On February 14, 2026, the Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will convene in Mayapur. One of the topics of discussion will be the recent end of the three-year moratorium period on Vaishnavis offering diksha initiation. This moratorium, first instituted by the GBC at its November 2, 2022, meeting, halted all further appointments of and initiations by Vaishnavi diksha gurus while regional concerns—especially from leadership in India—were explored through dialogue and committee review. The GBC will hear a proposal from a joint committee composed of GBC members and India Bureau members on the issue that will affect current policies.
Recently, online videos by ISKCON members have been released addressing differing perspectives on Vaishnavi diksha gurus (VDG). These include videos from former GBC and GBC Emeritus members Sivarama Swami and Hridayananda Goswami, and one by Pranada Devi Dasi, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and noted Vaishnavi author. Links to the videos are provided below to help readers better understand the range of views within the discussion.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/as-the-gbc-prepares-to-meet-in-mayapur-a-look-back-at-the-vaishnavi-diksha-guru-debate/
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