Prabhupāda: So that is explained in the Bhagavad-gītā, that these laws, these material laws of nature, they are very strong. They are enacted by the Supreme Lord, as we understand from the Bhagavad-gītā, mayādhyakṣeṇa prakṛtiḥ sūyate sa-carācaram [Bg. 9.10]. Mayādhyakṣeṇa, "Under My superintendence." The laws... Just like laws are there; at the same time, the government has got a department which is called law and order department. The laws are going on nicely, the law and order department examines. So that examiner, departmental, may be, but the original examiner is the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa. Therefore Kṛṣṇa says, mayā adhyakṣeṇa: "Under My superintendence." Just like in our institution, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, although I am the head, still, I have got so many assistants, the GBC members. They are assisting me, departmental. Somebody is here, somebody is there. Similarly, God has departmental management, and because it is such a huge affair, there are... What is a koṭi? Koṭi means ten million? Huh? Ten millions multiplied by thirty-three. How many it comes?
Devotees: 330,000,000.ISKCON and the GBC
Expressions researched:
"gbc"
|"governing body"
|"G.B.C."
|"gbc's"
|"gbcs"
|"Governing board
|iskcon"
|"international society for krishna consciousness"
|"krsna consciousness society"
|"krsna conscious society"
|"iskcon's"
Lectures
Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures
svayambhūr nāradaḥ śambhuḥ kumāraḥ kapilo manuḥ prahlādo janako bhīṣmo balir vaiyāsakir vayam [SB 6.3.20]
That twelve men are authorized to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness. So we have to follow. Mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ [Cc. Madhya 17.186]. Therefore we have created these GBC. So they should be very responsible men. Otherwise, they will be punished. They will be punished to become a śūdra. Although Yamarāja is a GBC, but he made a little mistake. He was punished to become a śūdra. So those who are GBC's, they should be very, very careful to administer the business of ISKCON. Otherwise they will be punished. As the post is very great, similarly, the punishment is also very great. That is the difficulty. You can see from this example, Vidura. He was immediately punished. He did little mistake at Maṇḍūka... Because the ṛṣis, the munis, they will curse. Dealing is very... Even Yamarāja is not taking.Conversations and Morning Walks
1975 Conversations and Morning Walks
Prabhupāda: I think this Oath of Allegiance should be signed by the presidents also.
Jayatīrtha: That's nice.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Also.
Prabhupāda: Hm?
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Also.
Prabhupāda: Yes. Not only the GBC, but the president.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Prabhupāda?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: I just want to ask a question. We're in a... This meeting right now is concerning ISKCON and the GBC, but are we going to have some kind of meeting regarding the BBT? Because that's a very pressing matter also. Is that going to come in in these discussions, or are we going to have a separate meeting?
Prabhupāda: The BBT I am conducting personally.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: But you mentioned in Miami... This is the reason I'm bringing it up. In Miami we mentioned that we would be discussing at Māyāpur. Something, you know, should be done so that...
Prabhupāda: What is that something? The first something is that everyone is complaining that they are not getting books. You just, first of all, do it, how to stop these complaints.Prabhupāda: That you discuss, how these sources, how their maintenance should be... But BBT is already declared. It is meant for two purposes. Now you find out how the sources. That is business of GBC.
Jayatīrtha: That we can discuss afterwards?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Atreya Ṛṣi: Śrīla Prabhupāda...
Prabhupāda: The BBT, that, it should be: how the complaints should be stopped, and if they have no other income, then how things should be managed. That is... GBC should discuss.
Atreya Ṛṣi: In other words, Śrīla Prabhupāda, BBT is not outside ISKCON. BBT is part of ISKCON, and GBC is in charge of all ISKCON. But in this case, BBT, you have your personal attention, so since you are the supreme authority in ISKCON, you will...
Prabhupāda: Now, one thing is that sometimes before, Jayatīrtha suggested that if the ISKCON goes to liquidation, then the BBT also will be affected.
Atreya Ṛṣi: This is only a legal matter.
Prabhupāda: Legal matter. So I want to protect BBT.
