gbc - Blog - ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT2024-03-28T13:43:35Zhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/gbcGBC Meeting Highlights Report 9 March 2024 The final day of the GBC meetinghttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-meeting-highlights-report-9-march-2024-the-final-day-of-the-g2024-03-23T13:24:37.000Z2024-03-23T13:24:37.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<div>The final day of the GBC meeting commenced with the worship of Srila Prabhupada and reading from Srimad Bhagavatam 8.5.47.</div>
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<div>The EC extended a warm welcome to Acyuta Priya Dasa, congratulating him on his appointment as a GBC member. Acyuta Priya Das was designated as Co-GBC alongside Bhaktivaibhava Swami for Ukraine and GBC for Moldova.</div>
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<div>The GBC EC assessed the zonal assignments of GBC members.</div>
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<div>The Appointment of Standing Committees and Global Duty Officers were reviewed and members cast their votes.</div>
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<div>Prahladananda Swami presented the list of Sannyasa Candidates, with the Valmiki Dasa approved to take sannyasa this year. Other candidates on the sannyasa waiting list are Atmarama Dasa, Govindananda Dasa, Savyasaci Dasa, Rukmini Krishna Dasa, Nanda Kumar Dasa, Shanta Nasimha Dasa, Visvavasu Dasa and Kamalalocan Dasa.</div>
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<div>In the post-lunch session, the appointments of Ministers, Standing Committees, and Global Duty Officers were reviewed, and members cast their votes. Vaisesika Dasa was appointed as the Minister for Book Distribution, with heartfelt gratitude expressed to Vijaya Dasa for his dedicated service as Minister of Book Distribution over the years. Vijaya Dasa extended his best wishes to Vaisesika Dasa in his new role.</div>
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<div>Gopal Krishna Goswami was reelected as the Secretary, and Revati Raman Das was appointed as the second-in-line signatory.</div>
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<div>Krishnadas Kaviraj Dasa (GBC Deputy) facilitated the straw voting process for the following proposals. For each proposal, he presented a summary, resolution, and highlighted the Plus, Minus, and Interesting points.</div>
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<div>Members in attendance engaged in detailed discussion for each proposal and cast their votes:</div>
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<div>-Leasing of cows suspended</div>
<div>- Initiating in the Presence of One’s Diksa Guru</div>
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<div>Members expressed appreciation for those who resigned from GBC services - Bhakti-bhusana Swami, Bhaktimarga Swami, Malati Devi (who remains in office till the end of 2023) Niranjana Swami and Radhanath Swami. Gratitude was also extended to Revati Raman Dasa, the outgoing Chair, for his steadfast services during the year 2023.</div>
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<div>Appreciation and thanks was conveyed to Ananda Tirtha Dasa and Radha Sundari Devi, the Secretariat and all volunteers who contributed various services at the GBC Office throughout the meetings. The volunteers received a gift from Guru Prasad Swami, in-coming Chair, as a token of appreciation.</div>
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<div>Hare Krishna</div>
<div><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12403657657,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12403657657?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2024/03/gbc-meeting-highlights-report-9-march.html">https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2024/03/gbc-meeting-highlights-report-9-march.html</a></div>
</div></div>Namacarya Prabhu (GBC Deputy from South Africa), passed away on March 22, 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/namacarya-prabhu-gbc-deputy-from-south-africa-passed-away-on-marc2024-03-22T13:22:30.000Z2024-03-22T13:22:30.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<div>Sending Prayers and Condolences for Namacarya Prabhu (GBC Deputy from South Africa), who passed away on March 22, 2024.</div>
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<div>Namacarya Prabhu was a loving and committed disciple of HHBhakti Caitanya Swami and a dedicated grand-disciple of ISKCON’s founder acarya, His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He appeared in South Africa on 15th February 1957. He has great love and attachment to Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet.</div>
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<div>He has been a member of ISKCON since 1988 where he first came into contact with the devotees and was inspired by HH Krishna Das Maharaj at that time.</div>
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<div>He received first initiation on Rama Navami day in 1997 and second initiation on 1998.</div>
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<div>He has served Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON selflessly and did anything for Srila Prabhupada’s service without hesitation.</div>
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<div>Over the many years, Namacarya Prabhu served with dedication by (amongst others):</div>
<div>-book distribution,</div>
<div>-supporting harinamas,</div>
<div>-his enthusiastic classes,</div>
<div>-cooking and doing aratis for Their Lordships Sri Sri Nitai Gaurahari,</div>
<div>-raising funds for the temple,</div>
<div>-being temple president in ISKCON Lenasia, -being regional secretary for ISKCON in South Africa,</div>
<div>-being a deputy GBC,</div>
<div>-being a mentor to disciples of Bhakti Caitanya Swami,</div>
<div>-being a Bhakti Shastri mentor/teacher,</div>
<div>-inviting and serving the devotees lovingly at his family home.</div>
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<div>His love for Srila Prabhupada has always been and remains prominent and he always stood up to support Srila Prabhupada’s standards. He read Srila Prabhupada’s books daily and is attached to the Holy Name.</div>
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<div>Namacarya Prabhu is a most beloved husband of Kaishori devi dasi and most beloved father to Yogesvari devi dasi, Syama Kishor das, Dhira Gauranga das and Gandharvika Sundari dasi. He is also a beloved Gandfather to Tarini Gaurangi. He is known for his exemplary fatherly love, care, wisdom and guidance to his family and to the devotees. The devotees love him for his gentle heartedness and sweet sense of humour.</div>
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<div>Namacarya Prabhu, was transferred from Mayapur to the ICU at Apollo Hospital in Kolkata in second week of March 2024 as he was suffering from bronchitis and renal failure. He left his body in the hospital on the morning of 22 March 2024.</div>
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<div>- Issued by GBC Communications<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2024/03/namacarya-prabhu-gbc-deputy-from-south.html">https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2024/03/namacarya-prabhu-gbc-deputy-from-south.html</a></div>
</div></div>GBC Meeting Highlights from March 8th-9th of Annual General Meetinghttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-meeting-highlights-from-march-8th-9th-of-annual-general-meeti2024-03-21T13:19:39.000Z2024-03-21T13:19:39.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
<p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12403094088,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12403094088?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><br /><br />March 8th Meeting Highlights</strong></p>
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<p>The meeting commenced with Guru Puja and a reading from Srimad Bhagavatam.</p>
<p>Krishnadas Kaviraj Dasa (GBC Deputy) facilitated the straw voting process for the following proposals. For each proposal, he provided a summary, resolution, and highlighted the Plus, Minus, and Interesting points. Members in attendance engaged in a detailed discussion and cast straw votes on the matter of Reinstating the position of Assistant GBC and Acting GBC.</p>
<p>The post-lunch session featured a presentation on Deity worship by Nrsimha Kavaca Dasa. During his presentation, Nrsimha Kavacha Dasa shared the following updates related to the Deity Worship Ministry:</p>
<p>– Conducted online and offline teaching courses at Mayapur.</p>
<p>– Organized a Temple Worship Course in New York for 10 days, receiving a highly favorable response. Integration of deity worship model into the Bhakti Shastri Course.</p>
<p>– Achieved an increased number of followers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and publication of the Deity Worship newsletter.</p>
<p>– Hosted the 8th European Head Pujari Sanga.</p>
<p>– Facilitated Deity Installations at various temples, including New York, Badshahpur, Gurugram, East of Kailash at Delhi, Mauritius, and more.</p>
<p>– Conducted temple visits to assess and uphold Deity worship standards.</p>
<p>The presentation concluded with Nrsimha Kavaca Dasa addressing questions posed by GBC members.</p>
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<p>The following GBC members offered their resignation from GBC services – Bhakti-bhusana Swami, Bhakti Marg Swami, Malati Devi, Niranjana Swami and Radhanath Swami. The members voted in favor of accepting the resignations, and as a result, their resignations were officially accepted.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-meeting-highlights-from-march-8th-9th-of-annual-general-meeting/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-meeting-highlights-from-march-8th-9th-of-annual-general-meeting/</a></p>
</div></div>Highlights from GBC AGM Meetings Held March 1-4, 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/highlights-from-gbc-agm-meetings-held-march-1-4-20242024-03-12T14:45:53.000Z2024-03-12T14:45:53.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12399630666,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12399630666?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>1 March, 2024</strong><br /> The meeting commenced with Srila Prabhupada’s Guru puja, followed by a reading from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25. The outgoing chair, Revati Raman Dasa, and the incoming chair, Guru Prasad Swami, presented certificates to GBC College graduates. Krishnadas Kaviraj Dasa (GBC Deputy) facilitated the straw voting process for the following proposals. For each proposal, he presented a summary and resolution and highlighted the Plus, Minus, and Interesting points.</p>
<p>Members in attendance engaged in detailed discussion for each proposal and cast their straw votes:<br /> – Srila Prabhupada’s Perfect Understanding of the Position of the Jiva<br /> – Moving Large Deities</p>
<p><strong>2 March, 2024</strong><br /> The GBC Members commenced the day by attending the opening ceremony of Sri Nrsimhadeva Temple Wing. In the afternoon session, the GBC conducted the following business:</p>
<p>a. Voting on Proposals: Krishnadas Kaviraj Dasa facilitated the straw voting process for two proposals. For each proposal, he provided a summary, resolution, and highlighted the Plus, Minus, and Interesting points. This was followed by a discussion by the attending members who cast their straw votes for the following proposals: Reinstating Positions of Assistant and Acting GBC and Observing Festivals on the dates they occur.</p>
<p>b. Romapada Swami’s Leave of Absence: The leave of absence for Romapada Swami was extended to March 2025.</p>
<p>c. AGM Dates: The proposed dates for AGM 2025 were shared as 14 February to 23 February 2024, with 17 February to 20 February dedicated to ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS). Members unanimously voted in favor of the AGM 2025 dates.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/highlights-from-gbc-agm-meetings-held-march-1-4-2024/">https://iskconnews.org/highlights-from-gbc-agm-meetings-held-march-1-4-2024/</a></p></div>GBC AGM Highlights Report 1 March 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-agm-highlights-report-1-march-20242024-03-09T12:47:34.000Z2024-03-09T12:47:34.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
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<div>The meeting commenced with Srila Prabhupada’s Guru puja, followed by a reading from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.</div>
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<div>The outgoing chair, Revati Raman Dasa, and incoming chair, Guru Prasad Swami, presented certificates to GBC College graduates.</div>
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<div>Krishnadas Kaviraj Dasa (GBC Deputy) facilitated the straw voting process for the following proposals. For each proposal, he presented a summary, resolution, and highlighted the Plus, Minus, and Interesting points.</div>
<div>Members in attendance engaged in detailed discussion for each proposal and cast their straw votes:</div>
<div>- Srila Prabhupada’s Perfect Understanding of the Position of the Jiva</div>
<div>- Moving Large Deities</div>
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<div>- Issued by GBC Communications<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2024/03/gbc-agm-highlights-report-1-march-2024.html">https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2024/03/gbc-agm-highlights-report-1-march-2024.html</a></div>
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<p> </p></div>Mayapur SGGS by Ramai Swamihttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/mayapur-sggs-by-ramai-swami2024-03-09T12:41:15.000Z2024-03-09T12:41:15.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12398861271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="12398861271?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>It’s been a number of years since the last Sannyasi, Guru, GBC sanga in Mayapur, but it was nice to have such senior association once again in the holy dhama.</p>
<p>Srila Prabhupada wanted the devotees to come regularly to Mayapur and Vrindavan to hear, chant and dance together. Of course, there were also a number of important topics that the leaders discussed with a view to pushing on Lord Chaitanya’s samkirtan movement.</p>
<p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12398860701,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="12398860701?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><br /><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://www.ramaiswami.com/mayapur-sggs-2/">https://www.ramaiswami.com/mayapur-sggs-2/</a></p></div>Highlight Report of GBC Annual General Meeting Held on February 28, 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/highlight-report-of-gbc-annual-general-meeting-held-on-february-22024-03-06T11:10:24.000Z2024-03-06T11:10:24.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12397981478,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12397981478?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>The Executive Committee (EC) Chair, Revati Raman Dasa, shared a brief report of some assignments overseen by GBC EC in 2023-24. Some of these assignments include:<br /> – Assisting Ukrainian devotees with challenges faced in the current situation<br /> – Responding to many concerns about child protection matters<br /> – Moving Forward with the Mayapur-Vrindavan Child Protection Office (CPO) Inquiry<br /> – Media & Public Relations Issue<br /> – Peru<br /> – Bhaktivedanta Institute<br /> – Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) Exhibits</p>
<p>The GBC EC report was followed by EC elections. The new EC members elected to office are:<br /> Guru Prasad Swami, Next Chair<br /> Tapana Misra Dasa, First Vice Chair<br /> Govardhan Dasa, Second Vice Chair<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/highlight-report-of-gbc-annual-general-meeting-held-on-february-28-2024/">https://iskconnews.org/highlight-report-of-gbc-annual-general-meeting-held-on-february-28-2024/</a></p>
<p> </p></div>GBC and Temple Presidents Revitalise Bonds at International Temple President Meetinghttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-and-temple-presidents-revitalise-bonds-at-international-templ2024-03-04T14:28:03.000Z2024-03-04T14:28:03.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12395774481,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12395774481?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>The International Temple President meeting, hosted by ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) on 27 February 2024 at Mayapur, commenced with a warm welcome extended by the GBC to the International Temple Presidents. The meeting, attended by more than 150 participants, both in person at ISKCON’s international headquarters in Mayapur and online, was proficiently facilitated by Tapana Misra Das, vice chairman of the GBC Executive Committee (EC). Each table was hosted by a GBC member, with Temple Presidents joining them.</p>
<p>To set the tone and mood, a video clip featuring Srila Prabhupada discussing the vital role of Temple Presidents was played. Tapana Misra Das invited GBC members from across the world to start the proceedings by appreciating the immense contribution made by temple presidents. Jayapataka Swami, Guru Prasad Swami, Malati Devi, Revati Raman Dasa, Anuttama Dasa, and Achyutatma Prabhu, shared their appreciation in the welcome session. Many highlighted their prior roles as Temple Presidents and emphasized the significant role of the Temple President in steering the mission.</p>
