North American Temple President Survey on
the GBC
BY: VYAPAKA DASA
Apr 09, SANDY RIDGE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA (SUN) — As a result of an open letter sent to the North American temple presidents on GBC efforts at centralization, which was recently published on the Sampradaya Sun, several temple presidents forwarded to me the results of a recent survey, given to the North American temple presidents, on their perceptions of the effectiveness of the GBC.
Since the survey arrived on my desk from several sources, our conclusion is that this is public information, and it seems wise to share the perceptions of the North American temple presidents with the worldwide body. The results follow this short preamble.
Briefly, sixty-eight percent of the presidents responded to the survey, with 82 percent of the respondents replying that the kind, or lack of, leadership shown by the GBC, is a reason for the decline of the Hare Krishna movement in North America.
So, amongst temple administrators, there seems to be widespread dissatisfaction with the GBC. This should be of grave concern to both our devotees and the GBC body. Hopefully, the GBC will take this honest effort as a catalyst to begin a process of introspection regarding their administrative role and subsequent effectiveness.
This survey illustrates that the views of the TPs in regards to GBC efficacy differ significantly from the self-perception of the GBC.
The GBC was designed by Srila Prabhupada to play a vital role in keeping his movement on track, yet something must be amiss, if there is such widespread disappointment on the part of the temple presidents with the GBC.
Please read the results of the survey and discuss the same with your congregation and GBC representative. Hopefully, the GBC can become aware of their standing and begin to effect changes, allowing them to recapture their lost respect amongst the devotees.
If this is to occur, the GBC must re-examine their administrative efforts, to ensure that their directions comply with Srila Prabhupada's teachings. To cite one example, their recent attempted change of temple bylaws within the North American jurisdiction reflects little adherence to Srila Prabhupada's instructions, and highlights the question of just whose movement is this, i.e. Srila Prabhupada's or the GBC's? It is obvious that Srila Prabhupada is the Founder/Acarya of the ISKCON movement, and everyone's role is to apply and follow his teachings (or alternatively, go start your own movement). Any deviation from this position will undoubtedly breed dissatisfaction and alter the mood of the society.
The GBC must begin to humbly inspect how their actions have produced such dire survey results.
Hare Krishna,
Vyapaka dasa
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Survey of Temple Presidents in regards to
the Effectiveness
of the North American GBC
Reason for the Survey
At the end of the year, many businesses and individuals do an inventory or appraisal of their past year's performance and losses or gains. I would personally like to see more of this done in regards to the leadership of ISKCON – an appraisal of the Governing Body Commissioners, by the second level of command - the temple presidents. This survey is one such attempt to enable the GBC members of North America to see, to some degree, what inspires or discourages these important leaders of Srila Prabhupada's temples.
Although there may be a few who interpret the tone of questions of this survey to be influencing the answers, there were well-rounded responses just to the opposite. Devotee leaders appeared to be observant enough to express what they feel without any coaxing. However, the summary of this study itself reveals that with serious appraisal, there is definitely some grave concern on the part of many of our temple presidents in specific areas of responsibility of the NA GBC members.
The improvement of leadership within ISKCON North America or at least an observance of respectful discussion to that end, can be nothing more than insightful, somewhat revealing perhaps, and directional for the betterment and responsible cooperation between the two important levels of ISKCON management. A one sided approach of inquiries monitored by the GBC members themselves, may not bring forth all matters of concern for discernment and contemplation. An outside questionnaire, on the other hand, may present a situation and demonstration of more accountability. Imperfect as it may be, that is the sole inspiration and motive of this survey. I believe the reader will see that the results of the survey speak for themselves.
For ISKCON, whatever geographical location it is based out of, to be an effective tool to help reduce kali's influence, cooperation and especially building trust needs to be one of the priorities amongst the two levels of command. All devotees are but the servant of the servant. Distrust and a lack of confidence will only stunt the growth of Lord Caitanya's mission here in North America. And love without trust, is only an ideal. Both qualities are necessary partners in this bhakti Movement.
