International Society for Krishna Consciousness – Website of the Governing Body Commission – The Official Website of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), established the Governing Body Commission (GBC) to be the ultimate managing authority for the society. In ISKCON’s Direction of Management written on July 28, 1970, Srila Prabhupada states:

As we have increased our volume of activities, now I think a Governing Body Commission (hereinafter referred to as the GBC) should be established. I am getting old, 75 years old, therefore at any time I may be out of the scene, therefore I think it is necessary to give instruction to my disciples how they shall manage the whole institution. They are already managing individual centers represented by one president, one secretary and one treasurer, and in my opinion they are doing nice. But we want still more improvement in the standard of temple management, propaganda for Krishna consciousness, distribution of books and literatures, opening of new centers and educating devotees to the right standard.

Srila Prabhupada reaffirmed the position of the GBC in his final will drafted in June, 1977:

The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Through legal documents, training, and discourse, Srila Prabhupada clearly identified the GBC as the highest managerial body in ISKCON.

At present, the GBC body is comprised of thirty-four members who are individually responsible for overseeing the management and spiritual standards of ISKCON centers in assigned geographic regions. GBC members also supervise specific projects, initiatives, and ministries. Following the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, the GBC body convenes yearly in Mayapur, West Bengal for their Annual General Meeting, during which time they discuss proposals, specific issues and projects within ISKCON, and pass resolutions by way of a voting process.

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ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for

ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

1 week ago

GBC MEETING HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 10 May 2024 The GBC Executive Committee (EC) convened a special general meeting on 10 May 2024 to discuss two topics: 1) the smooth transition of responsibilities for Gopal Krishna Goswami’s zones following his passing, and, 2) Jayapataka Swami’s health update and additional support for his zones1. Smooth Transition Of Responsibilities For Gopal Krishna Goswami’s Zone Following His Passing:Members reflected on a lifetime of tireless services rendered by Gopal Krishna Goswami both in India, and in the West. A few members reminisced about Gopal Krishna Goswami and glorified his exceptional contribution to Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON.Guru Prasad Swami, Chair of the GBC, conveyed his appreciation to the members for their participation in addressing this important issue. Tapana Misra Das shared a thorough narrative of Gopal Krishna Goswami's passing and the darshan and samadhi ceremonies held at ISKCON Delhi and ISKCON Vrindavan respectively. Tapan Mishra Das had read the GBC’s tributes on their behalf at Gopal Krishna Goswami’s memorial held at ISKCON VrindavanThe GBC reviewed the extensive list of zones managed by Gopal Krishna Goswami, including India, Central and East Africa, South Russia, and Canada, and discussed a way forward for transitioning leadership smoothly. Gopal Krishna Goswami recommended Guru Prasad Swami as his Co-GBC for India — an arrangement which Gopal Krishna Maharaja initiated some months ago.Guru Prasad Swami confirmed his willingness to assume this role, which the GBC members approved. The GBC resolved to appoint Guru Prasad Swami as the GBC Zonal Secretary for Gopal Krishna Goswami's Indian zones until the 2025 AGM, with a review at that time.For zones outside India, the GBC EC will temporarily oversee these zones until the 2025 AGM, working in consultation with relevant Regional Governing Bodies and other local leaders. This was accepted as a transitional measure and follows established GBC precedence. It was also resolved that the GBC Body recommends the nomination of Rishi Kumara Das, Rukmini Krishna Das and Sundar Gopal Das as Zonal Supervisors for the zones presented.The GBC is fully committed to supporting the disciples and zones of Gopal Krishna Goswami and serving in the spirit of unity and cooperation for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada, as Gopal Krishna Goswami exemplified.2. Jayapataka Swami’s Health Update And Management Of His Zones:Revati Raman Das and Tapana Misra Das provided updates on their visit to Jayapataka Swami in Delhi, where Maharaja remains hospitalised and continues to receive dialysis and other treatments. The GBC was relieved to hear that Maharaja's health was stable and improving. The GBC addressed the importance of strengthening the leadership capacity in the areas under Jayapataka Swami's management. The GBC resolved that the GBC EC will consult and engage with Jayapataka Swami and relevant leaders to support and where necessary reinforce leadership capacity in zones where Jayapataka Swami serves as the sole GBC and if required, in zones where Jayapataka Swami serves as Co-GBC.- Issued by GBC Communications ... See MoreSee Less

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ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

2 weeks ago

Dear Maharajs & Prabhus,Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.This morning, at 9:20 am IST, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, one of theseniormost disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta SwamiPrabhupada, departed from this world.Maharaj is a pillar of the International Society for Krishna Consciousnessand has served tirelessly in practically every leadership capacity tosupport and expand the mission of his spiritual master.Even before his first meeting with Srila Prabhupada in Montreal, Canada in1968, Maharaj, known as Gopal Krishna from his very birth, was given theservice of cleaning and preparing Srila Prabhupada's rooms for his arrival.Since then, Maharaj has literally and figuratively dedicated his life tokeeping Srila Prabhupada's house in order.Srila Prabhupada immediately took great interest in the thoughtful youngIndian man who sat attentively through every lecture and they soon beganregular correspondence. Soon thereafter, Srila Prabhupada initiated Maharajas Gopal Krishna Das and thus began a lifetime of service beyond compare.Maharaj served for years as Srila Prabhupada's personal secretary and wasappointed by Srila Prabhupada as a Governing Body Commissioner in 1975 withresponsibility to oversee all of ISKCON India. Srila Prabhupada thereafterentrusted Maharaj with the task so dear to his heart -- the printing of histranscendental books.From that time, Maharaj has been an emblem of book distribution, sharing ofKrishna consciousness, building beautiful temples, and managing theinternational affairs of Srila Prabhupada's mission, all the while remaininga gentle, humble Vaisnava who always has a moment to encourage others withhis genuine care and affection. In addition, Maharaj's sadhana isimpeccible, often on the temple altar offering mangala-arati to the deitiesbefore completing the morning program, taking a japa walk, and thenworshipping his own deities prior to commencing a full day of dynamicservice.His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaj personifies all that is at the heart ofISKCON and will remain eternally revered and loved for his matchlessservice, dedication, and expertise in knowing and serving Srila Prabhupada'swill. We can only pray that we may each be blessed with but a drop of suchcourage, focus, and sincerity to serve, though never will the void of hisphysical presence be filled in our hearts or in our society.Our hearts and heads remain at the feet of His Holines Gopal Krishna GoswamiMaharaj, a most exemplary disciple, devotee, godbrother, spiritual master,and friend.Maharaj has always encouraged us to work together cooperatively to supportand assist each other in Srila Prabhupada's service. In that mood ofservice, we offer our affectionate prayers and support to Maharaj'sdisciples and all those berefth in Maharaj's absence. We encourage you totake shelter of Maharaj's instructions and example of focused sadhana andservice in the association of our ISKCON family.His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj ki jaya!Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!Hare Krishna,Your servants,Guru Prasad SwamiTapana Misra DasGovardhana Das,GBC Executive Committee ... See MoreSee Less

