ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) today released a resolution regarding Anirdesya Vapu das (formerly known as Bhaktividya Purna Swami). The decision, while overlapping with the Child Protection Office’s (CPO) earlier decision (see article here), sets restrictions on Anirdesya Vapu das that are self-standing. The resolution also clarifies the status of the former guru’s disciples. Like all GBC resolutions, this decision is pending SABHA review before becoming ISKCON Law. The full resolution is below:
Governing Body Commission Resolution Re: The Status of Anirdesya Vapu das (Formerly known as Bhaktividya Purna Swami)
December 15, 2022
Whereas, an October 28, 2022, ISKCON Child Protection Office (CPO) decision determined that Anirdesya Vapu das, previously known as Bhaktividya Purna Swami, had engaged in the sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and psychological abuse of a child;
Whereas, it was also confirmed that he had engaged in sexual acts with at least one adult woman over an extended period of time;
Whereas, a further investigation by the GBC Guru Services Committee has confirmed the same;
Whereas, such behaviors are in gross violation of Vaishnava codes of conduct, especially for someone who is trusted to give spiritual guidance as a leader and a guru. They go against the very principles of care for the vulnerable which should guide our every action and thought;
Whereas, in February 2007 Anirdesya Vapu das was restricted from accepting disciples via GBC Resolution 312/B which was based upon a CPO decision from September 2000;
Whereas, it has been established that Anirdesya Vapu das violated that prohibition and initiated devotees after that date;
Whereas, based on the 2022 CPO decision and new information about the extent of Anirdesya Vapu das’ abuses that it revealed, and his other violations, the Guru Services Committee has determined that Anirdesya Vapu das is unqualified to serve as either a diksa guru or siksa guru (initiating disciples, or offering spiritual instruction);
Whereas, the GBC Sannyasa Committee has suspended Anirdesya Vapu das’ sannyasa status, and that is likely to be made permanent in the near future;
Therefore, the GBC affirms that Anirdesya Vapu das is, for the duration of his life, prohibited from:
· Accepting disciples in ISKCON; and
· Serving as a siksa guru in ISKCON; and
· Giving any form of spiritual guidance or instruction, including leading or contributing to any classes, meetings, or seminars of any kind, at any ISKCON temple, or affiliated program, festival, venue, or online forum.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/gbc-further-restricts-anirdesya-vapu-das/
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