Atreya Ṛṣi: Legally, you will want. But, in fact, GBC is also concerned...
Prabhupāda: That you are concerned. You do this—now how to stop these complaints.
Atreya Ṛṣi: Yes.
Prabhupāda: Now they want to maintain from the GBC income. How this can be avoided, you consider.
Atreya Ṛṣi: Yes. It is not something we forget because it's BBT.
Prabhupāda: Yes. But these are the important problems, that the, here in India, the members are complaining. Sometimes they are sending complaining to me. So the first business is how to, how the collection from the membership is being dispersed, how the money is being dispersed. Suppose I... He is a member. I take him, 222. Then how the money is being sent? So you see first of all that...
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: This is a GBC matter.
Prabhupāda: Yes. This is GBC matter.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Prabhupāda?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: I would like to ask a question. Just like in the... Now, this is one point to consider. Now, another point is, which we have put off until this meeting, especially to be considered in this meeting, is the moving of the Press. The moving of ISKCON Press. Is that...
Prabhupāda: That you decide amongst the GBC.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Is that a GBC matter or BBT matter?
Prabhupāda: No. It is GBC, er, yeah, GBC.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The GBC.
Prabhupāda: Yes. I want to see, as the chairman of the BBT, that fifty percent is spent on printing and fifty percent is for constructing temples. That's all.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: And who sees to that? The GBC?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The GBC.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa said: That means, practically speaking, the management... The BBT is separate from ISKCON for legal purposes, but the management of it is done by the GBC.
Prabhupāda: Yes. That's nice.
Atreya Ṛṣi: However, at the present, Prabhupāda himself is heading this management.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: He's heading every management.
Atreya Ṛṣi: But in this particular case he's heading it very particularly. This is something...
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Yes.
Atreya Ṛṣi: Because it's very sensitive issue. It doesn't mean separate.
Rūpānuga: But now, we discussed this... We discussed this before, Śrīla Prabhupāda. You said that you didn't... You wanted to make some more BBT members.
Prabhupāda: If I require, I can make.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The reason I'm bringing this up is because, heretofore, the BBT has been managed by one or two trustees, and the point is that maybe it is best that it be managed by the GBC.
Prabhupāda: So that... First of all manage these things. Then you will, it will be included in the trustees. First of all show your capacity that you have managed these things very nicely, these two things. Why there should be complaint? How you can solve it? And why the temples should be maintained by collection of the BBT? It is meant for printing and constructing temples. Why should (we) violate the purpose of the Trust? So first of all you manage these two things. Then, if you want, you can come. If the problem remains the same, then what is the use of increasing heads?
Atreya Ṛṣi: What is obvious is that Prabhupāda's interference has always come because we have not done our jobs right.
Prabhupāda: Yes.Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Prabhupāda?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: I would like to ask a question. Just like in the... Now, this is one point to consider. Now, another point is, which we have put off until this meeting, especially to be considered in this meeting, is the moving of the Press. The moving of ISKCON Press. Is that...
Prabhupāda: That you decide amongst the GBC.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Is that a GBC matter or BBT matter?
Prabhupāda: No. It is GBC, er, yeah, GBC.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The GBC.
Prabhupāda: Yes. I want to see, as the chairman of the BBT, that fifty percent is spent on printing and fifty percent is for constructing temples. That's all.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: And who sees to that? The GBC?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The GBC.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: That means, practically speaking, the management... The BBT is separate from ISKCON for legal purposes, but the management of it is done by the GBC.
Prabhupāda: Yes. That's nice.
Atreya Ṛṣi: However, at the present, Prabhupāda himself is heading this management.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: He's heading every management.
Atreya Ṛṣi: But in this particular case he's heading it very particularly. This is something...
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Yes.
Atreya Ṛṣi: Because it's very sensitive issue. It doesn't mean separate.
Rūpānuga: But now, we discussed this... We discussed this before, Śrīla Prabhupāda. You said that you didn't... You wanted to make some more BBT members.
Prabhupāda: If I require, I can make.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The reason I'm bringing this up is because, heretofore, the BBT has been managed by one or two trustees, and the point is that maybe it is best that it be managed by the GBC.