<p>Tapana Misra Dasa then delivered an informative presentation titled “History of the ISKCON Temple Presidents,” delving into the historical background and resolutions from GBC meetings about GBC and Temple President interactions from the 1970s to recent years. This highlighted the cooperative relationship envisioned by Srila Prabhupada between the GBC and the Temple Presidents.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-and-temple-presidents-revitalise-bonds-at-international-temple-president-meeting/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-and-temple-presidents-revitalise-bonds-at-international-temple-president-meeting/</a></p></div>Highlight Report of GBC Meeting Held on February 7, 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/highlight-report-of-gbc-meeting-held-on-february-7-20242024-02-23T12:58:27.000Z2024-02-23T12:58:27.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12388574491,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12388574491?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Revati Raman Das, GBC Chair, welcomed members and initiated the meeting by inviting Niranjana Swami to read excerpts from two ‘Conversations with Srila Prabhupada,’ one from Geneva 1974 and the other from Mayapur, January 1977. The meeting agenda focused on continuing the reading of the ‘Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina’ paper presented by Badrinarayan Swami.</p>
<p>Several years ago, the international GBC identified the need to establish clarity in the relationship between ISKCON and its diksha-gurus. A committee consisting of Bhakti Bhusana Swami, Bhanu Swami, Guruprasad Swami, Niranjana Swami, Prahladananda Swami, Ramai Swami, Sivarama Swami, Badrinarayan Swami, and Vraja Vihari Das, was established to work on this issue. The first result of their efforts was the “Harmonizing Lines of Authority” paper, officially approved as an ISKCON position paper in 2015.</p>
<p>After completing the “Harmonizing Lines of Authority,” the GBC tasked the committee to focus on issues related to “guru-dakshina and guru projects.” The paper presented by Badrinarayan Swami at the meeting has evolved from that effort. The committee conducted two worldwide surveys involving diksha-gurus, GBCs, ISKCON deputies, temple presidents, and others.</p>
<p>It may be recalled that during the GBC meeting on 24 January 2024, a step-by-step review of the “Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina” paper presented by Badrinarayan Swami was initiated. During that meeting, Badrinarayan Swami read the preface and the main section, along with examples of challenges concerning lines of authority in relation to ISKCON as a society, gurus, and disciples. The remaining sections of the paper were reviewed at this 7 February, 2024 meeting.</p>
<p>Badrinarayan Swami addressed challenges related to guru services and projects, such as the 2018 GBC resolution requiring diksha-gurus to share disciples’ databases (with due consideration of data privacy), the mandate for financial accountability and transparency in managing funds, discouraging diksha-gurus’ involvement in developing businesses to generate funds for ISKCON, fostering a sense of a broader ISKCON community among disciples, and emphasizing the priority of publishing and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, highlighting him as siksha-guru for all.</p>
<p>Throughout the paper reading, Badrinarayan Swami received feedback and comments from the GBC members on the respective points. The committee’s outlined action includes updating the paper with inputs and comments received from the GBC, initiating a survey to the GBC on unresolved issues relating to the paper, and discussing the need for the GBC to develop principles and practices for guru led ‘affiliated’ and ‘associated’ projects at the upcoming GBC Annual General Meeting.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/highlight-report-of-gbc-meeting-held-on-february-7-2024/">https://iskconnews.org/highlight-report-of-gbc-meeting-held-on-february-7-2024/</a></p></div>Invitation to International Temple President Meeting to be Held in Mayapurhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/invitation-to-international-temple-president-meeting-to-be-held-i2024-02-03T15:57:35.000Z2024-02-03T15:57:35.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p dir="ltr"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12372943486,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12372943486?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">The GBC Executive Committee, on behalf of the GBC, extends a warm invitation to all Temple Presidents for the upcoming International Temple Presidents Meeting scheduled for 27th February 2024 in Mayapur. According to the invitation letter, “This sanga provides an opportunity for Temple Presidents from ISKCON temples across the world to converge, connect with the GBC, share experiences, and contribute to shaping the future of ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada saw the Temple Presidents as dynamic leaders responsible for fostering spiritual growth and playing a pivotal role in expanding Krishna consciousness.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Your participation is valuable to us. While we look forward to hosting you at Mayapur, if for any reason you are unable to attend, we have included an online participation option. To confirm your attendance, please use the link to the Participation Form below. A timely response will help organizers make the necessary arrangements for the event.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><strong>“We request all Temple Presidents to complete the form, irrespective of your participation at the event, as it will allow us to maintain your contact details for any future communications through the GBC office.”</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Participation form <a href="http://forms.gle/5ifKpD5tkxo7r7A6A">link</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/invitation-to-international-temple-president-meeting-to-be-held-in-mayapur/">https://iskconnews.org/invitation-to-international-temple-president-meeting-to-be-held-in-mayapur/</a></p></div>GBC Statement on 150th Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami’s Appearancehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-statement-on-150th-anniversary-of-srila-bhaktisiddhanta-saras2024-01-21T10:08:53.000Z2024-01-21T10:08:53.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12364010667,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="12364010667?profile=RESIZE_400x" /><br /><br /><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12364010260,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12364010260?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><br />By Ananda Tirtha Das</strong></p>
<p>The Governing Body Commission (GBC) hereby encourages and directs all ISKCON leaders, temples, and communities to arrange special celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of the appearance of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja during the months of February and March 2024. This is an important celebration for ISKCON recognizing the very special and unique importance that His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja has for ISKCON, as the Guru Maharaja of our Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-statement-on-150th-anniversary-of-srila-bhaktisiddhanta-sarasvati-goswamis-appearance/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-statement-on-150th-anniversary-of-srila-bhaktisiddhanta-sarasvati-goswamis-appearance/</a></p></div>GBC statement on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharajahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-statement-on-srila-bhaktisiddhanta-sarasvati-goswami-maharaja2024-01-20T12:21:16.000Z2024-01-20T12:21:16.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12361886058,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12361886058?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>The Governing Body Commission (GBC) hereby encourages and directs all ISKCON leaders, temples, and communities to arrange special celebrations for the 150th Anniversary of the appearance of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja during the months of February and March 2024. This is an important celebration for ISKCON recognizing the very special and unique importance that His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja has for ISKCON, as the Guru Maharaja of our Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112349">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112349</a></p></div>GBC Meeting Highlight Report 10 January 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-meeting-highlight-report-10-january-20242024-01-20T12:08:07.000Z2024-01-20T12:08:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12361883101,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12361883101?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>1. Zonal Update</p>
