Chapter 5: Ministers for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

Ministers for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness:
Qualifications, Activities, Duties, and Personal Code

The Society is somewhat unconventional in the sense that, while there are clear formal steps in advancing from student to minister, the difference in activities between student and minister change slowly over a long period of time. If, after one year, the divinity student successfully completes the required courses, passes a comprehensive examination on Bhagavad-gītā and Īśopaniṣad, and proves to be otherwise deserving, he will be given the title of Bhaktiśāstrī. A Bhaktiśāstrī is considered to be an ordained minister. It should be noted here, however, that while the Bhaktiśāstrī must bear the responsibilities of an ordained minister, he continues in his role as fulltime student as well. At the conclusion of the second year of study, the student has the opportunity to be promoted from Bhaktiśāstrī to Bhaktivaibhava. Before this title is conferred, the student must have shown his ability to serve as a Bhaktiśāstrī, must have successfully completed the courses and seminars required in the second year of study, and must pass a comprehensive examination on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad-gītā. At the conclusion of the fifth semester it is possible for the successful student to receive the title of Bhaktivedānta. Once this is conferred, the student ceases to pursue a formal curriculum of study and concentrates his efforts on his ministerial duties and on contributing to the education of the initiates and subordinate ministers.

There is one further formal title to be achieved by a member of the Society. After approximately seven years of service as student and minister, the male student may, if he so wishes, take the Order of Sannyāsa, or renounced order. Upon taking the Order of Sannyāsa, the student receives the title of svāmī. Adopting the Order of Sannyāsa is voluntary, and one who adopts this order takes a vow never to marry. Married ministers may take Sannyāsa when the sons are old enough to take care of the wife. When a married minister adopts the Order of Sannyāsa, there is no more personal contact between him and his wife. Generally the Sannyasī (Svāmī) moves to another location. In addition to a clear showing of personal worth, the Bhaktivedānta, in order to join the Renounced Order of Life (Svāmī), must establish the following:

a. Intensive study of Vedic Scriptures:

b. Publication of extensive commentary on one of the above Scriptures.

c. Evidence of extensive ministry work subsequent to ordination.

No eating of meat, fish, or eggs. The only food which may be eaten by students or ministers is food prepared under strict dietary regulations and offered by prescribed ceremony to Kṛṣṇa. When traveling or under unusual circumstances, students or ministers may eat foods such as fruit or milk which can be easily offered and which do not necessarily require preparation. Under no circumstances may unoffered food be eaten. In Kṛṣṇa consciousness, eating is an act of worship and must be conducted accordingly.

No illicit sex. Sexual relations are permitted only between individuals married by an ordained minister in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. There is no dating or courtship. Marriage is an arrangement for two devotees of Kṛṣṇa to serve and worship in this way. Marriage is primarily for the purpose of raising children in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

No intoxicants. This includes all narcotics, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, coffee and tea. The Society's efficiency in automatically getting the youth to abandon the use of marijuana, LSD and other narcotics has drawn commendations from the mayors of New York City and San Francisco. Medicines may be taken when absolutely necessary, but whenever possible medicines containing narcotic substances should be avoided. An occasional drink for "medicinal" purposes is not permitted.

No gambling. This also excludes frivolous sports and games. In addition, students are advised not to engage in any conversation that is not connected with the teachings of Kṛṣṇa consciousness or with the execution of duties.

Ministers of the Society have duties to perform which are related to the congregation, to divinity students and to the Society itself. In addition, of course, they are required to pursue two activities for their own education and welfare.

Ministers must conduct services both for regular members of the congregation and for the general public. At these services the ministers lead the congregation in prayer and meditation including congregational chanting of the holy names of Kṛṣṇa. In addition to the prayer and meditation, the minister preaches the principles of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. In this manner he attempts to lead the members of his congregation into a better understanding of the role of the individual in society as well as the role of the individual as a servant of Kṛṣṇa. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these services.

Ministers perform the traditional duties of faculty members of seminaries. The students are given formal instruction, are led on missionary field trips, and are given guidance in their personal lives.

Each minister is required to participate in the administration of this organization. The Society assumes total responsibility for each of its students and ministers and therefore frequently encounters serious and complex problems in securing and distributing the materials necessary to sustain these people. The growth of the Society is thought to be of great importance and therefore much time and energy is expended upon the distribution of literature and promotion of missionary activities. Finally, the Society requires its ministers to assist in the large volume of administrative work one would expect to find in an organization with 31 locations.