ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY

Registration Number S/74662 under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961

P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal 741313 https://gbc.iskcon.org

RESOLUTIONS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025

Go to the 2025 Zonal Assignments

Section 200: Governing Body Commission

204.02: GBC meetings: GBC decisions

[Title] – Improving GBC meetings — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – February 16, 2025

Whereas the GBC Executive Committee requested the GBC Organizational Development Committee to propose improved functioning of the GBC, which includes meetings

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC body endorses the following steps to improve their AGM meeting. These should be achieved by the Executive Committee engaging the guidance of experienced and trained facilitators and other advisors:

Streamlining Agendas: The GBC meetings should focus on essential agenda items to avoid time wastage on less critical matters as decided by the GBC EC. Survey results clearly indicate dissatisfaction with current agenda choice, pre-meeting preparation, and the way discussions are carried out. Only essential issues related to GBC responsibilities should be included, with other topics dealt with appropriately.
Enhancing Meeting Culture: Encourage strict punctuality, adherence to the GBC code of honor, and full focus on meeting proceedings so that they don’t drag on.
Improving Venue and Format: Develop better arrangements in Mayapur including better room layout, technological enhancements, etc.

Effective Meeting Processes:

1. Pre-meeting Preparation: Always distribute agendas in advance with clear goals for each topic. Strictly delegate all topics that are not essential for the GBC to discuss, including proposals that the Deputies are analyzing.
2. During Meetings: Effective time management to keep discussions on track. Appropriate use Robert’s Rules of Order and appropriate use of tried and true facilitation processes guided by the GBC Code of Honor.
3. Post-meeting Follow-up: Effective follow-up on action items and timely and appropriate communication of resolutions.

Encouraging Full Participation:

1. Facilitator/Chairman to use standard processes to encourage full GBC participation during the meetings, such as increased group discussions.
2. At their discretion, the GBC EC may engage experienced, neutral facilitators to help facilitate the meetings under their direction.
3. Additional guidelines on meeting improvements are found in the Meeting Manual 2025 which was originally presented to the GBC in 2016.

204.04 GBC Meetings: Annual General Meeting

[Title] — Dates for 2026 GBC Annual General Meeting — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action Order

[Date passed] — February 22, 2025

Resolved that:

The Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission Society shall be held from February 4-14, 2026, at ISKCON Mayapur, WB, India

204.06 GBC Meetings: Mid-term General Meeting

[Title] — Dates for 2025 GBC Midterm General Meeting — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action order

[Date passed] — February 22, 2025

Resolved that:

The Midterm General Meeting of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission Society shall be held from October 1-5, at Villaggio Hare Krishna, Italy

207.04: GBC Staff: GBC Parliamentarian

[Title] – Establishing the office of the GBC Parliamentarian — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting [Category] – Administrative order [Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas the GBC meetings must be conducted pursuant to the GBC Rules of Order;

Whereas it is in the interests of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness that matters raised in GBC Meetings are discussed efficiently and fairly pursuant to the GBC Rules of Order to determine appropriate actions to be taken;

Whereas members are not sufficiently conversant with the GBC Rules of Order;

Whereas the GBC Rules of Order grant the power to rule on questions of order and on the proper application of the rules to the GBC Chairman;

Whereas the GBC Rules of Order are lengthy, detailed and intended to respond to/cover all matters associated with the conduct and procedure of GBC Meetings;

Whereas it is important for at least one attendee of the GBC meetings to be sufficiently conversant with the GBC Rules of Order to advise the Chairman and other members about proper functioning of GBC meetings

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The office of Parliamentarian is hereby established.

That the GBC will review the function of the office of Parliamentarian five years after its establishment.

Definition

The Parliamentarian:

Is a non-voting participant in the GBC meetings who is an expert in interpreting and advising on the rules and procedures of all GBC Meetings, as set out in the GBC Rules of Order.
Participates in all GBC Meetings to which the GBC Rules of Order apply.
Does not make substantive points/arguments on the topics being discussed in any GBC Meeting except where such Parliamentarian is separately a Minister or any other non-GBC participant.
Takes an active part in GBC Meeting debates in order to ensure that they are conducted pursuant to the applicable GBC Rules of Order.
Is an impartial participant who maintains a good working relationship with the GBC Chairman and other members.

Powers

The role of the Parliamentarian:

Does not have voting rights.
Does not make substantive points/arguments on the topics being discussed in any GBC Meeting except where such Parliamentarian is separately a Minister or any other non-GBC officer.
May interject at any time during any GBC Meeting to carry out their duties.
Can conduct their duties outside of a GBC Meeting, including, but not limited to, advising the Chairman and other members (as necessary) on the interpretation and/or application of the GBC Rules of Order.
Is a member of the GBC discussions conference.

Duties

The Parliamentarian:

Has a sufficient working knowledge of the GBC Rules of Order.
Provides to the Chairman and other members, by consultation or interjection, impartial guidance on the interpretation and application of the GBC Rules of Order.
Compiles an updated edition of the GBC Rules of Order and circulates this to members every two years.
Advises the GBC on the state of the GBC Rules of Order, including the requirement to modify, add or delete rules.
Advises the GBC Chairman (or presiding officer of the relevant GBC Meeting) to respond to points of order and parliamentary inquiries.
Maintains a good working relationship with the GBC Chairman and other members.

Selection process

The General Counsel of the GBC will nominate candidates for the office of Parliamentarian to the GBC. The Parliamentarian is selected by a simple majority vote of the GBC.

Where a nominated candidate is not voted in by simple majority, the General Counsel will nominate another candidate.

The term of the Parliamentarian will be for 5 years or until such time the Parliamentarian resigns from the office or is deemed unfit by a two-thirds majority vote of the GBC.

There is no limit on the number of terms of office the Parliamentarian may hold.

Section 300: International Society for Krishna Consciousness

301.01: ISKCON members: Regulations [Title] – Puspa-samadhis in ISKCON — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting

[Category] – Governing law

[Date passed] – March 19, 2025

Whereas a clear resolution is required regarding the establishment of puspa-samadhis to avoid conflicting final instructions;

Whereas with the passage of time, the departure of senior Vaisnavas is becoming more prevalent, creating an urgency for a concise statement

Therefore, it is resolved that:

No puspa-samadhis will be erected for any member of ISKCON in the future, effective March 19, 2025. Any senior Vaisnava whose followers choose to erect a samadhi may erect only one samadhi in total after receiving the approval of the GBC Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee.

Every ISKCON guru shall include this instruction in their will.

301.07: ISKCON Members: Individual devotees

[Title] — Narahari dasa’s Suspension as an Initiating Guru in ISKCON — 2024

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] — July 24, 2024

Whereas the GBC Body suspended Narahari dasa from giving initiations in 2023; Whereas that suspension order expires on February 19, 2025;

Whereas Narahari dasa has definitely been repeatedly reminded about this suspension order; Whereas Narahari dasa has chosen to ignore this order;

Whereas Narahari dasa’s initiations have violated several ISKCON laws

Therefore, it is resolved that:

Initiations by Narahari dasa (ACBSP) after February 20, 2020, are not recognized in ISKCON.
Narahari dasa’s suspension as a initiating guru within ISKCON will continue indefinitely until he resolves the previously-mentioned issues to the agreement of the Guru Services Committee and the GBC Body.
Narahari dasa’s and his “disciples’” association with any ISKCON temple will be left up to the local authorities and the local GBC.