<p>In the zonal report, Malati Devi Dasi shared an inspiring update of the continued development of Krishna Consciousness in different areas of the US Midwest including Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Detroit, amongst others. Highlights included; the commencement of the construction for a grand temple in the greater Columbus area in Ohio, the dynamic outreach taking place including at the many prestigious universities in the region, the deepening commitment to Krishna Consciousness of the many devotees in the area, wonderful kirtan programmes and the family spirit that is being nurtured.</p>
<p>2. Succession Committee Progress</p>
<p>There was a progress update from the Succession Committee who are focused on considering how best to navigate the transition period in the decade ahead, when many of the senior GBC members will be retiring from active GBC service. The scale of change presents a challenge in preserving the insights and spiritual perspectives developed over decades of service, and fusing that with the expertise of the next generation of leaders. The important work of the GBC Nominations Committee in continuing to develop the GBC leadership pipeline was acknowledged.</p>
<p>3. Wider Child Protection Inquiry Commencement</p>
<p>There was great consensus and support amongst the GBC for the wider child protection inquiry that is being undertaken and will be led by three outstanding professionals with deep expertise in this field. The inquiry will focus on how ISKCON’s leadership and management can better assist with the protection of our devotee children in ISKCON. This inquiry will be</p>
<p>completed by the end of this year and a comprehensive report will be provided to the GBC body.</p>
<p>4. Commemoration of the 150th Appearance Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja</p>
<p>This year we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the appearance of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja, the Guru-Maharaja of our Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The GBC encourages all ISKCON leaders, temples, and communities to arrange special celebrations for this momentous occasion during the months of February and March 2024. There are many significant activities planned with further celebratory milestones being discussed.</p>
<p>Issued by GBC Communications Desk<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112344">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112344</a></p></div>Report on GBC Meeting Highlights - 20 December 2023https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/report-on-gbc-meeting-highlights-20-december-20232023-12-26T13:52:56.000Z2023-12-26T13:52:56.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div>
<div><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12336239469,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12336239469?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></div>
<div> </div>
<div>ZONAL PRESENTATION: ISKCON NETHERLANDS</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>The GBC meeting commenced with an engaging presentation on ISKCON Netherlands by Hrdaya Caitanya Dasa, co-GBC for the region, alongside Madhusevita Dasa. The presentation recalled Srila Prabhupada's historic visit to the Netherlands on July 26, 1972. Noteworthy activities across ISKCON centers in Amsterdam and Rotterdam were highlighted, incorporating events such as the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, Kirtan Mela, Food for Life initiatives, Bhakta Prahlad schools, book distribution, and various educational and interfaith programs.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>DISCUSSION ON THE 'SIDDHANTA’ / DAS MULA PAPER</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>The primary focus of the meeting was a discussion led by Badrinarayan Das Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami on the formulation of the Siddhanta / Das Mula statement. This statement aims to articulate the ten cardinal principles of Gaudiya Vaishnava ‘siddhanta’ based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Previous acharyas have composed similar succinct statements of siddhanta, including Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur's own Das Mula statement. All the ten tenets in the current effort are from statements found throughout Srila Prabhupada’s books.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>The draft 'Das Mula' paper has undergone exhaustive reviews, with multiple iterations incorporating feedback from ISKCON sannyasis and senior devotees. GBC members were presented with the latest version of the paper prior to the meeting for their review and comments.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>At the meeting, the floor was opened for discussion and calls for comments on the paper. The purposes of the paper were explained as follows:</div>
<div>- It shall defend ISKCON against sahajiyaism*, speculative theories, and kanistha* consciousness</div>
<div>- Having a concise set of philosophical principles will allow for deeper study and wider appreciation of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology as expressed in Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and writings in the academic world</div>
<div>- The GBC see it as their profond duty to protect Srila Prabhupada’s presentation of Gaudiya philosophy. The ISKCON Siddhanta / Das Mula will provide a core statement of philosophy, that can weather the vagaries of time and mitigate the risk of distortion and dilution.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>GBC members offered their insights and comments. An updated version of the ‘Das Mula’ statement, incorporating these comments and the inputs received from the SABHA, along with any further refinements, will be prepared for final review and approval.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>Upon final approval, selected senior devotees will explain the principles outlined in the 'Das Mula' statement in articles to be collected into a booklet. This foundational philosophical presentation paper and booklet will then be disseminated through courses within ISKCON.</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>This concise report summarizes the significant discussions that took place during the GBC meeting, highlighting the significance of the 'Das Mula' statement in shaping both the philosophical and practical aspects of ISKCON's future endeavors.</div>
<div>—---</div>
<div>*Sahajayism - one who takes things very cheaply , manufacturing their own way, often imitating the mood activities of very advanced devotees</div>
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>
<div>*Kanishta consciousness - providing commentary on the conclusions of the revealed scriptures without having studied or understood the essence of these teachings.</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>- Issued by GBC Communications Desk<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2023/12/report-on-gbc-meeting-highlights-20.html">https://dandavats108.blogspot.com/2023/12/report-on-gbc-meeting-highlights-20.html</a></div>
</div>
<p> </p></div>Latest ISKCON GBC Meeting Reporthttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/latest-iskcon-gbc-meeting-report2023-12-13T14:10:07.000Z2023-12-13T14:10:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12323683091,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12323683091?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON resumed its regular online meetings on Wednesday, 6 December, after the Kartik break. Two significant topics were discussed at this meeting:</p>
<p><strong>1) CPO Directorship</strong><br /> An important topic discussed was the strengthening of the international Child Protection Office (CPO), including future and succession planning. The discussion grew out of a shared report submitted by two GBC-appointed committees to review the current CPO systems and structures and propose improvements. One conclusion of the committees’ two-year study was to clarify the length of office for the CPO Director, which has now been set as a three-year term.</p>
<p>The current director, Kamalesh Krishna Das, has ably served the global ISKCON society in that role for seven years, and the term of the current Director expires at the annual meeting in 2024.</p>
<p>As with all Committees and Ministerial assignments, the position of CPO Director is appointed during the GBC annual meeting held in February-March. To this end, the GBC resolved that: “The GBC hereby forms a committee composed of the GBC Executive Support Office, along with Navin Krishna Das, Champakalata Devi, Chaitanya Mangala Das, Govinda Lilamrita Devi, the regional CPO Directors, and the CPO advisor Anuttama Das, to identify qualified candidates for CPO directorship. The current CPO Director, Kamalesh Krishna Das, will be consulted in this process.”<br /> <em>[Note: The members listed here are tentative membership. Some are yet to be confirmed.]</em></p>
