Note: this table of contents is not 100% accurate!
Contents
Detailed Contents i
Preface xvii
1 International Society for Krishna Consciousness 1
2 Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON 3
3 Governing Body Commission 7
4 ISKCON Ministries 29
5 ISKCON Spiritual Leadership 41
6 ISKCON Spiritual Masters (Diksa & Siksa-Gurus) 59
7 Discipleship in ISKCON 71
8 ISKCON Members 79
9 Asramas (Spiritual Orders) in ISKCON 95
10 ISKCON Temples and Affiliates 101
11 ISKCON Immovable Properties 109
12 Temple Worship and Deity Worship 119
13 Education 125
14 Sankirtana - Book Distribution 127
15 Congregational Development 131
16 Prasadam Distribution 137
17 Justice 139
18 Fund Development and Life Patron Membership 141
19 Devotee Health and Welfare 143
20 Farm Communities 147
21 International Projects 149
22 Sri Mayapur-Vrndavana Gaura-purnima Festival 155
23 ISKCON Related Organizations 159
Appendices 163
Detailed Contents
Preface i
1 International Society for Krishna Consciousness 1
1.1 Definition 1
1.2 Principles: The Seven Purposes of ISKCON 1
2 Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON 3
2.1 Definition 3
2.2 Principles 3
2.2.1 The Significance of Srila Prabhupada to ISKCON 3
2.2.2 Recognition of Srila Prabhupada's Position as
the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON 4
2.3 Regulations 4
2.3.1 Use of Title 4
2.3.2 Shrines and Memorials 4
2.3.2.1 Samadhi Mandirs at Sri Vrndavana-dhama and
Sri Mayapur-dhama 5
2.3.3 Plaques 5
3 Governing Body Commission 7
3.1 GBC Body 7
3.1.1. Definition 7
3.1.2 Principles 7
3.1.3 Powers 7
3.1.4 Duties 8
3.1.4.1 Appointment of Ministers 8
3.1.4.2 Establishing Standards of Conduct 8
3.1.4.3 GBC Annual Donations and Pledges 8
3.1.4.4 Trademarks 8
3.1.4.5 GBC Press 8
3.1.4.6 Other Regulations 9
3.1.5 ISKCON Mission Statements 10
3.1.5.1. Delineation and Publishing of Statements of Mission 10
3.1.5.1.1. Statement of Mission (ISKCON Statement of Aim) 10
3.1.5.1.2. Supporting Objective 10
3.1.5.1.3. Progressive Goals 10
3.1.5.1.4 Vital Tasks 10
3.1.5.2 Zonal Secretary and Statements of Mission 11
3.1.5.2.1 Regional Secretary and Statements of Mission 11
3.1.5.2.2 Temple President and Statements of Mission 11
3.2 Executive Committee of the GBC Body 11
3.2.1 Definitions 11
3.2.2. Duties 12
3.2.2.1. Executive Committee 12
3.2.2.2. Executive Committee Continental Representatives 12
3.2.2.3 GBC Chairman 13
3.3 GBC Standing Committees 14
3.3.1 Definition 14
3.3.2 Powers 14
3.3.3 Duties 15
3.3.4 Individual Standing Committees 15
3.3.4.1 Ksetra Committees 15
3.3.4.1.1 Definition 15
3.3.4.1.2 Regulations 17
3.3.4.2. Other Standing Committees 17
3.3.4.2.1 The Philosophical Committee 17
3.3.4.2.2 Bhaktivedanta Memorial Committee 18
3.3.4.2.3 Executors Committee 18
3.3.4.2.4 Sannyasa Committee 18
3.3.4.2.5 Interfaith Commission 18
3.3.4.2.6. Others 19
3.4 GBC Geographic Area Committees 19
3.4.1 GBC Continental Committees 19
3.4.1.1 Definition 19
3.4.1.2 Duties 19
3.4.1.3 Regulations 19
3.4.2 GBC Divisional Councils 20
