BB Govinda Swami and Niranjana Swami leading a kirtan at the leadership sanga

“They also discussed reorganizing the GBC zones to be smaller and more manageable, so that GBC members can have more time to spend with their constituencies,” says Laxmimoni Dasi, an SGGS organizer and member of the Strategic Planning Team. “Another topic was how to best provide support for our leaders so that they can maintain their spiritual strength.”

SGGS participants also spoke about the changing face of ISKCON, as less Westerners and more Indians join. And they discussed how to attract a greater variety of people by presenting ISKCON’s message in more relevant and relatable ways.

“Succession was also a big one,” Laxmimoni says. “Who will become the next GBC, the next temple president? They also discussed ISKCON’s system of authorizing gurus, and how the GBC should process complex issues.”

On the third day of the Sanga, the sannyasis and gurus were brought up to speed on the GBC’s strategic plan, and asked to give their feedback on it.

On the fourth day, a panel of GBC members presented the paper Understanding ISKCON’s Lines of Authority. The paper discussed the roles that two different lines of authority—initiating spiritual masters and managers—had in ISKCON devotees’ lives, and how to prevent misunderstandings between the two. Questions and concerns on the paper were aired and addressed. Ravindra Svarupa Das also introduced a draft of the foundational paper on the postion of Srila Prabhupada as ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya.

Kirtan in Mayapur

Finally, on the fifth day, presentations were made by a variety of different groups working with ISKCON or the GBC, such as Rural Development, Devotee Care, The Ministry of Deity Worship, and the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre. Afterwards, the members of the SGGS were encouraged to give feedback on their experience.

The Sanga ran from 10am until 5pm daily, with a two-and-a-half-hour break for lunch. The lunch prasadam was arranged by Bhakti Charu Swami. Sitting down together over the delicious international cuisine gave participants the chance to talk, make friends and get to know each other.

“Then every evening, we had really nice kirtans led by senior devotees, including Niranjana Swami, BB Govinda Swami, and Kripamoya Prabhu,” says Laxmimoni. “On one night, Bhurijana Prabhu did lila-kirtan—chanting interspersed with dramatic readings from Lord Krishna or Sri Chaitanya’s pastimes.”

After its conclusion, participants deemed the Sanga a success. One sannyasi commented, “The themes of urgency, cooperation and succession were totally relevant.” He added, “More interactiveness like this is needed. Meeting peers is precious. The sanga breaks the isolation. Great bonding, and had a chance to see those we don’t normally see.”

A group photo of the participants of the GBC meetings and leadership sanga

Another sannyasi shared with a GBC member: “I had no idea how hard you were working, and what the depth of your service was. Now I understand, and I promise I’ll work with you and try to help you as much as I can.”

“That was what we were looking for,” says Laxmimoni. “We were looking for an increased empathy, and an increased symbiotic relationship between these two tiers of leaders. And we were quite successful, especially considering it was our first effort.”

According to Laxmimoni, creating such unity in diversity—just as Prabhupada wanted—builds strength, comraderie, and faith in our society, not only amongst GBCs, Gurus and Sannyasis, but also amongst the broader ISKCON community.

It’s no surprise then, that plans are already underway for the next SGGS—although they’re not confirmed yet.

“We expect between 700 and 1,000 people for our next International Leadership Sanga, in 2014,” Laxmimoni says. “And the thought is that the year after that, we might do another Sanga for GBCs, Gurus and Sannyasis.”

Tag: governing-body-commission , mayapura