After the Flood 
By Jayapataka Swami

CHAKRA (Mayapur, India) - The Deities are back in place. The temple room is dry. The devotees are busy cleaning and repairing. There are many sick devotees. Old people and pregnant women, etc. are devastated in the surrounding villages so they are continuing relief work for them for some weeks. 
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 30-October-2000

Mayapur Under Water
By Madhumati devi dasi

CHAKRA (Calcutta, India) - September 29, 2000: We're now in Calcutta and have found that there is no way for us to get to Mayapur. The highway and railbeds are flooded out! We cannot even get to Krishnanagar.

Nrsimhadeva is completely submerged in Ganga water, and Radha-Madhava are in it to Their knees. The temple room is closed - one would have to dive to even get in the door of the temple room.
>Full Story

© CHAKRA 29-September-2000

Gaura Purnima in Mayapura
Tens of Thousands visit ISKCON

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – Tens of thousands of pilgrims flocked to the ISKCON Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir in Mayapura today, March 13, to observe of the appearance day of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. According to some estimates, the number exceeded 100,000.

Loud speakers blared directions to the pilgrims, telling them to sit so the devotees could serve prasadam. "It's very noisy," said Vaidyanatha dasa from Russia.

Gulab Kali, the ISKCON elephant, roared loudly whenever anyone would shout "Gauranga!" (One who has golden limbs), a name for Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

While prasadam was distributed under dark, threatening, clouds, other people strolled or relaxed in the ISKCON park by the lotus fountain. Meanwhile devotees bathed in the Ganges, as it is said that anyone who bathes in the Ganges on this holy day will achieve Krishna Prema, pure love of Krishna.

Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, is also the day the Hindus observe the Holi festival by throwing colored water on each other. Although no throwing of colored water is allowed in the ISKCON complex, many of the visiting pilgrims have colorful stains on their clothes and skin because of the celebrations outside.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is called the Golden Avatar. He appeared 512 years ago in Mayapur, part of the district of Nadia. He is Krishna Himself, appearing in the role of a devotee.

Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, said that one should accept only those incarnations of Godhead that are mentioned in the scriptures: "The Supreme Lord can appear in this world at any time, but he does so according to the regular scheduled appearances mentioned in the sastras. According to the sastras, the last [and] most recent incarnation was Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who appeared in West Bengal about 500 years ago. We are following in direct line of disciplic teaching from Him." (Letter of 16 February, 1976)

Rain on Gaura Purnima

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – The sun had just set behind cloudy skies and the full moon was about to rise. It was Gaura Purnima day, the appearance day of Lord Caitanya.

Hundreds of thousands of people were wandering on the ISKCON property. It was noisy with chatter and shouting as the crowds became more and more excited.

Suddenly, thunder boomed and lightning flashed just as darkness descended. A torrential rain collapsed tents and drenched about 50,000 people here just at moonrise.

The plan to serve prasadam to the Prabhupada disciples on the roof of the lotus building was washed out. They served it in the hallway in the floor below.

The ISKCON devotees and guests were soaking wet but smiling. Everyone agreed that the rain was auspicious. Streams of water were flowing everywhere down the pathways.

The rain stopped after about 45 minutes. "One of the heaviest rainfalls I've ever seen," said Yamaraja dasa of Back to Godhead Magazine, who is here taking photographs for BTG.

"I was in the temple room when it started," said Sriman Pandit dasa, from England. "Just as Gauranga Mahaprabhu was brought from the altar, and Bhakti Caru Swami started to offer arati to Them on a special platform, in the middle of the ceremony a heavy thunderstorm started. As soon as that happened, all the local Bengali devotees started cheering. Within 5 minutes, the heavy rain came with the thunderstorm and that lasted until the end of the abhiseka. As soon as the abhiseka ended, the rain ended. The local devotees started loudly chanting. It was very auspicious."

A New Building in Mayapura

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – There's a new building in Mayapur to add to the development in the former rice fields in the district of Nadia in West Bengal. It's the Sankirtana House.

Located at the far end of the "long building" and in front of the oval-shaped brahmacari ashram building, this building is specifically designed to house the ever-expanding force of book distributors in Mayapur.

The building was constructed in one year and inaugurated during the GBC meetings.

"Mayapur is becoming like a city," says Radha-Krsna dasa from England. Radha-Krishna dasa is specifically concerned about the proper development of sanitation in Mayapur City. He supports organic composting of human waste by the use of  specially designed toilets.

The new Sankirtana Building in Mayapura

Thieves, Jackals, and Plunderers
A class by Bhakti Vikasa Swami
Bhakti Vikasa Swami gave the English class here this morning in the temple, to more than a thousand devotees. Bhagavatam classes in Russian, Hindi, and Bengali were held simultaneously in other areas of the complex.

