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Draft resource paper for the development of a "service discription" document for the GBC

Expressions researched:
Type research terminologies in the same way as Vedabase. e.g: "material nature" |"materialistic nature" |"Krsna's material nature"

  • this paper started to be developed on the 29th of August 2008, and is on hold as of the 2nd of September 2008
    • Researching facilitators: Prabhupada Vani Research Academy
    • Research and compiling team: Visnu Murti dasa, and no one else so far.

Introduction

  • There is a wealth of documented instructions from Srila Prabhupada on how individual GBC members and the entire GBC body should function for the successful development of the Krsna Consciousness Movement.
  • This research paper is an attempt to present these instructions in a way that will facilitate a very clear and concise service description to be drafted by the GBC body. The service description document should be a set of guidelines that will enable the GBC - as a body and as individual members - to be accountable to the sacred task that was bestowed upon them by Srila Prabhupada. The vani of Srila Prabhupada is very powerfully experienced for the benefit of all via this platform of Vanipedia. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to gather together the instructions of Srila Prabhupada in a coherent way that immediately gives clarification on many issues and offers the basis for serious informed discussions to be had, on the not so clear issues, thus facilitating conclusive executive decisions to be ultimately arrived at.

Points to take into consideration

  • These instructions obviously date to when Srila Prabhupada was personally present. In his presence the GBC representatives were going through a period of training by Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada's physical presence played a major role in this. He was in fact the commander in chief. That training process was by no means finished as Srila Prabhupada left the planet. Unfortunately in many ways the training stopped when Srila Prabhupada left. Out of the individuals that Prabhupada began to train in this service, today only 2 remain on the GBC body. Practically nobody from the current GBC body has received any personal instruction from his Divine Grace about this specific service. Thus we are left with the documented instructions given to previous GBC members to take shelter in to build this service description. Once the existing instructions have been researched and compiled it may well prove fruitful to prepare a list of specific questions to ask the individual GBC men who did receive training from Srila Prabhupada. Those answers could prove valuable to assist in the creation of a service description.
  • Without the personal physical guidance of Srila Prabhupada, and with our 40 plus years of history,it may also be necessary to evaluate what different dynamics are needed to be introduced into the GBC body in order for it to have all the required elements to successfully guide the Krsna Consciousness Movement forward for many generations. Of course these guidelines should and must come from Srila Prabhupada's teachings, but it is possible that they need to go beyond the documented instructions on the GBC itself, and also cover the instructions that Srila Prabhupada has left us regarding the qualification of spiritual and public leadership and the implementation of the Varnasrama social structure. Srila Prabhupada told us many times that he left everything in his books. His books are full of principles that he painstakingly explains for the education of his readers. We should not fail to take shelter in these instructions to build this service description.
  • An added complication in the training process was that Srila Prabhupada did not actually have the time to invest in proper training. His all important service of giving the sastric conclusions to us in the form of his Bhaktivedanta translations and purports was indeed his priority. Thus, in reality the management and leadership of his movement always was placed second to his book production. Srila Prabhupada was a lone man with very little time and it was just impossible for him to do everything and the expansive nature of his mission meant that in his lifetime, and even until now, different instructions that he gave were never put in place, and some that were, have not been maintained.
  • As the decades go by we are seeing just how difficult it is to find someone qualified to be trained and then to be able to offer a successful training program that results in individuals offering high quality performances in their respective responsibilities. Thus we can simply offer our respects to those first devotees that were placed under the merciful glance of Srila Prabhupada to become his first selected few. They were young and inexperienced from practically most points of view, but they did what they could to rise to this great challenge. History has shown however that in many ways they were not very expert to realize the essential points that Srila Prabhupada was delivering to them.
  • During the time of Srila Prabhupada's personal presence, the GBC functioned for only 7 years from 1970 till 1977, and during that period the GBC never really attained a stage of performance that was considered to be stable and proven over time. Many difficulties arose within the GBC when Srila Prabhupada was present. In 1971 he wrote A GBC member cannot go beyond the jurisdiction of his power. 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. This letter was born from just one of the many challenges being faced with the implementation of having the GBC body functioning in it's role as Srila Prabhupada's representatives. Srila Prabhupada expresses how the GBC is only in it's experimental stage, and in order to clarify it's role to manage the whole affair of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness a constitution should be formed. To date this still has not happened.
  • Whether we name this endeavour to clarify what are the roles and responsibilities of the GBC, as a service description or as a constitution is of little importance. What is of importance, is that after 38 years of struggling with this issue, we should once and for all embrace the challenge of establishing a leadership model that would make Srila Prabhupada proud of his disciples endeavours to establish ISKCON in such a way that many people can become Krsna conscious via the implementation of that proper model which would facilitate and offer training that would result in creating qualified leadership on all the required levels.

