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To fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s desire of awarding
Shastra Degrees
Approves Examination Centres
Establishes Standards for each level of
Shastra
I thank you so much for having nicely appreciated the Bhagavad-gita As It Is.
This book should be read by all of my students at least one chapter per day, and
in kirtana class it should be discussed sloka after sloka. Practically, we have tried
to explain in this book all of the basic principles of Krishna Consciousness. If
you can simply cram Bhagavad-gita then you will surely become a very good
preacher.
Next January there will be an examination on this Bhagavad-gita. Papers will be
sent by me to all centers, and those securing the minimum passing grade will be
given the title as Bhakti-sastri. Similarly, another examination will be held on
Lord Caitanya's Appearance Day in February, 1970 and it will be upon SrimadBhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Those passing will get the title of Bhaktivaibhava. Another examination will be held sometimes in 1971 on the four
books, Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and
Nectar of Devotion. 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. Those possessing the title of Bhaktivedanta
will be allowed to initiate disciples. Maybe by 1975, all of my disciples will be
allowed to initiate and increase the numbers of 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.
I am suggesting examinations. Bhakti-sastri—
(for all brahmanas) based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri
Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of
Instruction, and all the small paper backs.
Bhakti-vaibhava—the above plus first six cantos
of S.B. Bhaktivedanta—the above plus cantos 712 S.B. Bhakti-sarvabhauma—the above plus
Caitanya-caritamrta.
These titles can correspond to entrance, B.A.,
M.A., Ph.D. So just consider how to organize
this Institute.
1990-12. That a standing committee, called the
ISKCON Board of Examinations shall be formed.
This committee shall have power to review and
approve proposed examinations for the awarding of
the degrees Bhakti Sastri, Bhakti Vaibhava, Bhakti
Vedanta, and Bhakti Sarvabhauma. The basis for
review and approval shall be the guidelines given
by Srila Prabhupada for the awarding of these
degrees. No ISKCON center may award these
degrees without seeking the approval of the
ISKCON Board of Examinations.
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Atul Krsna Dasa
Bhaktarupa Dasa (Non-member Secretary)
Laxmimoni Dasi
Lilasuka Dasa
Prasanta Dasi
Yadunandana Swami (Chairman)
 Asia:(12)
Chandigarh
Coimbatore
Kuala Lumpur
Kolkata
Mumbai Chowpatty
Mumbai Juhu
Mayapur
Pune
Salem
Jaipur
Ujjain
Vrindaban
Europe (8):
Bergamo
Firenze
Prabhupadadesh
Budapest
London
Radhadesh
Wroclaw
New Vrajamandala, Spain
CIS (3):
Tallinn
Kiev
Moscow
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Latin America (5):
Buenos Aires
Lima
Mexico City
Brazil (2, Dhanvantari Swami’s seminary, Nova Gokula)
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North America (2):
Houston
San Jose
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Africa (1):
Durban
Australia (1)
Melbourne
TOTAL: 32 Centres
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Since 1990: Nearly 4000
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Year 2009: 382
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Year 2010: 449
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Year 2011: 512
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30 Bhakti Vaibhava Degrees so far
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QUALIFIED PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS AND
GRADERS,
QUALIFIED PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
ISKCON AUTHORITIES RECOMMENDATIONS
(GBC, TP)
APPLY TO THE BOARD OF EXAMINATIONS
For more information please contact
makingadifference@pamho.net
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