GET YOUR SASTRIC DEGREE BY

Study & Teach
Program

I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta One who will pass this examination will be awarded with the title of Bhaktivedanta. I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue through the generations… That is my program. So we should not simply publish these books for reading by outsiders, but our students must be well versed in all of our books so that we can be prepared to defeat all opposing parties in the matter of self-realization.

– Srila Prabhipada Letter to: Hamsaduta, Los Angeles 3 January, 1969

Purpose

To encourage dedicated members of ISKCON to study, teach and receive sastric degrees, without having to undergo the elaborate coursework & assessments, considering their seniority, experience and contributions to the ISKCON community.

When the leaders and senior members study to become Bhakti sastri, Bhakti Vaibhav graduates, they simultaneously organize and teach at least 8 other devotees to pursue the same program as students.

Whom is this program meant for?

Those who have taste and experience in study and preaching, but can’t spare time to enroll for a long term sastric degree course like Bhakti Sastri or Bhakti Vaibhav, such as:
- ISKCON Managers (such as Temple presidents, directors, etc.)
- Congregation Leaders
- Experienced Preachers

The manager enrolled under this program would be considered the “Lead Teacher”

How does it work?

The Lead Teacher –

Systematically teaches Srila Prabhupada’s books for a minimum number of hours in a week, for a registered batch of Bhakti sastri/ Bhakti Vaibhav students
Systematically studies Srila Prabhupada’s books for a minimum number of hours per week (by which teaching happens effectively)
Undergoes a simplified assessment for the degree they are pursuing
Is exempted from attending the regular course work (150/ 450 hours etc) conducted by an approved Bhakti sastri/ Bhakti Vaibhav facilitator. ISKCON teacher training course (TTC) is optional in lieu of his or her preaching experience
Sends reports to a mentor who represents ISKCON Ministry of Education
Provide a reference letter from an ISKCON authority mentioning his or her experience in preaching / management / service.

Bhakti Sastri Assessments

For The LEAD TEACHER

Teaching 75+ hours on all 4 books (Bhagavad Gita, Nectar Of Instructions, Nectar Of Devotion, Isopanishad) – in one or multiple batches
Closed book assessment: One-hour tests for each of the 6 modules – taken together of separately as per candidate’s preference.
Open book essays – 2500 words
Video recording of 20+ slokas with meanings
Video recording of 2 hours of Teaching

For the STUDENTS

Hearing 150+ hours of classes
Closed book assessment: 5000 words
(in the form of short answer or essay questions/ Multiple Choice Questions)
Open book essays – 5000 words
Slokas for Memorization – 45

Bhakti Sastri Study & Teach Program

Bhakti Vaibhav Assessments

For the LEAD TEACHER

Teaching 225+ hours on all 6 cantos of SB – in one or multiple batches
Closed book assessment: One-hour tests for each of the 8 modules (3rd & 4th cantos consists of 2 modules; One module each for remaining 4 cantos) – taken together of separately as per candidate’s preference.
Open book essays – 6000 words
Video recording of 50+ slokas with meanings
Video recording of 2 hours of Teaching

For the STUDENTS

Hearing 450+ hours of classes
Closed book assessment: 20000 words
(in the form of short answer or essay questions/ Multiple Choice Questions)
Open book essays – 20000 words
Slokas for Memorization – 70
Oral Presentations – 4 (one hour each)