Daily Reports GBC Meetings - 2006

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

From Lilasuka Das:

 

The 2006 Annual General Meeting of the GBC began at 10 am today with an

arati to Srila Prabhupada, gurupuja kirtan by HH Bhakti Marga Swami and

reading from Srimad Bhagavatam (7.8.1) by HH Bhanu Swami. HH Devamrita

Swami, the GBC Executive Committee Chairman, began by welcoming all

attendees and giving an overview of the past year's activities. Maharaja

described the year as "peaceful" and spoke about the massive increase in

book distribution in India, development of local Regional Governing Bodies,

and the great help our society is receiving in conflict resolution from

ISKCON Resolve. He also reminded the GBC that as our leaders age, the next

generation must take the lead.

 

Guests of the meeting included Candrasekhara Das, a graduate of the Mayapur

Gurukula and Regional Secretary in parts of the absent Giridhari Swami's

zone; Ajita Das, Temple President of New Govardhana, Australia for over ten

years; Krsnacandra Das, Regional Secretary for much of Russia and Secretary

to the Russian Regional Governing Body of ISKCON; and Svarupa Damodar Das,

Temple President of Durban, South Africa.

 

The GBC Deputies presented to the body several topics for voting, such as

the Sastric Advisory Committee's paper on guru, wills for ISKCON leaders,

next year's GBC meeting dates (which led to a discussion on the

Mayapur-Vrindavan Festival), and the status of the ISKCON Manager's

Meeting.

 

Next, Braja Bihari Prabhu gave a presentation entitled, "Pizza or Pakoras:

Reconciling Liberal and Conservative Viewpoints in ISKCON". He discussed the

general sources of conflict (information, resources, relationships,

interests or needs, structures, and values) and then discusssed three

additional sources that are specifically found in spiritual organizations.

He then narrowed in on the ISKCON experience and explained how our devotees

alter much of their identity when taking to Krishna consciousness (dress,

eating habits, family relations, friends, vocabulary, etc). When we meet

other devotees who have similarly invested their identities, yet have a

differing viewpoint on some aspect of Krishna consciousness, there is often

conflict.

 

He presented solutions to ISKCON conflicts which included: increased

dialogue, taking advantage of ISKCONResolve's services (mediation,

arbitration, conflict analysis, ombudsmen's office), applying a tool called

Polarity Management, allowing for diversity of opinions in many facets of

ISKCON's views except the most core principles, and ultimately transcending

our differences by chanting and taking prasadam together.

 

The presentation was well received by the GBC body and led to a lively

discussion.

 

After brief announcements, the meetings ended on time at 2:00 pm.

 

[Guest guest]

what is the eligibility of a candidate to be a guest at the meeting?

[Guest guest]

It is Hereby Resolved:

 

 

....and ultimately transcending

our differences by chanting and taking prasadam together.

 

 

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

Daily Reports GBC Meetings - Day 2 - 17th of February 2006

 

After the kirtana and Bhagavatam reading (5.10.14), Day 2 of the GBC

meetings began with a continuation of the proposals that have been gone

through by the GBC Deputies. Aniruddha Prabhu presented to the body

mandates, mission statements and proposals regarding the Ministries of Book

Distribution, Health and Welfare, and Arts. This stimulated a discussion

about roles of Ministries and their funding, topics which will be further

discussed by the Deputies.

 

Other proposals were also discussed and voted on, such as the system of

voting by correspondence and Praghosa Prabhu's status in his role as Chief

Coordinating Officer of the GBC. Two guru-related proposals led to lengthy

discussion.

 

The second part of the day's meetings was devoted to a presentation by HH

Jayadvaita Swami entitled "Unity in Perversity", which was a summary of a

five day seminar he gave at Radhadesh on religious history, the sociology of

religion, and where ISKCON stands in this regard.

 

The presentation was well-researched and thought-provoking. Topics covered

included how schisms are an inherent part of religious movements worldwide,

giving particular reference to Christianity; how different sects within

religious movements feel they are more faithful to the tradition; how

opposition to each other is a core element of these sects, etc.

 

A major topic dealt with how movements founded by a charismatic leader are

affected upon his departure, how the followers relate to the authority of

the new leader or leaders, how the devotion and enthusiasm created by the

founder is no longer as pronounced as both the new leaders and followers

consider their own needs and how despite the problems, the only way for the

movement to survive is to institutionalize and regulate itself.

 

Maharaja then talked about schisms in Gaudiya Vaisnava history, particularly

in relation to ISKCON after Srila Prabhupada, and the current status of

other Gaudiya movements, particularly those who are interested in

cooperating with ISKCON. He noted that many of these groups are going

through similar patterns that ISKCON encountered.

 

He stressed on how to avoid schisms by not necessarily dealing with

differences in a negative, combative way, but through dialogue.

