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ISKCON As It Is - Draft Constitution
BY: SUN EDITORS
May 02, 2015 — CANADA (SUN) —
THE CONSTITUTION
International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is
Draft Constitution for ISKCON As It Is (PDF)
La Constitución de la Sociedad Internacional para la Conciencia de Krishna
Tal Como Es (PDF)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE 5
ARTICLE 1 - INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AS IT IS 8
1.1 Purpose of Constitution 8
1.2 Constitution as Absolute 8
1.3 Constitution as Legal Determinant 8
1.4 Srila Prabhupada on Constitution and Purpose of Society 8
1.5 The Krishna Consciousness Movement 11
1.6 Further Definitions of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is 11
ARTICLE 2 - THE MEMBERS 13
2.1 Definition of 'Members' 13
2.2 Oath of Allegiance 13
2.3 Conflicting Principles 15
ARTICLE 3 - MEMBER RIGHTS 16
3.1 Autonomy of Members 16
3.2 Society Lawbook 16
3.3 Protection of Member Rights 17
3.4 Judiciary System 19
ARTICLE 4 - MANAGEMENT OF THE SOCIETY 23
4.1 Management Instructions 23
4.2 Decentralization 23
4.3 Founding Members and Brahminical Council 24
4.4 The Governing Body Commission 27
4.5 Group Members and their Appointed Leaders 36
4.6 Direction of Management and Topmost Urgency Documents 36
4.7 Control and Protection of Property and Assets 39
ARTICLE 5 - THE SANKIRTAN MOVEMENT 40
5.1 Sanatana-dharma 40
5.2 Yuga-dharma 40
5.3 Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Sankirtan Movement 40
5.4 Hare Krsna Maha-mantra 42
5.5 Harinama Sankirtan 43
5.6 Book Sankirtan and Distribution of Literature 43
5.7 Preaching Krsna Consciousness 44
5.8 Temple and Group Member Programs 45
5.9 Social Welfare Activities 49
5.10 Cooperation 50
ARTICLE 6 - SADHANA-BHAKTI 51
6.1 Vaisnava Values 51
6.2 Four Regulative Principles 51
6.3 Nine Devotional Processes 51
6.4 Principles of Devotional Service 51
6.5 Sadhana Practice 52
6.6 Vaisnava Decorum 55
ARTICLE 7 - DAIVI-VARNASRAMA 57
7.1 Definition 57
7.2 Establishment of Daivi-varnasrama 57
7.3 Instructions on Varnasrama 57
7.4 Daivi-varnasrama in Current Practice 59
7.5 Simple Living, High Thinking 62
7.6 Education 64
ARTICLE 8 - GURU-TATTVA 66
8.1 Connecting to the Pure Sampradaya 66
8.2 Caitya Guru 67
8.3 Book Bhagavat 67
8.4 Vartma-pradarsaka Guru 68
8.5 Siksa Guru 68
8.6 Diksa Guru 71
ARTICLE 9 - SADHU-SANGA 79
9.1 The Association of Devotees 79
9.2 Sadhu-sanga 79
9.3 Absence of Personal Sadhu-sanga 79
9.4 Sanga Outside the Society 80
9.5 Association with the Gaudiya Matha 80
9.6 Association with GBC/ISKCON Devotees 81
ARTICLE 10 - RATIFICATION & AMENDMENTS 82
10.1 Initial Constitution Review and Ratification Process 82
10.2 Failed Ratification Vote 82
10.3 Supervision of the Initial Ratification Process 82
10.4 Approved Provisional Membership 82
10.5 Provisional Membership Converts to Full Membership 83
10.6 Non-negotiable Elements 83
10.7 Future Amendments to Constitution 83
FOOTNOTES 85
PREAMBLE
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is represents the preaching mission established by the Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, for propagating Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Sankirtana Movement throughout the world.
Members of the Society are dedicated to preaching the Science of Krishna Consciousness and distributing to all people the Holy Names, particularly the Maha-mantra for this age:
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
We will perpetuate the Divine mood, methodology and standards of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, which exemplify perfection in propagating spiritual knowledge to the people of this world, who are anxious to develop God consciousness and re-establish their eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna.
Following in the footsteps of the Founder-Acarya in executing the Sankirtana mission is only possible if one first philosophically recognizes and understands who His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is. Members of this society accept, and pledge to act according to the understanding that His Divine Grace is an exalted transcendental personality: a nitya-siddha, shaktyavesa, uttama-adhikari, maha-bhagavata paramahamsa Vaisnava who was personally deputed by Lord Caitanya to serve as His senapati bhakta, fulfilling the Lord's prediction that the Holy Names would be delivered to every town and village. [1]
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Appeared on this planet as the most recent in a wave of three successive Sampradaya Acaryas: Srila Bhaktivinoda, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Bhaktivedanta Thakurs. These three exalted Acaryas, who are equal in potency and singularity of mission, worked in concert, in close time sequence, to fulfill the Lord's prediction for the worldwide proliferation of Krsna Consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada's exalted status is evidenced by the inclusion of his name as the most recent of only 32 Acaryas in the guru-parampara going back to the time of Lord Brahma. Whether these 32 divine personalities are semantically referred to as 'Sampradaya Acaryas' or as 'topmost members of the guru-parampara', their transcendental nature is explicitly defined by their inclusion on this list of 32 rarified members of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya, as presented in Bhagavad-gita As It Is.
"Without being empowered by the direct potency of Lord Krsna to fulfill His desire and without being specifically favored by the Lord, no human being can become the spiritual master of the whole world. He certainly cannot succeed by mental concoction, which is not meant for devotees or religious people. Only an empowered personality can distribute the holy name of the Lord and enjoin all fallen souls to worship Krsna. By distributing the holy name of the Lord, he cleanses the hearts of the most fallen people; therefore he extinguishes the blazing fire of the material world. Not only that, he broadcasts the shining brightness of Krsna's effulgence throughout the world. Such an Acarya, or spiritual master, should be considered nondifferent from Krsna–that is, he should be considered the incarnation of Lord Krsna's potency. Such a personality is "krsna lingita-vigraha"– that is, he is always embraced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna. Such a person is above the considerations of the varnasrama institution. He is the guru or spiritual master for the entire world, a devotee on the topmost platform, the maha-bhagavata stage, and a paramahamsa-thakura, a spiritual form only fit to be addressed as paramahamsa or thakura." [2]
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Thakur has delivered to the world a transcendental treasure-house of instruction in the age-old Vedic Science of God Consciousness, in the form of his books, lectures, etc. These instructions represent the pure unadulterated teachings of the Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya, as handed down through this guru-parampara by the Sampradaya Acaryas. We accept all of Srila Prabhupada's instructions cent percent, without change, as they represent the unalloyed Absolute Truth handed down in the Vedas. Although Sri Krsna may at any time choose to send another self-effulgent nitya-siddha acarya, the instructions of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, under the guidance of guru, sadhu and sastra, represent Absolute authority in the Society.
The authorized books of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada shall be considered absolute and unchangeable. This includes all authorized literatures produced during His Divine Grace's lila period. Unless specifically requested by His Divine Grace, no revisions or editing shall be considered bona fide or acceptable, and on the principle of arsa prayoga, no changes shall be made in future to His Divine Grace's authorized books.
"I have given you the process of disciplic succession... So in the parampara system, in that disciplic succession, you will find no change. The original word is there. That is the thing... If you want the real thing, then you have to take the old, the oldest. You cannot change anything." [19]
In the same way that we accept Srila Prabhupada's authorized books without change, Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is adopt and promote the mood and methods of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for executing the mission of his spiritual society. Srila Prabhupada's mood, methods and standards shall be emulated and replicated to the greatest degree possible in all areas of practicing and preaching Krsna Consciousness, adjusted only as necessary to meet present circumstances and facilitate preaching.
It is not our business to re-create Srila Prabhupada's mission, which embodies the lila pastimes of the pure devotee. Our business is to manifest the Founder-Acarya's vision within our mission, which is built upon his own. Although the daivi-varnasrama system had not yet been put in place during Srila Prabhupada's manifest lila, it was his desire that it be established. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall therefore dedicate itself to establishing daivi-varnasrama, which serves as the sastrically defined model for our own mission in society according to present time, place and circumstance (desa-kala-patra).
The Society shall be based on the philosophical constructs, standards and practices instructed by His Divine Grace during his manifest lila, however he is no longer physically present to oversee the Society, thus the dynamics of his ISKCON lila cannot be re-created. His Divine Grace requested that his followers not appoint or elect a successor acarya in the Society, thus the Members shall collectively and personally try to please His Divine Grace by embracing his mood, vision and standards as they are represented by the principles of this Constitution.
Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is accept the dictates found in authorized Vaisnava sastra on the matter of initiation. We accept the sastric imperative for the bona fide spiritual seeker to aspire for acceptance into the Sampradaya through formal diksa initiation. We accept the sastric imperative that when the bona fide Spiritual Master departs, his spiritually qualified disciples are free to accept the responsibility of becoming diksa (bona fide) gurus. These relationships, properly engaged, in no way diminish the role of Srila Prabhupada as the Founder-Acarya.
We accept the parity of siksa and diksa-guru, and the sastric imperative that initiation is a connection to the eternal sampradaya brought about by transmission of knowledge through the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava via medium who is following the predecessor Acaryas in the Sampradaya, and particularly the most recent, preeminent Acarya − His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
We reject the notion that an organizational body or a collective of leaders of a matha or spiritual institution are authorized by sastra and the Sampradaya's Acaryas to withhold permission for any qualified disciple to become a bona fide representative of the Sampradaya by giving diksa initiation following the departure of his own Spiritual Master. Likewise, we reject the notion that such an institutional body or collective of leaders has the right to withhold permission for any qualified disciple to enter into the sannyasa asrama.
Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is accept the Governing Body Commission construct established by His Divine Grace, and members of the GBC body who are acting in accordance with Srila Prabhupada's instructions for how this Governing Body is to function.
In the Articles to follow, gender pronouns used in broad reference to Members shall be understood to refer to both genders.
All references to Article sections (§) shall be understood as referring equally to all sub-subsections of the referent.
ARTICLE 1 - INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AS IT IS
1.1 Purpose of Constitution
The Constitution sets forth the founding principles, aims and objectives of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is ("the Society"), a Society that will operate according to the instructions of its Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
1.2 Constitution as Absolute
The Constitution is a document composed by self-confessed conditioned jivas, therefore it is not presumed to be Absolute. Every principle articulated herein is to be interpreted and understood on the basis of, and in the context of the teachings of His Divine Grace. His instructions shall be taken literally and without change, as they are directly coming down through the disciplic succession, evam parampara praptam, and are thus privileged over all other subjective means of understanding.
1.3 Constitution as Legal Determinant
The principles of the Constitution shall be upheld in all matters undertaken by Members of the Society.
1.4 Srila Prabhupada on Constitution and Purpose of Society
1.4.1 Principles Contained Within the Above-mentioned Documents
On several occasions, His Divine Grace stated constitutional principles he wished to have the International Society for Krishna Consciousness adhere to, most notably in the aims and objectives of the League of Devotees (1956); the Constitution of Association (1966) and subsequent Articles of Incorporation (New York, 1966); and the Direction of Management (1970). [3a-c, 10] Although these four statements of principle and purpose were authored over the span of fourteen years, there are no contradictory statements among them, but rather a singularity of purpose. The following consolidated statement of principles is derived from these four statements of constitutional principles, aims and objectives given by His Divine Grace, which together form the Principles, Aims and Objectives of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is.
1.4.2 Principles, Aims and Objectives of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is
1.4.2.1 To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to
educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life as the basis for a
balanced psychic and biological development, and in order to check the
imbalance of values in life and thereby to achieve real unity and peace in the
world.
1.4.2.2 To assist whenever and wherever possible in the building of a social
structure on the real foundation of spiritual progress and establishment of
peace and unity between men throughout the world.
1.4.2.3 To attempt to save men individually from the chain of victimization the
ongoing trend in modern civilization operates by, in the name of ideologies
of false sentiment, so that Man may again be a free soul, to act and live
freely with spiritual vision. This is possible by individual spiritual initiation,
diksa, when a man can see everything in Godhead and Godhead in
everything.
1.4.2.4 To bring together individuals in a Society, regardless of nationality and
irrespective of creed or caste, in order to develop a nearness to the Godhead
and thereby to develop the idea that within the Members and humanity-at-
large there is an infinitesimal soul-spirit that is part and parcel in quality
with the Godhead, and that all life is meant for the satisfaction of said
Godhead, the Supreme Soul, Lord Sri Krishna.
1.4.2.5 To prove by active work and preaching that Lord Sri Krishna is the only
enjoyer of all the outcomes of individual and collective sacrifice, penance,
meditation, arts, culture, science, etc.; because He is the Supreme Proprietor
of the whole universe, eternally a part of Him, everyone knows Him as a
friend. Real peace can be attained when this is realized, in fact.
1.4.2.6 To propagate the sense of Godhead, the all attractive Personality of Primeval
Eternal Form, as He revealed Himself in His own words in the Bhagavad-
gita, the Holy Scripture of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of
Godhead.
1.4.2.7 To encourage the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who
demonstrated practically the transcendental process of approaching the
Absolute Personality of Godhead by His acts of congregational chanting of
the Holy Name of God, a process known as sankirtan.
1.4.2.8 To organize educational programs, such as classes and lecture tours, and to
institute services for the benefit of the Members of the Society and
humanity-at-large.
1.4.2.9 To publish periodicals, books, magazines and/or pamphlets in all important
languages in order to reach human society and give an opportunity to same
to communicate with the Society.
1.4.2.10 To introduce the Members of the Society and humanity-at-large to a
simpler and more natural way of life, as enjoined in the Bhagavad-gita, by
means suitable to the particular place and time.
1.4.2.11 Particularly, to invoke the quality of goodness (satva-guna) in every
Member of the Society individually by the process of diksa initiation and
by establishing one in the status of a brahmin (good and intelligent man) on
the basis of truthfulness, knowledge and faith in the transcendental service
of the Lord.
1.4.2.12 To further realization of the highest truth as revealed by Lord Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu and the Six Goswamis headed by Srila Rupa and Sanatana
Goswamis.
1.4.2.13 Among the principles that the Six Goswamis had in view, to have as an
objective the following four principles:
a) To erect a holy place of transcendental pastimes as well as a place
where Members of the Society of Lord Sri Krishna can flourish.
b) To propagate all over the world missionaries who exemplify the process
of devotion (bhakti), transcendental service to the Supreme Personality
of Godhead, and to make known that this devotional service is the main
function of the human being.
c) In order to accomplish this, to adopt proselytizing methods of peaceful
means and to establish a broader society of association for all Members,
including scholars and admirers, to engage in this service as put forth in
the Srimad Bhagavatam.
d) To install, wherever possible, the temple and worship of Sri Sri Radha-
Krishna and that of Sri Chaitanya, and to give facility to everyone to
become trained in the modes of arcana or preparatory principles of
devotional service.
1.4.2.14 Among the secondary objectives of the Society, it shall undertake the
following activities:
a) To revive varnasrama-dharma, the scientific system of social orders of
classification based on intelligence, martial spirit, productivity and
common assistance, with reference to quality and worth for the common
cause of world society.
b) To discharge as a matter of course the vitiated system of supremacy of
one man over another by false prestige of birthright or vested interests.
c) To popularize the vegetable-grain diet under approved methods in order
that full value of protein, carbohydrate, fat and vitamin benefit may be
derived.
d) To discourage intoxicating or addicting habits of all descriptions and
dimensions and to expose persons thus afflicted to approved methods of
spiritual realization.
1.5 The Krishna Consciousness Movement
"No one should think that this Krishna consciousness movement is a new movement. As confirmed by Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, it is a very, very old movement, for it has been passing down from one Manu to another... Krishna consciousness, based on the nine principles of devotional service (sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam pada-sevanam, arcanam vandanam dasyam sakhyam atma-nivedanam), will never be stopped. It will go on without distinction of caste, creed, color, or country. No one can check it." [4]
1.6 Further Definitions of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is
1.6.1 Purpose of the Society
In addition to furthering the teachings of the Founder-Acarya and propagating the
Sankirtan Movement as described in the stated purpose for which the Society is
constituted (§ 1.4.2), the general purpose of the Society is to provide Members with
like-minded association in an atmosphere conductive to attracting the blessings
of the Sampradaya; to promote and distribute His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami's authorized books; to offer a standardized model for establishing these aims
that will be demonstrated by Member centers, and to provide the devotee community
with the benefits that flow from these things; and to develop and maintain a global
headquarters for ISKCON As It Is in a Holy Dham.
1.6.2 Society is Not Spiritual Equal to Founder-Acarya
As described in § 1.4.2 and § 1.6.1, the Society is defined in terms of the purpose it serves: how it serves its Members, how it serves humanity, and how the Members will interact with society-at-large. These aims and objectives shall be met to the greatest degree possible by the Society's individual Members. However, the Society itself is not the spiritualized equal to the Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
1.6.3 Society is Not 'Hindu'
Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall not represent themselves as 'Hindus' or as members of a 'Hindu religion', organization or temple. Members shall represent themselves as members of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya, or Gaudiya Vaisnavas, and as followers of the eternal religion, sanatana-dharma. These distinctions shall be prominently made in proselytizing, preaching and communications. [5-6]
1.6.4 Literal Acceptance of Tradition and Teachings and Rejection of Non-Vaisnava Ideologies
Members of the Society shall accept literally, without change, the philosophy, Vedic tradition and teachings presented by His Divine Grace. Where such teachings and traditions come into conflict with Western cultural ideologies or other modern practices, the latter will be rejected in favour of a literalist acceptance of the Absolute Truth as handed down by the Sampradaya Acaryas. Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy and tradition will not be altered to accommodate ideologies of impersonalism, ritvikism, pluralism, feminism, humanism, altruism or empiricism, or similar schools of thought originating outside the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya or outside of genuine Vedic Culture.
ARTICLE 2 - THE MEMBERS
2.1 Definition of 'Members'
2.1.1 Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is are defined
as being those individuals and groups who sign and thereby adopt the Society's Oath
of Allegiance and live faithfully under that oath.
2.1.2 Definition of 'Group Members'
Group Members are those Member entities representing a plurality of persons, such as a group of individuals, a temple, organization, enterprise, preaching project or other such entities.
2.1.2.1 There shall also be a category of Special Member, in accordance with § 4.5.2.1.
2.2 Oath of Allegiance
2.2.1 Oath of Allegiance - Individual Members
I ... [enter legal name and then initiated name, date of birth, at present residing at, particular nationality (i.e. American, German etc] … do hereby solemnly affirm, declare and state as follows:
I state that as a Member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, I fully accept and will bear truth and allegiance to the Constitution of the Society and pledge to follow accordingly the precepts contained therein.
I state that I have imposed all my faith, integrity and honesty in His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, preeminent Acarya of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya and Founder-Acarya and Supreme Authority of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, and in my diksa-guru (if so initiated) and/or siksa-guru(s) who have likewise imposed all faith, integrity and honesty in His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
I state that I recognize and accept that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is an exalted transcendental personality, as described in the Society's Constitution, and therefore pledge to follow as exactingly as possible all his instructions for engaging in the practice of Krsna Consciousness and the proliferation of the Sankirtan Movement.
I further pledge my recognition of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada as the Absolute source of authority, as represented by his instructions and authorized books, and I accept and seek the association of those who likewise accept His Divine Grace's Absolute authority, and follow accordingly.
