Bhakta Degree Curriculum

Course

Description

Requirements for Graduation

Introduction and Orientation

Before beginning any endeavor it is important to set goals and determine your intentions. The expectations you create at the beginning of this course will determine to a great extent what you get out of it.

• Has a clear understanding of the goals and standards for the Bhakta Degree Program
• Understands the sections of the Bhakta Degree Program and how they promote spiritual progress
• Has set clear, realistic goals and expectations for his progress in the course
• Understands the final examination requirements

How to Study Effectively

This section helps you learn how to study the Esoteric Teaching effectively. The public school system is not designed to teach students how to learn, but for obedience training.

• Able to identify misunderstood words and symbols
• Able to look up and identify correct definitions
• Able to clear definitions of Sanskrit words
• Able to model definitions

Chanting and Regulative Principles

Following the four regulative principles, chanting and avoiding the ten offenses to the Holy Name. Correcting problems with chanting and sādhana.

• Chants at least four rounds per day
• Follows four regulative principles steadily
• Able to recite and explain ten offenses
• Avoids ten offenses; feels happiness from chanting

Vocational Training: Śūdra-varṇa

Daily duties and spiritual program, karma-yoga, tithing and preaching.

• At least six months steady personal sādhana
• Steady and competent in job and household duties
• Steady performance of community service including tithing
• Steady participation in online community

Sanskrit Pronunciation

Beginning Sanskrit for pronouncing transliterated mantras and ślokas.

• Can read ślokas from Śrī Īśopaniṣad
• Can read transliterated Sanskrit words accurately
• Good Sanskrit pronunciation and rhythm

Cooking and Offering Prasādam

Recipes for staple foods and instructions for offering.

• Knows how to cook basic staple dishes
• Can offer food to Kṛṣṇa nicely
• Takes prasādam regularly

Śrī Īśopaniṣad

Studying the mantras and philosophy of Śrī Īśopaniṣad.

• Can recite at least three mantras from Śrī Īśopaniṣad nicely
• Can properly answer written and oral questions on the philosophy of Śrī Īśopaniṣad

How to be a Devotee in the Material World

Dealing with the typical problems a devotee faces in the material world.

• Has successfully resolved any problems with nondevotee family members or friends
• Engages regularly in devotional activities at home
• Can preach tastefully, appropriately and effectively
• Making steady progress in spiritual life
• Has a firm plan for continued spiritual advancement in personal and community life

Temple Songs and Mantras

Covers the usual mantras and prayers used in kīrtan temple ceremonies.

• Able to recite the standard prayers nicely
• Can sing the temple songs in standard melodies with good intonation

Kṛṣṇa Book, Part 1: Braja-līlā

Kṛṣṇa’s appearance and childhood pastimes in Vrndāvana.

• Can summarize selected pastimes either written or orally
• Can explain Kṛṣṇa's identity and pastimes accurately according to the Esoteric Teaching

Esoteric Teaching Bridge Community

Basic structure and functions of the Esoteric Teaching Bridge Community.

• Can explain the benefits of Bridge Community membership
• Can explain the four varṇas and four āśramas of Vedic society
• Can explain the overall function and structure of the Esoteric Teaching Bridge Community
• Can explain the degree levels of the University of Vedic Wisdom, their privileges and functions