

were fasting, as it was the anniversary of the appearance of Srila

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur.

 

The first presentation was a report of the Child Protection Office (CPO).

Anuttama Prabhu introduced Tamohara Prabhu, who has served as the CPO since June 2004. Tamohara has a doctorate in Educational Psychology

and has been a Dean and a faculty member of graduate schools of psychology.

Additionally, Hanuman Dasa has taken up the role of overseeing CPO

activities in Europe and Latin America.

 

Tamohara discussed the current activities of the CPO. The office has worked

on a number of current cases and investigations worldwide. He emphasized

that child abuse is not a thing of the past, but is still a problem

requiring constant attention. Specifically, he reminded the leaders of the

importance of maintaining local child protection teams, carefully screening

new temple or community members, and enforcing CPO judicial decisions. He

also gave high priority to re-establishing the national CPO office in India.

 

The CPO plans to expand its training and educational efforts. New

initiatives will include a newsletter and an expanded Web site. Plans are

also being made for additional child-protection-team training and judges'

training in various areas of the world.

 

The next presentation was the paper on "Female Diksa Gurus in

ISKCON," prepared by the Sastric Advisory Committee (SAC). Purnacandra

Prabhu gave an overview of the paper, presenting both sides of the issue. In

the ensuing discussion, SAC member Drutakarma Prabhu mentioned that even in

other Vaisnava lines there are opposing views, which induced SAC to rely

more exclusively on Srila Prabhupada's statements on

the subject. SAC's conclusion was that although considerations of

time, place, and circumstance are valid, permanently disallowing women from

giving initiation cannot be philosophically supported by either sastra or

Srila Prabhupada's statements. The paper also gave suggestions to the GBC

regarding possible requirements and circumstances for women to initiate.

 

 

At 11 a.m., there was a closed-door discussion about the Turley case.

 

At 12:15 the meetings adjourned and everyone attended the puspanjali and

arati in honor of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur.

 

In the final session of the day the Deputies presented agenda items that

they had discussed and voted on, and the GBC members conducted straw votes.

Topics were:

 

* updating the rules for voting on issues via e-mail. This led to a

discussion about the various GBC conferences and the need for

confidentiality.

 

* a proposal by Abhirama Prabhu regarding permanently gifting the flat that

was given by ISKCON, on Srila Prabhupada's instructions, for the use of

his son Vrindavan .. This proposal met with opposition from some GBC

members familiar with the history of this topic.

 

* a proposal from Madhu Sevita Prabhu about increasing the time gap for

GBCs to serve on the EC.

 

* a proposal from Pranada Dasi on the Last Wills for ISKCON Leaders to

ensure that ISKCON properties or items in individual names would go to

ISKCON upon the demise of the leaders. This led to a discussion on the

possible reasons for ISKCON property to not be in ISKCON's name (e.g., in

countries where ISKCON is not registered or recognized).

 

* a proposal by the EC on Appeals of Decisions to the GBC Executive

Committee. The discussion clarified that this refers to disputed decisions

or

stipulations made by a GBC member or body, and it was also reiterated that

during the appeal process the decisions remain in place.

 

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

2 March 2005

Day 4 of the GBC meetings

Open Door Day

 

In line with the Vedic cultural tradition of the king opening his court to

anyone, and in line with our modern tradition of openness and transparency,

the GBC this year invited any devotees to express their concerns in person

to the GBC body.

 

First, Priti Vardhana Dasa spoke about reviving in Mayapur the

Nitai-Pada-Kamala boat party, which once preached to villagers along the

Ganges, beginning in 1976. The Bhaktivedanta Academy now is renovating the

dilapidated boat and hopes to take gurukula boys to Gaudiya-Vaisnava places

and preach. Gauri Dasa expressed caution about small boys travelling around

India.

 

Jayadvaita Swami distributed a handout about ISKCON philanthropy. He said

that we are shifting from preaching pure devotional service to rendering

humanitarian service for worldly reward (Food for Life, Tsunami Relief).

But, he asked, are we pleasing Srila Prabhupada and Krishna? (See

Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15, chapter summary, for a view taken by Srila

Prabhupada, which he quoted.) Sivarama Swami asked that Jayadvaita Swami

make a proposal at next year's meeting.

 

Janmastami Dasa spoke about the need for senior leaders to teach the Bhakti

Sastri and Bhakti-Vaibhava courses and thereby transform young devotees.

Recently, MIHE graduated forty-seven Bhakti-sastri students, and it now runs

two semesters of these courses. Education, he said, will help stop the

attrition rate in ISKCON.

 

Ananda Tirtha Dasa spoke about the lack of an official ISKCON news outlet

for devotees and thus a lack of dissemination of positive news. A news

outlet could include lectures by leaders on the observations of regular

Vaisnava calendar celebrations. Bir Krishna Goswami said that such a Web

site is being developed by Devi Deva Dasa in the USA and it will be a portal

for the worldwide ISKCON community. Anuttama said that ISKCON communications

sees this as important but lacks a budget for it.

