Poisoning Allegations

Addressing Allegations and Guru Standards in ISKCON

August 11, 2025

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has faced various questions regarding its practices, leadership, and adherence to tradition. This essay addresses two significant inquiries: the allegations of Srila Prabhupada’s poisoning by his disciples and the mechanisms for ensuring the quality and integrity of ISKCON’s initiating gurus. Drawing on official statements, historical context, shastra (the sacred scriptures of Sanatana-dharma) and institutional policies, this discussion aims to provide clarity on these matters while situating ISKCON’s practices within the broader Vedic tradition.

  • The Poison Allegation: A Rebuttal
  • The Role and Regulation of Gurus in ISKCON
  • Multiple Gurus in Vedic Tradition and ISKCON
  • Shastric Guidance on Guru Falldowns

Read the full essay at the IISC website (ISKCON India Scholars Board):

Share:

Follow us

Akincana Staff

Recent Posts

Bhakti Vikasa Swami Announces He Will Reduce His Traveling and Establish a Base in Mayapur

The ISKCON guru, nearly 70, says his energy never came back after an illness this…

1 day ago

GBC Wants Kirtan Leaders in Dhoti and Kurta, Sari or Gopi Dress: Kirtan Ministry Publishes Temple Kirtan Guidelines

The poster the GBC shared on 5 November names the clothes it prefers for whoever…

2 days ago

Are We Ready for Varnasrama? Open Letter Tells the GBC to Start Training Kshatriyas During Its Pause on Initiations

Image: Akincana Gocara (AI-generated), from a photo of Srila Prabhupada published by Nandgram Dham GLOBAL…

4 days ago

Madhu Pandit Dasa Accused of Offering ₹50 Crore to the Auditor Who Turned on Him, With the Phones Kept Away

An updated briefing note from the Mumbai side of the ISKCON Bengaluru dispute sets out…

4 days ago

Not AI: In 2023, Bhakti Vikasa Swami Said ISKCON Was Heading for a Split

A Facebook reel asks whether a clip of Bhakti Vikasa Swami and Basu Ghosh Das…

4 days ago

Read Sanskrit Through Stories: Mukunda Hari Opens an Online Course on 2 December

Image: Akincana Gocara (AI-generated) ONLINE — Mukunda Hari, a Sanskrit teacher, is opening an online…

4 days ago