My last letter to Hridayananda
In this personal letter dated February 13, 2009, Krishna Kirti Das writes to Hridayananda das Goswami to formally end their guru‑disciple relationship. While expressing respect for Hridayananda’s intelligence and moral conduct, he explains his departure over irreconcilable theological and ethical differences, particularly regarding homosexuality and “gay monogamy.” The letter reflects wider debates within ISKCON about fidelity to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, the authority of the GBC, and the future unity of the movement.Continue Reading
ISKCON India Scholars Board Responds to Hridayananda Das Goswami on Vaishnavi Dīkṣā-Gurus
Krishna Kirti Das, Conveyor of the ISKCON India Scholars Board, offers a critical analysis of Hridayananda Das Goswami’s recent rebuttal to Sivarama Swami regarding the controversy of Vaishnavi diksha-gurus. Krishna Kirti posits that Hridayananda Maharaja employs a rhetorical tactic of “problematizing” ( raising complications to obscure a position that isContinue Reading
Why I Left Christianity for Krishna? An Interview with His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami on Prachyam
In a recent and uncompromising interview with Prachyam, His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami traces his transformative journey from a dissatisfied youth in a Roman Catholic family in the UK to becoming a dedicated disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Maharaja recounts his early skepticism of “Indian gurus” and his desperate search forContinue Reading
Warning: Hotel booking fraud hits Mayapur in pilgrim season
Hotel booking fraud hits Mayapur in pilgrim season As the pilgrim season peaks, ISKCON Mayapur has issued a serious warning regarding a coordinated online accommodation scam targeting devotees. Fraudsters have created convincing fake websites and WhatsApp channels mimicking official ISKCON facilities—such as Prabhupad Village, Gada Bhavan, and Gita Bhavan—to swindleContinue Reading
From Ghats to Temples: How Spiritual Tourism Revives India’s Cultural Heart
From Ghats to Temples: How Spiritual Tourism Revives India’s Cultural Heart A recent feature in Hindustan Times explores the profound impact of spiritual tourism on India's art, music, and heritage. The article includes an insightful interview with Yudhistir Govinda Das, Director of Communications at ISKCON India, who explains how mindfulContinue Reading
His Holiness Sivarama Swami Speaks on Vaiṣṇavī Dīkṣā-gurus
A transcription of this lecture is available on the IISB website: Transcript – On Vaiṣṇavī Dīkṣā-gurus – Part 2Continue Reading
Report on Survey Soundness (VDG)
Report on Survey Soundness Author: Krishna Kirti das, Convenor of the ISKCON India Scholars Board Contact: convenor@iisb.co.in | https://iisb.co.in Background My name is Krishna Kirti das, Convenor of the ISKCON India Scholars Board. I hold an MS in Statistics, and this report summarizes my professional opinion on the soundness ofContinue Reading
Integrating HH Sivarama Swami’s FDG Talks with IISB Presentations
Video Transcription (Autogenerated) Disclaimer: This transcription was automatically generated. We welcome your feedback and corrections in the comments section below. Hare Krishna. Uh, welcome to this uh episode of our IISB video. Uh, this is Sridhar Srinivasa Das. I’m a member of IISB, ISKCON India Scholars Board, and I’mContinue Reading
The Jolly Swami – Wit and Wisdom from Sridhar Swami by Adbhuta Hari Dasa
New Release: The Jolly Swami – Wit and Wisdom from Sridhar Swami We are pleased to announce the availability of a monumental new publication dedicated to the legacy of His Holiness Sridhar Swami. Titled “The Jolly Swami,” this hardbound volume by Adbhuta Hari Dasa serves as a comprehensive tribute toContinue Reading
Autobiography of a Bhakti Yogi by John Berg Yogindravandana Dasa
New Release: Autobiography of a Bhakti Yogi We are pleased to announce the release of Autobiography of a Bhakti Yogi by John Berg Yogindravandana Dasa, available now. About the Book: This book is written for every man, woman, and child. The author’s life story is told in a simple, accessibleContinue Reading
Female Dīkṣā-Gurus: Ensuring the unity of ISKCON on doctrinal matters
Female Dīkṣā-Gurus: Ensuring the unity of ISKCON on doctrinal matters By Śrīdhara Śrīnivāsa dāsaḥ An important goal of the GBC is to ensure that their members maintain unity in diversity. However, diversity should be united by śāstra. Śāstra is the lynch pin that unifies diverse opinions and keeps ISKCON united.Continue Reading