Bhakti Vriksha

This is why Devotees at ISKCON Mangaluru are bringing to you the "Bhakti-Vriksha" course. This is a 6 module course with 10 sessions in each module which will be conducted once a week.

In Shri Caitanya-caritamrita, Lord Caitanya and His movement are compared to the tree of devotion, the bhakti-vriksha. Srila Prabhupada writes in his summary of chapter nine of Adi-lila:

“It is figuratively described that both the tree itself and the trunk of the tree are Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.… The tree surrounds the entire world, and the flowers of the tree are to be distributed to everyone.

SHRADDHAVAN

Chanting- min Rounds1
Reading
Panch tatva mantra.
Prabhupada pranam mantra
Sikshastakam
Ten offenses to be avoided
Prayers for offering Bhoga
Prasadam honoring mantra
HearingNo
Rules and RegulationNo
Writing Shiksha PaperYes – Shraddhavan
Training – Attend SeminarNo
InterviewNo

Online / Physical Service at

Radha Govinda Temple

Recommended
Mentor/GuideRecommended
Attending Classes Online/ At templeRecommended

SEVAKA

Chanting- min Rounds4
Reading
Beyond Birth & Death
Science of Self Realization chapter 1
Bhagavat Gita As It Is Introduction & Chapter 1
Sikshastakam
HearingNo
Rules and RegulationRefrain from eating non-vegetarian food (meat, fish and eggs ) and try to lead a moral life.
Writing Shiksha PaperClosed Book
Training- Attend SeminarNo
InterviewNo
Online/ Physical Service at Radha Govinda TempleRecommended
Mentor/GuideRecommended
Attending Classes Online / At TempleRecommended

SADHAKA

Chanting- min Rounds8 to 12
Reading
Raja vidya
Matchless Gift
Science of Self Realization chapter 2 &3
Bhagavad Gita As It Is chapter 2 – 6
Recommended- Krishna book
HearingNo
Rules and RegulationPrevious + avoid intoxication (alcoholic drinks ), gambling and extramarital sex. worship Lord Krishna as far as practical at home, by setting up an altar, offering arati and foodstuffs (water, milk & fruits) worship the sacred tulasi plant and follow basic sadhana like rising early in the morning. fast on the Ekadashi and festival days
Writing Shiksha PaperA closed book at respective home
Training- Attend SeminarNo
InterviewNo
Online /Physical Service at TempleMust have min one weekly service online/ physical
Mentor/GuideNo
Attending Classes Online/ At templeRecommended

UPASAKA

Chanting- min Rounds12 to 16
Reading
Science of Self Realization chapter 4 & 5
Bhagavad Gita As It Is chapter 7 – 12
Recommended- Krishna book
HearingNo
Rules and RegulationPrevious+ fast on the Ekadashi and festival days and observe fasting for the appearance days of the Lord
Writing Shiksha PaperClosed Book 
Training- Attend SeminarBasic Vaishnava Etiquette
InterviewYes
Online Service/ at Radha Govinda TempleMust have min one weekly service online/ physical
Mentor/GuideRecommended
Attending Bhakti VrikshaRecommended

ASHRAYA

Chanting- min Rounds16
Reading
Science of Self realization chapter 6 – 8
Bhagavad Gita As It Is chapter 13– 18
Srila Prabhupada book (Your ever well wisher)
Recommended- Krishna book
 
HearingNo
Rules and RegulationPrevious + avoid intoxication including coffee and tea, and sports, abstain from taking onion and garlic. follow a strict sadhana programme at homeby rising early in the morning and following a program similar to the temple as far as possible. attend atleast one Bhagavatam class at the online/ at temple every week.
Writing Shiksha PaperClosed Book
Training- Attend SeminarNo
InterviewYes
Online Service/ at Radha Govinda TempleMust have min one weekly service online/ at temple
Mentor/GuideRecommended
Attending Bhakti VrikshaRecommended  

INITIATION

Chanting- min Rounds16
Reading
SB Canto 1
SB Canto 2
Teachings of Lord Caitanya
Nectar of InstructionSri Isopanishad
Recommended- Krishna book
HearingNo
Rules and RegulationPrevious+ commitment to assist/lead preaching
Writing Shiksha PaperClosed Book 
Training- Attend SeminarNo
InterviewYes
Online Service/ at Radha Govinda TempleMust have min one weekly service online/ physical
Mentor/GuideSenior disciple of Guru for association or guidance should be identified before initiation
Attending Bhakti VrikshaRecommended

When recommendation letter for initiation is issed from IBC, it meant IBC vouch for applicant’s stability in terms of Sadhana and leading moral life. To get fair evaluation, devotee must be connected to IBC at least 6 months