https://lightofdharma.com/tags/financial-transparency/ Recent content in Financial-Transparency on Light of Dharma Publishing Hugo en-us Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:01:35 +0300 https://lightofdharma.com/financial-irregularities-in-the-international-society-for-krishna-consciousness/ Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:01:35 +0300 https://lightofdharma.com/financial-irregularities-in-the-international-society-for-krishna-consciousness/ <p>The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) grew from humble beginnings in 1966 to become a global organization with temples, farms, restaurants, and publishing ventures on every continent. With this growth came substantial financial assets and, inevitably, questions about their management. This article examines documented financial controversies and organizational responses over the past several decades.</p> <h2 id="the-founding-vision-and-early-years">The Founding Vision and Early Years</h2> <p>A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded ISKCON with minimal resources, initially renting a small storefront in New York City. His vision emphasized using wealth in Krishna&rsquo;s service while maintaining strict standards of accountability. Prabhupada established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) as a separate entity to handle publishing revenues, with specific directives about how funds should be utilized.</p>