Voice Preachers Guide

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VOICE PREACHERS GUIDE

Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture & Education (VOICE)

Preachers Guide

Rekindling Wisdom, Reviving Love

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Contents 1. ‘Youth Preaching flourishes at Pune’ an article by Caitanyacharan das 2. BACE become VOICE 3. VOICE – Motto and Objectives 4. Specialised training for different age groups 5. Children VOICE 6. Teenage Boys VOICE 7. Boys VOICE 8. Teenage Girls VOICE 9. Girls VOICE 10. Corporate VOICE 11. VOICE Publications 12. Preaching Strategies – One time program 13. DYS Course - Six session program 14. On Scientific Preaching and DYS Course 15. Five short-term Courses on ‘Essence of Bhagavad gita’ thru Weekly Study circle 16. How does a student evolve in our training program 17. Mantra Meditation Circle (MMC) – a tool to keep our students intact 18. VOICE Youth Hostel or Youth Centres 19. Group Discussion Camps (GDC) for Spiritual picnic outing experience 20. Public Speaking and Discussion (PSD) for training to become a Preacher 21. Additional Training Programs 22. Week End Meeting topics for Juniors and Seniors 23. Principle Centered Leadership (PCL) training for Leaders and Managers 24. Vaishnava Training Workshop (VTW) during summer vacation 25. Gauranga Sabha (GS) – training for would be Celibates 26. Nityananda Sabha (NS) – training for would be Grihastas 27. Friends of Lord Krishna (FOLK) – training for young couples 28. Vrinda Camps (VC) – relationship building program for devotees beyond 3 years 29. The Spiritual Scientist (TSS) – a free ezine 30. Fund raising for Preaching – EASY (Enlighten Aimless Suffering Youth) scheme 31. Counseling system

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Youth Preaching Flourishes In Pune An article published by the ‘Congregation Preaching Journal’, written by Caitanya Charan das, ISKCON, Pune is reproduced below : Situated near the West coast of India, Pune, known by many as ‘the Oxford of the East’ has been celebrated since medieval times as a high seat of learning. Multitudes of academic institutions dot this city of over four million even today. But over the centuries, with the political and cultural subjugation of India by the British, the focus of learning has shifted from the spiritual to the mundane. Intelligent students with a traditional and religious upbringing come to Pune hoping for a good education and a bright career. Some succeed, some don’t; but almost all of them lose whatever spiritual inclinations they may have had. The freedom resulting from living away from their parents, the godlessness engendered by the mechanistic scientific education and the free mixing opportunities offered by the campus environment combine to propel the students into a life of sensuality and sin. When they graduate, they carry, along with their degrees, a disdain for religion, an infatuation with materialism and a host of vices – meat eating, promiscuity, smoking, alcoholism, gambling and even drug addiction. In short, they are "spiritually slaughtered". THE HISTORY During his preaching in India, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta swami Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON, often decried the mis-education that was stripping Indians of their priceless heritage of Vedic culture and wisdom. He very much desired that educated and intelligent Indians study, practice and preach Krishna consciousness. During a brief visit to Pune, he remarked that this city would be a good venue for an effective preaching center. With this in mind, a transcendental rescue operation was launched to flood Pune with Srila Prabhupada’ mercy. In 1996, His Holiness Radhanath Swami, co-GBC for Pune, deputed his brahmacari disciple, Radheshyam Das, a post-graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai, to start college preaching in Pune. Equipped with nothing except the instruction of his spiritual master and the blessings of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Gosvami, GBC for Pune and His Holiness Loknath Swami, Radheshyam Das arrived alone in this city with over fifty thousand students to try to persuade some of them to accept a culture that they were determined to reject. Just seven years later, several hundred engineering students have started practicing spiritual life seriously. Over a hundred student-leaders, all chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna

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maha-mantra, are receiving systematic training in scrutinizing study and effective preaching of Krishna consciousness philosophy through spiritual study groups. And most importantly, thirty young graduates, six of them with masters' degrees and seventeen of them engineers, have dedicated their lives to preach Krishna consciousness, determined to spearhead a spiritual revival among the misled youth of Pune and India. BHAKTIVEDANTA ACADEMY FOR CULTURE AND EDUCATION (BACE) A comprehensive spiritual education forum, BACE (Bhaktivedanta Academy for Culture and Education) offers systematic courses in the essential teachings of the Vedic scriptures to hundreds of youths. BACE has separate wings catering to the needs of university students, children and corporate executives. The central unit of BACE, which is within the Pune ISKCON premises, has a computer room with publishing facilities and a library with hundreds of books and thousands of audio and video tapes. The teenage wing of BACE, the ISKCON Junior Youth Forum (IJYF), helps members to learn and present Krishna consciousness through dramas and variety shows. The corporate wing, Friends of Lord Krishna (FOLK), preaches to corporate executives through group discussions centered on a spiritual theme. BACE runs three free cyber magazines – The Spiritual Scientist, Bhagyavan Jiva and Suhrt. BACE also has eight youth preaching centers near the major colleges of Pune. YOUTH PREACHING CENTERS ….BACE has five youth preaching centers near the major engineering colleges of Pune. Each center is like a mini-ISKCON temple, complete with altar, morning program, kitchen, prasadam distribution, book distribution, reading room, well-equipped library of books and audio and video tapes and, most importantly, vigorous preaching. The preachers from the temple come several times a week for conducting preaching programs and the devotee students residing in the center call their friends for the program. The extension center thus serves as both a safe shelter for the devotee students and a strategic outpost for the youth preachers. "We encourage and guide students to continue and excel in their college studies so that they can attract other students to Krishna consciousness by their academic performance…..," says Radheshyam Das. BOOKS FOR YOUTH "Educated Indian youth generally see religion to be nothing more than dogmatic ritualism and so it has no appeal for them. But when Krishna consciousness is presented as a spiritual science with logical, coherent and cogent answers to the fundamental questions of life, intelligent students are amazed; they see the very same spirituality which they had turned their backs to, in an entirely new light and they take to it wholeheartedly," says Radheshyam Das who has compiled a series of five books entitled Spirituality for

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Modern Youth. These books, which present the basic Vedic concepts taught by Srila Prabhupada in a systematic and scientific way, serve as the curriculum for the dozens of weekly classes that are held in and near the various youth preaching centers. Radheshyam Das has also written several pocket books, which serve as an introduction to Krishna consciousness for newcomers as well as interesting subjects for introductory programs in colleges. Special color slide shows have also been prepared to supplement the presentations in colleges. A comprehensive youth preaching manual provides valuable guidance to a prospective college preacher about how to most effectively preach to youth. THE BRAHMACHARI ASHRAM Externals are often misleading. The modest bungalow, that houses Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari, the presiding deities of Pune, reveals little of the spiritual energy that permeates the atmosphere. Within that bungalow, every morning at 4:30 am, around sixty devotees - forty-three brahmacharis and remaining trainees - dance and sing jubilantly in front of the deities as they begin a new day of Krishna conscious adventures in their service to Srila Prabhupada. The brahmacharis follow a strict sadhana (spiritual practice) program in the early morning hours. During the day, special classes are held to train them in understanding and preaching Krishna consciousness. And in the evenings they go to over fifty congregation and college programs to distribute the wealth of spiritual wisdom that Srila Prabhupada has gifted to the world. The brahmacaris follow high standards of simplicity and renunciation. All of them live in three small, simple rooms and have only a locker and its contents as their possessions. Yet their serious spiritual practices keep them absorbed and joyful. Recently a Bhakti Shastri course was arranged in Pune to help a group of 33 brahmacaris to study deeply the books of Srila Prabhupada. It was the first time in the history of the Vrindavana Institute of Higher Education (VIHE) that the complete course was conducted outside Vrindavan. PREACHING TO CHILDREN As the college preaching expanded steadily, the youth preachers diversified into children preaching. BACE now has a separate wing for children - the Bhakta Prahlad School (BPS). BPS holds weekly classes at ten different venues for a total of over two hundred and fifty children. "We want to make learning Krishna consciousness a joyful experience for the children. So we fill the children’s books with games, puzzles, skits, verses, songs and stories along with the philosophy," says Radhika Devi Dasi, who co-authors the twelve children’s books that comprise the curriculum for the children’s classes. Brahmacaris as well as congregation devotees, who are well-versed in philosophy, serve as the teachers for the school. All the children from the different centers come together several times a year for Balotsavas (children’s festivals), a variety-filled program that

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helps the children imbibe deep Krishna conscious memories. BPS also teaches ethical and spiritual values to over five hundred children in many of the reputed schools of Pune. COUNSELOR SYSTEM "Philosophy becomes easier to practice in a loving and caring atmosphere. The counselor, who acts as a philosopher, friend and guide, helps upcoming devotees to feel a part of a spiritual family," says Gaursundar Das, one of the senior youth counselors. The eighteen brahmacari counselors, who are seasoned devotees with specialized training in counseling, conduct inspirational meetings once a fortnight, wherein they train the counselees in the four s’s of spiritual life - siddhanta (philosophical understanding), sadhana (regular spiritual practices), sadacara (proper Vaishnava etiquettes and behavior) and seva (service attitude). Apart from the meetings, students, brahmacaris and congregation devotees all get personal guidance about how to best advance in spiritual life in a swift yet sustainable way. TEMPLE PREACHING The successful youth preaching has led to the growth of a vibrant spiritual community of around three hundred initiated devotees and many more committed devotees. The weekly Sunday feast attracts over seven hundred people. On festival days, over twelve hundred people crowd the temple. On Janmashtami over twenty five thousand people visit the temple. Saturday evening plunges most youth into sensual revelry, but the young devotees at Pune have a better taste; they dive into the ecstasies of Krishna consciousness at the weekend youth meeting. After an enlightening discussion on the importance of Krishna consciousness in the modern world followed by a lively question-answer session, as 400 beaming faces jubilantly sing and dance in a rousing kirtan, Srila Prabupada’s poignant statement about the future of the world comes to mind, "When the scientist, the medical man and the philosopher get an opportunity to study scientifically what is God, then there will be paradise on the earth."

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BACE becomes VOICE B.A.C.E. (Bhaktivedanta Academy for Culture and Education)

has been a name we have been using for all our preaching activities -- mostly youth, but also children, girls, corporate etc. We have been having different names for each of these wings under BACE such as ISKCON Youth Forum - boys/girls wing, Bhakta Prahlad School for children wing etc.

In order to have a simplified name that can be commonly used by all these wings, we have finalized the name VOICE with the blessings of His Holiness Gopalakrishna goswami and His Holiness Radhanath swami maharajas. ****************************************************************** V.O.I.C.E = Vedic Oasis for Inspiration Culture and Education ****************************************************************** VOICE represents 'Spiritual Sound of Vedas' 'Shabda brahma' or 'Voicing concern'. Modern world is facing great degradation of character, culture and values. For a sincere human being to live a life of pure principles is a great challenge. The 'Vedic Oasis' conveys the idea that it is 'life-giving' centre in a 'stress-ridden fastpaced rat race society' that is like a desert. Also 'Oasis' helps to avoid the 'Academy' that comes in BACE; thus the people don't see it just as a education centre alone but a centre for inspiration, culture and education. Thus VOICE will provide a facility like an Oasis in the middle of desert to keep oneself charged in remembrance of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna always. The inspiration is spiritual inspiration to perform devotional service with full enthusiasm. We will be calling our different wings as • CHILDREN VOICE (for children, Age group 5 yrs to 12 years), earlier called as Bhakta Prahlad school • TEENAGE BOYS VOICE (for teenage boys, Age group 13 to 19), earlier called as ISKCON Junior Youth Forum • TEENAGE GIRLS VOICE (for teenage girls, Age group 13 to 19), • BOYS VOICE (for the college students, Age group 19 and above ), earlier called as ISKCON Youth Forum (IYF) or BACE • GIRLS VOICE (for the college girls, Age group 19 and above), earlier called as IYF – Girls wing • CORPORATE VOICE (for the company-going men and women),

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Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture & Education (VOICE) VOICE, the Vedic Oasis for the stressed mind of modern age Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture & Education (VOICE) touches the hearts and lives of children, teenagers, adolescent youth, corporates, families. Its motto is rekindling wisdom and reviving love. VOICE represents 'Spiritual Sound of Vedas' 'Shabda brahma' or 'Voicing concern'. Modern world is facing great degradation of character, culture and values. For a sincere human being to live a life of pure principles is a great challenge. The 'Vedic Oasis' conveys the idea that it is 'life-giving' centre in a 'stress-ridden fast-paced rat race society' that is like a desert. Thus VOICE will provide a facility like an Oasis in the middle of desert to keep oneself surcharged in remembrance of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna always. The inspiration is spiritual inspiration to practice devotion to God with full enthusiasm. We have different wings of VOICE catering to the needs of different sections of society : Children VOICE (for children between 5 yrs to 12 years), Teenage Boys VOICE (for teenage boys, Age group 13 to 19), Teenage Girls VOICE (for teenage girls, Age group 13 to 19), Boys VOICE (for the college students, Age group 19 and above ), Girls VOICE (for the college girls, Age group 19 and above), Corporate VOICE (for the company-going men and women), Senior Citizens VOICE (for members above 50 years of age)

Our Motto The motto of VOICE is ‘Rekindling Wisdom, Reviving Love’. Intellectual education influences the head and value-based education influences the heart. In fact, education that does not train the heart can be dangerous. If we want to build character in our offices, homes and society, we must have the wisdom to live a principlecentered life based on honesty, compassion, courage, responsibility etc. Steven Muller, President, Johns Hopkins University said : “Universities are turning out highly skilled barbarians because we don’t provide a framework of values to young people, who more and more are searching for it.” Winston Churchill said, “The first duty of a university is to teach wisdom, not trade; character, not technicalities.” Educated persons are those

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who can choose wisely and courageously under any circumstances between good and bad, between virtuousness and vulgarities regardless of the academic degrees they have. The goal of VOICE is to rekindle the innate wisdom about meaning and purpose of life. Peter R.Schemm in his book entitled, ‘Love: Impact on Physical and Mental Health’ explains that people who live in relationships in which they do not feel loved, protected, happy or secure are ten times more susceptible to chronic disease and five time more susceptible to mental illness. Also studies prove that love heals diseases. Community, security, protection, sharing, care and concern for one another – all these are possible only when people learn to lead a selfless God-centered life. Such a life awakens the dormant love in our hearts that manifests as respect for elders, compassion for the youngers, friendliness towards equals, surrender to the laws of God that matures as love for God and towards all.

Objectives 1. Creating a class of people of high character and competence. 2. Saving teenagers from self-destructive habits. 3. Creating communities for counseling 4. Training in Character and Competence 5. Use Arts, Culture, Music and Media to propagate the message of Wisdom literatures. 6. Creating a class of wise people who respect, trust and love each other. 7. Use talents for propagating love of God and love for all, based on word of God. 8. Distributing spiritual literature at subsidized prices. 9. Training in Science of God, etiquettes and behaviour, prayer and practices.

Specialised training for

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Children, Teenagers, Youths and Corporates Children VOICE Advisors Co-ordinators

: Radheshyam das, Radhika devi dasi, Hemangigopi devi dasi : Rasasundari devi dasi, Krishnakishore das,

Assistant Co-ordinators : Ramananda das, Yashodarani devi dasi, Parthahari das

Children are trained in story telling, creative exercises, singing, dancing, dramas, painting, sloka recitation, fancy dress competition, etc. There are books exclusively published for these children like ‘Getting to know Krishna’ ‘Wonderful Krishna’ etc that are taught by expertly trained teachers to imbibe good samskars -- character and values in children. There are quarterly ‘Balotsav’ programs where these children get opportunity to display their talents through drama, art, singing, dancing, performances, display booths – that is open for thousands of visitors. During summer vacations, special children camps are organized for fun and learning experience of the children. There are over ten children VOICEs all over Pune that operate once a week for a couple of hours, generally in the week end. Generally about 25 children attend each of these programs. The course registration generally starts from June. Besides the weekend couple of hours programs at different homes, Children VOICE also organizes ‘Value Education’ program at schools to help children imbibe values and character in their school days. The following is the syllabus of ‘Value Education’ as given by Maharashtra Board. VALUE EDUCATION for School Children Eighth std : Values and Self Development 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Topic Importance cultivation of values Goal of human life Being Prayerful No one is useless Simplicity Confidence Concentration Truthfulness Cleanliness Honesty Power of faith Forms of devotion India’s contribution to the world Nature – Then and now Preparation for Meditation

Value Sensitivity Sense of Duty Devotion Self-reliance Courtesy Orderliness Orderliness Love for Truth Orderliness Humanity Love for Truth National Unity Patriotism Love for nature

Discipline

Sloka ‘tasmat sastra …..’ ‘ahara nidra bhaya….’ ‘man mana bhava…’ ‘klaibyam ma sma…’ ‘deva dvija guru….’ ‘sauryam tejo dhrtir….’ ‘vyavasa yatmika….’ ‘ahimsa satyam….’ ‘shamo dama tapah..’ ‘shamo dama tapah..’ ‘asraddha dana…’ ‘man mana bhava…’ ‘bharata bhumite..’ ‘etam drstim …’ ‘yatro paramate …..’

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Ninth std :

Personality and Behavior development Topic

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Value

Science of soul Positive thinking Integrity Punctuality Science of God Love in action Avoid Fault-finding Freedom from Anger Universal Brotherhood True Friendship Happiness vs Suffering Beware of Self-destructive habits Association Doing our best and leaving the rest Save Nature

Sloka

Scientific attitude Self-reliance Discipline Punctuality Scientific attitude Kindness towards all Equality Dignity of labor Religious tolerance Fraternity Love for Truth Discipline Cooperation Orderliness Love for Nature

‘dehino smin …’ ‘tesham evanu…’ ‘adveshta sarva …’ ‘ayushah ksana ….’ ‘bhoktaram yajna …’ ‘pasyata etan …’ ‘ahimsa ..apashunam…’ ‘ahimsa satyam ….’ ‘sarva yonishu …..’ ‘titikshava …….’ ‘mam upetya ….’ ‘yah sastram …..’ ‘dhyayato vishayan …’ ‘tasmat sarveshu …’ ‘maya adhyakshena …’

Tenth std : Character and Competence skills 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Topic Can a scientist believe in God? Getting the eyes to see God Are accepting Vedas not blind faith? Self Management & good health Science of Reincarnation All are equal As you sow, so you reap Non-violence Humility Role of women in Vedic society All religions – same message Mind your Mind Self Control Honesty Studying effectively

Value Scientific attitude Scientific attitude Patriotism Discipline Dignity of labor Dignity of labor Discipline Courtesy Courtesy Gender equality National Unity Orderliness Sensitivity Courtesy Orderliness

Sloka ‘mattah parataram …..’ ‘jnanam teham sa ….’ ‘karma brahmod ….’ ‘yuktahara …..’ ‘vidya vinaya ….’ ‘catur varnyam ….’ ‘karmano hy api….’ ‘ahimsa satyam …..’ ‘amanitvam ….’ ‘adharmabhi bhavat …’ ‘aham sarvasya ….’ ‘bandhuratmat ….’ ‘raga dvesha …..’ ‘shamo damas ….’ ‘abhayam sattva ….’

Each of the above values are taught in two lectures of forty minutes duration each. Although small tests are held after every five topics, the final examination is conducted at the end of the course.

Teenage Boys VOICE Advisors : Govinda prabhu (Chowpatty), Radheshyam das, Caitanyacharan das Co-ordinators : Tulsi das, Varadaraj das, Srivatschandra das Modern teenagers are attacked by the money thirsty media programs that impel them to buy costly mobiles, bikes, sports shoes, pants and wears etc. The movies present

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perverted themes and cause teenagers to indulge in drugs and drinks, smoking and sexpartners – considering themselves ‘free birds’. But all this craze ends in self-destructive addictions, depression, failure in academics or social responsibilities, psycho-logical traumatic experiences often ending in suicide. Our programs are oriented to train them in patience, maturity, self control, clean habits, tolerance, respect for elders, meditation to calm the raging mind etc. The teenagers perform skits, sing, play instruments, join the spiritual dance, meditate and go for spiritual picnics. They also learn public speaking, studying effectively, developing concentration and avoid bad habits.

