Lesson 1: Welcome & Introduction

Lesson Topics

• Classroom Norms
• Principles and Values
• Course Broad Aims
• Course Assessment

Norms for Classroom Behavior

During the course, in order to maintain an appropriate learning environment, students will agree to follow the Norms for Classroom Behavior. (See Appendix 6)

Course Broad Aims

To improve the quality of discipleship within ISKCON in order to promote the long-term wellbeing of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Society and its members.

We will achieve this by enabling students to:

1. Understand the long-standing principles of discipleship, as presented in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda and the broader Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition and appreciate the unique contexts in which these teachings are applied within ISKCON.
2. Apply these principles to: a. Form spiritually healthy, constructive relationships with their gurus and senior Vaiṣṇavas b. Act appropriately within those relationships
3. Develop the values and attitudes required of a disciple.
4. Co-operatively serve the Supreme, and His various representatives, in order to perpetuate Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings and mission, through both personal example and instruction.

Aims of the Disciples Course

In what ways could I improve as a disciple?

(Student Exercise: Use this space for reflection)

Course Principles and Values

1. Śrīla Prabhupāda's as Pre-eminent Śikṣā Guru
2. Allegiance to ISKCON and Paramparā
3. Respect for Multiple Authorities and senior Vaiṣṇavas
4. Considerate Selection of Guru
5. Faith in Guru's Instructions
6. Commitment to Vows & Śrīla Prabhupāda's Mission.
7. Exemplary Sādhana, Conduct and Balanced Lifestyle
8. Inquiry, Humility and Service
9. Favorable Association, Inclusivity and Co-operation
10. Cultivation and Propagation of Holy Name

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Course Assessment

Open Book Assessment

The following questions, or a selection of them, will be allocated by your course facilitator. Your responses should be no more than approximately 250 words. Some questions may require shorter answers. Questions marked with asterisks are mandatory. A minimum grade of 65% is required for an overall pass. You will receive a report of your assessment from your facilitator.

Closed Book Assessment

Alternatively, your facilitator may administer a closed book multiple choice style test. The questions will be based upon the open book questions listed below. A minimum grade of 70% is required for an overall pass.

Successful graduates will receive an ISKCON Disciple Course Certificate authorized by the G.B.C. Guru Services Committee.

Unit 1: Introduction, Theory and Context

Guru-tattva and Paramparā (Lesson 2)

1. Explain the similarities and differences between the two main categories of guru.
2. Give at least four arguments to refute Ritvikvada philosophy. Give appropriate reference to śāstra in your reply.

Gurupādāśraya in ISKCON (Lessons 3, 5 & 8) 3. Explain Gurupādāśraya in ISKCON.* 4. Explain how Śrīla Prabhupāda functions as the preeminent śikṣā-guru and Founder Ācārya of ISKCON.* 5. Why is it important that Śrīla Prabhupāda remains the preeminent śikṣā-guru of ISKCON for future generations?* 6. Briefly describe, with reference to current ISKCON Law, appropriate methods of worship for Śrīla Prabhupāda and ISKCON current & future gurus.

ISKCON Gurus (Lesson 4) 7. Describe the appropriate attitude for an ISKCON guru in regard to the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda and the authority structure within ISKCON.* 8. Why should one accept dīkṣā and śikṣā gurus only within ISKCON and not from outside ISKCON? 9. Describe the appropriate attitude, for an ISKCON disciple, toward gurus in other Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava paramparā and organizations.

Units Two & Three: Establishing and Acting in Relationship with Guru

Selection of Guru & Initiation Vows (Lesson 6 & 7) 10. Explain the importance of initiation vows with reference to comments from Śrīla Prabhupāda. 11. List some qualifications of guru that you consider important, with reference to śāstra and the 'Mandatory Qualifications of Dīkṣā-guru in ISKCON' (Appendix 3). 12. Discuss appropriate and inappropriate methods and reasons for selecting guru. Give appropriate reference to śāstra and current ISKCON Law in your reply.*

Guru-sevā (Lessons 9 & 10) 13. Discuss, with examples, the relationship between guru-sevā and service to the mission of ISKCON? Explain the importance of a balanced approach to these two.* 14. What is guru vapuḥ and guru vāṇī-sevā? Which is more important and why? 15. Give at least four examples of appropriate and inappropriate subjects on which to seek advice from guru. Give appropriate reference to śāstra in your reply. 16. Discuss how a disciple should behave toward ones guru's godbrothers/godsisters. Give appropriate reference to śāstra in your reply.

Unit Four: Co-operatively Fulfilling the Relationship

Presenting One's Guru (Lesson 12 & Lesson 5) 17. Describe what you consider to be the appropriate attitude and behavior, for an ISKCON disciple, in regard to promoting one's guru in public and within the society of Vaiṣṇavas. Give reference to relevant śāstra, and current ISKCON laws in your response. Why is it important for ISKCON disciples to develop an appropriate attitude in this regard?* 18. Why is it important to publicly promote Śrīla Prabhupāda as the Founder-ācārya and preeminent śikṣā-guru in ISKCON for the present and future?*

Relationships within ISKCON (Lesson 13) 19. Discuss inappropriate attitudes and behavior, for an ISKCON disciple, in regard to favoritism or bias on the basis of one's dīkṣā guru. Why is it important for ISKCON disciples to develop an appropriate attitude in this regard?* 20. Describe practical ways of developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with all ISKCON Vaiṣṇavas without inappropriate discrimination on the basis of guru.*