In 2013, the ISKCON India Advisory Council (IIAC) created the ISKCON India Scholars Board (IISB) to address ISKCON India leaders’ concerns about preserving epistemological integrity.

Mission Statement

IISB’s mission is to rigorously research, review, and edify ISKCON members and society at large in Vedic knowledge viewed through the teachings of ISKCON’s Founder-Ācārya, His Divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swami Prabhupāda, in order to safeguard ISKCON devotees and society in general from ideas that are opposed to the development of pure devotion to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Values and Objectives

To this end:

  1. IISB endorses the traditional hermeneutic (i.e., sādhu-śāstra-guru-vākya, cittete kariyā aikya) as exemplified by Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas.
  2. Rooted in the śiṣṭācāra of eternal varnāśrama culture, IISB members espouse following in the footsteps of Vaiṣṇava predecessors (sādhu-mārgānugamanam) as central to a proper understanding of scripture.
  3. Thus IISB’s vision is to help ISKCON leaders and members avoid the obstructive pitfalls of secular social norms and theological creativity, which at times mar the reputation and authenticity of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s spiritual descendents.