Teenage Boys VOICE syllabus Spirituality Many of the following topics will be available from our series of books entitled, ‘Spirituality for modern youth’ and ‘The Spiritual Scientist’ issues. 1. Character vs. Competence (Arjuna’s 3 qualities – Character, Competence, Devotion) 2. Transform your worst enemy into your best friend 3. Can a scientist believe in God? 4. Should we grope in the dark or pray for light? (Ses 2, DYS) 5. Glory of Vedic India 6. Meditation for the modern age 7. Is accepting Vedas not blind faith? 8. How is human being superior to animals? 9. Law of Karma – the law of infallible justice 10. No God No peace, Know God Know Peace (Material problems, spiri solns) 11. Four Regulative Principles for freedom 12. Science of Soul 13. From Fear to Love 14. Heroism – Real and Virtual 15. Reincarnation – Fact or Fiction? 16. Break free of bonds (three modes – food, time, action etc) 17. Austerity of Body, Mind and Words 18. Technology – curse or boon? 19. Who is Guru? Who is not? 20. Evolving towards Perfection 21. Did we come from branches to benches? 22. Do demigods really exist? 23. Am I God? Does one become God by meditation? (along with Poem) 24. Caste system – not for chaos, but for harmony 25. Spirit of Bhagavad gita 26. Association – good and bad

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27. Lifestyle – all you need to know from mobiles to ipods to bikes to fashion 28. Who should be the object of my worship? 29. Deity vs. Idol worship 30. Qualifications of a Disciple 31. Jnani, Yogi and Bhakta 32. The Four Ashramas for real progress 33. Is everything already destined? (slideshow) 34. Quest for Happiness and managing our material desires 35. Krishna’s rasa dance – Can we imitate? 36. Well wishing friend who escorts you (supersoul)

Slokas for Memorisation • • • • • •

Selected verses from Brahma Samhita Siksastakam Morning program songs Bhagavad gita 108 selected verses Bhavad gita chapters 7, 9, 12, 15 memorisation Srimad Bhagavatam selected verses

Self Excellence skills 1. Power of Habits 2. Secret of Concentration 3. Art of Self Management 4. Developing study skills 5. Managing the raging mind 6. Overcoming Inferiority Complex 7. Seven types of Intelligences 8. Giving powerful presentations 9. Team Playing and Co-operation 10. Time Management 11. Danger of free mixing, romance, blue film watching, internet and media 12. Positive Mental Attitude 13. Bhagavad gita and Art of Work 14. How to manage Anger? 15. Ambition vs. Overambition

Value Education Syllabus (‘Values for Teenagers’ booklet) 1. Politeness 2. Simplicity

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3. Honesty 4. Love in action 5. True Friendship 6. Truthfulness 7. Humility 8. Developing Friendships 9. Developing a Prayerful attitude 10. Confidence 11. Regard for teachers 12. How to visit guests and receive guests 13. Unflincing Faith in God’s protection 14. Doing one’s best and leaving rest 15. Overcoming Envy 16. Learning to Forgive and forget 17. Integrity and Truthfulness – the foundation of spiritual life 18. Be Grateful or else become a great fool 19. Fanaticism vs. Broadmindedness 20. Overcoming False ego 21. Giving up Prajalpa, mundane talk 22. Increasing our Tolerance 23. Life is a mirror 24. All that glitters is not gold 25. Man and nature – then and now 26. On Resisting Temptations

Vaishnava etiquettes 1. Etiquette within the temple 2. Habits and Behaviour 3. Sadhana 4. Four Regulative principles – Truthfulness, Austerity, Cleanliness, Mercy 5. Sense gratification and Bhakti yoga 6. Dress and Appearance 7. Holy Days 8. Missionary activities 9. Dealing with Parents, Friends and relatives 10. Ethics and Morality 11. Position of women in Vedic culture 12. Dealing with Guests 13. Bhakti Yoga at Home or practical application of Bhagavad gita 14. Upadeshamrita – verse 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

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Boys VOICE Director : Radheshyam das, M.Tech. IIT, Powai VOICE Governing Body (VGB): Acharya Ratna das,B.E.Comp, 9434047299 , Bal Govind das, B.E. Mech., 9325502474 Shyamrupa das, B.E. Mech. 9422079881 Ram Priya das, MBBS, (MD), 9373322501

VOICE Executive Committee (VEC): Gopal Champu das,B.E., Rajshekar, M.Tech, IITKGP, Veerayyah,B.Tech, NITK, Chandramouli, B.Tech, IITKGP

Ankur Gupta,B.Tech. IITKGP, Gyanprakash,B.Tech, IITKGP, Sripad, B.Tech, NIT Warrangal and Dhiraj, M.Tech, IITKGP

Project Managers (PM)

Overall Co-ordinators (OC)

Publications and Sales Manager : Krishnakishore das, M.E. Comp., Asst Prof, VIT college. 09822451260

Boys VOICE has been preaching to youth community since 1996 and over 10,000 students have participated in different courses. Boys VOICE also has over a dozen youth hostels across the country close to the colleges like IITKGP, ITBHU, NITWarrangal, NITSuratkal, NITJamshedpur, COEP, COEET, BVPCOE, Pune, SIT, Pune etc for offering the following training program to empower the modern youth. Personality Development and Character Build Up • Training the students in the application of philosophy, values and principles in their personal life.

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• Rising early, sleeping early, morning mantra meditation, GD and interactions • Training in etiquettes, manners and proper behavior to be followed while living in society. • Training in dealing with equals, juniors, seniors, elders in the family, parents, teachers. • Training in integrity, truthfulness, simplicity, trustworthiness, non-envy, maturity, humility etc • Training in self-excellence skills like giving presentations, conflict resolution, empathic listening etc Yoga, Meditation and Nutritious Diet • Vibrant health, peaceful mind, and satisfying loving relationships are essential for a life of quality. • People poison their digestive tract with meat, alcohol,drugs, sleeping pills and junkfood. • The purpose of food is to increase the duration of life, purify the mind and aid bodily strength. At VOICE, the students get Prasadam, sanctified lactovegetarian sanctified diet. It is wholesome, nutritious, satisfying and nourishing to body and soul. Mantra Meditation • Modern man filled with fear, tension, anger, defensive attitude etc leading to stress. • The adrenaline hormone secretion leads to disorders like indigestion, back pain, blood pressure rise etc. • Mantra Meditation is a powerful tool to alleviate stress and attain peace of mind. • It provides one inner strength, patience, tolerance, vigor, confidence, power to make decisions etc. • VOICE Students regularly perform mantra meditation and lead cheerful stress-free lives. Topping in Academics • Spirituality and Academics are given equal importance for VOICE students. • During JAN/FEB/MAR and APR/MAY/JUN, the students study 10-13-16 hours per week. • They fill Study cards and report to their Counselors for perusal and subsequent instruction. • The alumni student or professor devotees help the younger students by coaching. • For a devotee student, his college studies are not material. It is Krishna’s service. Public Speaking and Discussion (PSD) • Students are trained how to deliver lecture presentations.

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• They are taught to face challenges from the audience without losing temper. • They are assessed on the basis of ten criteria and room for improvements are offered to them. • A seasoned preacher gives clarifies all the lingering misconceptions. Team Playing and Synergising • Group Discussion Camps (GDC) teaches the students to work cooperatively in a team. • They learn to value others opinions, to pool up the talents of many, to be confident etc. • They prepare one of their team members to give a presentation, make a display, put up a skit etc. Devotional Qualifications • They are trained in cooking, cleaning, washing, worshiping, performing arati, • singing, playing instruments like mridanga, kartals, harmonium, • purchasing things from market, handling accounts, managing different departments like kitchen, etc. • This foundational training is greatly helpful now and in the future. Personal Care and Counseling • Every VOICE student has a Counselor who acts in his life as a Philosopher, Friend and Guide. • He answers the student’s questions and shares his experiences. • He helps him tackle physical, mental, and spiritual problems and trains him to face future challenges. • The counselees fill up a sadhana card that acts as a report card filled up by the candidate. • The Counselor-counselee meetings are held fortnightly or monthly to bring about a family atmosphere.. • Other committees that extend their help — marriage bureau, placement committee, etc. Preaching Activities One-time slide show seminars like ‘Stress Management’ ‘Time Management’ for awareness. ’Bring out THE LEADER in you’ Course trains the youth in Character and Competence skills. The first pocket book on ‘Stress Management’ is already out. The subsequent titles are likely to be released in a few months. A bulky book with all 20 titles will be published at the end, which can be prescribed as a credit course by any college for grooming their students in values and ethics.

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Six-session slide show course called ‘Discover Your Self’ for learning basics of spirituality. Weekly Study Circles Three courses each lasting for 4 months are offered for the Boys VOICE, Girls VOICE and Corporate VOICE members -- ‘Spiritual scientist’, ‘Positive Thinker’, ‘Self Manager’ Advanced courses : Those who complete the above can join ‘Proactive leader’ and ‘Personality Development’ courses. Beyond this one is eligible to join the ‘Bhakti Sastri’ course. Weekend meeting on Saturday evening is open for all boys between 17 to 30 years of age. It is a gathering addressed by special speakers on themes relating to modern world and solution from Vedas. Cultural Activities: Dramas, Nam rock, Debates, Music, Dance and Spiritual Camps and picnics. Prerana Youth Festival : The Boys VOICE organizes a monthly special youth festival for girls called ‘PRERANA’ where over a thousand boys participate in program consisting of a seminar, kirtans, dancing and Prasadam. Special eminent speakers are invited for this program.

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(Teenage) Girls VOICE Advisors

: Radhika devi dasi, Vishaka devi dasi , Kishori devi dasi (Mumbai), Radheshyam das, Jaigopal das Co-ordinators : Anangamohini devi dasi, Vidya patham, Brajavallabhi devi dasi and Yugalapriya devi dasi.

The teenage boys and girls are trained separately by male and female teachers respectively. As the psychology of boys and girls are different their training programs are also made suitable to their needs. Woman has a vital role to play in any family, in the life of her husband, children, and in laws and others. It is said that the hand that moves the cradle can make or mar the world. Great leaders have had great mothers. Keeping this in view, the girls are trained in various activities to become a ideal wife, a loving

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mother and a chaste and exemplary house maker to benefit home, nation and all humanity. Objectives of Teenage Girls VOICE Training girls to • Learn Values like politeness, truthfulness, being prayerful, love in action, positive attitude etc • Learn Self-Excellence skills like Power of Habits etc • Understand the importance of Dos and Don’ts • Learn the basic philosophy of KC and develop a taste for chanting, hearing and seva • Learn the danger of free mixing, glamour, romance, blue film watching, internet and media etc. • Developing Good habits, behaviour, friendships with fellow devotees etc. • Sloka recitation from BG chapters 7, 9 and 12 • Assisting in Children VOICE teaching Objectives of Girls VOICE Training girls to • Learn the basic philosophy of KC and develop a taste for chanting, hearing and seva • Values like Overcoming Greed, Anger, Depression, Fear, Inferiority complex • Perform devotional activities like offering puja, maintaining deity, making garland, pure habits etc • Cultural activities like singing, playing instruments, cooking, put rangoli etc. • Live a life of chastity, character, modesty, simplicity and similar values • Learn to be a ideal wife, mother, daughter-in-law, -in-law etc • Dealing with guests, elders, family members and others • Learn to celebrate festivals at home • Teaching Children VOICE students The Girls VOICE organizes a quarterly special youth festival for girls called ‘CHETANA’ where hundreds of girls participate in program consisting of a seminar, kirtans, dancing and Prasadam. Special eminent speakers are invited for this program. Their special activities are : • • • • • •

Seminars like ‘Role of woman in Vedic society’ by senior ladies Group presentations on topic of “Six anarthas”, Doing Arati to the Lord, Candle making and Pots decoration, Garland making Singing Bhajans and Kirtans,

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• • •

Cooking recipes, Slide show presentations Outdoor spiritual picnics and camps

One of the satellite centers of Pune Girls VOICE is at NIT Warrangal run by a devotee professor’s wife.

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Corporate VOICE Corporate Preaching Board members Chairman Executive Chairman Executive Vice-Chairman (CFP) Executive Vice-Chairman (CYP) Executive Secretary (CFP) Executive Secretary (CYP) Lead Trainer

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Radheshyam das Vamshi Vadan das Anantashesh das (mobile: 9850881105) Gopal Champu das (mobile: 9325070111) Anant Balaram das Revati Pati das Bala Govinda das

In today’s fast paced and competitive corporate world, the executives, managers and team leaders usually have more mental work than physical which gives rise to many stress born diseases like hypertension, etc and thus cause a great loss to their health in personal life and leads to loss of efficiency, cleavage in relationships, etc in professional life.

Corporate VOICE offers seminars and courses to help them learn : • • • • • • • •

To bring balance between personal and professional life. How to achieve peace of mind to focus on their duties properly. Unique techniques to eliminate stress and negativity. Simple tips to resolve inner conflicts and improve physical and mental health. Changing attitude and outlook to life for converting distress to eustress. Meditation techniques to go beyond depression and avoid hypertension Developing calm, clear and creative thinking. Secret of Happiness and improving performance.

We have three types of programs to cater to the needs of corporate people : 1. Corporate Family Programs (CFP) 2. Corporate Youth Programs (CYP)

- Age group : after marriage - Age group 22 to 30 years

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3. Company Seminars and Workshops (CSW) - organized by the company 1. CFP (Corporate Family Program) – These weekly programs are conducted in the following areas: Range hills ( Atharva ), Prabhat Road, Wanowrie, Wanowrie (Sacred Heart Town ), Camp, Kalyani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Wakad, Lullanagar, Salisbury Park, Kothrud, Aundh, Magarpatta city, Viman Nagar, Pashan 2. CYP (Corporate Youth Program) – These programs are intended for unmarried corporate youths. Over 20 such programs are held in the weekends, mostly at the temple. 3. YOGA (Youth Of Gods Abode) are Corporate VOICE youth hostels near Software Parks where working youths live together and practice Krishna consciousness. More information about YOGA is presented after this article. Contact Gopal Champu prabhu (9325 070111), Overall YOGA Mentor for more details.

4. Company Seminars and Workshops – Seminars such as ‘Stress Management’ ‘Time Management’ ‘Self Management’ involving presentations and activities lasting for about three hours are held in various companies in and around Pune. We have already conducted programs in Finolex (170 delegates), Tech Mahindra (Formerly know as MBT for 140 delegates), Concentric (top 12 managers attended), Hotel Sagar Plaza (40 delegates), Cognizant (50 delegates), Zensar (20 delegates), Dastur School (220 teachers) and Electrical Electronics Association (200 delegates). ‘Bring out the LEADER in you’ Seminars on Leadership For Corporates – Overview VOICE offers seminars (3 hrs each) on topics given below. The pocket books on all these topics is in pipe line and likely to be completed before the end of this year : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

Stress Management (already released) Time Management Art of Self Management Power of Habits Secret of Concentration Mind your Mind Positive mental attitude Team playing and winning trust of others Overcoming Inferiority complex Constructive criticism – How to give it or take it? Fate and Free will Karma – the Law of Infallible justice Key to Real Happiness Conflict Resolution Eight Qualities of an Effective Leader Managing our Anger Self Development (flowing of consciousness) Personality development and Character buildup

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19. Proactive Leadership 20. Art of Living and Leaving For more details, contact Executive Vice Chairman, Mr.Anant (mobile: 9881401814).

Y.O.G.A. (Youth Of God’s Abode) Director : Radheshyam das, M.Tech. IIT, Powai YOGA Governing Body (YGB): Gopal Champu das, B.E. Comp, 9325070111 Acharya Ratna das,B.E.Comp, 9434047299 , Bal Govind das, B.E. Mech., 9325502474 Shyamrupa das, B.E. Mech. 9422079881 Overall YOGA Mentor : Gopal Champu das, B.E. Comp, 9325070111

Project Managers (PM) Viman Nagar Aundh Magarpatta Kothrud Bangalore Hyderabad

(Vrindavan) (Atmanivedan) (Mithila) (Karunasindhu) (Bhishma) (Hrishikesh)

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Shyama rupa das, Premanivas das Sundershyam das, Sundervar das Keshavananda das, Varadaraja das Acharyaratna das, Satyapriya das Balagovinda das Shyamarupa das

Overall Co-ordinators (OC) and Assistants of YOGA centers : Viman Nagar Aundh Magarpatta Kothrud Bangalore Hyderabad

(Vrindavan) (Atmanivedan) (Mithila) (Karunasindhu) (Bhishma) (Hrishikesh)

- Vikas Singhal, Mrityunjay mahapatra - Anil Timbe, Ramesh - Srikant, Mayur - Chandraprakash, Rohit - Kuldeep, Sachin khade - Anand Babu

Differences between Student BOYS VOICE centers and Y.O.G.A. centers : BOYS VOICE Occupied by college student devotees Amenities supported by temple Focus is on college studies and College preaching

YOGA Occupied by working devotees mostly software Amenities managed by inmates Focus on Career building and Corporate preaching

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Inmates are raw from preaching field to be trained Managed by BOYS VOICE Arranges preaching in Colleges and hostels

Inmates mostly passout from VOICEs, so seasoned Managed by YOGA, Corporate VOICE Arranges preaching in Companies and local centers

VOICE Publications One may raise a question that when there are so many books published by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, what is the need of publishing so many new books for youth, children and corporates; why not teach Srila Prabhupada’s books directly. We have given a few reasons below : 1. Easy readability of pocket books: Srila Prabhupada has written over 70 authoritative books in such a simple and lucid language that any common man can understand the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. His books are the law-books for the next 10,000 years. VOICE publications are intended to bring one to the point of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books. Many people buy big books like Bhagavad gita, but worship it as a very holy scripture by offering flowers everyday. But because it is a bulky book, they never read it. Therefore at VOICE, we are publishing pocket books, which are based on the essence of Srila Prabhupada's books. Since these books are very small, people can read them quickly as soon as they purchase them. Follow up of those who have taken these books is also easier. After distributing these books intensively in a locality where a future program is to be conducted, a one-time program can be conducted on the same topic. Since most of the students have already read or seen or at least heard about the book, we get a good turnout for the one-time program. And when they appreciate the philosophy and get a taste for Krishna consciousness, we encourage them to purchase and read Srila Prabhupada's books. Pocket book distribution is the strategy adopted by the Christians to preach the message of the Bible. Due to their vigorous book publication and distribution, Christianity is rapidly spreading everywhere like a wildfire. At VOICE, we adopt the same policy to expand preaching Krishna consciousness. 2. Preaching aid for systematic presentation of important themes: Srila Prabhupada's books are comprehensive and contain profound philosophy presented in such a lucid way that anyone who reads them can easily understand it. Still it is observed that many times devotees within ISKCON, even full-fledged, full-time senior preachers, have difficulty in giving a presentation on a specific topic, especially in a way suitable for the youth. For example, if a theme such as 'The three modes of material

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nature' is to be explained, profuse information is available in the fourteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth chapters of Bhagavad-gita and examples can be found scattered throughout Shrimad Bhagavatam and other books of Srila Prabhupada. But to present it all as a cohesive lecture is often a daunting task. Understanding this difficulty, His Grace Radheshyam Das, Director, VOICE, Pune, prepared notes on twenty-five important themes from Bhagavad-gita based on the books of Srila Prabhupada, articles from 'Back To Godhead' magazines and lectures by senior ISKCON devotees especially His Grace Devamrita Das. 3. Blend of philosophy and science: Srila Prabhupada presented devotional philosophy in a pure, undiluted form in his books. But he also desired that the philosophy of Krishna consciousness be presented in scientific terms for those who are so inclined. The books published from VOICE, Pune are a humble attempt to fulfill this desire of Srila Prabhupada. These books present Krishna conscious philosophy in a systematic way using scientific facts, figures and findings to present it in a more convincing and appealing way for young students with scientific and analytical minds. These books are especially meant for youths of Engineering, Medical and Chartered Accountants. Of course there could be others who are philosophically inclined who can also appreciate these books. Youth VOICE Publications - Spirituality for the Modern Youth This Five volume series explains systematically and scientifically how spiritual life is for the truly intelligent - those who want the best in life. An eye opener for those who think that spirituality is the resort of sentimentalists, escapists and oldies. Discover Your Self: Make the one discovery that can fill your life with happiness forever: Who am I? 57 pictures, soft bound, 192 pages. (For preachers who want to use Discover Your Self as a course book for youth, we also have l84 attractive color slides - both hard & soft copies l Audio tapes for all sessions) Your Best Friend: Can you understand and develop a relation with the one Supreme Truth that stands eternally beyond all barriers of caste, creed, color, nationality and religion? Your Best Friend is the key to a scientific understanding of God. 62 pictures, soft bound, 336 pages Your Secret Journey: Modern scientists, humbled in their attempts to create a humanoid robot, are wondering how a human being is different from a robot. Is there a spiritual paradigm to explain the mystery of life? Scientific proof of past life memories shows that

we survive after death. In fact, we go through a journey from one body to another until we attain perfection. Your Secret Journey explains the secret of action that can free us from all problems. 86 pictures, soft bound, 322 pages Victory Over Death: Everyone has to face death one day. Although you cannot avoid death, you can conquer it. Victory Over Death explains how to cultivate life so that you can die triumphantly. 97 pictures, Soft bound, 394 pages Yoga of Love: The highest form of yoga is simultaneously simple, sublime and safe. Moreover it is full of love and joy. Empower yourself with the Yoga of Love (Coming soon)Pocket Books.

Pocket Books: Stress Management: Stress is neither a germ nor a bacteria to be treated by antibiotics. It is your outlook to life, a problem of the mind that needs a holistic solution at the level of body, mind, intellect and soul. Read this book for practical tips to tackle the stress problem. Art of Harnessing Mind Power: What is the mind? How does it operate? Can I use it to my advantage to do positive things in life? Find out in the Art of Mind Control. 19 pictures, 48 pages Audio tape and color slides (hard and soft copies) also available

Practical Tips to Mind Control: What should you do when the whole world appears to have come to an end - everyone appears an enemy, providence appears cruel, future appears bleak and life appears not worth living? Open the doors to a new life full of joy by applying the Practical Tips to Mind Control. 10 pictures, 88 pages Can I Live Forever?: A concise pocket book that gives scientific understanding of life and death. It also explains an easy and effective way to end all suffering and attain eternal happy life. Read and empower yourself to control your present and determine your future. 12 pictures, 54 pages Misdirected Love: One out of every three love marriages in the West ends in divorce within three years of marriage. Why? Love - What exactly it is? Love is an emotion that promises to bring the highest happiness but often brings the greatest pain. Read Misdirected Love and find new direction to your love and life. 9 pictures, 48 pages

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Audiotape and color slides (hard and soft copies) also available.

