Official statement concerning a video by H.H. Bhakti Vikasa Swami hosted by the IISB

Posted inArticles, Communications, ISKCONNo Comments
This response addresses certain claims made in an email dated 22 February 2026 from Her Grace Urmila devi dasi, Chairperson of the Shastric Advisory Council. Her message, directed to the GBC Executive Committee, concerns statements by His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami Maharaja in a video posted on the ISKCON India Scholars Board YouTube channel, which I and others oversee. The email has also circulated in other forums and has recently come to my attention.
Why We Call Them ‘Mother’

Why We Call Them ‘Mother’

Posted inArticles, Essays, ISKCON, ResearchNo Comments
In Vedic culture, every woman—except one’s own wife—is to be addressed with reverence as “Mother.” This article explores scriptural mandates from Śruti, Smṛti, and Purāṇas, showing how terms like Mātā, Bhaginī, and Putrī reflect a mood of motherhood. Śrīla Prabhupāda upheld this etiquette, using “Mother” as a spiritual safeguard, while occasional linguistic adjustments were strategic, not normative. The article cautions against imitating the Mahā-bhāgavata and emphasizes adherence to Vedic grammar and Varṇāśrama principles to preserve Vaiṣṇava purity and protect spiritual dignity.

On Vaiṣṇavī Dīkṣā-gurus – Part 2

Posted inArticles, Essays, ISKCON, Video2 Comments
Hare Kṛṣṇa. Some years back, I did a lengthy presentation on the topic of Vaiṣṇavī-dīkṣā-guru: should Vaiṣṇavīs become initiating gurus in ISKCON? Now, if you've not watched it, I recommend that you do so, and it is linked in the description. This presentation is on the same topic, but it's focused on one simple point, which is: if Prabhupāda did not establish Vaiṣṇavī-dīkṣā-gurus, the GBC should not do so. Vaiṣṇavīs should not initiate in ISKCON.