Prabhupāda: So that... First of all manage these things. Then you will, it will be included in the trustees. First of all show your capacity that you have managed these things very nicely, these two things. Why there should be complaint? How you can solve it? And why the temples should be maintained by collection of the BBT? It is meant for printing and constructing temples. Why should (we) violate the purpose of the Trust? So first of all you manage these two things. Then, if you want, you can come. If the problem remains the same, then what is the use of increasing heads?1976 Conversations and Morning Walks
Madhudviṣa: The subjects that we're going to be discussing today in the GBC meeting is about the role of sannyāsī and brahmacārī and gṛhastha in ISKCON. And in the Eighteenth Chapter of Bhagavad-gītā, in one of your purports, you say that a sannyāsī should never discourage a young man from becoming, from getting married. But on the other hand, we have understood that a sannyāsī should encourage young men to remain brahmacārī. So it seems to me like there's some kind of a...
Prabhupāda: According to time, circumstances. Just like Kṛṣṇa says, niyataṁ kuru karma tvam: "Always be engaged in your prescribed work." And, at last, He says, sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja [Bg. 18.66]. Now we have to adjust. That is not contradiction. That is suitable to the time and circumstance. Karma is also recommended in the Vedas. Karma-kāṇḍa. There are three divisions: karma-kāṇḍa, jñāna-kaṇḍa and upāsanā-kāṇḍa. Trayi. Therefore Veda is known as, what is called, trio. The trio word has come from "trayi."Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The procession was very well attended.
Prabhupāda: Television.
Bali-mardana: Oh, yes, ABC, CBS, and Channel Five.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: All of the GBC men said it was the biggest single festival ever held in ISKCON's history. They all admitted that there was no festival ever held anywhere, even in India, no single festival in India. There was not any one day at any pandal where there was that many people who took prasādam and who attended such a long procession for two hours.
Prabhupāda: I think in the beginning... (microphone rattling) You were there.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: I was there. Yeah, that was pretty big. In 1969, that was gigantic.
Prabhupāda: That was also very big. And there was also a crazy man.Satsvarūpa: Then we switched onto other topics. There was a resolution that there will be no marriages of girls until they are sixteen years old, not before.
Pañcadraviḍa: What about the schools?
Gargamuni: That's for America.
Rāmeśvara: In America.
Satsvarūpa: In America. The next resolution is that each GBC member is advised to take a turn as Śrīla Prabhupāda's secretary and they should approach Tamāla Kṛṣṇa Mahārāja for that assignment. Then another resolution: All devotees are expected to shave their heads once a month. If there is a necessity to keep hair, it shall not be longer than it would grow in one month. Next resolution: Individual GBC members are responsible for their presidents signing the oaths of allegiance to ISKCON and Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Pañcadraviḍa: Can I say one thing? I think we should say that to Śrīla Prabhupāda that this resolution regarding the women was also to establish schools for them to protect them from local laws, to establish schools where they can learn domestic arts.
Rāmeśvara: That's true.
Pañcadraviḍa: That was passed.
Satsvarūpa: Resolved: Tuṣṭa Kṛṣṇa's group in New Zealand and Siddha-svarūpānanda Swami in Hawaii should pay the same price for BBT books as the temples in the ISKCON, not less, as they are paying now. It is well known that these groups preach actively against ISKCON. In response, although we should point out their philosophic defects, we should not directly confront them but remain aloof from...
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: In other words, no fighting with them.
Prabhupāda: This is to give them chance. They are chanting. Some way or other, keep them alive.1977 Conversations and Morning Walks
Girirāja: So we've included those points and the points in your brief will. Should I read it?
Prabhupāda: Hm?
Girirāja: Then we can type it. "I, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder-Ācārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, settler of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and disciple of Oṁ Viṣṇupāda 108 Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Mahārāja Prabhupāda, presently residing at Śrī Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma Mandir in Vṛndāvana, make this, my last will. 1. The Governing Body Commission, GBC, will be the trustees of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness."