<p><em>[Note: Social media posts have erroneously rumored that Kamalesh Krishna Das was purportedly dismissed as the Director of ISKCON CPO. That is false. Kamalesh Krishna Das continues to serve in his role as CPO Director, and the GBC continues to support the CPO in its work of ensuring the safety and protection of children within ISKCON.]</em></p>
<p><strong>2) Midterm General Meeting 2024</strong><br /> The second decision made during the 6 December meeting was to confirm that the 2024 Midterm General Meeting (MGM) of the GBC will be held in New Vrindaban, West Virginia, USA, in the first week of October 2024. In its efforts to better understand the unique growth and experience of ISKCON in various regions of the world, the GBC intends to hold its MGM in locations outside of ISKCON’s international headquarters in Mayapur, India.</p>
<p>The GBC held its last MGM in Pune, India, in October 2023. At that session, the GBC spent one day exclusively interacting with the leaders of ISKCON India. The 2024 meeting will include time set exclusively to meet with the leaders of North America to better understand the challenges, progress, and unique opportunities of ISKCON in North America.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/latest-iskcon-gbc-meeting-report/">https://iskconnews.org/latest-iskcon-gbc-meeting-report/</a></p></div>ISKCON GBC Meeting Report – 6 December, 2023https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/iskcon-gbc-meeting-report-6-december-20232023-12-11T14:36:54.000Z2023-12-11T14:36:54.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12321925884,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="300" alt="12321925884?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></p>
<p>The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON resumed its regular online meetings on Wednesday, 6 December after the Kartik break. Two significant topics were discussed at this meeting.</p>
<p>1) CPO Directorship</p>
<p>An important topic discussed was the strengthening of the international Child Protection Office (CPO) including future and succession planning. The discussion grew out of a shared report submitted by two GBC appointed committees to review the current CPO systems and structures and propose improvements. One conclusion of the committees’ two-year study was to clarify the length of office for the CPO Director, which has now been set as a three-year term.</p>
<p>The current director, Kamalesh Krishna Das, has ably served the global ISKCON society in that role for seven years and the term of the current Director expires at the annual meeting in 2024.</p>
<p>As with all Committees and Ministerial assignments, the position of CPO Director is appointed during the GBC annual meeting held in February-March. To this end, the GBC resolved that: “The GBC hereby forms a committee composed of the GBC Executive Support Office, along with Navin Krishna Das, Champakalata Devi, Chaitanya Mangala Das, Govinda Lilamrita Devi, the regional CPO Directors, and the CPO advisor Anuttama Das, to identify qualified candidates for CPO directorship. The current CPO Director, Kamalesh Krishna Das, will be consulted in this process.”</p>
<p>[Note: Social media posts have erroneously rumoured that Kamalesh Krishna Das was purportedly dismissed as the Director of ISKCON CPO. That is false. Kamalesh Krishna Das continues to serve in his role as CPO Director, and the GBC continues to support the CPO in its work of ensuring the safety and protection of children within ISKCON.]</p>
<p>2) Midterm General Meeting 2024</p>
<p>The second decision made during the 6 December meeting was to confirm that the 2024 Midterm General Meeting (MGM) of the GBC will be held in New Vrindaban, West Virginia, USA, in the first week of October, 2024. In its efforts to better understand the unique growth and experience of ISKCON in various regions of the world, the GBC intends to hold its MGM in locations outside of ISKCON’s international headquarters in Mayapur, India.</p>
<p>The GBC held its last MGM in Pune India, in October 2023. At that session, the GBC spent one day exclusively interacting with the leaders of ISKCON India. The 2024 meeting will include time set exclusively to meet with the leaders of North America to better understand the challenges, progress, and unique opportunities of ISKCON in North America.</p>
<p>Issued by GBC Communications Desk<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112246">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112246</a></p></div>GBC EC Member Guru Prasad Swami Shares Highlights from Mid-Term Mtg in Pune, Indiahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-ec-member-guru-prasad-swami-shares-highlights-from-mid-term-m2023-11-07T15:07:50.000Z2023-11-07T15:07:50.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12287622271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12287622271?profile=RESIZE_584x" /><br /><br />Guru Prasad Swami, a member of the Governing Body Commission (GBC) Executive Committee highlights some of the topics and issues discussed at the recent GBC’s Mid-Term Meeting held October 25-29th in Pune, India. You can watch his short summary <a href="http://youtu.be/DzrwYCGScaY?si=C0TfqAlqlDWkcI7T">here</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-ec-member-guru-prasad-swami-shares-highlights-from-mid-term-mtg-in-pune-india/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-ec-member-guru-prasad-swami-shares-highlights-from-mid-term-mtg-in-pune-india/</a><br /> </p></div>Ongoing Details Shared from the GBC Mid-Term Meetings in Pune, Indiahttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/ongoing-details-shared-from-the-gbc-mid-term-meetings-in-pune-ind2023-11-02T13:30:19.000Z2023-11-02T13:30:19.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12282128455,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12282128455?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>OCTOBER 28 – The Mid-Term (MTM) GBC Meeting is being held this year at ISKCON Pune from October 25-29th to discuss a broad range of topics and proposals. GBC Communications has shared the following details:<br /> “25 October, 2023 – The GBC Mid Term Meeting, hosted at ISKCON Pune, commenced with Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja prayers followed by a reading from the Srimad Bhagavatam. The meeting was presided over by the GBC Executive Committee, consisting of Revati Raman Das (Chair), Guru Prasad Swami, and Tapana Misra Das.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/ongoing-details-shared-from-the-gbc-mid-term-meetings-in-pune-india/">https://iskconnews.org/ongoing-details-shared-from-the-gbc-mid-term-meetings-in-pune-india/</a></p></div>GBC Proposals, AGM 2024https://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-proposals-agm-20242023-10-19T14:08:35.000Z2023-10-19T14:08:35.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12260034896,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12260034896?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Dear Devotees,</p>
<p>Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>The Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society will begin in February 2024. Following the ISKCON GBC Society’s Rules of Order, the GBC Secretariat requests proposals, duly sponsored by two GBC members, to be submitted by December 15, 2023. Note that no proposals will be entertained after this date.</p>
<p>Please follow the format for GBC Proposals linked as a fillable PDF here:</p>
<p><a href="https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GBC_Proposal_Application_2022.pdf">https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GBC_Proposal_Application_2022.pdf</a></p>
<p>Once ready, kindly email your proposals to proposals@pamho.net.</p>
<p>You can also submit any queries to this address.</p>
<p>Hare Krishna.</p>
<p>Your servant,</p>
<p>Ananda Tirtha Das<br /> (GBC Corresponding Secretary)<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112108">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112108</a></p></div>GBC Releases Decision Clarifying Initiation Standards in ISKCONhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-releases-decision-clarifying-initiation-standards-in-iskcon2023-10-10T11:13:37.000Z2023-10-10T11:13:37.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12245480875,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12245480875?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Anuttama Dasa</strong></p>
<p>The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON has released a decision clarifying initiation standards in ISKCON. The decision came, in part, as a response to a thorough paper produced by ISKCON’s Sastric Advisory Council (SAC) entitled “Brahma-gayatri Mantra in ISKCON -Varnashrama, Bhakti – Principle or Detail?” </p>
