05/28/98 - 1832

Financial Accountability of Leaders

USA (VNN) - by Locanananda Das

Hare Krishna! Every good leader, no matter what organization he represents, tries to instill faith in his followers by honest and open communication. As long as the followers are treated with decency and respect, and as long as the leader directs the organization according to the vision enunciated in the organization's credo, there will be unity of purpose.

A good leader of devotees has to stand up for the principles taught by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupad, believe in them firmly, and protect those who embrace the same values. In Krishna consciousness, devotee leaders are responsible for the spiritual well-being of all those who seek shelter at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupad, not just a select group of neophyte disciples who worship them on high. That is not real leadership. And if the worship is not deserved, it is simply exploitation.

In the relationship between leader and follower, there must be trust, and trust requires that there be accountability. In the case of blind followers, there is no need for accountability, but in a spiritual movement where blind following is condemned, to be well-managed, there must be full financial disclosure. I would therefore like to open a discussion concerning financial accountability of devotee leaders, and I am inviting the input from all who are concerned with this issue, especially anyone who has references from Srila Prabhupad's teachings or anecdotes from personal association with His Divine Grace.

All nonprofit organizations make available to the public their financial position and a report of their use of funds. When moneys are not accounted for, there is immediate suspicion of wrongdoing. What is the policy in ISKCON for reporting donations received from individuals by gurus and sannyasis? Should temples be required to have their books audited? Can a member of the renounced order of life maintain a bank account, have a retirement fund, lend money to temples and collect interest, receive guru daksina from disciples, all without any disclosure?

If one assumes the role of leadership, he is immediately subject to public scrutiny. If he does not agree to this, he will not command the respect of true vaisnavas, but he may still be able to attract a multitude of blind followers.