Bhakti Marg

Course Description:

The course covers various aspects of the path of devotional service and provides knowledge, Vaishnava qualities and devotional values.

Generally the course lasts for a duration of 80 hours. During that time one can attain a fairly thorough understanding of the following: rules and regulations, Vedic philosophy, Vaisnava behaviour, devotional service, mood and mission etc.

We have a very structured schedule, which embodies the actual principle of freedom from material existence. Everything is completely in accordance with the ancient scriptural (shastric) tradition of Vedic India. The more diligently one applies oneself to this process the more benefit and realisation one will attain.

Actually, devotional service or "bhakti-yoga" is the eternal way of life of every living entity, presently lying dormant in the heart. In the scriptures there is the statement: "it is the prime duty of persons who want to become fearless, to hear, chant and remember the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, Who is to be remembered and never forgotten, not even for a single moment."

Whether you came to Krishna Consciousness just recently or have been practicing for some time already, this course will be of great benefit for you due to its practical and informative nature.

Course Contents:

1.The Basis: Guru, Sadhu and sastra – 90min

2.The special position of Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON–90min

3.The Different type of Gurus and Initiation– 90min

4.Understanding Pure devotional service & Sadhana Bhakti (From the Nectar of Devotion)

5.The four regulative principles. – 90min

6.Initial directives for Sadhaka (From the Nectar of Instruction-1st 5 verses)

7.Setting up a temple at Home and Deity worship– 90min

8.The daily morning program– 90min

9.Kṛṣṇa Prasada (Food, eating habits and serving) – 90min

10.Vaishnava etiquettes-

      - The goal of following Vaishnava etiquette– 90min

      - Decorations and dress of a Vaishnava– 90min

      - The three levels of devotees, prakrta sahajiyas– 90min

      - Vaishnava Aparadha and forgiveness– 90min

      - Giving and accepting correction– 90min

      - The mood and attitude of a devotee– 180min

      - DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDES– 90min

          A DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS NON-DEVOTEES

          A DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS OTHERS’METHODS OF RELIGION

          A DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDES IN RECEIVING A GUEST (EVEN AN ENEMY)

          A DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS PARENTS (AND RELATIVES)

          A DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS INHABITANTS OF THE HOLY DHAMAS

          A DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDE AS A PREACHER

11. Ekadasi– 90min

12. Festivals, Caturmasya and Damodara Vrata– 90min

13. Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta condensed-1080 min

14. Lives of Vaishnava Acharyas- 900 min

15. Daily prayers - 270 min

16. Laws of Nature- 180 min

17. Overview of the Bhagavad-gita–1080 min

Target Audience: Anyone who is interested to learn the above subject matter.

Assessment Plan: Assignments and Examinations.

Course Requirement: 
- No previous academic qualification is necessary for enrolment.

- It is advised that one chants a minimum of 4 rounds of Hare Krishna mantra daily.

- One should have reading and writing comprehension of the English language.

- One should be vegetarian.

- We also require recommendation from an ISKCON authority or a senior devotee who knows the candidate well.

Important Guidelines for the Students: Attendance(75 %), class participation, timely completion of assignments and examinations.

What will students gain from this course?

1. The course covers various aspects of the path of devotional service and provides knowledge, Vaishnava qualities and devotional values.

2. To give you an idea what Krsna conscious life is, so that you can decide if and how you want to commit yourself further.

3. To teach you the correct attitude and approach to Krishna Consciousness.

4. To help you make strong and swift progress in spiritual life.

5. To give fundamental procedures and regulations, thus creating a firm basis for the future.

Why should one attend this course?

To prepare oneself for the journey in spiritual life