Other Books Horizon: A compilation of selected Spiritual Scientist articles. Contains scientific findings about spirituality & health, systematic answers to the fundamental questions of life and spiritual solutions to contemporary problems. 100 pages, soft bound ‘Essence of Bhagavad-gita’ Course Series : This is a five volume edition, that encompasses Five Courses with the following titles. Each of them could be taught in a few months only : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Spiritual Scientist (Discover your self) Positive Thinker (Spirit of Bhagavad gita) Self Manager (Basics of Bhagavad gita) Proactive Leader (Secret of BG) Personality development (Essence of BG)

Bhagavad-gita 7-Day Course: Brief point-wise notes for conducting 7 day course on the Bhagavad-gita. Spiral bound, 100 pages Youth Preaching Manual: A practical and detailed guidebook on how to present the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita to the youth. 13 color photos, spiral bound, 127 pages Value Education: Vital values for teenagers and children explained lucidly through Vedic stories, modern anecdotes and everyday examples. Smiling Faces Crying Hearts: Concise Spiritual Scientist articles exposing superficial modern civilization & glorifying timeless Vedic wisdom. Children VOICE Books These books were conceived to help children understand and appreciate the timeless wisdom and culture of Vedas. You will find stories, songs, scripts for dramas and puppet shows, art and craft activities that thrill the children. The books offer thoughtprovoking quizzes that relate to their practical day-to-day life. My first Krishna Book: The child's first introduction to Krishna. Read-aloud rhymes and attractive pictures to color. 24 pictures, 22 pages Getting to know Krishna: Children are naturally curious. Their little minds want to explore the world around them. Who is God? Why do we go to the temple? Nurture your

child's interest and help him take his first steps in discovering Krishna Consciousness. 124 pictures, 47 pages More about Krishna: Lead the child into the amazing world of Krishna 's pastimes. Enjoyable activities and thought provoking discussions enliven the children and help them to inculcate good values. 187 pictures, 85 pages Devotees of Krishna: Packed with stories, dramas and poems, this book will appeal to older children. Many basic concepts are made clear through games, discussions and activities. 86 pictures, 76 pages Wonderful Krishna: Exciting adventures of Krishna, the protector of His devotees. Group projects and comprehension exercises suitable for the growing child. Many fun filled activities add to their enjoyment. 82 pictures, 76 pages. Krishna's Childhood Pastimes: Sweet and simple description of Krishna's childhood pastimes. Plus exciting activity sheets important Bhagavad-gita verses, prayers, Vaishnava songs and Vaishnava etiquette.113 pictures, 190 pages Slideshows and Audio CDs We also have slideshows and audio CD on many topics like ‘Eight practical tips to Positive Thinking’, ‘Glory of Vedic India’, ‘Stress Management’, ‘Art of Self Management’, ‘Work and be holy, not a workaholic’, ‘Bhagavad gita and Art of Work’ etc. Any of these topics could be used for one-time programs. We also have audio CDs of youth meetings on various topics and Camps.

PRICE LIST

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For any information regarding our publication and ordering, please contact : Sales Manager: Krishnakishore das, A-102, Bharati Vihar, Katraj, Pune – 411 046, Phone: +91-020-24306330, [email protected] Web: www.iskconpune.com

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Preaching Strategies Q : How do we start youth preaching in any college? We can take help of some ‘value education’ club or any other cultural club in the college to launch the ONE-TIME PROGRAM in their seminar hall.

The One Time Programs What is it? • a slideshow seminar presentation done either in the college auditorium/seminar hall • can also be some hall near the college area where students stay in high density. • strength of students attending could range from 25 to 1000.

Vision of the program • to create awareness amongst students about VOICE • a seed-sowing program to offer spiritual side of life to students • to locate gem-like students who can be later polished into devotees • to recruit students for the follow up SIX SESSION DYS PROGRAM

Seminar Topics for presentation You could give presentation on any ONE of the topics : 1. Art of Harnessing Mind power 2. Stress Management 3. Art of Self Management 4. Power of Habits 5. Eight Practical Tips for Positive Thinking

(town, city colleges) (city colleges) (town, city colleges) (town, city colleges) (city colleges)

For most of the above topics we have the following (to help the Preacher) : • Color slide show presentation • Audio lecture CD • Notes or pocket book (for sale) • Brief point-wise notes for preacher’s reference Contact HG Varadaraja prabhu (09226827350) or write to him at [email protected] You can also contact our sales manager, Krishnakishore prabhu (020-2430 6330 or 09822451260) or write to him at the mail address : [email protected]

Paid Seminars Some colleges have ‘Value Education center’ (like NITW, NITSurat, NITSuratkal, IITC). They are ready to pay us travel fare and some charge for the seminar presentation. All we need to do is to co-ordinate with the authorities through a grihasta devotee or a pantshirt student devotee with such clubs.

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Venue 1. can be conducted in the college auditorium (capacity 500-1000 students) 2. holding class to class (or department-wise). Will attract smaller audience, better attention of students. 3. if college auditorium is unavailable, fix up a community hall or some student's flat or terrace opposite to the college where we can invite all the students living in the neighbouring hostels/flats. Option 1 : Best if most of the students stay in the college hostel; hardly any or no localites. Option 2 : Best if most of the students stay in the college hostel; hardly any or no localites. Option 3 : Best if most of the students are staying in flats near the college and very few in hostel.

Our target audience is students living in hostels/flats who want to attend our weekly program regularly. The localites are in one sense ‘useless’ from the point of view of our preaching because they : • are bound by the rules of parents and watched by parents always • have too many household duties and cannot give enough time for KC • stay at home and cannot take to spiritual practices seriously • cannot live with other devotee friends either in the hostel or flat • cannot attend our morning programs at flat or nearby temple very easily Rarely do we find serious localite boys becoming devotees. They may be ‘yoga brashtas’ from previous life!

Audience The following is our confidential observation in our preaching. You have the right to differ. 1. Engineers – have time, thoughtful, organized thinkers, not in so much touch with opp sex, intellectual 2. Doctors – have no time, thoughtful, too much in touch with opp sex, their course is tough, intellectual 3. CAs - have no time, brilliant, not so much touch with opp sex, organized, hardworking, intellectual 4. College of Fine Arts – artists, journalists – similar to Arts college students, but can be v.helpful to us 5. Ayurvedic college – have inferiority complex, future not as bright as MBBS, not very intellectual 6. MBA – have no time, short course…so they fly off, can’t become serious in KC 7. MCA – alright audience, if intelligent can get into software companies easily 8. Arts college students - have ample of time, too much opp sex contact, fun loving, often frivolous 9. Science college students - reasonably intellectual, not confident of future career 10. Polytechnics – they are kids, fun and fight loving, not serious about spiritual life

We generally prefer the first two or three categories of audience in our preaching as our goal is to recruit the top leaders of our society to join our movement. Software engineers from IIT, IIM, NIT are most welcome.

Timing

1) Can be conducted during college hours - this will ensure maximum audience, but may be slightly difficult to get permission from college authorities. Also, both hostelites and localites can attend. 2) Immediately after college-hours. 3) For programs arranged outside college, in case students have tuition after college hours, then we can arrange just after dinnertime. E.g. 9.00PM onwards. The late night hours are found to be the most convenient time for the students as they generally don't go to bed before midnight. 4) can also be arranged in the College mess after dinner at 8:30 pm or 9:00 pm It is best to consult the student leaders about what time would be best to hold our program to get the maximum response from students. Our friendship with the ‘student leader’ can also help us in moulding him into a devotee in future.

When to hold ? • Varies from college to college, course to course; you have to enquire and find out. • At Pune, most colleges are functional during JAN-FEB-MAR and JUL-AUG-SEP. • The best time is to hold our seminar one week after all the students have returned from home and registered for the next semester or year which is generally after 10th JAN or 10th JULY. This may vary from college to college. • This period is a time when students don’t have much to study and they are looking for some variety program.

How does the Program go ? 5:30 pm – 5:45 pm 5:45 pm- 7:00 pm 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm 7:15 pm – 7:25 pm 7:25 pm – 7:30 pm

Introduction to speaker and VOICE Seminar Q&A Short Quiz to be written on the back of Feedback slip Introduce them to DYS Course and Register their name

Follow up The truth-seeking souls who are genuinely interested in knowing more about spirituality are generally in the following category. You could note down their names and room numbers for later follow up : • • • • •

Those who surround the speaker after the seminar Those who buy books at the book table Those who hang around with prasadam after the program Those who ask Questions or like arguing on the topic after the program Those who get maximum marks in the Quiz

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Those who answer the Questions during the seminar Those who help us in organizing the seminar in the college Those who register for the DYS Six session course

Most of the cream devotees that we get after 2 years of preaching in a college will be mostly from the above. So if you note down their names now, you will save two years of preaching and hard work! Without this follow up, the one-time is as good as useless. This is the main purpose for which we conduct the one-time program. So keep volunteers who will be specially appointed for this.

Tables to be arranged 1. PRASADAM TABLE for distributing prasadam; prasadam should be like sevai sweet not dry to allow time to talk to attendees; also we can give them second and third help and make friends with them. 2. DYS REGISTRATION TABLE to with forms to register them for joining 6-session course; keep charge for the course as some Rs.25/- or Rs.50/- a reasonable amount. 3. SP AND VOICE BOOKS TABLE displaying Bhagavad gita and other VOICE books for sale 4. EXHIBITION SHOW of colorful posters or pictures on soul, God, science etc to hold the audience after the seminar to show them and talk to them 5. Q & A CHAIR CIRCLE we could arrange two or three such circles with each having 5 to 6 chairs

How to approach the College? (if majority of students are in hostel) 1) It is always better to approach not as an organization (VOICE/ISKCON) but as a group of students (from the same college). These students (wonderful if they are devotees) can take help from the local college cultural committee (useful, as the authorities know the cultural committee), who are usually interested in holding such kind of seminars (student development / cultural programs). These students should request the authorities to hold the one-time program conducted by VOICE. Alternatively, if there are no devotee students, we can directly try approaching the cultural committee secretary. 2) Approaching the highest authority (such as principal/director of institute) for permission directly is not advisable (and risky) as if he/she refuses then we have no further entrance into the college. Better to approach the lowest authority first and then his senior, if he so requests or even denies (e.g. the teacher - HOD - vice principal principal). 3) We also have to take permission for a subsequent 6-session program to be held in the college. We can explain that simply one lecture is not enough to explain this topic properly and many sincere and inquisitive boys demand a proper course.

How to organize outside the College? (if majority of students are in flats) Step 1 : Go flat to flat and distribute ‘Discover your self’ ‘Your best friend’ etc or any of the pocket books and note down names of those who buy Step 2 : When buyers’ list goes beyond hundred, locate one boy who will give his terrace for a program Step 3 : Make an invitation for a one-time program with his address and distribute it to all buyers. Step 4 : If you feel the same boy may not agree to give his place for 6 session course, then during the seminar, ask whether anyone would like to volunteer organizing 6-session program in their terrace or room. Those who volunteer for this ask them to stand up and tell their address to all. Whichever boy’s address is most convenient for all, fix up his address as venue for 6 session course. Then tell all those who volunteered to give their place to stand up and let the whole audience give them applause! Step 5 : The follow up of boys after the program remains the same. Here in the outside college program we can also have the following freedom : • Altar with Radha Krishna and Srila Prabhupada • Singing with mridangam and kartals • Chanting demonstration of one-fourth of a round of Hare Krishna mantra • Selling malas at book table

Publicity This should start about 4 days in advance. We have to ensure that practically every student knows about the program, either through charts or announcements. 1) Make attractive charts giving details of 1-time program and put up on college notice boards, mess, college gate, hotels and all other prominent places (at least 25 charts). 2) Announce in all classes at least 2-3 times, especially on the day of the program. 3) Volunteers should "get" students for the program. Class teachers can be requested to personally guide the students to the hall/auditorium to ensure mass attendance. Attendance of students for the program can be made mandatory through authorities. 4) In case program is conducted in a hall, we should print thousands of leaflets and distribute to students while they are going in/out of college. 5) We can distribute pocket books in the students' hostels/flats and note down name and address of anybody who buys the books. These can become future regular candidates of the 6-session / weekly program. 6) Also go around the hostels and flats enrolling candidates for the 6-session course.

Requirements for the Program

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1) Volunteers - at least 6 to 8 2) Color slides and color slide projector 3) Pamphlets / Charts/ Banners 4) 1000/2000 copies pocket books 5) Address slips 6) Introduction of Speaker or Presenter 7) A DYS Course Advertisement Trailer Slide show to introduce the course 8) Quiz slide that can be projected on the screen 9) some special prasadam like peda to give Principal or Professors after program

Quiz A quiz can be conducted at the end of the lecture, if time permits. This quiz involves very little written work for students, may be a few words, to test their understanding. The answers for the quiz are written by the students on the backside of address slip, so that immediately after correction, shortlisting the toppers becomes easy. The quiz can be shown in a slide. Through this, we can identify good boys from the mass. Those who get 5 out of 5, 4.5 out of 5 and 4 out of 5 can be short listed for prizes and their names can be typed and displayed on their college notice boards with VOICE logo in the top congratulating them. The prizes could be distributed by the hands of a college professor within the next two or three days. The prizes could be as simple as a COMING BACK book for the first prize, ON THE WAY TO KRISHNA for the second, and a pocket book for the third.

Announcements 1) Introducing the preacher (can be done either in the beginning or end) 2) Details about the 6-session course (date-time-venue) 3) Prizes for toppers in Quiz 4) Thanksgiving to the college, others who helped organise the program 5) Prasadam 6) Short information about VOICE activities (this can be even in the beginning) 7) Local VOICE students address and class for further contact with VOICE

The Six Session DYS (Spiritual Scientist / Discover Your Self) Course The candidates from the ONE TIME programs or from Book Distribution database can be registered for the Six sessions certificate course on DISCOVER YOUR SELF. This course puts a foundation on basic understanding of topics like : 1. Can a Scientist believe in God?

(proves God’s existence systematically)

2. Getting the eyes to see God (shows the deficiency of our senses to know Truth) 3. Vedic wisdom – privilege of humankind (establishes Vedas as the only way to Wisdom) 4. Science of Soul (teaches knowledge of SOUL scientifically) 5. Substance and Shadow (Real happiness is only in the spiritual world) 6. If God is one, why there are so many different religions? (commanality in all religions, superiority of Sanatana Dharma and Bhakti yoga, Prabhupada’s contribution to the modern world) Special Features of the DYS Course – • • • • • • •

Color slide show presentation with animation with over 300 slides Video clippings for each session to keep the show enlivening and enlightening Fun and learning go hand in hand Group Work and GD to offer participation and involvement to students Audio Lectures by Director are available (Preacher can avail this facility) Elementary for any newcomer to understand the profound KC concepts The course can be directly introduced to any newcomer

At the end of DYS Course, we introduce the students to the following courses based on the series of books, entitled ESSENCE OF BHAGAVAD GITA.

On Scientific Preaching…..and DYS Course Here are some of my humble feelings that I would like to express based on my little preaching experience to college youth : There are many students who already are in touch with God within their heart and are searching for Him outside. They are looking for someone who can introduce them to God and help them be put back in His service. They may have a little bit of “dirt” that they carry due to scientific academic education. The first two sessions of DYS cleanses off that dirt and introduces them to Vedas as the ultimate knowledge. The DYS book, my audio lectures and my slideshow are all extremely simple and are understandable to even a fifteen year old boy or girl. I deliberately kept it simple because most of the audience is simple; they are looking for truths presented in an easy and understandable manner. We don’t have to complicate the simple Vedic wisdom with some jargon to impress the boys or frighten the boys to make them accept the Vedas. If our preachers are honestly following the principles of Krishna consciousness and they present the logical truths as presented in DYS book, they will emerge successfully with many sincere students taking to Krishna consciousness. The goal of the course is not to defeat the students and drive them away, but to wipe out the misconceptions by replacing them with right Krishna conscious understanding. This will need a healing approach rather than a bombing approach. Thus you will see that in all my

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DYS lectures I give more weight to devotional approach rather than just elaborating on the problems of science. Even DYS Session 2, shows the optic illusion through fun to bring out the fact that our senses are defective. Thus the audience doesn’t feel overly criticized, but learn the human defects with laughter. Besides that the devotional approach helps audience to absorb their consciousness in devotional service and develop attraction for the superior taste of Krishna consciousness. Sometimes ‘liberal minded’ preachers go for too many quotes and facts from sources outside Srila Prabhupada’s books. One of our goals in preparing this book, slideshows and lectures was to use Srila Prabhupada’s examples in parampara as far as possible and not to introduce non-sastric examples. Prabhupada’s logic and reason is spotless and I have simply repeated them by putting them in a particular order. I am very confident that Prabhupada’s examples work powerfully in the heart of a conditioned soul and cure the malady of materialism. We may take occasional outside examples, but not too many. Sometimes ‘visual intelligent’ preachers are fond of adding too many slides with too many moving pictures or cliparts to make the presentation ‘attractive’. But that distracts the audience from the real goal of the course. The audience’s mind is more with the fun and curiosity than in the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. Even the current slide show that I prepared is too lengthy and I am thinking of cutting it short in future. We should not increase the size of slideshow bigger than this. Sometimes ‘humorous minded’ preachers get into a spirit of making audience laugh. Thus they come up with varieties of incidents, examples and stories that are not from Srila Prabhupada’s books but heard from here and there. Although this may be apparently appealing to the public, this does not cure the disease in the heart of hearers and arouse Krishna consciousness. Just as Humor and fun come and go, the audience also come and go; nobody stays through. Thus the goal of DYS course is not to just make people laugh and feel light hearted but to give them solid principles of Krishna consciousness and awaken them to the reality. Sometimes ‘scientific minded’ preachers get into a ksatriya spirit and try to ‘smash’ scientists to dust. Thus they spend most of the time in smashing science rather than giving the positive Krishna conscious aspects. Such criticism may win us some applause, but may leave us behind with no serious candidates to follow. Thus criticizing scientists is not the goal of DYS course, but to bathe the atheists with ‘krishna rasayan’, cleanse them of all atheism, make them innocent hearted children and carry them with us to Sri Krishna.

How to go ahead now………. Even if 25% of the DYS attendees become interested in spiritual life, you are a grand success. In the fast paced modern times, nobody wants an eternal weekly program. keeping this in mind, we have come up with the following five courses (the first course is

almost same as DYS, only the Quizzes are exhaustive). You can launch course after course and you will see audience responding very nicely. Everyone likes a time-bound course after which they get a certificate.

‘Essence of Bhagavad gita’ Five short-term Certificate courses through Weekly Study Circle Course books: 1. ‘Essence of Bhagavad-gita’ five courses series, for ‘Siddhanta’ or philosophy 2. Vaishnava Etiquette Manual published by ISKCON, Shri Shri Radha Gopinath mandir, Near Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 7, K.M.Munshi marg, Chowpatty, Mumbai400 007 Phone: (022) 2369 7228, [email protected] 3. ‘Devotional Practice’ and ‘Vaishnava Culture’, Introductory Course Student Handbook, Contact: Sita Rama prabhu, Bhaktivedanta Manor, Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Watford WD25 8EZ, U.K. For the students who have completed DYS course given before, they can directly go to EBG, Course 2 namely ‘Positive Thinker’ (Spirit of Bhagavad gita) course. The ‘Discover Your Self’ book was originally designed for college youth with a skeptical mind and the following ‘Spiritual scientist’ course book can be used for Girls VOICE, Family programs etc as the same content is presented in a more simplified manner here. If the students who have obtained DYS Certificate are eager to obtain the ‘Spiritual Scientist’ certificate, then they have to complete the Quiz and Examination requirements of ‘Spiritual scientist’ course. The series on ‘Spirituality for the Modern Youth’ consisting of the four books ‘Discover Your Self’ ‘Your Best Friend’ ‘Your Secret Journey’ ‘Victory over Death’ can be used by teachers for the following purposes : • For additional information to teach the following courses • For additional topics to be taken during camps and outings • For giving morning programs for the serious students The following five courses on ‘Essence of Bhagavad gita’ make the teaching very easy for the teacher and the syllabus easy for the student to grasp.

I. Spiritual scientist (Discover Your Self) Duration: 3 weeks, weekly twice The course helps one to scientifically discover one’s real identity and one’s relationship with the Supreme. A material scientist knows only the atom; a spiritual scientist knows the soul, which is spiritual. This knowledge helps him find goal, mission and vision of life.

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.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Introduction to Bhagavad gita Material problems, Spiritual solutions Getting the eyes of Knowledge Vedas – the privelege of Humanity Science of Soul Different platforms of Worship

Sadhana and Sadachar topics --------- NIL ------------

II. Positive Thinker (Spirit of Bhagavad gita) Duration: 4 months, weekly once This course helps one with the Positive spirit needed to tap the powerful message of Gita. It helps one to identify a divine guide in your life and to obtain the necessary qualifications to become a cheerful positive thinker in life by knowing the sublime truths. Sadhana and Sadachar topics 1. Identifying my divine guide 1. Practical Devotional Service 2. Spirit of Bhagavad gita 2. Etiquette within the Temple 3. Qualifications of an ideal Disciple 3. Habits and Behavior 4. Reincarnation – fact or fiction? 4. Four Regulative Principles 5. Evolving towards Perfection 5. The Four Don’ts to Freedom

III. Self Manager (Basics of Bhagavad gita) Duration: 6 months, weekly once This course teaches not the art of managing men, machine, material, market and money, but managing ones own life by a holistic approach that combines knowledge of God’s position and practical application of mantra meditation. Sadhana and Sadachar topics

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Peace Formula Who should be the object of my worship? God and gods Is God Personal or impersonal ? The Art of Self Management

IV. Proactive Leader (Secret

1.Hearing and Chanting 2.Deity Worship 3.Tulasi Worship 4.Learning Meaning of Morning program Songs 5.Holy Days 6.Serving and Honoring Prasadam 7.Dress and Appearance 8.Missionary Activities 9.Dealing with Parents, Relatives of Bhagavad and Friends gita)

Duration: 6 months, weekly once This course prepares one to become a Proactive Leader. All of us at some moments or the other, become victims to anger, lust and pride and feel sorry for our unexemplary behaviour. The Proactive Leader is a thoughtful person who gives a

positive spiritual response, by knowing what is illusion opposed to reality and the resultant effects of all types of action.

1. 2. 3. 4.