 

Gita-nagari Dasa spoke about being a disciple who did not take second

initiation because he had seen too many second initiates fall down and he

wanted to wait until he was older. Now his guru (SDG) is not giving further

initiations, so he has had to look elsewhere in ISKCON, but he has not found

someone to accept him. He asked the GBC body to be extra merciful to all

devotees left behind when their gurus falter. Sivarama Swami then asked

Lilasuka, the secretary, to note any needs being expressed that should be

followed-up, and he asked the GBCs who are sympathetic to particular

concerns to submit notes to the secretary.

 

Candra-sekhara Acarya read a letter from Gopaswami Prabhu, who made two

requests: (1) to make the theme of the next Mayapur festival "A Gathering of

Vanaprastas," at which a yajna could be held to mark their stepping into

this asrama; and (2) that the New Mayapur yatra in France be given temporary

support: two pujaris and a temple commander.

 

Nandkishore Dasa (from the Mira Road temple) spoke about developing an

ISKCON human resources department. He cited his professional business

experience, then talked about how ISKCON needs this department. Recruiting,

training, and placing devotees would be the result. Devotees in positions

could be moved around by the GBC and thus be enlivened, just as some

companies move around their managers. "Who is going to staff the new

facilities in the Bombay project?" he asked, as an example of the need.

 

Vidvan Gauranga Dasa spoke about unacceptable beliefs and values coming from

the academic world and undermining ISKCON. He asked the GBC to moniter

ISKCON educational initiatives that are now affiliated with universities, to

ensure that all the conditions stipulated by Srila Prabhupada are met (see

the conversation of June 1975 about ISKCON and the |Graduate Theological

Union). He asked the GBC to moniter courses on psychology offered in ISKCON.

He called for a refutation of certain articles in The Hare Krishna Movement.

Praghosa then invited Vidvan to sit in on a subcommittee meeting that would

dealing with this last issue. And Devamrta Swami mentioned that some of

these issues are dealt with on the Vaisnava scholars conference (VAST) on

PAMHO.

 

Grahila Dasa spoke about the need for security in Mayapur. His flat was

broken into, and he was robbed during one mangal-arati. The local criminal

investigation department, he said, has declared ISKCON Mayapur a soft

target. Thieves go uncaught. The management seems unconcerned. Workers pass

information to thieves. Flat owners pay security fees, but the project

administration has not taken much action. Security guards are untrained,

underpaid, and may be bribed. He asked the GBC to force the issue with the

local management.

 

Bhakta Philip spoke about encouraging preaching in the USA. He has

distributed books for eight years and is a top distributor. Only a couple of

dozen devotees actively go out, despite the hunger that Americans have for

spiritual life, he said. Instead devotees tend to their conditioned natures

and temple maintenance, and this is often encouraged by the preaching of

senior devotees.

 

Purnamasi Dasi spoke about the need for distributing books and chanting in

public. She cited the overwhelming response to chanting parties and

Ratha-yatras, and the value that this preaching has in the training of new

devotees.

 

Bhakta Priya Dasi and Vrajisvari Dasi spoke about making the ISKCON laws

more approachable by devotees. Lawbooks are not widely distributed. The laws

on ISKCON membership, for example, are not all relevant. They recommended

that the laws should be broadly proclaimed and published. The lawbooks

should be sold in ISKCON bookshops. They should be taught in educational

formats, both to leaders and devotees in general. Counseling about the laws

should be available. All these approaches will make ISKCON laws applicable.

Malati Prabhu said that an ISKCON Lawbook revision committee is at work.

 

Drutakarma Dasa gave a report on his preaching against Darwinism in

Bulgaria. His books are now translated into Bulgarian, and he signed three

hundred of them during a recent tour. His slide presentation included some

funny photos of stuffed-toy monkeys holding bananas and reading the

Bulgarian editions of his books. He met anthropologists in Sofia and other

cities. He spoke to teachers, students, and people in general at schools,

bookshops, on radio and TV, and through the newspapers. His report ended the

Open Door Day session.

 

Next on the agenda was the issue of Candramukha Swami (HDG), from Brazil,

becoming a diksa guru. Previously, there were three objections by GBC

members, so the issue had to come to a plenary session. Jagajivan Prabhu

read a report by Parama Gati Swami citing Candramukha Swami's credits as a

devotee, as a leader, and as a preacher. He has published thirteen books and

several CDs. His brother is a sannyasi. HDG wrote to the chairman that he

himself gave the impetus for this idea, so it is in accord with the GBC's

resolution on this matter. One of those who objected, Virabahu Prabhu, said

that the GBC resolution about to making new diksa gurus in this way was

passed for very exceptional circumstances. Guru Prasad Swami (absent from

the meeting) was another GBC member who objected. One procedural objection,

by Bir Krishna Goswami, has now been withdrawn, so the impediment raised by

there members having objections was reduced and automatically withdrawn.

 

Braja Bihari Prabhu presented a Ministry of Education report. He focused

first on Bhaktivedanta College, which is now in partnership with the

University of Wales, Lampeter (see bhaktivedantacollege.com and the

March/April issue of BTG for an article about the College). He next

presented the news that today's devotee-children know less about Krishna

consciousness than previous generations. We are neglecting education.