I hereby pledge to follow as strictly as possible the rules, regulations and directives given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. I further pledge to demonstrate in my personal dealings the values integral to an aspiring Vaisnava, as described in sastra.
I do solemnly pledge to uphold the sovereignty of, and to defend the spotless reputation of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, and I shall faithfully discharge these duties on his behalf, thereby acting as his humble servant in delivering the mercy of his instructions to the fallen conditioned souls.
I, …enter legal and/or initiated name… do hereby swear in the name of Krsna that I will uphold this, my oath of allegiance.
________________________________ ______________________
Signed by: Date:
[Society Seal]
2.2.2 Oath of Allegiance - Group Members
We ... [enter legal name and/or operating name, primary operating address, legal name and initiated name of authorized leader signatory] … do hereby solemnly affirm, declare and state as follows:
We state that as Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, we fully accept and will bear truth and allegiance to the Constitution of the Society and pledge to follow accordingly the precepts contained therein.
We state that we have imposed all faith, integrity and honesty in His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, preeminent Acarya of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya and Founder-Acarya and Supreme Authority of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, and in our diksa-gurus (if so initiated) and/or siksa-gurus who have likewise imposed all faith, integrity and honesty in His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
We state that we recognize and accept that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is an exalted transcendental personality, as described in the Society's Constitution, and therefore pledge to follow as exactingly as possible all his instructions for engaging in the practice of Krsna Consciousness and the proliferation of the Sankirtan Movement.
We further pledge our recognition of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada as the Absolute source of authority, as represented by his instructions and authorized books, and we accept and seek the association of those who likewise accept His Divine Grace's Absolute authority, and follow accordingly.
We hereby pledge to follow as strictly as possible the rules, regulations and directives given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. We further pledge to demonstrate in our dealings the values integral to aspiring Vaisnavas, as described in sastra.
We do solemnly pledge to uphold the sovereignty of, and to defend the spotless reputation of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, and shall faithfully discharge these duties on his behalf, thereby acting as his humble servants in delivering the mercy of his instructions to the fallen conditioned souls.
We, …enter legal name and/or operating name… do hereby swear in the name of Krsna that we will uphold this, our oath of allegiance.
________________________________ ______________________
Signed by: Date:
________________________________
On behalf of (Group name):
[Society Seal]
2.3 Conflicting Principles
2.3.1 Group Members
All Group Members, whether legally or informally organized, shall ensure that their bylaws, articles of incorporation, and/or statements of purpose, aims and objectives do not conflict with the principles, aims and objectives set forth herein.
2.3.2 Members Operating under Pre-existing Oaths
If at the time of pledging themselves to the Society's Oath of Allegiance, a Member or Group Member is already constrained under oath to some other organization or managing authority whose principles, aims or objectives conflict with the principles set down in this Constitution, then that Member must, prior to signing the Oath of Allegiance, disclose that pre-existing oath to the Society's Brahminical Council or Governing Body Commission, who will assist in developing a transition plan that will enable the Member to free themselves of the prior commitment of oath.
ARTICLE 3 - MEMBER RIGHTS
3.1 Autonomy of Members
Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall be fully autonomous and self-governing, free to execute as they see fit all activities in Krsna Consciousness and in furtherance of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Sankirtan Movement, so long as they uphold and do not come into conflict with the principles, aims and objectives set forth herein and in the Society's Lawbook.
3.2 Society Lawbook
3.2.1 Purpose of the Lawbook
3.2.1.1 The Society Lawbook shall set forth specific rules and regulations under
which the Society shall be governed. The Lawbook in its entirety shall be
made publicly available and accessible to Members at all times.
3.2.1.2 The Lawbook exists for the purpose of defining how the principles, aims and
objectives of the Society, as set down in this Constitution, are to be upheld
by the Membership.
3.2.1.3 The Lawbook shall, to the greatest degree possible, respect the autonomy of
the Members, and the principles of a decentralized Society as instructed by
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
3.2.2 Authoring of and Amendments to Lawbook
3.2.2.1 The Lawbook shall be authored by, and may be periodically updated by the
Governing Body Commission, with input from the Brahminical Council and
the Membership. Codified revisions to the Lawbook shall be published
promptly.
3.2.2.2 All Members of the Society may submit to the Governing Body
Commission requests for additions or revisions to the Lawbook, and such
requests shall be addressed promptly and given all due consideration.
Such requests, along with the Governing Body Commission's response to
them, shall be made available for public review through the Society's media
outlets.
3.3 Protection of Member Rights
3.3.1 Constitutionally Protected Freedoms
Within the Society, freedom as a constitutionally protected principle shall refer specifically to freedom of information, thought, speech and expression, which are fundamental brahminical principles. In particular, the individual Member shall have a constitutionally protected right to make a well-informed choice in the matter of their spiritual initiation into the Sampradaya, according to the injunctions of authorized sastra. A seeker of truth requires the freedom to make relevant inquiries without being intimidated, stigmatized, ostracized or otherwise repressed by others. Towards that end, the rights of Members shall be protected as follows:
3.3.2 Freedom of Access to Information
3.3.2.1 Members shall have the right of access to information regarding operations
of the Society, including the corporate and financial records of every entity,
incorporated or unincorporated, operating under the Society's name;
recorded minutes of the proceedings of the Brahminical Council and
Governing Body Commission, and judgments, decisions and orders of the
Judicial Panel. All such information shall be made publicly available to the
Members on the Internet, or in lieu of, in whatever medium and
environment is most expedient, and a Notice of Publication shall be
distributed to the Society's media outlets announcing the publication of all
such information.
3.3.2.1.1 In order to limit wide public distribution of information outside of
the Membership, the bodies responsible for public disclosure of
information (Brahminical Council, Governing Body Commission
or Judicial Panel) may choose to control access to any or all
published information by requiring Members to secure a free user
account for log-on to a restricted area on the Internet.
3.3.2.1.2 If changes are made to any Society documents or records that are
subject to a required Notice of Publication, those changes shall
also be announced via a Notice of Change, distributed to the
Society's media outlets.
3.3.2.2 Exempt from disclosure shall be any personal, confidential or privileged
information from Judicial Panel proceedings that is protected under civil
law, e.g. protecting of the rights of minors, and/or information the
Society's legal counsel recommends not be disclosed to ensure compliance
with civil law. Such information shall be redacted from documents before
publication or distribution.
3.3.2.3 Members of the Brahminical Council and Governing Body Commission
shall have the right of access to full transcripts of Judicial Panel proceedings
and all evidentiary material placed before it, but may not publish or
distribute same without the express written permission of the Judicial Panel.
3.3.3 Freedom of the Press
3.3.3.1 The Society shall make the information described in § 3.3.2.1 available to
media outlets operated by Members of the Society in a timely fashion.
Member operated media outlets ("the Media") are defined as any public
venue or mechanism for the publication, re-publication, broadcasting or re-
broadcasting and other distribution of news, editorial content and Society-
related information of interest to the broad membership and the general
public.
3.3.3.2 The Judicial Panel shall have the right to sanction a Media outlet who
engages in blasphemy of Sri Krsna, His transcendental associates or the
Sankirtan Movement. Information shall not be disclosed or disseminated by
the Governing Body, Judicial Panel or Brahminical Council to a sanctioned
Media outlet.
3.3.3.3 Members of the Society shall not be prevented from reading or contributing
to the Media, or engaging in any public exchange of ideas or opinions in or
through such media venues.
3.3.4 Freedom of Speech and Expression
3.3.4.1 Members of the Society shall not be prevented or unreasonably discouraged
from engaging in free speech or the free expression of ideas and opinions.
3.3.4.2 The Judicial Panel shall have the right to sanction Members who engage in
expressions of free speech that are unduly disruptive or threatening, or are
blasphemous. (§ 3.3.3.2)
3.3.4.3 Given the tendency for gross misuse in applying the label vaisnava-
aparadha as a means to squelch free speech and expression, leaders of the
Society may not take restrictive action against a Member on the basis of a
complaint of vaisnava-aparadha without having brought the matter
before the Judicial Panel.
3.3.5 Freedom of Speech and Expression
A Member diksa-guru may not demand that a disciple accept an order that
contravenes their protected rights as defined in § 3.3.
3.4 Judiciary System
3.4.1 Purpose of Judiciary System
All Members of the Society shall accept and be held by both civil law and the word of the Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. When disputes cannot be thus settled due to conflicting interpretations or levels of realization, the Society's Judiciary System may be called upon by the Members to intervene. Participants in the Judicial System shall make every effort possible to uphold the principles, aims and objectives of the Society, as described herein.
3.4.2 The Judicial Panel
3.4.2.1 The Brahminical Council shall appoint no less than three and no more than
seven members of a Judicial Panel, comprised of male and female
members, who will remain seated for a term of two years. Vacancies during
the initial two-year period shall be filled by the Brahminical Council's
appointment.
3.4.2.2 At the close of the initial two-year term, a new Judicial Panel will be chosen
by majority vote of the retiring Panel members, members of the Brahminical
Council, if active (§ 4.3.3), and members of the Governing Body
Commission. In the event of a tie vote, the Chairman of the Governing
Body Commission or the Brahminical Council respectively, if one or the
other is not operating, shall have the deciding vote.
3.4.2.3 In the event a member of the Judicial Panel is also party to a proceeding
brought before the Panel, or in the event that a party to a proceeding
establishes to the satisfaction of a majority of Panel members that a conflict
of interest exists with one or more Panel members, such Panel member shall
recuse themselves from the proceeding.
3.4.3 Ombudsman
3.4.3.1 A party to a proceeding may request that an Ombudsman, if available, be
assigned to monitor a Judicial proceeding. Likewise, an Ombudsman may
directly request to do so. The role of the Ombudsman is to observe the
proceeding as a broad-scope representative of the interests of the Society's
Membership. While the Ombudsman may not speak on behalf of a party to
the proceeding, he may speak as a friend of the Society and Judiciary
(amicus curiae), offering unbiased commentary on behalf of the general
Membership.
3.4.3.2 Individuals willing to serve in the capacity of Ombudsman may be
recommended to, or may make themselves known to the Judicial Panel, who
will then familiarize them with the Society's judicial process and Lawbook.
3.4.3.2.1 Through an informal review process and without undue constraint,
the Judicial Panel shall acknowledge that an Ombudsman is
deemed to have a reasonable understanding of the Society's
judicial process and Lawbook, and will thus be permitted to
request hearing by the Judicial Panel in matters before it.
3.4.3.3 Expenses incurred by an Ombudsman shall be the responsibility of the party
requesting their participation.
3.4.4 Hearing of Grievances
3.4.4.1 The Judicial Panel shall convene no less than four times per year for the
purpose of adjudicating matters brought before it.
3.4.4.2 Recommendations for the suspension or expulsion of a Member made by a
Governing Body Commissioner, and grievances filed directly by Members, shall be delivered to the Judicial Panel in the form of a written Request for Hearing.
3.4.4.2.1 Upon receipt of a Request for Hearing, the Judicial Panel shall,
within 48 hours, deliver a true copy (identifying the complaintant)
of the Request for Hearing to the accused party at the last known
address they have placed on record with the Governing Body
Commission.
3.4.4.3 Aggrieved parties (complaintants) who make application for hearing shall be
heard on a first come, first served basis. In cases of emergency, special
application may be made for immediate hearing.
3.4.4.4 The Judicial Panel may conduct proceedings, at its own discretion, either in
person or by means of video communications such as digital conferencing,
and shall promptly deliver a written Notice of Hearing to the parties when
the hearing date has been scheduled. Notice of Hearing shall be delivered
no less than 60 (sixty) days prior to the scheduled Hearing date.
3.4.4.5 Parties to a hearing of grievance shall have the right to present evidence, to
examine all evidence provided by the opposing party, to hear all testimony,
and to meet face-to-face with the accuser during the hearing.
3.4.4.5.1 In the event a hearing scheduled before the Judicial Panel is to be
held at a physical location more than 200 miles (320 km.) from
the residence of a party to the hearing, that party may request to
be heard via video communication means, which shall also be
considered 'face-to-face'. Said party shall bear his own costs
in this regard. Likewise, the opposing party under such
circumstance may also request that his presence at the hearing be
accepted via video communication means.
3.4.4.5.2 Parties to a hearing of grievance shall have the right to depute
another individual to speak on their behalf. Such deputed
representative shall appear with the party they speak on behalf of,
either in person or via video communications.
3.4.4.6 The Judicial Panel shall conduct a fair and impartial fact-finding process and
hearing of complaint and defense, and shall come to a decision accordingly,
delivering to the parties a prompt order of judgment.
3.4.4.7 After hearing an aggrieved party's initial application, the Judicial Panel may
refuse to advance the matter for further proceeding. In this case, an Interim
Order shall be made, referring the matter to some other means of dispute
resolution. Should that alternate attempt fail in resolving the problem, a new
application may be made to the Judicial Panel for hearing, and the matter
shall be heard.
3.4.4.7.1 A system for mediation of disputes shall be made available to
Members, at no cost, as part of the Judiciary System.
3.4.4.8 Members who are party to a Judicial Panel proceeding shall have right of
access, in digital form, and the right to make digital copies of all documents
and information produced during the proceeding by all parties to the matter,
except as prevented by civil law. The parties shall be permitted, at their
own cost, to procure printed copies thereof. They shall be provided by the
Judicial Panel with full transcripts, in digital form, of all proceedings in the
matter.
3.4.5 Scope of Sanctions
At the conclusion of a proceeding, the Judicial Panel shall issue a written Judgment stating the facts placed before it and the Panel's opinion and decision in the matter. The Panel may issue an order for remediation to the parties, with appropriate mechanisms for compliance review. When warranted, in the most egregious cases, the Panel may order a Member's immediate or conditional expulsion from the Society.
3.4.6 Appeals Process
Parties to a proceeding shall have the right to Appeal a Judgment of the Judicial Panel. Appeals shall be heard no less than six months from the date of application. A three-person Panel shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Judicial Panel to hear the Appeal, and their decision shall be final.
3.4.7 Enforcement of Sanctions
Refusal by any Member of the Society to enforce a sanction placed by the Judicial Panel against a Member shall itself be an actionable offense.
3.4.8 Funding Support for Judicial Panel
The Brahminical Council and Governing Body Commission shall be jointly responsible for ensuring that an adequate budget is funded for operation of the Judiciary System.
ARTICLE 4 - MANAGEMENT OF THE SOCIETY
4.1 Management Instructions
4.1.1 Eternal Instructions According to desa-kala-patra
The Vedas are eternal, as are the instructions coming down through the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya Acaryas. Likewise, the instructions of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in his Bhaktivedanta Purports are applicable in all times, places and circumstances. Application of these unchanging instructions must be accepted as absolute and considered according to the principle of desa-kala-patra (time, place and circumstance).
4.1.2 Sastric Injunctions and Instructions Not Purported
Authorized sastra has been purported by the Sampradaya Acaryas; His Divine Grace never contradicted sastra, thus we have the opinions of the Acaryas to rely upon in understanding Srila Prabhupada's instructions (guru, sadhu, sastra). His Divine Grace's lectures, conversations and letters are not themselves purported, although they contain much granular instruction on how to engage in spiritual life, manage the Society, etc. Therefore, these instructions must be interpreted in a sastrically sound fashion and studied in the context of the body of Bhaktivedanta Purports and authorized books in determining how a given instruction is to be applied according to desa-kala-patra.
4.1.2.1 In accordance with the Preamble here above and § 5.6.2, the authorized
books of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada shall be
considered absolute and unchangeable. The Governing Body Commission
shall make every effort to ensure that Members are facilitated in getting
access to the authorized books and are encouraged to read, distribute and
preach from them.
4.2 Decentralization
4.2.1 Independent, Cooperative Branches with Founder-Acarya in the Center
Each and every branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall maintain an independent identity, cooperating with all Members and keeping the Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in the center. [7]
4.2.1.1 As the term is used herein, 'branch' shall simply mean any Group Member
entity operating under the name of the Society, and in no way connotes a
legal relationship.
4.2.2 Centralization Prohibited
Except for the functional centralization explicitly set forth in this Constitution, the Society's Members shall remain independent, autonomous and decentralized from the Society itself, in corporate structure and in all managerial and other functions. [8]
4.2.3 Ecclesiastical Polity
The Society shall enforce no ecclesiastical form or system of government except insofar as the philosophical basis for, and the means and methods of such governing system are set forth in authorized sastra. No other form of religious institutional governance shall be employed.
4.2.4 Congregationalist Polity
Except for the roles and positions set forth in this Constitution, the Society shall not require the use of titled positions. Group Members shall appoint their own functionaries according to their needs and self-imposed organizational structures.
4.3 Founding Members and Brahminical Council
4.3.1 Establishment of the Society
Establishment of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall be considered to take place by actions of the following parties, as authorized herein:
4.3.1.1 Incorporators, being those who register the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness As It Is as a corporate entity and serve as its officers and
directors. Entities by this name may be incorporated in any location, with
the geographic designation included in the name, for example: International
Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is (Canada).
4.3.1.1.1 Such named entities may be incorporated as profit or non-profit
entities, as allowed by naming convention under law and as
deemed fitting by the Incorporators. Alternatively, such named
entities may remain unincorporated, and/or may be operated
under the d/b/a tradename, International Society for Krishna
Consciousness As It Is (of location) as part of some other
corporate entity, in accordance with local laws governing such
entities. In such cases, the operators shall be considered
equivalent to 'incorporators'.
4.3.1.1.2 The establishment and operation of the Society shall not be unduly
governed by naming convention. Should it become necessary or
expedient in future, the Governing Body Commission or
Brahminical Council may recommend the use of an alternative
name for the Society, which shall be read as non-different from
references in this Constitution to the 'International Society for
Krishna Consciousness As It Is'.
4.3.1.2 Founding Members of the Society, being those persons who participate
in a six-month process of finalizing the Constitution and presenting it to
the Membership (Members and Provisional Members) for initial ratification.
4.3.1.3 The Brahminical Council, being a body comprised of no less than 5 (five)
and no more than 9 (nine) persons chosen by a 2/3 majority vote of the
Founding Members upon ratification of the Constitution. Members of the
Brahminical Council shall serve for a one-year probationary period, after
which the Council Members shall, by 2/3 majority vote, either give them
permanent tenure in the position or replace them with another provisional
Council Member, who shall likewise serve a one-year probationary period
then be voted to permanent membership on the Council, or be replaced.
4.3.2 Brahminical Council
4.3.2.1 The Brahminical Council shall serve as an interim body, responsible for
appointing a Judicial Panel; establishing a functional Governing Body
Commission; establishing an initial public presence for the Society; and
conducting other duties ascribed here. The Brahminical Council shall
maintain and uphold, to the strictest degree possible, the principles, aims
and objectives set forth in this Constitution.
4.3.2.2 Failure to uphold the principles of this Constitution shall be the only cause
for removal of a Brahminical Council Member with tenure. A Council
Member may be removed only by the unanimous vote of Brahminical
Council members.
4.3.2.3 Should a member of the Brahminical Council resign, become deceased or
otherwise incapacitated and unable to fulfill his duties, thus creating
a vacancy on the Council, then by the majority vote of Council members,
the vacancy shall be filled within no more than six (6) months.
4.3.2.4 The Brahminical Council shall have no inherent authority except that
authority derived from itself, from this Constitution, and from His Divine
Grace. As such, the Brahminical Council shall remain an unincorporated
entity.
