Vaishnavi Diksa in ISKCON

I am signing this, because I believe that Srila Prabhupada authorized all his disciples, in both male and female bodies, to accept disciples, provided they were qualified according to his oft-repeated position - "yei Krishna tattva veta sei guru haya". However, I do not agree with the process the GBC is taking on this issue as it is not doing enough, IMO, to try to bring about unity in diversity. Therefore I support passing the resolution, but giving 6-8 months of review and debate before implementation. During this time, a planned and concerted effort should be made to make sure opponents feel completely heard and are induced to come to at least the position of agreeing to disagree while remaining united in ISKCON. In addition, I believe that the restrictions on Vaishnavis giving our diksa mantras are not in line with Srila Prabhupada's intentions, nor shastra. I also believe that the current GBC guru approval system is not adequately supported by Srila Prabhupada's instructions and should be reviewed. In response to those who are concerned about "free mixing", I would suggest that having qualified Vaishnavis to accept disciples and give diksa will be a great boon to sannyasis who can encourage ladies to approach other ladies instead. Thus, I see that this direction will actually encourage natural separation of sexes in a healthy way, not the opposite.

I am a disciple of HH. Hridayananda das Goswami and I'm in favour of female Gurus.

I wholeheartedly support women diksa gurus in iskcon.

God has created women to be stronger than men. Like it or not. Jai

Hari bol, yes if a woman is qualified, why not. We are not this body. And Srila Prabhupada encouraged the ladies all the time.

I truly believe that just by the process of krishna consciousness a soul can transcend the effects of any material body thereby qualifying to become a guru. Anything else would indicate the lack of faith in the holy name and the process of krishna consciousness that Prabhupad so dearly have to all of us

I m in favour of this petition

Hare Krishna. AGSP and Gurudeva. PAMHO. I am signing in support and solidarity for my Senior godsisters.

I think this is very necessary and opens a Window to the future and also Will help Iskcon to expand anywhere

USA I find the restrictions silly, but it's so long overdue please take this first step. Many of my senior godsisters who were so qualified have already left this world. That personally trained disciples such as Yamuna devi were not requested to be diksa gurs 30-40 years ago has been a grave loss to our movement.

It’s about time Mataji’s have the position of Dikśa Gurus! We’ve been waiting for years~

If this happens we can forget about the probability of enacting varnashram which Prabhupada said was the remaining 50% of his mission left undone. Mixing between the sexes will become the norm in a society intended to restrict it. Prabhupada's instructions in his books have precedence over those in correspondence or conversations. The presiding evidence in this regard undoubtedly goes against women acting in roles not designated for them. Women should be satisfied in the role as siksa gurus, because siksa gurus can be the preferred guru for guidance over diksa gurus for a disciple. Many social problems will incur by women unnecessarily occupying posts as diksa gurus. Primarily free mixing of the sexes as mentioned. This issue is all about artificial equality between the sexes, which is a proven malady in modern society, which results in tremendous divorce rates for example. It will not lead to a progressive Vedic society Prabhupada came to deliver.

I agree!

I agree with this. Anyone who is 'truly' qualified, regardless of being either male or female bodied can become a diksha guru.

Jai!

Haribol!!!

If qualified why not?

Ki Jaya! I’m all for it.

Yes, its a great advancement to The movement if we have Vaisnavis Diksa Gurus. Srila Prabhupada Ki Jay!

Vaishnavi Guru yes!