Alachua has four schools, which is one reason so many devotees are there. If

a devotee community does not have a school, it tends to suffer or

disintegrate. You can have successful schools without abuse. MED supplies

literature on how to start a school. He asked the GBC to help give direction

to ISKCON schooling.

MED takes the position that there should be no schools on ISKCON property

because ISKCON does not have the resources for them; rather, schools should

be projects encouraged by local GBCs. Anuttama commented that the

anti-cultists condemn groups who put more stress on making members than on

educating their children. Gauri Prabhu asked a question about the VIHE

course offerings, which are no longer all about sastra; Braja Bihari said

that the multifarious offerings (psychology, leadership, and so on) attract

devotees to the sastric courses, such as the Bhakti-sastri and

Bhakti-vaibhava courses.

 

A proposal was considered to form the Sri Mayapur Project Society,

consisting of the voting GBC members (36), to gain proper legal ownership of

the project. Braja Bihari made the subcommittee's presentation about the

options and legal considerations involved, and Praghosa answered questions.

This Society will empower a board of directors to run the already existing

Sri Mayapur Project Development Committee. A straw vote was taken.

 

A proposal was heard concerning the listing of membership in GBC standing

committees and so on. The idea is to keep the records up to date by

instituting a system in which the deputies will update the records. Bhakta

Rupa answered questions.

 

A proposal was considered regarding the use of the name Bhaktivedanta

College. Questions were answered by Braja Bihari. This is an internal

matter, meant to clear up confusion over the use of the name within ISKCON.

 

Finally a recommendation was heard regarding how devotees deal with dying:

making one's wishes known regarding senility, medications, do-not-resucitate

orders, and so on.

 

[Kulapavana]

thanks for the information.

 

what was going on during the first day of the meetings?

[rand0M aXiS]

REGARDING THE FOLLOWING:

 

* To what extent was the establishing of the details of Vedic Culture

regarding women an integral part of Srila Prabhupada's mission vis-à-vis

women preaching and serving alongside men in spreading the sankirtana

movement?

 

* Is there a difference between Vedic tradition and Vaisnava tradition?

 

* How much of what we consider Vedic to be is truly Vedic? How much was

influenced by the British in the 19th Century? How much of our viewpoints

are influenced by our own conditioning?

 

Attendees were Ravindra Svarupa Das, Malati Dasi, Laxmimoni Dasi, Bhaktarupa

Das, Sudharma Devi Dasi, Devakinandana Das, Anuttama Das, Rasaraj Das, and

Basu Ghosh Das.

=====================================

I wish I could have been a fly on the wall and watched that unfold........

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

Day 5 of the GBC Meetings

 

3 March 2005

 

The notes for this fifth day are brief because the GBC members met in subcommittees all morning. Then they convened to conduct straw voting.

 

One vote concerned a proposal from the Child Protection Office to modify the original Task Force Document. The main change has to do with the Appeal Review Board. Ten additional recommendations were proposed concerning other points.

 

The GBC then discussed a last-minute proposal made by Bhaktarupa Prabhu that Pragosh Prabhu become the International Chief Executive Officer for three years. Previously, there was a resolution calling for a Chief Liaison Officer, but the post was not filled. The job description for the new officer states that, among other things, he should study the potential to raise funds at large for the GBC's work. The present GBC budget is only $40,000 per year, raised by taxing temples, and some new system of fund-raising is needed, said various members. Sivarama Swami objected that fund-raising is the duty of local GBC's and thus this proposal will undermine that. Some members argued for more flexibility. The job description also included coordinating the functioning of the GBC Secretariat and the ISKCON Ministries, and promoting the GBC to ISKCON at large. Badrinaryana Prabhu questioned whether one person can do all this on top of his or her other services.

 

 

Day 6 of the GBC Meetings

 

4 March 2005

 

Ambarisa Prabhu updated the GBC members on the progress of the Sri Mayapur Project, its accounts, campaign goals, the start of temple construction, strategic planning.

 

A yellow helium-filled balloon, four hundred feet high, is out in the field, marking where the sikhara of the temple will be. The members stepped out on the balcony to take a look at it.

 

Abhirama Prabhu and Pada-sevanam Prabhu continue to work on the temple design. Many working drawings are being produced; this is a time-consuming stage of the project.

 

Ambarisa Prabhu took over as the managing director a year ago. Ambarisa Prabhu has been meeting government officials to gain their support for the project. He is emphasizing how to create jobs for the people of West Bengal. The District Magistrate in Krishnagar will meet with Ambarisa Prabhu today about that.

 

During the last eight years, the character of the building was been changed to cut the projected cost by 80%. Gopal Bhatta Prabhu agreed to become the SMPDC treasurer as of tomorrow and will engage top professionals in financial management. This project is Ambarisa Prabhu's top priority and life's work, he said.