4.3.3 Duration and Scope of Brahminical Council's Activities
The Brahminical Council shall remain actively involved in managing the Society until such time as a properly functioning Governing Body Commission has been established. At that time, solely at the discretion of the Brahminical Council's members and by its 2/3 majority vote, the Council may choose to become inactive with respect to managerial duties. While inactive, should Council members determine that circumstances merit calling the Council back into active service, then it may reactivate the Brahminical Council upon the 2/3 majority vote of its members and resume operation, empowered on an ex post facto basis.
4.3.4 Relationship between Brahminical Council and Governing Body Commission
4.3.4.1 While in active operating status, the Brahminical Council shall have full
authority, over and above the Governing Body Commission, in all
philosophical matters and in managing the Society's affairs.
4.3.4.2 The Brahminical Council shall make every effort to facilitate the
establishment of a properly functioning Governing Body Commission
according to the principles described herein and shall, as soon as reasonably
possible, turn all responsibility for managing the Society over to the
Governing Body Commission, thus placing the Brahminical Council in an
inactive state with respect to management of the Society.
4.3.4.2.1 Whether in active or inactive status with respect to managerial
duties on behalf of the Society, the Brahminical Council shall at
all times, at its discretion, be free to undertake the study of
philosophical matters of concern to the Society. The Council may
publicly present their findings and conclusions to the Society,
having first presented a courtesy copy to the Governing Body
Commission for their brief review and input. Such input,
however, shall not limit or restrict the Brahminical Council's
freedom to publish and distribute to the Membership whatever
brahminical commentary they deem worthy of distribution.
4.3.4.2.2 The Brahminical Council shall also take up brahminical studies
when called upon by the Governing Body Commission to do so,
presenting papers or reports of their findings and conclusions to
the Governing Body in as timely a fashion as possible.
4.3.5 Emergency Management
4.3.5.1 In the event an emergency should arise at a time when the Brahminical
Council is inactive, and no member of the Governing Body Commission is
available to act on a matter of great urgency, then the Brahminical Council
or any one of its members may intervene and act as needed.
4.3.5.2 In the event a member of the Brahminical Council deems it necessary to act
alone in taking action on an emergency matter, that member shall be
required to produce evidence of having made every reasonable attempt to
contact other Council members by whatever expedient means are available.
4.3.6 Financial Support
The Brahminical Council shall be a self-funded body, free to solicit Member donations in support of its activities, or to engage in whatever fundraising it deems necessary.
4.4 The Governing Body Commission
4.4.1 Definition
In the 1975 GBC Resolutions [9], Resolution #1 gives the following definition of the Governing Body Commission (GBC), approved by His Divine Grace:
"Resolved: The GBC (Governing Body Commissioned) has been established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to represent Him in carrying out the responsibility of managing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness of which He is the Founder-Acarya and supreme authority. The GBC accepts as its life and soul His divine instructions and recognizes that it is completely dependent on His mercy in all respects. The GBC has no other function or purpose other than to execute the instructions so kindly given by His Divine Grace and preserve and spread his Teachings to the world in their pure form.
It is understood that the GBC, as a collective body of 14-members has been authorized by His Divine Grace to make necessary arrangements for carrying out these responsibilities of management. These arrangements may include delegating authority, managing resources, setting objectives, making plans, calling for reports, evaluating results, training others, maintaining spiritual standards and defining sphere of influence of the various GBC members as well as other devotees.
The members of the GBC do not have any inherent authority but rather derive their authority from the Governing Body Commission itself and ultimately from His Divine Grace. Their authority may be over a particular geographic area or over a particular function. Whichever area of responsibility be given to the various members their primary responsibility is to the society as a whole."
4.4.1.1 Given that the Governing Body Commission, as defined by this 1975
Resolution, is to have no inherent authority except that authority derived
from itself and from His Divine Grace, the Governing Body Commission of
the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall remain an
unincorporated entity.
4.4.2 Purpose
Following in the footsteps of his own Spiritual Master, His Divine Grace Srila
Prabhupada established a Governing Body Commission ("GBC") to oversee his
preaching mission. The purpose of the Governing Body Commission is to act as the
instrument for the execution of the Will of His Divine Grace; to help improve
standards of Temple management, propaganda for Krishna Consciousness,
distribution of books and literatures, opening of new centers, and educating devotees
to the right standard; and to oversee all operations and management of ISKCON,
with a primary objective to organize the opening of new Temples and to maintain the
established Temples. [10-11]
4.4.2.1 The Governing Body Commission shall maintain and uphold, to the strictest
degree possible, the principles, aims and objectives set forth in the
Constitution. (§ 1.4.2)
4.4.2.2 The Governing Body Commission shall follow Srila Prabhupada's example
in conducting their activities: traveling and preaching, teaching, and
enthusing devotees in all asramas and varnas in the development of their
Krsna consciousness and in the propagation of Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan
Movement.
4.4.2.3 Governing Body Commissioners shall not engage in day-to-day
management activities or control the management of temples or preaching
enterprises in their zone or elsewhere in the Society, but rather will oversee
those engaged in such management.
4.4.2.4 Governing Body Commissioners shall not manage financial assets (money,
bank accounts, trusts, etc.) on behalf of Member temples, preaching
enterprises or individuals, except those preaching centers or projects
personally founded by them.
4.4.2.4.1 Governing Body Commissioners who are managing financial
assets on behalf of their own personal preaching projects, or on behalf of the
Society as ascribed here, shall disclose the financial records of those
enterprises to the Governing Body Commission for annual review.
4.4.3 Governing Body Commissioner Oath of Allegiance
In addition to signing the Oath of Allegiance required of all Members of the Society
(§ 2.2), members of the Governing Body Commission shall annually sign an Oath of
Allegiance specific to their office as Commissioner. [10, 12]
4.4.3.1 Oath of Allegiance
I ... [enter legal name and then initiated name, date of birth, at present residing at, particular nationality (i.e. American, German etc.)] … do hereby solemnly affirm, declare and state as follows:
I state that I have been elected or nominated a member of the Governing Body Commission under the recommendation of an authorized representative of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya and Supreme Authority of the Krishna Consciousness Movement, under the auspices of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is.
I state that I have imposed all my faith, integrity and honesty in His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, with the result he is the sole responsible person and supreme authority of my present position and status which I have gained and I am holding in the Society.
I, the said - …enter legal and/or initiated name… do hereby swear in the name of Krsna that I will bear truth and allegiance to the Constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations and directives which have been given, including the 4 regulative principles (listed) chanting of 16 rounds very seriously or directions given me directly by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, or through his authorized representatives, and I shall obey faithfully all instructions and directions, which shall be binding on me, and that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada and the Governing Body Commission and/or any other body appointed by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, working under the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, and I shall faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter or have already been appointed to, to that effect.
As a Governing Body Commission member, I further pledge that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is the only source of authority, represented by his instructions and books and I shall follow his instructions only - of these books."
________________________________ ______________________
Signed by: Date:
[Society Seal]
4.4.4 Governing Body Commission as 'Ultimate Managing Authority'
4.4.4.1 In his Declaration of Will dated June 7, 1977, His Divine Grace A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada stated: "The Governing Body
Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire
International Society for Krishna Consciousness." [13a-b] The genesis of
terminology for 'ultimate managing authority' is found in the Room
Conversation of June 2, 1977 [14].
4.4.4.2 The Governing Body Commission's purpose is to oversee all operations and
management of ISKCON [10], and not to not engage in day-to-day
management activities or control of the management of temples (§ 4.4.2).
4.4.4.3 'Ultimate managing authority' is not synonymous with 'ultimate spiritual
authority', nor is 'ultimate managerial control' synonymous with 'ultimate
spiritual control'. The ultimate spiritual authority for Members of the
Society is, and shall always remain, the vani of His Divine Grace, which
may be accessed directly and is passed down in disciplic succession by bona
fide diksa and siksa gurus in the sampradaya under the oversight of the
Governing Body Commission and Brahminical Council.
4.4.4.4 The term 'ecclesiastical authority' was never used by His Divine Grace to
describe the role of the Governing Body Commission. 'Ultimate managing
authority' is not synonymous with 'ecclesiastical authority'. Neither the
principle of 'ecclesiastical authority' as it is commonly employed by
religious bodies, nor the legal construct of 'ecclesiastical authority' as it may
be recognized by the court shall be used to define the role of the Governing
Body Commission.
4.4.5 Appointment of Governing Body Commissioners
On July 28, 1970 His Divine Grace issued the Direction of Management [10], in which he established the Governing Body Commission, naming twelve disciples as his direct representatives (commissioners), to act as his zonal secretaries during his manifest lila and as his Executors upon his demise.
4.4.6 Perpetuation of Governing Body Commission
4.4.6.1 The 1970 Direction of Management states: "The commissioners will serve
for a period of 3 years, and they may be re-elected at the end of this period",
and a process for elections was given. In the 1975 GBC Resolutions [9],
Resolution #5 states: "Resolved: The selection of GBC members is that
Srila Prabhupada will nominate, and if there is a discrepancy, His Grace will
change him. There will be no elections, and the present GBC member will
remain."
4.4.6.1.1 No subsequent Resolution or instruction was given to re-instate a
GBC elections process as outlined in the Direction of
Management. There is no indication that the 1975 "no elections"
Resolution order was for a duration of one-year only.
4.4.6.2 In a Room Conversation on May 28, 1977 [15], His Divine Grace gave
instructions on the duration of GBC tenures and elections to fill
vacancies on the Governing Body Commission.
4.4.6.2.1 While the Direction of Management calls for triennial GBC
elections and for four GBC members to be retained each election
cycle, on May 28, 1977 His Divine Grace clearly stated that
those already serving as GBC's, without deviation, cannot be
changed.
4.4.6.2.2 The statement made by His Divine Grace on May 28, 1977 −
"Rather, one who is competent, he can be selected to act by the
board of the GBC" − remains open to interpretation with respect
to whether the statement refers only to GBC vacancies being
filled, or to the addition of new GBC members.
4.4.6.2.3 On May 28, 1977, His Divine Grace stated that if a GBC member
leaves, another should be elected. Given that the reply by
Satsvarupa das − "By the votes of the present GBC" − was not
further qualified by His Divine Grace, it is understood to mean
that the GBC members themselves would elect new members to
fill vacancies.
4.4.6.2.4 On May 28, 1977, His Divine Grace stated with respect to GBC
members who are deviating: "Anyone who is deviating, he can
be replaced."
4.4.7 Re-constitution of Governing Body Commission
4.4.7.1 His Divine Grace instructed that the twelve Governing Body Commissioners
he appointed per the Direction of Management [10] and subsequently are
not to be changed, however, one who is deviating can be replaced. The
entire Governing Body Commission and all its individual members are, at
the time of this writing, judged to be systemically and egregiously deviating
and shall therefore remediate or be replaced, thus re-constituting the
Governing Body Commission.
4.4.7.2 The Brahminical Council alone shall have the right to institute a program of
remediation and reinstatement for past Governing Body Commissioners
who wish to be considered for future service in the role of Commissioner.
4.4.7.3 His Divine Grace's personal appointment of the initial twelve Governing
Body Commissioners, and his subsequent instruction that they are not to be
changed, unless deviating, is understood to be a singular event. The
examples set by the Founder-Acarya are to be followed, but his actions
cannot be copied based on an assumption of equal or similar purity and
potency. Therefore, the initial members of the re-constituted Governing
Body Commission, having been appointed by conditioned souls comprising
the Brahminical Council, shall not enjoy the same assured longevity as
Commissioners personally appointed by His Divine Grace.
4.4.7.4 In order to re-constitute the Governing Body Commission, the Brahminical
Council shall appoint no more than twelve initial Commissioners, who will
serve for a two-year period. One Commissioner shall be appointed
Chairman for the two year period. The Chairman shall have no veto power
in settling internal matters before the Governing Body, but in the event of a
tied vote, his shall be the deciding vote.
4.4.7.4.1 The Commissioners will, over the course of their tenure,
determine how many Commissioners are needed in total in order
for the Governing Body Commission to function properly in
serving the Society according to His Divine Grace's instructions
and standards, and how many qualified candidates have been
identified as willing and able to serve. At the end of their two-
year tenure, their recommendations shall comprise a slate of
candidates put forward to a vote by the Commissioners and by
members of the Brahminical Council. Candidates receiving a
2/3 majority vote shall be elected as Commissioners for the
subsequent two-year period.
4.4.7.4.2 The newly elected Commissioners shall select from among
themselves a new Chairman, to serve during their two-year
tenure. The Chairman shall have no veto power, but in the event
of a tied vote, his shall be the deciding vote.
4.4.8 Governing Body Commissioner Elections per Direction of Management
4.4.8.1 The elections process for Governing Body Commissioners set forth in the
Direction of Management [10] cannot be taken as an absolute instruction
for the Society in future because, as noted in § 4.4.6, elections were
rescinded by a 1975 GBC Resolution approved by His Divine Grace; and in
the Room Conversation of May 28, 1977 [15], Srila Prabhupada gave
instructions on duration of Commissioner tenures and elections to fill
vacancies that were contradictory to the Direction of Management process
for elections. Given the fact that His Divine Grace's instruction on May 28,
1977 that 'GBC members cannot be changed' specifically referred to the
Commissioners he had personally appointed, no instruction from him exists
regarding election or re-election that can be applied, in an absolute fashion, to the present circumstance of a re-constituted Governing Body
Commission.
4.4.8.2 The elections process for Governing Body Commissioners given by His
Divine Grace in Direction of Management is accepted as a viable model for
perpetuation of the Governing Body Commission into the future. However,
due to circumstances stemming from the egregious deviation requiring a re-
constitution of the Governing Body, certain problems are inherent in
executing the elections process outlined in the Direction of Management.
Therefore, it shall be the mandate of the re-constituted Governing Body
Commission, during the first two years of its tenure, to conduct a detailed
analysis of the Direction of Management elections process and existing
circumstances likely to impact its execution within the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, and to formulate a position paper
recommending a process for election of Governing Body Commissioners
that maintains to the greatest degree possible the spirit and intent of His
Divine Grace in Direction of Management and in the general body of his
instructions for management of the Society.
4.4.8.2.1 The recommendation for an elections process shall be put to a vote
of members of the Governing Body Commission and Brahminical
Council, and shall pass with a 2/3 majority vote. Should a
majority vote fail to be reached, the Governing Body Commission
shall recommence its study, revise its recommendations as
needed, and put the matter to a new vote within six months. This
process shall be repeated until an elections process has either been
accepted by majority vote, or rejected unanimously.
4.4.8.2.2 In the event an elections process has not been accepted by
2/3 majority vote prior to the end of the Governing Body
Commission's two-year tenure, then a new Governing Body
Commission shall be seated according to the process set down in
§ 4.4.7.4.1 and § 4.4.7.4.2.
4.4.9 Duties and Responsibilities
4.4.9.1 Each Governing Body Commissioner and the Governing Body as a whole
shall be responsible for carrying out the duties required in order to fulfill the
purpose, aims and objectives stated in § 1.4.2, § 1.6.1, § 4.4.2, and as
otherwise ascribed herein, and to generally, in all ways, carry out the
preaching mission of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
4.4.9.2 Annual Meeting: Each year, during the one-week period prior to the
observance of Gaura Purnima, the Governing Body Commissioners and
Temple Presidents shall meet at the Society's World Headquarters, or, prior
to the establishment of same, at a location in one of the Holy Dhams as
agreed upon by the Commissioners.
4.4.9.2.1 The Governing Body Commission's Annual Meeting shall not
exceed three days, with scheduled committee and work meetings
before and after, as needed.
4.4.9.2.2 A one-day meeting of Group Member Leaders (Temple
Presidents, etc.) shall be scheduled in such a way as to ensure that
the Governing Body Commission will have an additional day to
meet and discuss Temple Presidents' input to proposed
Resolutions, while keeping the day prior to and the day of Gaura
Purnima free of all meetings.
4.4.9.2.3 At each Annual Meeting, all matters from the previous year's
Annual Meeting that required remedial action shall be reviewed
and either discharged, or further action determined. Presentations
shall be given by Commissioners calling for new Resolutions, and
special presentations may be arranged. Activities for the year
ahead are to be discussed and an action plan for the coming year
shall be adopted.
4.4.9.2.4 No less than two weeks prior to the start of the Governing Body
Commission's Annual Meeting, public notice shall be given of the
Final Agenda for the meeting. A brief description shall
accompany each agenda item.
4.4.9.2.5 Both the Judicial Panel and the Brahminical Council shall be
given the option of making a presentation to the Governing Body,
and may place matters before the Governing Body for adoption
and resolution.
4.4.9.2.6 The Chairman of the Governing Body Commission shall employ
Robert's Rules or a similarly accepted form of meeting protocol as
a means of governing the Annual Meeting proceedings.
4.4.9.2.7 Annual Meeting Minutes, Resolutions, Zonal Assignments, and
transcripts or audio/video recordings of discussions and
presentations shall be made available to the Society's media
outlets within three weeks of the final day of Meetings.
4.4.9.3 Zonal Assignments: Governing Body Commissioners shall operate on the
basis of zonal assignments, the division of which shall be created by them,
as needed.
4.4.9.3.1 Zonal assignments shall be based on the principle of geographic
proximity and efficiency, with an effort to limit the cost of travel,
and to encourage the development of close relationships within
the Society between senior preachers serving as Commissioners
and the devotee communities they serve.
4.4.10 Governing Body Oversight and Suspension or Expulsion of Commissioners
4.4.10.1 As stated in § 4.3.4, while in active operating status, the Brahminical
Council shall have full authority over the Governing Body Commission.
In the event a Governing Body Commissioner is found, by a 2/3 majority
vote of the Brahminical Council, to be derelict in his duties as described
under § 4.4.9.1, the Council may call for the Commissioner's suspension.
4.4.10.1.1 In the event a Commissioner is suspended, the Brahminical
Council shall, at the time of suspension, provide him with a
written process by which the problem may be remediated, if
possible, and the suspension lifted.
4.4.10.1.2 A suspended Commissioner may, at any time, present evidence
of his remediation to the Council, who shall review the
evidence in a timely fashion and either terminate the
suspension, returning the Commissioner to full duty, or
provide a written opinion as to how the remediation process
has not yet been adequately completed.
4.4.10.1.3 Should the Brahminical Council feel compelled to call for the
expulsion of a Governing Body Commissioner, they shall first
refer the matter to the Judicial Panel for review.
4.4.10.1.3.1 The Judicial Panel shall seek input from local
leaders in the Commissioner's zone and other
aggrieved parties who may be involved, and
shall hear from Ombudsmen who request
hearing in the matter, and such input shall be
given all due consideration.
4.4.10.1.3.2 While the Judicial Panel will not have a deciding
vote on the expulsion, they shall, after due
consideration, issue an opinion as to the most
just and fair means of dealing with the matter.
The Brahminical Council shall give full and
serious consideration to such opinion before
making its final decision, by majority vote, to
expel a Commissioner.
4.5 Group Members and their Appointed Leaders
4.5.1 Definitions
The appointed leader(s) of a Group Member may have the title 'Temple President' or
any other title, or non-titled position the Group Member so chooses, as set forth in
§ 4.2.4. As used herein, 'Group Leader' has much the same meaning as 'Temple
President' in common parlance, but shall not be limited to that role alone. 'Group
Leader' shall mean any person or persons deputed by the Group Member to represent
them, and who has the highest degree of responsibility for the entity in its role as a
Group Member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is. The
singular 'leader' shall also apply to the plural, should a plurality of persons hold
office representing a singular point of responsibility in terms of Group Membership.
