For the ease of devotees, the summary of this page is available in downloadable form – Siksha Requirements.
The recommended books can be purchased from ISKCON Whitefield Gift Shop or online from GoGita.in
Shraddhavan
Downloadable version of questionnaire and reading material
| Chanting- min Rounds | 1 |
Reading (Refer reading material for these topics) | Panch tatva mantra (click here) |
| Prabhupada pranam mantra (click here) | |
| Sikshastakam | |
| Ten offenses to be avoided (click here) | |
| Prayers for offering Bhoga (click here) | |
| Prasadam honoring mantra (click here) | |
| Hearing | Recommended- SP’s BG classes |
| Rules and Regulation | Visit the IBC/temple as often as possible |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | A closed book at respective home (questionnaire) |
| Training- Attend Seminar | No |
| Interview | No |
| Service at IBC/Temple | Recommended |
| Mentor/Guide | Recommended |
| Attending Bv | Recommended |
Krishna Sevaka
Downloadable version of questionnaire
| Chanting- min Rounds | 4 |
Reading | Beyond Birth & Death |
| Science of Self Realization chapter 1 | |
| Bhagavat Gita As It Is Introduction & Chapter 1 | |
| Sikshastakam | |
| Hearing | Recommended- SP’s BG classes (BG 1 chapter – click here) |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous+ refrain from eating non-vegetarian food (meat, fish and eggs ) and try to lead a moral life. |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | A closed book at respective home (questionnaire) |
| Training- Attend Seminar | |
| Interview | No |
| Service at IBC/Temple | Recommended |
| Mentor/Guide | Recommended |
| Attending Bv | Recommended |
Krishna Sadhaka
Downloadable version of questionnaire
| 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 | Must- SP’s BG classes (BG 2-6 chapters – click here) |
| 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 Bhoga Offering Procedure (click here) |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | A closed book at respective home (questionnaire) |
| Training- Attend Seminar | |
| Interview | No |
| Service at IBC/Temple | Must have min one weekly service at IBC/temple |
| Mentor/Guide | Must have |
| Attending Bv | Must attend weekly BV |
Krishna Upasaka
Downloadable version of questionnaire
| 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 | Must- SP’s BG classes (BG 7-12 chapters – click here) |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous+ fast on the Ekadashi and festival days and observe fasting for the appearance days of the Lord |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | A closed book at Sector level (questionnaire) |
| Training- Attend Seminar | Basic Vaishnava Etiquette |
| Interview | Yes |
| Service at IBC/Temple | Must have min one weekly service at IBC/temple |
| Mentor/Guide | Must have |
| Attending Bv | Must attend weekly BV |
Srila Prabhupada Ashraya
Downloadable version of questionnaire
| 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 | Must- SP’s BG classes. Optional – SP’s SB Classes (SB Canto 1 – click here)(BG 13-18 chapters – click here) |
| 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 IBC/ temple every week. |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | A closed book IBC level (questionnaire) |
| Training- Attend Seminar | SP Position Seminar |
| Interview | Yes |
| Service at IBC/Temple | Must have min one weekly service at IBC/temple |
| Mentor/Guide | Must have |
| Attending Bv | Recommend to lead BV |
Recommendation for 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 | Must- SP’s BG classes (SB Canto 2 – click here) |
| Rules and Regulation | Previous+ commitment to assist/lead preaching |
| Writing Shiksha Paper | closed book IBC |
| Training- Attend Seminar | IDC, Holy Name |
| Interview | Yes |
| Service at IBC/Temple | Must have min one weekly service at IBC/temple |
| Mentor/Guide | Senior disciple of Guru for association or guidance should be identified before initiation |
| Attending Bv | Recommend to lead BV |
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