Time frame

  • There is no quick trick or computer wizardry that will make this task of developing a comprehensive resource of all the relevant and fundamental instructions on spiritual leadership. Thus we must be patient to steadily do this. Vanipedia does offer the facility of collaboration by many devotees, so the more that people come forward to assist, the quicker this resource can be built. Then and only then, can a service description be finalized that is both representative of Srila Prabhupada's instructions and practical in the sense of its implementation.

Quotes from Srila Prabhupada on the GBC

Organization

Constitution

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 -- London 12 August, 1971: GBC does not mean to control a center. GBC means to see that the activities of a center go on nicely. I do not know why Tamala is exercising his absolute authority. That is not the business of GBC. The president, treasurer and secretary are responsible for managing the center. GBC is to see that things are going nicely but not to exert absolute authority. That is not in the power of GBC. Tamala should not do like that. The GBC men cannot impose anything on the men of a center without consulting all of the GBC members first. A GBC member cannot go beyond the jurisdiction of his power. 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. But it is a fact that the local president is not under the control of the GBC. Yes, for improvement of situations such as this I must be informed of everything.

I wanted that the GBC would be a chosen body of men for that purpose, to see how the students are learning and reporting to me as my secretaries. I do not know how you could have missed these points, as they are clearly spelled out in my original constitution

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Tokyo 2 May, 1972: It is better to forget past incidents, whatever is done is done. Let us look forward to correcting our mistakes. So far you are concerned, I am very much convinced of your sincere service. I am especially glad that the school Gurukula is improving more and more in its standard under your management. That is our real work, to educate people in spiritual life by giving them the practical example, so I wanted that the GBC would be a chosen body of men for that purpose, to see how the students are learning and reporting to me as my secretaries. I do not know how you could have missed these points, as they are clearly spelled out in my original constitution. Anyway, whatever is done, is done. So I am very glad that you are leading all others in book distribution, so you go on with your work in this way and Krishna will give you all the clear idea of how to do everything.

As far as your proposals are concerned the real thing is that we must make broader constitution of the management by GBC

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Bombay 16 December, 1974: Regarding the GBC meeting to be held in Mayapur 1975, the meeting should be held five days before the actual festival is to begin and it will be held in my presence. As far as your proposals are concerned the real thing is that we must make broader constitution of the management by GBC. But the difficulty is that our GBC men are falling victim to maya. Today I trust this GBC and tomorrow he will fall down. That is the difficulty. If the GBC men are so flickering then what to speak of the others. Unless this problem is solved whatever we may resolve it will not be very useful. We shall discuss this at our meeting. If the GBC men can ever manage properly then I shall get some time for writing my books.

Meetings

Timings

The main point about that is that the GBC, we all meet together once a year...

Conversation with the GBC -- March 27, 1975, Mayapur:

Prabhupāda: Yes. So that committee is not standing. Yet similarly, a committee may be formed for some special circumstances, but otherwise the GBC committee is sufficient.

Jayatīrtha: The main point about that is that the GBC, we all meet together once a year...

Prabhupāda: Yes. And form all, what is to be discussed, what you are going to do, future. Just like you can discuss the German affairs, and find out how to defend ourselves. Of course, it is in the hands of the lawyer. Still, we can suggest...

Points addressed

Property matters

So put this matter in the GBC meeting.

Room Conversation -- January 23, 1977, Bhuvanesvara:

Gurukṛpa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, I went to Jagannātha Purī today, and I looked at this land that Gargamuni was looking at, and I don't think it's a very good idea because it's too central. It is right with all the hotels, and therefore the atmosphere there is not a very serenic atmosphere. But just maybe one mile down the beach I saw, which is still on the main road... It is within ten minute rickshaw. The atmosphere reminds one of Lord Caitanya, and the water there is much cleaner because it is away from the sewerage of the main city, similar to our Vṛndāvana, not far off, but five or ten minutes. It is the best place in Purī.

Prabhupāda: So put this matter in the GBC meeting.