302.05: Asramas (spiritual orders) in ISKCON: General

[Title] – Encouraging the establishment and maintenance of ISKCON temple asramas — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Guideline

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas Srila Prabhupada established and built ISKCON upon the strength of temples with vibrant asramas;

Whereas many if not most ISKCON temples in the West and elsewhere have minimized or closed their asramas in the course of evolving toward congregational development;

Whereas the current need for finding qualified devotees to take leadership roles in ISKCON can be largely met by providing asrama training and experience for more young devotees

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC encourages all ISKCON temples who currently do not have active resident asramas to deliberately and diligently establish or re-establish them according to the following best practices:

Though resident asramas may sometimes accommodate older devotees, in general, temples shall provide asrama accommodation for young people newly taking up Krishna consciousness as a training ground for their future lives as devotees. At the same time, the contributions and needs of older devotees, who have dedicated years of their lives to Srila Prabhupada’s movement, are deeply valued and respected. Temples may also offer facilities to support and integrate older devotees into the community. To welcome and nurture newcomers, we must provide protected asrama space for them, while also honoring and accommodating the senior devotees who have laid the foundation for this spiritual movement. This balanced approach ensures that both older and younger devotees are cared for and encouraged in their spiritual journeys.
Resident asrama schedules should be manageable and moderate so that students have sufficient time for a balanced life of sadhana, seva, recreation and rest.
Initial seva assignments may include menial tasks, but in time leaders should seek to provide asrama students in varieties of experiences including training in kirtana, instruments, public speaking and management tasks.
Resident asramas should have dedicated leaders who understand the sensitivity of training new students and whose only service is the well-being of new students.
Except in parts of the world where women’s asramas are culturally unacceptable, resident asramas should provide separate but equal facility for men and women, as per Srila Prabhupada’s instruction.
In addition to equal asrama facility, where culturally appropriate, aspiring Vaisnavis should be given equal opportunity and encouragement for worship, preaching and service.
Courses in Bhakti Sastri and the ISKCON Disciples Course should be provided for asrama students.
As nearly all new devotees marry, grhastha training should be part of the curriculum, even for those who are interested in pursuing renunciation.

307.04: ISKCON — other: General

[Title] – A Concise Statement of Gaudiya Vaisnava siddhanta for the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness position paper — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting

[Category] – Position paper

[Date passed] – November 27, 2024

Whereas every successful sampradaya, from ancient times to the present, has some form of concise statement to encapsulate its siddhanta;

Whereas a concise statement of siddhanta for ISKCON would help establish the philosophical unity of our movement, allowing for diversity of practical application;

Whereas our acaryas, such as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, have provided some such statements, but for ISKCON it would be more appropriate to base such statements on Srila Prabhupada’s books as his teachings are our primary source of evidence and philosophical understanding

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC approves the position paper “A Concise Statement of Gaudiya Vaisnava Siddhanta for the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.

The GBC especially thanks HH Bhakti-vijnana Goswami and HH Badrinarayan Swami for their efforts in producing this paper.

307.09: ISKCON — other: The sacred birthplace of Bhaktivinoda Thakura

[Title] – Honoring the sacred birthplace of Bhaktivinoda Thakura — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas Birnagar is the birthplace of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and it holds significant historical and spiritual importance for devotees;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada expressed his deep desire to develop Birnagar to broadcast the glories of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the eminent Acarya of this Gaudiya Sampradaya, to the world;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada had a profound desire to honor Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura by developing his birthplace in Birnagar into a significant center for spiritual education and pilgrimage;

Whereas the Birnagar project is one of the most important projects for every Gaudiya Vaisnava, especially for our movement;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada requested the Bhaktivinoda Gosthi (the Managing Committee of the Birnagar Dvadasa Temple), Srila Lalita Prasada Thakura, to permit us to render this service. Unfortunately, however, he and the committee did not accept the proposal;

Whereas even after 52 years we have not been successful, as the Bhaktivinoda Gosthi still does not agree to our proposal for developing the Janma-sthana;

Whereas through the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust some renovations and construction work for the Birnagar Dvadasa Siva Mandir were carried out. The Birnagar Bhaktivinoda Gosthi is willing to accept the construction but is not ready to grant us any sevaiteship. If they do not provide sevaiteship, they will be unable to maintain a large temple on their property after its construction;

Whereas the Bhaktivinoda Gosthi is not ready to give us the land, either on lease or through any other arrangement as of now;

Whereas, as per the desire of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON should establish a magnificent temple for

Bhaktivinoda Thakura, along with a display of his life history, his writings, an educational center, parks and gardens, guesthouses, an asrama, and more;

Whereas ISKCON should purchase land in Birnagar next to Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s birthplace and develop a memorial and temple for the great Acarya Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura;

Whereas, since this is a big project, it should be directly supported and managed by ISKCON

Therefore, it is resolved that:

To fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire and instruction to establish a temple at the birthplace of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the GBC will actively support the Birnagar Project Committee in this important initiative.

The plan includes developing a magnificent temple and other facilities envisioned by Srila Prabhupada near the birthplace on land free from lease restrictions. A 4.5-acre plot, located just 300 meters from the current temple, is available, and the committee is working on acquiring it. Simultaneously, the committee will continue efforts to negotiate with the management of the Birnagar Dvadasa Temple to secure sevaiteship of the existing birthplace temple.

The GBC empowers the committee to raise awareness within the devotee community about the spiritual significance of this project, inspiring devotees to actively participate in its service and contribute to its successful development.

Any fundraising efforts must be approved in advance in writing by local and regional ISKCON leadership.

Section 400: ISKCON Ministries, Committees, and Offices

: ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry: Standards [Title] – Teaching deity worship in ISKCON — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Governing law

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas in 1996 the GBC established the following mandate for Ministers:

To establish the curriculum of his discipline and disseminate this knowledge throughout ISKCON.

Whereas for the sake of comparison, in 1997 the GBC passed the following resolution:

THAT the five-day seminar course established by the Global Book Distribution Minister is accepted as the official training course for all ISKCON book distributors.

This course is to be taken by all:

- 1. New regular book distributors within the first twelve months of their book
  2. distributing career, and
  3. Regular book distributors by Gaura Purnima 1998, and
  4. Part time book distributors are encouraged to take this course.

The Global Book Distribution Minister is responsible to supervise the standard and content of the Book Distribution Graduate Course, promote it and ensure the requirements of this resolution are met.

Whereas since 1999 the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry (IDWM) has been actively developing and presenting its curriculum globally and regularly presents courses in countries around the world;

Whereas 25+ years’ experience training devotees has shown us how to present curriculum in a way to avoid an elitist pujari mentality, and also how to guide devotees to have a balanced approach to setting realistic, sustainable standards of worship for ISKCON centers;

Whereas ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry is the GBC’s mandated agent for this discipline, and therefore the most well positioned instrument to present authoritative teachings pertaining to deity worship within ISKCON;

Whereas ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry now has more than 20 different courses on a wide range of deity worship topics and topics related to deity worship;

Whereas when teaching a specific subject it is important that all facilitators address the same learning objectives and present the same information, thus avoiding confusion amongst learners, and within ISKCON;

Whereas a systematic curriculum, that is aligned with the GBC given mandate of IDWM, will enable consistent standards of worship throughout ISKCON;

Whereas irregular presentations on deity worship are becoming more prevalent in ISKCON. Some of these presentations even invalidate the teachings of our founder-acarya;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada stated:

The greatest danger to our movement will come when we manufacture and create our own process for worshiping the deities. …follow it just to the exact standard as I have given you, that’s all.– Letter to: Dhruvananda — Bombay 4 January, 1973

You should only do what I tell you and show you in regard to deity worship, and never make

anything up or copy something you see somewhere else. – Personal instruction to Nanda Kumar dasa

Whereas Srila Prabhupāda also explains:

So we have to accept religious principles from the leaders of the sampradāyas. Otherwise it is useless. Sampradāya-vihīnā ye mantrās te viphalā matāḥ [Padma Purāṇa]: “If you do not accept mantra initiation from the disciplic succession of the sampradāya, then it will be useless…. So people are manufacturing religion without any reference to these authorities. – Śrīmad-Bhagavatam 6.1.34-39. December 19, 1970, Surat

Whereas in order to establish and disseminate a curriculum, Ministries need to regulate the curriculum and who is teaching the curriculum

Therefore, it is resolved that:

All courses relating to deity worship in its entirety presented in ISKCON must be approved by ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry. This includes and is not limited to courses on the following topics:

Temple deity worship Home deity worship

Deity installations Samskaras Observing festivals

Only devotees who are mandated by ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry may present or teach courses on deity worship and deity worship related matters. Devotees who are authorised by IDWM to teach deity worship will have appropriate teaching qualifications and be graduates from an IDWM approved course on the topic they are teaching. IDWM may also from time to time approve devotees to teach various topics without them having to complete an IDWM approved course.
All IDWM approved courses must offer IDWM approved certificates.

