Addressing Allegations and Guru Standards in ISKCON

August 11, 2025Posted inCommunications, Essays, ISKCONNo Comments
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has faced various questions regarding its practices, leadership, and adherence to tradition. This essay addresses two significant inquiries: the allegations of Srila Prabhupada’s poisoning by his disciples and the mechanisms for ensuring the quality and integrity of ISKCON’s initiating gurus. Drawing on official statements, historical context, shastra (the sacred scriptures of Sanatana-dharma) and institutional policies, this discussion aims to provide clarity on these matters while situating ISKCON’s practices within the broader Vedic tradition.
IISB Scholars meet SJTA Scholars in Presence of the King of Puri

IISB Scholars meet SJTA Scholars in Presence of the King of Puri

March 20, 2025Posted inCommunicationsNo Comments
A significant and insightful meeting took place on March 20, 2025, between His Majesty the Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singh Dev, the revered King of Puri, who was accompanied by the Shri Jagannath Temple (Puri, Odisha) Chief Administrator, Shri Arvind Padee, IAS, and representatives of the ISKCON India Scholars Board (IISB) at Bhubaneshwar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha. The head of ISKCON's delegation, His Holiness Guru Prasada Swami, former Chairman of ISKCON's Governing Body Commission, could not be present; in his place Mukunda-datta Das, disciple of Srila Prabhupada and IISB Head Scholar, lead ISKCON's delegation.