4.5.2 Purpose
Along with any alternative or additionally stated purpose a Group Member shall
have, first and foremost their purpose shall be to follow in the footsteps His Divine
Grace in executing his preaching mission, or some aspect thereof in accordance with
the principles, aims and objectives set forth in § 1.4.2.
4.5.2.1 A category of Special Member shall be available for those wishing to join
the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, but for
whom the principles, aims and objectives set forth in § 1.4.2 are not
considered paramount. Special Member candidates shall be accepted by
majority vote of the Governing Body Commission. Special Members shall
enjoy limited benefits of membership in the Society, shall have limited
rights and freedoms, and shall meet designated membership requirements as
set forth in § 4.6.4.6 and in the Lawbook.
4.5.3 Group Member Leader's Oath of Allegiance
As set forth in § 2.2.2, the Leader shall sign the Oath of Allegiance required of all
Group Members of the Society, and shall be responsible for the Group Members'
collective upholding of that Oath.
4.6 Direction of Management and Topmost Urgency Documents
4.6.1 Direction of Management
On July 28, 1970 his Divine Grace issued the Direction of Management [10], by
which he formalized his appointment of the Governing Body Commissioners and
gave various instructions for management, including particulars for a system of
electing Governing Body Commissioners.
4.6.1.1 There is no instruction from His Divine Grace that the Direction of
Management, or any portion thereof, should, in the context of this Society,
be appended to legal documents of Group Member temples, centers, etc.
4.6.2 Topmost Urgency
On July 22, 1974 his Divine Grace issued the Topmost Urgency document [16]
comprised of three amendment paragraphs to be added to all official registration
documents, constitutions and incorporation papers, etc. The Topmost Urgency
declared His Divine Grace's supreme authority over the Society, prohibited all real estate transactions without his express permission, and acknowledged the Governing
Body Commission appointed per the Direction of Management, to act on his behalf.
4.6.2.1 The Topmost Urgency amendment paragraphs to be added to legal
documents, etc. refer to the Direction of Management specifically with
regard to the fact that there shall be a Governing Body appointed by His
Divine Grace according to the Direction of Management. At the time
Topmost Urgency was issued, that appointment was fait accompli. The
Topmost Urgency amendment paragraphs refer to no other elements
contained within the Direction of Management, such as elections process,
duties of sannyasis, etc.
4.6.3 Related Instructions
As described in § 4.4.8, the election of Governing Body Commissioners was rescinded by a 1975 GBC Resolution, and on and May 28, 1977 His Divine
Grace gave further instructions [15] that were converse to the elections
process described in Direction of Management.
4.6.4 Interpretation of Instructions
While not explicitly stated in Topmost Urgency, it is assumed that His Divine Grace wished the Topmost Urgency document be appended to the legal documents of any and all temples, centers, etc. operating at the time of writing under the name International Society for Krishna Consciousness whether or not: a) listed as a branch in the Direction of Management or b) a legal branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON Inc.) incorporated by His Divine Grace in New York in 1966 [03c].
4.6.4.1 No mention of branches is found in the Certificate of Incorporation (articles)
of ISKCON Inc., although the principle place of worship, at whatever
address it may be, is assumed to be considered a branch. His Divine Grace
did make mention in various correspondence to the branches of ISKCON
Inc. [17 a-d]
4.6.4.2 The Direction of Management and Topmost Urgency imply an assumed
dominion by Srila Prabhupada over all centers, although that dominion is
transcendental, not legal, except in limited cases. Within the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness, all assets were understood to belong to
Sri Krsna, through the agency of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, and
the principle of private ownership was subordinate to this spiritual principle.
In the years following the departure of His Divine Grace, had the Society
matured into an organization true to the Founder-Acarya's mood, standards
and instructions, there should have been a continued assumption that all
assets would be unquestionably given over to the Governing Body's control,
on His Divine Grace's behalf. But that is not the case. And under the
auspices of the re-constituted International Society for Krishna
Consciousness As It Is, that assumption is not made.
4.6.4.3 While the principle will be preached and nurtured within the Society that all
assets belong to Lord Krsna through the agency of His Divine Grace, no
demand shall be made that Group Members place their assets under the
ownership or control of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
As It Is or its Governing Body Commission. Should the servants of His
Divine Grace determine that the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness As It Is has matured into a Society deserving of such a level
of trust, then by natural accord, a Group Member may place their assets
under the control of the Governing Body, by choice and on faith.
4.6.4.4 Given the independence of Members in the Society and the absence of a
legal relationship between the Society and its Members beyond the scope of
this Constitution and the Oath of Allegiance, the Governing Body
Commission shall not have the power to remove a Group Member Leader
from his post, or to in any way commandeer or control a Group Member's
assets.
4.6.4.4.1 The scope of the Governing Body Commission's 'ultimate
managing authority' is defined by their ability to travel, preach
strongly, guide, educate and inspire the devotees. In the event
Commissioners are unable to remediate a dispute despite their
best efforts, they shall have the right to recommend the
suspension or expulsion of an Individual or Group Member from
the Society, for just cause, in accordance with § 3.4.4.
4.6.4.5 Group Members are strongly encouraged, but are not required to append this
Constitution to their own corporate articles. They are, nonetheless, duty-
bound to live by the Constitution under their Oath of Allegiance.
4.6.4.6 Group Members shall promptly disclose their annual financial report to the
Governing Body Commission. Special Members shall be exempt from this
reporting requirement.
4.7 Control and Protection of Property and Assets
4.7.1 Property and Assets of International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON Inc.) incorporated by
His Divine Grace in New York in 1966 [3c]; the Society generally known as the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness as controlled by the Governing
Body Commission incorporated in West Bengal and/or by the India
Regional Governing Body; the executors and executive directors operating under
His Divine Grace's Declaration of Will [13a-b]; and similar bodies of authority
related to and operating in conjunction with these entities control various trusts,
property and assets of the Society, by both legal and implied means. In accordance
with the spirit of § 4.6.4.2 and § 4.6.4.3, the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness As It Is assumes no control or ownership of properties and tangible
assets owned or controlled by the above named entities, therefore this Constitution
does not provide for control or protection of such properties and assets.
4.7.2 Property and Assets of International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is
The property and assets of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It
Is (of Location), as an incorporated entity, shall be solely under the control of its
directors and officers. In accordance with the spirit of § 4.6.4.3 and § 4.7.1, Group
Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall not be
required to seek the advice or secure the permission of the Governing Body
Commission in the matter of the purchase or sale of real estate or other property.
However, Group Members are strongly encouraged to seek and take shelter of such
advice as part of a diligent program of stewardship of Sri Krsna's assets, employed
under the direction of His Divine Grace for execution of the Sankirtan Movement.
4.7.3 Absolute Ownership of Property and Assets
"Therefore, if by chance we get an abundance of money, we should always consider that it belongs to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In Krsna consciousness we are getting sufficient money, but we should never think that the money belongs to us; it belongs to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and should be equally distributed to the workers, the devotees. No devotee should claim that any money or property belongs to him. If one thinks that any portion of property of this huge universe belongs to anyone, he is to be considered a thief and is punishable by the laws of nature. Daivi hy esa gunamayi mama maya duratyaya: no one can surpass the vigilance of material nature or hide his intentions from material nature. If human society unlawfully claims that the property of the universe, either partially or wholly, belongs to mankind, all of human society will be cursed as a society of thieves and will be punished by the laws of nature." [18]
ARTICLE 5 - THE SANKIRTAN MOVEMENT
5.1 Sanatana-dharma
Sanatana-dharma is the eternal function of the eternal living entities in relationship with the eternal Supreme Lord. Sanatana-dharma, rendering service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna, is the eternal occupation of all living entities. Sanatana-dharma does not refer to any sectarian process of religion. No matter what religion one professes to belong to, this eternal occupation of rendering service remains with the living entity. To perfect one's life simply requires the redirection of this service. Instead of serving in the material world, we serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, thus transforming our service to persons and objects in the material world to the service of Krsna in the spiritual world. By the Members engaging in this process, the Society is safeguarded against the tendency to devolve into religiosity. Sanatana-dharma is the process of bhakti-yoga by which one can know the sanatana Lord and His sanatana abode, and by that process only one can go back home, back to Godhead. This is the art of Krsna consciousness.
5.2 Yuga-dharma
"Accompanied by His personal devotees, Lord Krsna, assuming a golden color, introduces
the hari-nama-sankirtana, the chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra, in the Age of Kali. By
this process, He delivers love for Krsna to the general populace. Lord Krsna, the son of
Nanda Maharaja, personally introduces the occupational duty of the Age of Kali. He
personally chants and dances in ecstatic love, and thus the entire world chants
congregationally." [20]
"Those who have accepted the task of spreading the Hare Krsna maha-mantra in full Krsna consciousness should take this opportunity to deliver people very easily from the clutches of material existence. Our duty, therefore, is to follow the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and preach the Krsna consciousness movement all over the world very sincerely. This is the best welfare activity for the peace and prosperity of human society. [21]
5.3 Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Sankirtan Movement
5.3.1 Sankirtan Movement is for Everyone
As confirmed in Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, Mahabharata and the Upanisads, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna Himself, and He is worshipable by everyone in this age. Everyone can join in His Sankirtan Movement. No previous qualification is necessary. Just by following His teachings, anyone can become a perfect human being.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada was personally deputed by Lord Caitanya to serve as His senapati bhakta, fulfilling the Lord's prediction that the Holy Names would be delivered to every town and village. That prediction is continually fulfilled by executing the Lord's Sankirtan Movement under the instruction of His Divine Grace. Following in His footsteps, Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall act in accordance with, and preach the glories of Lord Caitanya's Siksastaka, eight verses written by the Lord which clearly reveal His mission and precepts: [22]
5.3.2 Sri Siksastaka
(1) ceto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha-davagni-nirvapanam | sreyah-kairava-candrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam | anandambudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamrtasvadanam| sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krsna-sankirtanam – Let there be all victory for the chanting of the holy name of Lord Krsna, which can cleanse the mirror of the heart and stop the miseries of the blazing fire of material existence. That chanting is the waxing moon that spreads the white lotus of good fortune for all living entities. It is the life and soul of all education. The chanting of the holy name of Krsna expands the blissful ocean of transcendental life. It gives a cooling effect to everyone and enables one to taste full nectar at every step.
(2) namnam akari bahudha nija-sarva-saktis | tatrarpita niyamitah smarane na kalah |etadrsi tava krpa bhagavan mamapi |durdaivam idrsam ihajani nanuragah–
My Lord, O Supreme Personality of Godhead, in Your holy name there is all good fortune for the living entity, and therefore You have many names, such as Krsna and Govinda, by which You expand Yourself. You have invested all Your potencies in those names, and there are no hard and fast rules for remembering them. My dear Lord, although You bestow such mercy upon the fallen, conditioned souls by liberally teaching Your holy names, I am so unfortunate that I commit offenses while chanting the holy name, and therefore I do not achieve attachment for chanting.
(3) trnad api su-nicena | taror iva sahisnuna |amanina mana-dena |kirtaniyah sada harih–One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.
(4) na dhanam na janam na sundarim |kavitam va jagad-isa kamaye |mama janmani janmanisvare |bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki tvayi–O Lord of the universe, I do not desire material wealth, materialistic followers, a beautiful wife or fruitive activities described in flowery language. All I want, life after life, is unmotivated devotional service to You.
(5) ayi nanda-tanuja kinkaram |patitam mam visame bhavambudhau |krpaya tava pada-pankaja- |sthita-dhuli-sadrsam vicintaya–Oh, My Lord, O Krsna, son of Maharaja Nanda, I am Your eternal servant, but because of My own fruitive acts, I have fallen in this horrible ocean of nescience. Now please be causelessly merciful to Me. Consider Me a particle of dust at Your lotus feet.
(6) nayanam galad-asru-dharaya |vadanam gadgada-ruddhaya gira |pulakair nicitam vapuh kada |tava nama-grahane bhavisyati–My dear Lord, when will My eyes be beautified by filling with tears that constantly glide down as I chant Your holy name? When will My voice falter and all the hairs on My body stand erect in transcendental happiness as I chant Your holy name?
(7) yugayitam nimesena |caksusa pravrsayitam |sunyayitam jagat sarvam |govinda-virahena me–My Lord Govinda, because of separation from You, I consider even a moment a great millennium. Tears flow from My eyes like torrents of rain, and I see the entire world as void.
(8) aslisya va pada-ratam pinastu mam |adarsanan marma-hatam karotu va |yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato |mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparah–Let Krsna tightly embrace this maidservant, who has fallen at His lotus feet. Let Him trample Me or break My heart by never being visible to Me. He is a debauchee, after all, and can do whatever He likes, but He is still no one other than the worshipable Lord of My heart."
5.4 Hare Krsna Maha-mantra
5.4.1 Chanting Hare Krsna
This transcendental vibration − the chanting of Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare | Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - is the sublime method for reviving our Krsna consciousness. The three words, namely Hara, Krsna and Rama, are transcendental seeds of the maha-mantra, and the chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His internal energy, Hara, for giving protection to the conditioned soul. The chanting is exactly like a genuine cry by the child for the mother. Mother Hara helps in achieving the grace of the supreme father, Hari, or Krsna, and the Lord reveals Himself to such a sincere devotee. No other means of spiritual realization is as effective in this age as chanting the maha-mantra:
Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
5.4.2 Unauthorized Chanting
The chanting of mantras, repetitive chanting of Holy Names, singing of bhajans
etc., shall be performed in accordance with the instructions of His Divine Grace.
Chanting and singing of unauthorized mantras, kirtan, bhajans, prayers, songs,
lyrics and tunes [23] in the temple, in places where Deity worship is being
conducted, or in public shall be avoided by the Members, except for circumstances
such as those described in § 9.4.1.1.
5.5 Harinama Sankirtan
When a person loudly chants the glories of the Lord's activities, qualities, form, etc., his chanting is called sankirtana. Sankirtana also refers to the congregational chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord.
5.6 Book Sankirtan and Distribution of Literature
5.6.1 Book Sankirtan
"...this sankirtana or street chanting must go on, it is our most important program. Lord Caitanya's movement means the sankirtana movement. You may simply take two hours for chanting sixteen rounds daily, two hours for reading congregationally, and balance of time go out for sankirtana. We must do both, reading books and distributing books, but distributing books is the main propaganda." [24]
"Regarding Sankirtana and book distribution, book distribution is also chanting. Anyone who reads the books that is also chanting and hearing. Why distinguish between chanting and book distribution? These books I have recorded and chanted, and they are transcribed. It is spoken kirtanas. So book distribution is also chanting. These are not ordinary books. It is recorded chanting. Anyone who reads, he is hearing. Book distribution must not be neglected." [25]
5.6.2 Distribution of Authorized Books
Every effort shall be made to distribute His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's authorized books. Unauthorized edited/changed editions shall not be distributed by the Members or used for preaching unless authorized editions are not readily available. Under such circumstances, any use or distribution of unauthorized edited/changed editions shall be accompanied by a clear disclaimer to that effect, identifying the material as being other than the authorized version.
5.6.3 Back To Godhead Magazine
The Society's Governing Body Commission shall make every effort to arrange for the regular publication of a magazine comparable to the Back To Godhead magazine published during His Divine Grace's manifest lila. The Society's official magazine shall adhere as strictly as possible to the style, mood and philosophical content commonly found in the pre-1978 Back To Godhead magazines, and shall endeavor to serve the same targeted reader distribution, expanding upon it.
5.6.3.1 Publication profits shall be distributed by the Governing Body Commission
to satisfy program and service expenses mandated by this Constitution, with
additional profits distributed according to Members' needs. Profits shall be
distributed without undue delay.
5.6.4 Distribution of Books Not Authored by His Divine Grace
5.6.4.1 Members engaged in book sankirtan or book sales and promotion shall
ensure that the authorized books of His Divine Grace are always most
prominently presented, and are always the primary focal point of any book
display or presentation, particularly when books by other authors are
simultaneously being made available.
5.6.4.2 No Member of the Society shall produce their own version of primary sastric
works that have been translated and purported by His Divine Grace, most
notably Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrta, etc.,
nor shall such books be promoted by Members.
5.6.4.3 The Governing Body Commission shall review and approve all books
written by Members or others that are officially recognized and
recommended by the Society.
5.7 Preaching Krsna Consciousness
5.7.1 Mood of Gosthanandis
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted His followers to move all over the world to
preach in every town and village. [26] In the Caitanya-sampradaya those who
strictly follow the principles of Lord Caitanya must travel all over the world to
preach the message of Lord Caitanya, which is the same as preaching the words of
Krsna - Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Members of the Society should
cultivate the mood of the gosthanandis who travel and preach, rather than remaining
stationary in the mood of the bhajananandis.
5.7.2 Authorized Preaching
All Members shall endeavor, to the best of their ability, to preach in the manner authorized, demonstrated and exemplified by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This includes making reference to the authorized editions of Srila Prabhupada's books and other authorized sastra; making liberal use of the Bhaktivedanta Purports, slokas and examples used by his Divine Grace; preaching primarily from Srila Prabhupada's books; emulating his style and demeanor from the asana; chanting in the manner demonstrated by His Divine Grace, including use of the same prayers, tunes and instrumentation; minimal use of anecdotal storytelling and audience entertainment devices; and limiting duration of lectures to the length commonly employed by His Divine Grace in various preaching circumstances. All such preaching standards shall be employed by the Members to inspire the Krsna consciousness of the devotees, and to attract newcomers to the mood and message delivered by His Divine Grace. The same mood and methods shall be employed when preaching inside the temple, in public and on the Internet.
5.8 Temple and Group Member Programs
5.8.1 Deity Worship
5.8.1.1 Deity Worship programs being conducted by Members of the Society in
temples, centers and Group Member facilities shall be done in strict
accordance with the standards and instructions of His Divine Grace. Deity
worship may be increased in opulence in a host of ways while remaining
within the boundaries of the standard procedures established by His Divine
Grace. [27]
5.8.1.2 Only authorized Deity forms, murtis, pictures and paraphernalia shall be
placed on the altar.
5.8.1.3 Representations of demigods shall not be placed on the altar. Murtis and
pictures of demigods enshrined elsewhere on the temple premises shall be
offered worship only and strictly in accordance with His Divine Grace's
instructions.
5.8.1.4 Pictures of the Disciplic Succession on the altar shall include, respectively
(left to right), and solely and only, Their Divine Graces Srila Jagannath Das
Babaji, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Srila Gaurakisora Das Babaji, Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, and Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada.
5.8.1.4.1 Pujaris engaged in serving the Deities may place a picture of their
own bona fide diksa-guru at a place on the altar visible to them
but not unnecessarily prominent to the congregation's view, for
offering worship accordingly in disciplic succession. The picture
shall not be placed next to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada's in the line of Sampradaya Acaryas. It shall
be removed from the altar at the conclusion of the arati.
5.8.1.5 Deity worship, including pujari and cooking seva, in a temple or Group
Member facility shall be conducted by devotees with brahminical initiation.
In the event such person is not available or other exceptional circumstances
exist, Deity worship may be conducted by a properly trained devotee having
high brahminical qualifications, both on and off the alter, under the
supervision of a siksa-guru who himself has brahminical initiation.
