The Emergence of Women's Voices in ISKCON
Title: The Emergence of Women's Voices in ISKCON
Author/Compiler/Editor: Pranada devi dasi
Publisher: Bookwrights Press
Publication Date: 2020
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 544
"The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON: A Collection of Letters, Articles, Papers, and Conference Reports from 1988 to 2020" is a comprehensive anthology compiled and edited by Pranada devi dasi (Pranada Dasi), a first-generation disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a pioneer advocate for women's roles in ISKCON.
This 540+ page book serves as a historical documentary and resource, chronicling the evolution of women's participation, leadership, and contributions in ISKCON from the late 1980s through 2020. It gathers primary source materials—including letters, articles, papers, conference reports, GBC resolutions, and personal reflections—from the first-generation pioneer women (and some supportive male devotees) who began speaking up about gender-related issues in the movement.
Key elements include:
The "untold story" of how women, initially silenced or marginalized post-Prabhupada, gradually found their voices to address misconceptions, advocate for equal opportunities in service/preaching, and establish structures like the North American Women's Ministry (1994) and the International Vaishnavi Ministry (1996, now Vaishnavi Ministry).
Discussions on Srila Prabhupada's teachings regarding women (e.g., quotes on their spiritual equality, potential for leadership, and roles in bhakti).
Accounts of milestones, such as Sudharma dasi's election to executive positions in North America and international efforts.
Reflections on challenges (e.g., the Robin George case, abuse issues, cultural biases) and how women's advocacy led to positive changes in ISKCON governance and culture.
Contributions from 33 authors (including Yamuna devi, Visakha devi, Sudharma devi, and others), emphasizing what women bring to Krishna consciousness (compassion, nurturing, devotion) and the importance of their inclusion.
The book is described as both an important historical record and a "veritable encyclopedia" of responses to misconceptions about women's roles. It passes the "torch of wisdom" from pioneer women to newer generations, highlighting progress while acknowledging ongoing work.
The essays in this anthology will bring light to ISKCON members around the world. They are as applicable today as they were yesterday and can be used as a road map to move into the future. Many senior devotees have poured out their wise hearts here, having thought deeply about this topic. They knew Srila Prabhupada and lived under his roof.
This compilation of writings was collected faithfully over the years by Pranada devi dasi. To find all these materials separately would be a daunting, if not impossible, task, as many of these pieces can no longer be found. However, all are collected here for use as a definitive reference.
“This is not only an important book of history, but a useful resource – a veritable encyclopedia of responses to misconceptions about women and their role in Krishna consciousness. Refer regularly to this comprehensive reference and you will stand on solid ground in good company.” – from the Introduction by Pranada devi dasi
“For women ISKCON members of the present and into the future, I remind you of the true story of a young Vaishnavi who was sitting with Srila Prabhupada when he said to room full of his students, ‘I want all of my disciples to open temples.’ This 16-year old girl, a recent initiate, inquired, ‘Even the girls Swamiji’ Prabhupada responded, ‘Yes, why not? Even the girls.’ ” – from the Foreword by Anuttama dasa.
Proceeds or awareness often support the Vaishnavi Ministry.
CONTENTS
Foreword by Anuttama dasa 1
Preface by Radha dasi 5
Introduction by Pranada dasi 9
The Untold Story of How I Found My Voice by Pranada dasi 17
1988
Pranada dasi’s Letter to Saudamani dasi 38
Saudamani dasi’s Reply 52
Japa in the Temple Room for All by Manasa Ganga dasi 59
1990
On Chivalry in ISKCON and the Rights of Our Mother by Jagannatha Krishna dasa 70
Damsels in Distress ask, “Where are our Knights in Shining Armor?” by Sita devi dasi 81
1991
Back to Godhead Articles 110
Doing Things the “Prabhupada Way” by Pranada devi dasi 110
A House for the Entire World by Sita devi dasi 113
Srila Prabhupada and His Women Disciples by Visakha devi dasi 115
Where Are Your Women Teachers? by Manasa Ganga devi dasi 117
