The meeting commenced with an invocation of prayers led by Malati Devi Dasi, followed by a reading from the Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya 15.108 by Bhanu Swami. The following excerpt from the purport was read, “The offenseless chanting of the holy name does not depend on the initiation process. Although initiation may depend on puraścaryā or puraścaraṇa, the actual chanting of the holy name does not depend on puraścaryā-vidhi, or the regulative principles. If one chants the holy name once without committing an offense, he attains all success. During the chanting of the holy name, the tongue must work. Simply by chanting the holy name, one is immediately delivered. The tongue is sevonmukha-jihvā-it is controlled by service. One whose tongue is engaged in tasting material things and also talking about them cannot use the tongue for absolute realization. According to Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 17.134): “With these material senses, one cannot understand the transcendental holy name of the Lord or His form, activities and pastimes. However, when one actually engages in devotional service, utilizing the tongue, the Lord is revealed.”

Madhusevita Das, GBC for Italy, shared a video presentation about the activities, projects and preaching initiatives undertaken at various temples and centers in Italy including Villa Vrindavan, Sankirtan Dham, Domus Hare Krishna Temple, Bhakti Center and more.

The meeting commenced with a brief update on the situation in Bangladesh as shared by Tapana Misra Das. Tapana Misra Das stated that the caretaker government was formed in Bangladesh and is striving to restore order. The ISKCON management in Bangladesh is consenting with requests from the government and political parties to refrain from protests. They are keeping the army and police informed, and traveling to various districts to visit devotees and ensure their well-being.

The main topics discussed during the meeting was the final discussion and voting on Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina in ISKCON.

Badrinarayan Swami presented the Guru Projects and Guru Dakshina paper, which underwent a step-by-step review by the GBC members during Zoom meetings arranged by the GBC Executive Committee (EC) on 24 January, 2024, 7 February, 2024, and 3 April, 2024.

The paper focuses on the relationship between ISKCON, the GBC, the diksha guru, and the disciple, emphasizing defining principles for spiritual masters, disciples, and various managerial authorities. The paper is divided into two parts: part one outlines principles related to guru services, while the second part aims to build on the foundation of these principles.

During the meeting, Badrinayaran Swami led the review of the concluding section of Part One of the paper relating to ‘Principles of Project’ and the ‘Conclusion.’ The section on ‘Principles of Project’ stated the general principles that all diksha-guru inspired projects should be adopted in coordination and approval of local temple, regional bodies and local GBC; role of diksha-guru in promotion of a project; ensure ISKCON representation for projects and consultation for exceptions to ISKCON representation and importance of communication with ISKCON authorities.

The ‘Conclusion’ section noted the absence of clear standards regarding ‘guru-dakshina’ and ‘guru inspired projects’ and outlined how this proposal is of deep importance as it will provide standards and guidelines to help diksha-gurus act according to expected practices.

The proposal aims to foster harmonious working relationships between ISKCON’s diksha-gurus, the GBC, other ISKCON leaders, local temples and the ISKCON community by establishing clear standards for guru-dakshina and ‘guru-inspired projects’ and ensure that these activities protect the reputation of ISKCON and its leadership. The proposal states that by defining a process of approval and review for large projects, it will help ensure that ISKCON resources are used strategically and with the support of local leaders and communities .Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance for monitoring and accountability in the unfortunate event that diksha-gurus experience challenges or leave ISKCON, which can lead to the loss of disciples and assets.

The GBC body approved the Guru Projects proposal with the amendments as presented. The GBC shall lead the implementation of these principles and establish the relevant supporting structures.

Hare Krishna”