The three ropes that bind us Surpassing Maya Our lost home – Kingdom of God Karma – the law of infallible justice

Sadhana and Sadachar topics : 1. ISKCON’s Cultural Identity and its connection to the Vedas 2. Varnasrama Dharma 3. Ethics and Morality 4. Sadhana 5. Position of women in Vedic culture 6. Relating to Devotees with due Respect

V. Personality Development (Essence of Bhagavad gita) Duration: 6 months, weekly once Personality development is not a superficial change. We are generally covered over superficially by our acquired qualities like Experiences, Abilities, Memories, Learning, Habits and Beliefs etc. But the innate qualities of the soul like Peace, Love, Truth, Happiness, Humility, Tolerance are hidden. When we awaken the innate qualities of the soul, they come out in the 4 R’s of our life-- in the various Roles that we have to play, the different Routines that we go through, the Responsibilities we have to shoulder, and the various Relationships that we care for. The innate qualities are brought out when one’s personality is truly developed. Sadhana and Sadachar topics :

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Essence of Bhagavad gita Creation and Universal Time Different types of Yoga system Practical Application of Bhagavad gita Passing the Final Exam

1. Relating to Seniors, Juniors and Peers 2. Three levels of Devotees 3. Dealings with Guests 4. Offenses to the Vaishnava 5. Twenty-six Qualities of a Devotee

Earlier the ‘Essence of Bhagavad gita’ was published as a bulky jumbo-size volume and it was two one-year courses. This becomes too much for the modern day people leading fast paced life. Keeping this in mind we had made it into the above five courses. Each course lasts for only a few months. There are also separate ‘QUIZ BOOKS’ available for each of the above courses. We can inspire the students to buy both the Course book and Quiz book at the start of the course. Once they complete the book, send them for the final exam and give off certificates in a function and encourage them to join the next course.

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Method of Evaluation and Reward For any of the abovementioned Five Courses 1) The marking will be done as follows : 50% weightage for the marks obtained from EBG Course Quiz, BG As It Is Quiz, Storyline Quiz, etc. EBG and BG Quiz will have to done by each student individually, while the Storyline Quiz has to be done in groups. Full marks for Storyline Quiz will be given for those attended it. We are not keeping individual marking for it as Storyline quiz is subjective. 30% weightage for the Final Exam 20% for Practical lifestyle and behavior, Attendance, Punctuality and Participation in the weekly classes 2) Certificates could be issued based on the following criteria: Passing marks : 60%, Distinction : 80% and above Honors : 90% and above, High Honors : 95% and above Candidates who get 60% and above will receive a Certificate of Recognition. *

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Special Features of the ESSENCE OF BHAGAVAD GITA Five courses books • • •

• • •

simple books presenting the teachings of Srila Prabhupada with simple examples, stories and illustrations gradually developing the philosophy of KC Can be used for teenagers, boys, girls and families A systematic Syllabus based on the MTE (Manor Training and Education) manual, London and the VOICE syllabus used for teaching our students in the last ten years which have thoroughly researched from Srila Prabhupada’s books on the most essential items to be learnt by a beginner. Helpful in coaching candidates, evaluating them before recommendation for Diksha or Initiation There are quizzes at the end of each lesson in this book to solidify the understanding of the concepts. There are also quizzes based on ‘Bhagavad-gita As It Is’ by Srila Prabhupada. This is to ensure that the student gets the advantage of Prabhupada vani. NOTE FOR PREACHERS : The following are available for your help…..

- Audio Lectures of the EBG 1 book by Director, VOICE to guide in teaching EBG1 - ANSWERS to ALL the EBG Quizzes to help you in correcting the answers. - Color Slide shows for some chapters. All these resources can be of immense help to Preacher organize the EBG Course very easily and get the students started in spiritual life. After the EBG courses, the students can start studying Bhagavad gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta.

Eligibility to start and join these courses • For joining one course, the candidate should have completed attending the previous course. This should be certified by his Preacher. • Some of the most important requirements for joining this course are regularity for the weekly meeting, punctuality, submission of assignments, receiving the knowledge seriously, developing a personal rapport with the teacher and applying the knowledge in every day life. • Attending to tests and assignments without fail. • The Preacher should be authorized by the Director as a Member of the ‘Preachers Forum’ or at least the ‘Trainee Preachers Forum’. • For a Preacher to start a ‘Weekly Study Circle’ there should be at least 5 students • The candidates have to buy the COURSE WORK BOOK for writing answers. Or they can be allowed to write answers on a separate white page.

Qualifications of Preacher to be a part of ‘Preachers Forum’ Anyone authorized by the board of counselors headed by Director, VOICE can teach these courses. The following qualifications are expected of the Preacher/Teacher : • • • • • • •

Chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna mantra everyday for over 2 years Following the four regulative principles – no fish, meat or eggs, No gambling or idle sports, No forms of intoxication, No illicit sex. Should have qualified by scoring above 60% in the ‘Public speaking Presentation Test’ Should be authorized by OC (Overall Coordinator) of the VOICE and/or at least 3 Counselors from the Counselors board Should be authorized by the core committee of TEENAGE VOICE or BOYS VOICE or GIRLS VOICE or the CORPORATE VOICE along with the authorization of the Director of VOICE. Should have himself fulfilled all the Quizzes and Course requirements of the Courses Should exhibit exemplary vaishnava qualities like humility, tolerance, simplicity,

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• • • • • •

friendly etc Should have the talent of talking and making friends with the audience after discourse Should have learnt the art of teaching skills such as brainstorming, interactive discussions etc Should have fulfilled the academic study slot requirements if he is a student Should have taken up active menial service apart from preaching Should be able to get along well with other devotees and should have earned respect, trust and love of the devotees through exemplary behavior Should not see teaching/preaching as a profession or self improvement opportunity but should see it as an opportunity for serving Guru and Krishna for purification and developing love of God.

These are general qualifications required for one connected to VOICE, Pune. As far as devotees from other centers are concerned, we would recommend that they should have a spiritual guardian or spiritual master above them, who can guide them, bless them and empower them and instruct them about when one can start giving classes. The seniors who are guiding us know our strengths and weaknesses and they will give suitable instructions that will benefit us and others.

What will be the course fee ? The Course Joining Registration fee for each of the courses is Rs.50/-. This amount at the time of joining the Course should be submitted along with the Form for the Course to any of the following Co-ordinators : Vamsi Vadan das, Corporate VOICE Acharya Ratna das, Boys VOICE, Current VGB Member Co-ordinator Tulasi das or Varadaraja das, Teenage Boys VOICE Ananga mohini dd, (Teenage and) Girls VOICE Those who want to attend the Course, but not write all the Quizzes may be allowed to do so. They will not receive any certificate of recognition. Those who complete all the Quizzes in the syllabus and are passed by their Preacher to sit for the final exam will submit an application. If they qualify, they will be awarded certificate in a special festival.

When will be the exams ? As different preachers may start and finish the syllabus at different times, the exams can also be held 3 or 4 times in a year, as soon as we have 15 to 20 candidates ready for the exam. Being ready for the exam will mean that the candidates should have fulfilled the following requirements :

• • •

fulfilled 75% attendance in all the classes during the course. Completion of syllabus requirements to complete the Quiz and Internal Exams.

Having done all these, now even if a Preacher has only 5 candidates (minimum) ready, the final exam can be arranged by the VOICE upon the request of Preacher. *

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Q : How to teach these course books? A : Modern people don’t like to hear for a long time. They get tired within 45 minutes lecture. In order to keep their interest level high, you could adopt some of the following ideas : • Keep your teaching style at least 25% interactive by asking questions to audience • If you have 2 hours, then teach a part of a lesson for 1 hr, spend another 30 min for Vaishnava etiquette and the rest of the time for kirtans, Q&A and discussion. • Quite often students are lazy to write Quizes at home. In this case you could teach a new lesson for 1 hour, ask them write Quiz for 30 min and help them correct their own workbooks in the next 30 minutes. This type of variety is very enlivening. • Also the Storyline Quizzes like ‘Chitraketu’ ‘Bharat maharaj’ can be done by dividing the students into groups of 3 each and dividing the number of Quiz questions among them. Say if you have 15 students and 30 questions, make them into 5 groups of 3 students each and give each group 6 Storyline Quiz questions. Let them all solve it in about 15 to 20 min and then discuss the answers for another 40 minutes. The balance time could be used for covering the syllabus – either the lessons or etiquettes. Thus keep variety to keep the audience interested. Q : Are there slide shows for the EBG books? A : We have slide shows for some of the lessons. Not all. We will eventually prepare. But I would insist the Preacher that you teach the lessons in a interactive style by making audience sit in a circle. After a session is over, you may show slide show for revising what you taught. If you use slide show to teach a session, that takes audience’s attention away from the teacher. Slide show is good enough only for the DYS course, when they are very new. Once they become a bit mature, we could avoid slide show and help them develop rapport with the teacher. Q : The WORK BOOK QUIZZES may be considered a laborious task by

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participants. What to do? A : Somehow or the other, it is the duty of the Preacher to inspire the students to get the Quizzes written from them. Some of the BOYS VOICEs like NIT Suratkal take their boys for a one day picnic and get some of the Storyline EBG quizzes done! It is the duty of the Preacher to come up with inspiring ideas (like small prizes for those who successfully complete it) and not blame the course for its voluminous questions. Without solving the Quizzes the knowledge they gained will not be digested. Please remember that the course puts a solid foundation of Krishna Consciousness philosophy along with Srila Prabhupada Vani Quizzes based on Bhagavad gita As It Is. The students will be grateful in the later years for these valuable assignments given in their formative years. The easiest way to correct the Quizzes is to devote a portion of class timings and make the students correct their own notebooks based on the answer announcements made by the Preacher. This gives an opportunity for any clarification by the students also avoids any ego problems of others knowing ones own performance. This makes Preacher’s job very easy. For each student the Preacher will have a ‘Course Progress Report Card’ that will contain details of how many Quizzes have been finished by a particular student. Q : How to keep the strength of the participants steady over the passing weeks? Some of them don’t come regularly. What to do with them? A : The Preacher can try best to keep the course as inspiring as possible. That is achieved when the Preacher is not giving a monotonous lecture but making audience participate through interactive discussions. Also usage of Video, Pictures, Group work for a few minutes etc can inspire the students as shown below. I think the most vital part of your ‘Weekly Study Circle’ is the time after you complete the class – how you spend time with them during prasadam and develop a personal relationship with the participants. If they feel a connection with you, they will continue to come. If they don’t feel a connection, even if they are intellectually convinced, they may not turn up. Apart from teaching the course lessons, a portion of the meeting can also be devoted to : • Check how many rounds they are Chanting Hare Krishna everyday and inspiring them to increase • Make a SP book library and make one of them incharge; see that they take books and read. Inspire them during the program to take these books. • Give them some seva that will make them oblige to serve Krishna in some way –they could take attendance, they could serve prasadam etc • Make Audio CDs, Video CDs of songs, simple lectures and distribute it like water; they

will see, hear and grow fastly in KC when they are not with you. We are with them for just one evening and they are with maya for the rest of the week. Let us find out ways to increase their time with Krishna. • Send sms or mails of nice KC titbits once a week to keep the connection. • Ask them to preach and bring their friends to the meeting • Inspire them to distribute SP books or VOICE books (not gift it to friends but sell it). Then you could announce it in the next meeting. • Depending upon which category they belong to – teenage, boys, girls, corporate, congregation – accordingly we have to offer them services. Youths can be easily brought together to live in a flat together and start morning programs; gradually altar, mridangam-kartal, prasadam etc will follow. *

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How does a student evolve in our training program…………. The following steps, that we have been adopting in the last few years in our youth preaching in BOYS VOICE have been observed to produce a class of powerful preachers and followers from various outstation colleges. It shows how a student evolves in his Krishna consciousness gradually in our preaching. We also recommend all the BOYS VOICEs, teenage and girls groups to consider using this approach to train the participants if it is possible : First Year, First semester : VOICE Book distribution in the hostel, One Time, DYS conducted First Year, Second semester : JAN - Sankalp camp and Introduction to Brahmacaris FEB - Sphurti camp MAY- Utkarsh camp at Mayapur dham Between JAN to APR, they attend ‘POSITIVE THINKER’ course Second Year, Third semester : ‘SELF MANAGER’ course OCT/NOV - Dhrishti camp DEC - Nishtha camp spiritual picnic at Pune & Mumbai (fortnight) Second Year, Fourth semester : Outstanding Students become ‘Facilitators’ to be sent for ‘Mantra Meditation Circle (MMC)’ and lead a group, twice a week ‘PROACTIVE LEADER’ course Fortnight VTW 1 (Vaisnav Training Workshop) and Comp course in Summer vacation

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Third Year, Fifth semester

: continue ‘PROACTIVE LEADER’ course Outstanding Facilitators become ‘Facilitation Preachers’ and give DYS course for the First year students One Week VTW2 during ‘Durga Puja’ holidays

Third Year, Sixth semester

: ‘PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT’ course Train juniors in MMC, Preaching, Follow up Go outstation to other preaching ventures

Fourth Year, Seventh semester ‘PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT’ course Facilitation Preachers give DYS course to First year boys Withdraw from responsibilities and focus on Campus interviews Intensify one’s own sadhana to inspire the juniors Caring for the already existing devotee students Fourth Year, Eighth semester Studying SP books – ‘Second Chance’, ‘Teachings of Lord Kapila’, ‘Teachings of Queen Kunti’, ‘Krishna’, NOD Part 1.

Mantra Meditation Circle (MMC) If your weekly Study Circle program is on, say for example, Saturday evening, then you could arrange two MMC programs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings or evenings. It is just a 30 min program – one round chanting Hare Krishna and few minutes reading or hearing to keep touch with the students and to encourage them to grow. How to go about creating a Meditation Circle ? 1. Go for pocket book distribution and identify interested people. 2. Try to find out the most serious inquirer; check whether his roommates are favourable. Through your sincerity make them favourable. 3. Make friendship with him as well as his room mates. 4. Introduce weekly twice or thrice chanting as per their convenience. Speak about importance of managing the raging Mind and peace of mind achieved through chanting Hare Krishna. 5. Chanting can be in the morning or evening as per the convenience of students. You can begin this ‘Meditation Circle’ even with a group of 2 or 3. This is E1RC ‘Everyday One Round Chanting’. The group will become gradually solidified.

6. After one or two weeks, introduce them to a color slide show ‘Art of Mind Control’. Show only 1/4th or ½ the slide show which can last for a maximum of 30 minutes. Entertain many questions and answer them. 7. Show the balance slide show as per their interest and take extra care not to fry them out by over follow up. Take care that chanting session goes on regularly. 8. We are in the process of preparing a HALF PAGE material for each MMC meet. This will be a inspiration booster that will enthuse them to want to come everytime. Who can begin Meditation Circle ? All facilitators who may be chanting more than 8 rounds and fixed up in enthusiastic practice of KC and even those next to them can go for Meditation Circles in their respective programs. Don’t Do • • • •

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Be sensitive to the tight schedules of students like exam times, assignment times, etc., Don’t get into arguments unnecessarily on any topic, especially on controversial topics. Don’t hurt their sentiments or faith towards some material hero or career. If you don’t take care, you’ll lose him and many others along with that. Don’t over follow up people who appear very sincere. He may become guarded or his friends may suspect you and seize him away from you. Once you take up a Meditation Circle, don’t give it up quoting various reasons; if you don’t go regularly, they’ll give up the habit of chanting. On the other hand, once you go regularly for even a month, they pick up chanting seriously and may not give it up even in your absence. Be alert to know his parents, companions or LGs. For example, if you go to a room where 4 boys live and only one is interested, then while including him in MC, at least make good friendship with his room mates that they are favorable to you. They may like you, but not very interested in what you’re doing. This will protect our boy from their troubles. Do not forget to take ecstatic prasadam, every time you meet them. Your long discourses and logical explanations are not appreciated without prasadam. Don’t claim that you got internal inspiration to perform kirtans with kartals; you’ll invite many enemies from the neighbourhood and your MC program will be finished.

VOICE Youth Centers managed by ISKCON, Pune

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We also establish youth hostels near the college where we preach where those who become serious in devotional service can pool up together and create an atmosphere similar to a mini ISKCON temple. Such a center evolves from Youth program to Youth center to Boys VOICE Centre. The term VOICE is welcomed in both schools and colleges by the authorities as they appreciate the Cultural and Educational activities. A VOICE is established by ISKCON, Pune gradually as the preaching blossoms amongst a group of youth. It is not just a flat where a bunch of youths stay together, take prasadam and go for study or work. A VOICE is an active youth preaching unit meant to bring suffering youths to the lotus feet of Krishna. Thus the VOICE evolves in the following stages from a Youth Program to a Youth Center into a VOICE : Youth Program • A preacher distributes spiritual books among hostel students and identifies the interested ones. • He identifies a host who can hold a weekly program in his room. • The preacher sets up a ‘Bhagavad-gita study circle’ or ‘Spiritual scientists club’ that meets weekly.

Youth Center • The preacher over a period of 6 months to one year, gathers serious youths who regularly chant some rounds and pools them up together in bungalow or flat in a area densely populated by youth, where they can practice and propagate Krishna consciousness together in each others’ association. Thus ‘Youth Program’ evolves into ‘Youth Center’. • The inmates follow the morning program and chant a few rounds. Some may start chanting 16 rounds and follow all four regulative principles. • The preacher may give a evening program, stay overnight and also give the next day morning mangal arati program and lecture on Vaishnava etiquettes.

Boys VOICE or Girls VOICE As inmates take Krishna consciousness more and more seriously, the ‘Youth Center’ evolves into a ‘VOICE’. At this stage, the following standards are expected: • There should be at least six 16 rounder inmates; one amongst them is appointed as the OC (Overall Coordinator) to take care of all the inmates in following their studies as well as spiritual life standards. • There should be at least 12 devotee students living in the flat (non-working college going students). Although some of the inmates may be chanting less than 16 rounds, all inmates strictly follow the four regulative principles - No meat eating, No gambling, no intoxication, no illicit sex, no eggs, no coffee or tea, no onion or garlic in food.

• There should be a big altar as per ISKCON standards. The Deity pictures are worshiped in the VOICE instead of Deities, for keeping the preaching as the main activity. The inmates are taught how to worship the Lord, play instruments and sing the morning songs. • There should be Siksastakam recitation, Mangal arati, Nrsimha arati, Chanting Hare Krishna, Shrimad Bhagavatam Class in the morning ending with breakfast prasadam. • The students follow the system of ‘Morning for Krishna, Evening for studies’. They fill up sadhana cards that show the individual’s spiritual standards and regularity in the study of college books. • A devotee cook is appointed by the Preacher to cook bhoga, offer to Deity pictures and distribute prasadam to inmates as well as weekly program attendees. The inmates assist in all activities to be carried out in running the VOICE like purchase, cooking assistance, cleaning, assisting preaching activities etc. ISKCON Pune establishes and gives a new spiritual name to a VOICE, like ‘Girigovardhandham’ ‘Gopeshwardham’ etc only when there is a minimum of six devotee students who chant sixteen rounds of Hare Krishna daily and follow all the four regulative principles - At this point, the VOICE headquarters at. Pune gifts them a altar for worship and the other facilities like prasadam, accommodation, counseling etc. The students living in the VOICE are strictly supposed to adhere to the discipline given by Srila Prabhupada in terms of morning sadhana, reading, chanting, living a pure life. Unmarried women are prohibited entry into the Boys VOICE. Married women are prohibited to visit Boys VOICE without their husbands. The students who are late for the morning programs have to fulfill transcendental punishment requirements by writing maha mantra a fifty four times. There are several rules and policies for joining the spiritual mess in the VOICE that restrict the entry of less serious candidates. If you are interested to know more about establishing such centers, you may write to me at [email protected]. We would like to inform you that we are responsible only for the VOICEs that are connected to ISKCON, Pune temple. Anyone who wants to join any of the VOICEs connected to Pune has to bring a letter from his spiritual mentor or the local President of ISKCON and submit the same to Director, VOICE, Pune. Sometimes certain ISKCON Presidents fear the concept of VOICE Center because some independent temple brahmacaris in the name of starting a VOICE Center can do atrocities, break the regulative principles, become independent of the temple authorities and become unaccountable etc. At Pune every brahmacari sent to the Boys VOICE centers is accountable to the authorities and does not stay in the VOICE for over one third of a month. If there is no discipline in a preacher, sending them out of the temple to start VOICE centers can do more harm than good. There has to be a healthy relationship between Temple President and the VOICE Project Managers. Besides this, they should also be serious devotees.

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[GDC] SANKALP and SPHURTI Group Discussion Camps The SANKALP camp is arranged generally after the DYS course to give a boost to the candidates to join the ‘Positive Thinker’ course. The SPHURTI is arranged a month or two later. These camps generally start on FRIDAY evening and end on SUNDAY night. A outdoor venue close to nature, river, mountains, greenery is preferable. Also dhams like Mayapur, Vrindavan, Udupi have a specially surcharged atmosphere to hold such camps like these. (Avoid swimming during camp as there is life risk involved for the students). In such occasions the arrangement for transport, accommodation, food, halls etc have to be made along with safety of the participants. Through such camps, the participants become jubilant and develop relationships with Preachers and other friends. The following is a tentative schedule of the event :

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Sankalp Camp JAN, FRI evening to 19th JAN, SUN evening

FRIDAY, 17th JAN 6:00 PM 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM presentation 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM 8:15 PM – 8:45 PM 8:45 PM – 9:15 PM 9:15 PM – 4:30 AM

Registration with Juice “SIMPLE TIPS FOR STUDYING SMARTER” – Slide show Discussion on the Drama Dancing kirtans ……………..Dinner Prasadam………………. Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise

SATURDAY, 18th FEB 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM Religious Rituals 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

“WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO?” -

The meaning behind

2 rounds chanting Hare Krishna Japa BG Sloka Recitation and Discussion – BG 2.22, 2.12, 3.13 Mangal Arati and Dancing kirtans

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM …………..Breakfast Prasadam…………….. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ………Time for Rest and rejuvenation………

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM “CAN FAITH BE REASONABLE?” – FAQs about Life, God and Religion 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM …….Preparation time for GD, Display and Drama……….. 1. Story: Kailash - concept : soul changing bodies and forgetfulness of KC thru’ worldly attachments 2. Story: Boatman & Scientist – concept : Material knowledge cannot liberate the soul, only BG. 3. Story: Mrigari and Narada muni – concept : Power of holy name and Vaishnava’s compassion 4. Story: Liquid Beauty – concept : The illusion of material pleasures 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

……………Lunch Prasadam………………. ……….Time for Rest and rejuvenation…….

