In 1970 Srila Prabhupada appointed the first GBC to manage the daily affairs of ISKCON so Srila Prabhupada could simply write books as this was His main aspiration and inspiration for His students. But this didn’t happen as you read below His thoughts. Srila Prabhupada was constantly dragged back into management as He says–
Prabhupada: Everywhere. Among yourselves, there is no strong man. That is the defect. All like children. That is the defect. And it requires a very strong man. That is lacking. In every minute details, I have poked my nose.
(Conversation Pieces – May 27, 1977, Vrndavana)
Srila Prabhupada says if the GBC makes wrong decisions they will take birth as ‘sudras’.
Yamaräja is one of the GBC of Krsna. Yes. As we have got twelve GBCs, similarly Krsna has got twelve GBCs. That twelve men are authorized to preach Krsna consciousness. So we have to follow. [Cc. Madhya 17.186]. There we have created these GBCs. So they should be very responsible men; otherwise, they will be punished. They will be punished to become a sudra. Although Yamaraja is a GBC, but he made a little mistake, he was punished to become a sudra. So those who are GBC, they should be very, very careful to administer the business of ISKCON. Otherwise they will be punished. As the post is very great, similarly, the punishment is also very great. That is the difficulty. You can see from this example, Vidura. He was immediately punished. He did little mistake at Manduka.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.13.15 — June 4, 1974, Geneva)
But the difficulty is that our GBC men are falling victim to maya. Today I trust this GBC and tomorrow he will fall down. That is the difficulty. If the GBC men are so flickering then what to speak of the others. Unless this problem is solved whatever we may resolve it will not be very useful. We shall discuss this at our meeting. If the GBC men can ever manage properly then I shall get some time for writing my books.
(Letter to: Jayatirtha — Bombay 16 December, 1974 )
Prabhupada: Now you try to manage the whole world organization, and all GBC men. Suppose I am not there. Manage very nicely, independently. Not to create havoc, but really to manage. I am still present; I will give you direction. Don’t spoil it. We are in very good, prestigious position. That is sure. Don’t spoil it. So much hard labor. I started with very humble condition. Now it has come to this, such exalted position. You don’t spoil it. That is my request. Increase. That will depend on your character, behavior, preaching. Everyone knows. Everyone is astonished. Without any help, I started. Only asset was sincere… Everyone knows it. Otherwise how it is possible?
(Room Conversation — April 10, 1977, Bombay)
Prabhupada: Why the GBC men are not interested in these talks?
Satsvarupa: I’m interested; I was just doing secretary work.
Prabhupada: That’s all right. How you will do secretary work if you do not hear? These are the important philosophy is going on. Where is the other man, Bhagavan dasa? These important talks going on. You think that you have learned everything. What is this?
(Room Conversation — June 13, 1974, Paris)
My only grievance is that I appointed GBC to give me relief from the management but, on the contrary, complaints and counter-complaints are coming to me. Then how my brain can be peaceful.
(Letter to: Jayatirtha — Johannesburg 16 October, 1975 )
Now has the GBC become more than Guru Maharaja? As if simply GBC is meant for looking after pounds, shilling, pence. The GBC does not look after spiritual life. That is a defect. All of our students will have to become guru, but they are not qualified. This is the difficulty.
(Letter to: Alanatha — Bombay 10 November, 1975)
In addition Srila Prabhupada reiterates that all GBC must strictly follow the rules and regulations and do what Srila Prabhupada does. We must be the strict prototypes of Srila Prabhupada. We must be pure by preaching and chanting.
(Letter to: GBC Godbrothers — Vrindaban 14 September, 1974)
Approved Signed A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Brahmananda Swami
Bali Mardan das
Bhagavan das
Prototype means– A standard, typical or perfect example.
Source: A Compilation by HG Gargamuni Prabhu