Prabhupāda: You can... Then there will be question, "The trust deed will be given? Then there will tax."
Girirāja: No, because the ISKCON trust is already there, and ISKCON is already tax exempt. The only difficulty is if you create a new trust.
Prabhupāda: No, no new trust.
Girirāja: No.
Prabhupāda: Instead of trustees...
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Use a different word.
Prabhupāda: Ah!
Rāmeśvara: Not to apply in trust.
Girirāja: Oh, I see.
Rāmeśvara: It's a different word.
Prabhupāda: Supreme managers.
Gopāla Kṛṣṇa: Supreme managers. (laughter)
Prabhupāda: Or the ultimate managers, like that.
Gopāla Kṛṣṇa: The ultimate executives?
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Yes, the executors.
Gopāla Kṛṣṇa: Ultimate executors.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Or commissioners. You have...
Prabhupāda: Hm. Yes, commissioners.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Commissioner is good, 'cause it's already...
Prabhupāda: Use such word.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Use a word that's proper.
Girirāja: Okay.Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Fixed deposits are in the name of... Five lakhs are in the name of Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma Temple Maintenance account, and five lakhs, sixty thousand in the name of Māyāpura-Vṛndāvana Trust.
Prabhupāda: Oh. So where they will kept?
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: The interest or the fixed deposits? The fixed deposits are in Delhi, and the interest, for now, for the next few months, I am instructing the bank to continue to transfer to the accounts here in Vṛndāvana that it's always been given to. Then when the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust account is opened, I will issue a fresh instruction to the Parliament Street bank that the interest money should be transferred to that account in Navadvīpa or wherever we open the account. My idea was simply that since the money is to be spent in Gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi, then when we write checks out, etcetera, from that account, it's much easier to encash it rather than having to go to Delhi for encashment.
Prabhupāda: No, why Gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi? Whenever needed...
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Well, you said that the purpose of the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust was for development of Gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi. That was your original... At least that's what you initially told us.
Prabhupāda: Mm. Which is better? Which is better?
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: That it should be just for Gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi or general?
Prabhupāda: Eh?
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Well, I think it's better for Gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi. Because for general, we have ISKCON. For general, we have the... I'll explain, Śrīla Prabhupāda. For general, the GBC has formed the Māyāpura-Vṛndāvana Committee. That is more or less... Your original name of it was Māyāpura-Vṛndāvana Trust. So we've formed a Māyāpura-Vṛndāvana Committee made up of the following seven people: Jayapatākā Mahārāja, Gopāla Kṛṣṇa Prabhu, Girirāja, myself, Rāmeśvara, and Gurukṛpā Mahārāja and Ātreya Ṛṣi. so these seven meet, and they divide up the money that comes from all the interest of the fixed deposits in India, and they will recommend how that money should be spent. Once a year they will consider at Māyāpura all the different requests from Bhuvaneśvara, from Māyāpura, from Bombay, from Vṛndāvana, everywhere, and they will divide up the interest accordingly. So the Bhaktivedanta Charity Trust could be simply for the Gauḍa-maṇḍala-bhūmi area. That was my idea.
Prabhupāda: Whichever suitable.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: What, Śrīla Prabhupāda?
Prabhupāda: Which is suitable.Correspondence
1970 Correspondence
I am getting older day by day, so if I can see in my lifetime that all of you have opened at least 108 branches of ISKCON institution that will be a great pleasure for me.
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.1971 Correspondence
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Resolved in a meeting of the International Society For Krishna Consciousness held in Calcutta at 3, Albert Road, Calcutta 16 in the presence of the Acarya Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, GBC Secretary Tamala Krishna Das Adhikari and initiated members as Ksirodakasayi Das Adhikari (Kedar Natha Gupta) and Revatinandana Das Brahmacari (Robert Stephen Cusimano) that a checking account of the society be opened in Central Bank of India, Delhi and Ksirodakasayi Das Adhikari (Kedar Natha Gupta) and Revatinandana Das Brahmacari (Robert Stephen Cusimano) will jointly sign the checks. Their specimen signatures are as under.