BTG

The thing is that you should not change abruptly without any sanction.

Room Conversation With Artists and About BTG -- February 25, 1977, Mayapura:

Rāmeśvara: Śrīla Prabhupāda, for this GBC meeting, I understand one of topics will be to discuss some things about Back to Godhead. So I wasn't here when you gave your instructions. So I was wondering if you could give me some idea what you want done, so I can also think about how to improve the magazine. Something is wrong in the magazine?

Prabhupāda: That...

Rāmeśvara: A few things in this last issue.

Prabhupāda: The thing is that you should not change abruptly without any sanction.

Preaching

Books distribution

Your first concern should be book and magazine distribution. We have to increase our preaching propensity

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tokyo 24 April, 1972: This program to make each and every center spiritually strong should be the duty of the GBC. So far financing, let them do in their own way, and you can simply advise them. Don't bother too much about financial matters, but your first concern should be book and magazine distribution. We have to increase our preaching propensity. That is our main business. Your reports of book distribution are very, very encouraging. The more you distribute our books and magazines, that is solid work

Management

Temples and centers

Financial

So far financing, let them do in their own way, and you can simply advise them. Don't bother too much about financial matters

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tokyo 24 April, 1972: This program to make each and every center spiritually strong should be the duty of the GBC. So far financing, let them do in their own way, and you can simply advise them. Don't bother too much about financial matters, but your first concern should be book and magazine distribution. We have to increase our preaching propensity. That is our main business. Your reports of book distribution are very, very encouraging. The more you distribute our books and magazines, that is solid work

Spiritually strong

This program to make each and every center spiritually strong should be the duty of the GBC

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Tokyo 24 April, 1972: This program to make each and every center spiritually strong should be the duty of the GBC. So far financing, let them do in their own way, and you can simply advise them. Don't bother too much about financial matters, but your first concern should be book and magazine distribution. We have to increase our preaching propensity. That is our main business. Your reports of book distribution are very, very encouraging. The more you distribute our books and magazines, that is solid work

test2

Cooperation

GBC acting as Srila Prabhupada's representatives

So you GBC men are my selected few for insuring that what I am doing will be carried on very nicely for the pleasure of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu

Letter to Madhudvisa -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972: So you GBC men are my selected few for insuring that what I am doing will be carried on very nicely for the pleasure of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So now you must all my senior disciples and leaders become very, very much aware of your grave responsibility to the human society for delivering them from the clutches of catastrophe, and be always cool-headed and utilize every moment in the best manner possible. I am successful only because I am following strictly the orders of my Guru Maharaja, and I do not deviate. Therefore people respect what I am saying and they listen because I do not say one thing and do another. So now you are doing my work and you shall be like me and be yourselves the worthy representatives of our disciplic succession.

It is for your daring and active nature that I have chosen you to represent me as GBC man for the southeast Asia zone, and I can see from your latest words that my choice has not been wrong

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Bombay 4 November, 1970: It is for your daring and active nature that I have chosen you to represent me as GBC man for the southeast Asia zone, and I can see from your latest words that my choice has not been wrong. I think that Singapore and Hong Kong are English-speaking places so that you will not find much difficulty there. So just open two nice centers immediately and that will link-up our chain of centers around the world. The basic principle of our actions should be that they are all meant for pleasing Krsna. If we act always in this consciousness automatically everyone will be attracted to devotional service, and this is the secret of our preaching work. If you simply practice the regulative principles which I have introduced you will remain pure. Factually this is our only strength. I have seen better orators, better scholars and better organizers but no one is becoming pure by following regulative principles. Simply because we rise early, take bath, chant sixteen rounds and strive with every activity to please Krsna—this is what impresses others.

I have chosen my best men to be GBC and I do not want that the GBC should be disrespectful to the temple presidents

Letter to All Governing Board Commissioners -- Honolulu 19 May, 1976: So I request you to relieve me of management responsibilities more and more so that I can complete the Srimad-Bhagavatam translation. If I am always having to manage, then I cannot do my work on the books. It is document, I have to choose each word very soberly and if I have to think of management then I cannot do this. I cannot be like these rascals who present something mental concoction to cheat the public. So this task will not be finished without the cooperation of my appointed assistants, the GBC, temple presidents, and sannyasis. I have chosen my best men to be GBC and I do not want that the GBC should be disrespectful to the temple presidents. You can naturally consult me, but if the basic principle is weak, how will things go on? So please assist me in the management so that I can be free to finish the Srimad-Bhagavatam which will be our lasting contribution to the world.