Bhakti Vikasa Swami spoke on Srimad Bhagavatam 5.13.2:

"O King Rahugana, in this forest of material existence there are six very powerful plunderers. When the conditioned soul enters the forest to acquire some material gain, the six plunderers misguide him. Thus the conditioned merchant does not know how to spend his money, and it is taken away by these plunderers. Like tigers, jackals and other ferocious animals in a forest that are ready to take away a lamb from the custody of its protector, the wife and children enter the heart of the merchant and plunder him in so many ways."

In the purport, Srila Prabhupada says, "In the forest there are many plunderers, dacoits, jackals and tigers. The jackals are compared to one's wife and children. In the dead of night, jackals cry very loudly, and similarly one's wife and children in this material world also cry like jackals. The children say, 'Father, this is wanted; give me this. I am your dear son.' Or the wife says, 'I am your dear wife. Please give me this. This is now needed.' In this way, one is plundered by the thieves in the forest. Not knowing the aim of human life, one is constantly being misguided."

It is required to hear both sides. There is no happiness in material life. We must surrender to Krsna.

Hari Sauri dasa, author of "Transcendental Diary," asked how can we translate this in our Krsna consciousness movement. "Are the grhastas simply working hard to satisfy their families who are simply like jackals and thieves, and plunderers?"

Navayogendra Swami
gives a Bengali
Bhagavatam class in
the old conference room
in the Lotus Building

Niranjana Swami gives a Russian class.
The translator is sitting on the right.

The morning classes in Russian are held
outdoors under the pandal. There are more
than 500 Russian devotees in Mayapur
this year.

Harikesa Swami Gives
Management Course
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – GBC chairman Harikesa Swami, taught a two-day course on applied-management principles to hundreds of devotees during the recent seminars that were part of the Mayapura festival.

"In meetings these days, it's important to have a video projector and computer," he said. "Formerly, everything used to be done on chalk boards. If you can't do that, at least have a computer that people can sit around."

When meetings end, he said, it's important for people to know what they have agreed to. "You've got to have everyone understand on the spot."

He talked about the use of brainstorming, of writing ideas on pieces of paper, and chanting one's rounds early in the morning.

"Organizing one's life is important for the leaders," he said. He recommended getting to bed early, chanting one's rounds without interruption, reading every day, and maintaining personal cleanliness and order.

Harikesa Swami

Assessing the Assessments
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – Devotees are showing mixed reactions to the GBC assessments and to CHAKRA's reporting of the meetings. Although most devotees are pleased, some think that the assessments are a coverup, an admission of minor faults to avoid discussing the real issues and that CHAKRA participated in the fraud.

"Correction from within ISKCON will not likely happen unless enough devotees who are not controlled by institutional loyalty, and confusing that with bhakti, speak out and refuse to let the GBC get away with it yet another time" writes Puru dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a former member of the CHAKRA team.

Danavir dasa Goswami disagrees. "The GBC body is in a position to correct its members," he says. "The GBC members understood this was the GBC body correcting them. This assessment was actually coming from above, not below. I honestly think my dear godbrother Puru should be more gentle in his criticism."

Puru feels that CHAKRA has been part of the coverup to hide the real situation, but Nityananda Ram from Sacramento, California disagrees.

"I want to congratulate you on the excellent manner in which oldchakra.com is being run," he writes "The timely updates from the Mayapur meetings, featuring, I believe, your digital pictures, is about as good as it gets."

ISKCON Mayapura

Danavir Dasa Goswami

GBC Reports to Deities
Before an audience of 2,000

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – "This is a solemn ceremony. The Deities are coming down onto a special throne just to witness this ceremony." With those words, Jayapataka Swami invited the Mayapura Gurukula boys to chant special mantras to invite the Lord to take a seat and witness the annual GBC reports before the assembled devotees here in Mayapura this morning, March 8.

He was speaking in the temple to an audience of more than 2,000 devotees from around the world.

Although most GBC members have already left Mayapur, many have stayed for the rest of the festival. The GBC's submit their reports on Amalaki Ekadasi, a tradition that began while Srila Prabhupada was in this world. Amalaki Ekadasi comes a few days before Gaura-Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Some GBC members do not stay for the festival but return their zones right after the GBC meetings to minimize their time away from zonal responsibilities.

After the inauguration ceremony, Jayapataka Swami began the offering of reports by praying to the previous acaryas and the Deities. "We beg to offer a report of the GBC body to Your lotus feet," he said to the Deities. "It is for Your pleasure."

Jayapataka Swami addresses  2,000
devotees while Gurukula boys wait to
chant mantras before the annual GBC
reports to the Deities.

Jananivasa dasa, chief pujari,  invites
the  Deities to sit in a special throne to
listen to the GBC reports.

Prabhavisnu Swami
reports to the Deities.

Parikrama Returns to Mayapura
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – Over 1,000 devotees from around the world returned to ISKCON Mayapura today, March 5, after walking barefoot for many kilometers every day on the annual Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. Thousands of devotees celebrated the return with a kirtana in the temple.