- Tamala Krishna Das Adhikari
- Secretary GBC
- Acarya
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
- Ksirodakasayi Das Adhikari
- Kedar Natha Gupta)
- Revatinandana Das Brahmacari
- Robert Stephen Cusimano)
Professor G. G. Kotovsky
Head, Department of Indian and South Asian Studies
Institute of Oriental Studies
USSR Academy of Sciences
Armyansky Perlk 2
Moscow, USSR.
Dear Professor Kotovsky,
Please accept my greetings. I beg to inform you that a copy of your letter dated 16th March, 1971 was forwarded to me by Sriman Krsna das Adhikari, Governing Body Commission member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness; c/o Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple; 2 Hamburg 6; Bartelstrasse 65; and it was understood that you and your university are interested in hearing about Krishna culture and philosophy. This ancient Krishna culture and philosophy is the oldest in the world or in the universe. At least from a historical point of view it is not less than 5,000 years old. Perhaps you may know that I have started this cultural movement since 1966 and it is already spreading all over the world. Krishna culture is so popular in India that even the government attracts many foreigners by Air India timetable to visit Vrindaban, the land of Krishna culture. Enclosed please find one page from the latest Air India timetable (April, 1971) wherein the Krishna culture is depicted for general attraction.
My life is dedicated to spreading this Krishna culture all over the world. I think if you give me a chance to speak about the great Krishna culture and philosophy in your country, you will very much appreciate the simple programme with great profit. This culture is so well planned that it would be acceptable by any thoughtful man throughout the whole world.1972 Correspondence
- To:
- The Manager
- The Punjab National Bank, Ltd.
- Vrindaban, U.P.
Dear sir,
The following is a copy of resolution passed by the Governing Body of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, at a meeting of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness held on 14/3/1972, during which the following resolution was passed:
RESOLVED that a Current Account of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness be opened with the Punjab National Bank Ltd., at Vrindaban.
That the said Bank is hereby authorized to honor all checks or other orders drawn and to accept and act upon receipts for moneys deposited with or owing by the Bank on the account or accounts at any time or times kept or to be kept in the name of the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness with the Bank and also to honor bills accepted or notes made on behalf of the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness provided such checks, orders, receipts, bills or notes are signed by
KSIRODAKASAYI DAS ADHIKARI, President for the time being and countersigned by GURUDASA ADHIKARI, Secretary, or by KASHI RAM SARAF, Treasurer for the time being and to debit such checks, orders, receipts, bills or notes to the said account or accounts whether the same be for the time being in credit or overdrawn and to accept the endorsement of any two on checks or other orders, bills or notes payable to the said International Society for Krishna Consciousness. That the bank be furnished with a list of the names of the members/directors constituting the Governing Body for the time being and a copy of the rules and regulations/Memorandum and Articles of Association of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and be from time to time informed by notice in writing under the hand of the Chairman of any changes which may take place therein. The Bank shall be entitled to act upon any such notice until the receipt of further notice under the hand of the Chairman.
That this Resolution be communicated to the Bank, and remain in force until notice in writing is given to the Bank by the Chairman.
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
- Chairman
- Syamasundara. das Adhikari
- Secretary
- MEMO TO ALL ISKCON TEMPLE PRESIDENTS:
My dear ___
Please accept my blessings. I beg to inform you that recently some of the Governing Body Commission members held a meeting at New York on 25th through 28th March, 1972, and they have sent me a big big minutes, duplicated, for my consideration and approval, but in the meantime they have decided some appointments without consulting me. One of the items which struck me very much is as follows:
"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.
Sriman Atreya Rsi das may be very expert, but without my say he has been given so much power and this has upset my brain. I also understand that immediate actions are going to take place even prior to my permission, and that, also, "without divulging to the devotees(!)
I do not follow exactly what is the motive of the so-called GBC meeting, therefore I have sent the telegram which you will find attached herewith, and I have received the replies as well.
Under these circumstances, I AUTHORIZE YOU TO DISREGARD FOR THE TIME BEING ANY DECISION FROM THE GBC MEN UNTIL MY FURTHER INSTRUCTION.