<p>The SAC paper was studied in detail by the GBC in plenary sessions and by an ad hoc GBC Committee. The committee drew from the paper what they considered the essential principles that needed clarification in ISKCON. Those principles were presented as a proposal to the full GBC. After several GBC Body discussions, the proposal was brought to a vote and supported by a large majority of GBC members, thus becoming ISKCON Law.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-releases-decision-clarifying-initiation-standards-in-iskcon/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-releases-decision-clarifying-initiation-standards-in-iskcon/</a></p></div>GBC Constitution Committee requests your feedbackhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-constitution-committee-requests-your-feedback2023-07-19T12:33:15.000Z2023-07-19T12:33:15.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12150791673,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="12150791673?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>Dear Devotees,</p>
<p>Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!</p>
<p>On several occasions, Srila Prabhupada expressed the desire for an ISKCON Constitution, to guide his followers in the future.</p>
<p>In 1971, for instance, he wrote: “We are in the experimental stage but in the next meeting of the GBC members they should form a constitution how the GBC members manage the whole affair.” (Letter to Giriraja, 12 Aug 1971)</p>
<p>Through the years, various attempts at writing the ISKCON Constitution took place but did not come to completion. The present effort started in 2017, with the submission of a first draft. A second and a third followed within the next couple of years.</p>
<p>GBC members, SABHA members, GBC deputies, ISKCON initiating spiritual masters, sannyasis, and others were requested to provide feedback. Based on their suggestions and on further research, the team developed the present version, Draft Four.</p>
<p>We are now opening the dialogue to the whole world of ISKCON to gauge the level of acceptance of the present document and to receive comments and suggestions that may inform the next version of the text; which we plan to submit to the GBC for final ratification.</p>
<p>We want to hear from you on what you think about this draft of the ISKCON Constitution, available online at iskconconstitutionproject.org. Please take the time to go through the document, organized in sections, and let us know your level of satisfaction and your thoughts.</p>
<p>In order to properly track responses and limit access to only ISKCON members, the site requires you to register to get access. Once you register, you’ll see the guidelines for giving feedback. We have tried to make this process as easy as possible.</p>
<p>We encourage you to read through the whole draft before beginning to give your feedback. You can download this from the site after you register. We also attach a copy to this email.</p>
<p>We would also like to request you to encourage all the devotees in your circle of contacts and influence to also take the survey.</p>
<p>At present the site is in English and Spanish and will soon be available in other major languages.</p>
<p>So, please visit <a href="https://iskconconnection.org/en/civicrm/mailing/url?u=32711&qid=4621093">iskconconstitutionproject.org</a> and give us your feedback.</p>
<p>On behalf of the ISKCON Constitution Project,</p>
<p>Your servants,<br /> Devakinandana Das (Singapore), ISKCON General Counsel and GBC member</p>
<p>Devasri Radhika Devi Dasi (Switzerland), Attorney and Legal Advisor<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=110368">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=110368</a></p></div>Amendment to Deputies Duties 2023 – By the GBChttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/amendment-to-deputies-duties-2023-by-the-gbc2023-06-28T11:51:21.000Z2023-06-28T11:51:21.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><div><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12127677290,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="12127677290?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></div>
<div><strong>[Meeting] – GBC Annual General Meeting (passed on February 10, 2023) [Category] – Statement </strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Whereas the Deputies for decades have given the GBC valuable service in reviewing proposals before they are presented to the GBC; </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Whereas the GBC resolution “Deputies Appointment Procedures — 2005” defines the responsibilities of the GBC Deputies Committee as: </div>
<div> </div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"><em>All Deputies should attend the annual GBC Meetings in Sridham Mayapur and assist the GBC Body in its deliberations. This shall include: </em></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"> </div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"><em>Meeting as a separate body to consider various proposals or topics referred to it by the GBC Executive Committee, as well as proposals from amongst its own members, and to prepare draft legislation for consideration and voting by the GBC Body; and </em></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"> </div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"><em>Participating in various subcommittees and/or attending to other duties as assigned by the Executive Committee. </em></div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"> </div>
<div style="text-align:justify;"><em>All Deputies should, where possible, make themselves available to assist the GBC Executive Committee and Secretariat during the year in communicating with any ISKCON managers that an individual Deputy may be in contact with. </em><br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=109586">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=109586</a></div></div>Formation and Recognition of the North American Governing Bodyhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/formation-and-recognition-of-the-north-american-governing-body2023-06-27T14:02:32.000Z2023-06-27T14:02:32.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12127357297,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="12127357297?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p>
<p>GBC Annual General Meeting (passed on February 11, 2023)</p>
<p>[Category] – Administrative Order</p>
<p>Whereas the GBC body has encouraged the establishment of continental committees (GBC Resolution 404/2002. Regional and Continental Governing Bodies)</p>
<p>Whereas North America has been designated as a ’Region’ with 5 ’Zones’ encompassing the United States and Canada.</p>
<p>Whereas the North American GBC members and other leaders have been functioning as a continental governance group prior to the 2002 resolution but have not formally applied for recognition as an RGB.<br /> Whereas the NAC has been working on a framework for the past 12 months, including soliciting and receiving feedback from GBC members active in North America, legal counsel, senior leaders, and temple presidents.</p>
<p>Therefore, it is resolved that:<br /> The GBC accepts the application of the NAC, including the accompanying Rules and Regulations, to form the officially recognized North American Regional Governing Body.<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=109582">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=109582</a></p></div>GBC Releases Three More Resolutions from the 2023 Annual General Meeting Held in Februaryhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-releases-three-more-resolutions-from-the-2023-annual-general-2023-06-26T13:40:13.000Z2023-06-26T13:40:13.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12126973266,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="12126973266?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Ananda Tirtha Das</strong></p>
<p>The 2023 GBC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was only partially completed during the February gathering<br /> in Mayapur. The three resolutions linked below were passed at the February meetings, reviewed by the<br /> SABHA, and are now being published. The titles of the three resolutions are: Amendment to Deputies Duties 2023, Informed Decision-making by GBC Members is a Solemn Duty, and Formation and Recognition of the North American Governing Body.</p>
<p>The AGM will continue online using the GEM software, and additional resolutions will be published in due course. A link to the three new resolutions can be found <a href="https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GBCRES-23-1.pdf">here</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-releases-three-more-resolutions-from-the-2023-annual-general-meeting-held-in-february/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-releases-three-more-resolutions-from-the-2023-annual-general-meeting-held-in-february/</a></p></div>GBC Body Appreciates The Bhaktivedanta Research Center by Khusboo Basanhttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-body-appreciates-the-bhaktivedanta-research-center-by-khusboo2023-05-16T13:35:04.000Z2023-05-16T13:35:04.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11126149053,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11126149053?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></p>