At times the number of devotees on the parikrama increased to over 2,100.

They had set out walking, stopping at various holy places in the dhama (spiritual place) for breakfast and lunch. At night they camped out in tents or other facilities provided by ISKCON along the route. The entire pilgrimage took one week.

The parikrama party enters ISKCON's
Sri Mayapura Chandrodaya Mandira
at the end of the one-week pilgrimage
around Navadvipa.

Good prasadam:
Jayapataka Swami
dances on the parikrama.

The potency of
this movement:
A happy Sivarama
Swami returns from
the parikrama.

A devotee plays an accordion
at the samadhi of Chand Kazi.

Ekalavya Dasa plays the
trumpet during a kirtana.

The most diverse: Giving class to
1,000 devotees during the parikrama.

Final GBC Appraisals
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) –The following are the GBC appraisals made by the deputies and approved by the GBC:

Preface: The GBC Appraisals

Srila Prabhupada expected a lot from his GBC devotees. On studying his teachings, we find that there are four main functions that he wanted the GBCs to carry out.

He wanted them to be siksa gurus for all the members of ISKCON. He wanted them to provide leadership to push on the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya, and he wanted them to manage the movement in a responsible way. He also wanted them to act as watchdogs, seeing that the proper standards of Krsna consciousness are maintained in all ISKCON temples, that ISKCON’s assets are protected, and that philosophical deviation is not allowed to creep in.

It has been widely accepted that the GBCs, individually and collectively, have made wonderful contributions to the preaching, management, and development of the movement, and in many parts of the world we have seen significant achievements. At the same time it is very important that there be a system of ensuring that Srila Prabhupada’s high expectations are met, and that the responsibilities of the GBC are properly carried out. In this light it was decided last year that objective appraisals be carried out on the performances of the individual GBC members.

Initially the appraisals were compiled by a team consisting of the GBC deputies and a group of non-GBC disciples of Srila Prabhupada, in a mood characterized by the GBC chairman, Madhusevita das, as "respectful and humble, but frank and open." They produced reports noting the strong and weak points of each GBC member and made recommendations for them all. These were then discussed with the GBCs, and in consultation with them final recommendations were submitted to the body for approval.

The Conch Building (background),
where the GBC meetings are held.

Our Man in India
"Here is a  picture of me standing with my friend, Gulab Kali, our elephant in Mayapur," writes Vipramukhya Swami. "Every morning I take her out for a walk and she follows me around like a little puppy dog. If I walk in a circle, she walks in a circle behind me. If I hide behind a tree and play hide and seek she searches for me and becomes very agitated, trumpeting. It's very funny to see.

Vipramukhya Swami poses with Gulab Kali. Los Angeles Temple president, Svavasa Dasa, stands on the far left, wearing sunglasses.

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium
Time to start building?
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – A drilling rig sits on the site of a proposed new temple here in Mayapur. The engineers will drill to various depths in order to examine the characteristics of the soil. One chief concern is ability of the ground to bear the load of the planned Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

If built as planned, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will be the second largest religious structure ever built, larger than the Vatican. The concept and the name originally came from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

"We shall show the Vedic conception of [the] planetary system within this material world and above the material world....," Srila Prabhupada said in 1976. "We are going to exhibit the Vedic culture throughout the whole world, and they’ll come here. Just like they come to see the Taj Mahal, the architectural culture, they’ll come to see the civilization culture, the philosophical culture, the religious culture by practical demonstration with dolls and other things."

Srila Prabhupada's vision was to fulfill the prophecy of Lord Nityananda, mentioned in the writings of Bhaktivinoda Thakura, that there would be an "Adbhut Mandir" (wonderful temple): "One astounding temple will appear, from where Lord Gauranga's eternal service will be preached all over the world."

Srila Prabhupada laid the cornerstone for the temple in 1977, but to date, the temple has not been built. The GBC has had the construction of the temple on target for several years now, slated to begin in the year 2000. The total estimated cost will be US $150 million: the construction is expected to take 15 years at a cost of $10 million per year.

In order to build it, ISKCON plans to launch the most intense fund-raising campaign in its history.

But some devotees wonder if this is the right time to build the temple. Is it realistic to launch a fund-raising program of a magnitude that requires $10 million a year for 15 years while temples in North America and Europe are struggling to survive? Is the GBC correctly estimating the level of support or lack of support that they presently have?

On the other hand, could it be that building this temple will in itself generate the necessary enthusiasm to realize the funds?

To find out, CHAKRA conducted interviews with dozens of senior devotees from around the world. We were surprised to learn that some devotees wished to remain anonymous and that others had never heard of the project at all.

A drilling rig in the fields of Mayapura. The
rig will be used to determine the capacity
of the soil to bear heavy loads.

Old Fogeys Going out of Action?
An interview with Niranjana Swami
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – An older devotee who couldn't come to Mayapur this year was disturbed by the CHAKRA reports on the GBC meetings.