 

Maharaja closed with ten recommendations which nicely encapsulate his

presentation:

 

1. Recognize that post-charismatic dilemmas are an inevitable part of

ISKCON's existence.

 

2. Recognize that efforts to shut down or drive out dissenters-while

sometimes perhaps required or inevitable-have only limited effectiveness,

and may sometimes backfire.

 

3. Recognize the value of the diversity of views among ISKCON members, on

all sorts of issues.

 

4. Continue to support and encourage ISKCONResolve and the ombuds and

mediation services it offers.

 

5. Encourage "safety-valve institutions"-that is, opportunities for members

to raise issues and blow off steam (such as the GBC open door sessions).

 

6. In response to competition, recognize that combative responses alone are

likely to fail without improvements in your "product, marketing, and

customer service."

 

7. Recognize that the appearance of "competition" within ISKCON, for

example, two seemingly competing temples in one region, may serve to promote

rather than hinder the spread of Krsna consciousness.

 

8. Recognize the post-charismatic phase some groups are entering and how

that is likely to affect its members.

 

9. Vigorously explore opportunities for reconciliation.

 

10. Take advantage of opportunities to learn more from conflict theory, the

sociology of organizations, and the history and sociology of religion.

 

Maharaja's presentation attracted a lively question and answer session. It

was highly appreciated by the GBC members.

 

[Guest guest]

It really isn't about pizza vs pakoras. This is a discussion about whether ISKCON should follow its spiritual master, or if it should negotiate some of its spiritual master's teachings on the grounds the he is supposedly limited by his cultural upbringing. It is about having faith in the acharya vs replacing him with information gathered from mundane sources. It is about the culture of transcendental knowledge (Vedic culture) vs trying to impress followers of karmi culture. It is about being faithful to the parampara.

 

It is also about just saying no to those who think that promoting Vedic culture is somehow the same as Indian chauvinism.

 

Based on the minutes, it does not look like the GBC is going to do anything about the rogue ISKCON leaders who are promoting social acceptance of various adharmas. It is a lose-lose situation because many ISKCON devotees are also closet supporters of liberal adharmic views. The problem with these views is that they are based on various superficial misconceptions of the philosophy Prabhupada so laboriously tried to teach in its pristine state.

 

I guess this means that those who are looking for a Vaishnava organization that stands behind authentic principles both in theory and in practice, will just have to keep searching. ISKCON doesn't want people interested in brahminical culture. What they want is increased social acceptance among karmis.

 

 

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

GBC Meeting Day Three and Four

 

The day began with the traditional kirtana and reading from Srimad

Bhagavatam (2.10.44).

 

The GBC were given updates on the French, German, and Moscow Yatras,

Ambarisa Prabhu gave a personal update on the Mayapur Project, Tamohara

Prabhu gave a report on the Child Protection Office, and there were some

more presentations by the Deputies.

 

France (presented by Praghosa Das):

 

This year, the French Yatra, after nearly twenty years of struggle

is on the upswing. In a strong show of cooperation that transcends

boarders and zones, devotees from France, various parts of Europe, America

and India came together to focus on reviving ISKCON's presence in France.

They felt that Srila Prabhupada would have insisted on such an effort, and

thus even though their aide comes with much personal sacrifice, they

accepted it in deference to Srila Prabhupada's desires.

Sivarama Swami, Indradyumna Swami, and other senior devotees

commited their time for rebuilding the French Yatra. Donations were raised

to develop projects in France. These developments encouraged the local

French devotees who volunteered services in fields such as fund

development, communications, book distribution, and legal guidance.

 

Germany (presented by Dina Sharana-devi dasi, Euro GBC for Germany):

 

At the same meeting that brought devotees together to help the

French Yatra, devotees met to create a new and brighter future for ISKCON

Germany. The German temples have been plagued with debts for a long time,

and creditors have been demanding their payments. During the meeting,

individual householders, preachers, temples, and book distributors all

pledged funds to help the situation. In addition to these funds,

Bhaktivedanta Manor gave a loan that will be instrumental in saving the

German yatra great sums.

Often when resources are limited, interpersonal relationships are

strained. During the meetings and subsequent to them, much effort was

successfully made-with the help of the meeting facilitators-to heal past

wounds, and create a new mood of trust and unity.

Tangible results were reported such as increased book distribution,

three new centers, and a new communications department

 

Dina Sharana thanked all the GBC's and leaders who gave their time to help

Germany and appealed for more visits from senior devotees. In

reciprocation, a number of GBC members offer appreciation for Dina

Sharana's determined effort to revived the Germany yatra. Sivarama Swami

mentioned that sometimes devotees question what the role of women should

be in ISKCON. He said that Dina Sharana-devi dasi was a wonderful example

of a woman leader. She saw a need and fulfilled it. He said that just as

Srila Prabhupada was so proud of his grihasta disciples who went to

London, he must be similarly proud of this daughter who is rendering such

empowered service.