Appointed

Room Conversation -- June 26, 1975, Los Angeles:

Prabhupāda: If my disciples, advanced students, cannot answer, then I am sorry. I cannot answer. I cannot answer.

Devotee (2): That we did not know. That we did not know.

Prabhupāda: Yes. Now you know it. I have appointed so many GBCs because to help me. It is not possible to see everyone, individual. This is not...

Letter to Brhaspati -- Delhi 17 November, 1971: So far establishing Krishna Conscious schools for higher education in St. Louis, this is a very nice proposal. Let us see what develops in future. The details can be discussed between you and the GBC, whom I have appointed to manage such things.

Letter to Badarinarayana -- Delhi 18 November, 1971: I have appointed this GBC body to relieve me from the burden of administration, so I may concentrate on my writing and translation of books.

Letter to Vamanadeva -- Jaipur 21 January, 1972: I have no objection if GBC men have approved your closing of Oklahoma City center and moving to Dallas. Actually, I have appointed them to act on my behalf, so it is their responsibility now to sanction such matters and make decisions of management.

Letter to Kirtika -- Calcutta 16 February, 1972: So if the GBC which I have appointed for this task will kindly now assist me in this way, by handling very expertly and with all good consideration all matters of managing, I shall devote my full time to giving you further nice books.

Letter to Upendra -- Calcutta 19 February, 1972: I am asking my disciples to kindly give me some relief from so much administrative work and asking questions. I have appointed this GBC for that purpose, and you are also senior member, and I have given you already everything, so you please consult among yourselves if you have questions

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Sydney 2 April, 1972: Now you develop Germany very nicely, perfectly, and turn the whole nation into devotees, that is your task, and later we shall see, but I am thinking to appoint other qualified men to supervise as GBC members for Mediterranean, Near East and African countries, as these areas also need to be developed,

Letter to Rupanuga -- Sydney 4 April, 1972: I have appointed originally 12 GBC members and I have given them 12 zones for their administration and management, but simply by agreement you have changed everything, so what is this, I don't know. You mentioned that you are taking great help from Atreya Rsi, but Atreya Rsi is not a member of GBC nor has he any position in my scheme to manage the whole society.

Letter to All ISKCON Temple Presidents -- Sydney 8 April, 1972: "Atreya Rsi das was selected to be the Secretary for GBC and receive all correspondence including monthly reports. I never appointed Atreya Rsi member of the GBC, and I do not know how he can be appointed Secretary to GBC without my sanction. "He was also appointed to be on the Management Committee. with Karandhara for the purpose of supervising ISKCON business and implementing the decisions reached by GBC. This has very much disturbed me.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Honolulu May 9, 1972: Why these things are going on? I have appointed this GBC to maintain the standards. I don't do these things. I am always careful about the mail and the money. This is very serious business, if we go to so much effort to make these books available to the human society, and then no one takes care and portions are lost, and no money is paid by the temples to Book Fund, then what is the use?

Letter to Jagadisa -- Los Angeles 19 May, 1972: Now I want to retire, and you all appointed GBC men must do the work that I am doing. Therefore, I have recommended this traveling extensively for the GBC men, just as I am doing it. If I did not travel there would be no nice organization. Traveling and preaching, that is the Sankirtana movement. But now I am old man; let me retire for writing books in my last years.

Letter to Jyotirmayi -- Los Angeles 28 May, 1972: So I have appointed Bhagavan dasa adhikari to be the GBC representative for France zone and Mediterranean zone, so he shall be going there sometime this summer for taking charge of things, and I hope that you and your good husband will also go there to Paris and take charge of this French literature.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Los Angeles 16 June, 1972: I have appointed Giriraja to be the GBC zonal secretary for India zone, and I am sure that he meets your requirements of being equipoised and considerate of all the needs of all the branches under his control or jurisdiction.

Letter to Gaurasundara -- Los Angeles 26 August, 1972: If I have understood the order of my Spiritual Master rightly, then I must perform my duty under any circumstances and never one think of going away under disgust. I have appointed you to be my GBC representative in South America because I think that you are very much responsible and capable to do it, and I am very fond of you and your good wife Govinda dasi for helping me all along. So do not be disturbed or worried by some small thing, rumor, or misunderstanding. There is no plot amongst our so-called big men against you or Siddha-swarup Ananda. That is childish.