Hopefully, some temple leaders may want to see that surveys such as this one can be continued in the future. If expanded and improved upon, and from them, conclusions drawn and implemented, such surveys may serve to help promote an extra needed thrust to the expansion of the Krishna Conscious Movement in this leading nation of the world. If some modifications and implementations need be incorporated to achieve the ends of more transparency, accountability, integrity, and efficiency of our NA GBC leadership, this humble attempt may serve to be but a small template and tool. All in all, open hearts are better than closed doors.
Hare Krishna & Happy New Year.
Dasarath das
Survey Coordinator
(Initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada since 1971)
Survey Questions for
North American Temple Presidents
As findings of satisfaction of Canadian temple leaders were different from those in the U.S., separate survey summations of both the countries are presented. First we present the U.S.A. temples, followed by the survey of Canadian temple leaders. All numbers and answers were confirmed and rechecked by our survey team. After each survey, a summary or "trend of opinion" is presented.
U.S.A. Temple Survey, with 27 out of 40, or 68% (more than two thirds) temples responding through telephone interviews. Attempts were made to contact all U.S. temple presidents. Some remained unreachable while several decided not to participate.
Intention of the Survey
In an attempt to better serve the mission of Srila Prabhupada and to help enable the GBC body to "feel the pulse" of the North American temple leaders on some common concerns regarding GBC governance, we are conducting this survey. Your input and answers will be kept anonymous. We appreciate your participation and wish your input to 24 questions, which should take no more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Thank you.
Part One
1) A. How long have you been an active, full time temple member of Iskcon?
Answer: 11 to 20 years –
18%; 21 + years – 82%
B. How long have you been a temple president?
Answer: 1 to 5 years – 39%; 6 to 10 years – 27%;
11 + years – 34%
2) Do you think that Iskcon has expanded to an expected and accepted level here in North America since the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada?
Answer: 3% yes; 93% no; 4% no answer.
3) Do you think that Iskcon's influence in the U.S. has waned since that time?
Answer: 67% yes; 19% no; 14% no answer.
4) If there were one single most reason that you would attribute the decline of Iskcon in North America (less devotees in temples, less books distributed, fewer temples opened) what would you describe it as?
Answers given: devotees getting older and complacent; the fall down of gurus; lack of leadership and vision; the exodus of senior accomplished preachers to other countries; loss of faith in leadership; lack of commitment; absence of cooperation and sense of unity; lack of preaching; mismanagement and misuse of power; the lack of being strict followers of Srila Prabhupada; lack of trust in the GBC; "in-house fighting"; lack of communication between leaders, devotees, and congregation; not enough sankirtan/preaching spirit; the change of culture from ‘60s to ‘90s; lack of inspirational leadership; inability of leaders to inspire; leaders not as dynamic as when Prabhupada was here; loss of the founder-acarya; new ways needed to spread Krishna consciousness according to time, place and circumstance; the absence of festivals like Indradyumna Swami's in the U.S.; confusion of the "guru issue"; influence of kali yuga; failure of leadership.
Part Two
5) Do you feel that part of the reason for Iskcon's failing in the U.S.A. is the kind of leadership or lack of it in the NA GBC?
Answer: 82% yes; 11% no; 7% no answer.
6) If there is an area you feel the GBC as a whole, is lacking in leadership, would it be any of the following:
Answer: yes, no, to some degree).
A) In a practical business sense?
Answer: 33% yes; 33% to some degree; 19%no; 15% no answer.
B) In honesty and integrity?
Answer: 30% yes; 52% to some degree;
19% no.
C) In management abilities?
Answer: 45% yes; 0% no; 52% to some degree; 3% no answer.
D) In stepping outside the GBC jurisdiction of duties as described and allotted by Srila Prabhupada; e.g., not giving more right and responsibility to the temple president to run his own temple as he is inspired to do?
Answer: 41% yes; 15% no; 26% to some degree; 18% no answer.
E) In a lack of accountability of the GBC to the temple presidents and the devotees?
Answer: 30% yes; 15% no; 41% to some degree; 14% no answer.
