ZONAL PRESENTATION: ISKCON NETHERLANDS

The GBC meeting commenced with an engaging presentation on ISKCON Netherlands by Hrdaya Caitanya Dasa, co-GBC for the region, alongside Madhusevita Dasa. The presentation recalled Srila Prabhupada’s historic visit to the Netherlands on July 26, 1972. Noteworthy activities across ISKCON centers in Amsterdam and Rotterdam were highlighted, incorporating events such as the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, Kirtan Mela, Food for Life initiatives, Bhakta Prahlad schools, book distribution, and various educational and interfaith programs.

DISCUSSION ON THE ‘SIDDHANTA’ / DAS MULA PAPER 

The primary focus of the meeting was a discussion led by Badrinarayan Das Swami and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami on the formulation of the Siddhanta / Das Mula statement. This statement aims to articulate the ten cardinal principles of Gaudiya Vaishnava ‘siddhanta’ based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Previous acharyas have composed similar succinct statements of siddhanta, including Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s own Das Mula statement. All the ten tenets in the current effort are from statements found throughout Srila Prabhupada’s books.

  The draft ‘Das Mula’ paper has undergone exhaustive reviews, with multiple iterations incorporating feedback from ISKCON sannyasis and senior devotees. GBC members were presented with the latest version of the paper prior to the meeting for their review and comments.

At the meeting, the floor was opened for discussion and calls for comments on the paper. The purposes of the paper were explained as follows:

• It shall defend ISKCON against sahajiyaism1, speculative theories, and kanistha2 consciousness

• Having a concise set of philosophical principles will allow for deeper study and wider appreciation of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology as expressed in Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and writings in the academic world

• The GBC sees it as their profound duty to protect Srila Prabhupada’s presentation of Gaudiya philosophy. The ISKCON Siddhanta/Das Mula will provide a core statement of philosophy that can weather the vagaries of time and mitigate the risk of distortion and dilution.

GBC members offered their insights and comments. An updated version of the ‘Das Mula’ statement, incorporating these comments and the inputs received from the SABHA, along with any further refinements, will be prepared for final review and approval.

Upon final approval, selected senior devotees will explain the principles outlined in the ‘Das Mula’ statement in articles to be collected into a booklet. This foundational philosophical presentation paper and booklet will then be disseminated through courses within ISKCON.

This concise report summarizes the significant discussions that took place during the GBC meeting, highlighting the significance of the ‘Das Mula’ statement in shaping both the philosophical and practical aspects of ISKCON’s future endeavors.

* Sahajayism – one who takes things very cheaply, manufacturing their own way, often imitating the mood activities of very advanced devotees

* Kanishta consciousness – providing commentary on the conclusions of the revealed scriptures without having studied or understood the essence of these teachings.