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM 8:15 PM – 8:45 PM 8:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Group Presentations by Participants : G1 and G2 …………….Juice break…………………….. Bhajana sandhya Divine mellows Slide show presentation on : “POWER OF HABITS” Dancing Kirtans …………….Dinner Prasadam………………. Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise

SUNDAY, 19th FEB 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM 9.13, 9.26 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

“YOGA FOR THE MODERN AGE” Slide show 2 rounds chanting Hare Krishna Japa Sloka Recitation from Bhagavad gita and Discussion – BG 4.9, Mangal Arati and Dancing kirtans

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM …………..Breakfast Prasadam…………….. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ………Time for Rest and rejuvenation……… 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM “RELIGION vs. PHILOSOPHY” : FROM FEAR TO LOVE 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM “BHAKTA PRAHLAD” – Storyline Group Quiz 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

……………Lunch Prasadam………………. ……….Time for Rest and rejuvenation…….

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM

Group Presentations by Participants : G3 and G4 “BHAKTA PRAHLAD” – Answers Discussion …………….Juice break……………………..

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6:15 PM – 7:15 PM 7:15 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Bhajana sandhya Divine mellows Prize distribution for the Best Performers Dancing Kirtans Oral Feedback and Realisations by Participants …………….Dinner Prasadam……………….

Additional or Alternative topics and activities for SANKALP Camp : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Reincarnation – Fact or Fiction? Your Ever Well Wisher – VCD of Srila Prabhupada and Realisations discussion ‘How I benefited in my life by VOICE training?’ – Realisation by seniors GD on : ‘What gives me faith in KC? What arises doubts on KC ?’ Association – Good and Bad Boating Harinam Sankirtan Experience with Harinam sankirtan *

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Sphurti Camp FEB, FRI evening to 19th FEB, SUN evening

FRIDAY, 17th FEB 6:00 PM 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM

Registration with Juice Drama on : “MIND YOUR MIND” Discussion on the Drama

8:15 PM – 8:45 PM Dancing kirtans 8:45 PM – 9:15 PM ……………..Dinner Prasadam………………. 9:15 PM – 4:30 AM Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise!!!

SATURDAY, 18th FEB 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM 2.64, 10.41 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

“PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF CHANTING HARE KRISHNA” 2 rounds chanting Hare Krishna Japa Sloka Recitation from Bhagavad gita and Discussion – BG 2.61, Mangal Arati and Dancing kirtans

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM …………..Breakfast Prasadam…………….. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ………Time for Rest and rejuvenation………

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM “WHY DO WE WORSHIP ONLY KRISHNA?” – slide show 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM …….Preparation time for GD, Display and Drama……….. 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

……………Lunch Prasadam………………. ……….Time for Rest and rejuvenation…….

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM 8:15 PM – 8:45 PM 8:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Group Presentations by Participants : G1 and G2 …………….Juice break…………………….. Bhajana sandhya Divine mellows “HOW TO GIVE POWERFUL PRESENTATIONS?” Dancing Kirtans …………….Dinner Prasadam………………. Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise

SUNDAY, 19th FEB

5:30 AM – 6:00 AM 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

“DEVELOPING FAITH IN CHANTING HARE KRISHNA” 2 rounds chanting Hare Krishna Japa Sloka Recitation from BG and Discussion – BG 2.46, 9.22, 18.64 Mangal Arati and Dancing kirtans

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM …………..Breakfast Prasadam…………….. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM ………Time for Rest and rejuvenation……… 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM “WORSHIP : DIVINE & MUNDANE” – Closed book Quiz & GD 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Group Presentations by Participants : G3 and G4 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

……………Lunch Prasadam………………. ……….Time for Rest and rejuvenation…….

2:30 PM – 5:00 PM 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM 7:15 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Q & A with senior devotees …………….Juice break…………………….. Bhajana sandhya Divine mellows “DEALINGS WITH PEERS, RELATIVES AND SOCIETY” Prize distribution for the Best Performers Dancing Kirtans Oral Feedback and Realisations by Participants …………….Dinner Prasadam……………….

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Additional or Alternative topics and activities for SPHURTI Camp : 1. Right and Wrong Type of Education 2. Three minutes Extempore & Discussion on topics : Prasadam, Association of devotees, Lord Krishna, Srila Prabhupada’s sacrifice, Bhagavad gita, Importance of Human life etc. 3. Topics for debates and discussions • KC – now or later? • Woman in vedic society – protected or exploited? • Improvement of technology – is it a key to human happiness? • Social service vs KC? 4. Learning to Love 5. Choosing Human & Animal lives 6. Where will the Hard struggle for happiness end ? 7. The King of Knowledge 8. Story line and Quiz : Chap 14 EBG, ‘Lord Krishna delivers Lord Siva’ 9. Story line and Quiz : Chap 13 EBG, ‘Markandeya reveals Krishna’s True identity’ UTKARSH Camp The UTKARSH camp is a unique camp arranged outdoor mostly at special venue like Mayapur Dham once in a year during the summer vacation period. A sample schedule of Utkarsh Camp held in the summer vacation of 2007 is given below :

Utkarsh Camp, Mayapur Dham 20th , 21st , 22nd and 23rd JUNE 2007 Four groups of students - Gauranga, Nityananda, Radha and Krishna groups IITKGP (5) + Mayapur VOICE (10) + NITJ (4) + MATHURA (6) = 25 students GAURANGA ITBHU (7) + MOZE (11) + NITK (8) = 26 students NITYANANDA NITW (8) + NITK (7) + IITKGP (5) + SA (6) = 26 students KRISHNA NITW (8) + GGD (4) + IITKGP (5) + ITBHU (8) = 25 students BALARAM

19th JUNE at IITKGP 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM 8:20 AM – 9:00 AM 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

‘Why do we put faith in Spiritual World?’ -

RSD

Guru Puja Breakfast prasadam Allotment of major and minor groups for GD & DEBATE

Each group should divide themselves into two. One part of group should prepare one of their members for Debate, prepare a Drama, and draw a display. The second part of the group should prepare the same for the opposite side topic. Now each part of group will be given a time period of 5 min Debate + 5 to 8 min Drama + 5 min Display = 20 min max. Thus the total group gets a maximum of 40 minutes; the Discussion

by the Judges, Comments by audience, Question and Answer etc will be another 50 min. Thus per group we allot a period of 1.5 hours that includes presentation and evaluation.

{I} – VW

Vedic woman’s position was best vs. Modern woman’s position is best

{II} – CS

Caste system is scientific vs. Caste system is a narrow-minded concoction of elite men who wanted to supress poor

{III} – HH Spiritual advancement – Real key to human happiness vs. Economic development – key to human happiness {IV} – SS

Preaching and propagation of KC is superior vs. Social service is superior

While Juniors prepare for GD tasks, dramas and displays, Senior devotees will assist in Cooking prasadam for all. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

7:00 pm – 7:45 pm 7:45 pm – 8:15 pm

Orientation Lecture on Mayapur Dham visit : RSD (S) ‘Approaching the holy dham’ by AAP & SRP Dinner prasadam Shayan kiratans

20th JUNE 2006 3:30 AM – Leaving for Mayapur Dham 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Chanting Japa 2:00 pm Lunch Prasadam 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm Rest 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ‘Philosophy of Deity’ + Intro to Mayapur Deities by RSD 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ‘Srila Prabhupada – Ambassador of the spiritual world’ by CCP 9:00 PM – 3:30 AM Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise!!! ……

21st JUNE 2006 4:30 AM – 5:15 AM 5:15 AM – 7:00 AM 7:15 AM – 7:45 AM 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Morning program at Sri Sri Radha Madhav mandir Japa at SP Samadhi mandir Srngara darshan of Nrsimhadeva, Panca tattva and Sri Sri Radha Madhav Japa Workshop – I by RSD (under SP samadhi mandir) (S) ‘The Elixir of the Holy Name’ by CCP Breakfast Prasadam Rest and Relax

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11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ‘The All Attractive Supreme’ - 6 Senior teams (each team can have four to six senior devotees; will help in preparing but will put only one of their team member to give a 5 to 8 min presentation) will present one-one opulence each with colorful pictures illustrating the opulence of Sri Krishna and explain why Sri Krishna is the real Hero. And then, the following speakers will speak about Fallible heroes vs. Real hero, ‘janma karma ca divyam’. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM LUNCH PRASADAM 2:00 AM – 2:45 PM REST 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM Group Presentation by Participants : G1 – VW– G & N (above Panca tattva Hall) – RSD, SSP, AAP G2 - CS - K & B (Sankirtan hall) – CCP, SRP, ARP 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM …………….Ganges Sight …………………….. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Bhajana sandhya & ‘Carefree Life and Endless Love’ by RSD Venue : Gada building garden (S) ‘Dedicate for a great cause’ – ‘dhanani jeevitam caiva’ G & N – CCP, SRP, ARP K & B – SSP, AAP Venue : Gada building top, Gauranga bldg top,

7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm 9:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Shayan kirtans at Gada building garden

Dinner prasadam Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise!!! ……

22nd JUNE 2006 4:30 AM – 5:15 AM Morning program at Sri Sri Radha Madhav mandir 5:15 AM – 7:15 AM Japa in SP Samadhi mandir 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM Shringar Darshan at temple 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Japa Workshop – II (under SP samadhi mandir) By G-SSP, N-SRP, K-ARP, B- CCP (S) ‘Power of the Holy Name’ by AAP 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Breakfast Prasadam 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Rest and Relax to be fresh for Krishna’s service 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM GD and DEBATE presentation and Discussions G3 – HH – G & N (above Panca tattva Hall) – RSD, SSP, AAP G4 - SS - K & B (Sankirtan hall) – CCP, SRP, ARP 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM ……………FREE TIME…………………. 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM LUNCH PRASADAM 2:30 AM – 3:00 PM REST AND RELAX FOR KRSIHNA’S SERVICE 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM …Visit to Mayapur Gurukul – Lecture by maharaj and Interview with children…. 5:15 PM – 7:15 PM ‘BACE – Modern Age Gurukul’ (Lawn near Gada) 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM Dancing Kirtans 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM DINNER PRASADAM 9:00 PM – 3:30 PM Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise

23rd JUNE 2006

4:30 AM – 5:15 AM 5:15 AM – 7:15 AM 7:15 AM – 7:45 AM 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Morning program at Sri Sri Radha Madhav mandir Japa at SP samadhi Srngara darshan of Nrsimhadeva, Panca tattva and Sri Sri Radha Madhav ………….special visiting senior speaker……………… Breakfast Prasadam Rest and Relax

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Group Presenta by Participants : G1 – CS – G & N (Sankirtan hall) – CCP, SSP, AAP G2 - VW - K & B (above Panca tattva Hall) – RSP, SRP, ARP 12:30 AM – 1:30 PM 3 min Extempore by any of the students (3 groups, 50 each) 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM LUNCH PRASADAM 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM REST AND RELAX FOR KRISHNA’S SERVICE 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Group Presentations by Participants : G3 – Madhava seva…….– G & N (Sankirtan hall) – RSD, SSP, AAP G4 - Who is Supreme? - K & B (above Panca tattva Hall) – CCP, SRP, ARP Venue : Above Pancha tattva hall 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM ‘Surpassing Maya’ by RSD in Panca tattva hall alongwith ‘Five paisa circus’ drama by seniors 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Q & A in 3 Groups, 50 each 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM ………..Shayan Kirtans…………. 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM DINNER PRASADAM 9:00 PM – 3:30 PM Sound Rest ……Early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy, wealthy and wise!!! ……

24th JUNE 2006 4:15 AM – 7:15 AM 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Morning program at Sri Sri Radha Madhav mandir ‘Golden Avatar for the Iron Age’ by RSD alongwith ‘Jagai Madhai deliverance’ Drama by seniors 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Breakfast Prasadam 10:00 AM – …………..Leaving for Calcutta and back to KGP.

Topics to be discussed Outside the Utkarsh Camp : 1. GD Seminar on : Importance of Faith and Danger of Doubts Importance of Doubting and Danger of Blind Faith 2. SB – ‘Two Acid Tests to check your KC advancement’ 3. SB - ‘By serving the Lord, we stand to gain, not He’ 4. ‘Learn Team Playing from Geese’ Slide show – to show how Devotees have extra edge in co-operative mentality with anyone.

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[PSD] Public Speaking and Discussion topics Mature students who know the basics of KC philosophy well are proposed by their OCs to VOICE Governing Body (VGB) for joining the DYS Preachers Forum. Here they are trained in public speaking through presentations and Questions and Answers. These meetings are held in the weekend to train the student to boldly present his viewpoints as he has heard them from the sastras, free from stage fright, lack of fluency or lack of communication. In these meetings, one student comes prepared and gives a 15 minutes presentation on a topic of his choice from the DYS Course. Next 10 to 15 min is a Q and A session. A senior preacher assesses the speech based on several criteria as given below and gives a grading. He qualitatively gives clues to improve the presentation for everyone’s benefit and answers the unresolved, complex, contradictory questions and settles any misconceptions and unsolved problems. Those student presenters who secure more than 70% in this test may be considered for becoming a ‘Facilitator Preacher’ to conduct DYS and EBG courses. Besides this score, weightage should also be given to their performance in other areas like Vaishnava behaviour, Punctuality, Responsibility etc and approval of VGB, Counselor and Director. Assessment Criteria for judging a Student speaker Every student speaker is judged on the following ten points for his lecture presentation: 1. Introduction One must address the audience, thank them for attending the program, give a brief idea of what one is going to speak about, and begin with a thought provoking / humorous / interest generating / attention catching -- incident / information / sloka / quote / statistics. 2. Flow Student speaker must have good English, clear pronunciation and diction, framing of the sentences should be without grammatical mistakes, sentences should flow with confidence without hesitation. This also includes modulation of raising the pitch at certain times of the lecture, slowing down the speech or giving a pause to convey a deep point, giving time to audience to laugh during humor etc. Less marks should be given for half sentences, stammering etc. 3. Coverage The most important themes under a topic must be covered E.g. For a topic "Miseries of the material world" - one must speak about the 4 - fold miseries of birth, old age, disease and death and also speak about 3 miseries adhiyatmika, adhibhautika and adhidaivika miseries.

Must cover all the topics in the lecture presentation. E.g. For a topic " Three modes of material nature " one should not just talk about the mode of goodness for most of the lecture. Equal time must be given to all the modes of nature and conclusion must explain how the come out of the three modes by surrendering to Krishna. 4. Non Deviation From Parampara Examples and stories told to convey philosophical points should be repeated from parampara. Student speaker must use construction of words as Srila Prabhupada has used in his writing. For example "Supreme Personality of Godhead", "devotional service" etc. • •

Doubtful and controversial points must be left out of the presentation. Unnecessary and provocative examples and statements should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary to talk about it as a part of the topic or due to a question raised by the audience. E.g. "man never went to the moon", or "fall of the jiva from the spiritual world controversy !" • Self made stories or examples, • Non conventional vulgar presentation (for e.g. to present the information like cutting of testicles of goat in Yayati's story), • Hurting the personal sentiments of one or more people (criticizing women to be less intelligent and justifying, `Prabhupada said it'), • Creating a tense situation by criticizing other religions or paramparas openly, • Attacking personalities instead of defeating their bogus philosophies - all these will lead to reduction of marks for this criteria. 5. Humility Thread Natural humility of the speaker should be an underlying thread throughout the lecture. The lecture should be presented in a persuasive manner to enable the people to take to Krishna consciousness more seriouly. The mood should be that one is a servant of the previous acharyas and one is simply a postal peon giving the remnants of the wisdom given by previous acharyas. The speaker should not give the presentation with a view of impressing the audience by dramatic speaking, using jargon, quoting stray unknown cooked examples or stories. The speaker should not lose temper by fanatical and passionate presentation in the name of bold preaching (especially during Q & A). The speaker should inspire the audience by a genuine presentation springing from the heart, in simple words for everyone to understand. There must be firmness in presentation - should not be too watered down with false humility! 6. Facing Audience Sometimes it is seen that the speaker

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keeps his eyes closed keeps his sight focussed on the ceiling as if there were no one present before him keeps looking at his notes every minute for reference looks at one student in the audience and preaches him only looks down and occasionally raises the head for a few seconds keeps a too serious face or a face which looks that he is about to cry

Any of these approaches in presentation easily puts off the audience and they go to sleep, look at their watch or start moving out. The speaker should make audience feel that the lecture is meant for them and the topic is a very important one for their lives. To make this happen, the speaker should : • Be enthusiastic about the topic • Address the audience by having eye contact • look around the audience to make everyone feel the speaker is addressing them • show expressions and use modulations to powerfully convey the message. The expressions or gestures should be natural and not artificial. There should also be some interaction with the audience - speaker may ask them some question and wait for the answer or answer himself. 7. Maintaining Interest of Audience The lecture should not be too dry with hard philosophical points difficult to digest. Especially in this age, when people are dull to spiritual life, speaking a complicated word jugglery will only put them to sleep. The purpose of the presentation is to help the audience understand and apply it in their day to day life. This is possible only if the speaker has understood the subject properly and puts it in his own simple words to explain a point ; otherwise cramming philosophical notes and repeating like a parrot with no understanding will neither help the audience understand nor help the preacher to purify himself. Srila Prabhupada defines what is ‘realisation’ in the first canto of SB (SB 1.4.1.) : “Personal realization does not mean that one should, out of vanity, attempt to show one's own learning by trying to surpass the previous äcärya. He must have full confidence in the previous äcärya, and at the same time he must realize the subject matter so nicely that he can present the matter for the particular circumstances in a suitable manner. The original purpose of the text must be maintained. No obscure meaning should be screwed out of it, yet it should be presented in an interesting manner for the understanding of the audience. This is called realization.” Lecture should be rich with examples, stories and analogies taken from Srila Prabhupada's books, appropriately quoted according to the level of the audience. Quoting incidences from Srila Prabhupada's pastimes, quoting slokas and telling their word for word or line by line meanings and numbered analogies/examples (e.g., 3 modes, or 4

miseries, or 6 ways to develop loving exchanges between devotees etc.) also help to maintain the interest of the audience. The examples should be lively, easy-to-picturise in mind and easy-to-relate for the audience. 8. Precision Speaker must properly stick to the philosophical point he wants to convey strongly and not beat around the bush. Lack of precision can happen when the speaker : • Goes on a tangential off-track direction talking on some other topic • For example, one may be asked to speak on `brahmana vs. Kripana' and the speaker may start talking about `Varnasrama dharma' in great length ; actually he was supposed to speak about the importance of human life and define brahmana/kripana based on that. • Catches hold of a irrelevant but sensitive topic and creates agitation in audience • For example, one may be asked to speak on `Four defects' and one may catch up a unnecessary controversial example like `Moon landing' ; the audience forget the topic and start hotly arguing whether man went to moon or not. The essence is lost and the speaker has dragged the audience to a useless argumentative zone. • Gives lot of information, but forgets the important points which should not be missed For example, one may be asked to speak on `Miseries of material world' ; the speaker may speak about the suffering of Ethiopians, Bomb blasts, Local and global fights and the current news. If he forgets to talk on Birth, Old age, Disease and Death as well as on Three fold miseries, then he gets only half the marks for coverage. One should always keep sastra in mind even while giving examples from day-to-day life. There should be one main theme and one/two sub-themes and continuity should be maintained while moving from one theme to another. 9. Conclusion Generally, the audience remember the last point or the example made before the presentation ends. So the conclusion should be a punching point which can be remembered and carried by the audience home. It can also be a brief summary of the presentation made to remind people of what should they carry with them. In any case, the speaker has to give some beneficial message to people to not only hear, but to apply in their day-to-day life. The conclusion could include a call for action - inspiring the audience to increase their chanting, associating, reading sastras etc. 10. Questions And Answers The answers should be brief and to the point, to avoid boredom. Too long exhaustive answers bore the audience (especially youth). The misconceptions of audience should be

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dispelled through powerful examples of Srila Prabhupada. The speaker should give sufficient audience to the questions before replying, to increase the confidence of the questioner. The answers should be mature and not in anyway ridicule the questioner directly / indirectly. Final Discussion This part of the program has to be extremely powerful and thus either Director himself or else a very senior devotee preacher who is seasoned in the preaching field for more than five years should take the lead. The qualifications expected of him are : • should very precisely understand the questions of students • should be quick to think and relate several examples and incidents on a topic • should be very thorough with Krishna conscious philosophy • should be able to tackle the scientific questions asked by students • should be sober, mature and genuine in presentation • should be a good speaker fulfilling the aforementioned 10 criteria • should be a role model devotee and ideal for other youths to follow Besides the above qualifications, he should have strict sadhana track record, unlimited enthusiasm for youth preaching, detachment from things not favorable to Krishna consciousness, attachment to things favorable to Krishna consciousness - as he will be watched by the students more than anybody else. Every VOICE needs a Director or a Senior Devotee Preacher of that kind who can lead in this regard ; otherwise it is very difficult to attract a large gathering of youth for such meetings. The discussion involves : (a) comments about the speech (b) Answer to unanswered questions (c) any further questions to be answered based on the discussion. Although the Director makes two columns in his own note book, one giving positive points and the other giving negative points of the student speaker's presentation, still all positive points and only a very few negative points are mentioned in discussion. This is to not hurt or discourage the student speaker. These points can be shown later privately to him for improvement. The answers to the unanswered questions should be so thoroughly dealt with that it should drive out all misconceptions. Students should feel satisfied and enlightened like a sun shining in its full glory in the sky dispelling all clouds. This thorough analysis of misconceptions and clarification will lead to a strong understanding of Krishna conscious philosophy. This makes the students overjoyed, as they have now got answers to the questions often posed by their karmi friends while ridiculing them. This also drives out their fear and helps them to take bold forward steps in their Krishna conscious progress.

The public speaking program can test the PREACHING APTITUDE of a student speaker but those students who are sent for preaching must also exhibit other devotional qualities of humility, service attitude, strong sadhana and submissiveness. He should not have any serious doubts about the basic philosophy. *

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Apart from the above syllabus, the following topics could also be covered : 1. 2. 3. 4.

