Course Description The ISKCON Disciples Course is a training program which deepens devotees understanding of guru tattva and guru padasraya within the multiple guru environment of ISKCON. Designed for new devotees preparing to take initiation in ISKCON, the course is also recommended for leaders, preachers councilors and educators in ISKCON. The course was developed
Lesson 12 Presenting One’s Guru Aim To help students appreciate the importance of appropriately presenting their guru (within Vaishnava society and to the general public) consistent with: The principles of Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition Relevant Shastric parampara Current ISKCON Law Objectives By the end of the lesson students should be able to: Explain why we
Lesson 11 Guru-tyaga (Rejection of the Spiritual master)AimTo help students deal with:problems in their relationship with the gurucriticism of the guru or rumors (whether true or false)the guru’s encounter with spiritual difficultiesfall down of guru ObjectivesBy the end of the lesson students should be able to:Explain the concepts of:philosophical or institutional deviation,spiritual fall down of the
Lesson 10 Guru Vapu and Väëé-sevä Aim To help students: appreciate the importance of both guru vapuh and vani-seva, and their inter-relationship avoid neglect of either, especially vani appropriately serve the guru’s vapuh and vani To nurture students’ skills and attitudes for behaving appropriately in the presence of the guru. Objectives By the end
Lesson 9 Guru- seva Aim To enhance student’s: understanding of the relationship between service to guru and service to the mission of ISKCON. ability to resolve possible tensions between the above two. To enable students to balance obligations in their lives, in addition to obligations to their guru, according to their position in varna-ashrama.
Lesson 8 Guru-pujaAimTo familiarize students with the basic standards of Guru-puja and Vyasa-puja, and prepare them to maintain regular and appropriate worship. ObjectivesBy the end of the lesson students should be able to:Discuss the basic standards of Guru-puja and Vyasa-puja for Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON gurus.Reflect on their experiences of participating in a Vyasa-puja celebrationGive
Lesson 7 Initiation Vows Aim To prepare students to strictly follow initiation vows and, where necessary, take appropriate steps for rectification. Objectives By the end of the lesson students should be able to: Discuss the purpose and importance of strictly following initiation vows with relevant reference to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Identify
Lesson 6 Selection of Guru Aim To familiarize students with the authentic guru’s qualifications as defined and exemplified in shastra. To equip students to: examine, select and develop appropriate relationships with ISKCON diksha and shiksha gurus. prepare for hari-nama-diksha, by giving attention to: suitable motivation, time and choice. the guru’s qualifications by current ISKCON
Lesson 5 Guru-Padacharya Aim To nurture within students, early in their spiritual progress, a deep and authentic devotional relationship with Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder-acarya and principle shiksa-guru of ISKCON and with their respective diksha and shiksha gurus. Objectives By the end of the lesson students should be able to: Explain the meaning of
Lesson 4 ISKCON Gurus Aims To help students understand the role, position and qualification of ISKCON gurus (current and future), especially with regard for their loyalty to: The teachings of Srila Prabhupada The authority structure within ISKCON. To help students develop the appropriate attitude to gurus in other Gaudiya Vaishnavism organizations. Objectives By the