ISKCON Disciple Course

CHANT HARE KRISHNA AND BE HAPPY

ISKCON Disciple Course - Self-Paced

Designed for new devotees preparing to take initiation in ISKCON, the course is also recommended for leaders, preachers, councilors, and educators in ISKCON.

USD 19.- Start today

The ISKCON Disciple Course is an online training program that deepens devotees’ understanding of guru-tattva and guru padasraya within the multiple guru environment of ISKCON.

The course was developed under the direction of the Guru Services Committee, with the combined efforts of leading educators in ISKCON. The course is based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and current ISKCON Law and references the writings from the broader Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition. The 14 lessons include Powerpoint presentations in pdf format, interactive workshops via forum discussions, and assessment exercises.

20h

Course Work

Visvatmadeva Das

Course Instructor

7years

Teaching experience at ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry

Certification by Karuna Institute

Topics covered in the course:

Guru-tattva and the Guru-parampara System
Srila Prabhupada ISKCON Founder Acarya and Preeminent Guru
Types of Gurus
Relationship between ISKCON Guru and ISKCON Authorities
Gurus outside of ISKCON
Guru-padasraya
Selecting a Guru
Following Initiation Vows
Guru-puja and Vyasa-puja
Worship of ISKCON Gurus
Guru-vapu and Vani seva
Guru-tyaga
Developing Cooperative Relationships in a multi Guru environment

FAQ

How can I contact the course facilitator?

For any course related question please contact us at support@iskcondisciplecourse.online

How do you assess the course?

Ten (10) Questions are to be answered in short essays. Your responses should be no more than approximately 250 words each. Some questions may require shorter answers. For the assessment, the mandatory Course Summary Quiz is also used. A minimum grade of 65% is required for an overall pass. The course has only two grades – pass and not yet passed. You will receive a report of your assessment from your facilitator. If needed, you will get the chance to improve individual essays to reach the passing grade in order to obtain the certificate.

Where the submitted assessment does not provide sufficient evidence of personal engagement with the course material, the assessor may request an additional reflective assignment before determining whether the assessment has passed.

What about jointly drafted essays?

The assessment criteria prohibit jointly drafted essays by family members or friends. Each participant must submit their own answers individually, using their own words.

Will I receive a Course Certificate?

Yes, after successfully passing the course assessment you will receive by email a printable digital ISKCON Disciple Course Certificate – endorsed by the ISKCON Governing Body Commission Guru Services Committee.

Is there a time limit to finish the course?

Yes, there is a course access time limit of 365 days. But you should attempt to conclude and graduate within 30 days.

What if my English skills are only basic?

We only assess course comprehension through the essays and not your English skills. If you cover in your essays the necessary points then you will be perfectly fine.

Don’t overdo it. We don’t want you to write lengthy college level essays. Rather, we prefer you to deliver essays showing comprehension in a concise manner.

Can I teach the ISKCON Disciple Course after graduating from this online course?

No, Online IDC graduates are not eligible to teach IDC on site campus courses. Potential teachers of IDC must attend, in person, an on site campus course.

Additional requirements to teach the ISKCON Disciple Course:

Be initiated for at least 5 years
Have completed the ISKCON Disciple Course
Be recommended by their Disciple Course facilitator
Have completed the VTE Teacher Training Course 1 (TTC1)* or have equivalent training or experience
Have the approval of their local GBC representative
Teach from the official curriculum, manuals and other materials as approved by the GBC Guru Services Committee

Do you offer refunds?

No, we don’t offer refunds for digitally delivered products and services. But may do so at our own discretion under specific circumstances.

What about plagiarism?

Please understand that we deliver this course as a service to the ISKCON Members and that the ISKCON Disciple Course is meant to improve Guru & Disciple and ISKCON Member relationships. Trying to pass the assessment using plagiarism shows disrespect to the ISKCON Disciple Course creators, its facilitators, and ISKCON’s acting Gurus.

We have a non-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism.

I really enjoyed this course because it taught me new aspects of ISKCON that I had never heard of before. As a neophyte devotee, I found this course helped me become familiar with the norms of ISKCON, especially regarding Vaisnava etiquette and how to approach a guru. The “Test what you have learned” questions, along with the discussions on the forums, really made me think intellectually about these concepts, and they helped solidify my faith in devotional practice and Krsna. I would recommend this course for any aspiring disciple, whether they are an experienced Vaisnava or new to ISKCON, since there are new perspectives to learn, even if they have heard the topic before.

Nitai Goswami

This course has strengthened my faith and taught me the proper consciousness required to serve Srila Prabhupada and the mission of the spiritual master. Honestly, it has given me a much clearer understanding of how the guru-disciple relationship should be and what etiquette we should follow in the presence of our spiritual master.

One of the most meaningful and thought-provoking aspects of the course was learning how to maintain a balanced approach toward both the guru and the ISKCON community. This understanding will help me develop strong and respectful relationships with other devotees and avoid offenses, so that I may continue progressing steadily in my spiritual practice.

I am sincerely grateful to all the authorities and senior devotees who designed this course for aspiring devotees, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the values, principles, and culture of the Krsna consciousness movement.

This course has strengthened my faith and taught me the proper consciousness required to serve Srila Prabhupada and the mission of the spiritual master. Honestly, it has given me a much clearer understanding of how the guru-disciple relationship should be and what etiquette we should follow in the presence of our spiritual master.

One of the most meaningful and thought-provoking aspects of the course was learning how to maintain a balanced approach toward both the guru and the ISKCON community. This understanding will help me develop strong and respectful relationships with other devotees and avoid offenses, so that I may continue progressing steadily in my spiritual practice.

I am sincerely grateful to all the authorities and senior devotees who designed this course for aspiring devotees, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the values, principles, and culture of the Krsna consciousness movement.

Prajakta Bhiwde

One of the most sensitive parts of the course for me was reflecting on the guru–disciple relationship. It made me look honestly at my own sincerity, my motivations, and the areas where I still need to grow. Hearing how seriously Śrīla Prabhupāda took his mission—and how much responsibility a disciple carries—was both humbling and deeply moving. It reminded me that taking shelter of a guru is not a formality; it is a lifelong commitment that requires honesty, humility, and a willingness to be guided.

Chandra Varanasi

Service Charges

USD $19.-

Complete access to all course modules and tutorials
Interactive assessment exercises
Course community

Comprehensive course workbook

Audio classes for on-the-go learning

Personalized certificate issued after course completion

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