Joining Counseling system and Diksha procedure How to read and make notes from SP books Proper attitude towards other ashrams Balancing – College studies and Spiritual life (for students) Family and Professional responsibilities and Spiritual life (for working and married) 5. Preaching is the Essence seminar 6. Love, Care and Concern for other devotees (esp sick) 7. Values for a Principled Life Gratitude, Punctuality, Dedication, Responsibility Aggressiveness, Passiveness and Assertiveness Honesty, Simplicity, Politeness, Non envy Humility and Service Attitude, Steadiness

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Additional Training Programs The above five courses offer the candidate a solid foundation of basic KC philosophy and vaishnava behaviour. Now beyond this they should be encouraged to read Srila Prabhupada’s books regularly, fill up sadhana card, join Counselor system for further growth. We also have additional training programs for them : PREACHERS FORUM : Besides this the candidate also learns to take lead in guiding juniors to begin with in a small way as a MMC (Mantra Meditation Circle) leader, then eventually as a Facilitator, then a Facilitator Preacher (FP). Such responsible roles requires training in preaching through Public speaking and Weekend Meetings to train students in seeing issues of modern world with sastric eye and be able to understand the sastric principles in action and be able to interpret them wisely and expose the fallacies of a godless civilization. Those who emerge as DYS Facilitator preachers, will later become a part of the Preachers Forum (PF) and will be given more intensive training in

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scientific preaching, facilitation skills, presentation skills, building a trustworthy personality etc through lessons from great scriptures like Srimad Bhagavad gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, as well as from the modern-day principled-centered books. LEADERS & MANAGERS FORUM : Then taking very responsible roles like Department Head (DH) or Internal Manager (IM) or Overall Co-ordinator (OC) or Project Managers (PM) anyone accepting a managerial service, requires training in Management and Leadership to make Plan of Action, to Organise, to Co-ordinate and to Monitor and manage. Such training will prepare first class leaders who are the future leaders of our society. This need is addressed by the Principle Centered Leadership (PCL) seminars. These are conducted every Sunday morning for a couple of hours. Gradually the candidates become powerful team players and learn the art of delegation and empowerment. They also learn how to become an ideal servant leader following in the footsteps of great rajarishis like King Pruthu, King Yudhisthira, King Ambarish etc. TRAINING IN CELIBACY AND IN RESPONSIBILITIES TO FAMILY : Eventually the candidates may join the brahmacari ashram as celibates or get married and settled as householders. Training also needs to be given to them in advance how should they approach their respective ashram with maturity so that they can live a ideal life of KC in that new situation. This need is addressed by the GAURANGA SABHA (for would-be celibates) and NITYANANDA SABHA (would be married). Eventually these youths turn into brahmacaris and FOLK (Family of Lord Krishna) members. [WEM] WEEKEND MEETING TOPICS There are three Weekend meetings held as below : For Preachers and Facilitation Preachers - Srila Prabhupada speaks out and GD For DYS Preachers - training in giving DYS presentation For other boys – Slideshow Presentations on various topics as given below These meetings are held every weekend on SATURDAYS, between 7 pm to 9 pm followed by dancing kirtans and prasadam. Hundreds of youths attend these meetings and a group of students fixed in advance help in cooking, cleaning, washing, serving prasadam and making all other arrangements for the program. Every week there will a new senior speaker addressing on one of the topics or outside the topics given below. The purpose of the meeting is to help youth understand the relevance of the philosophy that they learn in the courses to their everyday life and especially in the modern scenario. This will broaden their scope of understanding and help them explain KC philosophy to their friends. These meetings also give them an opportunity to bring their new friends to the temple for the first time and introduce to a vibrant youth group by joining a lecture, dancing kirtans and delicious dinner prasadam.

‘PRERANA’ - JUNIORS – Those who are chanting less than 16 rounds 1. Technology – Curse or Boon? 2. Is Youth not meant for Enjoyment? 3. Can a sadhu supposed to stay in recluse indulge in opulent modern day cities and gadgets? 4. Does Spirituality not kill our Ambitions in life? 5. Do the hands that serve not better than hands that pray? 6. Indians – Discover your Glory! 7. When Nature boomerangs……. 8. Is chanting not some self-hypnosis or brainwashing exercise? 9. Were Women not downplayed in Vedic society? 10. Is Bhakti yoga not meant for sentimentalists and Jnana for the learned? 11. Does Vedic life not stunt independence of a child, wife, man thru’ religion? 12. What all benefits can ISKCON offer to the world? 13. Darwin’s Evolution theory – the theory at the verge of Extinction 14. Proactive Leadership 15. Is Celibacy not self deception? 16. Is spiritual life not self torture that takes away our freedom? 17. The IQ, EQ and SQ – The Extra edge of a Spiritualist 18. Why do bad things happen to Good people? 19. Will Power to Excel 20. Should I depend on God or take the reins on my hand and act? 21. Is God not responsible for everything including the bad things that I do? 22. Is caste system not a concoction of the narrow minded? 23. Is Spiritual life not pessimism, escapism or meant for weaklings? 24. Learning to Love 25. Modern Educational system – the 21st century Putana 26. Love Marriage vs Arranged marriage 27. Blossoming Consciousness 28. Real Progress vs Illusory progress 29. Saints and swindlers 30. Gain Freedom through Self control 31. Mind : Enemy or Friend? 32. Yoga of Love 33. Faithful heart – joyful heart 34. Tap the power of prayer 35. Power of Positive Thinking 36. Overcoming Fear 37. Overcoming Anger 38. Conflict Resolution

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39. Self Confidence 40. Ambition and Overambition ‘ASHRAY’ - SENIORS – For those who are chanting 16 rounds for over six months The seniors spend some meetings in gaining training in Preaching as mentioned above. There are other meetings where they are taught how to develop finer qualities. After 2 to 3 years of practicing KC, devotees learn the basics of KC philosophy and its application reasonably well. Now it is time for them to learn subtler aspects of philosophy, to go from ‘What to do?’ to ‘How to do better?’ and to go from ‘rendering service’ to ‘rendering service in appropriate consciousness’. Also it is time for them to develop a deep faith in the philosophy of KC and to frankly clarify all the lingering doubts in the heart so that they can march ahead in the royal path of KC smoothly. As they emerge as leaders, preachers and managers they need fine tuning of their behavior, consciousness and way of thinking. Keeping this in view, the following topics are suggested for the senior speakers to present in one or two or more sittings. A portion of the senior group is taken out as a separate team for ‘DYS Preachers Forum’ for specific training in preaching. Those who complete ‘DYS Preachers Forum’ training for one year, they are promoted to ‘Preachers Forum’ and all others join the ‘Ashray’ seminars : 1. Krishna’s Rasa dance – can we imitate? 2. Did man ever went to moon? 3. If God is everywhere, then why go to the temple? 4. Is service to parents and duty to nation not superior to selfish puja to God? 5. Do all paths not lead to the same goal? 6. Can God be immoral or partial? 7. Abortion, Euthanesia and the Ethics 8. Why not just be a harmless good person? Is it necessary to go to God? 9. If silence is golden, why make a display of devotion? 10. How to earn the strength to face ours & others failures in spiritual & material life? 11. Overcoming the pleasure motive 12. Art of performing Detached work 13. Do your Best and Leave the rest 14. Loyalty to our parampara & broadmindedness in dealing with other sampradayas 15. Conflict Resolution in Srimad Bhagavatam 16. Authority vs Subordinate 17. Six items that boost our Bhakti 18. Six items that decrease our Bhakti 19. Learning to reveal the heart in Confidence 20. Overcoming Inferiority and Superiority complex 21. Overcoming Envy

22. Learning to Forgive and forget 23. Avoiding Fault finding 24. Learning to trust others and to become trustworthy 25. Integrity and Truthfulness – the foundation of spiritual life 26. Be Grateful or else become a great fool 27. Increasing our Tolerance 28. Overcoming False ego 29. Time Management – balancing material and spiritual responsibilities 30. Developing the Prayerful Attitude 31. Giving up Prajalpa, mundane talk 32. The Right Attitude of a Preacher 33. Developing Communication skills 34. Dealing with Anger 35. Vapu and Vani seva 36. Fanaticism vs. Broadmindedness 37. Vaishnava aparadh – the mad elephant offense 38. The ten offenses against the Holy Name 39. The Amnaya sutra 40. On Resisting Temptations 41. On developing loving friendships with devotees 42. Whimsical behaviour 43. On Dedication to the order of Guru 44. On learning to deal with other Gurus and their disciples 45. Giving up the material outlook in spiritual circles 46. Twenty six qualities of a devotee 47. Teachings from Lord Caitanya’s pastimes 48. Teachings from life of six goswamis 49. Following in the footsteps of great acaryas 50. Gaudiya vaishnava sampradaya, how the acaryas defended the philosophy from opposing forces.

[LMF] Leaders and Managers Forum

(Principle Centered Leadership Training)

As students proceed beyond a couple of years, they are offered opportunities for preaching, managing, counseling, advising, caring and dealing with different situations and making decisions etc. Keeping this in view, the following training programs are added along with the spiritual training to make them expert managers besides becoming fixed up in spiritual knowledge and practical services. Eventually depending on the individual’s dedication and competence, one may emerge as a great leader in future and perform great services in the mission of Srila Prabhupada.

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1. Team Playing • • • • • •

Management with hands, head and heart Need of a caring Leader who gives Care and concern instead of Manipulation and Exploitation Closer relationships, greater success Celebrating Diversity and Interdependence for team spirit Co-operation and Teamwork (from Leadership seminar) How to motivate and inspire people

2. Art of Self Management • • • • • •

Mind and Intellect – the instruments of heart and head The need for regulating the energy of the Mind Body, Mind, Intelligence – mechanism and functioning Self Management – Learning to Manage ourselves before managing others Use and misuse of Mind : The importance of Self Control Learning new self-managing skills like intuition, flexibility, focus, tolerance Physical aspect – stress management, health, safety, nutrition etc Mental aspect - Mind power, Creativity, Innovation, intellectual development program Social aspect - Psychological • Ten Practical tips to Mind Control 3. Character Buildup - Role of Character and Competence in Leadership • • • • •

4.

Character and Competence – the two railroads to success What makes a Leader different from Managers? Three pillars of Trustworthy Character – Integrity, Maturity, non-envy Three types of power The Emotional Bank Account for effective Leadership

4. The Attitudes and Characteristics of a Leader Eight Attitudes for Effective Leadership • Power to listen - Patience • Availability - Humility • Tolerance - Love • Adaptability - Maturity • Discrimination - Knowledge • Decision Making - Clarity of Mind • Ability to Respond- Courage • Team Spirit - Co-operation

Ten characteristics of Effective Leadership : Deep lover of people, helps people feel happy and secure, Creates lasting value, is a Philosopher, leads from inside out, Principle centered, is a powerful visionary, keeps everyone engaged according to their propensities, expert in delegation and empowerment, leaves behind a culture of enduring excellence. 5. Personality Development • Anger and other emotions that dictate our behavior • Three modes of behavior – goodness, passion and ignorance • Calm, clear and creative thinking to find effective solutions thru’ mode of goodness • Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern • Proactive and Reactive behavior • Capturing the Constructiveness of Anger • Learning to give criticism and accepting criticism constructively 6. Positive Mental Attitude • • • • • • •

SWOT analysis for Personal planning The modern-day idea of Positive thinking and the Real Positive thinking Spiritual insight – the soul, the Mind, the Intellect, the false ego Types of thoughts, the Power and effect of Thoughts How does one go from Positive to Negative thinking? The Sub consciousness and the Five factors that develop our Personality Inside out –not change at behavioral, emotional, intellectual level but at the level of consciousness • Methods to nourish the mind with healthy positive inputs 7. Time Management, Part 1

• • • • • •

Working smarter and not harder The role of ‘Importance’ and ‘urgency’ in use of time – the Time Management Matrix Crisis management Time wasters and how to escape from them Four basic ideas to get help better control over time Time, God and goal of time management

8. Time Management, Part 2 • Time management guidelines • Delegation while working in a group – Gofer delegation and stewardship delegation • How to relax while you work

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• • • • •

How to work more in less hours Know your type A practical time schedule for students Meditation time - Sharpening the saw Time and its best use - Spiritual viewpoint

9. Communications Course • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Principles and Vaues for Effective Communication Who are our audiences? GOHIRAMA (from Leadership seminar) Communication Sutras Basic Communication Skills (from Leadership seminar) Tips for Enhancing our Preaching and Reputation (from Leadership seminar) Step by step Application for Strategic Planning Empathic or Reflective Listening Guidelines for Approaching Members : a) with Faith in God, b) of Other Faiths Internal Devotee Community Audience – ways to value Devotees and Tips to Build Trust Preparing to Speak in Public My Strengths and Challenges before groups Guides on Lecturing Basics of a News Release

10. Handling Difficult Situations through Powerful Communication (I) Listening to others • Introducing a New idea or a Change -The ‘Yes, But’ approach, The Confrontational approach, The Active Listening approach • Handling an Objection or Reservation, Handling a Complaint – Dealing with Hostility • Coaching and Counselling • Selling, Getting a busy person’s attention (II) Getting others to listen to you • • • • • •

Dissuading someone -- The Aggressive approach, The Judgemental approach The Appeasing approach, The Sarcastic approach, The Assertive approach Making a Complaint, Criticising someone Getting Co-operation from an Unwilling Person Getting someone to take ‘No’ for an Answer Getting Attention at a Meeting

• Expressing Disagreement with your Boss expertly • Constructive Disagreement • Constructive Negotiation (III) Common obstacles to working to a joint solution • Handling conflict -- Handling ‘Territorial’ conflict, Handling Goal Conflict • Handling variegated ideas 11. Introductory Mediation • • • • •

What is ADR? (Alternative Dispute Resolution) What are the benefits of mediation? Qualities of a good mediator Skills that a good mediator should possess – Listening, Questioning, Note taking skills Stages and steps of the Mediation Process

12. The Leadership and Management Course • • • • • • • • •

The 16 Principles and Values behind Effective Leadership and Management Presentation skills Vision casting, Mission statement, Steps to writing a effective Job Description Building and Breaking Trust Strategic Planning Group Facilitation and Meeting Skills Empowerment and Delegation Responsible Engagement of Resources

13. Customer Care (devotee care) • • • •

Exceeding expectations Doos and Don’ts in dealing with customers Internal and External customers Teaching the Attitude in dealing with different customers

14. Fundamental Principles of Preaching Principles and Values behind Effective Preaching Being empowered by Krishna, Long-term Vision, Customer Care, Devotee Welfare, Accurate Representation, Ideal Character, Honesty, Sound Spiritual Practice, Regular study,

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Harmony with Other Services, Systematic Training and Education, Consideration of time-place-circumstances Do’s and Don’ts of Preaching [VTW] Vaishnava Training Workshop Sometimes students don’t get enough time to devote in learning various aspects of vaishnava lifestyle like cooking, cleaning, singing, playing instruments, personal behaviour, public speaking, worshiping deities etc due to their tight schedule of college studies. Such workshops as VTW are arranged in order to help students do their college study or course on one hand while in parallel they can also learn these aspects of devotee life in a period of one or two weeks. VTW comprises of lectures and discussions in morning and evening. The middle portion of the day is partly used for their studies and partly for learning various aspects mentioned above. Sometimes we are able to arrange STW, Software Training Workshop parallel to VTW. Thus students and their parents are happy that the summer vacation is fruitfully spent in gaining both material and spiritual advantage. This workshop as opposed to our earlier camps is not very tightly scheduled as it lasts for a longer period. The main goal of this workshop is to give the student an opportunity to live in a KC environment and learn through observation and experience of vaishnava culture than by cultivating knowledge alone. These kind of workshops are arranged when there are bulk holidays available in occasions such as yearly Gathering in college or festival holidays or vacations. The syllabus for this program is mostly from the Course syllabus given above.

[GS] Gauranga Sabha (Training in understanding the life of a Celibate) Co-ordinator : Sripad, M.Tech, NIT, Warrangal 1. The need of renouncing worldly pleasures KC and Sense gratification go ill together Present day degradation Mechanism of sex impulse Lust – the all devouring enemy of the world Misleading descriptions of woman’s beauty and sex life Cutting the hard knot (pumsah striyah….) 2. The Idle Mind – Devil’s workshop Attraction for opposite sex -- Maya’s trap to keep us in material world Internal and external distractions (shama, dama)

From contemplation to fall down (Ajamila) The pretender renunciates (two sannyasins, sadhu & pros, radha kund cheaters) Method of conquering the desires (jnani, yogi, bhakta) Engagement in Krishna’s service Purity – the real force of a brahmacari 3. Roles and Responsibilities of a brahmacari and grihasta Qualities of a brahmacari for joining ashram Brahmacari’s duties towards guru and Srila Prabhupada Brahmacari’s attitude towards Krishna Knowing the difference between real knowledge and nescience (Rishyashringa) How does one choose one’s ashram? Role of a brahmacari and a grihasta in varnashrama 4. Transforming our Attachment from World of Sorrow to World of Bliss Responsibility towards parents – not to be whimsically given up Renunciation is not as important as developing attachment to Krishna Getting a clear vision for dedicating one’s whole existence Being affectionate but not attached (SP and Giriraj swami’s parents) The phantasmagoria concept of Protection Keeping touch with relatives to put them in touch with Krishna True renunciation – not dry, but full of bliss 5. Self control - the key to real pleasure Practicing brahminical qualities (from Ajamila’s section) Detachment, Austerity and Renunciation Discipline in all habits (eating, sleeping, recreation, morning program, etc) Conquering the six urges (vaco vegam, manasa vegam…) Healthy fear for maya (Jamadagni story) 6. Dangers of Sexual indulgence Danger in dealing with women Overcoming sexual desire Value of Semen Fall down, masturbation, night fall, Homosexuality Passion blinds the intellect Disastrous effects of sexual indulgence 7. Glories of Brahmacarya Meaning of brahmacarya Physical and mental brahmacarya Suppression and sublimation

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From sex energy to spiritual energy Practical examples of glorious brahmacaris 8. Higher taste replaces the taste for dead material things Vishaya – more dangerous than visha or poison The urges that arouse animalistic behavior Artificial restraint cannot last long The higher taste of KC Anartha nivrtti and Artha pravrtti Tools to maintain the higher taste 9. Diet and Brahmacarya Sattvic, rajasic and tamasic foods Forbidden foods for brahmacaris Mitahara or moderation in diet Fasting – a purificatory exercise 10. When does one accept the saffron order? Meaning of saffron dress Qualities expected from a saffron dress brahmacari Difference between a saffron brahmacari and a sannyasi The responsibilities and activities of a saffron dress brahmacari 11. Developing friendships Introvert and extrovert natures Method of developing friendship Advantages of having a equal friend in KC Revealing mind in confidence and hearing confidentially Things to be avoided in friendship 12. Right attitudes that strengthen one’s determination in brahmacari ashram Friendly behaviour with everyone (getting along well with all brahmacaris) Serious scriptural study with application and realisation Humble service attitude, submissiveness and pridelessness Nonenviousness and respectful behaviour towards everyone Constant engagement in Krishna’s service Spiritual vision to see the vaishnavas Honest avoidance of association with opposite sex Complete dependance on guru and Krishna 13. Wrong attitudes that weaken our determination in

brahmacari ashram Inferiority complex and superiority complex Independent or whimsical behaviour Belligerent attitude Proud and boastful behaviour that alienates others Loneliness and depression Secret connections with material world Dependance on powers other than Krishna 14. On Changing ashram - from saffron to white Difference between fall down and change of ashram When should one consider the change ? How to present one’s feeling of the need to change What is to be done after the change ? 15. Inspiration in brahmacari life Inspiration necessary for survival and advancement Methods to get inspiration Power of the association of sannyasis – our ideals Taking and giving inspiration 16. Giving up the designation of brahmacari Pride of renunciation is a pitfall Brahmacari is a servant of everyone Lord CM on designations and varnashrama Difference between the renunciation of jnanis and bhaktas (milk drinking brahmac) 17. Attitude and behaviour of a brahmacari towards different types of people Dealings with grihasta men Dealings with devotee and nondevotee women Dealings with children Dealings with family, friends and general nondevotees and Press Behaviour in the public like Rathyatras, visiting offices, meeting LM etc. 18. Travelling outdoors Staying in grihasta’s homes or in dharma shalas Staying in other ISKCON temples Discipline during long journeys Care during yatras to holy places 19. Obstacles to tackle and possible solutions for a brahmacari Sickness and chronic illness Boredom and monotony in spiritual life

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Philosophical doubts Relationship problems with devotees Effects of old bad association of karmis or mayavadis or previous bad samskaras 20. Spiritual progress in the brahmacari ashram Increasing commitment to Srila Prabhhupada over the years Self assessment and good advice from well wishers Red signals that indicate a need to change Symptoms of progress in KC Developing talents for Krishna’s service Preparing for sannyas Keeping the goal in the eye of the mind

A sample schedule : JUNIOR GAURANGA SABHA CAMP, 27th, 28th, 29th JUNE 2007

Co-ordinators : Balagovinda prabhu and Sundernath prabhu 27th JUNE 2007, WEDNESDAY 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm - ‘Preyas or Shreyas – Make a wise choice’ by HG Vrindavan prabhu Song ‘bhuliya tomare samsare aciya…’ at the end and conclude with hare krishna.

