As I was just pulling up to a clients home my mobile rang, it was my dear friend HH Mahavishnu Swami he was waiting for the announcement of the flight to take him to the Congo were he will be staying for the next month.
Why was he calling me? it was to see if I had received the e-mail of a proposal that we wish to submit to the GBC (a copy of this proposal is included later).

Firstly may I point out that although the name of Progosh Dasa appears it has not been e-mailed to him get for approval; it has however been approved by HH Mahavishnu Swami who thinks also that the approval of Progosh should not be a problem but please bear this in mind when reading.

Secondly some background should be given as to how this came about, during the stay of HH Mahavishnu Swami we got onto the topic of initiation and the problems surrounding initiation. This moved swiftly onto the problems some have of finding a spiritual master or fully understanding the role of the spiritual master. I recalled an incident last year were several young devotees were offered initiation by an individual who at the time was not in the renounced order of life but was contemplating it, worse still he also had some scathing comments about ISKCON and it’s initiating gurus. Ok! So I talked to some trusted senior devotees who flagged it up with the UK management and it was immediately dealt with but the lack of this basic information to new devotees made them some what vulnerable.
We also then went on to discuss how many now rely on the internet as a source of information which when we look at ISKCON proves problematic. I have found that a simple internet search provides lots of information on the sad past and misuse of power within ISKCON. And unless we know of the different spiritual masters names there again we see only negative points and attacks from various sources which leaves a bad impression; if only their was a place on the internet a one stop shop were we could find out the correct information and gain first class advice on initiation, spiritual masters and ISKCON.
HH Mahavishnu talked about his idea of a book with a picture of the current initiating spiritual masters with some information that could be published, this idea was treated with some suspicion, could it be used by those with few disciples to gain more at the expense of other popular ones?; but for me the question was why not have a similar thing on the internet with this added information, it’s more cheaper and more practical and would serve many aspiring devotees not only now but in the future and as a resource if it is used properly would become one of the first sights shown via an internet search; giving a true picture and representation of ISKCON.

Thirdly we discussed the need to help the individual not only find a centre but also make contact with a senior devotee (disciple) of the spiritual master they were interested in, who can take some time to answer questions, direct and sort out the wheat from the chaff. After some time a formal meeting could be arranged and so the relationship can begin this is mentioned as being the inclusion of an e-mail contact. Not that we give freely our spiritual masters e-mails after all we must appreciate how bus they are.

It was felt that I should write a proposal including my thought as to why this makes sense; it has been subsequently been sent for changes and insertion of some points of ISKCON law of which I know nothing about and to format it in a way that is acceptable by the members of the GBC.
I feel that by posting it here on my blog it would firstly not cause any offence and in the hope that those more experienced senior devotees may have some thoughts either negative or positive or to at least stimulate discussion in an area I feel is much neglected.

PROPOSAL NAME: ISKCON GURU WEBSITE

PROPOSED BY: Bhakta Dave (Whales) and HH Mahavishnu Swami

SPONSORED BY (GBC member): Praghosa Prabhu

CONTACTS (removed for this posting on blog)

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 15 November 2008

PRESENTATION OF PROPOSAL:

Whereas:

- The Internet is becoming the main source of information and
communication globally.
- There are devotees in remote areas, areas not frequently visited by
other devotees or spiritual masters, areas with no temples, as well
as interested persons who may search on the Internet to find out
about ISKCON gurus.
- If one presently does a search on the Internet and type in keywords
such as “ISKCON Guru,” a host of negative articles from non-ISKCON
websites appear, describing fall-downs, refuting and holding our
spiritual masters in contempt.
- Some individual ISKCON guru websites exist, but everyone may not be
familiar with the specific names in order to find these.
- Srila Prabhupada encouraged the use of modern communication methods
in Krishna’s service.
- ISKCON needs to have bonafide websites on the Internet to project a
positive and correct image, covering different aspects of the
society.
- According to ISKCON Law * 6.4.3.1 and 7.1 aspirants for initiation
should be left to choose spiritual masters and not be subjected to
any pressures from local authorities or peers to choose a particular
guru even if he is the local one.
- According to ISKCON Law * 6.4.3.1Gurus should not be overtly
canvassing for disciples or their disciples be encouraged by them
to be canvassing for them.
- ISKCON unity is being spoiled by guru’s parties within temples and
zones.

PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION:

Resolved, That . . .

- An official ISKCON Initiating Guru website on the Internet be
designed and regularly updated.
- The GBC should appoint a GBC member to oversee this project.
- Sponsors and devotees with good IT skills be found to develop the
project.

The following information be made available regarding all ISKCON’s
initiating spiritual masters, following an unbiased standard format minimum
content presentation for each guru ,”big or small”, even if individual
gurus already have their own website:

Name
Brief History
Number of Disciples
Main areas visited
Link to their website (if any)
An email / contact address
Photos
Audio/Video Clips
Excerpts from their writings

With a search facility on the site to include:

View all information on each Guru
Look at those who visit your area
A list of centres and temples

The site should also contain scriptural information on the meaning and role
of a spiritual master and initiation procedures.

It should also give information of any past GBC public statements about or
recommendations for any particular gurus, so that an aspiring seeker can
know the “worst” officially, not through rumours.

It can also have a resume of former fallen spiritual masters whose disciples
may be in good standing in ISKCON.

EXPLANATION:

(1) What prompts you to submit this proposal?

As a preacher I am often asked how to find a spiritual master practically,
and I live in a rural area far from any ISKCON centre. This question is
often raised by people coming in the association of devotees: “I am trying
to choose my ISKCON spiritual master but I do not know who to choose from.
Please help me.”
I tried searching on the Internet myself in order to recommend a particular
site to interested persons, but I was overwhelmed and shocked by the amount
of negative publication. I realize there was an ISKCON Sannyasa website,
but nothing about Initiating Gurus.

(2) Why this proposal is important for the success of ISKCON?

The Internet is the first place many people turn to in order to find
information on any subject, and a positive website presenting ISKCON gurus
may attract and direct interested individuals to ISKCON. The website will
serve as a preaching tool as well as assist many aspiring devotees to get
connected to the bonafide Guru Parampara. It can also serve as a checklist
against unbonafide gurus.

(3) What would be the implications of implementing this proposal?

There are many devotees expert in the IT field who may be eager to assist
with the development and sponsoring of such a website. One/more GBC member,
however, may have to be appointed to oversee the project. Spiritual masters
will have to submit information required of them.

* APPENDIX

RELEVANT RULES FROM THE ISKCON LAWBOOK:

Chapter 6 ISKCON Spiritual Masters

6.4.3
Standards of Conduct for Gurus in ISKCON
6.4.3.1
General standards
6)must not canvass for disciples
7)Must allow all uninitiated devotees full freedom to exercise their right
to accept initiation from the guru of their choice.
8)Must allow uninitiated devotees who have preliminarily taken shelter of
him the full freedom th change their minds on their choice of initiating
guru.

Chapter 7 Discipleship in ISKCON

7.1 Right of devotees to choose their own Guru
7.1.2
All members of ISKCON have the right to accept diksa or siksa from the guru
of their choice provided that the guru is qualified and approved to
initiate, the candidate is eligible to accept initiation,and that all the
relevant procedures set forth in ISKCON Laws have been strictly observed.
7.1.3
Right to Take Association from any approved Guru.
Any uninitiated devotee in ISKCON has the right to read the publications,
hear the recorded talks and bhajans, take darsana of, correspond with,or
associate in various feasible ways with any authorised ISKCON Guru.