F) In not caring for the reaction or support of devotees who have left the Movement, and in not taking into consideration enough, their reasons and disappointments?
Answer: 22% yes; 4% no; 48% to some degree; 26% no answer.
G) In not holding their own GBC members accountable to unacceptable behavior (either ecclesiastical or managerial)?
Answer: 44% yes; 11% no: 30% to some degree; 15% no answer.
H) In personal financial disclosure?
Answer: 45% yes; 4% no; 19% to some degree; 32% no answer.
7) In summary, how do you rate the success of the present NA GBC in leading and giving inspiration to our Movement here in the USA (rating from 1 to 10, 10 being the highest)?
Answer: 7% rate a #2; 11% rate a #3; 52% rate a #5; 11% rate a #6; 11% rate a #7; 4% rate a #8; 4% no answer.
8) Are you satisfied with the GBC rep. of your temple in his overseeing and handling problems your temple has faced?
Answer: 44% yes; 42% no; 7% to some degree; 7% no answer.
9) Would you like to see a change of the GBC person of your temple?
Answer: 23% yes; 70% no; 7% no answer.
10) Do you have faith in the ability of the present NA GBC to instill a) faith in the temple leaders?
Answer: 74% yes; 22% no; 4% no answer.
b) In the devotees in general?
Answer: 26% yes; 26% to some degree; 33% no; 15% no answer.
Part Three
11) Have you read the document "Direction of Management", by Srila Prabhupada?
Answer: 67% yes; 33% no.
12) Would you like to see the GBC representatives be voted in office every three years by the temple presidents, as outlined in Srila Prabhupada's "Direction of Management" document, as opposed to the present system whereby only the GBCs vote themselves in or out?
Answer: 59% yes; 22% no; 19% no answer.
13) Do you think this system might help to insure better integrity and accountability in GBC members?
Answer: 74% yes; 11% no; 15% no answer.
14) Do you think the GBC listens enough when there is discontent or concern of temple leaders?
Answer: 30% yes; 11% to some degree; 56% no; 3% no answer.
15) Are you comfortable in any system of government, such as in the GBC, whereby they are the judge and jury of their responsibilities, with little or no oversight, and little checks and balances?
Answer: 11% yes; 78% no; 11% no answer.
16) Are you happy about all the changes the GBC has authorized the BBT to edit in Prabhupada's books?
Answer:
a) You approve 37% b) somewhat approve 18% c) somewhat disapprove 26% c) highly disapprove 7%; no answer 12%.
17) Do you think the NA GBC are on a course to dramatically increase the preaching and spreading of Krishna consciousness in the U.S.?
Answer: 15% yes; 78% no; 7% to some degree.
18) Do you think that there are other devotees out there, if given a chance, they could possibly do a better job of leading our Iskcon Movement in North America, than the present GBC members?
Answer: 74% yes; 7% no; 11% perhaps; 8% no answer.
19) Do you think that the GBC of today has too much power: a) in the sense of control over TPs?
Answer: 45% yes; 44% no; 11% no answer.
b) with no accountability mechanism in place to insure selfless service and an absence of corruption?
Answer: 52% yes; 15% no; 33% no answer.
20) If you could send a message to the GBC executive committee, with one single consideration or suggestion that might greatly help to bring about a positive and changing mood of increased faith in and cooperation with the GBC, what would your message be?