Letter to Jayadharma -- Ahmedabad 13 December, 1972: So far your question, how far should the orders of my duly appointed officers like GBC, etc., be obeyed and followed, the answer is that they must always be followed exactly as he says. Have you not heard me on this point? Why these questions are repeated again and again? This individual begging must be stopped.

Letter to Nityananda -- Bhaktivedanta Manor 17 August, 1973: Regarding the deity installation you may consult Satsvarupa Goswami your GBC secretary for this. I have appointed these GBC men to oversee and manage all the affairs of the society giving me relief to do my translation work fully.

Letter to Hrdayananda -- Vrindaban 14 March, 1974: I was pleased to appoint you as GBC of South America in the hope that you will organize the printing and distribution of my literature there, on the scale of the U.S. and European Zones. I have been informed there is a very good chance for spreading Krishna Consciousness in South America.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Geneva 2 June, 1974: I can understand that you are doing very well as GBC representative for the west coast. Therefore I am appointing you as the regular GBC representative with full standing, for heading affairs in the western region of the U.S.A. I have already instructed the president of the Seattle temple in a recent letter, to sent new initiates beads to you for chanting. I know you will discharge the duties of GBC with full responsibility, especially seeing that the spiritual life in the temples is not neglected. I am having my secretary send a newsletter to all GBC informing them of your regular GBC status.

Letter to Attorney General's Department -- Bombay 26 November, 1974: I have appointed 12 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as Governing Board Commissioners. I have appointed Madhudvisa Swami (Mr. Michael E. Morrissey) as the GBC Secretary for Australia. Mr. Morrissey is my sole agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has supreme authority there in all matters.

Letter to All Governing Board Commissioners -- Honolulu 19 May, 1976: So this task will not be finished without the cooperation of my appointed assistants, the GBC, temple presidents, and sannyasis. I have chosen my best men to be GBC and I do not want that the GBC should be disrespectful to the temple presidents. You can naturally consult me, but if the basic principle is weak, how will things go on? So please assist me in the management so that I can be free to finish the Srimad-Bhagavatam which will be our lasting contribution to the world.

GBC cooperating with themselves

Someone may be appointed by you all by mutual consultation to manage everything in Far East Zone

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Mayapur 27 February, 1972: One thing is, have you GBC members decided amongst yourselves how your zone of Far East will be managed in your absence. There must be someone there who can advise and instruct in all matters, so I think that if you are well-situated there and making such nice progress to improve our output of books, then someone may be appointed by you all by mutual consultation to manage everything in Far East Zone. I have received several inquiries on this point from responsible officers there, and they are wondering how things will go on.

Elements that prohibit cooperation

Politics

Conversation with the GBC -- March 27, 1975, Mayapur:

Atreya Ṛṣi: Like if Bhagavān dāsa is in U.S., then Satsvarūpa Mahārāja and Rūpānuga Prabhu will consult with him, like they always consult with each other.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Atreya Ṛṣi: They should always... And this spirit should go on amongst the twelve. Or if I'm in Tehran, and if there is a financial matter...

Prabhupāda: Yes. Don't bring politics. Then it will be ruined.

Atreya Ṛṣi: Yes. The spirit should be that you write me and ask me, and I will give you all the service that I can. This should come in us.

Jayatīrtha: For example, in the United States...

Atreya Ṛṣi: Not so much, necessarily, committees and formal...

Prabhupāda: So if a committee is necessary, it should be decided, first stage, decided by the GBC, and I'll give final sanction.

GBC cooperating with Temple Presidents

I do not want that the GBC should be disrespectful to the temple presidents

Letter to All Governing Board Commissioners -- Honolulu 19 May, 1976: So I request you to relieve me of management responsibilities more and more so that I can complete the Srimad-Bhagavatam translation. If I am always having to manage, then I cannot do my work on the books. It is document, I have to choose each word very soberly and if I have to think of management then I cannot do this. I cannot be like these rascals who present something mental concoction to cheat the public. So this task will not be finished without the cooperation of my appointed assistants, the GBC, temple presidents, and sannyasis. I have chosen my best men to be GBC and I do not want that the GBC should be disrespectful to the temple presidents. You can naturally consult me, but if the basic principle is weak, how will things go on? So please assist me in the management so that I can be free to finish the Srimad-Bhagavatam which will be our lasting contribution to the world.

