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.

     

 

Study & Teach Program FAQ

The FAQ contains all frequently asked questions about the Study & Teach Program.

Study & Teach FAQ

Study & Teach Guidelines

The Guidelines for the Study & Teach Program are presented in a Power Point presentation.

Study & Teach Guidelines

Foundational Research on Examinations

The Foundational Research on Examinations is a compilation of quotes by Śrīla Prabhupāda on Bhakti-Śāstrī.

Foundational Research on Examinations

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)

Bhakti Vaibhav Study &Teach Program

Study & Teach Bhakti Shastri and Bhakti Vaibhav Resources

•ISKCON Board Of Examinations Questions Bank:

 

•Published Study Guides:

•Surrender Unto Me
•Unveiling His Lotus Feet
•Subodhini Series

 

•Additional Study Guides & Sloka Memorization:

 

•Teaching Resources:
•Optional BhaktiSastri Lesson Outlines & Schedules

 

•BhaktiShastri And BhaktiVaibhav Lectures:

•Burijana Prabhu

•Govardhana Eco Village
 
•Caitanya Caran Prabhu

 

Additional Resources

•Bhakti Sastri Access from ISKCON Chowpatty & Catuspati
 •BHAGAVAD GITA notes by Gauranga Priya Prabhu: Download Here
 
•ISOPANISHAD notes by HG Urmila Mataji: Download Here
 
•NOI slides: Download Here
 
•Audio classes of BG, ISO, NOD, NOI: https://audio.iskcondesiretree.com/index.php
 
 •Video classes of BG: Watch Here
 
•Gita Subodhini – Study guides
 

•Audios of detailed SB classes

 
•https://audio.iskcondesiretree.com/index.php?q=f&f=%2F06_-_More%2F00_-_ISKCON_GEV%2F02_-_Bhaktivedanta_Vidyapitha-Govardhan_Eco_Village
 
•https://audio.iskcondesiretree.com/index.php
 
•Bhagavata Subodhini study guides (first four volumes)
 
•https://gaurangadarshandas.com/books/bhagavata-subodhini/
 
•Videos of full SB overview
•https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhtmKWc6vRTBIyicMjjR2JcmTdUyb5gCv
 

 

 

Registration for the Study & Teach Program is now closed.