Process of Sanctioning & Removal of Gurus in ISKCON
(Last part of the Series “Duties of a disciple to his Guru”)
We have seen the Qualifications & standards of a Guru in ISKCON in detail. We have learnt everything a disciple and an aspiring disciple should know before and after accepting a guru in ISKCON.
All these rules and regulations are necessary in this worldwide organization that promotes Vedic system of guru-disciple parampara (lineage).
If the above standards are not followed, the need arises to take corrective steps by taking some actions on that guru to restore and maintain the standards.
(STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR GURUS IN ISKCON! READ HERE!)
ISKCON’s GBC Body may apply any of the following sanctions against a guru for misconduct:
Warning (or Censure) Stage:
If a guru is found deviating from (or) neglecting spiritual practices, but the deviation or negligence is not very severe or habitual, or if a guru is transgressing the approved standards and guidelines for guru behaviour (such as canvassing for disciples, etc.) the guru should be warned (or censured) confidentially.
Putting Guru under Probation:
If the warnings are not heeded, or if the deviation or neglect of spiritual practices are of a more serious nature, or if the transgressions of guru codes of behaviour are serious and habitual, the guru may be put under probation with specific conditions which regulate his guru functions (including temporary withdrawal of authorization to initiate new disciples).
In addition he may be given general recommendations or specific activities to perform as part of a program for his rectification and eventual reinstatement.
(Guru Padacraya: Taking refuge to Guru in a Right way! READ HERE!)
Suspension Stage:
If a guru blatantly ignores the terms of probation,
(or) repeatedly breaks one or more of the regulative principles,
(or) acts in a manner which seriously and harmfully disregards existing ISKCON or GBC policies,
(or) leaves his ashrama of sannyasa without authorization,
(or) leaves the association of devotees and the ISKCON movement,
(or) completely deviates from standard sadhana,
he may be suspended.
If a guru is suspended he cannot give initiation, nor maintain an absolute shiksa position in relation with his disciples, nor be introduced as a spiritual master, nor perform his guru functions.
Thus, ISKCON is the worldwide Spiritual organization that has a clear code of conducts for the gurus and disciples. In ISKCON, the Spiritual masters are not independent. This is the unique structure only in ISKCON structured by Srila Prabhupada.
Many spiritual organizations have one spiritual master operating as the sole head of the institution, whereas ISKCON has many spiritual masters within one organization, in addition to a “governing body” that operates as the “ultimate managing authority” for the institution as a whole.
Those serving as spiritual masters in ISKCON are meant to follow the instructions of Srila Prabhupada and work under the GBC Body.
The spiritual masters are thus obligated to follow the Society’s policies and codes of conduct, including those outlined in this GBC-approved paper, and to abide by the decisions of its management.
Those who have read and mastered the series of chapters given nicely so far will shine in their spiritual life by being a nice disciple and of course a great future guru also.
They can also get high scores in the exams conducted to get initiation in ISKCON.
Let me pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna to make all of us Good disciples by extending His causeless mercy and blessings.
Let us meet again with another topic.
Hare Krishna.
(Presenting One’s Guru & Srila Prabhupada in all Places! READ HERE!)