GBC cooperating with the devotees

I hope the GBC in cooperation with the Sannyasis in their touring program will be able to keep vigilance systematically in order to keep the Society as pure as possible

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Tokyo 25 August, 1970: The Governing Body Commission's duty is therefore to see that every member is following the rules and regulations and chanting sixteen round regularly on the beads. I hope the GBC in cooperation with the Sannyasis in their touring program will be able to keep vigilance systematically in order to keep the Society as pure as possible.

Education

GBC must know Srila Prabhupada's books

Now you GBC consult them and get clear and strong idea, then there will be no disturbance. Disturbance is caused by ignorance; where there is no ignorance, there is no disturbance

Letter to Hayagriva -- Calcutta 14 September, 1970: From the very beginning I was strongly against the impersonalists and all my books are stressed on this point. So my oral instruction as well as my books are all at your service. Now you GBC consult them and get clear and strong idea, then there will be no disturbance. Disturbance is caused by ignorance; where there is no ignorance, there is no disturbance. The four Sannyasis may bark, but still the caravan will pass. There is every evidence that they are influenced by some of my fourth-class Godbrothers.

Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Nellore 5 January, 1976: Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach? In order to remain steadily fixed in Krishna consciousness there must be a sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only sentiment. Whenever you find time please read my books. Shortly we shall be introducing the system of examinations for those students who are ready for second initiation as well as sannyasa. According to the degree, devotees will be expected to read and assimilate our different books.

Gurukula

The GBC should make an injunction that if they beget children, then whatever the expenses are for supporting Gurukula they must pay for it.

Letter to Jagadisa -- Mayapur 22 January, 1976: Actually it is the responsibility of the parents to maintain Gurukula. By taxing the Temples or taking loan from the BBT the parents are being allowed to avoid their responsibility. Before having a child the parents should see whether they shall be able to pay for their child's education. The GBC should make an injunction that if they beget children, then whatever the expenses are for supporting Gurukula they must pay for it.

So let all the grhasthas who wish to, execute business full-fledgedly in the USA and in this way support Gurukula.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mayapur 22 January, 1976: So let all the grhasthas who wish to, execute business full-fledgedly in the USA and in this way support Gurukula. Business must be done by the grhasthas, not by the sannyasis or brahmacaris. Neither the sannyasis or brahmacaris can be expected to support Gurukula. The parents must take responsibility for their children, otherwise they should not have children. It is the duty of the individual parents. I am not in favor of taxing the Temples. The parents must pay for the maintenance of their children. Neither can the BBT be expected to give any loans.

Sannyasi's Role with GBC

Sannyasi's different than GBC

So now the factual administration will depend on the Governing Body Commission and the sannyasis are entrusted for making propaganda work

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Tokyo August 16, 1970: So now the factual administration will depend on the Governing Body Commission and the sannyasis are entrusted for making propaganda work. I wish to remain on the background to give you some directions. So kindly execute the missionary activities very carefully with enthusiasm, patience, conviction, follow the regulative principles, chanting regularly sixteen rounds, dealing without any duplicity, and above all keeping oneself in the society of pure devotees.

The sannyāsīs are meant for preaching and the GBC's are meant for managing

Darsana -- June 28, 1971, San Francisco:

Prabhupāda: Try to make them understand and go on preaching. The sannyāsīs are meant for preaching and the GBC's are meant for managing. In this way do it. Now you give me relief—I go on writing books, that's all. So Viṣṇujana Mahārāja, your preaching is going on nice?

Viṣṇujana: Yes, Prabhupāda.

Prabhupāda: Sannyāsī should be always preaching. Parivrājakācārya. Four stages of sannyāsa: kuṭīcaka, bahūdaka, parivrājaka, and paramahaṁsa. In the beginning... Because according to Vedic civilization everyone has to take sannyāsa at a certain age. So as a matter of routine if he takes sannyāsa... Just like this old man I was asking that "Now you have children grown up, why don't you take sannyāsa?" But he is hesitating. Nobody likes, because sannyāsa life is difficult.

Sannyasis and GBCs in the same role

Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Nellore 5 January, 1976: Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach? In order to remain steadily fixed in Krishna consciousness there must be a sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only sentiment. Whenever you find time please read my books. Shortly we shall be introducing the system of examinations for those students who are ready for second initiation as well as sannyasa. According to the degree, devotees will be expected to read and assimilate our different books.

