Initiation Information
Guidance for seekers on the path of devotion seeking spiritual initiation (Dīkṣā) under the guidance of His Holiness Gauranga Prem Swami.
Spiritual initiation is a sacred commitment that marks the beginning of one's formal journey in bhakti-yoga. Candidates must fulfill specific requirements and demonstrate sincere dedication to the practice of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The first step in spiritual life where the disciple receives the sacred mantra and becomes connected to the guru-parampara.
Requirements:
- Following 4 regulative principles for 12+ months
- Chanting 16 rounds daily without fail
- Taken shelter 6+ months before applying
Advanced initiation for those who have demonstrated commitment and completed the required scriptural studies (Bhakti Sastri).
Requirements:
- Harinam initiated for 12+ months
- Completion of Bhakti Sastri course
- Continuous service for 12+ months
- 1Following the 4 regulative principles (no meat-fish-eggs-onion-garlic, no gambling, no intoxication, no illicit sex) and chanting 16 rounds Japa for minimum last 12 months without any fail.
- 2Have taken shelter minimum 6 months before of applying for initiation (please call us to check if your name is recorded in the office database).
- 3Serving continuously under or favorably connected to an ISKCON approved temple/Bhakti Vriksha/Namahatta/Gurukul etc for minimum last 12 months.
- 4Completion of ISKCON Disciples' Course (IDC).
- 5Official recommendation letter from the temple president/authorized official authority.
- 6Filled documents (recommendation letter, IDC certificate, Essay, Oath and bio-data) must be submitted to the Office prior to the initiation exam and interview.
- 7Candidates must write answers to the GBC Harinam initiation philosophical questions at your local ISKCON authorized center. If writing at the office, please inform beforehand.
- 8Appear for the oral interview test at the office before the deadline provided.
Bhagavad Gītā
Minimum 2 times
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (1st Canto)
Minimum 1 time
Nectar of Devotion
Minimum 1 time
Life and Teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Minimum 1 time
Śrīla Prabhupāda's Biography
Minimum 1 time
Important: Important: Completion of Bhakti Sastri is mandatory to be eligible to apply for 2nd initiation.
- 1Harinam initiated for at least 12 months from an ISKCON authorized guru.
- 2Completion of Bhakti Sastri course.
- 3Completion of ISKCON Disciples' Course (if not taken before).
- 4Serving continuously under or favorably connected to an ISKCON approved temple/Bhakti Vriksha/Namahatta/Gurukula etc for minimum last 12 months.
- 5Official recommendation letter from the temple president/authorized official authority.
- 6Filled documents (recommendation letter, IDC certificate, Essay, Oath and bio-data) must be submitted to the Office prior to the initiation exam and interview.
- 7Candidates must write answers to the GBC Brahmin initiation philosophical questions.
- 8Candidates with lower education (below 5th standard) need to write a lesser number of questions in the descriptive test (available in the 'Forms' section).
- 9All candidates must answer the multiple-choice questions and appear for the oral interview.
Books to Study for 2nd Initiation Eligibility
- Bhagavad Gītā – minimum 3 times
- Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (1st Canto) – minimum 2 times
- Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (2nd & 3rd Canto) – minimum 1 time
- Nectar of Devotion – minimum 2 times
- Nectar of Instruction – minimum 1 time
- Teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu – minimum 1 time
- Śrīla Prabhupāda's Biography – minimum 1 time
Phone
(+91) 03472-245277
gaurangapremswami@gmail.com