5.8.1.5.1 Devotees who are engaged in Deity worship may be required by
the Temple President or Group Leader to provide confirmation
from their diksa-guru that they are regularly and properly
conducting their japa-sadhana and are strictly following the four
regulative principles.
5.8.1.6 Group Member temples and facilities who wish to engage in elaborate Deity
worship programs, extending beyond the bounds of the standard procedures
described in § 5.8.1.1, such as worshipping Salagram-sila or other complex
procedures, including any procedures not commonly performed in temples
during His Divine Grace's ISKCON lila, shall do so only with the express
permission of the Governing Body Commission.
5.8.2 Cooking for the Deities
5.8.2.1 Cooking for the Deities and seva associated therewith shall be done in strict
accordance with the instructions of His Divine Grace, and in accordance
with § 5.8.1.5.
5.8.2.2 All reasonable effort shall be made to offer the Deities only milk and by-
products from protected cows, however when that is not feasible, the Deities
shall not be deprived of milk products.
5.8.2.3 All Members shall promote the practice of Vegetarianism, and shall not
promote Veganism (which is contrary to Cow Protection) as being
preferable or equal to Vegetarianism. Vegan preparations may be offered to
the Deities and the prasadam distributed, but Vegan foodstuffs shall not be
specially promoted, except to identify them as such for the convenience of those with particular dietary concerns.
5.8.3 Prasadam Distribution
Prasadam should be offered to the Deities according to the authorized procedures instructed by His Divine Grace. Prasadam distribution is an essential element of Krsna consciousness. Devotees are instructed to prepare and offer sumptuous foodstuffs to the Lord, taking only His remnants as their own eatables, and they are requested to liberally distribute Krsna prasadam to all other persons who are suffering due to spiritual hunger. Following arati, maha-prasadam should be distributed to guests and devotees alike. Prasadam should accompany devotees on all preaching functions, whenever possible and should be attractive and palatable.
"The spiritual master encourages distribution of prasadam (remnants of Krsna's food) to the public. Ours is not a dry philosophy − simply talk and go away. No. We distribute prasadam, very sumptuous prasadam. In every temple, we offer prasadam to anyone who comes. …So prasadam distribution is another symptom of the genuine spiritual master." [28]
5.8.4 Daily Program of Worship
5.8.4.1 Group Member preaching facilities (temples, etc.) shall make every effort to
conduct a regular daily program of worship open to Members and the
general public. The program of worship shall include authorized activities,
following as closely as possible the full program of daily worship
established by His Divine Grace: mangala-arati, tulasi-arati, chanting japa,
guru-puja, Srimad Bhagavatam class, additional regular daily aratis as
possible, and evening programs reading Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Krsna Book,
and other authorized sastra. Chanting of kirtan and bhajan shall be done in
accordance with § 5.4.
5.8.5 Sunday Feast Program
5.8.5.1 Group Member temples and preaching facilities shall make every effort to
host or co-join with another Member facility in hosting a Sunday evening
program and traditional Sunday Feast, open to the public. Harinama and
book sankirtan preaching parties should distribute invitations to all
favorable members of the public, encouraging attendance at the Sunday
Feast program.
5.8.5.2 The program shall include authorized activities, following as closely as
possible the Sunday Feast program format established by His Divine Grace
in terms of lecture, kirtan and bhajan, opulent prasadam distribution, book
distribution and interaction with guests. Every effort shall be made to
engage guests in the process of Krsna consciousness and to encourage
continued daily attendance at temple/facility programs.
5.8.5.3 Except for properly acknowledging guest speakers or participants, there
shall be no active promotion of, or canvassing of initiation candidates on
behalf of any individual diksa-guru or personality other than His Divine
Grace Srila Prabhupada at Sunday Feast programs.
5.8.6 Festivals and Observance Days
5.8.6.1 Group Member preaching facilities and individual Members of the Society
shall make every effort to observe and host Vaisnava festivals and
observance days authorized by His Divine Grace. Group Members shall not
host unauthorized festivals and observances, such as the worship of
demigods and Hindu or Vedic events not established by His Divine Grace.
5.8.6.2 Unauthorized events or observance practices shall not be coupled with, or
held concurrently with authorized events and/or public observances.
5.8.6.3 Festivals and observance events shall include authorized activities, following
the mood and format established by His Divine Grace for such events.
5.8.6.3.1 When festival or feast events coincide with ekadasi dates, ekadasi
preparations or feasts shall be provided according to authorized
standards.
5.8.7 Ratha Yatra
5.8.7.1 Ratha Yatra festivals shall be conducted in accordance with the standards
and format established by His Divine Grace, and particularly with respect to
performance of kirtan and chanting, dancing before the Deities, and
interacting with the public. Kirtan parties performing before the Ratha carts
shall perform for the pleasure of the Deities first and foremost, and in a
manner that engages public bystanders to join in chanting the Holy Names
and dancing. Kirtan shall not otherwise be done in a mood of 'performance
entertainment'.
5.8.7.2 Ratha Yatra festivals shall, whenever possible, remain independent events
rather than combining with non-Gaudiya Vaisnava events, secular holiday
festivals or parades, etc. Ratha Yatra parades shall maintain His Divine
Grace's standards, avoiding the inclusion of non-devotional characters,
floats, or other parade gimmicks, unless absolutely required by
circumstances of combined events.
5.8.7.3 Festival of India events held in conjunction with Ratha Yatras shall maintain
His Divine Grace's standards in every regard, particularly with respect to
hosted performances and personalities, distribution of literature and goods,
and activities arranged for public consumption and participation.
5.8.8 Brahmacari and Brahmacarini Asramas
5.8.8.1 Group Member temples and other appropriate preaching facilities shall make
every effort to establish brahmacari and brahmacarini asrama facilities,
according to His Divine Grace's standards.
5.8.8.2 Group Members who are the beneficiary of funds distributed by the
Governing Body Commission shall work with their local Governing Body
Commissioner to develop and execute a plan for the establishment of
brahmacari and/or brahmacarini facilities in temples whose circumstances
(i.e., physical space/structure) could reasonably be made to accommodate
such asrama facilities without undue burden of expense.
5.8.9 Other Use of Temple Premises
Group Members who are conducting a program of Deity Worship on the premises
shall not permit activities in the temple room or in whatever facilities house Their
Lordships, for any non-devotional purpose, or for any activity not specifically
authorized by His Divine Grace.
5.8.10 Financial Maintenance of Devotees
Group Members shall not pay salaries to devotees for temple or preaching service,
except insofar as such maintenance is permitted and instructed by His Divine
Grace. Simple sustenance may be provided in the form of an apartment, prasada and
a nominal stipend required to cover the most basic living necessities. Group
Members wishing to financially reward any employee or servant above this level
shall do so only with the express permission of the Governing Body Commission.
5.9 Social Welfare Activities
5.9.1 Religious Welfare
Members of the Society shall not, in the name of the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness As It Is, engage in acts of altruistic or philanthropic service
for the material good of mankind. Mundane social welfare work in the disguise of
'religious welfare work' shall not be the business of the Members, who shall follow
the instructions [29] of His Divine Grace in this regard.
"The highest perfectional project of philanthropic activities is to engage everyone in the act of preaching bhakti-yoga all over the world because that alone can save the people from the control of maya, or the material nature represented by kala, karma and guna, as described above. The Bhagavad-gita (14.26) confirms this definitely." [30]
"If anyone is charitably disposed, it will be very good for him to give charity only to Krsna, who is the Supersoul of everyone, regardless of his particular body or individual personality. Krsna is present as the Supersoul in every living being, and if we can satisfy Him, then every living being will automatically be satisfied." [31]
5.9.2 Prasadam Distribution
5.9.2.1 His Divine grace instructed that "within ten miles [of a temple] nobody
should remain hungry." Beyond the scope of that instruction, the practice of
'poor feeding' shall not be conducted in the name of prasadam distribution,
or otherwise. "Poor does not mean that one who has no legs, no ears, or
no... Poor... Everyone who is spiritually poor, he should be given
prasadam." [32a-b]
5.9.2.2 In the event of natural disaster or other emergency, short-term prasadam
distribution shall be permitted, even in the event civil or local authorities
deny Members the freedom or facility to concurrently preach and/or
distribute Krsna conscious literature.
5.10 Cooperation
Members of the Society shall endeavor to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the manifestation of the spirit of cooperation that His Divine Grace requested throughout his ISKCON lila. Cooperation requires strict adherence to the precise methods of executing Krsna consciousness instructed by His Divine Grace during His manifest lila, and preserved in his vani. Confusion, doubt, controversy and lack of enthusiasm contribute to the tendency to not cooperate, therefore, the Members shall foster a peaceful environment in which these negative qualities are eradicated by means of diligent study of the philosophy, regulated sadhana, the encouragement of devotee association, regular istagosthi, and following faithfully in the footsteps of His Divine Grace, without deviation.
5.10.1 Istagosthi
All Members are encouraged to help foster an environment in which istagosthi may be properly engaged. The format of istagosthi is one in which devotees may freely, outside the bounds of rank or role within the Society and without fear of recrimination, gather together to share their minds, to speak honestly and frankly, to air doubts and confusions, and to work together in applying His Divine Grace's vani to solve and resolve problems or differences being experienced by them. The proper conclusions of Vaisnavism and the practical application of siddhanta based on guru, sadhu and sastra may be freely discussed in the atmosphere of istagosthi, which is conducive to exploration of spiritual doubts, discussing controversial philosophical positions, or whatever else limits the devotees from engaging peacefully in their pursuit of Krsna consciousness.
5.10.1.1 Istagosthis shall be moderated by a senior devotee, who shall employ a
method of group facilitation that ensures each individual has an
opportunity to be heard, without interruption, for an equal share of time.
5.10.2 Vaisnava-aparadha
Members should be extremely careful to avoid committing offenses, including all forms of aparada. Guarding against committing vaishnava-aparada is essential to developing one's Krishna Consciousness. In the event that one devotee lays a charge of vaishnava-aparada against another, claiming that he has committed this offense and should therefore be sanctioned in some manner, the situation shall be settled in accordance with § 3.3.3.3.
ARTICLE 6 - SADHANA-BHAKTI
6.1 Vaisnava Values
While engaging in the practice of sadhana-bhakti, and generally throughout their lives, Members should make every effort to demonstrate in their personal dealings the values integral to an aspiring Vaisnava, including: truthfulness (satyam) in all things; mercifulness (daya) in not creating undue difficulty for any living entity; renunciation (tyaga) on the principle of giving all things over to the service of Krsna (nirbanda krishna sambandhe); austerity (tapasya) in conducting varna and asrama; detachment from the troubles of the material body (nirmama); cleanliness (saucam) of self and belongings; and tolerance (ksama), excusing others who disturb them.
6.2 Four Regulative Principles
Four regulative principles shall be strictly followed by all Members: 1) abstaining from illicit sex; 2) no meat-eating (meat, fish and eggs); 3) no intoxication; and 4) no gambling.
6.3 Nine Devotional Processes
The practice of sadhana-bhakti is comprised of nine basic devotional processes: sravanam (hearing), kirtanam (chanting), smaranam (remembering), pada sevanam (deity worship), arcanam (temple service), vandanam (offering prayers), dasyam (servitorship), sakhyam (friendship), and atma nivedanam (surrendering). By engaging in any one of these practices, one can become Krsna conscious. In this Age of Kali, sravanam-kirtanam are understood to be the easiest, therefore the most optimal methods for developing bhakti.
Hearing and chanting, honoring Krsna prasadam and engaging in Deity worship are among the fundamental sadhana practices Members shall engage in. Hearing from authorized sastra, chanting authorized mantras, worshipping the Deity in the temple and/or at home, and honoring and distributing Krsna prasadam shall all be performed in accordance with the instructions of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In all practices, the sadhana-bhakta shall aim to "always remember the Lord and never forget Him".
6.4 Principles of Devotional Service
6.4.1 Sixty-four Regulative Principles
Among the sixty-four regulative principles enumerated by Sri Sanatana Goswami in Hari-bhakti-vilasa, ten items comprise the primary regulative principles necessary for the neophyte devotee to engage in, in the discharge of devotional service. All Members are encouraged to practice them:
6.4.2 Five Regulative Principles
Among the above named sixty-four regulative principles, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed that five are the most important:
"These five limbs of devotional service are the best of all. Even a slight performance of these five awakens love for Krsna." [33]
6.5 Sadhana Practice
Spiritual practice begins with the offering of obeisances to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, followed by offering worship to the Sampradaya Acaryas, then to the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His various Forms and Incarnations, using authorized prayers, mantras and procedures.
6.5.1 Pranama Mantras
When offering pranamas (obeisances) to His Divine Grace, the following pranama mantra (Srila Prabhupada pranati) should be offered, the Sanskrit chanted clearly and audibly:
nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine
namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine
[Translation: "I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krsna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet. Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Caitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism." ]
6.5.2 Prayers to Acaryas in Authorized Disciplic Succession
Guru-parampara-puja shall begin with, respectively, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Thakur, moving next to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji, the Six Gosvamis, and the Pancatattva: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, Sri Advaita Acarya, Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Sri Srivasa Thakur.
6.5.3 Arati and Kirtan Mantras
Kirtan shall begin with the above pranama mantra, which may be followed by chanting 'Jai Prabhupada', followed by the Panchatattva mantra:
jaya sri-krishna-chaitanya
prabhu nityananda
sri-advaita gadadhara
shrivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda
At the end of kirtan, the prema-dhvani pranama-stuti should be recited:
Jaya Om Vishnupada Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Asttotara Sata Sri Srimad His Divine Loving Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Ki! (Jai!)
Ananta Koti Vaisnava-vrinda Ki! (Jai!)
Nama-acarya Srila Haridas Thakur Ki! (Jai!)
Prem-se kaho Sri Krsna Caitanya, Prabhu Nityananda, Sri Advaita, Gadadhar, Srivasa, Adi Gaura Bhakta Vrinda Ki! (Jai!)
Sri Sri Radha-Krsna, Gopa-gopinatha, Shyama-kund, Radha-kund, Giri-govardhana Ki! (Jai!)
One may glorify the Deities of the temple at this time
Vrndavana-dham Ki! (Jai!)
Mayapur-dham Ki! (Jai!)
Jagannath Puri Ki! (Jai!)
Ganga devi, Yamuna devi, Bhakta devi, Tulasi devi, Ki! (Jai!)
Brhad-mrdanga Ki! (Jai!)
Harinama Sankirtana Ki! (Jai!)
Gaura-premanande (Hari-haribol!)
All glories to the Assembled Devotees (Hare Krsna)
All glories to the Assembled Devotees (Hare Krsna)
All glories to the Assembled Devotees (Hare Krsna)
All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Other authorized mantras or prayers may follow, such as Sri Nrsimha pranama.
6.5.4 Daily Program of Worship
In the course of executing a daily program of worship, the sadhana-bhakta shall perform devotional activities in accordance with the principles set forth in Article 5, to the degree these principles can be adapted to an individual's personal program of worship.
6.5.5 Chanting Japa
As set forth in the Oath of Allegiance in § 2.2, Members pledge their commitment to the chanting of 16 rounds daily of the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra:
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Members shall strive to chant the Holy Names without offense, and to do so to the greatest degree possible under conditions that are optimal for chanting: chanting on japa-mala, without distraction or interruption, and without disturbing others in their sadhana practice.
6.5.5.1 The chanting of japa is an aspect of personal sadhana and is therefore not
open to regulation or control by anyone other than one's diksa-guru, except
as provided for in § 5.8.1.5.1. Given that no one except the individual
themselves and Paramatma can know or judge the quality of one's japa,
Members shall not be subjected to undue pressure by others to report on
their japa practice, unless they freely wish to do so. Members shall, in a
mood of Vaisnava humility, accept the good advice and encouragement of
the devotees in support of their sadhana practice, and this may include
emphatic encouragement for devotees who appear not to be chanting 16
rounds daily.
6.5.5.2 Except as provided above, the chanting of japa shall not be made into an
obligatory religious practice: it shall not be equated with jnani-type meditation, and shall not be promoted as the one form of sadhana practice elevated above all others.
6.5.6 Honoring Krsna Prasadam
6.5.6.1 As set forth in § 5.8.3, the spiritual benefit of honoring Krsna prasadam is
inconceivable, and therefore it is imperative to follow His Divine Grace's
instructions implicitly in regards to the preparation, offering, distribution
and consumption of prasadam, employing authorized procedures and
prayers both in the temple and in the home.
6.5.6.2 Bhoga shall be offered to Sri Krsna by offering it to the bona fide Spiritual
Master, beginning with the Srila Prabhupada pranati (pranama mantra,
§ 6.5.1), followed by the authorized mantra:
namo maha-vadanyaya krsna-prema-pradaya te
krsnaya krsna-caitanya-namne gaura-tvise namah
namo brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya ca
jagad-dhitaya krsnaya govindaya namo namah
Bhoga mantras may be recited three times, and may be followed with the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra.
6.6 Vaisnava Decorum
6.6.1 As sadhana-bhaktas and aspiring Vaisnavas, Members shall conduct themselves
with a proper sense of decorum, honoring Vaisnava etiquette and protocol in their
dealings with devotees and non-devotees alike.
6.6.2 Members should dress in a manner befitting Vaisnavas at all times, but particularly
when in public, according to the standards established by His Divine Grace.
Authorized devotional clothing, Tulsi neckbeads and tilak should be worn when
attending temple and festival programs and when engaging in Harinama Sankirtan,
book and prasadam distribution, and preaching.
6.6.3 Devotees accepting brahmacari and sannyasa asrama shall maintain a sikha (flag),
shaving one's head and face and engaging similar personal grooming habits
following the standards established by His Divine Grace. All male devotees are
strongly encouraged to be shaved up with sikha unless unable, due to conditions of
employment or similar circumstances.
6.6.4 Members are strongly encouraged to maintain the mood and persona of the
Vaisnavas, particularly when engaging in secular and public preaching events.
Devotional clothing and tilak should be worn whenever possible, and should not be
avoided in order to 'blend in' with other religious groups or adherents of other
spiritual practices. Gaudiya Vaisnava symbols and practices should be displayed, demonstrated and highlighted in public at every opportunity.
ARTICLE 7 - DAIVI-VARNASRAMA
7.1 Definition
The varnasrama system comprises the general principles by which members of a Krsna conscious society may advance in spiritual life and become perfect. When properly established, varnasrama-dharma marks the highest status of human civilization. Following the religious principles within this system is known as sanatana-dharma. The varnasrama system delineates the functional divisions of society: the varnas (brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra) , and the asramas (brahmachari, grihasta, vanaprastha and sannyasa), the principle occupations of all people within this societal structure, and the samskaras, or religious rites and observances that mark the passage of life.
7.2 Establishment of Daivi-varnasrama
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada gave extensive instructions on the importance of creating brahmanas and establishing daivi-varnasrama. The word 'varnasrama' is mentioned more than 1,000 times in his published writings and lectures. As stated in § 1.4.2.14, among the aims and objectives comprising this Constitution, a secondary objective of the Society shall be "To revive varnasrama-dharma, the scientific system of social orders of classification based on intelligence, martial spirit, productivity and common assistance, with reference to quality and worth for the common cause of world society."