"Who is Aniruddha from Australia?" he asked. "Aniruddha seems to be doing all the talking, making all the decisions, and running the whole show."

"The impression I get from reading these CHAKRA reports," he added, "is that it is a case of  'Out with the old, in with the young.' All the old fogeys can keep their chairs and their symbolic positions, like the queen of England, but their experience counts for nothing."

He said he sees a "dangerous trend starting here." What started out as a quest for openness "will become a shift of power toward an equally tyrannical but less experienced group."

Niranjana Swami, a GBC for the former Soviet Union, disagrees.

Reassuring the old fogeys:
Niranjana Swami, GBC for the CIS
(Former Soviet Union)

We Have to Approach a Spiritual Master
A Srimad-Bhagavatam class by
Gopiparadhana Dasa
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – A child heavily decorated with ornaments does not feel fatigued. Similarly, the living entity has nothing to do with pains and pleasures, said Gopiparanadhana Dasa Adhikari this morning. Gopiparanadhana Dasa, Sanskrit Editor for the 10th, 11th and 12th Cantos of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, was giving the morning class of February 28. He was developing the importance of approaching a spiritual master.

The temple room was much less crowded today than before. Most of the devotees are out on Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama, and only relatively few have stayed behind. Still, there were over 300 devotees from around the world in the class.

Speaking on the 5th Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, Gopiparanadhana said, "It's the duty of Jada Bharata to instruct King Rahugana. He has nothing against the king. He has no selfish interest. He had no political interest. The king may have had other enemies."

Gopiparanadhana Dasa
giving Srimad-Bhagavatam
class in Mayapura

GBC Reorganizes
Also, moving NY temple and other last-day proposals and resolutions

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – The GBC Body has been restructured to incorporate a new, larger Executive Committee (EC) with expanded powers, with members re-elected once every three years, said the GBC body in their last day of meetings today, February 26, 1998.

The meeting was intense, as it tends to be during the last day, and was somewhat long and grueling in order to finish all of the last-minute details.

The proposal to restructure the GBC was put up for discussion again, as different GBC members and guests brought up questions. Some doubts expressed by the GBC deputies were addressed. Harikesa Swami assured the deputies that the new EC would involve the deputies extensively.

In other news, the body decided that the New York Temple can relocate to Queens if a suitable location is found. "This has to be absolutely the last move," said Jayapataka Swami. "The Deities must not move again. They've moved so many times before, we want to make sure this is the last move."

The outgoing executive
committee: Trivikrama Swami,
sergeant at arms (left) and
Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu.

The outgoing executive committee:
Madhu Sevita Prabhu (left) and
Bir Krishna Goswami.

Harikesa Swami, new
GBC chairman, elected
for a term of three
years on the expanded
Executive Committee

Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
new assistant GBC
for the CIS

Badrinarayan Prabhu,
new Executive
Committee member

Sesa Prabhu, new
Executive Committee
member

Guru Sakti Prabhu,
new candidate for
GBC in France

Women in ISKCON
Malati Devi Dasi addresses the GBC
What do our acaryas say about women in Krsna consciousness?

Srila Prabhupada:

1) "Actually male and female bodies, these are just outward designations. Lord Caitanya said that whether one is brahmana or whatever he may be, if he knows the science of Krsna, then he is to be accept as guru." —Letter to Malati-devi dasi

2) "Chanakya Pandit says, ‘Never trust a woman or a politician.’ Of course, when woman comes to Krsna consciousness, that position is different. We are speaking of ordinary woman." – Bg. 1.40 Lecture

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati:

1) "Everything in this world is actually meant for Krsna’s service. Please see the whole race of women as beloved consorts of Krsna, and help them always engage themselves in the service of Krsna."

2) "We have been trying for a long time to also give the mother’s [women] the opportunity for devotional service… Many get impeded due to bad association [lack of protection]. It would be very beneficial if we built Sri Visnu-Priya Palli [palli means neighborhood] in Sridhama Mayapur near the residence of Sriman Mahaprabhu to serve under the protection of Visnu-Priya. It is necessary to have such a neighborhood so the mothers can read the scriptures every day, discuss devotional topics with each other, have istagosthi about devotional topics so that they can give up luxury and live an exemplary, saintly life and always chant the holy names." –Spoken on Sept. 21, 1925

One Allegiance in Three Features
Allegiance to Guru, to ISKCON, and to Prabhupada
by Ravindra Svarupa dasa

ISKCON devotees find themselves committed to a double allegiance; that is, their allegiance is directed toward two distinct manifest objects. One allegiance is to the spiritual master. The other is to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. These two allegiances are different in kind: The first is personal; the second, institutional.

Historically, the differentiation within social organizations between personal and institutional allegiance appeared only in modern times. In the traditional monarchy of a pre-modern society, for example, allegiance to king and allegiance to country were the same thing. This is because the kingdom was perceived by the subjects as an extension of the king’s own person. The king was the kingdom personified.

