Founder-Acarya
The following is a GBC Resolution, passed in 1994.
That the following statement be accepted as ISKCON's statement about the Founder-Acarya:
To fulfill the previous acaryas desire for a united worldwide preaching organization to expand Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission, Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krsna Consciousness as a distinct branch of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya. Therefore he is the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON.
(a.) Srila Prabhupada is the foundational siksa-guru for all ISKCON devotees because he has realized and presented the teachings of the previous acaryas of the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya appropriately for the modern age.
(b.) Srila Prabhupada's instructions are the essential teachings for every ISKCON devotee.
(c.) Srila Prabhupada's books are the embodiment of his teachings and should be accepted as the standard by all future generations of ISKCON.
(d.) Srila Prabhupada should be worshipped daily by every ISKCON member.
(e.) Every ISKCON spiritual master is responsible to guide his disciples to follow Srila Prabhupada's instructions.
(f.) As Founder-Acarya, Srila Prabhupada gave directions for management, principles of co-operation, and other practical guidelines which form the basis and inspiration for ISKCON's policies.
(g.) Srila Prabhupada established the Governing Body Commission to execute his will, following the order of the previous acaryas.
Only out of His immense compassion does the Personality of Godhead reveal Himself as the spiritual master. Therefore in the dealings of an acarya there are no activities but those of transcendental loving service to the Lord. He is the Supreme Personality of Servitor Godhead. It is worthwhile to take shelter of such a steady devotee, who is called asraya-vigraha, or the manifestation or form of the Lord of whom one must take shelter. Caitanya-caritamrta Adi 1.46 purport)
- From the "My Memories of Srila Prabhupada" by HH Bhakti Vikas Swami
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