3.4.2.1 Definitions 20
3.4.2.2 Regulations 20
3.5 GBC Members 20
3.5.1 Definition 20
3.5.2 Principles 20
3.5.3 Standards 21
3.5.3.1 Standard for Sadhana and Spiritual Practices 21
3.5.3.2 Standard of Personal Behavior and Character 21
3.5.3.3 Disqualifications 21
3.5.4 General Duties 21
3.5.4.1 In Relation to the GBC Body 22
3.5.4.2 In Relation to International Projects 22
3.5.4.3 In Relation to Other GBC Zonal Secretaries 22
3.5.5 Categories of GBC Members 22
3.5.5.1 GBC Zonal Secretaries 22
3.5.5.1.1 Definition 22
3.5.5.1.2 Powers 23
3.5.5.1.3 Duties 23
3.5.5.1.3.1 Sadhana and Temple Programs 23
3.5.5.1.3.2 Book Distribution and Preaching 23
3.5.5.1.3.3 Congregational Preaching 23
3.5.5.1.3.4 Recovering "Blooped" Devotees 24
3.5.5.1.3.5 Oath of Loyalty by Temple Presidents 24
3.5.5.1.3.6 Cooperation with the Local Leader in Preaching 24
3.5.5.1.3.7 In Relation to Temple Presidents 24
3.5.5.1.3.8 In Relation to Initiating Gurus 24
3.5.5.1.3.9 Child Protection Concerns 25
3.5.5.1.4 Guidelines for Evaluating GBC Zonal Secretary 25
3.5.5.2 Candidates for GBC 25
3.5.5.2.1 Definition 25
3.5.5.2.2 Regulations 25
3.5.5.2.2.1 Appointment 25
3.5.5.2.3. Duties 26
3.5.5.2.4 Powers 26
3.5.5.3 Emeritus GBC 26
3.5.5.3.1 Definition 26
3.5.5.3.2 Role 27
3.5.5.4 GBC Deputies 27
3.5.5.4.1 Definition 27
3.5.5.4.2 Duties 27
3.5.5.4.3 Functions 27
4 ISKCON Ministries 29
4.1 Definition 29
4.2 General Duties 29
4.3 Guidelines 30
4.3.1 Preaching Vision and Goals for ISKCON
in Relation to ISKCON Ministries 30
4.3.1.1 Goal and Strategy for Qualified Teachers 30
4.3.1.2 Goal and Strategy for Education Oriented Ministries 30
4.3.1.3 Goal and Strategy for Seva-Oriented Ista-gosthi 31
4.3.1.4 Goal and Strategy for Training All Committed Devotees 31
4.3.1.5 Goal and Strategy for Bhakti-sastri Implementation 31
4.3.1.6 Goal and Strategy for ISKCON Temples
as Centers of Learning 32
4.4 Individual ISKCON Ministries 33
4.4.1 Ministry of Emergencies 33
4.4.2 Ministry of Justice 33
4.4.2.1 Definition 33
4.4.2.2 Duties of the Minister of Justice 33
4.4.2.3 Procedures for Resolution of Disputes 33
4.4.2.3.1 Investigation of Complaints 33
4.4.2.3.2 Mediation Services 33
4.4.2.3.3 Arbitration Services 34
4.4.2.4 Prevention of Development of Complaints and Disputes 34
4.4.2.4.1 Complaint Registry Services 34
4.4.2.4.2 Prevention Registry 34
4.4.2.4.3 Publishing Services 34
4.4.2.4.4 Other Provisions 34
4.4.3 Ministry of Communications 35
4.4.4 Ministry of Finance and Management 35
4.4.4.1 Duties 35
4.4.4.2 ISKCON Resource Manual 36
4.4.4.3 ISKCON Central Secretariat 36
4.4.4.3.1 Definition 36
4.4.4.3.2 Duties 36
4.4.4.4 ISKCON Foundation Training Centers 37
4.4.5 Ministry of Fund Development and Life Patron Membership 37
4.4.5.1 Duties and Purposes 37
4.4.6 Ministry of Health and Welfare 38
4.4.6.1 Duties 38
4.4.7 ISKCON Youth Ministry 38
4.4.7.1 Duties 38
4.4.7.2 Powers 38
4.4.7.3 Youth Members 38
4.4.8 Women's Ministry 39
4.4.8.1 Duties 39
4.4.9 Other Ministries 39
5 ISKCON Spiritual Leadership 41