You manage your affairs peacefully and independently, and try to improve the spiritual atmosphere of the centers more carefully.
I shall be very glad to know the names of your assistants such as Secretary, Treasurer and Accountant. Finally, I beg to repeat that ALL GBC ORDERS ARE SUSPENDED HEREWITH BY ME UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
You may reply me at ISKCON Tokyo. Hoping this meets you in very good health and advanced spiritual mood.
- Your ever well-wisher,
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
- ACBS/sda
- ALL GLORIES TO SRI GURU AND GAURANGA TO ALL TEMPLE PRESIDENTS
Dear Prabhus,
Please accept my most worthless obeisances. I am presently in Japan with Srila Prabhupada and we are meeting conjointly with Dai Nippon to organize book production. As a follow up to Srila Prabhupada's letter to all Temple Presidents of April 9, His Divine Grace has instructed me to inform you all of the following: The formula for ISKCON organization is very simple and can be understood by everyone. The world is divided into twelve zones. For each zone there is one zonal secretary appointed by Srila Prabhupada. The zonal secretaries duty is to see that the spiritual principles are being upheld very nicely in all the Temples of his zone. Otherwise each Temple shall be independent and self-supporting. Let every Temple President work according to his own capacity to improve the Krishna Consciousness of his center. So far the practical management is concerned, that is required, but not that we should become too much absorbed in fancy organization. Our business is spiritual life, so whatever organization needs to be done, the Presidents may handle and take advice and assistance from their GBC representative. In this way let the Societies work go on and everyone increase their service at their own creative rate.
Now, so far the BTG and Book Funds are concerned, these matters shall be managed separately from the GBC by a body known as The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. The Book Trust shall be comprised of Srila Prabhupada, Karandhara dasa, and Bali Mardan dasa. They shall combinedly collect the sales proceeds from each Center and utilize all funds for the printing of Srila Prabhupada's books and the construction of ISKCON Centers all over the world. Not a farthing is to be spent for any other purpose.
The Book Trust shall see to the printing and distribution to Centers of books and magazines and it will be the serious responsibility of each Temple President to see that the billed amounts for these are paid to the BTG and Book Funds regularly. The billings and collections shall come from and to Los Angeles where Karandhara dasa will collect and keep accounts. We request that everyone will take these formulas to heart and execute them very conscientiously. In this way we shall certainly be successful in pushing on this movement.
- All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
- APPROVED: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of ISKCON
- Your lowly servant at Prabhupada's lotus feet,
- Karandhara dasa Adhikari
- c.c. To all ISKCON Temple Presidents
1973 Correspondence
1974 Correspondence
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to certify that I as the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, appoint the following persons as the authorized officers of our Nairobi branch, and only they can represent the Society and conduct the affairs in their respective capacities.
1. Brahmananda Swami—GBC Zonal Secretary
2. Bhagavata Das Brahmacari—President
3. Paramesvari Das Brahmacari—Vice President
4. Prabhanu das Brahmacari—Treasurer
- For INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS,
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya
- Brahmananda Swami, GBC Zonal Secretary, Africa
Dear Karandhara Prabhu:
Please accept my humble obeisances. I have received your letter with enclosure dated August 21, 1974 and presented your proposal to Srila Prabhupada of his writing a memo to the negligent temples. The following was his reply:
"I am not going to manage Spiritual Sky. This is ridiculous. Why they are dragging me into the management. Now the acharya is meant for handling business? Jayatirtha should handle this. He is the manager. Jayatirtha and Karandhara are the chief men. they should manage. Why I have to manage? They have big, big brains. Why they are failing? Now the Founder-Acarya has to manage. Without my consent the BBT has financed."
He has suggested that the GBC take steps to correct the Spiritual Sky mismanagement, and that local GBC men request the temples under their jurisdiction of those listed in your letter to pay instead of Srila Prabhupada writing himself. He said that this is not the business of the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON.
- A memo to all GBC is being sent in this regard.
- I hope this meets you in good health.