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ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

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Respected Maharajas, Prabhujis, and Matajis,Jai Om Nitya Lila pravishtha Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Ashtottara Shata Sri srimad Srila Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja ki jai. With our hearts broken but reconciled to Krishna's plan, we seek to announce the unfortunate departure of Srila Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja and his auspicious entry into the eternal pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana Hanuman and Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha.Gurudeva will travel to Delhi and then to Sri Vrindavan Dhama.We will send more details later. Please don't rush to Dehradun.Your servants HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Shishya Samooha5th May, 2024 9.20am ISTCamp: Synergy Institute of Medical Sciences Dehradun ... See MoreSee Less

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ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

1 month ago

SAVE THE DATE: ISKCON LEADERSHIP SANGA (ILS) 2025Dear Leaders,Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.The GBC is pleased to announce the next ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS) 2025.About ILS: The ILS has been the prime gathering of ISKCON’s current and future leaders since its inception in 2012. Srila Prabhupada instructed the leaders of his society to gather once a year at Sri Mayapur. The ILS offers leaders an opportunity to engage and associate with leaders from around the world, share experiences and insights and discuss common challenges and successes with others performing similar services. This upcoming ILS will place special emphasis on our Temple Presidents. If you currently serve in this role within ISKCON, we request your participation in this significant event.Event Details:Date: 18 February - 21 February 2025Location: Mayapur, IndiaPlease save the date in your calendars. More detailed information about the event will be shared in the coming months.- Issued by GBC Communications ... See MoreSee Less

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ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC)

1 month ago

GBC MEETING HIGHLIGHTS REPORT3 April 2024We are pleased to present the GBC Online Meeting Report for 3 April 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of the online GBC meeting and the key topics discussed.The meeting commenced with a reading by Prahladananda Swami from Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10. The main topics discussed during the meeting were the final preliminary discussion on Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina in ISKCON and the GBC Executive Support Office (ESO) Work Plan. 1. Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina Paper: Badrinarayan Swami presented the Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina paper, which underwent a step-by-step review by the GBC members during Zoom meetings arranged by the GBC Executive Committee (EC) on 24 January, 2024, and 7 February, 2024. The paper focuses on the relationship between ISKCON, the GBC, the diksha guru, and the disciple, emphasizing defining principles for spiritual masters, disciples, and various managerial authorities. The paper is divided into two parts: part one outlines principles related to guru services, while the second part aims to build on the foundation of these principles. During the meeting, Badrinayaran Swami led the review of the concluding section of Part One of the paper relating to ‘Principles of Project’ and the ‘Conclusion’. The section on ‘Principles of Project’ stated the general principles that all diksha-guru inspired projects should adopt. The ‘Conclusion’ section noted the absence of clear standards regarding ‘guru-dakshina’ and ‘guru inspired projects’ and outlined how this proposal is of deep importance as it will provide standards and guidelines to help diksha-gurus act according to expected practices. The proposal aims to foster harmonious working relationships between ISKCON’s diksha-gurus, other ISKCON leaders, local temples and the ISKCON community. Once finalised and approved by the GBC, a committee will be established to lead the implementation of these principles and establish the relevant supporting structures.An overview of the paper was presented by Badrinarayan Swami to attendees at the Sanga for GBC, Guru and Sannyasi (SGGS) on 6 March 2024 at Mayapur for information and feedback. 2. ESO Work Plan Proposal: The Organizational Development (Org Dev) Committee, a non-executive arm of the GBC, submitted the ‘GBC ESO Work Plan' proposal. The GBC Executive Support Office (ESO) is a new office that seeks to improve the cohesion and effectiveness of the GBC and GBC EC focusing on: - Improving governance- Enhancing administrative throughput- Increasing alignment between the respective offices, committees, ministries, and their interactions with the GBC and other stakeholders- Improving GBC communications and engagement The workplan which was approved by the GBC outlines the short, medium and long-term priorities for the ESO in support of the above objectives. The ESO was established by the GBC mid 2023 and after a six month onboarding and integration process the team have now officially begun their service. The ESO is comprised of four directors who have deep managerial expertise, serving both in an ISKCON context and in a secular context. The Directors are Nanda Kishor Dasa (Executive Director), Jayalalita Devi Dasi (Director, Support to Ministries & Standing Committees), Krsnanaam Dasa (Director, Corporate Services) and Parijata Devi Dasi (Director, GBC Communications). - Issued by GBC Communications ... See MoreSee Less

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