5.1 Definition 41
5.2 Standards of Behavior 41
5.2.1 Spiritual Practices 41
5.2.2 Active Assistance to the GBC Body 41
5.2.3 Leadership Positions 41
5.2.4 Financial Dealings 42
5.2.5 Disqualifications 42
5.3 Duties 42
5.3.1 Regarding Preaching 42
5.3.2 Correcting Spiritual Deficiencies in Temples 42
5.4 Regulations 43
5.4.1 Legal Affairs 43
5.4.2 Oath of Loyalty 43
5.4.2.1 Statement of Oath 43
5.4.2.2 Procedure for Taking Oaths 43
5.4.2.3 Oath Required for Leadership Eligibility 44
5.5 Discipline and Conduct of ISKCON Leaders 44
5.5.1 Leave of Absence 44
5.5.2 Resignation 44
5.5.3 Censure 45
5.5.3.1 Transgressions Leading to Censure 45
5.5.3.1.1 Misconduct and Indiscipline 45
5.5.3.2 Improper Discharge and Neglect of Duty, 45
5.5.3.2.2 Misuse of Funds and Gross Mismanagement. 45
5.5.3.2.3 Spiritual Discrepancy 45
5.5.3.3 Procedure 45
5.5.4 Probation 46
5.5.4.1 Rectification Program 46
5.5.4.2 Period of Probation 46
5.5.5 Suspension 46
5.5.5.1 Procedure 46
5.5.5.2 Terms of Suspension 46
5.5.5.3 Rectification Program 47
5.5.5.4 Period of Suspension 47
5.5.6 Removal 47
5.6 Standards and Duties of Spiritual Leaders 47
5.6.1 Regional Secretaries 47
5.6.1.1 Definition 47
5.6.1.2 Regional Secretary's Duties 48
5.6.1.2.1 In relation to Zonal Secretary 48
5.6.1.2.2 In relation to Sri Mayapur-Vrndavana Festival 48
5.6.2 Presidents of Temples and Preaching Centers 48
5.6.2.1 Appointment of Temple President 48
5.6.2.2 Standards of Personal Behavior 48
5.6.2.2.1 Spiritual Standards 48
5.6.2.2.2 Standards of Service 49
5.6.2.3 Principles 49
5.6.2.3.1 Desirable Qualities of an Ideal Temple President 49
5.6.2.4 Powers 49
5.6.2.5 Duties to 50
5.6.2.5.1 The Temple Deities, Srila Prabhupada,
the GBC Body and the Initiating Spiritual Masters 50
5.6.2.5.2 The GBC Body 50
5.6.2.5.3 Administrative Bodies under the GBC 50
5.6.2.5.4 The Local GBC Member 50
5.6.2.5.5 Initiating Spiritual Masters 51
5.6.2.5.6 Temple Resident Devotees 51
5.6.2.5.6.1 Sadhana and Temple Programs 51
5.6.2.5.6.2 Engagement 51
5.6.2.5.6.3 Care 51
5.6.2.5.6.4 Guru-Disciple Relationships 52
5.6.2.5.6.5 Evaluation of all Initiated Devotees 52
5.6.2.5.6.6 Following Local Laws 52
5.6.2.5.6.7 Discipline and Conduct of Temple Devotees 52
5.6.2.5.6.8 Removal of a Devotee from a Temple 53
5.6.2.5.7 Congregational Devotees 53
5.6.2.5.7.1 Facilitating the Preaching of
the Congregational Devotees 53
5.6.2.5.7.2 Suspension of Congregational Members 53
5.6.2.5.8 Guests and Life Patron Members 54
5.6.2.5.9 The Opposite Gender 54
5.6.2.5.10 Dealings With His Own Family Affairs (If Grihastha) 54
5.6.2.5.11 The Local Community 55
5.6.2.5.12 "Blooped" Devotees 55
5.6.2.5.13 Sri Mayapur-Vrndavana Festival 55
5.6.2.6 Regulations 55
5.6.2.6.1 Financial Management 55
5.6.2.6.1.1 Receiving Restricted Donations 56
5.6.2.6.1.1.1 Acceptable Conditions 57
5.6.2.6.1.1.2 Unacceptable Conditions 57
5.6.2.6.2 Management and Administration 57
5.6.2.6.3 Book Distribution 57
6 ISKCON Spiritual Masters (Diksa & Siksa-Gurus) 59
6.1 Principles 59