Similarly, when an organization would develop around a particular spiritual leader, it would be viewed as the natural extension or embodiment of his personal charisma or spiritual power; the continuation of the institution beyond the lifetime of the founder would depend upon the perceived successful transference of that charisma to a successor.

Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu,
new Executive Committee
member

A Letter from the GBC
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – "This year the overall mood of the GBC meetings was positive and optimistic," said the GBC Body in concluding it's meetings with an istagosthi before more than 800 hopeful devotees tonight, February 26, 1998.

While all of the GBC members sat on a stage in the new Pancha-Tattva temple, Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu read a letter from the GBC to the devotees. The letter follows:

Dear ISKCON devotees,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Under the guidance of the Chairman, Madhusevita Prabhu, the meetings were streamlined, so there was opportunity for congenial association, such as going together to bathe in the Ganges. However, at the same time important topics were discussed and significant decisions made.

The performance of the GBC members was appraised, the way in which the GBC body functions was revised, a comprehensive plan for child protection was put into action, and a proposal for ongoing discussions on guru tattva was approved.

The idea of appraising the work of the GBC members was envisaged by the Executive Committee during the course of last year. The process was carried out by a team consisting of the GBC deputies and a group of non-GBC disciples of Srila Prabhupada who produced reports consisting of comments and recommendations for each GBC member. These were then discussed with the GBCs, and in consultation with them final recommendations were submitted to the body for approval.

Srila Prabhupada stressed four main functions he wanted his GBC secretaries to carry out. He wanted them to be siksa gurus for all the members of ISKCON. He wanted them to provide leadership to push on the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya, and he wanted them to manage the movement in a responsible way. He also wanted them to act as watchdogs, seeing that the proper standards of Krsna consciousness are maintained in all ISKCON temples, that ISKCON’s assets are protected, and that philosophical deviation is not allowed to creep in.

Feb 25 GBC Meeting
Book Distribution, Child Protection, and Restructuring
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – "Although we don't have a computer program or projector for today's presentation," said Sridhar Swami, addressing the GBC, "we want you to hear what people are saying when they receive Srila Prabhupada's books. This isn't a high-tech presentation, but I'm sure you'll find it inspiring."

With those words, he introduced Navina Nirada Prabhu to tell book-distribution stories to the GBC. "A few days back I was in New York, distributing books on Broadway," Navina Nirada began. "It was raining and a horrible day, externally speaking. We were distributing books, and we met a short, chubby fellow smoking a big cigar.

"We spoke with the man for some time, and all of a sudden he said, 'You know, I have fifty of your books at home. I'm reading your books.' He also said he was chanting Hare Krsna."

Then Navina Nirada told another story: "The other day I was in Greenwich Village, in front of a health-food store. I approached someone who said to me, 'You know Prabhupada's books are the best books. I especially like the introductory books. When I read Bhagavatam, it's too difficult.' He bought some more books."

Navina Nirada Prabhu then introduced Jayapataka Swami, who told a story about Poland. "Three youths came up to distract a book distributor while another one stole the Bhagavad-gita right out of his bag when he wasn't looking, just to get the 'Hare Krsna.' One of the ones who read the book later became my disciple. Another became a disciple of Hrdayananda Maharaja."

Braja Bihari (left) leads the
kirtan before the GBC
meeting. Next to him is
standing GBC member
Paramgachit Swami. Navina
Nirada, minister of book
distribution stands in the
background.

Harikesa Swami
presents a proposal
for restructuring
the GBC.

Jyotirmayi Devi Dasi,
a disciple of
Srila Prabhupada from
France, speaks with
GBC members during
the meeting.

Devotees Speak to the GBC
A report from Bhakti Caitanya Swami
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – The main problems in ISKCON today have their roots in improper relationships, GBC member Bhaktitirtha Swami told the GBC today, February 22.

Bhaktitirtha Maharaja was making a presentation on behalf of the ISKCON Commission for Social Development (ICSD) during the GBC hearing for devotees with global concerns. Devotees representing areas of service ranging from the brahmacari asrama to cow protection made presentations to the body during the afternoon.

Bhaktitirtha Maharaja asked the assembly of devotees what they felt were the most significant matters of concern in ISKCON today, and received about 20 answers, such as lack of money, leaders not being properly engaged, and frustration with service conditions.

"What problems in ISKCON are not to do with sambandha [relationships]?" he asked. "Our own people are not satisfied because in our temples there are insufficient relationships that encourage a mood of selflessness and surrender in devotional service. There are problems with the anti-cult people, and why is that? Because of bad relationships with devotees’ parents."

Bhaktitirtha Maharaja stressed that it is the duty of the leaders to create an environment in which healthy sambandha could thrive. "In the Manu-Samhita it says that a leader makes an age, not that the age makes a leader. Bhisma says that leaders should know their constituents just as a mother knows her children."

