5: 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-gita and Īsopanisad, and proves to be otherwise deserving, he will be given the title of Bhaktisastri. A Bhaktisastri is considered to be an ordained minister. It should be noted here, however, that while the Bhaktisastri 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 Bhaktisastri to Bhaktivaibhava. Before this title is conferred, the student must have shown his ability to serve as a Bhaktisastri, must have successfully completed the courses and seminars required in the second year of study, and must pass a comprehensive examination on Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. At the conclusion of the fifth semester it is possible for the successful student to receive the title of Bhaktivedanta. 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 Sannyasa, or renounced order. Upon taking the Order of Sannyasa, the student receives the title of svami. Adopting the Order of Sannyasa is voluntary, And one who adopts this order takes a vow never to marry. Married ministers may take Sannyasa when the sons are old enough to take care of the wife. When a married minister adopts the Order of Sannyasa, there is no more personal contact between him and his wife. Generaly the Sannyasi (Svami) moves to an other location. In addition to a clear showing of personal worth, the Bhaktivedanta, in order to join the Renounced Order of Life (Svami), must establish the following:

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 Krsna. When travelling 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 Krsna 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 Krsna consciousness. There is no dating or courtship. Marriage is an arrangement for two devotees of Krsna to serve and worship in this way. Marriage is primarily for the purpose of raising children in Krsna 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 Krsna consciousness or with the execution of duties.

C. Activities of ministers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

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 Krsna. In addition to the prayer and meditation, the minister preaches the principles of Krsna 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 Krsna. 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.