 

There have been some new members invited to join the SMPDC to create a broader, more effective group. The present members are Jaya Pataka Swami, Gopal Krishna Maharaja, Abhirama Prabhu, and Ambarisa Prabhu. New invitees throughout the year have included: Bhakti Caru Swami, Gopal Bhatta Prabhu, Bir Krsna Maharaja, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, Badrinaryana Prabhu, the (incoming and outgoing) chairs of the EC of the GBC, Bhima Prabhu, Pancaratna Prabhu, and Praghosa Prabhu. The GBC at its meeting voted in favor of adding Radhanath Swami, Anuttama Prabhu and Rukmini Dasi. Then all those on this list were voted in as members.

 

The GBC then discussed the resolution to form the Sri Mayapur Project Society to oversee the project.

 

Finally, Ambarisa Prabhu made concluding remarks calling for full commitment and enthusiasm and Krishna consciousness.

 

The Germany Emergency was discussed next. The yatra created a four-step plan for 2005-2007: (1) to inform everyone, to create awareness of its problems; (2) to list (a) the creditors and (b) possibilities to settle the debts (over euro 900,000 from failed projects); (3) to restructure the yatra to avoid the problems that the yatra faced when previous leaders left (such as, oaths of loyalty, regular reporting, no loans, etc.); (4) it created an office to consult with devotees who have grievances, including the offer of professional help if needed. Separating the emotional issues from the financial issues has helped. The problems of the Austrian yatra were briefly discussed, too, because Ravindra Swarupa may become its GBC. A straw vote was taken to help the yatra in various ways mentioned in a proposed resolution.

 

Next the GBC held a straw vote on the appointment of about twenty-five existing deputies for three more years. They are not geographically representative nor do all of them come every year.

 

The next straw vote was on a rule of order concerning the appointment of new deputies. The responsibilities of the deputies were described, as were procedures for adding them.

 

Next they took a straw vote on a proposal that endorses the grhasta ashram and community development. It listed a number of points assembled by five organizations banded together in the Vaishnava Family Resources group. Some discussion took place about putting out a similar endorsement for brahmacaris. Some of the advantages of encouraging grhasta's were discussed. Jaya Pataka Swami asked whether the GBC could give it more support than just an endorsement: e.g., could the GBC suggest a referral person (like the Grhasta Minister).

 

Subcommittee meetings then continued until lunch.

 

[stonehearted]

jndas:

Next they took a straw vote on a proposal that endorses the grhasta ashram and community development. It listed a number of points assembled by five organizations banded together in the Vaishnava Family Resources group. Some discussion took place about putting out a similar endorsement for brahmacaris. Some of the advantages of encouraging grhasta's were discussed. Jaya Pataka Swami asked whether the GBC could give it more support than just an endorsement: e.g., could the GBC suggest a referral person (like the Grhasta Minister).

 

 

I hope someone can help me understand what in the world this means! What does it mean that they tool a straw vote on a proposal to "endorse the grihastha ashram"? Does that mean that it has been illegitimate in the GBC's eyes, or that they are implicitly admitting that? Is it okay for me to be married now? (That would certainly ease the mind of my wife of 32 years!) Please don't take offense at the tone of this note; I'm just a little flabbergasted, and I'm not yet sure at what.

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

It does sound very strange. Does the grihasta ashram really need an "endorsement" from the GBC, or do they even need to waste time on it? I have no clue what this is about.

 

These are starting to sound like UN resolutions.

[stonehearted]

jndas:

These are starting to sound like UN resolutions.

 

 

Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. A comment I heard today: "Could they possibly be more irrelevant, and more arrogant--simultaneously?" The sentiment may be expressed with more strength than necessary, but I could imagine many of us agreeing with something of its essence. It's starting to sound as though they have far too much time on their hands.

 

I would be delighted, though, if someone could post an explanation that would force me into one of my apologies. Someone? Please?

[Kulapavana]

"It does sound very strange. Does the grihasta ashram really need an "endorsement" from the GBC, or do they even need to waste time on it? I have no clue what this is about."

 

have they defined this ashrama as: "a union of one man and one woman"? or is the definition more "inclusive" and the "encouragement" relates (in a covert way) to the issue of gay marriage?

 

[theist]

I do believe Kulapavana has cracked the code. The enigma of GBC speak.

 

Can we tell from the way they spoke which way they are already leaning?

[stonehearted]

I don't think this is related to that issue. It seems to have some relation to something coming from the Vaishnava Family Resources group. Kula, I think Karnam and Archana are part of that. Maybe they have some idea of what it's about. I don't know whether they're in India, or how often you see them; if they're around home, maybe you could ask them.

 

I'm sure there's some innocent--or even beneficial--purpose behind this. However, as it was reported, it sounds like useless bureaucratspeak, at best. My older daughter was in Mayapur for Gaura-purnima in '96, and she was asked to particpate in an international workshop on community development. Part of the process was to break out into smaller groups charged with developing a list of the most important factors for community development. Krishnamayi told us that every breakout group came back with the same item as #1 on its list: strong families. So if, nine years later, the GBC is just now getting around to consider some sort of endorsement of household life as beneficial to devotional communities, they're moving at about the same pace as I've seen in similar exercises among the college faculties I've been on: glacial.

