Bhakti Sastri Self-study (English)
**Bhakti Sastri Self-Study Course (English)**
Online Self-Paced Learning | ISKCON Ministry of Education Certification
Study Srila Prabhupada’s books at your own pace and earn your Bhakti Sastri certificate through the ISKCON Board of Examinations under the ISKCON Ministry of Education.
✅ Enroll Anytime Throughout the Year
✅ Learn at Your Own Pace
✅ Access Pre-Recorded Video Classes Online
✅ Complete Assessments Online
✅ Personalized Guidance from an Assigned Guide/Examiner
✅ Certificate from the ISKCON Board of Examinations
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**About the Course**
Hare Krishna! Paratattva Catuspathi warmly welcomes you to the Bhakti Sastri Online Self-Study Course.
This course is conducted under the ISKCON Board of Examinations, functioning under the supervision of the ISKCON Ministry of Education, in accordance with the instructions and vision of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of systematic scriptural education for all devotees. He desired that his followers study his books thoroughly, understand the philosophical principles of Krishna consciousness, apply these teachings in their daily lives, and become qualified to share this knowledge with others.
The Bhakti Sastri Self-Study Course is designed to help devotees pursue systematic scriptural education without the limitations of a fixed classroom schedule.
Through the Learning Management System (LMS) on our website, students can access recorded classes, download study materials, complete lessons at their own convenience, and appear for online assessments with the assistance of an assigned guide.
You can enroll at any time of the year and study from anywhere in the world.
**Course Curriculum**
The Bhakti Sastri curriculum consists of four foundational books by Srila Prabhupada:
1. Bhagavad-gita As It Is – Complete Book
2. The Nectar of Devotion – Preface through Chapter 19
3. Sri Isopanisad – Complete Book
4. The Nectar of Instruction – Complete Book
The curriculum is organized into six units (modules), each containing recorded classes, study materials, and prescribed assessments.
Students must successfully complete the assessments for all six units to qualify for certification.
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**How to Enroll and Complete the Course**
**Step 1: Create Your Account**
Visit our website: www.paratattva.in
Click the Login button located in the top-right corner of the website.
Create a new account using your name, email address, and password.
If you already have an account, simply log in using your existing credentials.
**Step 2: Enroll in the Course**
After logging in, return to this Bhakti Sastri course page.
Click the Enroll Now button.
Complete the enrollment process by paying the prescribed course fee through the website.
Once your payment is successful, your enrollment will be confirmed, and you will receive access to the course content through your student account.
**Step 3: Join the WhatsApp Group**
After successfully enrolling, the Enroll Now button on the course page will change to Join WhatsApp Group.
Click this button to join our official Bhakti Sastri students’ WhatsApp group.
Joining the WhatsApp group is an important part of the enrollment process.
Through this group, you will receive important information about assessments, examination procedures, assigned guides, and other course-related matters.
After joining, please introduce yourself by sending a message such as:
“Hare Krishna. I have recently enrolled in the Bhakti Sastri Self-Study Course. Kindly guide me regarding the course and assessment procedures.”
**Step 4: Watch the Course Introduction Video**
Important: Before beginning your studies, please watch the Course Introduction (Preview) Video available on this page.
This video explains how the course is organized, how to access lessons, how assessments are conducted, and how to communicate with your assigned guide.
Watching this video carefully will help you understand the complete learning and examination process.
**Step 5: Download the Handbook and Begin Your Classes**
After enrollment, you will have access to the recorded video classes organized according to the six units of the curriculum.
Download the relevant PDF handbooks, study guides, and other learning materials available on the website.
Begin with the first unit and proceed systematically through the lessons.
You may watch the recorded classes at your own convenience.
However, students are strongly encouraged to study Srila Prabhupada’s original books alongside the recorded lectures.
There is no requirement to attend classes at a fixed time. You can study according to your own schedule.
**Step 6: Contact Your Assigned Guide/Examiner**
Each student will receive guidance from an assigned guide or examiner to help complete the assessment process.
The name and contact details of the guide will be provided through the official WhatsApp group.
Your guide will explain the examination requirements, assessment formats, submission procedures, and other necessary instructions.
If you have questions regarding the course or examinations, you may seek assistance through the WhatsApp group.
**Step 7: Appear for Online Assessments**
After completing the recorded classes and studying the prescribed materials for a particular unit, you may prepare for the corresponding assessments.
Once you are ready, inform the WhatsApp group or your assigned guide.