6.1.1 Srila Prabhupada's Desire for Continuing
the Disciplic Succession 59
6.2 Qualifications of Gurus in ISKCON 59
6.2.1 Mandatory Qualifications 59
6.2.2 Discretionary Qualifications 60
6.3 Eligibility of Devotee to Be Guru in ISKCON 60
6.3.1 All Devotee's Initiations From ISKCON Gurus 60
6.3.2 No One Can Give Diksa While Guru is Present 60
6.3.3 Requirement for Consent of Mantra Guru 61
6.4 Regulations 61
6.4.1 Procedure for Authorizing Diksa and Siksa-Gurus 61
6.4.1.1 Endorsement by an Area Council 61
6.4.1.1.1 Composition of Council 61
6.4.1.1.2 Principles of Evaluation 61
6.4.1.1.3 Council Integrity Maintained 61
6.4.1.2 Provision for "No Objection" Letters 61
6.4.1.3 Names Sent to All GBC Members 62
6.4.1.3.1 Letter of Nomination to GBC Corresponding Secretary 62
6.4.1.3.2 Corresponding Secretary Verifies and Distributes 62
6.4.1.4 Three GBC Objections Veto Candidate 62
6.4.1.5 Completion of Authorizing Procedure 62
6.4.1.5.1 Absence of Three Letters of Non-approval 62
6.4.1.5.2 Presence of Three Letters of Non-approval 62
6.4.1.5.3 Corresponding Secretary Monitors and Informs 63
6.4.2 Vows of Guru 63
6.4.3 Standards of Conduct for Gurus in ISKCON 63
6.4.3.1 General Standards 63
6.4.3.2 Standards in Relation to the GBC Body 64
6.4.3.3 Standards in Relation to GBC Zonal Secretaries 64
6.4.3.4 Standards in Relation to ISKCON Spiritual Authorities 64
6.4.3.5 Standards in Relation to a Temple 65
6.4.4 Monitoring of Gurus by the GBC 65
6.4.4.1 Annual Reports 65
6.4.4.2 Emergency Reports 65
6.4.5 Sanctioning of Gurus by the GBC 66
6.4.5.1 Warning (or Censure) 66
6.4.5.2 Probation 66
6.4.5.3 Suspension 66
6.4.5.4 Removal 66
6.4.6 Renunciation of Guru Responsibilities 66
6.4.7 Specifically Outlawed Doctrines and Practices 67
6.4.7.1 "Zonal-Acarya" System 67
6.4.7.2 "Posthumous ¬tvik" Doctrine 67
6.4.8 Worship and Etiquette 67
6.4.8.1 Ceremonies 67
6.4.8.1.1 Guru-puja 67
6.4.8.1.2 Vyasa-puja 67
6.4.8.2 Restricted Titles 67
6.4.8.3 Photograph on Altar 67
6.4.8.4 Seat in Temple Room 68
6.4.8.5 Guru Under Suspension 68
6.4.8.5.1 No Public Worship 68
6.4.8.5.2 Disciples Offering Arati 68
6.4.8.5.3 Disciples Offering Bhoga 68
6.4.8.5.4 Disciples Offering Obeisances 68
6.4.8.6 Murtis of Gurus Inside the Temple Room 68
6.5 Guidelines 68
6.5.1 Rejection of a Fallen "Guru" 68
6.5.1.1 When a Fallen Guru May Be Rejected 68
6.5.1.2 When a Fallen Guru Must Be Rejected 69
6.5.1.2.1 Hopelessly Entangled in Sense Gratification 69
6.5.1.2.2 Takes on Demoniac Qualities 69
6.5.1.3 When Not to Reject a Fallen Guru 69
6.5.1.4 When a Suspended Guru May Be Rejected 69
6.5.1.5 "Guru Asraya" for Guidance 69
6.6 The Siksa-Guru 69
6.6.1 Definition 69
6.6.2 Procedure to be Followed to be Recognized as a Formal Siksa-Guru 70
7 Discipleship in ISKCON 71
7.1 Right of Devotees to Choose their Guru 71
7.1.1 Rights of ISKCON Members to Worship theirGurus 71
7.1.2 Right to Accept Instruction and Initiation 71
7.1.3 Right to Take Association from Any Approved Guru 71