Purity

Ideal character

The GBC must be vigilant by following the regulative principles and teach by ideal character

Letter to Rupanuga -- Tirupati 28 April, 1974: The GBC must be vigilant by following the regulative principles and teach by ideal character the presidents of the centers, and the presidents by their ideal character must teach the others then automatically all members of the whole institution will be ideal to the human society. Then we can dictate to administrators or sometimes take hold of the administration. In the absence of competent leaders we may take the post. But we must be very careful in the flow of the political movement we may not forget our ideal life.

There should be ideal life, at least the leaders, the president, the GBC. They will show the example, and they will follow

Morning Walk -- February 3, 1975, Hawaii:

Jayatīrtha: So the purpose of having the Society is to show the devotees how they can always be twenty-four hours engaged according to your instruction.

Prabhupāda: Yes, that is helping one another. If I am deficient, by seeing your example I shall correct myself. This is the idea, not that a fool's paradise: all fools and join together. Not like that. There should be ideal life, at least the leaders, the president, the GBC. They will show the example, and they will follow. Then it is beneficial. And all of them are fools? Then it is fool's paradise. At least, in the blind association, at least if one man has got eyes, then he can lead all the blind men. But if all of them are blind, then it is fool's paradise. So somehow or other, we have got now a position. People likes us. So we should not spoil by personal sense gratification. That is my request. If we can maintain this institution rigidly according to the order, then many people will be benefited. By seeing our behavior, by character, they will become. Apani ācāri prabhu jīveri śikṣāya. The leader should be ideal.

Devotee (1): We should dedicate our lives to preaching this message of Lord Caitanya.

Prabhupāda: Yes, preaching, preaching, you will become perfect preacher. Preach only what you have heard from Kṛṣṇa and guru, that's all. Don't add and subtract. Then you are secure. And if you add some concoction just like somebody says that "I may do whatever I like independently. If I chant, then everything is all right," this is nonsense addition. It is not the fact. That is the danger. Some inexperienced man, he introduces some concoction. Sometimes they say, "Prabhupāda said it." More misleading. Yes.

Now it is up to you to give protection to the sanctity of our institution. Who else is there from the GBC?

Room Conversation -- November 2, 1977, Vrndavana:

Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Just like our Back to Godhead magazine. For a while it was becoming very compromised. Actually it was becoming a little compromised. And just because we wanted... The editors were thinking that they should make it more popular, more acceptable. But our conclusion of all the GBC men was: "Popular or not, we are trying to present the ideal for the topmost men. There must be some ideal institution in the world." So we should keep it pure. And those who want the pure product, they will come and take. And others, at least they will know this is pure.

Jayādvaita: Everybody else is already a hodgepodge, so they'll allow anyone to speak because they don't have any scruples. But if we are very strict, if we don't allow anyone who's not strictly following...

Prabhupāda: Where is Brahmānanda?

Jayādvaita: Brahmānanda? Brahmānanda is resting.

Prabhupāda: So, I am on the deathbed. I may go away at any moment. Then... Now it is up to you to give protection to the sanctity of our institution. Who else is there from the GBC?

You may resume your GBC duties as secretary for the Central U.S.A. Zone. GBC means that one must be ideal Vaisnava. That means there must be strict observance in following all the rules and regulations. This is your main responsibility, and then to see that all others are following strictly. Then everything will be all right.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Jagadisa: — Vrindaban 6 September, 1974

I hope the GBC in cooperation with the Sannyasis in their touring program will be able to keep vigilance systematically in order to keep the Society as pure as possible.

Letter to Bali-mardana -- Tokyo 25 August, 1970: There are two verses in the Canakya Sloka how a family or an institution can be glorified or burned into ashes by one person. The Canakya Pandit says that if there is one tree in the forest producing nice aromatic flower, that one tree can glorify the whole forest by the flavor of its flower. Similarly if there is one tree in whose cavity there is a little fire, that one tree can burn into ashes the whole forest. So this simile is applicable anywhere. In a family if there is one good boy, he can glorify the whole family and similarly if there is bad boy he can turn the whole family into ashes. Similarly in this institution if there is a bad disciple he can burn the whole institution into ashes. The Governing Body Commission's duty is therefore to see that every member is following the rules and regulations and chanting sixteen round regularly on the beads. I hope the GBC in cooperation with the Sannyasis in their touring program will be able to keep vigilance systematically in order to keep the Society as pure as possible.