Aniruddha Addresses GBC
Speaks on deputies' review of GBC
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – "The GBC Body should be strong and credible and act as spiritual leaders," said Aniruddha Dasa from Australia. "They should perform strict, visible sadhana, and ensure that others do the same."

Aniruddha was addressing the GBC body on February 21, reading A Presentation of Vision for the GBC and Obstacles to that Vision, compiled by the GBC deputies last year.

Referring to last year's deputy report, Aniruddha said that the GBCs should train and support temple leaders, work according to clearly defined job descriptions, provide education and training for all positions in ISKCON, and be renounced and devoid of excess personal possessions.

"GBC Members should be intelligent," Aniruddha said. "They should deal with a team of expert advisers to solve problems. They should inspire community spirit among devotees, and help establish long-term financial security."

Conquer the Mind
A class on SB 5.11.17 by Radhanatha Swami

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – "Try to conquer the mind with the weapon of detachment," said Radhanatha Swami in his Srimad-Bhagavatam class this morning, February 24.

He was speaking from Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.11.17:

"This uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy of the living entity. If one neglects it or gives it a chance, it will grow more and more powerful and will become victorious. Although it is not factual, it is very strong. It covers the constitutional position of the soul. O King, please try to conquer this mind by the weapon of service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master and of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Do this with great care."

One who wants to make spiritual progress must very carefully guard the mind, Maharaja said. Just as an animal in captivity may escape at any time, so similarly we must always seriously watch the mind to keep it under our control.

When the mind is uncontrolled, it is like the wick of a lamp in a windy place. But when the mind is controlled it is like the wick of a lamp in a windless place and gives steady light.

Feb 23 GBC Meetings
Mother Malati Becomes GBC Candidate
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) 23 Feb 98 – Today's meeting began with a discussion about the executive committee.

"The present Executive Committee should continue," said Virabahu Prabhu.

"It seems like people want to roll their sleeves up and get into bigger issues," said Jayapataka Swami, referring to the discussion about restructuring the GBC.

Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu put forward his proposal that Mother Malati, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, should be on the GBC.

Bhakti Tirtha Swami agreed. "Devotees were so inspired by her association," he said. "She interfaces well with leaders." He said North America needs more and more input, not to mention a senior person like Mother Malati.

Radhanatha Swami also agreed. "Practically speaking, she is already serving as a GBC," he said. "She is very, very qualified."

The GBC Meeting of February 23,
1998


Several years: Guests
participate in the GBC meeting


Executive Committee members
voting


GBC members voting

Sunday Morning Swim
GBCs Enjoy Sports in the Ganges
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) 22 Feb 98 –GBC members took a boat ride across the Ganges for a half-day break of association and sports on the opposite bank this morning, February 22.

While some members played a game of keeping a ball in the air, others members sat on the sandy bank holding informal subcommittee meetings and doing non-official work.

Some GBC members took the opportunity to cover themselves with Ganges mud, an old tradition said to be good for the skin.

"Smile!" Covered with
Ganges mud, GBC
chairman Madhusevita
Prabhu makes a face
for CHAKRA's camera,
while Radha Carana Dasa
looks on.


"It's like this": Jayapataka Swami explains
the rules of the game.


Keep Chanting: With Srila Prabhupada's
Puspa Samadhi in the background, GBC
Members frolic in the water, trying to keep
a ball in the air. Each time the ball was hit,
one word from the Panca-tattva Mantra
and then from the Hare Krsna Mantra was
chanted aloud. The goal was to complete
both mantras without letting the ball hit
the water.

The Foundation of Life
A class on SB 5.11.15 by Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Swami
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) –Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Swami gave the morning class in Mayapur today, February 22. He spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.11.15:

"My dear King Rahugana, as long as the conditioned soul accepts the material body and is not freed from the contamination of material enjoyment, and as long as he does not conquer his six enemies and come to the platform of self-realization by awakening his spiritual knowledge, he has to wander among different places and different species of life in this material world."

In this verse, Jada Bharata is instructing King Rahugana about the science of the living entity. Externally, Jada Bharata looked dull. He was not recognizable as a great sage, so King Rahugana misunderstood who he was and therefore he was mistreating him. Jada Bharata did not protest and was happily doing his service, but he saw an ant and didn't want to disturb any living creature. King Rahugana then became upset, but when Jada Bharata began to speak, then King Rahugana understood the real character of Jada Bharata as a self-realized soul.

Maharaja said that whenever he would talk with Srila Prabhupada, the topic was always, What is the nature of life? "I will tell you a story about this," Maharaja said. "One time in Vrindavan, at 4:30 in the morning, someone came and told me Prabhupada wanted to see me. When I rushed to Prabhupada's room, I couldn't find him. His servant told me, 'Prabhupada's in the bathroom.'