<p>The Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) was established in Kolkata in 2009 by Hari Sauri Das and Pranava Das. Currently, the administrative affairs are under the supervision of Gauranga Das and Balaram Lila Das. Pranava Das and Dr. Sumanta Rudra direct the BRC’s academic affairs.</p>
<p>The mission of BRC is “to be a leading global institution” by collecting, preserving, researching, teaching, exhibiting, and publishing the work of the previous acaryas. </p>
<p>The BRC library has over 30,000 books and 4,000 journals. This vast selection includes around 2,500 rare collections of the original library of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur and 28 rare journals, most of which are out of print. In addition, the BRC has visited more than 50 remote villages, libraries, and temples to collect manuscripts and has digitized more than 1250 rare manuscripts.</p>
<p>Dr. Sumanta Rudra, the Dean of Academic Affairs of Bhaktivedanta Research Center, expresses his gratitude saying,” We are very grateful to the GBC body for this special appreciation and encouragement for the mission of serving our mother shastras and reinstating them in their highest position in the mainstream society globally. This divine ancient wisdom has been deliberately removed from the education system, and BRC has a great opportunity to lead its revival for the supreme benefit of all.”</p>
<p>Given its extraordinary importance, the GBC identified it as critical to properly preserving the rare writings of the acaryas “as a library, research center and academic institute serving ISKCON globally.” Therefore, in a <a href="https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GBCResolutions2022.pdf">2022 Resolution</a>, the GBC identifies the need to recognize BRC to spread awareness of this service worldwide (both in the devotee and academic community).<br /> <br /> <strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-body-appreciates-the-bhaktivedanta-research-center/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-body-appreciates-the-bhaktivedanta-research-center/</a></p></div>GBC College Welcomes Students from Nine Countries to Latest Zonal Supervisor Traininghttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-college-welcomes-students-from-nine-countries-to-latest-zonal2023-05-08T11:54:56.000Z2023-05-08T11:54:56.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11072818852,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11072818852?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Thomas Haribol</strong></p>
<p>The GBC College for Leadership Development has recently begun its next Zonal Supervisor Training course that includes thirty leaders from nine different countries worldwide. </p>
<p>The GBC College has successfully offered this training fifteen times worldwide in different languages since 2015. It aims to train candidates to become zonal supervisors who will assist their local GBC in managing their zone. Each candidate is hand-picked by their GBC and carefully vetted by the GBC College Admissions Committee. This is the eighth group of international students that has undertaken this comprehensive training course in English. Since participants are joining worldwide, most of the coursework is completed online. But the learning is also rooted in local “real world” experience, so the GBC College integrates active learning projects into the curriculum where candidates work with teams to develop strategies for a local need. Finally, a residential requirement will be held in Ujjain, India, in 2024.</p>
<p>The five primary course modules of the training include spiritual excellence, personal effectiveness, relationship effectiveness, organizational effectiveness, and compliance and administrative effectiveness.</p>
<p>Spiritual excellence covers such topics as personal sadhana, being “Prabhupada-anugas,” and Vaishnava sadachar. “Srila Prabhupada emphasized to Giriraja Swami, ‘organization and intelligence’ if ISKCON were to go on after his departure, and to Tamala Krishna Goswami, he underscored the need for ‘chanting and follow[ing] the rules’ to ‘get management at our finger-ends,'” said Rupanuga Das, President of the GBC College. Following the advice of our Founder-Acarya, GBC College offers a module in spiritual excellence which serves as the foundation for the other modules. </p>
<p>Personal effectiveness explores time management, meeting management, and establishing a healthy service-life balance. The relationship effectiveness module offers a broad range of skill development, including reflective listening, conscious leadership, and conflict resolution. Some topics of instruction for organizational effectiveness are temple administration, fundraising, marketing, book distribution programs, and strategic planning. “The personal effectiveness module fosters the ability to listen with curiosity, speak with honesty, and act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to respond. Listening skills are crucial for leaders; they build trust, create transparency, and foster loyalty to the movement,” said Govinda Priya Devi Dasi, Vice President of the GBC College.</p>
<p>Compliance and administrative effectiveness includes themes like understanding ISKCON law, ethical finance and accounting practices, and child protection. “GBC College students complete a 14 hours online course on Child Protection. Comprehension is confirmed through quizzes, case studies, and a short essay based on the history of child abuse in ISKCON. This specialized training was designed by Champaklata prabhu, former CPO International Director, and Lilasuka Dasi, who currently serves as the Director for CPO in North America. “The themes covered include increasing the participants’ understanding and knowledge of various forms of child abuse, the importance of implementing child protection practices, ways to prevent child abuse, and establishing a local child protection team to respond to allegations or cases of child abuse,” said Govinda Priya.</p>
<p>Madana-gopala Dasa, who graduated from the training in 2020, said, “I have had the good fortune of applying these skills over the last three years at a number of temples as their Zonal Supervisor, and I’m always learning something new from the leaders at these temples,” he continued, The amount of learning and application in the GBC College course is incredible, and it has been crafted by Srila Prabhupada disciples and other senior leaders of ISKCON based on the direct teachings and examples of Srila Prabhupada as he was building out his movement and vision.” <br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/gbc-college-welcomes-students-from-nine-countries-to-latest-zonal-supervisor-training/">https://iskconnews.org/gbc-college-welcomes-students-from-nine-countries-to-latest-zonal-supervisor-training/</a></p></div>Mayapur-Vrindavan Gurukula Inquiry Reporthttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/mayapur-vrindavan-gurukula-inquiry-report2023-04-25T13:29:07.000Z2023-04-25T13:29:07.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><em><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11035994875,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11035994875?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="500" /></em></p>
<p><em>The following is a letter accompanying today’s release of the “Review of Safeguarding and Child Protection in ISKCON Mayapur and Vrindavan schools” Report</em></p>
<p>Dear Devotees,<br /> Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.</p>
<p>In pursuance of our commitment to dealing robustly with child protection, in December 2022, the GBC Body authorized an independent review of the governance and leadership in the Mayapur and Vrindavan gurukulas. The report was submitted to us in February, and since then, we have met the review team members to discuss their findings. We now share this report with you in its original and complete form.</p>
<p>The report is candid in its critique of our governance and leadership at school, regional, and international levels. We are making this report public in the spirit of transparency and to reassure devotees that we are treating this matter very seriously.</p>
<p>We will now be working diligently with the review team and others to coordinate the specifics of what will constitute “Phase Two” and move<br /> matters forward with the implementation of the report recommendations. We do not yet have a defined timescale for Phase Two, but we expect that the entire process will be delivered by the March 2024 GBC Annual General Meeting in Sridham Mayapur. We recognize that devotees around the world will be keen to be kept informed as matters proceed, and we will endeavor to provide updates whenever practical.</p>