28th JUNE 2007, THURSDAY 4:45 am to 5:00 am - On Chanting Hare Krishna 5:00 am – 7:00 am - Japa 7:00 am – 7:30 am - Mangal arati, Nrsimha arati 7:30 am – 8:00 am - …………..free time……………. 8:00 am - 9:30 am - ‘The six urges to be conquered by a goswami’ by Kamal locan p 9:30 am – 10:30 am - Brunch Prasadam 10:30 am – 11:15 am ‘Fall down and Rise of a progressive Yogi - Vishwamitra drama’ 11:15 am – 1:00 pm ‘Three Enemies to Progress – Pride, Lust, Anger’ by CCP, RSD 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm - Q & A by CCP, KLP, RSD 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm - Bhajans and Kirtans

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm ………………..Free Time to develop relationships………………….. 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm - “What inspired me to join & what inspires me to stay in brahmac ashram” Realisations by Rupa Vrinda Counselors 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm - Dinner Prasadam 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Light kirtans 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm ‘Preaching Adventures of a African Hare Krishna devotee’ By HG Srivas prabhu, Regional Secretary, West Africa’ 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm Dancing kirtans 8:30 pm – 8:45 pm Shayan kirtans

29th JUNE 2007, FRIDAY 4:45 am to 5:00 am 5:00 am – 7:00 am 7:00 am – 7:30 am 7:30 am – 8:00 am 8:00 am - 9:30 am 9:30 am – 10:30 am 10:30 am – 1:30 participants

on Chanting Hare Krishna Japa Mangal arati, Nrsimha arati …………..free time……………. ‘Cutting the Knot’ by SGCP - Brunch Prasadam Extempore with Discussion and/or Situation tackling by

By MP, RAP, BGP, SRP, RSD 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm ………………. Free Time to develop relationships…………………….. 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm - “What inspired me to join & what inspires me to stay in brahmac ashram” Realisations by selected Sanatan Vrinda Counselors 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm - Dinner Prasadam 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Light kirtans 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Self Evaluation - ‘Courage and Fears in joining the ashram’ and Q&A By BGP, SRP, VVP, RSD 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm Dancing kirtans 8:30 pm – 8:45 pm Shayan kirtans *

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[NS] Nityananda Sabha (Training in understanding Grihasta Life before marriage) Co-ordinator : Jaigopal das, B.Arch and Jnanesh, M.E., COEP `Nityananda Sabha’ is a group of young unmarried boys of ISKCON, Pune who are would-be grihasta boys. They come together once a month for a evening program. Once or twice a year there are camps held for a few days to help them know one another more intimately and to develop friendships. Practical Application Topics :

Lives of Great Grihasta devotees :

1. Who should choose the grihasta ashrama ? 2. Grihamedhi vs. Grihasta ashram 1. Bhaktivinod Thakur 2. Srila Prabhupada 3. Living a Krishna-centered life 4. Responsibilities of a grihasta. in grihasta ashram 3. Srinivas acharya 5. Idle Mind – Devil’s workshop 4. Kardama muni and Devahuti 6. The process of matching boy and girl 7. Self control – key to real pleasure 5. Kashyapa and Diti 6. Yayati and Devayani 8. Determination to follow the vows strictly 7. Pururava and Urvashi 9. Choosing a suitable career 8. Priyavrata preached by Brahma 10. Extravagance and unplanned spending 9. Arjuna and Draupadi 11. Unrealistic expectations and hopeless hopes 10. Sudama vipra and his wife 12. Simple living, High thinking in grihasta life 13. How to be a exemplary grihasta ? 14. Maya’s traps in early married life 15. Money – the myth and the reality 16. Success – the myth and the reality 17. Happiness – the myth and the reality 18. Maintaining KC in the world of rat race 19. To earn a lot, save and stabilise or to steadily go on serving? 20. To work hard and give charity or to wind up and serve? 21. Types of Illusory Security and the Real security 22. Attitude towards other ashramas 23. Dealing with Nondevotees / devotees 24. Good sadhana after marriage 25. Learning to live with differences Personal application (PeA) topics in spiritual life :

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Right and Wrong attitudes in Preaching A self analysis test and skit for internal purity Avoiding material outlook in dealings with vaishnavas Fall down and bloops and how to prevent them Coming out of Day dreaming Giving up brooding over problems Whimsical behaviour Giving up Lethargy and Complacency Greed and Peace – incompatibles Dedication to the mission of guru

[FOLK] Family Of Lord Krishna Co-ordinator : Mukundananda das, M.E., Professor at IsquareIT Host : Anantashesh das, BE Assistants : Narendra, BE, Patni Comp Services, Srikant, B.E., MBA, Forbes Marshall Family Of Lord Krishna (FOLK) is a group of young couple grihastas at ISKCON, Pune, (who have graduated from BOYS VOICE or GIRLS VOICE) who come together once a month on a Sunday evening for discussion on one of the following topics. In the earlier days it was given mostly by Radheshyam das, Director, VOICE. These days, devotees from Mumbai such as Sridama prabhu and Kishori mataji, Dwarakadish prabhu and Vishaka mataji and many other similar senior devotees visit almost monthly or once in two months to offer this meeting. : Practical application topics in Grihasta Ashram : 1. Learning the psychology of man and woman for a peaceful KC life 2. How can a grihasta attain perfection? 3. Responsibilities of Husband and Wife 4. Begetting and raising a child 5. Proper attitude towards other ashrams 6. Roles that grihastas can play in immediate and long-term in our society 7. Dealings with Karmis and the other Grihastas 8. Life - Orbiting around the divine couple and Orbiting around the dream world 9. Learning to celebrate diversity – to live in cooperation with disciples of all gurus 10. Sadhana standards that is ideal for advancement 11. Discipline and Freedom 12. Principles of pure living (Spiritual Responsibilities in Grihasta ashram) 13. Role of Attachment and Affection in Grihasta ashram

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14. Detecting the red signal of entrance into ‘Prayas’ zone 15. Ambition and Overambition 16. Grihastashram – Duties and Self-created duties 17. Learning to live with differences – the short-lived goat’s fight 18. Conflict Resolution within family matters 19. Balancing spiritual zeal and family responsibilities 20. Dealings with women -- unmarried, married, elderly 21. Balancing economic or social responsibilities with spiritual vows 22. Great Grihasta women in our ISKCON society – Hladini, Jagattarini, Kunti, Gaurlila, Malati, Jadurani, Yamuna 23. Great Grihasta men in our ISKCON society - Srutakirti p, Shyamasundar p, Gurudas p, George Harrison, Ambarish p, Mafatlal 24. Srila Prabhupada’s responsible behaviour in grihastashram 25. Bhaktivinod Thakur’s personal life, teachings, commitment and dedication 26. Teachings from Lord Caitanya’s purva ashram -- grihasta ashram Personal application (PeA) topics in a Grihasta devotee’s spiritual life : 1. Involvement in fringe fields 2. Fanaticism vs Broadmindedness 3. Separatist mentality vs. co-operative mentality 4. Giving up political tendency 5. Vapu and Vani seva 6. Prajalpa or Mundane talk 7. Competition – healthy and unhealthy 8. Giving and accepting constructive criticism 9. Resisting temptations 10. Equipoised in happiness and distress 11. Does familiarity breed contempt? 12. Managing loneliness 13. Self esteem and Inferiority complex 14. Facing failures in spiritual life

[VC] Vrinda Camps As the size of the community increases, there is always a danger of lack of attention, lack of intimacy, lack of touch with one another, busy life in taking care of the new ones while the older ones tend to become neglected etc. • •

To have intimate association of equal devotees To not become islands as one grows in seniority

• • • • • •

To experience the juice of KC philosophy in the company of likeminded devotees To open the heart to a friend(s) and learn from them how to tackle certain situations in life To give and take inspiration from equals To not just go on working harder and harder in the name of preaching, but relishing qualities of devotees To have a KC change in routine to boost up our KC more To feel humble by seeing others’ glory and not become a proud ‘frog in the well’.

Keeping in view these concerns, the Vrinda Camps were started for those who are chanting 16 rounds for a period of over 2 years. Currently we have Lalita Vrinda (seniormost), Vishaka Vrinda (year 2001 to 2003), Chitra Vrinda (year 2004 to 2006) and Tungavidya Vrinda (year 2006 and beyond). There are approx 80 to 100 students in each of the vrinda groups and they meet for a 2-day Quarterly Camp program. For the next three years, Srimad Bhagavatam First Canto will be covered in these camps.

Ishtagosthi of VISHAKA vrinda members 11th February 2006, Saturday 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM -

“Glorify a devotee and Find out a Fault in yourself”

This is a group exercise. We have made 8 groups based on those whom you consider as best of your friends. The task will be led by one senior brahmacari for each group. Every member of the group will speak on : “Tell one good quality you liked in one of your group members with a pastime or incident. (3 min) Tell one bad quality in yourself that you’re working to improve. (3 min) Tell how?” After all members of the group have finished, the group will choose two best experiences and one group leader will present it for the whole class. At the end a senior Preacher will speak for an hour on the topic and the qualities that we need to imbibe in our life as devotees.

9:00 PM – 9:30 PM 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM -

Hare Krishna Kirtans Dinner Prasadam and rest 12th February 2006, Sunday

4:30 AM…………………… Leaving by Tempo to Dugad Farm, program venue 5:30 AM – 5:45 AM Siksastakam and ten offenses 5:45 AM – 6:30 AM On improving Chanting Hare Krishna : “Vandanam – Learning to offer Prayers”

6:30 AM – 8:15 AM 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM

-

Chanting Japa Mangal Arati, Nrsimha arati

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM

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………….Breakfast Prasadam……….. …………..Free time…………………..

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10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

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SB Study Circle – BRING SB 8th CANTO, PART 1

Learning to recite and learn SB – ‘Gajendra Moksha’ 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM

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…………..Lunch Feast Prasadam…………… ……..Time for Resting & relationship building…….

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM 2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

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Melodious mellows from Braj ‘Sit together & Know one another’

VOICE-which year they served-main service-memorable friend/event-current service-future aspiration in KC-What I am happy about VOICE? What is that one more thing according to you that could be included to make our VOICEs more successful?

Every participant will be introduced to others by themselves or by seniors or their friends based on their services in relation to VOICE (we invite one of their friends to come up with just one special remarkable statement/event from their friend’s life as a devotee that portrays a vaishnava quality that can inspire one and all rather than regular introduction about them) 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM

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………Juice break and Free time…..…..

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

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Q & A with Senior devotees Jaigopal das, Krishnakishore das, Mukundanand p, Advaita acharya das, Sundershyam das, Caitanyacharan das, Murari das & others

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM

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Bhajana sandhya Dancing Kirtans Dinner Prasadam

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Ishtagosthi of Chitra Vrinda members 26th January, 2006, Thursday 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

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Chanting Japa Mangal Arati, Nrsimha arati

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM time………………….. 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM

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Breakfast Prasadam …………..Free

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Drama : ‘Love beyond all designations’ Krishna-Sudama drama

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

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10:15 AM – 11:15 AM 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM break……………….. 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Interactive discussion on the Drama on ‘Developing Friendships with devotees’ On ‘Emotional Bank Deposit’ ……………Juice

‘Let’s get to know one another’ Everyone will be introduced to everyone else either by them or by their friends.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM

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Lunch Feast Prasadam

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

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……..Time for Resting & relationship

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‘Learning through Skits and titbits’

building…….

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

(8 min talk, 10 min max. skit, 2 min conclude, 10 min discussion)

‘Inattentive sadhana’, ‘Exemplary behaviour’, ‘Taking initiative’ 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM break…………………….. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM

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…………..Juice

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Bhajana sandhya of bhajans Dancing Kirtans Oral Feedback of all participants Dinner Prasadam

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THE SPIRITUAL SCIENTIST – a free ezine A Magazine for those who think Caitanya charan das, editor of this magazine was a state topper in GRE exams and a student of B.E.Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He is a prolific writer and has to his credit over hundred newspaper articles including ‘speaking tree’ ‘soul curry’ etc and over twenty articles published and unpublished in ‘Back To Godhead’ a international bimonthly magazine of ISKCON society. Besides his writing, Caitanya charan das is a also a Mentor offering seminars to students of leading universities like IIT, NITs and other colleges all over India. The Spiritual Scientist is a free ezine published by VOICE. To subscribe to ‘The Spiritual Scientist’ please register at www.iskconpune.com or write to [email protected]

Special features: 1. Attractive format with color pictures 2. Brief power-packed articles with striking statistics, memorable quotes, thought-provoking analogies and entertaining stories. 3. International readership with a registered circulation of 4557 (as on 21 July 2007) and an unregistered circulation of several thousands more. 4. Over 108 articles on a wide variety of topics (See a brief overview of some of the articles given below) 5. Ideal for giving an intellectually appealing presentation of KC to newcomers - students, colleagues, relatives, well wishers etc 6. Useful for mantra meditation circles. 7. Free ezine oriented for easy circulation on the net. The Spiritual Scientist (TSS) articles have been published in 1. Selected articles in The Times of India in "The Speaking Tree" column once a month 2. Every article since the start of 2006 in The Maharashtra Herald in its "Soul Curry" column (Our articles now appear every Tuesday in this paper) 3. Selected articles in Back to Godhead, the international magazine of ISKCON " 4. Selected articles in The Economic Times, The Hindustan Times, The Deccan Chronicle and several other newspapers.

To subscribe for TSS, write to [email protected] As TSS is meant for introducing newcomers to KC and some devotees prefer to introduce company colleagues to the KC philosophy before introducing them to ISKCON, we also send the ezine without the explicit ISKCON name. To subscribe for this version of TSS, send a mail to [email protected] To view previous articles, visit iskconpune.com or thespiritualscientist.com

Overview of Spiritual Scientist Articles (65) * indicates that article was published in Back to Godhead International + + indicates that the article was published in The Times of India + indicates that the article was published in other newspapers

Refuting atheism (8) Vol 1: Foolosophy Scientific research is showing that atheism is not a philosophy, but a foolosophy; the sophistry of fools

When monkeys started typing Just as a monkey can never type Hamlet, chance can never cause chemicals to evolve into life

Made just for you The so-called “anomalous” behavior of water proves that atheism is the actual anomalous behavior

Made for each other Modern society is slowly and painfully rediscovering that the living being and God are made for each other

How Everything Began Logic, common sense and scientific research prove that the universe began with a big brain, not a big bang

Vol 3: Does God Exist? The realization in nature of an unrealizable human fantasy – a symbiotic factory - proves the superintelligence of God

Is Skepticism Heroic? A skeptic is like a sick and suffering person proud of his pretense of good health

Vol 4: + Faithful heart, joyful heart Blind faith in atheism is stripping our heart off its rightful joyfulness.

Explaining Vedic concepts (23) Vol 1: Think before you eat

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A little thought about your diet can make a huge difference to you and to the world

* Karma’s flawless justice Knowledge of karma empowers us to face present suffering and avoid future suffering

* Does religion cause war? Materialism, garbed as religion, is the cause of war. Real religion brings peace within and without.

* The Song of God The Bhagavad-gita provides answers to life’s fundamental questions and solutions to the world’s greatest problems.

Is Work Worship? Only when we make worship our work will our work become worship.

Vol 2: * Artificial Rains – Imaginary Gains, Real Pains Scientific attempts to extort resources from nature will increase, not decrease, our sufferings

India’s Secret Treasure The spiritual wisdom of Gita, though valued by the intelligent worldwide, is a disastrously undervalued resource in India.

Indians! Discover Your Glory Biased historians have blinded modern Indians to their cultural and spiritual legacy

* God Proposes, Man Accepts The Bhagavad-gita provides us an intellectual springboard and a spiritual trajectory for the leap of faith recommended in the Bible

Vol 3: Bhagavad-gita and You The divine wisdom can empower you to conquer your lower self and experience your higher self

Is Homosexuality Natural? To identify ourselves with the body we have is bad enough. But to identify ourselves with a body we don’t have is worse.

Is Manava Seva not Madhava Seva? Social service hacks at the shoots of evil, whereas devotional service cuts away its roots.

When nature boomerangs All natural disasters are actually man-made; nature is just the instrument giving us our karmic due.

* When science points to spirituality Modern science is confirming that human life is not meant for the pursuit of material pleasure

Why Gita encourages violence Establishing divine harmony sometimes necessitates violence, just as restoring health requires amputation.

Vol 4: ++ Are we the makers of our destiny? Destiny determines the consequences of our actions, not our actions themselves

++ Green Earth Needs Spiritual Humans Science has found a quick solution to the ecological crisis – annihilate humanity!

++ Empower yourself with humility and tolerance

Spiritual virtues are the often-unused shock-absorbers in the turbulent journey of life

+ Night dream & Day dream Is our sixty year day dream more real than the six hour night dream?

+ Cure your spiritual amnesia Krishna consciousness revives our memory of our eternal status as spiritual millionaires

+ Seek Spiritual Unity amidst Religious Diversity When exoteric rituals threaten to divide, esoteric principles have the potential to unite.

* Caste System – Spiritual Equality amidst Material Diversity The much-misrepresented system is the best social arrangement for material harmony and spiritual growth.

+ God answers knee-mail To understand God’s answers to our prayers, we need to kneel down, not just physically, but also intellectually.

++ Is God male or female? God is both and we are neither.

+ Music Therapy Spiritual music offers a pleasant and powerful to cure the amnesia of our soul

Exposing scientific materialism (12) Vol 1: Biological mythology and social disaster By accepting the biological mythology of Darwinian evolution, have we invited social disaster?

Guided missiles and misguided men This tragic state of the world today is due to our neglect of spiritual technology, which is our inner guide.

The Tea Quake The innocuous tea cup causes a devastating quake in the national revenues that takes a toll of 1000 crores every 8 days.

* The Tragedy of Self-Destruction Empowerment by divine sound can save millions from destroying themselves by bad habits.

Vol 2 * Are you special? Are we missing out on the unique potential that makes us special among all the life forms living on our planet?

Smiling Faces, Crying Hearts Most people fool themselves by mistaking the painkiller to be the medicine. What about you?

What is missing in modern education? When we teach our children that they have come from monkeys, then why will they not behave like monkeys?

Vol 3: A Blind Civilization Modern society blinds us to the twin truths of death and eternal life.

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* Where technology falls short Technology is a painkiller, that covers, but doesn’t cure, our sufferings

Television – The one-eyed modern guru Almost everyone has been hoodwinked by this greatest man-made technological disaster

Vol 4: + The Unnecessities of Life The pursuit of luxuries makes life’s prime necessity an unaffordable luxury

* Silly Point The silliest point is that we forget the person who never forgets us.

+ Ravana- The Serial Culture-Killer Would the team that produced the serial Ravana rejoice if their viewers started abducting other men’s wives?

Messages for Festival / Special Occasions (8) Vol 1 Happy New Year Awakening our dormant love for God alone can make our life happy and new.

+ Janmashtami To experience the full joy of Janmashtami, let us invite the Lord to appear in our dungeon-like hearts

Vol 2 + A Festival of Freedom The appearance of the Lord in our heart frees us from slavery to the sickening cravings of our mind and senses

Vol 3 ++ Illuminate your heart this Diwali The festival of lights is meant to illuminate our hearts with divine wisdom and love

Vol 4 + Give your life a new direction New year is a time to embark on something really new in life

++ Attract the all-attractive Divine consciousness can invoke the Lord’s appearance in our love-hungry hearts

+ The Dark Lord Leads us to Ultimate Light Krishna’s dark complexion takes us beyond the glare of the brahmajyoti

+ Dussehra - Did you burn the Ravana within? Dussehra reminds us that the Lord is waiting to destroy all evil – within and without

+Science – “Two” Short to Rope the Universe The ancient Damodara pastime illustrates a timeless truth that can enrich modern science

Establishing the Necessity of Spirituality (14) Vol 1:

The Spiritual Dimension of Life Those who neglect their spiritual side deprive themselves of purpose, happiness, love – and life itself

Vol 3: + Be a Positive Thinker Krishna consciousness offers us a readymade reservoir of positive thoughts.

Filling the Empty Heart We are busy filling our stomachs, brains and bank accounts, but what about our heart?

* From Morality to Spirituality Genuine spirituality empowers us to counter immorality within and without

Healthy body, sick mind If we invite germs into our minds, how can we expect mental health?

Vol 4 + Invest in your eternal bank account Chanting the holy names of God is the wisest possible investment of time.

+ Make your family divine When we love God, then our love for our family members can become divine.

+ Why underutilize your potential? Materialistic pursuits constitute a colossal and tragic abuse of the potential of human life.

+ Why should a prince beg? Neglect of our internal spiritual treasures makes us beggars for paltry external pleasures

+ Where is Real Happiness? What is the use of being millionaires materially if we are bankrupt spiritually?

++ The Secret of Fearlessness Spiritual enlightenment can make us fearless even amidst fearful reversals

++ Suicide – Why? What to do? Overindulgence in materialism invites the frustration that breeds suicidal though

+ D-anger The ‘d’ of devotion can save us from the d-anger of anger

+ So what’s your SQ? If we don’t raise our SQ, we may as well write off our chances for a bright future

++ Experience the sound beyond silence Divine sound brings at your tongue-tip the virtues of both mundane sound and mundane silence

+ Fatal Fat Spiritualizing our search for happiness can solve the problems of both obesity and starvation

+ Faith-lift When wrinkled with anxiety, lets choose a faith-lift instead of facelift

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Fund raising for Preaching Co-ordinator : Anil Timbe, B.E.IT, Geometric software Other committee members: Narendra, B.E., Patni Computer Services, Jnanesh, M.E., Professor, Sinhagad College

[EASY] Enlighten Aimless Suffering Youths - Your opportunity to help us to serve better Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education (VOICE) 4 Tarapore Road, Next to Dastur Boys School, Pune Camp, Pune-1, e-mail : [email protected], Phone : (020) 636 1855 Dear friend, Hare Krishna. Please accept the divine blessings of Lord Sri Krishna. I am happy to know that by Krishna’s mercy you’re now blessed with a nice job after achieving good education in a reputed institute. By keeping good company during college days at VOICE, you are now placed in a reputable position in life. I am sure that you would have immensely benefited from the VOICE training in building up your personality and character. You will surely be a hero amongst your colleagues in speaking words of wisdom from scriptures unknown to many. Our VOICE youth centers are selfless spiritual hospitals opened near the colleges to cure the sinful mentalities and habits of youths to rejuvenate them and to bring them to the healthy state of body, mind and soul. The VOICE offers free prasadam during weekly programs, free books library, free cassettes library, free spiritual education, free training for Personality development, Character build up, Team playing, Dramas, Group discussions, Public speaking, Cooking, Cleaning, Worshiping the Lord, free training in devotional instruments and many more. As you know, the VOICE has about 20 centers in India currently and all these services are offered FREELY for the non-earning students to elevate them to the platform of pure living. They will benefit themselves, their friends and colleagues, their family and the whole world tomorrow.