Although there are also contra-indications found in sastra regarding establishment of varnasrama in Kaliyuga, the overwhelming preponderance of instruction from His Divine Grace conveys his desire and vision for establishment of daivi-varnasrama. Therefore, the Members shall work to implement daivi-varnasrama, demonstrating the ideals of a Krsna conscious culture within this spiritual framework.
"Although the Krsna consciousness movement is a movement of brahmanas and vaisnavas, it is trying to re-establish the divine varnasrama institution, for without this division of society there cannot be peace and prosperity anywhere." [34]
7.3 Instructions on Varnasrama
7.3.1 Sastric Instruction on Varnasrama
His Divine Grace points out that, foreseeing the degraded condition of Kali-yuga,
Lord Krsna hardly discusses varnasrama religion in the Bhagavad-gita and instead
stresses the performance of work as sacrifice. [35] Bhagavad-gita does, however, tell us that varnasrama is a system created by Sri Krsna, and it is therefore eternal, and always relevant in society:
"As confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah: the four varnas must be established according to varying qualities and work. The first principle for good government is that it must institute this varnasrama system. The purpose of varnasrama is to enable people to become God conscious. Varnasramacaravata purusena parah puman visnur aradhyate. The entire varnasrama scheme is intended to enable people to become vaisnavas." [36]
7.3.2 Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Instructions
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu did not reject varnasrama-dharma, but rather rejected the cheating system that poses as varnasrama under the degraded conditions of Kaliyuga. Sri Caitanya Himself accepted the sannyasa asrama. However, the Lord established that there is a higher goal, and a higher method than varnasrama: "Lord Caitanya's Philosophy is beyond varnasrama; it is Bhagavata dharma, for putting an end to all cheating processes of religion." [37] Daivi-varnasrama is the emphasis of bhakti, devotional service in the varnasrama framework, and this is emphasized by Sri Caitanya, and by His Divine Grace as the method and goal for members of a Krsna conscious society.
7.3.3 Instructions of the Sampradaya Acaryas
Despite the difficulties of implementing varnasrama in Kaliyuga, the Sampradaya's Acaryas, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur presented the ideals of varnasrama as a means to preach against the bogus political systems of modern society such as Communism and Democracy. These material systems are unfavorably compared to the perfect system for organizing society as established by Sri Krsna, daivi-varnasrama.
In 1914, just a few weeks before accepting maha-samadhi, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura expressed this desire to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati: "Worldly people who are proud of their aristrocratic birth cannot attain actual aristocracy. Therefore they attack pure Vaisnavas, claiming that they have taken birth in low-class families because of their sins. Thus they commit offenses. The means to rectify this situation is to institute daiva-varnasrama-dharma. You have started to do that. Know it to be real service to Vaisnavas." [38]
"My Guru Maharaja wanted to establish daiva-varnasrama. So married life is called grihastha-ashrama. It is as good as sannyasa-ashrama. …As far as we are concerned, we are trying to establish daiva-varnasrama, as it is instructed by the Gosvamis, by Hari-bhakti-vilasa, by our spiritual master. May not be very perfect, but we are trying our best to introduce this daiva-varnasrama" [39]
7.4 Daivi-varnasrama in Current Practice
7.4.1 Current Aims and Objectives
Followers of Krsna consciousness are increasingly focused on some of the general aspects fundamental to establishing varnasrama, such as development of rural agrarian communities, cow protection, gurukula, and adult education on varnasrama topics. While all such efforts should be encouraged and continued, the brahminical Members of the Society, under the guidance of the Governing Body Commission and Brahminical Council, shall engage in an ongoing process of deep study and discourse on the topic of implementingdaivi-varnasrama, offering analyses and commentaries, discussing with Members in all varnas and asramas, and giving recommendations for the Members to implement, following the instructions and authorized practices established by His Divine Grace.
7.4.2 The Asramas
His Divine Grace introduced the establishment of three asramas in his society:
brahmacharis (unmarried scholars fully devoted to the service of Godhead),
grihastas (married householders living with family and devoted to the service of
Godhead), and sannyasis (fully renounced preachers and retired householders fully
renounced to the service of Godhead without any family attachment). The
vanaprasta asrama, not functionally established during His Divine Grace's manifest
lila, is for retired householders past the age of 50 who are not living with family and
are devoted to the service of Godhead. Further defined in sastra are the four stages
of brahmacarya (savitra, prajapatya, brahma-brahmacari and naisthika); the four
stages of grihasta (vanaprasta (vaikhanasa, valakhilya, audumbara and phenapa);
and the four stages of sannyasa (kuticaka, bahvoda, hamsa and niskriya).
7.4.2.1 Members of the Society who proclaim to be in a particular asrama shall
strictly follow the authorized standards and principles of that asrama.
7.4.2.2 Sannyasis shall identify themselves according to the stage of asrama they
understand themselves to be on (kuticaka, bahvoda, hamsa and niskriya).
7.4.3 The Varnas
His Divine Grace did not introduce the establishment of the four varnas into his
society to the degree that he did the asramas. Therefore, in the pursuit of
establishing daivi-varnasrama, deep study must be taken up on creating structure
within the Society based on the divisions of sudra, vaisya, kshatriya and brahmana.
7.4.4 Purity of the Varnas
Among the many challenges to be faced in implementing the varnasrama system in modern society, one of the most daunting is the requirement for controlling marriages in order to manage genetics. This element of varnasrama, for the purpose of maintaining purity of the varnas, appears to be predicated upon the assumption of a baseline of purity in the varnas that does not exist in Kaliyuga. Therefore, brahminical Members of the Society must give deep study to this element with respect to implementation of daivi-varnasrama within the Society.
"One of the objectives of the Krsna consciousness movement is to establish this daiva-varnasrama, but not to encourage so-called varnasrama without scientifically organised endeavour by human society." [40]
7.4.5 The Sannyasa Asrama
Following in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya, our Sampradaya Acaryas introduced the program of taking sannyasa strictly to facilitate preaching. Particularly in this age, if the sannyasi is not strictly engaged in a renounced fashion, constantly traveling and preaching, then almost certainty he will fall from the asrama.
During the extraordinary phenomenon of His Divine Grace's manifest lila, he saw fit to introduce certain procedures with respect to an approval process for sannyasa candidates wishing to take initiation within the institution. This process was introduced not in the early years of his preaching mission, but after the falldown of many of his sannyasi disciples. Until such time as the Governing Body Commission, after deep study, recommends a process for approving candidates for sannyasa in a non-political and sastrically sound manner, there shall be no process or regulations imposed by the Society to control the individual's freewill choice to accept the sannyasa order. Strictly maintaining the standards of the asrama shall alone determine the sannyasi's ontinued good standing as a member of the asrama, and a Member of the Society. Sannyasis who accept the service of additional roles such as diksa-guru or Governing Body Commissioner shall be open to relatively increasing degrees of scrutiny. Generally, sannyasis shall be open to the scrutiny of all Members, who shall not be intimidated or discouraged from pointing out what appear to be indiscretions in the way they conduct themselves in the asrama, according to authorized sastra and the following principles and guidelines:
7.4.5.1 Sannyasis shall abide by all sastric rules governing the asrama. However,
alterations established by His Divine Grace and the previous Acaryas shall
be carefully examined and taken into account whenever sanctions against a
sannyasi are proposed. In such cases, determination in the matter shall be
made in consideration of the quality and facility of preaching, and the
sannyasi's own spiritual wellbeing.
7.4.5.2 Sannyasis shall avoid all association with women, except for public
preaching circumstances that make it impossible not to come into their
general proximity. Sannyasis shall not personally handle money and shall
have no separate bank accounts or caches of money or personal assets. The
sannyasi shall be accompanied and assisted by a strict brahmacari assistant
in day-to-day activities and while traveling. As a public person without
private interests, sannyasis shall not spend time alone behind locked doors,
thereby dispelling any suspicions of impropriety. Sannyasis shall not have a
fixed residence such as an asrama or apartment separate from the premises
of a Krsna conscious temple or community project where he is preaching.
7.4.5.3 Sannyasis shall annually present to the Governing Body Commission a
report detailing the preaching accomplishments for the previous year and
preaching plans for the upcoming year. They shall work cooperatively with
local leaders to coordinate local preaching, but shall not be restricted from
preaching freely, nor be restricted to any zone. Sannyasis shall maintain the
decorum of the Vaisnava sannyasa asrama at all times, and shall uphold in
all ways the principles of Constitution stated herein.
7.4.6 Women in Society
7.4.6.1 Female Members of the Society shall be treated with all due respect at all
times, recognized in the spiritual role as the Mother of all, and given all
protection by male Members of the society, particularly father, husband and
son, in accordance with authorized sastra and the instructions of His Divine
Grace. Likewise, women shall behave in the mood of Mother to all.
However, such spiritual equality shall not be contrived to foster a pretense
of mundane social equality between the sexes. Members of the Society shall
strive to elevate the role of women to perfection as exemplified in sastra, in
the person of the many stellar examples of Vaisnavis displaying their
spiritual potencies. Such spiritual empowerments shall be emulated by and
encouraged in women, but shall not be confused with mundane so-called
empowerments based on gender identification.
7. 4.6.2 Beyond the scope of sastric definition, all Members shall avoid undue focus
on bodily considerations, both female and male, including material societal
definitions of gender identification, equality and role, and other non-sastric
mundane or political influences.
7. 4.6.3 It is due to the absence of varnasrama culture in Kali-yuga that a spiritual
organization like this Society is at all needed. In lieu of the social controls
provided by daivi-varnasrama, this Constitution serves as the organizing
structure that safekeeps the Members, notably those requiring the most
protection: women, children, the elderly, the brahmanas and the cows.
Nonetheless, in accordance with daivi-varnasrama, recommended social
structures and duties shall be followed to the greatest degree possible with
respect to regulating the interaction between men and women in close
proximity, thereby minimizing disturbances that are detrimental to society
and the ability of both genders to make spiritual advancement.
7.4.6.3.1 In the case of Group Member temples, etc. that provide
brahmacharini asrama facilities, the protection of Vaisnavis shall
be the responsibility of the Temple President's wife or other senior
Vaisnavi leader(s) at that facility, who shall assume the role of
Mother in taking adequate steps to ensure the daughter's
protection.
7. 4.6.4 Given the sastrically mandated exclusion of women in certain areas of
management and public leadership in the Society, and the perception that
this can result in unfair bias to women and children in the event allegations
of mistreatment or impropriety are raised [41], there shall be female
representation on the Judicial Panel in accordance with § 3.4.2.1.
7. 4.6.5 As established by His Divine Grace, women in the Society shall not be
constrained in any way from participating in the preaching field.
7.4.7 Homosexuality and Alternative Sexuality
Bodily conceptions such as Homosexuality, Gender Neutrality or Transgenderism shall not be the subject of regulation or special concession, either for or against, within the Society. All forms of sexual proclivity and activity are to be understood in the context of sastra, and all illicit sexual activities and tendencies, meaning those not for the purpose of begetting Krsna conscious children, are understood to be obstacles on the path to self-realization and are therefore to be controlled by sadhana practice and the cultivation of Krsna consciousness.
7.4.7.1 Non-traditional marriage ceremonies or other such ceremonial
acknowledgements shall not be conducted in front of the Deities or on
behalf of the Society or its Founder-Acarya. Members wishing to do so may
pursue such arrangements with civil authorities.
7.5 Simple Living, High Thinking
7.5.1 Self-sufficiency and Modern Civilization
"There is enough of everything by the will of the Lord, and we can make proper use of things to live comfortably without any enmity between man and animal, or man and nature. Everywhere, the control of the Lord is there, and if the Lord is pleased, every part of nature will be pleased. The river will flow profusely to fertilize the land, the oceans will supply sufficient quantities of minerals, pearls and jewels, the forest will supply sufficient wood, drugs and vegetables, and the seasonal changes will effectively help produce fruits and flowers in profuse quantity. The artificial way of living depending on factories and tools can render so-called happiness only to a limited number at a great cost to millions. Since the energy of the mass of people is engaged in factory production, the natural products are being hampered, and for this the mass is unhappy. Without being educated properly, the mass of people are following in the footsteps of the vested interest by exploiting natural reserves, and therefore there is acute competition between individual and individual, and nation and nation. There is no control by the trained agent of the Lord. We must look into the defects of modern civilization by comparison, and should follow in the footsteps of Maharaja Yudhistira to cleanse men and wipe out anachronisms." [42]
7.5.2 Rural and Agrarian Communities
Members are strongly encouraged to actively develop, or lend support to the development of rural farm projects and other agrarian projects aimed at self-sufficiency. By relying on Cows, Bulls and Land − producing our own milk, growing our own grains, fruits and vegetables, and developing local village transport and economies − devotees may live in a mode of goodness (sattva-guna) atmosphere that is conducive to the pursuit of Krsna consciousness. Eliminating poverty in the Society, these self-sufficient model projects will serve as effective tools in the preaching field, demonstrating the principles of daivi-varnasrama and the Science of Krsna consciousness in action.
7.5.3 Cow Protection
When the cows and bulls are happy they naturally create an auspicious and joyful atmosphere just by their presence. The brahmanas understand the importance, both material and spiritual, of the cows and bulls, and motivate and inspire the people to genuinely care for them. The kshatriyas provide tracts of suitable land for the cows and bulls to graze on, and protect them from opposing forces. The vaisyas properly observe the health and maintenance of the cows and bulls, honoring the benefits they produce and making them available to the people. The sudras respectfully serve the cows and work for their benefit. In this way, the cows and bulls will enjoy the love and devotion of everyone and will naturally be very pleased and satisfied. By their influence, the whole human civilization will become joyful.
7.5.4 Support and Regulation
In support of rural and agrarian projects and Cow Protection programs, the Governing Body Commission shall establish a mechanism for ensuring special focus in this area of the Society's development, and shall make every effort to have available at least one member of the Governing Body who has, or is in process of systematically developing special expertise in this area of daivi-varnasrama. This Commissioner shall assist Members running Cow Protection programs, offering guidance and support as needed and ensuring proper and authorized standards are being met.
7.5.4.1 Members found to be engaging in unauthorized practices or dereliction of
duties in Cow Protection programs shall, if the problems are not promptly
remediated, face sanction.
7.5.5 Varnasrama Economy
7.5.5.1 The development of economy under daivi-varnasrama is understood to be a
by-product and direct benefit of Cow Protection, in a progressively
functional varnasrama model.
7.5.5.2 Members in the vaisya varna shall be encouraged to engage in agrarian
activities to produce income. With Cow Protection at the center, economic
development benefits the Society by providing employment for devotees,
needed foodstuffs and goods for sustainable living, and income that can be
used for the continual support of Cows, Bulls and Land. In this way the
Deities are well served, the Members' basic material needs are met, thus the
entire Society is served.
7.5.5.3 While Group Members will continue to solicit donations and financial
support of congregational members and patrons who support temples and
preaching projects, daivi-varnasrama economy shall be seen as the long-
term economic solution for supporting the Society's preaching facilities.
7.6 Education
7.6.1 Gurukula
7.6.1.1 His Divine Grace wished to have gurukula education be provided for
children in the Society. Thus far, however, his followers have experienced a
grievous degree of failure in protecting the children under care of the
institution's gurukulas, and have failed to execute His Divine Grace's vision,
standards and instructions for implementing gurukula. Consequently, while
Group Members are not prohibited from operating gurukulas, they are not
encouraged to do so, and they shall not do so under, or in association with
the name, International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, until
such time as deep study of this subject has been taken up by the Society's
leaders, and a program for institutional gurukula is approved by the
Governing Body Commission.
7.6.1.2 Qualified Members are, however, encouraged to provide gurukula in the
traditional Vedic setting of a brahmana and wife in the home who, as a
private matter, choose to engage in providing this brahminical service for
one or a few children. In such cases, the educational content being provided
shall follow the authorized standards given by His Divine Grace, and should
not comprise extensive academic curriculum intended to prepare children
for a karmi life.
7.6.2 Secular Education
7.6.2.1 Secular academic content that is not an integral part of Vaisnava
curriculum shall not be offered to children or adults under, or in association
with the name, International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is.
7. 6.2.2 Members are strongly discouraged from pursuing advanced academic
degrees and other intellectual certifications or designations, unless such
personal education is intended to be strictly used in the preaching field, and
not for purposes of mundane income generation or professional notoriety.
7.6.3 Vaisnava Higher Education
7.6.3.1 His Divine Grace instructed various forms of higher education that are to
be implemented within the Society, and Members are encouraged to engage
in providing, and become students of such curriculum, including
varnasrama college, Vedic theological college, study programs resulting in
Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava and Bhaktivedanta degrees (which
correspond to B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees); and advanced spiritual
education for the general public under the auspices of the Bhaktivedanta
Institute [43].
ARTICLE 8 - GURU-TATTVA
8.1 Connecting to the Pure Sampradaya
8.1.1 The Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya, like all bona fide Vaisnava
sampradayas, has at its foundation a unique, pure, unalloyed siddhanta which has
been preserved and passed on since the Sampradaya's inception, without
adulteration.
8.1.2 The pure siddhanta is passed down through disciplic succession, and is delivered by
various means: through the preaching of the Sampradaya Acaryas (the topmost
members of the disciplic succession) and through the bona fide spiritual masters who
are following them (diksa, siksa and vartma-pradarsika); through the Book
Bhagavat (Sri Krsna, the Absolute Truth embodied in sastra); and through Caitya
Guru (paramatma).
8.1.3 The pure siddhanta is completely transcendental and cannot be restricted by
circumstances or formalities within this material world. Regardless of the
circumstances of initiation, whoever is preaching and living this pure siddhanta
should be recognized and worshipped as a bona fide spiritual master in our Sampradaya.
8.1.4 In accordance with sastra, ideally one gets diksa initiation from a bona fide guru in
disciplic succession.
8.1.5 In the event Caitya Guru does not arrange for one to get diksa initiation in this
lifetime, one can still get directly connected to the pure sampradaya through Caitya
Guru; through Book Bhagavat; through the preaching of the Sampradaya
Acaryas, and in particular through the vani of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada, the most recent manifestation of the pure sampradaya, 32nd
on the list of topmost members of the Gaudiya Vaisnava disciplic succession going
back to Lord Brahma; and through the siksa instruction of those bona fide spiritual
masters who are following in this disciplic succession, delivering pure siddhanta.
8.1.5.1 Being connected to the pure sampradaya through any of these means is a
form of initiation. However, none of these means of connection to the
sampradaya shall be misconstrued as being diksa initiation.
8.1.5.2 One cannot become a diksa disciple of His Divine Grace by engaging in a
post-samadhi ritvik diksa religious ceremony.
8.2 Caitya Guru
8.2.1 "He [Krsna] helps us from within as Caitya Guru, and He expands Himself
externally as Siksa Guru (as instructor) and Diksa Guru (initiator). So, the principle
is that whatever you are instructed by the Caitya Guru internally may be confirmed
by the instructor or initiator externally. Then your progress will be complete." [44]
8.2.2 Caitya Guru directs the sincere seeker to the Book Bhagavat or other means by
which transcendental knowledge is transmitted through a bona fide via medium.
The Sampradaya Acaryas have facilitated caitya-guru by producing transcendental
literatures. By reading sastra and hearing from Book Bhagavat, one begins to
develop faith. Caitya Guru recognizes the sincerity of the seeker and directs his
path, thus one finds their way to vartma-pradarsika-guru or enters the community of
devotees and comes into relationship with the siksa-guru, and eventually with diksa-
guru. There are no hard and fast rules about the ordering of events − Sri Krsna
works with the individual seeker in whatever way He sees fit, arranging for the
transmission of transcendental knowledge, divya-jnanam.