You may send a message such as:
“Hare Krishna. I have completed my preparation for Unit 1 of the Bhakti Sastri Course and am ready to appear for the assessment. Kindly guide me regarding the next steps.”
Your guide will then explain how to complete and submit the required assessments.
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**Assessment and Examination System**
The Bhakti Sastri Course includes three major types of assessments.
**1. Closed Book Assessment (CBA)**
Closed Book Assessments evaluate the student’s understanding and ability to recall important philosophical concepts without referring to books or notes.
These assessments may be conducted orally through an online video meeting or through recorded video responses, as instructed by the assigned examiner.
**2. Open Book Assessment (OBA)**
Open Book Assessments evaluate the student’s understanding, reflection, and ability to apply the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
Students must prepare written answers to the prescribed questions.
Answers may be typed and submitted as PDF documents or handwritten clearly and submitted as scanned documents or photographs.
The completed assessments must be sent to the assigned guide through the prescribed online communication channel.
**3. Sloka Assessment**
Students must memorize the prescribed Sanskrit verses included in the Bhakti Sastri curriculum.
Sloka assessments may be conducted through live video calls or recorded video submissions, according to the instructions of the assigned examiner.
Important: The assigned guide will provide detailed instructions regarding the assessment process, including the method of submission through WhatsApp, Telegram, email, or another approved channel.
**Course Eligibility**
To enroll in the Bhakti Sastri Course, students should meet the following requirements:
1. Chanting: Chanting a minimum of 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra daily on chanting beads for at least one year.
2. Following the Four Regulative Principles: Strictly observing the four regulative principles for at least one year:
* No meat-eating, including fish, eggs, onion, and garlic.
* No intoxication, including alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee.
* No gambling.
* No illicit sexual relationships.
3. Scriptural Study: Regularly studying Srila Prabhupada’s books.
4. Bhagavad-gita: Having read Bhagavad-gita As It Is completely at least once.
5. ISKCON Association: Having been associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and its devotional practices for at least one year.
**Course Duration**
The Bhakti Sastri Self-Study Course allows students to study according to their individual schedules.
However, the course must be completed within the prescribed time frame.
Minimum Duration: 2 Months
Maximum Duration: 2 Years
Students must complete all six units and their prescribed assessments within two years from the date of enrollment.
If a student fails to complete the course within two years, the registration will expire.
Students wishing to continue after the expiry of their registration must register again according to the applicable re-registration policy.
**Certification**
Upon successfully completing all six units, passing the required assessments, and fulfilling the prescribed eligibility and academic requirements, students will receive the Bhakti Sastri Certificate issued through the ISKCON Board of Examinations under the ISKCON Ministry of Education.
Enrollment alone does not guarantee certification. Students must successfully fulfill all course requirements.
Important Instructions for Students
The purpose of Paratattva Catuspathi is to make systematic scriptural education accessible to devotees worldwide.
We understand that many devotees have family responsibilities, professional commitments, temple services, and other engagements that make attending regular live classes difficult.
This self-study system enables devotees to continue their scriptural education without being restricted by fixed class schedules.
To support students, we provide recorded lectures, structured study materials, online assessments, and guidance from assigned examiners.
However, the success of a self-study course depends primarily on the student’s personal commitment, discipline, and motivation.
Students are expected to take responsibility for watching the classes, studying the prescribed books, preparing for assessments, and completing the course within the stipulated two-year period.
The assigned guide will assist with examinations and provide necessary academic guidance. However, the guide is not responsible for repeatedly reminding or persuading students to complete their lessons and assessments.
Students are therefore encouraged to enroll with a sincere commitment to completing the course through regular and systematic study.
**Course Fees and Refund Policy**
As this is a recorded, self-paced course, course fees are non-refundable once enrollment is completed and access to the course materials has been provided.
Students are requested to carefully review the course details, eligibility requirements, duration, and assessment system before enrolling.
**Contact Information**
For special concerns or course-related assistance, please contact:
Paratattva Catuspathi
Website: www.paratattva.in
Email: info@paratattva.in
whatsapp +918670767555
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Books Are the Basis
Srila Prabhupada’s books form the foundation of our spiritual lives. Through systematic study, thoughtful reflection, and practical application, we can deepen our understanding of Krishna consciousness and strengthen our commitment to devotional service.
Paratattva Catuspathi warmly welcomes you to the Bhakti Sastri Self-Study Course.
Hare Krishna! Jaya Srila Prabhupada!
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