Krishna Knows What We Need by Jadurani devi dasi 121
1992
Building An All-Attractive ISKCON by Pranada dasi 125
1994
Background for A Proposal for a Women’s Ministry by Sudharma dasi 142
A Proposal for a Women’s Ministry to the North American GBC 143
1995
Presentation for The Association for the Sociology of Religion by Pranada dasi 145
Guidelines for ISKCON Women in Devotee Relationships by Caroline Constantine, MA Women’s Ministry Special Advisor 149
1996
Women’s Ministry Celebration for Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial Year 158
Panel: Learning from Past Mistakes and Successes 159
Remembering Srila Prabhupada by Yamuna Devi & Kausalya Prabhu 159
Servant of the Servant by Bhaktitirtha Swami 159
Remembering Srila Prabhupada by Yamuna Devi & Kausalya Prabhu 160
1997
The First Annual Women’s Ministry Conference: “Vaishnavis in ISKCON” 161
Hands that Rock the Cradle Rock ISKCON: A Conference Summary by Pranada dasi 162
Video Presentations for the Conference Segment: “How Srila Prabhupada Empowered His Daughters” 164
Marge Legaye 164
Visakha devi dasi 164
Malati devi dasi 164
Jyotirmayi devi dasi 164
Kausalya devi dasi 164
Questions and Answers 165
Papers Presented at the Conference: 165
Women in ISKCON in Prabhupada’s Time by Jyotirmayi devi dasi 165
The Anomaly of the Single Mother in ISKCON by Bimala devi dasi 194
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Pranada devi dasi 200
Participation, Protection and Patriarchy: An International Model for the Role of Women in ISKCON by Radha devi dasi 204
The Importance of Women in ISKCON by Hridayananda dasa Goswami 220
Let’s Mend Our Social Fabric by Pranada dasi 229
1998
Second Annual Women’s Ministry Conference Alachua, Florida 233
Fundamental Human Rights in ISKCON by Radha devi dasi 234
Women’s Voices and the Mobilization of Women within ISKCON by E. Burke Rochford, Jr. 246
Femininity Honored by Visakha dasi 260
USA and European Conference Report by Radha devi dasi 272
Respect for Individuality by Urmila Dasi 276
1998 Statement by the North American Executive Officers 292
1999
Third Annual Women’s Ministry Conference, New Vrindaban 294
Toward Krishna Together by Visakha dasi 294
Continuing the Journey by Pranada dasi 307
What’s a Woman to Do? by Visakha dasi 311
2000
“Healing the Heart of ISKCON”: A Delegation of Vaishnavis to the Annual Mayapur GBC Meetings 321
Introduction to the 2000 GBC Meetings by Visakha and Sudharma dasis 321
Srila Prabhupada’s Transcendental Sweetness and Beauty by Yamuna Devi 327
Prabhupada’s Ladies and Soul Concern by Visakha dasi 330
ISKCON’s Social History from a Woman’s Perspective by Sitala dasi 336
Symptoms of Disease by Sudharma dasi 338
Diverse Voices of an Enriched Culture by Rukmini dasi 343
Srila Prabhupada’s Mood Was Not Compromise by Saudamani dasi 349
Austerity of Speech by Kusha dasi 351
A Response to Women in ISKCON by Urmila dasi 354
Are We Feminists or Prabhupadanugas? by Pranada dasi 356
2000 GBC Resolutions 361
The Reassertion of Women within ISKCON by Kim Knott 363
Vaishnavi Ministry Mission Statement 365
2001
Serving Krishna as Husband and Wife by Visakha dasi 367
2008
Statement by the GBC Executive Committee Affirming Vaishnava Respect for Women 385
2011
Question & Answer about Srila Prabhupada’s Comments about Women by Hridayanada dasa Goswami 389
2013
On the Use of “Prabhu” in ISKCON by Sudharma dasi and Pranada dasi 391
Srila Prabhupada on the use of the Address “Prabhu” by Visakha dasi 394
2015
Do women have equal rights in ISKCON? Interview with Ananga Manjari dasi in Vrindavan 399
2017
The Rare Human Form by Visakha Priya dasi 404
2018
History of Women in ISKCON by Krishnarupa dasi 420
Dealing with Dysfunction by Radha dasi 424
The Roles of Vaishnavis in ISKCON by Radha dasi for the Vaishnavi Ministry 426
2019
Some Reasons Why SABHA Supports Vaishnavi Diksa Gurus (VDG) in ISKCON by Kalakantha dasa 439
2020
The Suppression of Women in ISKCON by Hridayananda Goswami 443
Excerpts from “Endangered Species” by Kalakantha dasa and Jitamrta dasi 445
A Brahmacharini’s Story 463
A Brahmachari’s Story 467
2020: Parting Words
A Letter To Our Future Selves by Rukmini dasi 474
The Failed Experiment versus Loving Krishna by Kusha dasi 478
A Call to be Torchbearers by Govinda Priya dasi 481
A Vision for ISKCON’s Future by Shyamala Kishori dasi 483
Courageous Women Ushering in a New Partnership Paradigm for Relationships by Vrajalila dasi 485
Epilogue: Reflections and Lessons Learned from the Founder of the Vaishnavi Ministry by Sudharma dasi 492