8.3 Book Bhagavat
8.3.1 "In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so if there
is anything you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and again. By
reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your
spiritual life will develop." [45]
"Human reason fails to understand how by serving the devotee bhagavata or the
book bhagavat one gets gradual promotion on the path of devotion. But, actually,
these are facts…" [46]
8.3.2 By way of bhagavad-vidhi initiation, connection to the pure sampradaya is available
to the sincere seeker through book bhagavat. This connection does not prevent the
seeker from accepting pancaratriki-vidhi initiation from a bona fide diksa-guru who
manifests sometime thereafter. One may accept both bhagavad-vidhi and pancaratriki-vidhi initiation.
8.3.3 The process of bhagavad-vidhi, chanting the Holy Name and hearing from Book
Bhagavat, is best engaged within the system established by His Divine Grace, wherein the seeker is supported in his spiritual pursuits in the temple environment,
having the benefit of association (sadhu-sanga), and receiving siksa training, which
eventually leads to diksa initiation.
8.3.4 His Divine Grace's books are meant to be read, and advanced followers are also
meant to preach from the books. The importance of preaching and training shall not
be minimized or discouraged by the general instruction, 'just read the books'.
8.4 Vartma-pradarsaka Guru
8.4.1 "The spiritual master who first gives information about spiritual life is called the
vartma-pradarsaka-guru… The word guru is equally applicable to the vartma-
pradarsaka-guru, siksa-guru and diksa-guru." [47]
This guru is generally considered to be the first person who, by the arrangement of
caitya-guru, offers spiritual assistance to the inquiring seeker by introducing them
to Krsna consciousness, giving them a book, introducing them to the devotees or
directing them to the temple. One's relationship with vartma-pradarsaka-guru is
typically informal, and lasts as long as mutually agreeable. While there is not a deep
commitment in one's relationship with vartma-pradarsaka it can evolve into a siksa-guru relationship.
8.5 Siksa Guru
8.5.1 "So Krishna is within as caitya-guru, and when we are serious, He comes out as the
spiritual master. Siksa-guru, diksa-guru. So there is no difference between siksa-
guru and diksa-guru and Krishna. Krishna manifests Himself externally as siksa-
guru and diksa-guru." [48]
8.5.2 Siksa and diksa Non-different:
"The first manifestation described is the spiritual master, who appears in two plenary parts called the initiating spiritual master and the instructing spiritual master. They are identical because both of them are phenomenal manifestations of the Supreme Truth." [49]
"There is no difference between the shelter-giving Supreme Lord and the initiating and instructing spiritual masters. If one foolishly discriminates between them, he commits an offense in the discharge of devotional service." [50]
8.5.3 Distinctions between siksa and diksa and Qualifications of siksa-guru:
Although sastra clearly states that diksa-guru and siksa-guru are non-different,
sastra also provides various distinctions, including the fact that diksa and siksa have
different dealings, and that while one is encouraged to take diksa rom a maha-
bhagavata, bona fide siksa-gurus are not always liberated:
"The initiating and instructing spiritual masters are equal and identical manifestations of Krsna, although they have different dealings." [51]
"Sometimes a diksa guru is not present always. Therefore one can take learning, instruction, from an advanced devotee. That is called the siksa-guru." [52]
"The guru [sarva-yajnesu diksitah] must be situated on the topmost platform of devotional service. There are three classes of devotees, and the guru must be accepted from the topmost class... When one has attained the topmost position of maha-bhagavata, he is to be accepted as guru and worshiped exactly like Hari, the Personality of Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of a guru." [53]
"There are two kinds of instructing spiritual masters. One is the liberated person fully absorbed in meditation in devotional service, and the other is he who invokes the disciple's spiritual consciousness by means of relevant instructions." [50]
"Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami states that the instructing spiritual master is a bona fide representative of Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna Himself teaches us as the instructing spiritual master from within and without. From within, He teaches as Paramatma, our constant companion, and from without He teaches from the Bhagavad-gita as the instructing spiritual master. There are two kinds of instructing spiritual masters. One is the liberated person fully absorbed in meditation in devotional service, and the other is he who invokes the disciple's spiritual consciousness by means of relevant instructions. Thus the instructions in the science of devotion are differentiated in terms of the objective and subjective ways of understanding." [50]
8.5.4 Progression from siksa to diksa-guru:
Both the disciple accepting instruction from a siksa-guru and the siksa-guru himself
may progress: the disciple progresses to taking diksa initiation, and the guru may progress from serving as instructing guru to serving as initiating guru:
"Generally a spiritual master who constantly instructs a disciple in spiritual science becomes his initiating spiritual master later on." [54]
"It is the duty of the siksa guru or diksa guru to instruct the disciple in the right way, and it depends on the disciple to execute the process. According to sastric injunctions, there is no difference between siksa guru and diksa guru, and generally the siksa gurulater on becomes the diksa guru." [55]
8.5.4.1 In the event a siksa disciple has advanced beyond the siksa-guru's ability to
provide progressively advanced spiritual instruction to the disciple, the
siksa-guru should turn the disciple over to a siksa or diksa-guru who can
continue to offer advanced instruction.
8.5.5 Emphasis on Siksa
8.5.5.1 Following the mood of the most recent Sampradaya Acaryas, Members
shall discourage misplaced emphasis on diksa-initiation over and above
siksa, i.e., emphasis on diksa as the only means of being connected to the
pure sampradaya.
8.5.5.2 Members shall encourage an emphasis on siksa instruction, cultivated in an
environment of preaching and training according to the instructions of His
Divine Grace. Those who are qualified to act as siksa-guru shall be
encouraged to actively serve in that capacity.
8.5.6 Regulation and Oversight of Siksa
8.5.6.1 Although the Society shall in no way impede the arrangements of Caitya
Guru by asserting a determination of who is qualified to serve as siksa-guru,
the Society shall encourage Member siksa-gurus to perform the duties of
guru in bona fide fashion, according to sastra and the standards and
instructions set forth by His Divine Grace. As public figures and spiritual
leaders within the Society, siksa-gurus operating within the Society shall be
held to the highest scrutiny of the Members, who shall not be intimidated or
discouraged from pointing out what appear to be indiscretions in the way
siksa-gurus conduct themselves.
8.5.6.2 "Actually, you have only one Spiritual Master, who initiates you, just as
you have only one father. But every Vaisnava should be treated as prabhu,
master, higher than me, and in this sense, if I learn from him, he may be
regarded as guru. It is not that I disobey my real Spiritual Master and call
someone else as Spiritual Master. That is wrong. It is only that I can call
Spiritual Master someone who is teaching me purely what my initiating
Spiritual Master has taught." [56]
8.5.7 Concept of 'Maha-siksa'
8.5.7.1 His Divine Grace gave diksa initiation to many disciples during his
manifest lila, and these individuals alone are his diksa disciples. As the
uttama-adhikari, maha-bhagavata Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace Srila
Prabhupada, directly and personally during his manifest lila served as siksa-
guru for all his other sincere followers. Following his acceptance of maha-
samadhi, His Divine Grace continues to serve as eternal diksa-guru to his
initiated disciples, and serves as Book Bhagavat for all other sincere
followers.
8.5.7.2 The contrived categorization of His Divine Grace as 'maha-siksa' of all
followers is rejected, as the concept has no basis in sastra. It does not
properly describe His Divine Grace's post-samadhi relationship with his
diksa disciples, nor does it describe his relationship with his grand-disciples.
The term or concept 'maha-siksa' shall not be employed by Members of the
Society, and particularly diksa-guru Members, to suggest that 'maha-siksa'
is synonymous with book bhagavata or that 'maha-siksa' somehow eclipses
the role and responsibilities the diksa-guru has for his own disciples. The
burden of training, and the karmic burden for disciples shall be understood
to rest directly upon the diksa-guru himself, and not upon the so-called
'maha-siksa', His Divine Grace.
8.6 Diksa Guru
8.6.1 Divya diksanam
8.6.1.1 The purpose of diksa initiation is formalization of the relationship wherein
the bona fide spiritual master delivers to the initiate the highest
transcendental knowledge, divya-jnana. Through the gurudisciple
relationship, one inquires submissively from the spiritual master and renders
service to him, thus becoming freed from all material contamination, divya-
jnanam ksipayati.
8.6.1.2 Divya-jnana that is transmitted to the sincere seeker by a siksa-guru who
repeats perfectly the pure siddhanta as handed down by disciplic succession
is non-different from divya-jnana transmitted by the uttama-adhikari
diksa-guru.
8.6.1.3 Although divya-jnana may be transmitted to the sincere seeker by other via
media such as siksa-guru, Book Bhagavat or Caitya Guru, receiving the
pure siddhanta from the personally manifest (living) bona fide diksa-guru in
disciplic succession is the goal of divya diksanam, which likewise conveys
the requisite authority for one to engage in pancaratra-vidhi.
8.6.1.3.1 Divya diksanam is not non-different from divya-jnana, nor does
the transmission of divya-jnana automatically confer diksa
initiation upon the recipient.
8.6.1.3.2 Although divya-jnana descends through disciplic succession, the
transcendental knowledge is not restricted or in any way
dominated by the most recent uttama-adhikari acarya, nor even
the most recent of the topmost Acaryas in disciplic succession.
Rather, it is freely passed through all qualified spiritual masters in
disciplic succession who deliver the unalloyed, pure siddhanta.
8.6.2 Diksa Conveyed by Manifest Guru
8.6.2.1 "According to the Vedic instructions, tad-vijnanartham sa gurum
evabhigacchet: [MU 1.2.12] to know this science, one must approach a bona
fide guru, a spiritual master who will initiate the disciple with the sacred
thread so that he may understand the Vedic knowledge. Janmana jayate
sudrah samskarad dhi bhaved dvijah. Becoming a brahmana through the
endeavor of a bona fide spiritual master is called samskara. After initiation,
one is engaged in study of thesastra, which teaches the student how to gain
release from materialistic life and return home, back to Godhead." [57]
8.6.2.2 In the conditioned stage, pure reliance on caitya-guru is not possible, thus
the guru conferring diksa initiation is external, and the process of diksa
initiation constitutes physical presence of both disciple and guru.
"Krishna is the first spiritual master, and when we become more interested,
then we have to go to a physical spiritual master." [58]
8.6.2.3 While bhagavat-marga (bhagavat-vidhi) may be conveyed to the initiate by
book bhagavat, the pancaratriki-vidhi element of diksa initiation relies upon
the manifest presence of the bona fide spiritual master.
8.6.2.4 The diksa disciple, by associating with the eternal vibration of the bona fide
diksa-guru, may overcome feelings of separation from the spiritual master's
physical presence when that temporary manifest presence is no longer
available.
8.6.2.5 The bona fide spiritual master is always available to the disciple through his
vani, however vani itself is not the agent, or giver of diksa initiation. The
conditioned jiva acceptsvani, like book bhagavat, with the aid of caitya-
guru. However, pure reliance on vani is not possible for the conditioned
soul, thus guru conferring diksa initiation is an external, manifest presence.
8.6.3 Qualifications of Diksa Guru
8.6.3.1 The bona fide spiritual master (diksa, siksa, or vartma-pradarsaka) is one
who delivers the pure siddhanta in disciplic succession. (§ 8.1)
8.6.3.2 "…any person who seriously desires real happiness must seek a bona
fide spiritual master and take shelter of him by initiation. The qualification
of the bona fide guru is that he has realized the conclusions of the scriptures
by deliberation and is able to convince others of these conclusions. Such
great personalities, who have taken shelter of the Supreme Godhead, leaving
aside all material considerations, should be understood to be bona fide
spiritual masters." [59]
8.6.3.3 "There are three different kinds of devotees, namely kanistha-adhikari,
madhyama-adhikari and uttama-adhikari: the neophyte, the preacher and
the maha-bhagavata, or the highly advanced devotee. The highly advanced
devotee is one who knows the conclusion of the Vedas in full knowledge;
thus he becomes a devotee. Indeed, not only is he convinced himself, but he
can convince others on the strength of Vedic evidence. The advanced
devotee can also see all other living entities as part and parcel of the
Supreme Lord, without discrimination. The madhyama-adhikari (preacher)
is also well versed in the sastras and can convince others also, but he
discriminates between the favorable and the unfavorable. In other words, the
madhyama-adhikari does not care for the demoniac living entities, and the
neophyte kanistha-adhikari does not know much about sastra but has full
faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead." [60]
8.6.3.4 The bona fide spiritual master must be maha-bhagavata:
"The guru [sarva-yajnesu diksitah] must be situated on the topmost platform of devotional service. There are three classes of devotees, and the guru must be accepted from the topmost class... When one has attained the topmost position of maha-bhagavata, he is to be accepted as guru and worshiped exactly like Hari, the Personality of Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of a guru." [53]
8.6.3.5 Some, but not all madhyama-adhikaris are actually maha-bhagavata. The
uttama-adhikari maha-bhagavata sometimes comes down to madhyama
platform to preach:
"Although preaching is not meant for a maha-bhagavata, a maha-bhagavata can descend to the platform of madhyama-bhagavata just to convert others to Vaisnavism. Actually a maha-bhagavata is fit to spread Krsna consciousness, but he does not distinguish where Krsna consciousness should be spread from where it should not. He thinks that everyone is competent to accept Krsna consciousness if the chance is provided. A neophyte and an intermediate devotee should always be eager to hear the maha-bhagavata and serve him in every respect." [61]
8.6.3.6 Madhyama-adhikaris accepting disciples:
"The second-class devotee [madhyama] accepts disciples from the section of third-class devotees [kanistha] or nondevotees. Sometimes the first-class devotee [uttama] also comes down to the category of the second-class devotee for preaching work." [62]
"One should not become a Spiritual Master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari. ...A neophyte Vaisnava or a Vaisnava situated on the intermediate platform can also accept disciples, but such disciples must be on the same platform, and it should be understood that they cannot advance very well toward the ultimate goal of life under his insufficient guidance. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-adhikari as a Spiritual Master." [63]
"The gurus from nature's study are accepted as such on the principle that an elevated person in Krishna Consciousness does not accept anyone as disciple, but he accepts everyone as expansion of his guru. That is very high position, called Maha-bhagavata. Just like Radharani, sometimes thinks a subordinate of hers as her teacher, to understand devotion of Krishna. A person who is liberated acharya and guru cannot commit any mistake, but there are persons who are less qualified or not liberated, but still can act as guru and acharya by strictly following the disciplic succession." [64]
8.6.3.6.1 A madhyama-adhikari sometimes accepts disciples. Such
madhyama-adhikari may be either an uttama-adhikari who has
come down to the madhyama platform to preach, or he may be a
non-liberated madhyama. If the madhyama-bhagavat is
delivering the pure siddhanta, then just as a non-liberated siksa-
guru who is delivering pure siddhanta may be considered a bona
fide spiritual master (§ 8.5.3), so may the madhyama-diksa be
considered a bona fide spiritual master. There is no difference
between the diksa-guru and siksa-guru. Nonetheless, sastra
exhorts the seeker to only accept an uttama-diksa guru.
8.6.3.6.1.1 Because the uttama-adhikari comes down to the
madhyama platform to preach and initiate, the candidate for diksa initiation is always faced with the prospect of selecting a madhyama-adhikari (or
one who is seemingly madhyama) as diksa-guru.
8.6.3.6.1.2 Only the madhyama-adhikari and uttama-adhikari
are advanced enough to be able to accurately identify
the spiritual position (adhikara) of another person,
[65] therefore, the kanistha or non-devotee lacks the
innate ability to recognize who is uttama-adhikari and
who is not. Such candidate for diksa initiation is thus
reliant upon caitya-guru, book bhagavat, siksa
guidance, and the vani of His Divine Grace, the most
recent manifestation of the pure sampradaya, in the
matter of selecting a bona fide spiritual master as
diksa-guru.
8.6.3.6.2 Sri Krsna has bestowed the jivatma with freewill, thus the
individual may not be restricted with respect to the guru with
whom he chooses to repose his loving affections and trust in the
matter of diksa initiation. While sastra instructs the ideal
circumstance, due to material conditioning, jivas will always
manifest qualitative gradations of decision-making, from ideal to
imperfect. The role of the Society in this regard is for the
Members to associate with, preach to, educate and influence the
candidate for initiation to select a bona fide spiritual master, but
not to impose artificial restrictions upon their freewill choice of
guru.
8.6.3.6.3 Members of the Society who understand themselves to be non-
liberated madhyama-adhikaris, but nonetheless take upon
themselves the service of diksa-guru, shall make clear in their
preaching to prospective initiates that they are not liberated
souls. They should make clear to potential disciples what their
level of realization is, and the fact that they are not in direct
association with Sri Krsna, as an uttama-adhikari is. Potential
disciples must be made aware of the distinction between a
liberated guru on the highest platform of adhikara and a
madhyama-guru who is not on that platform.
8.6.4 Diksa Guru Must Be Authorized
8.6.4.1 "One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master coming in the
disciplic succession, who is authorised by his predecessor spiritual master.
This is called diksa vidhana." [66]
8.6.4.2 The matter of receiving authorization from, or the order of the spiritual
master to become a spiritual master oneself is a private matter, unless one or
both parties chose to make it a public matter. Such authorization applies to
all forms of bona fide spiritual master: vartma-pradarsaka, siksa-guru, and
diksa-guru. In the case of diksa-guru, Vaisnava etiquette demands that one
not take up the service of diksa-guru until such time as his own diksa-guru
has departed, unless the guru specifically orders his disciple to the contrary,
authorizing him to take disciples even while he is still manifestly present.
8.6.4.3 While a direct order may come publicly, or in writing, it may also come by
spiritual benediction or other means, such as the individual's progressive
development of qualification and realization, through caitya-guru, through
book bhagavat, or through other internal means.
8.6.4.4 While Members of the Society are free to scrutinize and query those who
claim to have gotten the order to serve as spiritual master, the guru is under
no obligation to prove that a manifest order exists, although he should be
amply prepared to respond philosophically to such inquiries.
8.6.4.5 Wrong assumptions or false bona fides may be taken up by those who
become spiritual master by their own initiative, claiming to be authorized,
but not actually being situated in parampara:
"Guru cannot be self made. No. There is no such single instance throughout the whole Vedic literature. And nowadays, so many rascals, they are becoming Guru without any authority. That is not Guru. You must be authorised. Evam parampara praptam imam ra... As soon as parampara is... kalena yogo nasta parantapa, immediately finished. The spiritual potency finished. You can dress like a Guru, you can talk big, big words, but it will never be effective." [67]
8.6.4.6 Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu issued a broad order for all followers to become
spiritual masters, regardless of any qualification, simply repeating the
instructions of Lord Krsna. [68] One must apply this order according to His
Divine Grace's own direct orders with respect to becoming a bona fide
spiritual master, various types of guru, and various levels of adhikara, [50]
including the exhortation that it is best not to accept any disciples. [69]
8.6.4.7 While not a sastric obligation, Vaisnava etiquette prescribes that prior to
taking on the service of diksa-guru, one seek the blessings of godbrothers
and senior Vaisnavas. Under strict varnasrama, Sri Krsna Himself sought
permission, e.g. asking King Yudhisthira for permission to return to
Dvaraka. Outside the structure of a functional daivi-varnasrama system,
however, no requirement to seek permission or authorization shall be
imposed upon the Members, and seeking blessings shall remain a matter of
etiquette and personal choice.