"So I rushed to the bathroom, and I saw that Prabhupada was brushing his teeth. And while brushing, Prabhupada started telling me how the living entity came into this world, how the soul comes in the rain and enters the grass and then takes birth in the higher living entities. Like that, what he wanted to tell me—Prabhupada was so much thinking about these topics."

Bhakti Svarupa Damodar
Swami gives class in
Mayapura.

GBC Votes on Assessments
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) 21 Feb 98 – The full GBC body met today to vote on the recommendations from the assessment subcommittees. The overall response has been positive.

Before the meeting this morning, Madhu Sevita Prabhu, this year's GBC chairman, met with the five chairmen of the assessment groups for half an hour, briefing them on what to expect in the GBC meeting.

"I feel it's going very nicely," said assessor Bhakti Caitanya Swami. "The GBC members have responded in very sober and dignified ways and with open minds to hear the perceptions that the younger devotees have of them. They seem happy to receive the input that they're getting and seem concerned to make any changes in lifestyle or management style that devotees feel they need to make."

GBC chairman Madhu Sevita (right)
meets with chairmen of the assessment
committees before the GBC meeting.
Also shown are Trivikrama Swami (left)
and Ravindra Svarupa dasa (center).

GBC Members at the plenary
session this morning.

Hari Sauri dasa (left) reads his
committee's recommendations to
the GBC. Also shown are Madhu
Sevita Prabhu (center) and
Bir Krishna Goswami (right).

Assessments: Five Committees
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) 21 Feb 98 – The GBC body split into five subcommittees for the assessment yesterday, February 20. The process spanned the morning and afternoon sessions.

"I think it's going extraordinarily well," said Romapada Swami, GBC for New York and Chicago. "I'm impressed by how it's being handled."

Bhakti Caitanya Swami from South Africa, chairman of an assessor group, agreed. "In our group it's going exceptionally well," he said. "We were initially concerned that the members might become defensive when they heard our comments and recommendations, but the response has been very wonderful. In fact, it's been like a nice Vaisnava sanga, with devotees revealing their hearts and welcoming our advice."

The Self and the Body
A class by Prahladananda Swami

MAYAPURA (CHAKRA) 20 Feb 98 – Prahladananda Swami gave the morning class in Mayapura today. The following is a summary of his class.

"Srila Prabhupada came to convince us that Krsna is, in fact, the Supreme Personality of Godhead."

He quoted Bhagavad-gita: "I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts."

"The analysis of the three elements divided into 24 divisions, the soul and the Supersoul are being explained in today's verse," he said.

Maharaja quoted many Sanskrit verses, establishing that the self-realized soul can see Krsna everywhere. "We can see Krsna is everywhere, and everything can be used in Krsna's service. One who sees like this can be fully engaged in Krsna's service.

Prahladananda Swami gives
Srimad-Bhagavatam class in Mayapura

GBC Inaugurates Meetings
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA via COM) – The GBC meetings officially began this morning, February 19. Departing from the usual procedure, the first meeting was held in the Samadhi Auditorium.

After the opening kirtana, which precedes every GBC meeting, Madhu Sevita Prabhu, GBC chairman, addressed the body of GBC members, deputies, and senior devotees. He began by pointing out that the meeting was taking place under the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada, who is upstairs in the Samadhi.

He also explained that the GBC meetings will be videotaped and reported on CHAKRA to 4,000 readers every day. This will make the GBC meetings accessible to devotees around the world, a practice he hopes will continue every year.


No conspiracy: videotaping
the GBC meeting

Manu Dasa of the ISKCON Youth
Ministry addresses the GBC

A round of applause:
Gopal Krsna Goswami
speaks of the Kuruksetra
project

Schedule of GBC Meetings
MAYAPURA (CHAKRA Via COM) – The following is the schedule of the GBC meetings.

On February 20, the GBC meetings were inaugurated in the Samadhi Auditorium.

On February 21, the GBC members will hold a plenary session for GBC members only. The subject will be "Action on the Recommendations Coming out of the Assessments."

On the morning of February 22, the GBC members will have sadhu sanga with each other, and at noon will all bathe in the Ganga. The GBC has never done this before as a body. This will be followed by a feast.

In the afternoon, there will be a plenary session with everyone, including deputies and senior devotees. The GBC will hear from devotees with global concerns, based on the presentations of a sub-committee formed on February 20.

The Putana Poison
A class on SB 5.11.7
given by Bhakti Caitanya Swami
The point is that Bhaktivinoda Thakura compares Putana to the mind and the pseudo guru, or the guru who is putting himself forward but is a cheater.

We and our minds have been together for a long time and people trust their minds. People are meant to trust their guru, but in this case, it's a pseudo guru. The mind says, "I've given you so much advice, now I'll give you more advice." Unfortunately, this leads to our ongoing spiritual destruction. But the mind looks so nice. Whatever my mind says must be good because we've been together for a long time. Actually, however, people's lives are ruined by their minds.