407.01: ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry: Regulations

[Title] – Moving large deities — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Governing law

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Preamble: The question occasionally arises as to whether or not it is acceptable to move large marble deities. In certain circumstances deities may be moved, but this cannot be done whimsically. The deities can only be moved for the right reasons. As explained by Srila Prabhupada, to move the deities for profit, or to get a prestigious building is not the correct motive. Sometimes it may happen that moving deities is unavoidable, in situations where natural disaster is threatening the deity, or to protect the deity from harm. Sometimes it may also be necessary to move deities when an ISKCON center cannot care for the deities.

However, the general principle is that large deities should never be moved once the worship has begun. This proposal addresses this question.

Whereas Srila Prabhupada was generally strongly opposed to the moving of deities, as the following excerpt demonstrates:

It is not very good policy to move the deities once they have been installed. – Letter to Karandhara, 21 February, 1973

Whereas Srila Prabhupada clearly did not approve of moving of deities to suit our own needs. He also did not encourage devotees to move deities from one city to another, as the following excerpt demonstrates:

I have heard from Bhagavan dasa that you want to move the deities from Detroit. That is not a very good proposal. In general, deities are never removed from one place to another simply for show.

Once the deity is installed in India, it can never be removed under any circumstances, even they

must build the highway around it. But in our case we may sometimes have to change houses, so we may once have to move the deity from one house to another, but we shall not move them from one city to another just for our own convenience. We are always thinking these kind of changes, why is that? I simply want things to be developed which we have got, not to make so many big big plans and changing all the time, that is not very practical. – Letter to: Satsvarupa, Paris 25 July, 1972

Whereas sometimes when devotees proposed selling temples and moving deities Srila Prabhupada would question their motives, and reaffirm his position that large deities cannot be moved under any circumstances:

Regarding the Washington temple why are you selling the present building? Why are you changing it? We are not businessmen that we sell for profit and then move the Deity. … Regarding your questions, no, the large Deity can never be moved, not at all. – Letter to Rupanuga, New Delhi 21 August, 1975

Whereas Vaisnava literatures dealing with installing and worshiping deities make many strong statements restricting us from moving deities;

Whereas the Matsya and Bhavisya Puranas warn us of the dire consequences of moving a permanently installed deity:

sthiram na chaalayed devam anyathaa paapabhag bhavet

A permanently installed deity should never be moved. If one does so, he will certainly incur sin.

— (Matsya Purana)

sthiram na chaalayed devam kadaachid api pindataha anyaad vichaalito ajnaanaat tasmaattam na vichaalayet

A permanently installed deity should never be moved from His stand. If, out of ignorance, or by mistake, a deity is moved, then the person responsible will experience obstacles on his path of (spiritual) progress. Therefore, one should not move a permanently installed deity. — Bhavisya Purana

Whereas large stone deities, i.e. made of marble, granite or other types of stone, are generally classed as permanently installed and thus are considered immovable;

Whereas stone deities are by nature brittle, and over the years deities have been broken while being moved;

Whereas there are times when Srila Prabhupada did establish deities knowing full well that they would be moved in future. ISKCON Juhu in Mumbai is one such example. However, Srila Prabhupada did this for a specific purpose;

Whereas there are other examples where Srila Prabhupada installed deities and later moved Them;

Whereas Srila Prabhupada established deities for pandal programs then later sent Them to temples in various parts of the world;

Whereas sometimes deities must be moved quickly because of extenuating circumstances, or emergencies, where the deity is at risk. Such as natural disasters or political unrest/civil violence, etc.

Whereas Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains in his commentary of SB 11.27.13:

Pratistha means “that which is established with great power or permanently.” The deity form is the shelter of all jivas (jiva-mandiram). That means the deity is directly the Lord.

In the same purport he also writes:

The procedures of visarjana and avahana (daily invoking the Lord and dismissing him) are not performed on a permanent form (sthirayam) of deity, whether moving or fixed, which is installed, since one permanently called the Lord at the time of installation.

Therefore, it is resolved that:

In general, once large, stone (or marble) deities have been established they should not be moved. Large, stone (or marble) deities must not be moved for celebration of pastimes or other purposes such as for cleaning or painting. Deities may be moved when it is necessary to relocate the deities to another building or temple.

Any ISKCON center wishing to move deities must receive written permission from the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry and the local GBC. In cases of extreme emergency where the deity is facing immediate danger and there is not sufficient time to contact IDWM or the local GBC, the local authorities have the power to make a decision for the safety of the deities.

For details on how to continue the worship in these situations, please contact IDWM.

407.03: ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry: Guidelines

[Title] – Observing festivals on the day of the correct tithi — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Guideline

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas it has been reported that at some ISKCON centers, major festivals are sometimes observed on days and times that are convenient for the congregation to attend and not observed on the days specified for the observance in the Vaishnava Calendar;

Whereas while encouraging the congregation to participate in temple celebrations is certainly important, observing these occasions on the designated day and time is most auspicious and recommended for all devotees. The full-time practicing devotees and others who are able to attend the temple on those most auspicious days and times to participate in the observance should as far as possible be facilitated to do so;

And whereas Srila Prabhupada emphasized observing festivals according to the designated days and times as practiced in our sampradaya

Therefore, it is resolved that:

All ISKCON centres are encouraged to:

Observe all major festivals on their actual dates;
Once such an observance is held, additional observances of the same nature may also be held on subsequent days and times more convenient for the congregational devotees to attend to keep them inspired in devotional service. Additional observances may be simple or elaborate, depending on the need.
Devotees are encouraged to fast on those actual dates according to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and GBC guidelines

The following is the list of festivals with their observance timings that are to be considered as major festivals as per the above rule:

Sri Gaur Purnima (Evening) Sri Rama Navami (Noon)

Sri Nrsimha Caturdasi (Evening) Sri Balaram Purnima (Noon)

Sri Krishna Janmastami (Midnight)

Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance Day (Noon) Sri Radhastami (Noon)

Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day (Noon) Sri Nityananda Trayodasi (Noon)

411.02: ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry: Kirtana standards

[Title] – Temple kirtana guidelines — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Guideline

[Date passed] – February 22, 2025

Whereas there is a need in ISKCON for clarity in temple room kirtana guidelines.

Therefore it is resolved that:

The GBC approves the Temple Kirtana Guidelines as appended below. It shall be a living document that may be amended as required by the ISKCON Kirtana Ministry, provided such amendments are first circulated on the GBC email conference, and no objections are received within thirty days.

Temple Kirtana Guidelines

Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder-Acharya of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

Preamble: Devotees are encouraged to chant wholeheartedly in all temple kirtanas. Managers should do their best to implement these standards for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas.

Participants are encouraged to follow these guidelines under the guidance of the local ISKCON management team in a mood of loving cooperation.

Golden Guidelines:

Always consider, “Is this kirtana pleasing to Srila Prabhupada?”
The most important sound in the kirtana is the congregational chanting, which the instruments should never overpower.
Kirtana should be attractive, welcoming, and inclusive.

Kirtana Leaders

Preferably, ISKCON initiated devotees in good standing, chanting at least 16 daily rounds and following the four regulative principles. Or, if not initiated, at least following the four regulative principles, accept Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and regularly chanting japa.
Appearance: Preferably clean and simple dress, face shaven, with Gaudiya Vaisnava tilaka. For men, dhoti, kurta, and chaddar are encouraged. For women, saris or gopi dress and shawl are encouraged. Shorts and other revealing clothes are discouraged.

