09/10/1998 - 2192

Statement of the Russian GBC

Russia (VNN) - Statement of the Russian GBC to the devotees of the CIS

1. By propagating a doctrine contrary to the fundamental teachings of HisDivine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of theInternational Society for Krishna Consciousness, the existing authorities ofSt. Petersburg Temple, Moscow BBT, Radio Krishna Loka are undermining thefaith of many sincere vaisnavas and vaisnavis.

2. Sannyas dasa, Kamala Mala dasa, Brahmananda Puri dasa, and Bhramika dasaand their followers have been systematically propagating misinformation ofthe events surrounding the collapse of Harikesh Prabhu.

3. They have rejected the authority of the GBC and have chosen not toparticipate in discussion with them.

4. They are propagating the following erroneous philosophical doctrinesthat are contrary to the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. BhaktivedantaSwami Prabhupada:

a. That in marriage the restriction of no illicit sex, as defined by SrilaPrabhupada, should not be followed.

b. That sexual expression is the basis of love between husband and wife.

c. That it is not necessary to chant 16 daily rounds of japa.

d. That the chanting of the gayatri mantra may or may not be accepted bysecond initiated devotees.

e. That only those of Brahminical inclination can follow 4 regulativeprinciples and chant 16 rounds.

Therefore the Russian GBC is recommending that:

1. For the sake of their spiritual well-being the devotees of the CIS showextreme caution when having to deal with devotees representing the abovementioned devotees.

2. Due to the fact that the above mentioned devotees are not strictlyadhering to the philosophical conclusions of His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the disciples of different spiritualmasters are advised not to visit or accept service in the St. Petersburgtemple or accept service under their guidance until this situation isresolved.

3. The GBC recognizes the congregation of at least 300 devotees in St.Petersburg that do not endorse the activities of Kamala Mala dasa, theleader of the local temple, or the other above mentioned devotees.

4. The status of membership in ISKCON of the St. Petersburg temple will bereviewed in the near future.

5. No ISKCON Sanyasis or visiting preachers will visit the St. PetersburgTemple until the current situation changes.

The GBC invites any devotees that have any doubts about the spiritualpractices accepted in ISKCON for open discussion of these points in the formof personal talks and discussions or debate.

The GBC cordially welcomes any devotees from the St. Petersburg Temple, BBT,and Radio Krishna Loka that wish to return to the safe shelter of the lotusfeet of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acaryaof the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.