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 Rounds | 1 |
Reading | Panch tatva mantra. |
| Prabhupada pranam mantra | |
| Sikshastakam | |
| Ten offenses to be avoided | |
| Prayers for offering Bhoga | |
| Prasadam honoring mantra | |
| Hearing | No |
| Rules and Regulation | No |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | Yes – Shraddhavan |
| Training – Attend Seminar | No |
| Interview | No |
Online / Physical Service at Radha Govinda Temple | Recommended |
| Mentor/Guide | Recommended |
| Attending Classes Online/ At temple | Recommended |
SEVAKA
| Chanting- min Rounds | 4 |
Reading | Beyond Birth & Death |
| Science of Self Realization chapter 1 | |
| Bhagavat Gita As It Is Introduction & Chapter 1 | |
| Sikshastakam | |
| Hearing | No |
| Rules and Regulation | Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food (meat, fish and eggs ) and try to lead a moral life. |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | Closed Book |
| Training- Attend Seminar | No |
| Interview | No |
| Online/ Physical Service at Radha Govinda Temple | Recommended |
| Mentor/Guide | Recommended |
| Attending Classes Online / At Temple | Recommended |
SADHAKA
| Chanting- min Rounds | 8 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 | |
| Hearing | No |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous + 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 Paper | A closed book at respective home |
| Training- Attend Seminar | No |
| Interview | No |
| Online /Physical Service at Temple | Must have min one weekly service online/ physical |
| Mentor/Guide | No |
| Attending Classes Online/ At temple | Recommended |
UPASAKA
| Chanting- min Rounds | 12 to 16 |
Reading | Science of Self Realization chapter 4 & 5 |
| Bhagavad Gita As It Is chapter 7 – 12 | |
| Recommended- Krishna book | |
| Hearing | No |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous+ fast on the Ekadashi and festival days and observe fasting for the appearance days of the Lord |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | Closed Book |
| Training- Attend Seminar | Basic Vaishnava Etiquette |
| Interview | Yes |
| Online Service/ at Radha Govinda Temple | Must have min one weekly service online/ physical |
| Mentor/Guide | Recommended |
| Attending Bhakti Vriksha | Recommended |
ASHRAYA
| Chanting- min Rounds | 16 |
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 | |
| Hearing | No |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous + 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 Paper | Closed Book |
| Training- Attend Seminar | No |
| Interview | Yes |
| Online Service/ at Radha Govinda Temple | Must have min one weekly service online/ at temple |
| Mentor/Guide | Recommended |
| Attending Bhakti Vriksha | Recommended |
INITIATION
| Chanting- min Rounds | 16 |
Reading | SB Canto 1 |
| SB Canto 2 | |
| Teachings of Lord Caitanya | |
| Nectar of Instruction, Sri Isopanishad | |
| Recommended- Krishna book | |
| Hearing | No |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous+ commitment to assist/lead preaching |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | Closed Book |
| Training- Attend Seminar | No |
| Interview | Yes |
| Online Service/ at Radha Govinda Temple | Must have min one weekly service online/ physical |
| Mentor/Guide | Senior disciple of Guru for association or guidance should be identified before initiation |
| Attending Bhakti Vriksha | Recommended |