7.1.4 Right to Become an "Aspirant for Shelter and Initiation" 71
7.2 Responsibility of Candidate for Initiation 72
7.2.1 First (Harinama) Initiation 72
7.2.1.1 Qualifications for First Initiation 72
7.2.1.1.1 One Year Preparatory Period 72
7.2.1.1.2 First Six-month Period 72
7.2.1.1.3 Second Six-month Period 72
7.2.1.1.4 Devotees Residing Within Temple Communities 73
7.2.1.1.5 Devotees Residing Outside of Temple Communities 73
7.2.1.1.6 Pass Examination 73
7.2.1.2 Change of Prospective Guru 73
7.2.1.3 Procedure of Formal Recommendation 74
7.2.1.3.1 Guru Receives Recommendation in Writing 74
7.2.1.3.2 Contents of Recommendation 74
7.2.1.3.3 Recommender Contacts Previous Authorities 74
7.2.1.3.4 Devotees Residing In Temple Communities 74
7.2.1.3.5 Devotees Residing Away from Temple Communities 75
7.2.1.4 Vows of Disciple 75
7.2.2 Second, or Brahminical, Initiation 75
7.2.2.1 Qualification for Second Initiation 75
7.2.2.1.1 One-year Wait Between First and Second Initiation 75
7.2.2.1.2 Two-year Wait for Those Who Fall Severely 75
7.2.2.1.3 Examination Option of Initiating Guru 75
7.2.2.2 Procedure for Formal Recommendation 76
7.2.2.2.1 Guru Receives Recommendation in Writing 76
7.2.2.2.2 Contents of Letter of Recommendation 76
7.2.2.2.3 Recommender Contacts Previous Authorities 76
7.2.2.3 Restoration of Brahminical Status 76
7.2.4 Initiation Only from Approved Gurus 77
7.2.4.1 Violators 77
7.2.4.1.1 First Initiation Outside 77
7.2.4.1.2 Other Initiations Outside 77
7.2.4.2 Prior Initiation by Non-Bona Fide Gurus 77
7.2.5 Srila Prabhupada's Disciple by First Initiation 77
7.2.6 Reinitiation 77
7.3 Guidelines 78
7.3.1 Unauthorized "Initiation" Ceremonies 78
8 ISKCON Members 79
8.1 Principles 79
8.1.1 Faith in ISKCON's GBC Body 79
8.1.2 Regarding Local Laws 79
8.1.3 Preaching Krishna Consciousness As It Is 79
8.1.4 Standing of Members 79
8.1.4.1 Standards for Devotees In Good Standing 79
8.1.4.2 Principles for Determining Who Is "In Good Standing" 79
8.2 Duties 80
8.2.1 Loyalty to ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada 80
8.2.1.1. Seeking Instruction Outside ISKCON Improperly 80
8.2.1.2 Prohibition to Lead Anyone Away from ISKCON 80
8.2.1.3 Initiation Regulation 80
8.2.1.4 Initiated ISKCON Members Taking Further Initiation
Outside of iskcon 80
8.2.1.5 Resident Devotees Normally Initiated in ISKCON 81
8.2.1.6 Reasonable Warnings of a Spiritual Authority's Deviation 81
8.2.1.7 Association with Non-ISKCON Vaisnavas and Sadhus 81
8.2.1.8 Avoiding Rasika Literature 82
8.2.2 Support and Adjust to GBC Decisions 82
8.3. Categories of ISKCON Members 82
8.3.1 Temple-dependent Resident Members 82
8.3.1.1 Definition 82
8.3.1.2 Duties 83
8.3.1.3 Regulations 83
8.3.1.3.1 Standards of Service 83
8.3.1.3.2 Change of Temples for Temple Resident Devotees 83
8.3.1.3.2.1 Both Temple Presidents Should Agree 83
8.3.1.3.2.2 Permission is Necessary To Serve in India 84
8.3.1.3.2.3 Devotees should not be encouraged
to Abandon Prescribed Temple Duties 84
8.3.1.3.3 Child Protection Concerns 84