[stonehearted]

I just received this from Urmila:

 

For more clarification, you might want to check out our website,

http://vaisnavafamilyresources.org/

 

We are working with various ISKCON leaders, such as temple presidents and

GBCs, to have *practical* support for the grhastha ashrama that, up to now,

either hasn't existed in ISKCON or existed in a spotty, non-systematic way.

 

Often, the first step is a philosophical acknowledgement of the place and

importance of the grhastha ashrama in spiritual life and the ISKCON

organization. Some of the specific initiatives that flow from this are

required pre-marital counseling before couples have a fire sacrifice in

ISKCON centers, each community having trained mentoring couples who can help

those planning to marry and in the first few years of marriage, courses of

various types for people at different stages in the grhastha ashrama,

printed materials to assist in understanding, and so forth.

 

A number of these initiatives have been achieved in certain parts of the

world, and we are going forward, with hope, to a time when our movement will

be known by society in general as a place where almost all marriages are

stable, healthy, and very supportive of the spiritual advancement of all

members.

 

By the way, the GVT was organized by its own members. We do not have any

"official" position nor was our existence mandated by others.

[krsna]

Letters From Shrila Prabhupada to Disciples

About Marriage and Family Life

 

 

Letter to Bhagavan--Los Angeles, 7th July ,1971

 

The two marriages recommended by you may be performed at that time as well, but only after having sufficiently counseled the respective devotees. This marriage business should not be taken as a farce, but is a very serious matter. Recently so many couples have been cast adrift by the waves of maya's influence. That is hard to check, but still the devotees must realize the responsibilities of household life. And there is no question of separation. Too much this has been happening and I am very much displeased. So if they are promising not to separate under any circumstances, but to work cooperatively in the service of the Lord, then my sanction is there for their marriage, and my blessings as well. Otherwise not.

 

Letter to James Doody, July 10, 1969

 

"Our Krishna is a great family personality. Krishna is never a mendicant, and our ambition is to enter into Krishna's family and to associate with Him personally. So to marry and to become an exemplary householder is the ideal life of Krishna consciousness."

 

Letter to Bhagavan dasa, July 7, 1971

 

"If they are promising not to separate under any circumstances, but to work cooperatively in the service of the Lord, then my sanction it there for their marriage, and my blessings as well. Otherwise not."

 

Letter to Susan Beckman, September 20, 1972

 

"Actually there is no difference between devotees living inside the temple and devotees living outside the temple. You are right that the important thing is to remember Krishna, whatever is your activities."

 

Letter to Shankara Pyne, November 15, 1973

 

"You can still advance in Krishna consciousness even in the office by chanting and giving some percentage to the Mandira.Our philosophy is that all the fruits of our activity go to Krishna for His enjoyment. It does not matter what our position may be."

 

Letter to Krishna dasa, June 9, 1974

 

"It is pleasing to me to hear you are happily engaged in devotional service and living as an ideal grihastha. Please go on as you are doing; keep your business separate and wherever you remain keep your family in Krishna consciousness always chanting Hare Krishna and observing the regulative principles. Cultivate your business for Krishna, remain happy in Krishna consciousness and always serve Krishna."

 

Letter to Shilavati dd, June 14, 1969

 

"The actual system is that the husband is spiritual master to his wife, but if the wife can bring her husband into practicing this process then it is all right that the husband accepts the wife as spiritual master."

 

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

 

 

[Guest guest]

Haribol. Thanks, babhru, for an even handed as well as hopeful commentary here. There is a sad tendency to pooh-pooh any and everything GBC or ISKCON related. There is no room to even breathe, sometime.

 

It should be understood that the GBC was created by Srila Prabhupada as a political arm of his society. Therefore, when we read minutes of their meetings, we see a struggle, ideas (even bad ones) tossed around, etc. But some over-react due to acknowledged disappointment. But, we should always HOPE that things will rectify themselves.

 

The seeds of bhakti take root. Seeds may lay on the surface of a desert for centuries, but once a little water hits (eventually), such seeds may actually sprout and take root. This is how we should look at ALL disciples of Srila Prabhupada. Dormancy is a non-issue, the only issue is today, right now. We should move to encourage positive ideas, give honest appraisal (even constructive criticism) on ideas that seem bad, etc.

 

Not this constant disapproval of everything attempted, because, as stated above, the GBC is empowered by Srila Prabhupada to manage the society.

 

There are many societies that thrive on spreading discord among devotees. If one wants to get juice from such hopelessness, then PADA and other groups have unbending and unmerciful discord presented every day. I always like to read these reports from GBC conferences, there are very good ideas being tossed around, and if family issues are being handled in a responsible manner, this is a major breakthrough, in fact so major that these ideas were not even on the agenda even while Srila Prabhupada was physically present, where families were (incorrectly) seen as an impediment to spiritual life, by many who were mundanely attached to the false sanyassi/brahmacari superiority complex.