Mantras

During temple arati kirtanas, first chant Srila Prabhupada’s Pranam Mantras, Panca Tattva Maha Mantra(s), and then the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, which should be the primary mantra in every kirtana.
Chant the Nrsimha Prayers after each arati.
The following may occasionally be sung:
Bhajans, mantras from BBT songbooks, and songs from Gaudiya Vaisnava Acharyas.
Govinda Jaya Jaya Gopala Jaya Jaya
haraye namah krsna yadavaya namah / gopala govinda rama sri-madhusudana
Jaya Sacinandana
Nitai Gouranga
Jaya Prabhupada
The chanting of Srimati Radharani’s holy names in isolation from Krishna may be chanted for a few minutes on Radhastami.
It is recommended that no words or syllables be added or subtracted.
Kirtana leaders should avoid breaking up the response chanting from the congregation according to material designations ie: Male/Female.
Breaking the mantra into smaller parts is not encouraged.
The chanting should be done first by the leader and then by the congregation. While the leader is chanting, interjections by the congregation of “Chaitanya!”, “Nityananda!”, “Hare Hare!”, etc, are not encouraged.
Chanting the deities’ names towards the end of the arati kirtana is optional, as they may be glorified during the Prema Dhvani prayers.
Prema Dhvani mantras should be recited at the end of the arati kirtana.

Mangala Arati

During Mangala arati, the “morning melody” should be sung.

Instruments

The instruments should support the chanting and never overpower the sound of the chanting. Chanting should always be heard.
Instrument players should learn the art of playing the instruments both loudly and powerfully as well as softly and sweetly.
Mridanga players should aspire to play authentic beats according to parampara. Modern adaptations derived from modern dance music, etc., should be avoided.
During the kirtanas and the arati, the following instruments should be played: mridanga and kartalas. Whompers and gong may also be played.
The arati kirtana ends with the chanting of the Prema Dhvani mantras.
Additional instruments (harmonium, etc.) may be added after the arati kirtanas with the approval of the local management team.
While devotees are encouraged to practice the musical instruments to play them nicely for the pleasure of the deities, the temple room is not an appropriate venue. Practicing should be done outside the temple room.
The sound of the mridanga should not be eclipsed by other instruments. Therefore, various drums and other instruments that drown out the sound of the mridangas and the chanting are not encouraged.
Health considerations of overly loud drums are essential considerations as some devotees develop migraines and even permanent ear damage.

Singing

Alap is a classical Hindustani musical technique in which the mantra is lengthened, and additional ornaments are added. This technique was not utilized in ISKCON kirtana during Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence. Alap is not generally appropriate during Arati kirtanas. Other than arati kirtanas, it may be permitted with the approval of the local management.
For those with the capacity, “Rama” should be pronounced as spelled, not “Ramo.”
Everyone, including instrument players, should also sing in response, as the congregational chanting is the essence of kirtana.

Sound Systems

The sound system should be set at a modest volume. Louder is not better. 85 dBA is a reasonable amount.
Refer to GBC Resolution of 2014: 313: Sound Systems Guideline: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tAiBDMTinpnKf9jWVqer0prTequqp-M7eaBHZtANZ5s/edit?usp=sharing
Only one microphone is recommended to be used during kirtanas.
All electronic gadgets should be in silent mode or connected to headphones for personal listening.

Dancing

Dancing should be graceful, in a traditional Gaudiya Vaishnava style. Approved dances include, but are not limited to, the Swami Step, forward and back, and jumping.
Participants should always endeavor to face the deity.

Dancing Safely

Dancing should not endanger the physical safety of the participants.
Lifting devotees into the air can cause injuries and may not be an appropriate mood.
Spinning around should be done with care.

Deities

Deities carried into the temple by congregational devotees should be treated with respect and care according to the principles set by the Deity Worship Ministry. They should not be rocked, jumped up and down, or spun around in circles.

411.02: ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry: Kirtana standards

[Title] – Temple kirtana guidelines infographic — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas the mandate of the ISKCON Kirtana Ministry includes implementing kirtana guidelines. Whereas an effective means to communicate those Temple Kirtana guidelines includes posting an infographic in or near ISKCON temple rooms

Therefore, it is resolved that:

ISKCON Kirtana Ministry will make the Temple Kirtana Guidelines available as an infographic on its website and circulate the link on the Leadership Discussions email conference by August 1, 2025.

ISKCON centers are encouraged to print and post the Temple Kirtana Guidelines in or near ISKCON temple rooms by September 1, 2025.

: Ministry of Sannyasa Services: Policy manual

[Title] – Sannyasa assessment and approval: amendments — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Governing law

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas resolution 57/1988 states:

“That a brahmacari be considered for sannyasa only if he has actually strictly followed his vows for at least ten years and is at least forty years old. In exceptional cases, a man may be awarded sannyasa before the age of forty by a 2/3 majority vote of the GBC Body. To take sannyasa at the age of 50, one must have been on a waiting list for two years; at 45, three years; at 40, four years, and at 35, five years”.

Whereas the methods of evaluating candidates, expectations of them, means of training, and assessment of readiness to take sannyasa, is evolving as per the experience of the Sannyasa Ministry;

Whereas conflicts may be avoided by modifying the current system;

Whereas by modifying the current system, time and energy may be saved at the GBC level;

Whereas by including accomplishments in the process, candidates may be inspired to offer more valuable service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission

Therefore, it is resolved that:

Resolution 57/1988 be replaced by:

The following is the official policy of the Sannyasa Ministry:

- 1. The Sannyasa Ministry will evaluate the qualities and accomplishments of applicants and thus determine whether a devotee can become a “potential candidate” to possibly become a “sannyasa candidate” to take sannyasa.

Such qualities may include but are not limited to:

- - - Cooperation with authorities.
    - Demonstrates a practical understanding of the concept of “Unity in Diversity”.
    - Ability to present Krsna consciousness to different levels of people and devotees and effectively increase others’ level of commitment to Krsna consciousness.
    - Demonstrating exemplary sadhana
    - Having a clear grasp of the philosophy and mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu as presented by Srila Prabhupada.
    - Ability and sincerity to practice what one preaches.
    - Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of devotees and authorities.

Accomplishments may include but are not limited to:

- - - Demonstrating an ability to create a preaching field, expand it and maintain it without much outside assistance, thereby exhibiting self-reliance.
    - Creating an atmosphere of cooperation between devotees on all levels of Krsna consciousness.
    - Leading a balanced life of health, preaching, sadhana, and relationships with devotees.
  1. A candidate in order to be eligible to take sannyasa must be at least 40 years old.
  2. The minimum number of years each devotee will be confirmed as a “potential sannyasa candidate” is one year.
  3. When a potential candidate is found to be qualified, they may become a sannyasa candidate for one year.
  4. After that one year, the sannyasa candidate may be recommended to take sannyasa.