8.6.5 Regulation and Oversight of Diksa
8.6.5.1 Diksa initiation shall not be institutionally controlled within the Society.
There shall be no regulatory mechanism for approving those wishing to take
up the service of diksa-guru, nor is any form of permission required, beyond
the rules of etiquette described in § 8.6.4.2 and § 8.6.4.7.
8.6.5.2 The Society shall have no responsibility for ensuring that qualified diksa-
gurus are available to those candidates wishing to become initiated. Such
arrangements are dependent upon Chaitya Guru, and are a personal matter
between guru and disciple.
8.6.5.3 Although the Society shall in no way impede the arrangements of caitya-
guru by asserting a determination of who is qualified to serve as diksa-guru,
the Society shall be responsible for determining if a Member diksa-guru is
not performing the duties of guru in bona fide fashion, according to sastra
and the standards and instructions set forth by His Divine Grace.
8.6.5.3.1 As public figures and spiritual leaders, diksa-gurus operating
within the Society shall be held to the highest scrutiny of the
Members, who shall not be intimidated or discouraged from
pointing out what appear to be indiscretions in the way the guru
conducts himself.
8.6.5.3.2 If a Member serving as diksa-guru is found to be preaching or
living outside the principles of this Constitution, either in
relationship to his disciples or independent of his relationship
with them, then his Membership may be revoked under due
process.
8.6.5.3.3 If, after due process under authority of the Judicial Panel, a diksa-
guru's Membership in the Society is revoked, his disciples who
are Members shall retain their own Membership but shall not
publicly promote the guru in any way to the Society's Members.
8.6.5.3.3.1 Disciples who choose to renounce their diksa-guru
under such circumstances may seek to be initiated by
another diksa-guru. This shall not be referred to as
"re-initiation". If one is properly initiated then there
is no question of re-initiation, and if one is not
properly initiated then he is not initiated at all, and
may simply seek to be initiated.
8.6.6 Diksa Initiation Process
8.6.6.1 Under the program established by His Divine Grace, 1st initiation, known as
harinama initiation, is preceded by an approximate six-month to one-year
period in which the diksa-guru observes the sincerity of the aspiring
disciple, who attends arati and classes in the sastras, engages in regulated
chanting of the Holy Name, follows the four regulative principles and
demonstrates a mood of humble obedience in following the guru. At the
time of initiation, the initiate formally vows to continue chanting 16 rounds
of japa daily and to strictly follow the four regulative principles. The diksa-
guru ives a devotional name to the disciple, who is understood to now be
connected to the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya, connected to the
pure siddhanta in disciplic succession, and connected in eternal relationship
to his diksa-guru.
8.6.6.2 At the diksa-guru's discretion, in approximately six-months to one year, the
disciple is awarded 2nd initiation, known as brahmana inititaion. In this
initiation, the diksa-guru chants the Gayatri Mantra into the disciple's right
ear, and in the case of male disciples, gives them the sacred brahmana
thread, with attendant sacrificial ritual. [70] This level of initiation increases
the responsibility of the disciple to follow the diksa-guru in exemplary
fashion, representing the Sampradaya properly by demonstrating the
qualities of a brahmana Vaisnava.
8.6.7 The Diksa Candidate
8.6.7.1 "One should always remember that a person who is reluctant to accept a
spiritual master and be initiated is sure to be baffled in his endeavor to go
back to Godhead. One who is not properly initiated may present himself as a
great devotee, but in fact he is sure to encounter many stumbling blocks on
his path of progress toward spiritual realization, with the result that he must
continue his term of material existence without relief. Such a helpless
person is compared to a ship without a rudder, for such a ship can never
reach its destination." [54]
8.6.7.2 The aspiring disciple is entirely responsible for choosing, testing and
evaluating a candidate diksa-guru. Sastra recommends at least a one-year
period of mutual testing during which, by regular personal association, both
parties determine if the relationship is desirable and capable of fulfilling the
requisite needs of disciple and guru. [71]
"The rules and regulation are that nobody should accept blindly any guru, and nobody should blindly accept any disciple. They must behave, one another, at least for one year so that the prospective disciple can also understand, 'Whether I can accept this person as my guru.' And the prospective guru also can understand, 'Whether this person can become my disciple.' This is the instruction by Sanatana Gosvami in his Hari-bhakti-vilasa." [72]
ARTICLE 9 - SADHU-SANGA
9.1 The Association of Devotees
9.1.1 "The spiritually powerful message of Godhead can be properly discussed only in a
society of devotees, and it is greatly pleasing to hear in that association. If one hears
from devotees, the way of transcendental experience quickly opens, and gradually
one attains firm faith that in due course develops into attraction and devotion." [73]
9.2 Sadhu-sanga
9.2.1 "A sadhu, the first qualification is he must be a staunch devotee of Krsna…That is
sadhu. That is the basic definition…Therefore sadhu-sanga…means to associate
with devotees, those who are devotees of Krsna. That is sadhu-sanga…Sadhu sanga
is very important. If we can associate with real sadhu, means real devotee,
unadulterated devotee, anyabhilasita-sunyam jnana karmady-anavrtam, then the
recommendation is that simply by associating with sadhu all perfection will come."
[74]
9.2.2 Within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is, sadhu-sanga
requires, first and foremost, that one associate with a sadhu who is strictly following
in the footsteps of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,
preaching in his mood and according to his standards.
9.3 Absence of Personal Sadhu-sanga
9.3.1 In the absence of a bona fide sadhu, one can take shelter of the vani of His Divine
Grace, however reading the authorized books independent of devotee association is
not optimal. "Nor by independent study of books of knowledge can one
progress in spiritual life." [75] Therefore taking shelter of the vani of His Divine
Grace, while studying and discussing with like-minded devotees, sravana-kirtanam,
is preferable.
"Whatever you hear, you discuss amongst yourselves. That is called kirtana.
Sravana kirtanam visnu smaranam. Remember about the topics of God." [76]
9.3.2 The vani of His Divine Grace's predecessor Acaryas should not be taken as
synonymous with sadhu-sanga. While the writings of the previous Acaryas may be
read and discussed, they should be understood and discussed in the context of His
Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada's own books and purports.
"Whatever is to be learned of the teachings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura can be learned from our books. There is no need whatsoever for any outside instruction." [77]
9.4 Sanga Outside the Society
9.4.1 Taking Vaisnava association in sadhu-sanga with those who are offering opinions
that conflict with His Divine Grace's preaching shall be avoided by the Members.
Such persons shall not be permitted to preach in Group Member temples and
facilities, or at events organized by the Members.
9.4.1.1 Members may extend invitations to, or engage with spiritual leaders or
personalities whose preaching is not in line with His Divine Grace's for
purposes of cultural exchange, local community interaction or public
relations, providing such persons are not permitted to preach or make
philosophical presentations to the Society's Members, or to represent
themselves as being philosophically associated with the Society and its
Members. Otherwise, with the exception of preaching engagements wherein
Members are preaching to such persons, all other engagements shall be
made with approval of the Governing Body Commission.
9.4.2 When associating with other sadhus in the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya line who are
not Members of the Society, and whose philosophical opinions do not differ from
His Divine Grace's, but whose preaching mood or focus differs substantively,
Members are urged to take such sadhu-sanga with a high degree of caution, and
shall avoid emulating that differing mood, or encouraging other Members to do so.
9.4.2.1 Following in the footsteps of the most recent Sampradaya Acaryas,
Members of the Society shall emphasize and focus on preaching the
philosophy. Publicly speaking on and discussing the highest levels of Krsna
consciousness, particularly the intimate pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Krsna,
shall be avoided in order to protect neophyte devotees and the faithless from
committing offenses. Such highly elevated topics should be discussed
privately, and only among those who are spiritually qualified to engage in
such discourse.
9.5 Association with the Gaudiya Matha
9.5.1 There are unprecedented comments found in the purports of His Divine Grace's
authorized books as well as direct orders contained in letters to his disciples [78a-b,
79] which clearly establish his position on associating with his godbrothers in the
Gaudiya Matha. In accordance with those instructions, Members of the Society shall
not take sadhu-sanga of, or otherwise take shelter of the preaching or association of
members of the Gaudiya Matha or descendents of His Divine Grace's godbrothers'
disciplic line. In their dealings with members of the Gaudiya Matha, Members of
the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall observe the rules
of Vaisnava etiquette to the highest degree possible while maintaining the degree of
cautious distance instructed by His Divine Grace.
9.6 Association with GBC/ISKCON Devotees
9.6.1 Extraordinary circumstances served as a catalyst for the formation of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is and the re-constitution of
the Governing Body Commission. His Divine Grace warned his leaders of the
gravity of duty necessitated by their post:
"Therefore we have created these GBC. So they should be very responsible men. Otherwise, they will be punished. They will be punished to become a śūdra. Although Yamarāja is a GBC, but he made a little mistake. He was punished to become a śūdra. So those who are GBC's, they should be very, very careful to administer the business of ISKCON. Otherwise they will be punished. As the post is very great, similarly, the punishment is also very great. That is the difficulty." [80]
For some period of time, relationships between Members of the Society and
members of the legacy GBC-run ISKCON (referred to in future as 'the GBC/ISKCON') may be strained. While maintaining the highest degree of Vaisnava etiquette possible, Members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is shall engage with members of GBC/ISKCON in a manner that respects the principles of this Constitution and their Oath of Allegiance to it.
9.6.2 A high degree of emphasis shall be placed by Members of the Society on
reconnecting and re-engaging with the disciples of His Divine Grace and all others
who have been driven from, or have fled from the GBC/ISKCON. Every effort shall
be made to overcome philosophical differences, many of which have been spawned
primarily by the apa-siddhantic policies and deviations of the GBC/ISKCON. In a
mood of strict fidelity to His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,
under the principles of this Constitution, all followers of His Divine Grace shall be
encouraged to engage in active devotional service as Members of the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness As It Is.
ARTICLE 10 - RATIFICATION & AMENDMENTS
10.1 Initial Constitution Review and Ratification Process
10.1.1 Initial ratification of the Constitution shall be accomplished following a one-year
period, to be comprised of the following phases:
Phase One: a six-month period of review and moderated private discussion, by
invitation, between Founding Members;
Phase Two: a six-month period of approved provisional Membership for all who
wish to be included in the public review and ratification process; and moderated
open discussion among Founding Members and Provisional Members; and
Phase Three: at the close of the one-year period, a vote of Members and
Provisional Members in which a 2/3 majority vote shall result in ratification of the
Constitution.
10.2 Failed Ratification Vote
10.2.1 In the event a 2/3 majority vote in favor of ratification of the Constitution is not
reached, then a three-month long Phase Four period shall commence. During this
period, Members of the Brahminical Council shall canvass the constituency of
Founding Members and Provisional Members, identifying points of disagreement
leading to the failed ratification vote. Following continued moderated public
discussion during this Phase, a second vote of Founding Members and Provisional
Members shall be held, in which a 2/3 majority vote shall result in ratification of the
Constitution.
10.2.2 Should the second vote also result in a failure to ratify, then a fifth and final phase,
repeating Phase Four, shall be conducted.
10.3 Supervision of the Initial Ratification Process
10.3.1 Founding Members of the Brahminical Council shall organize, moderate and
supervise the review, discussion and ratification process.
10.4 Approved Provisional Membership
10.4.1 Members of the Brahminical Council shall accept applications for and approve
Provisional Memberships in the Society.
10.5 Provisional Membership Converts to Full Membership
10.5.1 Upon initial ratification of the Constitution, all Provisional Members shall
immediately convert to permanent Members, enjoying the full benefits and
duties of Membership.
10.5.2 Upon initial ratification of the Constitution, all Members – Founding Members,
Individual Members, Group Members and Special Members – shall receive a
certificate of membership bearing a unique Membership Number. In the event of
future ratification votes on Constitutional amendments, each Member shall provide
this Membership Number as proof of membership in order to vote. Should the
information become lost, it will be the Member's responsibility to prove his
Membership before voting.
10.6 Non-negotiable Elements
10.6.1 A certain number of core philosophical elements of the Constitution shall not be
negotiable or open to revision or elimination from the Constitution during the
initial or any subsequent review and ratification period. These elements represent
critical philosophical principles that cannot be compromised in any way, even
if resulting in failure to ratify a Constitution for the International Society for
Krishna Consciousness As It Is. These elements include:
a) the description of the exalted status of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada set forth in the Preamble here above;
b) re-constitution of the Governing Body Commission under § 4.4.7.1; and
c) the position on guru-tattva set forth in § 8.1.5.
10.7 Future Amendments to Constitution
10.7.1 Future amendments to the ratified Constitution shall be proposed, taken to vote and
ratified or rejected according to the following process:
10.7.1.1 Proposed amendments shall be submitted by Members to the Governing
Body Commission for review and discussion at the Society's Annual
Meeting.
10.7.1.2 The Governing Body Commission shall ensure delivery to all Members of
the proposed amendment language, no less than sixty days prior to the first
community meeting held to discuss the amendment(s).
10.7.1.2.1 Members shall be responsible for ensuring that the Governing
Body Commission is kept apprised of their most recent email
and/or postal mailing address. A Membership Registry shall
be maintained by the Governing Body Commission, for the
sole and only purpose of ensuring that Members may be duly
contacted for purposes of Constitutional vote, or for delivery
of Notices pursuant to § 3.4.4.2.1 and § 3.4.4.4.
10.7.1.3 The Governing Body Commission shall organize two open community
meetings, held at Group Member facilities and via live-stream Internet, for
discussion of the proposed amendment(s). The two meetings shall be held
within four to six months of one another, to allow ample time for general
discussion and consideration of amendments before they are put to a vote.
10.7.1.4 Under supervision of the Governing Body Commission, a ratification vote
shall be organized, in which a 2/3 majority vote of the Members shall
result in Constitutional amendments being ratified.
10.7.1.5 The voting results shall be certified and sealed by the Judicial Panel, who
shall immediately announce the results to Members, via the Society's
media outlets and by other desirable means.
10.7.1.5.1 The Judicial Panel's protocol and process for certifying vote
results shall be made a matter of public record, pursuant to
§ 3.3.1.
|
nama om visnu padaya krsna presthaya bhutale
srimate bhaktivedanta swamin iti namine
namaste sarasvate deve gauravani pracarine
nirvisesa sunyavadi pascatya desa tarine
I offer my respectful obeisances unto
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,
who is very dear to Lord Krsna,
having taken shelter at His lotus feet.
Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master,
servant of Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly preaching the message
of Lord Caitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries,
which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.
|
FOOTNOTES
[1] Sri Caitanya Mangala, Sutra-Khanda, Song 12, text 562-565 by Locana das Thakura
[2] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 25.9 Purport
[3] Srila Prabhupada's Statements of Constitutional Principle: Comparison of principles set forth in the following:
[4] Srimad Bhagavatam 4.28.31 Purport
[5] Science of Self-Realization, Chapter 3
[6] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Mukunda, Oct 1, 1968
[7] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Kirtanananda, Feb 11,1967
[8] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Karandhar, Dec 22, 1972
[9] 1975 GBC Resolutions
[10] Direction of Management, Jul 28, 1970
[11] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Madhudvisa, Jun 12, 1972
[12] 'Centralization Critics' Off Base by Ravindra Svarup dasa
[13a] Srila Prabhupada's Declaration of Will, Jun 7, 1977 (1)
[13b] Srila Prabhupada's Declaration of Will, Jun 7, 1977 (2)
[14] Room Conversation, June 2, 1977
[15] May 28, 1977 Room Conversation
[16] Topmost Urgency, Jul 22, 1974
[17] Srila Prabhupada Letters to:
[18] Srimad Bhagavatam 8.1.10 Purport
[19] Srila Prabhupada Lecture, Dec 1, 1966, New York
[20] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 20.340−41
[21] Srimad Bhagavatam 8.5.23
[22] Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 20.12
[23] Morning Walk Conversation, Apr 7, 1975, Hyderabad
[24] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Bali Mardan & Pusta Krsna, Sep18, 1972
[25] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Rupanuga, Oct 19, 1974
[26] Srimad Bhagavatam 4.30.37
[27] Pancaratra Pradipa: Illumination of Pancaratra, Vol. I & II, by GBC Deity Worship
Research Group
[28] Srila Prabhupada Lecture on Gurvastam, Stockholm, Sep 9, 1973
[29] "Mundane Welfare Work in ISKCON" by Murari das, Sep 4, 2012
[30] Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.46 Purport
[31] Krsna Book, Chapter 74 - 'The Deliverance of Sisupala'
[32] Srila Prabhupada's Instructions on Prasadam Distribution:
[33] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 22.129
[34] Srimad Bhagavatam 7.11.21 Purport
[35] Renunciation Through Wisdom, 2.4
[36] Srimad Bhagavatam 9.10.51 Purport
[37] Phalgun Krishna Pancami by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1961)
[38] Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhava by H.H. Bhakti Vikasa Swami
[39] Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 7.3, Mar 29, 1971, Bombay
[40] Srimad Bhagavatam 7.14.11 Purport
[41] Women in ISKCON, Presentations to the GBC, March 2000 by Rukmini dasi
[42] Srimad Bhagavatam 1.10.5 Purport
[43] "Srila Prabhupada's Vision for the Bhaktivedanta Institute" by HH Bhaktisvarupa
Damodara, 2006
[44] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Sivananda, May 21, 1969
[45] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Bahurupa, Nov 22, 1974
[46] Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.18 Purport
[47] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 8.128
[48] Lecture on Nectar of Devotion, Oct 29, 1972, Vrindavan
[49] Caitanya-caritamrta Adi lila 1 Summary
[50] Caitanya-caritamrta Adi lila 1.47 Purport
[51] Caitanya-caritamrta Adi lila 1.34 Purport
[52] Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 17.1-3, Jul 4, 1974, Honolulu
[53] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 24.330 Purport
[54] Caitanya-caritamrta Adi lila 1.35 Purport
[55] Srimad Bhagavatam 4.12.32 Purport
[56] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Sri Galim, Nov 20, 1971
[57] Srimad Bhagavatam6.5.20 Purport
[58] Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 4.34, Aug 14, 1966, New York
[59] Srimad Bhagavatam 11.3.21 Translation
[60] Srimad Bhagavatam 4.22.16 Purport
[61] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 16.74 Purport
[62] Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.21 Purport
[63] Nectar of Instruction, Chapter 5
[64] Srila Prabhupada Letter to Janardana, Apr 26, 1968
[65] Sri Isopanisad, Verse 1
[66] Srimad Bhagavatam 4.8.54 Purport
[67] Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.7, Feb 27, 1977, Mayapur
[68] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 7.128 Purport
[69] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 7.130 Purport
[70] Caitanya-caritamrta Adi lila 17.265 Purport
[71] Hari-bhakti-vilas, 1.73-78
[72] Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 13.1-2, Feb 25, 1975, Miami
[73] Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 23.16
[74] Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 6.47, Dec 12, 1972, Ahmedabad
[75] Bhagavad-gita 4.34 Purport
[76] Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.2, Oct 22, 1975, Johannesburg
[77] Letter to Gurukrpa and Yasodanandana, Dec 25,1973
[78] Srila Prabhupada Letters to:
[79] The Generals Who Could Not be Defeated by Rupanuga das
[80] Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.15, Jun 4, 1974, Geneva
Draft Constitution for ISKCON As It Is (PDF)
Draft Constitution for ISKCON As It Is - Espanol (PDF)
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