 

As far as the gay issue goes, this too is the major discussion of PADA and the others who love disarray. Srila Prabhupadas mission is non-discriminatory, the real straight stuff. His mission is to have those who have interest in the science GRADUALLY decrease materialistic activities by taking on spiritual activities under the guidance of a bonafide spiritual master. Both gays and straights are expressing love to someone who is not worthy, thus both are shadow reflections of the REAL DEAL. Srila Prabhupada gives the real deal, and the more we take into our cup, the foul stuff in there is gradually purified by dilution, then fully pure at some point. Gays are not excluded from Prabhupadas position as patita pavana, friend of the unfortunate and deluded.

 

I wonder about those who, when presented with a GBC position on family issues, automatically start thinking about a remote devotees published remarks about gay marriage. Maybe they are as possessed with gay consciousness like the PADAphile seems to be.

 

hare krsna, ys, mahaksadasa

[stonehearted]

Thanks, as always, for your kind words, mahak. When I think about Srila Prabhupa's instructions to the GBC for managing the society, I remember that the society was 100 or so temples, a couple of farms (or "farms"), and a few thousand folks who lived in those temples or on those farms. The society is much different today, with very few devotees living in temples, for the most part. Back "in the day" (as young folks say), "managing the society" meant managing the couple of hundred men who managed the temples and making sure, by example and precept, that those who lived in the temples were following Prabhupada's program. These days, it seems to me the GBC is trying too hard to do too much. Most of these folks have no business becoming involved in any way with anyone else's marriage, since most of them, as far as I know, haven't successfully managed a family themselves.

 

I remember hearing that Srila Prabhupada told them to meet for a few hours before Gaura-purnima to deliberate on how we can increase the distribution of his books, and have sankirtan and Krishna-katha the rest of the time. It often seems to me, admittedly an outsider, that they seem intent on centralizing things, making work for themselves and building a bureaucracy, perhaps to avoid introspection and immersion in hearing and chanting. Again, I'd be delighted to be shown wrong. Please show me the ISKCON leaders, especially GBC members, whose main work is to increase their chanting, both in quality and quantity, and whose daily lives show them living as humble servants of the devotees. Look--I know they're there, but we all want concrete evidence.

 

Here's Srila Prabhupada on centralization and bureaucracy:

Once before you wanted to do something centralizing with your GBC meeting, and if I did not interfere the whole thing would have been killed. Do not think in this way of big corporation, big credits, centralization—these are all nonsense proposals. Only thing I wanted was that books printing and distribution should be centralized, therefore I appointed you and Bali Mardan to do it. Otherwise, management, everything, should be done locally by local men. Accounts must be kept, things must be in order and lawfully done, but that should be each temple's concern, not yours. Krishna Consciousness Movement is for training men to be independently thoughtful and competent in all types of departments of knowledge and action, not for making bureaucracy. Once there is bureaucracy the whole thing will be spoiled.

[Kulapavana]

"I wonder about those who, when presented with a GBC position on family issues, automatically start thinking about a remote devotees published remarks about gay marriage. Maybe they are as possessed with gay consciousness like the PADAphile seems to be."

 

Haribol Mahak prabhu, these days one hears a lot of politically charged rethoric coming from all different directions, GBC members included. My trust in the wisdom of GBC members has been seriously damaged over the years for no fault of mine. If we were to judge things by the results, GBC would not fare very well, at least imho. That is where my suspicion originates - past performance. All this aside, I have nothing to do with PADA and strongly disagree with both their methods and message.

 

I have nothing against gay devotees getting married for practical reasons (even as I find such marriages meaningless in the spiritual sense) and practicing Krishna consciousness in our centers, but would strongly object to Iskcon getting involved in placing any official "stamp of approval" on such unions. We have become a laughing stock for so many reasons, we don't need another one.

 

[krsna]

 

 

 

***********************************************************

 

Once before you wanted to do something centralizing with your GBC meeting, and if I did not interfere the whole thing would have been killed. Do not think in this way of big corporation, big credits, centralization—these are all nonsense proposals. Only thing I wanted was that books printing and distribution should be centralized, therefore I appointed you and Bali Mardan to do it. Otherwise, management, everything, should be done locally by local men. Accounts must be kept, things must be in order and lawfully done, but that should be each temple's concern, not yours. Krishna Consciousness Movement is for training men to be independently thoughtful and competent in all types of departments of knowledge and action, not for making bureaucracy. Once there is bureaucracy the whole thing will be spoiled.

***********************************************************

 

 

To Centralize is to Die a sure Death(spiritually)

[theist]

Gandhi said as much, "Decentralize,deindustrialize". This is always a bad sign it seems. Whether it is Communists or Capitalists with their mega-corporations centralized power means the little guys will get jacked up. Another example is our present educational system. When knowledge is controled it's all over.

 

As far as this issue those excerpts Krsna posted says it all. Whats to talk about? Prabhupada made it very clear in just a few sentences. He gives his sanction on the marriages serious marriages and not others.... "otherwise not."

 

He also said he wanted things handled locally. So there is no need for the creation of a big Dept. of Marriage office. The local leaders simply have to counsel couples on what a serious commitment they are undertaking. They have taken the position of siksa gurus for their congregations and this falls upon them to counsel wisely and strongly the conditions necessary for Prabhupada's sanction to be upon their union.