Answers given: example better than precept and complete financial transparency; increase communication; follow what Prabhupada said was the main duties of a GBC; travel and insure devotees are following; set up accountability of the GBC; take survey of devotees worldwide and "hear"; show long term care plan for devotees who dedicate their life to the Movement; more personal GBC transparency, trust, example, and interaction; work cooperatively with temple presidents rather than dictate; GBCs should preach mainly in their own country; the best defense is an offense – dynamically preaching Krishna consciousness is best defense against maya; listen to the temple president and take into consideration their opinion; chant 16 rounds and follow four regs; if you want to change something, talk to the local temple president and devotees first; lets hear each other; fix problems at the top – sannyasis have to be really renounced with no personal bank accounts; downsize areas of jurisdiction so that a GBC can spend more time at temples preaching and promoting temple activities; have the "temple presidents", not the GBC members, elect the GBC deputies to help insure accountability of GBC persons; more emphasis on active preaching and showing ability to inspire devotees (as in the example of Indradyumna Swami); need a greater sense of personability and having closer relationship with their temples; be more open to dialogue; do what ever it takes to survey concern and grievances (form a committee) to increase faith between temple presidents and GBC; increase honesty, integrity, and transparency; become less institutional; stop outsourcing devotees from other countries; more concentrating on book selling, etc., than collecting money from Indians; reach out and try to re-enfranchise disenfranchised devotees ( form committee in every country for that purpose); go out in the field and visit your temples at least once a month and be more part of the temples (or give the temples to someone else).
21) Do you feel that you have had suggestions for the improvement and betterment of the GBC, but feel that there is not a proper and available forum to communicate those concerns?
Answer: 63% yes; 30% no; 7% no answer.
22) Do you think at the present time, and with the normative response you would expect from the GBC, that the GBC hearing your concerns would elicit any kind of response or dialogue?
Answer: 37% yes; 37% no; 26% no answer.
23) In your opinion, has the NA GBC has been eliciting suggestions from the temple presidents for improving the spiritual health of Iskcon, its mission, and how to best carry it out, and for the care of its devotees?
Answer: 40% yes; 48% no; 12% no answer.
24) OR, does it seem more like the GBC is dictating ITS vision, direction, and desires on the temple presidents?
Answer: 63% yes; 30% no; 7% no answer.
25) Would you voluntarily be willing to attend a public conference on the above topics?
Answer: 74% yes; 22% no; 4% no answer.
END OF U.S.A. TEMPLES SURVEY
Summary and "Trend of Opinion" – U.S.A.
Numerical numbers corresponding with Survey Numbers
1a. TP's are senior devotees.
1b. TP's longevity is evenly split between newer and established members.
2. Overwhelming majority (only one "yes" and one "no answer") do not believe ISKCON has its potential expansion since Srila Prabhupada's disappearance.
3. Two thirds of the TP's feel ISKCON's influence has diminished since Srila Prabhupada's disappearance.
4. See quotes from TP's in survey.
5. Eighty percent of TP's feel that the NA GBC leadership is partly to blame for ISKCON not living up to the expectations of spreading the yuga dharma in the U.S.A.
6. In A through H, these percentages should bring pause to our leadership as to how they are perceived and stimulate some self-introspection. In adding the "to some degree" responses to the "yes", eighty percent of respondents feel that there is a lack of honesty and integrity in the GBC and ninety two percent feel a lack in management abilities.
7. Five TP's gave a rating to the of under 5 and only one gave a rating of 8 or higher out of a possible 10, with a majority giving the mid-range rating of 5. Many thoughtfully considered the many challenges our leaders have faced and this reflected in their appraisals. Some exclaimed, is ISKCON meant for or doomed to mediocrity in leadership?
8. A split down the middle as far as TP's being satisfied with their GBC representative.
9. A sizable majority do not want a change of their GBC representative. The percentages here do not correspond with survey question # 8 as many felt the situation could be worse with a different GBC person brought in their situation, i.e. from the ones that are currently available in the U.S.
10. About one quarter of respondents see the current GBC fully inspiring temple leadership and the general devotees. About 20% see that inspiration to a lesser degree.
11. Self explanatory.
12&13. A substantial majority would like to see a rotating GBC body as outlined in the Direction of Management (DOM) by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. A large percentage (75%) believes this would create a more honest governing body with more accountability. Only 11% felt this system would not accomplish the aforementioned.
14. Two thirds of TP's felt the GBC does not take seriously enough their concerns.
15. Almost 80% felt uncomfortable in the present ecclesiastical and managerial construct of the GBC.
16. The numbers reflect a majority of TP's not completely comfortable or convinced of the overall changes in Srila Prabhupada's books.
