About The Code

History of the Code

The ISKCON Code of Ethical Behavior was developed by a group of senior ISKCON men and women devotees, chaired by Yogesvara dasa (Joshua M. Greene). An initial draft was created, based on an examination of other ethical codes used by government, religious, and social service organizations. That draft was circulated among the advisory group. After incorporating their suggestions, the revised draft was submitted to the GBC for their vote.

Extensive comments were provided by the GBC body. Those comments were incorporated into a third draft, and the GBC then voted on this most recent version. On August 21, 2021, the GBC ratified the Code and voted it into ISKCON law. This point is significant. Because the GBC ratified the Code as “law,” as opposed to a “recommendation,” they actively support its implementation.

It is noteworthy that the articles of the Code are based on previous GBC laws and resolutions; nothing here is invented or new. Still, seeing our ethical ideals in one concise document is a powerful reminder that spiritual progress in all instances depends on impeccable behavior.

The Code is a “living document,” meaning that it may be supplemented and amended in the future by GBC resolution.

While all initiated devotees are expected to exhibit behavior in line with this Code, those devotees holding office or authority in ISKCON, as opposed to the general devotee population, are subject to sanctions for failure to adhere to this Code. These sanctions are described in Part Two of the Code. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISKCON Code of Ethical Behavior?

The Code is the official guideline for minimum standards of ethical behavior by ISKCON members, meaning both leaders and initiated devotees. 

What is the purpose of the Code?

  1. To describe ethical norms to be respected by all members of ISKCON,
  2. To describe how the Code is enforced, and
  3. To provide channels of appeal for anyone who has been sanctioned for unethical behavior.

 

An equally important reason for creating the Code was to build trust and credibility for Srila Prabhupada’s movement, both internally among its members and externally among congregants, government agencies, the press, and the public. Trust and credibility are earned when ISKCON members behave honorably. It is one thing to espouse a philosophy, but more often Srila Prabhupada’s movement is judged by its members’ ethical behavior.

How can I determine if my situation merits intervention by the GBC, ISKCON Resolve, or other ISKCON agency?

For administrative and operational issues, the first person to approach for guidance is the local temple president. If that does not provide you with the attention you seek, the next person would be the local GBC. If your situation is more personal than administrative, the Code advises that you contact ISKCONResolve at iskconresolve@gmail.com.

Is it reasonable to expect that everyone will adhere to the same standards of ethical behavior?

Like any large organization, ISKCON has its share of people who either haven’t understood or are unwilling to follow acceptable standards of behavior. At least now with the Code in place, we have guidelines that give ISKCON devotees a clearer picture of what Srila Prabhupada meant when he said his followers should be perfect ladies and gentlemen—and the Code clearly spells out processes for rectifications as well as consequences for violators. Those consequences include probation and, in more egregious cases, removal from a particular service.

How far into a person’s life can the Code be applied?

In the privacy of our own homes, each of us confronts our strengths and weaknesses, and that exercise is between individuals, their gurus, Krishna, and their own hearts. But those holding office in ISKCON will be held to a higher standard, since their actions have an impact on other devotees as well as the public’s perception of Srila Prabhupada’s institution. Someone who violates basic ethical behavior shouldn’t be allowed to continue holding office in the movement if they cannot rectify themselves appropriately.

Ethics encompasses a wide range of topics. How were the topics chosen?

We were a small group at first, so we started by soliciting suggestions from a wider range of devotees. The best advice came from a senior devotee who suggested we read every GBC resolution going back to the first year, 1975, and use existing GBC laws as the starting point—in essence telling the GBC “Look, these are your own words regarding ethics. Here they are in a single document.” Most of what is in the Code was already in place but in need of centralizing. We also analyzed similar codes from a dozen or so religious, business and government organizations and consulted with a few university professors who teach ethics.

The Code seems rather general and doesn't address my specific question.

The code cannot reasonably address all issues and questions. The intention was to make everyone aware of what Srila Prabhupada expected, and what the texts and ISKCON describe as “ethical.” Then each individual is responsible for applying that standard following his or her conscience.

Internal Ethics Audit

Here are a few simple questions you can address, to determine if your community is making the best use of the ISKCON Code of Ethical Behavior:

  • Has the Code been distributed (electronically or in print) to all members of your temple?
  • Did a recent newsletter mention the Code, reassuring guests and congregants that they are ethically protected in your temple?
  • Has the iskconresolve.com contact information been posted somewhere publicly, such as on a community bulletin board?
  • Is there someone in your community who has been appointed as an ethics compliance officer?
  • Do your congregants know what to do if they are the victim of an ethical violation?
  • Have you scheduled a time to discuss the Code with your community members?
  • Do the officers in your temple—president, treasurer, general manager—understand what is expected of them according to the Code?

Schedule a Workshop

A board member is available to speak with leaders and/or community members about the details of the Code, how to best utilize it within your community, how to deal with ethical breeches, and to answer questions. Please use the contact form to set up a Zoom program.

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