Can śūdras become dīkṣā-gurus in ISKCON?

Can śūdras become dīkṣā-gurus in ISKCON?

Posted inArticles, Essays, ISKCONNo Comments
Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s well-known statement — “Whether one is a brāhmaṇa, a sannyāsī or a śūdra, he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa” (Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, 8.128) — is often cited as a rejection of social status in spiritual life. Many think it means neither birth nor social status matters; only realization of kṛṣṇa-tattva matters. Yet ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) as per a resolution in 2014 requires candidates for dīkṣā-guru to be “twice-initiated for at least ten years.” This raises a doubt: does ISKCON’s law contradict Mahāprabhu’s teaching?
Is Shastra the Center of ISKCON?

Is Śāstra the Central Authority for ISKCON?

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In May 2025 the Supreme Court gave Bengaluru ISKCON control of the Hare Krishna Hill temple, rejecting Mumbai ISKCON’s claims, but in October a split verdict on Mumbai’s review petitions sent the matter to a larger bench, suspending Bengaluru’s victory. Madhu Pandit Das had hailed the earlier ruling as vindication of the ritvik system, where Prabhupāda is believed to continue initiating disciples after his departure, yet the later review makes that claim uncertain. And since even highly learned judges and spiritual leaders can make mistakes, the deeper issue remains: how can anyone be certain that interpretations of Prabhupāda’s intentions—whether for or against ritvik initiations—are free from error?
Is ISKCON's Archana Paddhati Authorized?

Is ISKCON’s Arcana-paddhati Authorized?

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This paper investigates the philosophical and practical standards of arcanā (Deity worship) within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, specifically addressing the apparent contradiction between scriptural authority (śāstra) and the Founder-Ācārya's simplified instructions for his neophyte disciples. The necessity for this harmonization was highlighted by the arguments presented by Suvyakta Narasimha Dāsa in his video, “How the GBC changed Deity worship in ISKCON”. Suvyakta Narasimha Dāsa raises two core objections to the standardized Arcana-paddhati (Deity worship manual) adopted by the institution, claiming they represent deviations from Śrīla Prabhupāda's original system.

Addressing Allegations and Guru Standards in ISKCON

Posted 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.