17. As a preaching Movement these numbers are very disconcerting regarding the present course and vision of the NA GBC.
18. 85% felt there are most likely devotees not on the GBC who could do a better job than the present members.
19a&b. This is self-explanatory.
20. See comments in survey of TP's suggestions to international GBC executive committee.
21. TP's feel over a "two to one" sense of disempowerment from the NA GBC.
22. Evenly split on the question whether the GBC reacts to TP's concerns. 25% gave no answer to this, probably reflecting ambivalence in the answer.
23. A majority of TP's feel their opinions are not asked for on important matters concerning the ISKCON society.
24. A substantial majority feel the GBC dictates their desires on the TP's.
25. Three quarters of those surveyed responded positively to attending a symposium on the matters discussed in this survey.
OM TAT SAT
Canadian Temple Survey
Seven out of nine temples responding (78%)
Part One
1a. How long have you been an active, full time temple member of Iskcon?
Answer: 5 to 20 years – 14%; 21 years plus - 86%
1b. How long have you been a temple president?
Answer: up to 5 yrs. – 43%; 5 to 10 years – 14%;
11 years plus – 43%
2) Do you think that Iskcon has expanded to an expected and accepted level here in North America since the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada?
Answer: 29% yes; 71% no
3) Do you think that Iskcon's influence in North America has waned since that time?
Answer: 71% yes; 29% no
4) If there were one single most reason that you would attribute the decline of Iskcon in North America (less devotees in temples, less books distributed, few temples opened) what would you describe it as?
Answer: sense gratification; next generation are not offering to become devotees; GBC members should be the spiritual guides and have gotten too much into management; guru leadership was not ready, many falldowns; complacency; not enough preaching; pastoral abuse.
Part Two
5) Do you feel that part of the reason for Iskcon's failing in the U.S.A. is the kind of leadership or lack of it in the NA GBC?
Answer: 43% yes; 29% no; 28% no answer.
6) If there is an area you feel the GBC as a whole, is lacking in leadership, would it be any of the following:
Answer: yes, no, to some degree, or to a great degree.
A) In a practical business sense?
Answer: 43% yes; 29% no; 28% no answer.
B) In honesty and integrity?
Answer: 57% yes; 14% no; 29% no answer.
C) In management abilities?
Answer: 57% yes; 14% no; 29% no answer.
D) In stepping outside the GBC jurisdiction of duties as described and allotted by Srila Prabhupada; e.g., not giving more right and responsibility to the temple president to run his own temple as he is inspired to do?
Answer: 57% yes; 14% no; 29% no answer.
E) In a lack of accountability of the GBC to the temple presidents and the devotees?
Answer: 71% yes; 0% no; 29% no answer.
F) In not caring for the reaction or support of devotees who have left the Movement, and in not taking into consideration enough, their reasons and disappointments?
Answer: 71% yes; 0% no; 29% no answer.
G) In not holding their own GBC members accountable to unacceptable behavior (either ecclesiastical or managerial)?
Answer: 57% yes; 14% no; 29% no answer.
H) In personal financial disclosure?
Answer: 43% yes; 14% no; 43% no answer.
7) In summary, how do you rate the success of the present NA GBC in leading and giving inspiration to our Movement here in the USA (rating from 1 to 10, 10 being the highest)?
Answer: #4 – 14%; #5 – 14%; #7 – 43%; #9 – 14%;
15% no answer.
8) Are you satisfied with the GBC rep. of your temple in his overseeing and handling problems your temple has faced?
Answer: 86% yes; 14% no.
9) Would you like to see a change of the GBC person of your temple?
Answer: 14%yes; 86% no.
10a) Do you have faith in the ability of the present NA GBC to instill a) faith in the temple leaders?
Answer: 86% yes; 14% no.
10b) In the devotees in general?
Answer: 71% yes; 14% no; 14% no answer.
Part Three
11) Have you read the document "Direction of Management", by Srila Prabhupada?
Answer: 43% yes; 57% no.
12) Would you like to see the GBC representatives be voted in office every three years by the temple presidents, as outlined in the "Direction of Management" document, as opposed to the present system whereby only the GBCs vote themselves in or out?