<p>Hare Krsna,</p>
<p>Your servants,</p>
<p>Revati Raman Das<br /> Guru Prasad Swami<br /> Tapana Misra Das,<br /> GBC Executive Committee</p>
<p>To view the report, click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PibbWATw8HVXTjNWDmBXdg87CyO7wh0N/view?usp=share_link">here.</a></p>
<p><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://iskconnews.org/mayapur-vrindavan-gurukula-inquiry-report/">https://iskconnews.org/mayapur-vrindavan-gurukula-inquiry-report/<br /></a></p></div>GBC AGM REPORT – GBC and BUREAU MEMBERS MEEThttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/gbc-agm-report-gbc-and-bureau-members-meet2023-04-24T12:09:12.000Z2023-04-24T12:09:12.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11033209270,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="11033209270?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></p>
<p>During its AGM meetings in Mayapur this year, members of the Governing Body Commission and members of the Indian Bureau spent an entire day together discussing relevant topics for both leadership groups. Several members of the Indian Continental Committee also joined the meeting.</p>
<p>Approximately fifty devotees met in one of the meeting rooms within the Temple of Vedic Planetarium for two three-hour sessions in the morning and the afternoon.The meeting was facilitated by ISKCON Resolve leader Vraj Vihari Das with the support of Tapan Mishra Das, ISKCON Minister of Education and recently appointed GBC member.</p>
<p>The main purpose of the meeting was to help reestablish the communications channels and relationships between the Bureau and the GBC.</p>
<p>As many of us have experienced around the world one of the challenges brought by the COVID Pandemic was an inability for face to face meetings and interpersonal interactions.<br /> Due to the same, the GBC itself has been meeting on Zoom for the last three years and has had no opportunity to have face to face interactions with the Bureau.</p>
<p>Because of the long distances involved and the different cultures represented it is natural that within these diverse groups of leaders there will be diverse opinions on a variety of important matters of Krishna consciousness.</p>
<p>The diversity of opinion can, at times, cause strain in the otherwise<br /> cooperative service of the GBC, Bureau, and other leadership bodies in India.</p>
<p>The meetings were highly successful in diffusing some of those differences and helped devotees understand each other better.</p>
<p>The leaders were divided into small groups of four at individual tables, so there was a better opportunity for individual interactions.</p>
<p>The opening questions presented to the group were simple and meant to break the ice and build rapport.The opening remarks were limited to what is your name, where are you from, and what are your favorite deities?</p>
<p>Even a question as simple as what are your favorite deities began the process of interpersonal sharing, as members were surprised to hear that often times other devotees from across the world shared a special affection with a deity between them.</p>
<p>Later during the day, topics focused on how these two important leadership bodies could better communicate with each other and better understand the interest and the concerns of the Global ISKCON Constituencies.</p>
<p>“I felt this meeting to be perhaps the most important aspect of the GBC meetings this year” said Anuttama Das, Communications Minister.<br /> “Without a doubt, tensions had risen over various management and social issues in ISKCON, but when we had the opportunity to sit down and talk with each other, we again realized and were reminded what brings us together. Our love of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya's mission far exceeds whatever separates us”.</p>
<p>The GBC and the Bureau and other Indian leaders are planning to meet more extensively during the midterm GBC meetings which will be held in end of October at Pune, India.<br /> <br /> <strong>Source:</strong> <a href="http://www.dandavats.com/?p=107814">http://www.dandavats.com/?p=107814</a></p></div>ISKCON Constitution Project Seeks Devotee Input Worldwidehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/iskcon-constitution-project-seeks-devotee-input-worldwide2023-04-17T11:59:42.000Z2023-04-17T11:59:42.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11029196271,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="11029196271?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Devakinandana Das and Devasri Radhika Devi Dasi </strong></p>
<p><em>The following letter from two ISKCON legal experts explains the current effort to seek input from ISKCON devotees worldwide in formulating a Constitution for ISKCON. ISKCON News encourages all devotees to open the link, review the draft, share their thoughts, and help build the foundation for our society’s future. </em></p>
<p>ISKCON Constitution – Your Chance to Participate!</p>
<p>His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), on several occasions expressed the desire for an ISKCON Constitution, to guide his followers through the generations. In 1971, for instance, he wrote: “We are in the experimental stage, but in the next meeting of the GBC members, they should form a constitution how the GBC members manage the whole affair.” (Letter to Giriraja, 12 Aug 1971)</p>
<p>Through the years, various attempts at writing the ISKCON Constitution took place but did not come to completion. The present team has been receiving feedback on their work from various leaders. Based on their suggestions and on further research, the team developed the present version, Draft Four. We are now opening the dialogue to the whole of ISKCON, inviting everyone to share comments and suggestions that may improve the document to create a final version for GBC ratification. This is a historic opportunity for all members of ISKCON.</p>
<p>We want to hear from you. Please visit <a href="http://iskconconstitutionproject.org/" target="_blank">iskconconstitutionproject.org</a>.</p>
<p>Please take the time to go through the document, organized in sections, and let us know your level of satisfaction and your thoughts. The site requires you to register to get access. Once you register, you’ll see the guidelines for giving feedback. We have tried to make this process as easy as possible. </p>
<p>We also request you to encourage all the devotees in your circle of contacts – starting from your family and community – to also take part in the survey. At present the text on the site is only in English but will soon be available in all major languages.</p>
<p>So, please visit <a href="http://iskconconstitutionproject.org/" target="_blank">iskconconstitutionproject.org</a> and give your feedback.</p>
<p>On behalf of the ISKCON Constitution Project,</p>
<p>Your servants,</p>
<p>Devakinandana Das, ISKCON General Counsel and GBC Member (Singapore); Devasri Radhika Devi Dasi, Attorney and Legal Advisor (Switzerland)<br /> <br /> <strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-constitution-project-seeks-devotee-input-worldwide/">https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-constitution-project-seeks-devotee-input-worldwide/</a></p></div>2022 GBC Resolutions Finally Released After Pandemic Challengeshttps://iskcondesiretree.com/profiles/blogs/2022-gbc-resolutions-finally-released-after-pandemic-challenges2023-04-04T13:22:57.000Z2023-04-04T13:22:57.000ZISKCON Desire Treehttps://iskcondesiretree.com/members/iskcon_desire_tree<div><p><strong><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11020214877,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11020214877?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="600" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>By Ananda Tirtha Das </strong></p>
<p>The *2022* GBC Resolutions have finally been released. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, the GBC Body couldn’t conduct in-person meetings, and therefore the 2022 AGM (Annual General Meeting) was conducted online. Thankfully, the 2023 AGM, however, began as a regular in-person meeting in Mayapur and will continue online in the upcoming months.</p>
<p>The GBC met online weekly throughout 2022 (and continues to do so in 2023) to discuss matters of global importance and voted on proposals until the end of December 2022 hence the delay in releasing the Resolution file. For 2023, however, we will either release the Resolutions as they are passed or endeavor to publish them in early 2024. </p>
<p>Please find the 2022 GBC Resolution file <a href="https://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GBCResolutions2022.pdf">here.</a> </p>
<p><strong>Source: </strong><a href="https://iskconnews.org/2022-gbc-resolutions-finally-released-after-pandemic-challenges/">https://iskconnews.org/2022-gbc-resolutions-finally-released-after-pandemic-challenges/<br /></a></p></div>