The following are the Expenditures connected to any VOICE youth center : • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Basic Living costs like Electricity bill, Water bill, Rent, and maintenance charges Study facility for students – tables, chairs, fans, lighting, water filters etc Kitchen facilities including gas stove, vessels, Cook, grocery, mixie, fridge etc Library facility that includes books and casets shelves, books, CDs, tapes etc Furnitures that include Lord’s altar, puja paraphernalia, fans, Geyser, Racks, shoe stand etc Accommodation facilities that includes Lockers, cots, blankets & pillows, chatais etc Media facilities like Computer, Printer, Slide projector, Juke box, Sound system amplifier Stationary items- Papers, Whiteboard, Markers, Noticeboards, Color Slides, Flex etc Publicity and Advertising costs like billboards, pamphlets, passes etc Gift items like lockets, books, paraphernalia, laminations, bead bags etc Books Sponsorship or Subsidy to make them cheap for students to buy Vehicles like cycles or bikes for reaching out to the public to invite them for programs. Telephone and mobile facility for contacting students to bring them for program Construction costs that include painting, floor mat, renovation etc Prasadam distribution cost for one-time program, Mantra Meditation circle, weekly program etc

VOICE also includes a Girl’s wing and a Children wing to inculcate moral and spiritual values in girls and children. We have over forty qualified faculty members involved in such training. Recently we have started a Corporate wing to cater to the needs of professionals. Myself and my other Brahmacari (celibate) VOICE faculty colleagues come from well to do families; we all have engineering degrees, but we have given up our parents, society, jobs, bank balance, worldly reputation – all for only one purpose – to whole heartedly engage in preaching the message of Bhagavad gita as per the order of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada to youth and children who are the leaders of tomarrow. And we are eager to dedicate our body, mind, time, energy and all the God-given resources at our disposal to solely propagate the mission of the Lord. And how can you have the privilege of being a part of this holy mission of VOICE ? We don’t expect everyone to shave up and join our mission, but we expect people like you who have a knowledge of the selfless welfare activity that VOICE is engaged in, to donate a percentage of your monthly earning for the running of the existing VOICEs and to expand this type of preaching

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all over India. We are planning in the coming years to start preaching in all NITs, IITs and IIMs and all prominent engineering colleges all over India with the help of the financial support that will come from well wishers like you. I am sending you a brief outline of VOICE training program to give you an idea about the services we offer to youth and children.

If you are eager to share the glory of participating in the Lord’s work like Hanuman, I request you to join the EASY (Enlighten Aimless Suffering Youth) membership scheme and donate at least 10% of your salary according to your will. VOICE is able to continue its preaching activities only because of the financial support offered by EASY members. His Grace Krishna kishore prabhu is the Chairman of our Finance committee and you can contact him at [email protected] and join hands with well-wishers and welfare workers of youth and children by contributing to the EASY scheme. Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha and Krishna will surely bless you and your family for supporting this selfless endeavor in reforming the lives of youths and children for a brighter India. Hare Krishna. Yours in service of Lord Sri Krishna,

Radheshyam das, Director VOICE. Enclosure : (1) VOICE training program

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COUNSELING SYSTEM – For Care, Attention and Personal Guidance Background The youth preaching (19 to 23) along with Teenage youths (age between 13 to 19) and Study Circle or Bhakti Vriksha programs (age between up to 30) has been growing steadily over the last several years at Pune. It was becoming more and more difficult to give personal attention to devotees. Thus in 1996 a counsellor system was started to train and educate devotees to bring them closer in warm relationships. Srila Prabhupada explained how in the Vedic times, a guru could take care of hundreds of disciples. One guru would teach ten and the ten would teach ten and in this way everyone got personal attention. The Concept Technological advancements are making life faster and more stressful. To maintain harmony, people need heart-to-heart conferences with others. Persons need relationships centered on pleasing Krishna. Otherwise we will try to assume the self-centered vortex position and create a circle of materialistic relationships. As Alcoholics anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide support and encouragement to addicts trying to give up their addictions, ISKCON centres offer support for the soul endeavouring to relinquish material attachments. The important point in counselling upcoming devotee students is that they feel support in attempting to solve problems. Purpose of the System 1. To educate and train boys between 14 years up to the age of marriage or joining ashram in the Krishna conscious principles of brahmacari life and further training in the grihasta ashram. 2. To provide an opportunity to learn the practical aspects of the application of KC in one’s life and learn where one fits in the society, gain confidence to go ahead. 3. To verify the progress of the growing youths in terms of sadhana, services, sleep, reading, chanting, relationships with others etc besides training to solve their problems that come in the way of advancement like career, settlement etc. 4. To allocate services, organizing major events, communication of important decisions or policies and keep touch even if one is placed out of station.

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5. To provide a formal framework within which personal care and attention can be extended to all devotees so as to make them feel loved, wanted and a part of a wonderful spiritual family. 6. To foster warm personal relationships and a spirit of love and trust amongst devotees based on KC principles. Who is eligible to join the Counseling system ? Any unmarried student who is a part of BOYS VOICE, YOGA center, TEENAGE BOYS VOICE or Study Circle program can join the Counselling system provided : • He has been under the supervision of one of the Counsellors for a period of 6 months or more. • He should be chanting 8 rounds of Hare Krishna everyday and is planning to become more and more dedicated in the time to come. It is NOT compulsory for even a 16 rounder devotee to choose to become a counselee. He can join the system whenever he feels comfortable to join. It is to be noted that such student’s names will be taken into account in occasions like sending going for yatras, special programs etc only after one becomes a part of this system. • He should be convinced of the KC philosophy • One can be aspiring from any of the gurus of ISKCON in good standing. • He is eager to receive more guidance with respect to vaishnava etiquettes and lifestyle, become more committed to mission by accepting services for Krishna. • He is eager to become a part of the family of vaishnavas by learning to mould his lifestyle according to ISKCON’s teachings for ultimate purification. • His ultimate goal is to become a pure unalloyed devotee of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. He is anxious for the association of those who can lead him to that goal. Students who are detected to have joined the system with ulterior motives like job, marriage, debt etc without properly practicing KC lifestyle will be suspended in due time from the system. It should be remembered that this is a spiritual Counsellor system meant for helping sincere souls to advance in the path of KC. Students joining the Counselor system but do not keep up to the spiritual standards but pay occasional visits to devotees cannot claim to be part of this system. How does the Counseling system work ? • The counsellors meet with their respective counselees once every fortnight or at least every month.

• • • •

Besides the meetings, the counsellors maintain personal touch with their counselees to ensure their all round welfare. The board of counsellors headed by Director, VOICE meets once a month and discusses philosophy as well as practical issues of importance. This is an important policy making body for the preaching. From time to time, according to the need, the Board of Counsellors recommends the name of new candidates for the post of Counsellor or Assistant Counsellor. The Counsellors and the VOICE Leaders (Acting Manager, Preacher, Branch Manager, Overall Coordinator) all jointly make the final decisions about the future plans and policies of BOYS VOICE, TEENAGE BOYS VOICE, Bvriksha.

How can I get a Counselor ? •

You can get more details about this from the Counselor Co-ordinator.

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Any student, fulfilling the eligibility criteria to join Counsellor system, can according to his choice, familiarity, liking and acquaintance choose one of the following Counsellors. It is to be remembered that it is a two-way process : the counselee chooses the Counsellor and the Counsellor has the freedom to accept a counselee or not.

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The Counsellor can take as many counselees as he can, depending on whether he feels he will be able to take up the task of guiding and caring for all his counselees.

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The students are requested to write five choices and the final list is put up after the Counselors gather in a meeting to finalise the names of students they have chosen.

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The Counsellors list is given for making the choice. Students can choose the above Counsellors up to 23 years of age. After 23 years if a candidate is in Nityananda sabha, they have to choose Congregation counsellors. More guidance regarding this can be obtained from HG Krishnakishore prabhu.

Change of Counselor There is a facility available for a counselee to change his/her Counsellor, if desired. This may be due to various reasons –inability to open up to his Counsellor, more familiar with another Counsellor due to language, difficulty in meeting timings, more easy access to another Counsellor who comes to VOICE etc. Whatever is the reason, the concerned counselee can approach Counselors Co-ordinators and submit a request for change of Counsellor and the request will be considered.

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Brahmacari and Student Counsellors Rupa Vrinda Counselors

1. Srigurucharan das 2. Murari das 3. Ramananda das 4. Ramnitai das 5.

Sundershyam das (Counselor co-ordinator)

6. Vamsivadan das 7. Acharyaratna das 8. Shyamarupa das 9. Balagovinda das 10. Chaitanyacharan das 11. Sankirtan ananda das 12. Sundervar das

Senior Inspirational devotees 1. Rupa Goswami p 2. Radha Madhav p 3. Gaurlila p 4. Pundarika Vidyanidhi p

Sanatan Vrinda Counselors

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Amal Puran Das Jagannath Kirtan Das Jugal Kishor Das Kanai Thakur Das Keshav Anand Das (Counselor co-ordinator)

6. Krishna Bhajan Das 7. Lalit Madhav Das 8. Mandali Bhadra Das 9. Naam Prabhu Das 10. Prem nivas Das 11. Prem Harinam Das 12. Radha Pramod Das 13. Revati Pati Das 14. Sada Yogi Das 15. Satya Priya Das 16. Sundar Chaitanya Das 17. Sundar Nath Das 18. Varadraj Das 19. Avadhut chandra Das Senior Inspirational devotees 1. Sri Radha Kunjabihari das 2. Vrajamandal das 3. Simheshwar das 4. Pitambar Caitanya Das

Hindi / Marathi Counselors 1. Sri Sacinandan Das 2. Laxmi Narayan Das 3. Mahavirya Das 4. Sarvalakshan Das 5. Ananda Caitanya Das 6. Braja vilas Das 7. Anant Caitanya Das 8. Kailashchandra Das 9. Madan manohar Das Senior devotees for inspiration

How is a Counselor nominated ? • •

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Counsellor must be a devotee who has been in active KC preaching to youth within ISKCON for at least two years and has gained hands on experience. He should have good foundation in the concepts of KC philosophy. In other words, he should have conducted one-time programs, six session programs, guided a group of youths personally by friendly talks after the program, has been a Acting Manager in a VOICE for a year and can conduct EBG level programs. He should have been chanting 16 rounds and practicing regulative principles for a period of 3 years or more. They should at least be first initiated. Should have the maturity to give a balanced counsel based on KC principles according to time, place and circumstance. Should not be prone to taking extreme and controversial positions on issues. Should be willing to extend him to help others. In other words, should have a spirit of sacrifice. Should be compassionate and have genuine concern for the welfare of devotees.

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• • • •

Should be a good listener. Should be a mature, sober and stable individual. Should demonstrate good standard of sadhana, etiquette or behaviour, service and commitment to the mission of Srila Prabhupada. Should be properly situated in his own ashram.

Responsibility of Counselors •

A Counselor is a friend and guide in KC. He is a servant of the counselees on behalf of the spiritual master. The Counselor is like a spiritual elder brother and must take personal care of all devotees in the group.

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Counselors should inspire and encourage their counselees in KC and monitor their progress both by conducting fortnightly meetings and by personal meetings. In this respect, the Counsellor should take only as many candidates as he is confident of guiding and managing. He should not overload himself with too many counselees and pay no attention to their lives.

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They are expected to provide KC training to their counselees. The Counsellor’s glory will be seen by the good behaviour of the counselee. The behaviour of a trained KC youth is pleasing to the eyes of everyone. Untrained counselees come in kurta-pant, talk prajalpa, dance in athletic way to break others bones, think of only themselves first in eating or sleeping etc. It is the duty of the Counsellor to train the counselee and transform him from a crude state to a flower like devotee.

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While friendship between counselees within each counselee group is useful and welcome, they should seek spiritual relationship outside their own counselee groups also. It is the duty of the Counsellor to encourage his counselees to associate with and integrate into the BOYS VOICE student congregation at large.

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They have to look into the overall welfare of the counselees. At the same time, the counsellors must not go too much in their counselees’ personal lives such that they may be perceived to be “threatening” or “controlling” or “manipulating” or “forcing”.

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They recommend the names of qualified candidates for first and second initiation.

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They are expected to provide useful inputs to the Board of Counsellors and to actively participate in its meetings.

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They should exhibit exemplary behaviour in terms of sadhana, service and behaviour.

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They should maintain harmonious loving relation with other counsellors and devotees in the community.

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If a counselee expresses a desire for changing his counsellor, it is the counsellor’s responsibility to encourage and facilitate the change, removing any perceived fears or worries or awkwardness in the mind of the counselee.

Responsibilities of Counselee •

Everyone needs care, attention, love, guidance, correction, support, training, monitoring etc in spiritual life to remain safe as well as to make advancement in KC. All these are done by the Counsellor selflessly to help the counselee elevate himself gradually. In fact, even after one gets a job out of Pune, wherever one is one can keep in touch with the Counsellor through e-mail and phone and get guidance. This being the case, the counselee should gratefully accept the Counsellor as a siksha guru and take his instructions and advice seriously. While clarifications for making the instructions clear and precise are welcome, the counselee should not be neglectful either about the meeting or the instructions given. If one is always eager to pose problems to Counselor, but is neglectful in following the instructions with respect to sadhana, studies, personal life, services etc or ignoring the regular meetings, then one cannot make tangible progress in KC. Even if one could not make it for the meeting, one should inform the Counsellor and meet personally to know what happened in the meeting.

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The Counsellors generally conduct the meetings once/twice a month and when they are out of station, the Counselees should attend the meeting of second choice Counsellor (SCC). If he is also out of station, then the third choice Counsellor and so on. The Counselees should not miss the meetings.

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Regular attendance to meetings (min 75% required) and to be on time.

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If absent, should give prior intimation and a letter with proper reason to the Counsellor.

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Should realise that they need to actively participate, thereby contributing to the success of the system.

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Those who do not attend these meetings regularly, without giving proper reasons, choose to withdraw themselves from the system. They make themselves ineligible to go for yatras or be offered more responsible services.

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While recognizing that Counsellors will do their best to help the counselees not only in spiritual matters but also in domestic or occupational issues, the counselee should know that this relationship should not be misused for material gain.

Difference between Counselors and Authorities

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Srila Prabhupada made the GBC in order to run ISKCON society. The GBC appoints the Temple President. In our Pune situation as of now, the Temple President happens to be the Director of VOICE. Thus any discrepency in the functioning of VOICE should be brought to the notice of the Director. Generally speaking, the counselees should follow the instructions of the authorities like the OC (Overall Co-ordinator) of a youth VOICE. Any local problems could be solved by the Acting Manager Whose instructions a Counselee should follow ? The authorities like OC (Overall Coordinator) of a VOICE give instructions for the students within a VOICE or the Temple Manager gives instructions for others at the temple. One should take these instructions seriously and execute them. In the event of any difficulty, one can consult one’s Counsellor who will give guidance and help with respect to any adjustment in services that is required. The Counsellor is a mature devotee who is in good terms with the Temple Manager and seniors, on one hand and on the other hand knows the needs and abilities of the Counselee on the other. Thus the counselee should not go hither and thither, blaming the authorities or other devotees, not knowing how to sort out his services. In case of serious problems or emergency the counselee can directly approach the Director of VOICE or the Temple President. If it is not solvable by him, he can approach the GBC. Thus the Counselee is supposed to follow the instructions of the authorities. Whenever he has difficulty that he cannot freely express to authorities, he approaches the Counsellor. The Counsellor meets the authorities, explains the problem of his counselee in a proper language, gets the service adjusted in a way that will suit his counselee and then sends the counselee back to the authority. The authority understanding the needs of the subordinate (counselee), feels sympathetic and does not mind the adjustment made through the Counselor. For example, authority A, offers service to a subordinate B who finds no time for reading and finishing his rounds of hare Krishna. Now B may either directly express to A or can go to his Counsellor C. In the latter case, C will have a discussion with A about B’s problems. Now having understood the problem of B, A cuts down some portion of service and does not express any grudges, but continues to behave in the same manner as before. Possible Counselling scenarios : The possible counselling scenarios include : •

The student does not wish to discuss his difficulties, in which case the Counselor has to instill more trust, faith and confidence in the heart of Counsellee.

• • • • • • •

The student may not have any problems at all. The student has obligations outside VOICE, to parents, friends, relatives etc. The student has problem of career, marriage, long term settlement. The student has philosophical doubts. The student has physical difficulties like health, sleep, prasadam, clothing, lodging, sickness etc. The student has inter-relationational issues, getting along with other devotees. The student may have different service preferences.

At Pune, every student or brahmacari who is a part of Counselling system, fills up a sadhana card that carries information about waking up time in the morning, going to bed time at night, any sleep during the day, hours taken for chanting, time of finishing last round, reading of SP books, hearing tapes, any special experience during the day etc. This sadhana card gives a picture of counsellee’s lifestyle, whether he is regulated or not. Based on this, Counselor gives suitable advice to the counselee and makes adjustment in his services after discussing with the authorities.

Topics for Counseling Sadachar or Proper behaviour 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

How to be a ideal student/brahmacari How to balance economic and social responsibilities with spiritual vows How to tackle the culture shock of changing from BTG to married life Learning the psychology of man and woman to execute peaceful KC life Proper attitude towards other ashrams How to behave as an ideal son/student/brahmacari/ husband/parent To what extent can we bend ourselves to the karmi relatives or friends Doos and Don’ts in the life of a progressive devotee to keep himself and others cool headed How men should deal with women and viceversa How to maintain devotional standards at kitchen, altar, sadhana etc. How to preach with a humble attitude as a service to the acharyas

Knowledge about our Society 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Saffron order brahmacari Harinam diksha Brahman diksha The Four orders in ISKCON and their roles and goals in modern times Srila Prabhupada and the GBC The Guru system in ISKCON

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18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

ISKCON : First 30 years The respectable position of Woman in Vedic society ISKCON : New cult or Eternal culture? Fall downs or Bloops Child abuse and Prevention Srila Prabhupada’s contribution to the modern society Prominent world figures who supported ISKCON and Prabhupada ISKCON’s position in world’s outlook Victory and dangers facing future of ISKCON and what can I do about it India’s Vedic heritage

General Knowledge 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39.

Nature – our friend Yoga and health Good habits for good health Ayurveda basics for good health Importance of cultivating values Save Krishna’s energy Following laws of state Sanskrit basics Good health and overall fitness Geography of India and globe Bogus History and Real Vedic history Scientific world view and Vedic view

Preparing oneself for better future 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54.

Balancing self-study and preaching Preaching to (new, old & elite) Faith and doubt Facing failures in spiritual life Love, Care and concern Accepting change Positive attitude Regulation in habits Tolerance / self control On Boredom of Monotony Purity is the Force Eagerness to hear at the feet of guru Overcoming False Ego Doing one’s best & leaving rest to God Perseverence and extending oneself

Proper and Improper Attitudes or Behaviour in the life of a growing devotee 55.

Self Esteem and Inferiority complex

56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101.

Moroseness & happiness Peacefulness / dissatisfaction Dealing with mind’s problems Detachment from pulling of senses Contemplating on four fold sufferings Keeping busy in Krishna service Giving up bodily consciousness Looking for “higher” things—nectar shopping Personal and impersonal behavior Involvement in fringe fields Fanaticism vs. broad mindedness Separatist mentality Sahajiya mentality Deriding authority mentality Giving up Lethargy Loyalty and disloyalty to our guru parampara Giving up political tendency Whimsical behavior Using modern items as yukta vairagya Over endeavour Avoiding bad association Intimacy Vapu and Vani seva Fall down – Why and How does it happen? Following in Acharya’s footsteps Prajalpa or Mundane talk Following regulative principles Compassion towards all living entities Wishing well to even an enemy Non enmity even with demons Exemplary behaviour Bragging and group forming Can destiny be overcome by free will ? Competition -- Healthy and unhealthy Following Instruction of authorities Worshipping the spiritual master Giving constructive criticism Accepting criticism Learning to appreciate healthy differences/others’ opinions Appreciating / glorifying Respectful and arrogant attitudes Introvertish vs. Extrovertish nature Tendency for Escapism Resisting temptations Fearlessness Snap decisions

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102. Aversion to fault finding 103. Freedom from passion for honor 104. Equipoised in happiness and distress

Dealings in different situations 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127.

Dealing with Deities Dealing with inmates and equals Dealing with devotees changing saffron and leaving the ashram Dealing with guests – old and new Dealing with parents and relatives Dealings with seniors Dealings with equals and juniors Dealing with Sannyasis Dealing with guru Dealing with guru’s godbrothers Dealing with sick devotees Dealings with Opposite sex Dealings with foreign devotees Dealings with Karmis Dealings with life members, Rich or elite people Dealing with devotees of the other ISKCON centers Travelling preaching – risks and rasas Dealing with other sampradaya followers or devotees Dealing with elder mothers and unmarried girls Dealing with elderly people Dealing with children Dealing with animals, other creatures Dealing with plants, trees, things

Values for a Principled Life 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142.

Gratitude Dedication Cleanliness Punctuality Honesty Simplicity Humility Truthfulness Forgiveness Determination Patience Steadiness Sentimentalism vs. Speculation Familiarity breeds contempt? Service attitude

143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. 154.

Cooperation Responsibility Prayerful attitude Loneliness Non envy Friendliness Attentiveness or observant Possessiveness Non-violence Gentleness Helpfulness Capturing constructiveness of Anger

Useful Skills for a growing devotee 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168.

Reading (Self study, making notes) Developing skills for better service Dress before address Improving memory and concentration Unique potential Presentation skills Communication skills Crisis management On driving vechiles What is Leadership ? Holding the Customers Delegating and training Time management Conflict resolution 169. Listening and Questioning skills 170. Mediation !! Hare Krishna !!

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