Just as Krsna killed Putana although he was a baby, so we also have to learn different techniques not of killing the mind but of changing the mind as Putana became transformed and promoted to Goloka Vrindavan. We have to learn how to transform the mind from demon to devotee.

In Kali Yuga, sometimes the demon and the devotee live in the same body. The mind is like Putana. We're trying to advance in Krsna consciousness, but the mind is telling us, "It's artificial. Relax."

We have to become determined to deal with the mind, to kill the Putana nature of the mind and come out with the pure nature of the mind.

GBC Chairman
Briefs Assessors
MAYAPURA (Chakra via Com) 18 Feb 98 – The GBC Executive Committee met with the chairmen of the assessor groups this afternoon to brief them on their role after the GBC meetings begin tomorrow, February 19.

The first day of the GBC meeting will consist largely of the inauguration of the meetings and of preparatory discussions. The next day, February 20, the GBC will divide into sub-committees of 5 or 6 men each. Each committee will meet with one assessor chairman and two other assessors.

There will be more GBC members than assessors in each group, and it is assumed that the meetings will go smoothly, even though the assessments find some fault with almost every GBC member.

"No one is spared," said one of the assessors, "but because everyone received pretty much equal treatment, the chairman promises support."

No trips: Assessor
Bhakti Caitanya Swami from
South Africa working at his
computer in Mayapura

The Appearance Day of
His Divine Grace
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
MAYAPURA (Chakra via Com) 16 Feb 98 – GBC members, sannyasis, deputies, and assessors took time out from their meetings to glorify Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on his appearance day here today.

Hundreds of devotees from around the world assembled to offer homage to the person who inspired His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to cross the ocean and start the world's most important movement: ISKCON.

Devotees also observed the disappearance of His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and GBC member, who passed away in Mayapur on this day two years ago.

Also in attendance were Trivikrama Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Subhaga Swami, Vipramukhya Swami, and Madhu Sevita Prabhu.


Bhakti Caru Swami (with microphone)
leads the puspanjali (offering of
flowers) to
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
Hari Sauri Dasa (left) and Ravindra
Svarupa Dasa (right) join in.

GBC Assessments Continue
MAYAPURA (Chakra via Com) 16 Feb 98 – The GBC deputies and assessors continued to evaluate the GBC members and the GBC body today.

"I think it's a good thing," says Ramabhadra dasa, temple president of ISKCON New York. "Assessing the GBC by the GBC deputies is a healthy instrument for bringing about a significant accomplishment for ISKCON and it's constituents."

"The success of this exercise," he added, "will be the improvement of the GBC's ability to function efficiently in fulfilling the desires of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This is an important step in bringing about positive change within the GBC, although it may not be observed as such by those who are highly critical of the GBC simply because they are not present to take part and observe the procedure."

Ramabhadra Prabhu,
president of ISKCON,
New York

Assessing the GBC
GBC Deputies Meet with Chairman
MAYAPUR (Chakra via Com) 14 Feb 98 –The GBC Executive Committee met today with GBC deputies, sannyasis and other senior devotees to outline a system for an overall appraisal of the GBC. The devotees present discussed the duties of the appraisers during the next two weeks.

GBC Chairman Madhu Sevita Prabhu spoke with more than 30 non-GBC leaders from around the world in the GBC meeting room. "There are many critics of the GBC who think the GBC body and ISKCON are much worse off than they really are," said Madhu Sevita. "There are certainly problems, but we do not think the problems are as serious as ISKCON's critics say."

Madhu Sevita added that this appraisal would be a milestone in relations between the GBC and the other devotees, and he called on the appraisers to work dispassionately. Not since 1987 has the GBC body subjected itself to such an appraisal system.

GBC vice-chairman Bir Krishna
Swami (center) meets with chairman
Madhu Sevita Dasa (right)

The Road to Mayapura
WEST BENGAL (Chakra via Com) Feb 14, 98 – GBC members, deputies, temple presidents, ISKCON managers, and sannyasis are flying in to the Calcutta airport and riding to Mayapur for the GBC meetings, from February 14 to February 27.

Most devotees take a taxi direct from the airport. If you're lucky, you can book a taxi for about Rs. 950 ($24 U.S.). If you're not so good at bargaining, you might wind up paying as twice as much.

A couple of devotees were lucky enough to be on the same flight as Harikesa Maharaja and accompanied him in his police-escorted car all the way to Mayapur. The police escort is a token of appreciation from the Bengali people for the work that Harikesa Maharaja is doing there.

The police escort does not make the ride smoother, but the police manage to get through to Mayapur faster by sounding their sirens.

The road from the airport to Mayapur is about 135 kilometers, but the trip takes three and a half hours by taxi because of the traffic and the poor condition of the road. After you clear the northern part of Calcutta, the road is noisy, full of potholes, and crowded with bicycles, rikshas, buses, cars, pedestrians, cows, buffaloes, and goats

Ox Power: Working a field
in Mayapura