Procedure:

The Team for Assessing Sannyasa Candidates (TASC) committee accepts applications for sannyasa once annually.
Upon acceptance, applicants have their supporting documents reviewed by secretaries to ensure compliance with Sannyasa Ministry guidelines.
A Pre-Submit process begins by the application secretary wherein the Sannyasa Ministry receives feedback from the various devotees the candidate has mentioned as references in the application.
TASC evaluates the candidate based on the feedback received from various devotees and also the TASC requests the candidate to give class on a verse, which is also heard by the TASC members.
TASC members then discuss whether to accept him as a potential candidate or whether further evidence of eligibility is required.
Once accepted as a potential sannyasa candidate the candidate has his duties and training prescribed by the TASC, according to Sannyasa Ministry guidelines.
The TASC submits a yearly list of all newly accepted potential sannyasa candidates to the Sannyasa Standing Committee.
Potential sannyasa candidates fulfill all duties and assignments outlined by the TASС, TSCS (Team for Serving Candidates of Sannyasa), and the Sannyasa Mission committee for a minimum of one year.
At the end of each year, their training period is reviewed and, if necessary, renewed as deemed necessary by the TASC, following Sannyasa Ministry guidelines for sufficient improvement.
The TASC reviews the performance of potential sannyasa candidates, providing feedback for improvement to them, based on the feedback received from their recommending GBC, Guru, sannyasa mentors, and prospective sannyasa gurus, travel reports, mission reports, and Sannaysa college, etc.
Failure to comply with TASC guidance incurs a warning, followed by a second warning, and eventual removal from the list of potential sannyasa candidates.
The Sannyasa Standing Committee reserves the right to remove a potential candidate at any time, based on TASC advice or their own simple majority decision.
When the TASC is satisfied with overall progress of the potential sannyasa candidate he is then proposed to be accepted as a candidate to the Sannyasa Standing Committee, which then votes by a 2/3 majority.
A list of sannyasa candidates is presented to the GBC at the next AGM for their vote, with a minimum recommended waiting period of one year.
The GBC has the authority to waive or extend the waiting period by a simple majority vote.

436.04: Guru Services Committee: Policy manual

[Title] – Acceptance of the Guru Services Committee policy manual — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas ISKCON Law does not at present contain a comprehensive statement on the handling of complaints against ISKCON gurus;

Whereas the Guru Services Committee has drafted a Guru Services Policy Manual and has submitted it for approval on December 8, 2022

Therefore, it is resolved that:

That the Guru Services Policy Manual as attached is approved as the methodology for dealing with complaints against ISKCON gurus by the Guru Services Committee.

441.02: Vaiṣṇava Memorial Standing Committee: Regulations

[Title] – Memorial wall for departed Srila Prabhupada disciples in Mayapur — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Governing law

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas with the passing of time, and devotees aging and leaving their bodies it is essential that a Vaisnava Memorial policy is established for ISKCON as soon as possible;

Whereas even though there have been GBC mandates to study and establish a standard policy for honoring departed Vaisnavas and to determine the type of memorial suitable for departed Vaisnavas, till now there is no consolidated policy or clear direction from the GBC to the ISKCON community;

Whereas it should be noted that in general, cremation is the norm for Vaiṣṇavas

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC directs the Mayapur management to arrange for a memorial wall to honor departed disciples of His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Any Srila Prabhupada disciple will be eligible to be remembered on these Memorial Walls with a plaque. The plaque will have the name of the departed devotee, the date (at least the year) they were initiated by Śrīla Prabhupada, and the date of their departure (at least the year) from this world. The Mayapur management is directed to fund this memorial wall.

441.03: Vaiṣṇava Memorial Standing Committee: Guidelines

[Title] – Memorial walls for departed devotees in ISKCON centers around the world — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Guideline

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas with the passing of time, and devotees aging and leaving their bodies it is essential that a Vaisnava Memorial policy is established for ISKCON as soon as possible;

Whereas it should be noted that in general, cremation is the norm for Vaiṣṇavas

Therefore, it is resolved that:

ISKCON centers (where the property is owned by ISKCON) are encouraged, at their discretion, to allocate space for a memorial wall to commemorate departed devotees who have honorably served in those temples.

Each of these devotees will be honored by a plaque placed on the memorial wall. The plaque should have the name of the departed devotee, the date (at least the year) when and if they were initiated, the date (at least the year) of their departure from this world and may have a picture. The respective management of each temple is requested to fund this memorial wall.

442.01: GBC Executors Property Oversight Committee: Committee

[Title] – Mandate of the GBC Executors and Property Oversight Committee (GEPOC) – 2025

[Meeting] – AGM

[Category] – Governing law

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas the GBC, acting on concerns raised amongst its members, reviewed the mandate of the GBC Executors Property and Oversight Committee (GEPOC) and, particularly, its Schedule of Authority, which was established in a 2022 GBC resolution to revitalize property protection in ISKCON;

Whereas the Schedule of Authority, which defines the GEPOC’s role in ISKCON property protection, currently empowers the GEPOC to approve the sale of properties outside of India without seeking approval from the GBC;

Whereas it is imperative that the GBC, as ISKCON’s ultimate managing authority, possesses the power to approve or reject the proposed mortgage, borrowing against, sale, transfer, encumbrance, disposal, or alienation of ISKCON properties outside of India.

(Note that Srila Prabhupada’s Will explicitly specifies “…mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, transferred, or in any way encumbered, disposed of, or alienated…” in respect of ISKCON properties.)

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The Schedule of Authority in respect of the sale, purchase, or mortgage of any ISKCON properties outside India is hereby updated and amended as follows:

The ISKCON Global Property Office (IGPO), which reports solely to the GEPOC, its direct oversight authority, shall bring a proposal for any potential mortgage, borrowing against, sale, transfer, encumbrance, disposal, or alienation of ISKCON properties to the GEPOC for review.
The GEPOC shall process and review the IGPO’s report on the potential mortgage, borrowing against, sale, transfer, encumbrance, disposal, or alienation of such a property and present its recommendations in a report to the GBC for its approval or disapproval.
For the avoidance of any doubt, the IGPO and GEPOC shall not process any purchases of ISKCON properties.

: GBC Succession Committee: Committee

[Title] – Establishing the Succession Committee — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting [Category] – Administrative order [Date passed] – February 16, 2025

Whereas succession planning is a need throughout ISKCON leadership, including but not limited to the GBC;

Whereas in order for the GBC to have qualified new members, succession planning on all levels of leadership is needed;

Whereas the GBC discussed issues of succession at the 2023 Midterm General Meeting in Pune;

Whereas a written Succession Protocol will ensure smooth changeovers and be a precedent and reference manual for successive generational changes at all levels of ISKCON leadership;

Whereas the GBC Organizational Development Committee was tasked to propose a Succession and Transition strategy that detailed a step-by-step process, including options for retention of skills and revised roles;

Whereas this was for the GBC, but there is wisdom in broadening this strategy to other levels of ISKCON leadership;

Whereas a survey of the GBC showed that at least 11 GBC Members intend to retire within 5 years; Whereas succession planning must be seen as a journey and not an event;

Whereas the appointment of a Succession Committee is a necessary response to mitigate against the consequences of poor succession planning;

Whereas even the best strategy can fail if an organization doesn’t have a group of leaders with the right capabilities at the various levels

Therefore, it is resolved that:

- 1. The Succession Committee referred to in the minutes originally in 2014 is approved as a GBC Standing Committee to assist development at all levels of senior leadership.
  2. The initial membership of the Succession Committee shall comprise of Caitanya Avatari dasa and Gauranga dasa (co-convenors), Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Rasa Krida Parayana dasa, Dina Sharana devi dasi, Devakinandan dasa (Juhu) and Aniruddha dasa.
  3. The membership may be expanded to include additional representatives as tasks are further delineated.

The Committee’s mandate is to serve in an advisory role to:

Share best practices with the ISKCON Society for recognizing, recruiting and preparing ISKCON devotees for leadership positions.
Share mechanisms for the smooth transition of leadership.
Develop effective processes to guide outgoing leaders in offering all the positive forms of support to their successor.
Provide materials for detailed exit interviews and the use of that data for ongoing improvement.
Offer systems to help train, support, and provide orientation to newly appointed ISKCON leaders.
Work in cooperation with the GBC Nominations Committee which is specifically involved in the work of nominating candidates for the GBC.

450.03: ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection: Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC)

[Title] – Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC) — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – February 21, 2025

Whereas the GBC recognizes that its resolution dated January 3, 2025, has met with mixed response from the Regional Governing Bodies and Regional Child Protection Offices around the world. We also recognize that the SABHA officially returned the proposal, as SABHA is empowered to do, and asked for the GBC to reconsider it

Whereas after reviewing the SABHA, RGB, and local CPO concerns, we modify our previous January 3 decision with the following additional resolution

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The Minister of Justice will serve as the transitional ICPO Director for a period of 3-9 months.

