Lesson 4  ISKCON Gurus

 

Aims

To help students understand the role, position and qualification of ISKCON gurus (current and future), especially with regard for their loyalty to:

• The teachings of Srila Prabhupada
• The authority structure within ISKCON.

To help students develop the appropriate attitude to gurus in other Gaudiya Vaishnavism organizations.

Objectives

By the end of the lesson students should be able to:

• Discuss the appropriate general attitude for an ISKCON Guru (current and future) in regard to their loyalty to:
  • the teachings of Srila Prabhupada
  • the authority structure within ISKCON.
• Demonstrate the appropriate way to deal with a situation where in the instructions given by one’s guru differ from the instructions given by one’s local ISKCON authority.
• Evaluate the position of a guru who abandons:
  • the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and
  • the authority structure within ISKCON.
• Discuss similarities, and differences, in the teachings of Shiksha-gurus, in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism paramparä, outside of ISKCON.
• Discuss the benefits of accepting Diksha and Shiksha gurus within ISKCON.
• Cite instances of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples accepting gurus in other Gaudiya Vaishnava organizations and discuss the significance of Srila Prabhupada’s responses in this regard.
• Discuss the appropriate attitude to gurus in other Gaudiya Vaishnava paramparä and organizations.
• Give appropriate reference to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada’s and the broader Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition