Bhakti Śāstrī (Dec 2024)

Course Description:

In this way you have to understand, by studying carefully the philosophy. We have got so many books now and I want all of my disciples to read them carefully. Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti Śāstrī examinations and all brāhmaṇas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books.

(Letter from Śrīla Prabhupāda to Upendra, 7th July 1976)

We have designed the Bhakti Śāstrī course for those devotees who have been sincerely practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness and want to systematically study Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Bhagavad-gītā, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and Śrī Īśopaniṣad. This course will not only enhance your śāstric knowledge and understanding, thereby making you more determined in practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but will also empower you to convey Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava principles to society.

Bhakti Śāstrī degree will be provided to the qualified students from the ISKCON Board of Examination.

Course Contents: 

In-depth study of Bhagavad-gītā, Śrī Īśopaniṣad, Nectar of Devotion, and Nectar of Instruction

• Our Esteemed Teachers:
  

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• Special Guest Speaker Sessions:
  

After the completion of each unit, devotees will have the opportunity to attend special sessions conducted by Honored Guest Speakers, who will share their wisdom and unique perspectives:

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Course Materials: 

Bhakti Śāstrī Students Handbook

Assessment Plan: 

6 Closed Book Exams, 6 Sloka Recitation tests, 12 open book Exams & Classroom Attendance

Course requirement (Any Pre-Qualification)

You must be 16 years or above in age.

As per the guidelines of the ISKCON Board of Examinations, to be qualified to obtain the Bhakti Śāstrī degree, students must chant a minimum of 16 rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā Mantra daily and follow the four regulative principles.

For better understanding, we humbly request you to read all four books—Bhagavad-gītā, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and Śrī Īśopaniṣad—before beginning this deep study with us, so you can fully benefit from the course.

The course will be conducted in English, so proficiency in English is mandatory.

As per the rules and regulations of the ISKCON Board of Examinations, to earn the Bhakti Śāstrī degree, you must attend at least 75% of the live sessions.

You need to submit a recommendation letter from an ISKCON authority (your Spiritual Master, GBC member, Temple President, or Co-President) who knows you well, certifying your character, sādhana, Brahminical tendencies, and that you have been favorably engaged in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu for at least the past 12 months. Please download the Recommendation Letter format from the link below:

Recommendation Letter

You need to submit the same in this google form with other details:-

Google Form

Please Note that your Admission will not be Confirmed Unless we have Received this Recommendation Letter.

The regulations to be followed during the closed books exams. All students should agree for the following requirements regarding the online exam before taking admission to this course:-

• All closed book exams will be conducted online (via cloud meetings).
• Answers should be hand written, no electronic devices are allowed for typing.
• Students must have two devices live on cloud meetings. One will cover the student writing the exam as well as the screen of the front device. The second/front device will be used by the student to view the question paper displayed on the cloud meeting screen.
• Immediately after the exam, the student must scan the answer sheet in front of the front device camera and upload it to the assessment section.