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Hare Krishna

Shakti in Seva - Advancing the Movement

Shakti in Seva emphasizes the scriptural foundation for qualified Vaishnavis serving as diksha-gurus in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, highlighting that spiritual leadership is not limited by gender and that women in spirituality can hold significant roles.

Unveiled: Behind ISKCON's Debates about Vaishnavi Diksa Guru

Pranada Comtois traces the decades-long GBC discussions around allowing Vaishnavis to serve as diksa gurus. 

Narayani dd initiates her first disciple, August 23, 2022.

A spiritual ceremony with two women exchanging a garland indoors.

On August 19, Janmastami Day, Narayani devi dasi became the first Vaishnavi (female devotee) in ISKCON to serve as a diksa guru, or initiating spiritual master. On that day she formally accepted her first disciple, now named Nilambari dasi.

Woman kneeling in prayer next to an elderly woman speaking at a microphone.

Read the full article, here: 

https://iskconnews.org/narayani-devi-dasi-initiates-her-first-diksa-disciple/

Discover Our Video Collection

These selected videos highlight key perspectives and voices from the Vaishnavi Diksha Guru campaign, offering insight, reflection, and inspiration on this important topic.

We invite you to explore our full video collection to discover more contributions, discussions, and deeper context around the movement.

Video Gallery

Srila Prabhupada and His Vaishnavi Disciples

This video was presented at the ISKCON Communications Conference In Europe, May of 2024. Visakha Dasi spent 50+ years studying Srila Prabhupada's teachings and legacy, and practicing Bhakti yoga. She is an award-winning author, photographer and the president of Bhaktivedanta Manor in the UK. Visakha Dasi's website is OurSpiritualJourney.com

ISKCON's Only Vaisnavi Diksa Guru Speaks Out

In this thoughtful conversation, Narayani Devi shares her personal journey and speaks candidly about the current Vasihnavi Dīkṣā Guru (VDG) controversy. She offers her perspective on the theological, institutional, and practical dimensions of this important discussion within ISKCON, addressing guru-tattva, śāstric considerations, and her experience serving as a dīkṣā-guru.

Bond of Love Interview Serie: Srila Prabhupada daughters sharing their Bond of Love.

Vaishnavi Diksha Gurus in ISKCON

 Bhakti Charu Swami, Gopal Krishna Goswami and Jayapataka Swami talk about why they support the 2019 GBC resolution allowing Vaishnavis (female devotees) to serve as initiating spiritual masters, or diksha gurus.

Why Garuda Das Won’t Participate in ISKCON’s Guru Approval Process

In this episode, we explore why Garuda Das (Graham Schweig) has chosen not to participate in ISKCON’s guru approval system, often described by some as a “rubber-stamping” process. Through a thoughtful and principled lens, he shares his concerns about institutional authority, tradition, and the deeper meaning of guru within the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage.

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Hare Krishna. We welcome your thoughts, questions, and suggestions regarding spiritual leadership and the role of women in spirituality. Feel free to reach out and leave us a message, especially if you are interested in learning more about the Vaishnavi Diksha Guru campaign.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Shakti in Seva

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