7b: Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to cover a period of 2.5 years. It is divided into five semesters running from September 1 to February 28 and then from March 1 to August 31. As with conventional educational institutions the courses are organized on the principle of semester hours, that is hours per week. The study is, however, much more intensive, as can be seen from the following curriculum, which lists a requirement of 40 semester hours in the first semester as opposed to the normal 15 hours found in most academic institutions.

The curriculum is as follows:

(Bhagavad-gita is the primary scripture for Krsna consciousness. It is a basic revelation of the distinction between spirit and matter and of the nature and relationships of God, the living entity, time, nature and work. It is studied intensively every day.)

(Studies on the form and qualities of Krsna. Philosophy of the regulative principles of bhakti-yoga. Study of the form and necessity for the regulations and specific modes of worship and the philosophy behind them.)

(recognition of Krsna in Krsna conscious art, music, writing, etc. How Krsna can be personally present in a painting or Book.)

Individual chanting of the names of Krsna. Use of meditative aids, such as painting, etc. Instruction also given on how to meditate in unusual or undesirable surroundings.)

(Includes field trips into the streets of the city for public chanting and to other places where chanting may be requested by interested groups. Students get first-hand experience in preaching.)

(Continuation of Bhagavad-gita 1)

(Continuation of Īsopanisad 1)

(Study of the different incarnations of Krsna, differences between Krsna and the demigods.)

(Similarities and differences between Krsna consciousness and other teachings.)

(Learning to play instruments used in ceremonial music. Also includes listening to tapes and records of authentic Krsna consciousness music.)

(Continuation)

(Continuation)

(Continuation)

(Srimad-Bhagavatam is the scripture describing the activities of Krsna and His devotees.)

(Brahma-samhita is the scripture describing the process and nature of the material and spiritual creations.)

(Continuation)

(Continuation)

(Method of worship of the form known as Jagannatha.)

(Continuation. Student may now lead groups.)

(Continuation. Student is required to begin writing commentaries.)

(Continuation)

(Continuation)

(Method of worshiping the forms of Radha and Krsna.)

(Preparation of foods for offering to Krsna and distribution among devotees and others.)

(Study of the uses and spiritual values of different ingredients; scriptural references to foods; how to recognize Krsna in food.)

(History of Krsna conscious teachings on this planet. Lives of the great saints.)

(Continuation. Student contacts interested groups on his own and makes arrangements for public chanting.)

(Continuation. Student must be able to accurately quote verses and to debate, substantiating his arguments with verses from the Bhagavad-gita.)

This is the scripture describing the life and activities of Krsna Caitanya, Krsna appearing as a devotee of Krsna.)

(This scripture goes into further detail of the activities, qualities, and bodily characteristics of Krsna.

(Reading, with accurate pronunciation and understanding of Sanskrit, written with English characters.)

(Reading, with accurate pronunciation and understanding of Bengali, written with English characters.)

Debating with atheists and followers of impersonal philosophies. For purposes of debate, student will assume role of antagonist. After 2.5 years of public lecturing, students become very familiar with atheistic and impersonal arguments.)