[Guest guest]

"I have nothing against gay devotees getting married for practical reasons (even as I find such marriages meaningless in the spiritual sense) and practicing Krishna consciousness in our centers, but would strongly object to Iskcon getting involved in placing any official "stamp of approval" on such unions. We have become a laughing stock for so many reasons, we don't need another one."

 

I second that motion.

 

Gays should be allowed to worship and do service in the temple same as anyone who shows sincerity and "spiritual qualifications" provided they do not flaunt their "activities". And that goes for heterosexuals too.

 

Just wondering, gay marriage was never an issue when Srila Prabhupad was physically present with us, why now?

 

[stonehearted]

Guest: "Just wondering, gay marriage was never an issue when Srila Prabhupad was physically present with us, why now?"

 

It's an issue now largely because it was made a huge issue in the public media during last year's election campaign. Only one person that I can think of--Amara--has actually made any argument at all in favor of same-sex unions using the term marriage, and his is a very qualified (narrow) position. It's not at all the queer fire sacrifices in the temple his critics scream about. And we may find it intersting to note that these same people screeching about changing Srila Prabhupada's standard, or varnashram, or whatever, haven't been freaked out by divorced people as temple or GBC officers. And Srila Prabhupada's preaching about divorce was at least as frequent and unambiguous as about homosexuality.

[Kulapavana]

"And we may find it intersting to note that these same people screeching about changing Srila Prabhupada's standard, or varnashram, or whatever, haven't been freaked out by divorced people as temple or GBC officers. And Srila Prabhupada's preaching about divorce was at least as frequent and unambiguous as about homosexuality."

 

I'm not sure if we want to start talking about setting tough varnashrama standards for temple or GBC officers, because they dont seem to pay any attention to it (has any of them for example publicly declared their own varna? or how about sannyasis living like royalty?)

 

anyway, Manu Samhita gives clear instructions as to in which cases a divorce is permissible (and most devotee divorces would NOT qualify as permissible), however - there is no provision in MS for same sex marriages.

[stonehearted]

I have gotten some responses regarding the resolution I've questioned and have decided to not comment further until the actual resolution itself is made available. I may have been responding in part to the way it was reported ("a straw vote on a proposal that endorses the grhasta ashram and community development"), which, without deeper context, does leave the body open to looking less than wise. However, it appears the proposal comes from the Vaushnava Family Resource group, and that they submitted it to the GBC to, among other things, encourage those temple presidents who can't independently see the merits of such things as premarital counseling (which I think may be very useful in Western cultures, where commitment is something we have to teach in seminars) and other things that encourage the strong family life I wrote of earlier.

 

That any (much less many) temple presidents haven't been trained to be "independently thoughtful," as Srila Prabhupada wants us all to be, also says much about the development (or dearth of it) of our institution. We have much work yet to do, boys and girls.

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

GBC Meetings - Day 7

March 5th, 2005

 

Pragosh Prabhu announced the locations of the day's subcommittee meetings. Then the GBC began the final session of straw voting.

 

A previous resolution about displaying the pictures of Srila Prabhupada and the GBC, regional secretary, and temple president was considered inappropriate by the Indian Continental Committee. Some points: It may indicate a lack of humility, give an impression of exaltedness to the managers, or minimize the effectiveness of other devotees. Badrinarayana Prabhu said that the ICC missed the point: putting a face on the institution's leadership. Bhaktarupa Prabhu said that in India this point is inapplicable. Ravindra Swarupa Prabhu said that the regional bodies can use their own discretion in locally implementing this proposal or not.

 

The GBC voted on a proposal to define the North American ISKCON temple boards of directors as "clergy" to clarify that the boards are subject to the ecclesiastical authority of the GBC.

 

The GBC voted on a proposal that the Moscow temple (for which the Moscow government gave 2.5 acres of land) be started within two years (so as not to put the land offer at risk) and that this be done with international cooperation. This will help consolidate the local community and increase the presence of ISKCON in the CIS.

 

The Indian RGB wishes to move forward on (GBC-approved) nominations of zonal secretaries. In the discussion, some of India's GBC's assessed the trial period and performance of the RGB over the last couple of years.

 

Next, the SAC's guru proposal was considered. This proposal eliminates the no-objection system, gives disciples of gurus still present permission to initiate if they have their guru's order to initiate, and calls for a booklet to explain to new devotees what to look for in a guru-disciple relationship. Prahladananda Swami said that the no-objection system at least reflects the opinion of experienced devotees, whereas the new proposal leaves the decision up to the bhaktas. Jaya Pataka Swami suggested an amendment: that all potential gurus are automatically nominated to a ten-man committee, who then can evaluate whether the nominated gurus' training is complete, and thereby they can continue to offer the no-objection status. Prabha Visnu Swami said that the ten-man committee system has complications: finding ten people and getting eight to conscientiously agree. Svavas Prabhu said that, with training, new devotees will choose the best guru. Gauri Prabhu thinks that the ISKCON department of education should certify a system of training for those who may serve as gurus. Ramabhadra Prabhu thinks that the parallel lines of authority have to be adjusted before this proposed change takes place. Ramai Swami likes the spirit of this proposal because it reflects the GBC's mood for a change, but he also likes the idea of some checks being in place; so he thinks the proposal needs more work. Anuttama Prabhu says that the GBC should not be apprehensive about moving slowly on this one. This discussion ended the straw voting session.

