We are pleased to present the 13 November and 27 November 2024 GBC Meeting Highlights Report. This combined report presents the highlights of two consecutive GBC meetings: the 13 November online meeting and the 27 November 2024 online meeting. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the online GBC meeting highlighting the key topics discussed.
————————
The 13 November 2024 meeting began with an invocation of prayers led by Anuttama Dasa, followed by Bir Krishna Swami reading the concluding words of Caitanya-caritamrita written by Srila Prabhupada on November 10, 1974. Bir Krishna Swami noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada completing the translation of the Caitanya-caritamrita.
The following key topics were discussed:
1. Vasu Srestha Das:
Vasu Srestha Das, disciple of Jayapataka Swami, has completed the procedure for commencing the service of diksa-guru in ISKCON. This is the first nomination to be completed after the recent change to the next generation diksa-guru process. The primary reason his nomination met the GBC voting threshold was because he will be initiating in Russia where the current environment restricts diksa-gurus
from other countries travelling and initiating there.
2. Virabahu Dasa’s Leave of Absence
Virabahu Dasa, a GBC member overseeing areas in Latin America, has been unable to attend meetings due to health issues. He expressed a desire to resign from his role as a GBC. In response, the GBC body granted him a one-year leave of absence, during which time he will nominate a successor to oversee his GBC zone.
3. Ananda Caitanya Dasa
Ananda Caitanya Dasa, now known as Bhakti Swarupa Caitanya Swami, admitted to being unable to maintain his sannyasa vows. Despite being given specific requirements by the GBC to be considered for reinstatement as a sannyasi in the future, he violated these guidelines by continuing to wear sannyasa robes, use his sannyasa name, and engage in preaching activities.
The GBC resolved to suspend Ananda Caitanya Dasa as a member of ISKCON in good standing for 90 days. During this period, an international committee will monitor his compliance with the conditions set by the previous GBC resolution. This committee will review his status after 90 days and present their findings to the GBC EC.
————————
The 27 November 2024 meeting began with an invocation of prayers led by Champakalata Devi, followed by a reading from the Srimad Bhagavatam, 1.8.26 by Malati Devi. The verse read was: My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of [material] progress, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage, great opulence, high education and bodily beauty, cannot approach You with sincere feeling.
The following key topic was discussed:
1. Dala Mula Siddhanta Paper:
In the GBC meeting, Badrinarayan Swami presented the “Dasa Mula Siddhanta” paper, which outlines ten cardinal principles of Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy, as taught by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and expounded by Srila Prabhupada. These tenets, which align with the teachings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, offer a concise summary of essential spiritual truths found throughout Srila Prabhupada’s books, with the most comprehensive expression of these principles appearing in his last purport to the “catur-sloki Bhagavatam”*.
The paper emphasizes the importance of adopting a unified understanding of these philosophical foundations, ensuring consistency in the teachings of ISKCON while allowing for diversity in their practical application. The “Dasa Mula Siddhanta” serves as a foundational guide to maintain doctrinal integrity and prevent deviations from the core teachings of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
The “Siddhanta” paper, authored by Badrinarayan Swami and Bhakti-vijnana Swami, was presented for GBC review at a previous meeting and has since been revised to incorporate feedback, comments, and suggestions received during that session. The paper has also been reviewed by several ISKCON scholars, whose input has been integrated into the final version.
During the current GBC meeting, Badrinarayan Swami invited further valuable feedback from the GBC to refine and enhance the paper. The Dasa Mula Siddhanta paper was approved and accepted by the GBC body. The GBC body expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Badrinarayan Swami and Bhakti-vijnana Swami for their exceptional contributions in formulating this historic paper.
The tenets of the Dala Mula will be developed into individual articles, each focusing on a specific topic. A committee will create these articles, which will then be compiled into a book and further adapted into courses.
*The Catur-sloki Bhagavatam refers to a specific set of four verses from the Srimad Bhagavatam. These verses are found in the Second Canto, Chapter 10 (2.10.1–4) and they succinctly summarize the main teachings of the Bhagavatam.
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=113394
Comments