Mar 16, 2017 — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (SUN) —
Srila Prabhupada gives a warning to our GBC men in Geneva on June 4th, 1974. He says our GBC have to be responsible men who must follow. If they fail to do that they will be punished. He gives the comparison to Yamaraja, who was cursed to become a sudra although he was one of the 12 mahajanas. He says the mahajans are like Krishna's GBC; those who take up high posts can expect high punishment if there is wrong doing.
Srila Prabhupada also quotes verses in London, August 17th 1971, Gita 9.10 stating, Krishna says that everything is done under my supervision as Krishna is doing, so in the same way I have my GBC. Everything should be done under... my... supervision and... my… GBC should see to it.
On March 27th, 1975 Prabhupada speaks about an Oath of Allegiance that should be signed by the GBC and all temple presidents, and we also know he spoke of an ISKCON Constitution. So for the protection of all presidents and GBC men there is a need for them to sign an Oath of Allegiance, and there is a need for a clear constitution. And although Srila Prabhupada said, think of many innovative ways to spread Krishna consciousness, they must be within the framework of what the twelve Mahajans give and what our acaryas have ordered, and their purpose is to give the real purpose of religion -- to attain love of God through the chanting of His names, as quoted in Srimad Bhagavatam.6.3.22, including purport.
Further indication of the authorised activities of ISKCON can be found in Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila 19.167 purport. Srila Prabhupada speaks on man mana bhava nad-bhakto, and how this is to be preached through the Gita from all angles, politically, socially, economically, philosophically, and religiously. And perhaps we can add scientifically, as Prabhupada formed the Bhaktivedanta Institute and understood the importance of the preaching.
Prabhupada says the criterion is that the devotee must know what Krishna wants of him. This understanding is given to him through the medium of the bone fide representative. The Founder-Acharya of ISKCON is the person who directs ISKCON, who has extraordinary abilities and insight as to how this is done. No one can compare with him and his vision, and activities. We need only to structure the society in such a way that his vision, mission, and general instructions are followed. Practically meaning, an oath of allegiance and a constitution linking all managers and GBC to Srila Prabhupada.
Warnings have been given to those who think they know better, or who think Prabhupada was just another person in the disciplic succession, or just another manager of ISKCON like "myself". Others might think that they can write their own constitution, all these are deviations that do not represent the bone fide activities of ISKCON. God helps those that help themselves.
Those managers who follow the instructions of signing an Oath of Allegiance and those who follow the bona fide Constitution written and accepted by the sincere followers of Srila Prabhupada, after researching and showing evidence from his teachings and instructions, may be considered the true successors of Prabhupada, in various capacities. Anything less than this cannot be accepted as being true membership in ISKCON. Here lies the definition of what a member of ISKCON is.