A comprehensive handover process by the current ICPO Director to the transitional ICPO Director shall be conducted. This process shall include, but is not limited to, the transfer of all case file notes, status reports, and contact information for panelists and investigators, with particular attention to incomplete case files.

Additionally, all relevant databases—covering complaints, offenders, Child Protection Teams (CPTs), and panelists—must be fully transferred by the current ICPO Director to the transitional ICPO Director, to ensure continuity and oversight.

During this transitional time, the Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC) is directed to:

Engage in further consultation with the regional CPO directors, RGBs, and other stakeholders.
Implement the new enhanced approach parallel with the existing ICPO model and Guidelines using cases reported after 1 March 2025, in consultation with the transitional ICPO director and the applicable regional CPO directors, to test the enhanced model, identify problems, and further refine the model.
Give special consideration to issues raised regarding professional investigators; cross-jurisdictional issues; inconsistent standards, definitions and response to abuse across regions; regional case review bias; revision/update of existing CPO Policies and Guidelines; funding; etc.
Establish regional CPOs in areas where none exist and, where necessary, form collaborative relationships between regional CPOs as well as deploy resources where needed.
Provide feedback and results from the trial period to the GBC by no later than October 30, 2025, as to the readiness of the existing CPOs to implement the enhanced approach.

: ISKCON Global Crisis Response Team (IGCRT): Establishing the team

[Title] – Establishing the ISKCON global crisis response team (IGCRT) — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting [Category] – Administrative order [Date passed] – February 16, 2025

Whereas ISKCON is a global organization with temples, installed Deities, congregational and temple resident devotees, projects and programs, and other assets, in almost every country of the world;

Whereas unforeseen events and crises may include natural events such as fire, flood, and earthquakes; leadership issues, including moral and ethical violations; technology failures; breakdown of financial

systems; legal or regulatory issues; political upheavals; and more;

Whereas crises can, and have, threatened ISKCON’s financial sustainability, organizational integrity, global reputation, and can lead to the loss of faith of devotees;

Whereas ISKCON management teams alone may not have the skills or expertise to prepare for and respond to such crises, nor the ability to address “smoldering crises” (See Addendum One);

Whereas crises need to be handled by teams established in advance by ISKCON leadership at the global GBC and the RGB/zonal/regional levels, and as appropriate, local levels;

Whereas depending on their locale, impact and severity, crises should be managed by local, regional or global teams provided they are properly trained and coordinated;

Whereas unpredictable or unexpected events, especially, often require an immediate response by a dedicated, trained and coordinated leadership team;

Whereas ISKCON needs a comprehensive system to both prepare for, and respond to, all types of crises;

Whereas a crisis response system, beginning at the global level, needs to be a sufficiently resourced, multi-disciplinary team that is pre-emptive in its approach, and empowered to be responsive as needed;

Whereas a sub-committee of the Organizational Development Committee (composed of the GBC Legal Counsel, the ISKCON Communications Minister, a thrice-serving former GBC Executive Chairman, and the former GBC Executive Office Chairperson) have studied this issue in depth and offered their analysis

Therefore, it is resolved that:

- 1. An ISKCON Global Crisis Response Team (IGCRT) is hereby formed. The IGCRT will serve under the authority of the GBC Body.
  2. Its members shall consist of:
    1. Standing Members:
      1. GBC Executive Committee Chair, or another GBC EC member designated annually
      2. Director GBC Executive Secretariat Office
      3. Global Communications Minister
      4. Executive Secretariat Office (ESO) Communications Director
      5. Crisis Officer
      6. Administrative Assistant
    2. Ad hoc Members
      1. GBC General Counsel (GGC)
      2. Expert consultants, engaged as needed to address a particular crisis
  3. Regional Governing Bodies (RGB) and other regional, national, and zonal governing bodies will be strongly advised to establish Regional Crisis Response Teams within two years of the passage of this resolution, following a similar format, including that the GBC Member who oversees that Zone/Area must be on the Crisis Response Team, as well as the Legal Advisor or Director, the Communications Director, and other experts as available. It is recommended that individual temples establish Local Crisis Response Teams as appropriate, with a similar structure, ie., they must include the local Temple President, Legal Advisor or Director, Communications Director, and other crisis experts as available.
  4. Depending on the severity and geographical impact of any crisis, a crisis shall be addressed by the Global, Zonal or Regional Crisis Response Team, or Local Crisis Response Team. When clarity is needed on jurisdiction of response, the decisions of the IGCRT take precedence.
  5. The Crisis Officer shall be nominated by the ESO Director and appointed by majority vote of the IGCRT members annually. The initial Crisis Officer will be Madhavi-Gopi dd, of the UK.
  6. The ESO Director will coordinate and support the work of the Global and Regional Crisis Response Teams as required.

(To read the entire description, click here)

Section 600: ISKCON Spiritual leadership

604.01: Regional management: Regional Governing Bodies

[Title] — Formation and Recognition of the Russian RGB — 2024

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Administrative order [Date passed] – August 7, 2024

Whereas the GBC body has encouraged the establishment of continental committees (GBC Resolution 404/2002. Regional and Continental Governing Bodies);

Whereas Russia has been designated as a ’Region’ in the Area GBC Model containing three spheres;

Whereas the Russian GBC members and other leaders have been functioning as a continental governance group, but had not previously applied for recognition as an Regional Governing Body;

Whereas the Russian National Council (officially known as the Governing Council of the Center of Societies for Krishna Consciousness in Russia) has been working on a framework for creating an RGB

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC accepts the application of the Russian National Council, including the accompanying Rules and Regulations and officially recognizes the Russian Regional Governing Body.

604.01: Regional management: Regional Governing Bodies

[Title] — Formation and Recognition of the African RGB — 2024

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Administrative order [Date passed] – September 4, 2024

Whereas the leaders of ISKCON Africa (Southern Africa, East Africa & West Africa) have recognized the need to establish a Regional Governing Body (RGB);

Whereas the ARGB would be the prime contact with the GBC and the GBC Executive Committee (EC), thus improving communication and efficiency;

Whereas there is a need for increasing coordination of the overall preaching strategy in the African region, including book distribution, coordination of visiting devotees and preachers in the region, coordination of training and development of preachers and leaders (in person and online), increasing the coordination of

the implementation of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) policies, guidelines, resolutions applicable for Africa, child protection and investigation and other synergistic functions;

Whereas the ARGB wishes to make recommendations to the GBC Body, where appropriate, for GBC legislation;

Whereas making recommendations to any GBC Zonal Secretary (GBC member) or other ISKCON official functioning within Africa on matters concerning the affairs of ISKCON in that region creates a stronger sense of purpose;

Whereas the ARGB will convene Committees, etc., as it deems necessary for the conduct of the African RGB’s responsibilities (including but not exclusively for the vetting and approval for sannyasi candidates, guru nominations, Zonal Supervisors) to ensure succession and talent development;

Whereas the ARGB can assist in resolving any conflicts within Africa that are beyond the scope of a single African country/zone. This includes handling of complaints on regional matters referred to it by the GBC Body, Zonal Councils, any ISKCON official or body, or from individuals. And where necessary and appropriate, undertaking disciplinary action against ISKCON officials and/or other members serving

in Africa, as allowed under ISKCON law for such a body;

Whereas the creation of an ARGB allows for the ease of planning the preaching, facilitation and even cross border assistance to develop the preaching;

Whereas the establishment of the ARGB fits into the model being developed for the global management of ISKCON

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC approves the formation of the Regional Governing Body for Africa along with its accompanying Rules and Regulations.

Section 700: Gurus and disciples

702.03: ISKCON spiritual masters: Diksa gurus

[Title] – Diksa-guru projects position paper — 2024

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Position paper

[Date passed] – August 21, 2024

Resolved that:

The GBC approves the “Principles and Practices/Diksa-guru projects” position paper.

