What is resolution 311?

Resolution 311 (GBC meeting minutes, 2008) is the GBC body's statement of intent to formally request the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust to amend Srila Prabhupadas books to include end notes and appendices that provide further information to readers as to the meaning and intent of some kinds of statements that some regard as problematic or controversial.

Srila Prabhupadas books are arguably the bedrock of authenticity in ISKCON. Translating and commenting on the Srimad-Bhagavatam and other key shastras was Srila Prabhupadas life work. Before he journeyed to America, he first published the first canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Srila Prabhupada was even translating and commenting on the Srimad-Bhagavatam almost up to the moment he died. Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada is within ISKCON generally accepted as a liberated acharya, who in his presentation of the Absolute Truth cannot commit any mistake. Authenticity in ISKCON has up until now been measured by fidelity to Srila Prabhupadas teachings in thought, word and deed.

Hence, the notion of people who are probably not liberated souls trying to improve upon what Srila Prabhupada himself has already presented, within his own works (and not in some separate books for which they themselves are the authors), in a short time has been shown to be noxious to many devotees with otherwise diverse views of the kinds of controversial statements resolution 311 has tried to address. The public message to ISKCONs GBC and BBT by now should be clear: tamper with Srila Prabhupadas life work and you risk the good will of those who presently assent to your leadership.

If you are against this GBC Resolution 311, and would like to see it removed and rescinded, please sign below: