Based on a seminar given by Bhakti Charu Swami in July 2014
The Divine Mission and Global Reach
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, predicted that the Krishna consciousness movement would spread worldwide. Since God’s word is absolute, this prediction is unfolding. And it’s happening through Srila Prabhupada, who at the age of 70, journeyed to America with no contacts or financial support.
Arriving on September 17th in New York, Prabhupada endured a tough winter. Initially preaching to wealthy uptown residents with no success, he shifted to the Bowery—downtown, where young, disillusioned Americans responded positively. When he attempted to involve his godbrothers in supporting the movement, none came forward. Undeterred, he acted alone.
With a few young followers, he founded ISKCON at 26 2nd Avenue. A lawyer suggested the name “International Society for God Consciousness,” but Prabhupada insisted on “Krishna”—his mission was to help people understand that Krishna is God.
Krishna: The Universal God
Prabhupada’s message was clear: Krishna is not an Indian deity—Krishna is God. Whether one says God, Allah, or Jehovah, they refer to the same Supreme Being. The word “Krishna” means “all-attractive”—He possesses all divine qualities.
This understanding, Prabhupada taught, would eliminate conflict. People claim belief in God but do not know Him. Krishna consciousness is meant to change that. As people become more educated, they will realise the oneness of God and discard sectarian misconceptions.
The Spiritual Choice to Join ISKCON
Why do people join ISKCON? Not for jobs or marriage, but for the science of self-realisation. Some may join for material hopes, like immigration, but the real purpose is to serve Krishna. This is the movement’s core.
Despite many difficulties, ISKCON continues to grow. At Prabhupada’s passing, there were 108 temples; today, there are over 500. The movement has not only survived but flourished.
The Lineage and Revival of Krishna Consciousness
The movement was originally started by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 500 years ago. Srila Prabhupada did not invent it. He carried forward the mission of his Guru Maharaj, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, who followed Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur.
Bhaktivinoda Thakur restored Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings after they had been misrepresented. He was a magistrate, prolific author, and deep philosopher. His poetry conveyed profound spiritual truths, for example:
“Alas for those who spend their days
In festive mirth and joy,
The dazzling, deadly liquid forms
Their hearts forever employ…”
His works were not ordinary; they were transcendental vibrations from the spiritual realm.
In answer to Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s prayer, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur appeared and expanded the movement. He founded the Gaudiya Mission and emphasized the necessity of an institution to carry the movement forward after his departure.
Learning from the Collapse of the Gaudiya Math
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur instructed his disciples to manage the mission collectively through a Governing Body. Unfortunately, his followers failed to follow this instruction. They appointed a single leader, and when he fell, the institution collapsed. Many continued their spiritual lives, but the mission lost momentum.
This is why studying history is crucial—it informs the future. Prabhupada understood this. When he went to America, he aimed to fulfil Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy by planting a movement that would spread globally. He built ISKCON as a strong institution, learning from the Gaudiya Math’s mistakes.
Srila Prabhupada’s Institutional Vision
Prabhupada was conscious of time. Arriving in America at age 70, he focused on building an enduring institution, not on personal recognition. He founded the GBC (Governing Body Commission) as ISKCON’s top management authority and permanently enshrined his position as the movement’s Founder-Acharya.
Unlike traditional Indian systems where a guru appoints a successor, Prabhupada followed his Guru Maharaj’s model—no successor, only a collective management structure. This prevented ISKCON from splintering as the Gaudiya Math did.
Gurus in ISKCON: Representatives, Not Replacements
After Prabhupada’s departure, misunderstandings led to the belief that eleven gurus were appointed as his successors. By 1985, seven of them had fallen, causing spiritual crises for their disciples. But ISKCON survived, thanks to the GBC structure.
Prabhupada made it clear: ISKCON belongs to him. Gurus are representatives, not replacements. Disciples belong to ISKCON and to Prabhupada. The guru’s role is to lead disciples to Prabhupada and his teachings.
This understanding deepened over time and was formalised in the publication of a dedicated book affirming Prabhupada’s unique position. It was written with spiritual insight and later expanded for implementation—not just reading.
The Founder-Acharya Principle: A Transcendental System
The title “Founder-Acharya” is not ceremonial. It is a spiritual structure ensuring ISKCON’s unity and longevity. Without it, the movement could disintegrate like the Gaudiya Math.
ISKCON is built on three pillars:
- Srila Prabhupada as the eternal spiritual head
- The GBC as the managing authority
- Temples as operational units under temple presidents
After Prabhupada’s departure, a “zonal acharya” model emerged. When many of these leaders failed, ISKCON entered a crisis. A committee in 1986 examined the situation, leading to the system’s collapse. Though new challenges arose—such as “guru groupism”—the solution is not ritvikism, which removes the need for living gurus. The correct approach is balanced: gurus must operate under ISKCON’s authority, serving as transparent mediums to Srila Prabhupada.
Deepening the Connection to Prabhupada
Spiritual maturity brings a deeper connection to Srila Prabhupada—not through physical presence (vapu), but through instruction (vani). His teachings are the eternal link. Whether through books, service, or surrender, his presence is experienced by sincere devotees.
True leadership in ISKCON comes through humility and service. Prabhupada himself viewed his role as servant of his Guru Maharaj. That mood must define ISKCON’s future.
Summary
- Srila Prabhupada is ISKCON’s eternal Founder-Acharya.
- The GBC is the ultimate managing authority.
- Gurus are servants and representatives of Srila Prabhupada, not successors.
- ISKCON belongs to Srila Prabhupada.
- His teachings are the eternal foundation of the movement.
By understanding and internalising these truths, ISKCON will not only endure—it will thrive, fulfilling the divine vision of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.