702.03: ISKCON spiritual masters: Guidelines

[Title] – Defining Guru responsibilities — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Guideline

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Whereas the primary role of a guru should be to provide spiritual guidance based on scripture. Whereas current legislation on the role of the guru in ISKCON states:

“A guru is one who transmits spiritual knowledge on the basis of revealed scriptures.” 404/1999

Therefore, it is resolved that:

The GBC hereby reconfirms that the primary role of a siksa- or diksa-guru in ISKCON is to provide spiritual guidance. In matters outside their expertise and responsibility, they are advised to direct devotees to seek advice from suitably qualified experts.

702.09: ISKCON spiritual masters: Devotees commencing the service of initiating spiritual master

[Title] – New diksa gurus — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statements

[Date passed] – [various]

Whereas GBC Resolution 702.02 of 2024 modified the process for devotees to initiate in the presence of their own diksa-gurus;

Whereas the GBC has determined that the below six devotees have met these requirements

Therefore it is resolved that:

Vasu Srestha dasa (JPS), Dayavan Swami (RS), Manibandha dasa (NRS), Madana-mohana dasa (MG), Revati Raman dasa (JPS), and Caitanya Avatari dasa (JPS) may commence the service of diksa-guru in ISKCON

[To view the full list of ISKCON diksa-gurus click here]

Section 800: Appointments

: GBC officers and members: GBC officers

[Title] — GBC officers — 2025 [Meeting] — Annual General Meeting [Category] — Action order

[Date passed] — February 14, 2025

Resolved that:

- 1. Govardhana dasa (BCAIS) is elected GBC Chairman
  2. Tapana Misra dasa (BVKS) is elected First Vice-Chairman
  3. Madhu Sevita dasa is elected Second Vice-Chairman
  4. Revati Raman dasa (JPS) is elected GBC Secretary

: GBC Officers and members: Individual member appointments

[Title] — Krishna Premarupa dasa appointed as an Assistant GBC member — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Statement

[Date passed] — February 15, 2025

Resolved that:

Krishna Premarupa dasa (BSDS) is appointed as an Assistant GBC member for Germanic Europe.

[Title] — Mathuresh dasa appointed as an Assistant GBC member — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Statement

[Date passed] — February 15, 2025

Resolved that:

Mathuresh dasa (JPS) is appointed as an Assistant GBC member for the Andean countries.

[Title] — Praghosa dasa re-appointed as a GBC member — 2025

[Meeting] — Online General Meeting

[Category] — Statement

[Date passed] — March 19, 2025

Whereas the GBC Executive Committee has received sincere and robust requests from devotees in Ireland, Scandinavia, and the UK for Praghosa dasa to resume his duties as a full GBC member;

Whereas Praghosa Das has therefore, in a mood of service and cooperation, agreed to once again commit to the service of GBC Zonal Secretary for Ireland, Scandinavia, and the UK, while simultaneously committing himself to developing a succession plan for these zones;

Whereas while the GBC Body is aware of Praghosa Prabhu’s grounds for resignation, it is to be noted that GBC decisions are collective and once resolved after due consideration, stand upon the adherence of every GBC member

Therefore, it is resolved that:

Tthe GBC Body hereby reinstates Praghosa Prabhu as GBC Zonal Secretary for Ireland, Scandinavia, and the United Kingdom.

: GBC officers and members: Individual member resignations

[Title] —Resignation of Dina Sharana devi dasi — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action order

[Date passed] — March 8, 2024

Resolved that:

The GBC accepts the resignation of Dina Sharana devi dasi. Her resignation is effective at the conclusion of the 2025 AGM.

[Title] —Resignation of Giridhari Swami — 2024

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Statement

[Date passed] — March 8, 2024

Resolved that:

The GBC accepts the resignation of Giridhari Swami.

: GBC officers and members: Individual members on leave of absence

[Title] — Romapada Swami’s leave of absence— 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action order

[Date passed] — February 14, 2025

Resolved that:

The Leave of Absence of Romapada Swami is extended by a further one year to February 14, 2026.

802.04: GBC officers and members: Individual members on leave of absence

[Title] — Virabahu dasa’s leave of absence— 2024

[Meeting] — Online General Meeting

[Category] — Action order

[Date passed] — November 13, 2024

Resolved that:

Virabahu dasa is hereby granted a leave of absence for one year. Within this time period, Virabahu dasa will nominate a successor for his GBC zone.

802.05: GBC officers and members: Individual members becoming emeritus

[Title] – Bhakti-bhusana Swami as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – September 4, 2024

Resolved that:

In recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, Bhakti-bhusana Swami is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

[Title] – Bhaktimarga Swami as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – September 4, 2024

Resolved that:

In recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, Bhaktimarga Swami is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

[Title] – Giridhari Swami as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – September 4, 2024

Resolved that:

In recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, Giridhari Swami is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

[Title] – Niranjana Swami as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – September 4, 2024

Resolved that:

In recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, Niranjana Swami is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

[Title] – Radhanath Swami as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – September 4, 2024

Resolved that:

In recognition of his long-standing service to the GBC Body, Radhanath Swami is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

[Title] – Malati devi dasi as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Online General Meeting [Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – January 3, 2025

Resolved that:

In recognition of her long-standing service to the GBC Body, Malati devi dasi is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

[Title] – Dina Sharana devi dasi as GBC Emeritus — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Statement

[Date passed] – February 23, 2025

Resolved that:

In recognition of her long-standing service to the GBC Body, Dina Sharana devi dasi is hereby awarded the status of GBC Emeritus.

804.01: Sannyasa appointments: Sannyasa waiting list

[Title] — Sannyasa waiting list — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action Order

[Date passed] — February 16, 2025

Resolved that:

The following are the candidates for sannyasa:

Valmiki dasa (CCCD)	This year
Vishvavasu dasa (NRS) (Germany/Baltics/Russia)	This year
Atmaram dasa (GGS)	This year
Savyasachi dasa (BCS) (Swaziland)	This year
Govindanandana dasa (BCS)	This year
Kamalalochan dasa (GKG) (Mumbai)	This year
Rukmini Krsna dasa (GKG) North India	Sannyasa candidate
Nanda Kumar dasa (BVG) Russia	Sannyasa candidate
Shanta Narsimha dasa (JPS) Jaipur	Sannyasa candidate
Madana-mohana dasa (MG) Russia	Sannyasa candidate
Charu Chandra dasa (JPS) Bangladesh	Sannyasa candidate
Padmanayana dasa (RGS) Mayapur	Sannyasa candidate

805.01: Ministry and Standing Committee appointments:

Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees

[Title] — Reaffirmation of Ministries and Standing Committees —2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action Order

[Date passed] — February 23, 2025

Resolved that:

The following are the Ministry and Standing Committees and their membership assignments for 2025-26:

Congregational Development Ministry	Minister – Jayapataka Swami
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry	Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca dasa (IDS) Members: Devadeva dasa (BCAIS), Executive Director, Murli Manohara dasa (SRS), Manohara dasa (SDG), Radha Thakurani dd (BCAIS), Nara-Narayana dasa (KDS), Shyamapriya dd (SDA), Yogendra dasa (BCAIS)
ISKCON Youth Ministry	Minister – Manorama dasa (SNS)
Ministry of Book Distribution	Minister – Vaisesika dasa
Ministry of Communications	Minister – Anuttama dasa
Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture	Minister – Kalakantha dasa (IS) IMCPA Board of Directors (USA): Niranjana Swami, Sesa dasa, Vaikuntha dasa, Krishna Kishore dasa, Kalakantha das
Ministry of Education	Minister – Tapana Misra dasa (BVKS)
Ministry of Fund Development	Minister – Devakinandan dasa (Juhu) Members: Govind Prema Das (GKG), Mukunda Madhava dasa (BSDS), Madan Gopal Das (SDG), Nila Madhava Das (BCS), Vijaya Gopikesa Das (JPS)
Ministry of Justice	Minister – Champakalata DD (IDS)
ISKCONResolve	Co-Directors: Brahmatirtha Das, Vraj Vihari Das (BJD)
ISKCON Dispute Resolution Department	Prahladananda Swami (Chair), Champakalata Dasi (Vice-chair) (IDS), Devakinandana Das (MVG), Hansarupa Das, Nanda Kishor Das (GRS), Vraja Vihari Das (BJD), Navina-shyam Das (BCS), Candrasekhara Swami
Ministry of Padayatra	Minister – Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami
Ministry of Sannyasa Services	Minister – Prahladananda Swami Members: Bhakti Gauravani Goswami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (SDG), Devakinandan dasa (Juhu)
Vaishnavi Ministry	Co-Ministers – Radha dasi (MG), Sati DD (BTS)
ISKCON General Counsel	Devakinandan dasa (MVG)
GBC Nominations Committee	Members – Radha Krsna dasa (BBGS) (Chair), Tapana Misra dasa (BVKS), Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Praghosa dasa (SDG), Anuttama dasa, Revati Raman dasa (JPS), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Aniruddha dasa (BJD), Devakinandan dasa (MVG)

GBC Organizational Development Committee	Aniruddha dasa (BJD), (Chair), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Govardhana dasa (BCAIS), Anuttama dasa, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Badrinarayan Swami, Jayapataka Swami, Praghosa dasa (SDG), Revati Raman dasa (JPS), Caitanya Avatari dasa (JPS), Devakinandan dasa (Juhu), Devakinandan dasa (MVG), Gaura Krishna dasa (HDG), Praharana dasi, Tapana Misra dasa (BVKS), Tirtharaja dasa (TKG), Vraja Vihari dasa (BJD)
GBC Strategic Planning Team	Pancharatna dasa (Chair), Ananta Sesa Das (IDS), Govinda Priya Devi Dasi (RNS), Parijata Dasi (RNS), Aradhya Bhagavan Das (BCS), Toshan Nimai Das (RNS)
BBT-GBC Relations Committee	Members – Praghosa dasa (SDG) (Coordinator), Badrinarayan Swami, Madhu Sevita dasa, Devamrita Swami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Devakinandan Das (MVG), Tapana Misra Das (BVKS), Govardhana Das (BCAIS) Mathura Manohara Das, BBT Trustees and BBTI Directors
GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee	Members – Bhaktarupa dasa (Convener), Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya dasa (BVS), Sadasivananda dasa (JPD),
Guru Services Committee	Members – Anuttama dasa, Prahladananda Swami (Chairman), Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Ramai Swami, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Mahatma Das, Gopika Radhika DD (JPS), Ananda Tirtha dasa (PVS)
CPOC (Child Protection Oversight Committee)	Govinda Lilamrita DD (BHVS), Atmarama Das (BTS), Rasesvari Radhika DD (LOK)
ICPO	Interim Director: Champakalata DD (IDS)
ISKCON Kirtana Ministry	Minister: Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Members: Jagannatha Kirtanananda Das (JPS), Dinanukampa Devi Dasi LOK
GBC Executors Property Oversight Committee (GEPOC)	Jayapataka Swami, Nrsimhananda dasa, Ramesvara dasa, Loka DD (BTS), Akshay Ramacandra dasa (JPS), Satyamedha Gauranga dasa (JPS)
Sastric Advisory Council	Members: Urmila dasi (Chair), Bhakti Prabhava Swami, Hari Parsad dasa (RGS), Narayani dasi, Adi-purusa dasa (GKG), Sarvajna dasa (NRS), Kartika Chandra dasa (RNS), Mahendra Das (SS) Associate Members: Krishna Ksetra Swami, Drutakarma dasa, Radhika Ramana dasa (HPS), Chaitanya Charan dasa (RNS), Gopinatha-acarya dasa (KKS), Bhakti-Vijnana Goswami, Gopal Hari dasa (GKG), Kanai Krishna dasa (RNS)
Leadership Conduct Office	Mahavisnupriya DD
Succession Committee	Caitanya Avatari dasa (JPS) Gauranga dasa (RNS), Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Rasa Krida Parayana dasa (JPS), Dina Sharana DD, Devakinandan dasa (Juhu), Aniruddha dasa (BJD)
Vaisnava Memorial Standing Committee	Hrdaya Caitanya dasa (convenor), Bhanu Swami, Malati DD, (SDG), Gauranga dasa (RNS), Nrsimha Kavaca dasa (IDS)
GBC Executive Support Office	Executive Director: Nanda Kishor Das (GRS) Corporate Services: Krishnanam Das (RNS) GBC Communications: Parijata DD (RNS) Ministry and Committee Support: Jayalalita DD (KKS)
GBC Parliamentarian	Nrsimha Kavaca dasa (IDS)
GBC Secretariat Staff	Ananda Tirtha dasa (PVS), Corresponding Secretary Radha Sundari DD (RNS), EC Secretary Mahamani Govinda dasa (JPS), Treasurer Subha Krsna dasa (RNS), GBC Office Manager

807.01: Appointment of auditor

[Title] — Appointment of auditor — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action Order

[Date passed] — February 22, 2025

Resolved that:

Sri Ratnesh Singh Chandel aka Rasa Parayana dasa (GKG), Partner, Kothari Chandel & Co Chartered Accountants 219/220 Office No. 2, Murlidhar Apartment, Kelkar Road, Narayan Peth, Pune 411030, is appointed as statutory auditor for the year 2025-26.

810.02: Global Duty Officer appointments: Reappointments

[Title] — Reappointment of Global Duty Officers — 2025

[Meeting] — Annual General Meeting

[Category] — Action Order

[Date passed] — February 15, 2025

Resolved that:

The following Global Duty Officers are reappointed for a further one-year term:

Acyuta Priya dasa (RNS)	Ukraine	Devotee Care
Asitaradhya dasa (VVPS)	India	Global Duties Office
Gauranga dasa (RNS)	India	Devotee Care, Bhaktivedanta Research Centre, GEV 2.0
Indresa Gaura dasa (BBGS)	Canada	Govinda’s Model
Mukunda Madhava dasa (BSDS)	India	GBC Finance
Radheshyam dasa (RNS)	India	Recruiting Full Time Youth Devotees
Shyamananda Krishna dasa (GKG)	Australia	Environment—Green Temple Initiative
Trilokatma dasa (BVS)	Czechia	Karma Free Club
Vaisesika dasa	USA	One World Book Distribution Team

Section 900: Financial and legal

901: GBC annual budget

[Title] – GBC Annual Budget — 2025

[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting

[Category] – Action Order

[Date passed] – February 21, 2025

Resolved that:

The GBC Budget for 2025-26 is (in INR):

Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC)	38,28,000
Dandavats	609,000
Deputies — Travel for Assistant	87,000
Emergency Fund	435,000
Executive Committee Travel	348,000
Finance & Bank Charges	52,200
GBC Annual General Meeting	582,900
GBC Corresponding Secretary	574,200
GBC EC Secretary	574,200
GBC Strategic Planning Team	200,100
ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry	522,000
ISKCON Connection	165,300
ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry	891,750
ISKCON Global Property Office	522,000
ISKCON Kirtana Ministry	174,000
ISKCON Law Department	870,000
ISKCON News	435,000
ISKCON Resolve	696,000
ISKCON Youth Ministry	174,000
Leadership Conduct Office	435,000
Mayapur GBC Office & Accounts	522,000
Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture	652,500
Ministry of Education	696,000
Ministry of Justice	435,000
Ministry of Padayatra	174,000
Ministry of Sannyasa Services	261,000
SABHA	261,000
Srila Prabhupada Vyasa-puja Book	217,500
Vaishnavi Ministry	174,000
TOTAL	1,55,68,650