 

Zonal Assignments and Responsibilities

 

The GBC discussed some plusses and minuses of Hrdayananda Maharaja's participation as an active GBC, in connection with a proposal that he become the GBC of Tennessee.

 

Then Badrinarayana Prabhu asked how long Param Gati Swami can be in Spain if he becomes the GBC there, instead of Pragosh Prabhu (answer: one month, which the local leaders find acceptable).

 

Bir Krishna Goswami explained his strategy to be the co-GBC of Portland with Hari Vilas Prabhu for one or two years.

 

The GBC discussed whether Ravindra Swarupa Prabhu should be added as GBC of Austria. Anuttama Prabhu objected that his time is better spent in writing and in academic and religious dialogue. Ravindra Prabhu said that the Austrian and German zones are going to become one anyway, and there are good people there, so this will not take him further into management.

 

Sivarama Swami explained why he is being proposed as the co-GBC of Romania: the country needs help because of the absence of Suhotra Swami, and it has many Hungarian people.

 

Bhakti Caru Swami is withdrawing from South Africa, and Bhakti Caitanya Swami is becoming the sole GBC. Bhakti Caru Swami was on leave of absence from the GBC for a couple of years, and because he now expects to spend eight months a year in India because of the new center in Ujjain, he will not be able to go to South Africa.

 

Devamrta Swami is withdrawing from Ecuador and Bolivia.

 

Regarding the proposal that Bhakta Vijnana Swami be appointed as GBC for Israel, Sivarama Swami argued that it may hinder his work on the Moscow temple. But there are a million Russians there, and he is trying it only for a year. It was proposed that Kavicandra Swami be added as co-GBC for Israel. A straw vote was in favor, and some homework was called for before the final vote regarding how the Israel devotees feel about the candidates.

 

Bhakti Purusottama Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Swami were proposed as co-GBC's for North and South Korea because there are large numbers of Bengali and Russian people there.

 

The proposal that Bhakti Purusottama Swami be added as co-GBC of Nepal fits with the proposal that he be added as co-Zonal Secretary of Bihar and Jharikand; that is, he is in that area anyway. Sivarama Swami was concerned that if this appointment occurs there may be not enough of his leadership presence in Mayapur. But Jaya Pataka Swami explained that the leaders of Bihar etc. often came to Mayapur to see him and that this could continue with Bhakti Purusottama Swami.

 

More of the India sector was taken up next. The RGB suggestions were considered, and a point of order mentioned (some presidents were not consulted about a one-year GBC secretarial nomination). There were also discussions about some candidates (their capabilities, their specialties, and their philosophical soundness).

 

Pragosh Prabhu thanked Sivarama Swami and Kavicandra Swami for their special help over the past year. Votes were then begun on the new executive officers and a duty officer. A duty officer is not obligatory, Pragosh Prabhu told the GBC body, but we could use a few of them, in his opinion. Bir Krishna Goswami filled this post for the past five years. This is a post for meeting emergencies, which often have to do with personal disputes. Sivarama Swami suggested that the EC decide whether it wants a special-duty officer. Ramai Swami said that filling this post is up to the chairman. So Praghosh Prabhu left it up to the incoming chairman, Devamrita Swami, and he asked that Kavicandra Swami fill this post. Kavicandra Swami accepted.

 

The election for a second vice-chairman was next. (The process allows for members to decline a nomination to the service of officer because of other responsibilities. However, the entire GBC votes on whether or not to accept the declination.)

 

Anuttama was nominated, but he said that last year he temporarily took over the presidency of D.C., was added to the SMPDC (which requires two trips to India), reorganized his office and has no secretary, and is training a North American director of communications.

 

Bhakti Caitanya Swami was nominated, but he recently got off the executive board and prefers that others take the post. Jaya Pataka Swami was nominated, but he said that he is not so good at e-mail. Sivarama Swami was nominated, but his health will not allow it.

 

Bhakti Purusottama Swami was nominated, but he said that his English is not good. Bhakti Bhusana Swami was nominated, but he has been off the GBC because of bad health and has just returned, so he declined. Ravindra Swarupa was nominated, but he declined because it would hurt the situation in Germany.

 

Bhanu Swami was nominated but declined.

Gopal Krishna Maharaja was nominated but declined.

Bhakti Caru Swami was nominated, but he said that for two years he would like to commit himself to Ujjain.

 

The voters accepted only the declinations of Anuttama, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Jaya Pataka Swami, Sivarama Swami, Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and Ravindra Swarupa. This narrowed the list to last three nominees: Bhanu Swami, Gopal Krishna Goswami, and Bhakti Caru Swami. These three left the room, as per GBC procedures, while a discussion took place. Bhanu Swami was elected as the second-vice chairman.