 

Moscow (Presentation by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami):

 

This was yet again, another example of devotees from various parts of the

world coming together to help a yatra. The Moscow project is experiencing

great challenges from the Russian Orthodox Church. By their influence, the

Mayor of Moscow cancelled his approval for ISKCON to build a new temple

there. Devotees in India-headed by Gopal Krishna Goswami, Krishna Candra

dasa and Mahamantra dasa-helped Bhakti Vijnana Goswami to meet the top

political and industrial leaders of India to request their support.

Similarly, Gauri dasa, Romapada dasa, Srutidharma dasa and Pranabandhu

dasa gathered support for the Moscow project from political and spiritual

leaders in England.

 

Ambarisa dasa gave an impassioned talk about the vision for the Mayapura

temple and Vedic Planetarium. He described his strong determination to

start construction on the present ISKCON land as soon as is practical with

the combined help of the international ISKCON devotees, and those serving

in India.

 

 

Tamohara dasa, the director of ISKCON's Central Office of Child Protection

provided a report on his service in the past year. There was a forty-eight

percent increase in funding; twenty-nine new judges were trained,

including some from South America; the ICOCP's website has expanded

(childprotectionoffice.org), a statistical analysis of ISKCON's abuse

cases has been developed, and there has been tremendous cooperation from

temples and GBC's as the ICOCP strives to establish a child protection

team in every ISKCON center.

 

Last year the CPO completed three cases, five cases are currently under

judgement, and four are in investigation. This year at least four more

training courses will be conducted by Tamohara and Hanuman dasa.

 

The day ended with a discussion about a GBC proposal to improve the ISKCON

laws regarding disciplining of ISKCON officials who act inappropriately or

no longer carry out their services effectively. On one hand we should

appreciate the service of all devotees, and there is room for mistakes

which naturally occur. But on the other hand, ISKCON needs standards and

when the mistakes of one impact the lives of others, action is often

needed. There was also a discussion on a proposal to encourage more of

Srila Prabhupada's disciples to initiate.

 

Day Four consisted of a closed-door session about the Youth Fund. The

Sannyasa sub-committee and BBT Allocation Fund also met today.

[Guest guest]

"There was also a discussion on a proposal to encourage more of

Srila Prabhupada's disciples to initiate."

 

What's the meaning of any such discussion as long as they have this big, centralized, bureaucratic process for being certified (or whatever the heck it is) to accept disciples. Same goes for sannyasa. Standards is one thing; the processes they have for these can encourage very few to submit themselves.

 

[Guest guest]

How is it possible that sannyasa candidates may sometimes have no morning program for years with health excuse?

 

Personally I feel that if one is ill and can't attend temple programs, he should continue to be senior preacher but not accept any title like sannyasa and guru.

[Guest guest]

Personally I feel that if one is ill and can't attend temple programs, he should continue to be senior preacher but not accept any title like sannyasa and guru

 

 

 

Be careful. Please remember that by this standard, Srila Prabhupada would have had to become a "senior preacher" but not sannyasi and guru for some time before his passing.

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

 

Be careful. Please remember that by this standard, Srila Prabhupada would have had to become a "senior preacher" but not sannyasi and guru for some time before his passing.

 

 

I think if we look at Prabhupada's case it actually was the opposite. First of all he was much older and the body naturally deteriorates with time, but even then he was sleeping just 3 or 4 hours a day and working nonstop translating his books, even throughout the night. There were several occasions where Prabhupada did become sick, but there is no comparison to that and some of the cases we have today. Even while sick, Prabhupada was more active than most of us are while healthy.

 

I think it is a very reasonable suggestion. If someone is too sick to attend temple programs and be around devotess, then he is probably too sick to take care of disciples and teach them anything of value.

[Kulapavana]

"If someone is too sick to attend temple programs and be around devotess, then he is probably too sick to take care of disciples and teach them anything of value."

---------------

at least they should stop taking any new disciples.

 

and another angle, who will maintain these gurus if they have no disciples?

 

[Guest guest]

Srila Prabhupada was acarya, the other initiating gurus or sannyasis where his disciples and would possibly not have initiated in his physical presence. However thesedays there are many initiating gurus who could guide the disciples. I firmly think that when the Gurus are sick and can't be active in the devotee community they should stop initiating. Like this one candidtate taking sannyasa soon, in a few days here, he spends half the year in a clinic in Udipi and then recovers in his house here. Should our society really be giving him sannyas?

 

I feel that sannyasis have a great responsibility to the society to travel and expand preaching, not just rest in clinics. I don't want to sound uncompassionate but i reiterate that they can be facilitated to serve as senior preachers not sannyasis. Is this not a mistake to award sannyas just because a person in Prabhupada disciple etc?