Evolution of Resolution 309
BY: NRSIMHANANDA DAS
Apr 22, 2012 — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA (SUN) — In response to Samprasna das's concern about the absence of any monitoring of the official guru websites, I copy below the proposal as originally submitted. Actually, an earlier version of the proposal had also included penalties for not having the required picture, credit, summary, and links. It also included provision for a website that would report to the public on the degree that each guru's website was complying with the aforementioned standards. However, I was advised that it would lessen the chances of being approved, so I removed those provisions.
There were some legitimate foggy legal issues regarding the right of the GBC to enforce "sticks" like prohibiting the use of BBT artwork, etc. Nevertheless, the idea of some accountability - at no cost to the GBC - was present in the yearly review. I don't know why it was removed, nor whether it was taken out by the deputies who vetted the proposal or the plenary body of GBC's. I do know that the proposal was not passed unanimously; there were some passionate objections to it by some guru-GBC's. I don't know the count.
I've been checking out a number of ISKCON temple websites. The Bhaktivedanta Manor doesn't feature Srila Prabhupada or use ISKCON's name on their "first" page until you get out the magnifier (virtual or otherwise) to read the small print at the very bottom. I got curious and looked at a few more ISKCON temple websites. Prabhupada is either not there or buried on some. Looks like I'll be composing another resolution for 2013. Fair warning.
Proposal as Originally Submitted
Resolved that ISKCON gurus be responsible for ensuring that any and all websites made and maintained by themselves, their disciples, and/or their well-wishers, prominently feature a picture of Srila Prabhupada – larger than their own - on the introductory page, credit him as the "Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness," contain a brief summary of his accomplishments, and provide authorized links (BBT, Krishna.com, etc.) to his teachings via electronic books, media, etc. The GBC shall appoint an oversight committee consisting of ten devotees to review the websites yearly and report its results to the GBC at the annual meeting in Mayapur.