Pure Service against Motivated or no Service

And if we take it that "Here is an institution where we can have free hotel, free living and free sense gratification," then the whole institution will be spoiled. Be careful. All the GBC's, they should be careful that this mentality may not increase. Everyone should be very eager to serve, to learn how to serve

Lecture on SB 7.9.24 -- Mayapur, March 2, 1976: So that disease is going on beginning from Brahmā down to the ant. Prahlāda Mahārāja has understood this so-called false prestigious position of becoming a master. He says that "I am quite aware of this false thing. Kindly engage me..." Nija-bhṛtya-pārśvam. Nija-bhṛtya-pārśvam means just like apprentice. Apprentice, one apprentice is engaged to one expert man. By and by, the apprentice learns how to do the things. Therefore he says, nija-bhṛtya-pārśvam. "Not that immediately I become very expert servant, but let me..." Our this institution is for that purpose. If somebody comes here, the free hotel and free sleeping accommodation, then his coming to this association is useless. He must learn how to serve. Nija-bhṛtya-pārśvam. Those who are serving, the... One should learn from him how he's serving twenty-four hours; then our joining this institution will be successful. And if we take it that "Here is an institution where we can have free hotel, free living and free sense gratification," then the whole institution will be spoiled. Be careful. All the GBC's, they should be careful that this mentality may not increase. Everyone should be very eager to serve, to learn how to serve. Nija-bhṛtya-pārśvam, Then life will be successful.

Protection

Women

The policy should be that all the women are given the utmost protection. Women are looking for husbands because they feel unprotected so it is up to the senior members to give all protection to the women.

Letter to Rupanuga -- Sydney 14 February, 1973: After conferring with my various GBC representatives I have concluded that polygamy must be strictly prohibited in our society. Although it is a Vedic institution still there are so many legal implications. Neither are many of our men fixed up enough to tend for more than one wife. Polygamy will simply increase the sex life and our philosophy is to gradually decrease the sex life till eventually there is no sex life. The policy should be that all the women are given the utmost protection. Women are looking for husbands because they feel unprotected so it is up to the senior members to give all protection to the women.

Properties

Certainly the 12 GBC members are being trained up strictly under my guidance so that they will protect the interest of the society very, very carefully. All our property should be well protected

Regarding the International Trust Board, we are now expanding and so our interests should be carefully guarded. Certainly the 12 GBC members are being trained up strictly under my guidance so that they will protect the interest of the society very, very carefully. All our property should be well protected, and I think in every document my name as Founder-Acarya should be mentioned. Special care should be taken that no property can be sold or mortgaged by local managers as was done by Gaurasundara. This is my only concern.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Bali-mardana: — Vrindaban 5 September, 1974

Cows

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Mayapur 5 October, 1974:Regarding New Vrindaban I was very happy when I was there, not only myself but all devotees and GBC members all enjoyed the atmosphere of New Vrindaban, especially the cow protection scheme.

If the GBC has no objection to your going to India to help with the cow program, then I encourage you to go there. This program is very very important.

Letter to Hasyakari -- Honolulu 26 May, 1975: If the GBC has no objection to your going to India to help with the cow program, then I encourage you to go there. This program is very very important. If you can help to organize our cow program in Mayapur, it will be a great credit for you. We must be able to grow our own fodder for the cows. We don't want to have to purchase food for the cows outside from some other party. That will run into a great expense. Cow protection is the business of the vaisyas and along with our preaching, this is the most important work. We must have a good section of Brahmanas in our society and we must also have a good group of vaisyas who can grow grains and tend cows, and thus supply the society with food-grains and milk products from the cow like ghee, curd, cream, etc

Cow protection means good food and good trade. So I can give you suggestions how to manage everything, but it is up to the GBC to practically execute all these points.

Letter to Jayatirtha -- Mayapur 22 January, 1976: Another thing, is that the grhasthas may be encouraged to do agriculture. In the Indian villages like in Vrindaban, they get enough ghee for their personal use, and sufficient excess to be sold to the merchants, who then also get some money. Cow protection means good food and good trade. So I can give you suggestions how to manage everything, but it is up to the GBC to practically execute all these points.

Page Title:Draft resource paper for the development of a "service discription" document for the GBC
Compiler:Visnu Murti
Created:29 of Aug, 2008
Totals by Section:BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=1, Con=8, Let=43
No. of Quotes:52