- Your servant,
- Brahmananda Swami
- Personal Secretary
DRAFT OF ADDITIONS TO MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION FOR CALCUTTA REGISTRATION
5B There shall be a Governing Body Commission whose purpose is to act as the instrument for the execution of the will of the Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The GBC members will be initially selected by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. It will oversee all operations and management of ISKCON, as it receives direction from Srila Prabhupada, and Srila Prabhupada has the final approval in all matters.
(m) To perform extensive research work in Sanskrit and Bengali literature of historic texts of Vaisnavism such as Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhakti Rasamrtia Sinduh, etc. and to distribute this research work throughout educational institutions all over the world, regardless of race, color or creed, and religion.
(n) To promote Vedic research work in the area of argiculture and animal husbandry, and alternative energy sources according to the historic Vedic texts for the sound and healthy development of body, mind, and soul; and to promote and distribute this research work.
(c) To perform research work into the ancient Vedic educational schemes such as Gurukula as well the development of the individual through yoga and to promote and distribute this research work throughout India and the world.
- Seen:
- ACBS
- Letter to: Attorney General's Department
- Canberra
Dear Sir:
This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON and the world leader for all of its branches. 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.
- Signed,
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
- Founder-Acarya
- ACBS/bs
1976 Correspondence
- Foreigners' Registration Office,
- Calcutta
- Dear Sir:
Please be advised that my student, Mr. Gregory M. Scharf (Gargamuni Swami) was sent here to India by me for his immediate assistance was required. In New York he was told at the Indian High Commission that an entry visa would take 11 weeks, however, I required his assistance immediately, so he arrived on a tourist visa. Since his service here in India is valuable as GBC (Governing Body Commissioner) for our branch in Mayapur, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, kindly give him visa. Your willing assistance in this matter will be much helpful.
- Your sincerely,
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
- ACBS/pks
Dear Mrs. Blasko, Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated March 12, 1976 and I have noted the contents with care.
Now that the Dallas Gurukula has been closed we have opened many smaller regional Gurukulas on some of our farming communities, such as our farms in Vancouver, Pennsylvania, and also Mississippi as well as others. It is best if you go to one of these regional Gurukulas where you can be nicely engaged in Krishna's service, and your young daughter can go to Gurukula.
Concerning the 88 acres of land there in Alabama, you can contact our GBC secretary for that area, Balavanta das Adhikari, c/o Iskcon Atlanta, 1287 Ponce de Leon Ave., N.B., Atlanta, Georgia 30306. He can assist you in this connection.I have replied to Ramesvara as follows:
Regarding the Fiji situation, your solution to amend the constitution is nice. Let Vasudeva become president. Your idea to sell BTGs, collect donations, hold kirtanas and distribute prasada profusely, yes, do that. I was given the impression that this temple was to be controlled by the Punja family and our devotees would not have any hand. This was the impression given. We want that a very nice relationship be kept with Vasudeva. It was wanted that he follows our instructions including following the GBC, so that everything can go on nicely. Let one brother be president and one treasurer, and give one good man who can act as secretary. I have not lost confidence in Vasudeva. Now the matter is clear; I'm very much pleased with him so let him remain president and that will please him more, and his brother, treasurer, with one secretary. If the temple remains permanently in Iskcon Fiji's name and cannot be sold, that is very nice; it is not for selling, it is for improving more and more.1977 Correspondence
- The Secretary
- Attorney General's Department
- Canberra, A.C.T. 2600
- Australia
Dear Sir,
This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the world leader for all of its branches. I have appointed 18 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as Governing Body Commissioners. I have appointed Bali Mardan dasa Adhikari (William Berke) as the Governing Body Commissioner for Australia. Mr. Berke is my direct agent in Australia and my official representative, and he has executive authority there in all matters.
- Signed:
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
- Founder-Acarya
- ACBS/rds
| Page Title: | ISKCON and the GBC |
| Compiler: | Visnu Murti |
| Created: | 06 of Jan, 2009 |
| Totals by Section: | BG=0, SB=0, CC=0, OB=0, Lec=2, Con=8, Let=32 |
| No. of Quotes: | 42 |