Answer: 57% yes; 29% no; 14% no answer.
13) Do you think this system might help to insure better integrity and accountability in GBC members?
Answer: 57% yes; 29% no; 14% no answer.
14) Do you think the GBC listens enough when there is discontent or concern of temple leaders?
Answer: 14% yes; 57% no; 29% no answer.
15) Are you comfortable in any system of government, such as in the GBC, whereby they are the judge and jury of their responsibilities, with little or no oversight, and little checks and balances?
Answer: 14% yes; 57% no; 29% no answer.
16) Are you happy about all the changes the GBC has authorized the BBT to edit in Prabhupada's books?
Answer: a. You approve 43% b) somewhat approve 0% c) somewhat disapprove 43% d) no answer 14%
17) Do you think the NA GBC are on a course to dramatically increase the preaching and spreading of Krishna consciousness in the North America?
Answer: 43% yes; 57% no.
18) Do you think that there are other devotees out there, if given a chance, they could possibly do a better job of leading our Iskcon Movement in North America, than the present GBC members ?
Answer: 71% yes; 14% no; 14% no answer.
19a) Do you think that the GBC of today has too much power: a) in the sense of control over TPs?
Answer: 29% yes; 57% no; 14% no answer.
19b) with no accountability mechanism in place to insure selfless service and an absence of corruption?
Answer: 43% yes; 43% no; 14% no answer.
20) If you could send a message to the GBC executive committee, with one single consideration or suggestion that might greatly help to bring about a positive and changing mood of increased faith in and cooperation with the GBC, what would your message be?
Suggestions:
the present workings of the GBC is not what Prabhupada wanted; focus on trying to inspire devotees to go back to basics; thank you for looking after abused gurukulis although not your fault; encourage more people to become sannyasa and different ones than at present to become GBCs; someone overlooking accountability of the GBC who are not members and change membership every three years; be more sensitive to other devotees; transparency.
21) Do you feel that you have had suggestions for the improvement and betterment of the GBC, but feel that there is not a proper and available forum to communicate those concerns?
Answer: 67% yes; 17% no; 16% no answer.
22) Do you think at the present time, and with the normative response you would expect from the GBC, that the GBC hearing your concerns would elicit any kind of response or dialogue?
Answer: 57% yes; 14% no; 29% no answer .
23) In your opinion, has the NA GBC has been eliciting suggestions from the temple presidents for improving the spiritual health of Iskcon, its mission, and how to best carry it out, and for the care of its devotees?
Answer: 57% yes; 29% no; 14% no answer.
24) OR, does it seem more like the GBC in dictating ITS vision, direction, and desires on the temple presidents?
Answer: 57% yes; 29% no; 14% no answer.
25) Would you voluntarily be willing to attend a public conference on the above topics?
Answer: 71% yes; 14% no; 14% no answer.
END OF CANADIAN TEMPLES SURVEY
Summary and "Trend of Opinion" – Canadian
Canadian TP's have an overall more positive viewpoint on many issues. Their evaluation of the spreading of Krishna consciousness in Canada is higher than the U.S. They also have a higher estimation of their GBC members overall performance.
Yet 71% believe that ISKCON in North America has not expanded as it should have since Srila Prabhupada's disappearance, and an equal number feel ISKCON's influence has waned. Most feel that this is due to a lack of leadership, but the sentiment is not as pronounced as in the U.S. A high percentage also stated there is a lack of honesty and integrity among the general GBC. A lack of accountability had a very high percentage, as did not caring enough about estranged devotees and personal financial disclosure as well.
A majority of two to one would like to see a rotation of GBCs every three years as in Srila Prabhupada's Direction of Management document, and four to one are not satisfied with the ecclesiastical and managerial construct of the GBC structure. Over 70% felt other devotees should be given the chance to be GBCs. Canadian temple leaders are split down the middle as far as the bone fides of the BBT editing Srila Prabhupada's books, and 72% expressed a willingness to attend a symposium for a further discussion on these topics.
OM TAT SAT
