UNIT 4 NECTAR OF DEVOTION

UNIT 4: NECTAR OF DEVOTION

UNIT TOPICS

Overview of Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu Introduction

Definition of Pure Devotional Service

Six Characteristics of Pure Devotional Service Chapter 1

Sädhana-bhakti Chapters 2-4

Independent Nature of Pure Devotional Service Chapter 5

How to Discharge Devotional Service Chapters 6-8

Devotional Principles Chapters 9-10

Aspects of Transcendental Service Chapters 11-14

Rägänuga-bhakti Chapters 15-16

Love of God Chapters 17-19

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OVERVIEW OF NECTAR OF DEVOTION PREFACE TO CHAPTER 19

1st Laharé Sämänya-bhakti (Preface – Chapter 1)

PREFACE – BHAKTI-RASA
Çréla Prabhupäda gives us a history of Nectar of Devotion and describes its purpose — to
educate and elevate everyone to the position of pure devotee and to explain the concept
of bhakti-rasa. Bhakti-rasa is the spiritual pleasure of devotional service which one can
taste by being trained in the science of devotional service.

INTRODUCTION – MAÌGALÄCARAËA AND DEFINITION OF PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

The author invokes auspiciousness by establishing Kåñëa as the objective of the book, by
offering obeisances to the Lord, his guru and the Vaiñëavas, and by offering benedictions.
After giving an overview of the whole book, he gives the definition of pure devotional
service which is the thesis statement upon which the entire Nectar of Devotion expands.

CHAPTER 1 – CHARACTERISTICS OF PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

Pure devotional service is so sublime and satisfying that devotees engaged in Kåñëa‖s
service don't want anything besides that service — not even the liberation of sälokya.

2nd Laharé Sädhana-bhakti (Chapter 2 – Chapter 16)

This wave is divided into two parts as follows:

Part One (Chapters 2–14) – vaidhi-sädhana-bhakti

Following the rules and regulations

Part Two (Chapters 15–16) – rägänuga-sädhana-bhakti

Spontaneous devotional practice

CHAPTER 2 – PRINCIPLES OF SÄDHANA-BHAKTI

The three categories of devotional service are described, with particular emphasis on
sädhana-bhakti. One‖s eligibility for practicing sädhana-bhakti is attraction to pleasing
Kåñëa, and the most important part of this process is to always remember Kåñëa and
never forget Him.

CHAPTER 3 – ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCEPTING DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

The prerequisite for beginning devotional service is attraction, which is obtained by the
mercy of a devotee. Advancement in vaidhi-sädhana-bhakti depends on one's level of
faith and knowledge of the scriptures. When one is free from the bodily concept of life
while having the exclusive desire to serve Kåñëa, he is qualified to practice pure
devotional service.

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CHAPTER 4 – PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE FREE FROM DESIRE FOR LIBERATION AND SENSE
GRATIFICATION
Further evidence is given in support of the statement that devotees are free from the
desire for bhukti and mukti. Devotees of Kåñëa in Våndävana reject the desire for all
liberation, even personal liberation to Vaikuëöha.

CHAPTER 5 – PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE IS SELF-SUFFICIENT AND INDEPENDENT

Generally, to practice self-realization one must have a great deal of preliminary
qualification, such as pious birth, purification through Vedic rituals and following
varëäçrama-dharma. Bhakti is not dependent upon any of the above three prerequisites.
Devotional service is the constitutional position of the living entity. Therefore, both the
process of bhakti and eligibility for bhakti are independent of considerations of birth,
caste, community and other processes.

CHAPTER 6 – WAYS TO PRACTICE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

Çréla Rüpa Goswämé lists the 64 items of devotional service.

CHAPTER 7– EVIDENCE REGARDING DEVOTIONAL PRINCIPLES

Here the first eighteen items of devotional service: the ten pravåttis (do's) and the first
eight nivåttis (don'ts) are further explained.

CHAPTER 8 – OFFENCES TO AVOID

Here the 19th item of devotional service—carefully avoiding the various offenses in
chanting the holy name of the Lord or in worshiping the Deity in the temple— is
described. Thirty-two offenses are listed from supplementary Vedic writings, and others
are listed specifically from the Varäha Puräëa. The ten offenses against the holy name,
as found in the Padma Puräëa, are listed here.

CHAPTER 9 – WAYS TO PRACTICE PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

Scriptural evidence is given for items 20 through 42 of the 64 angas of bhakti, with
emphasis on Deity worship, chanting, and prayer.

CHAPTER 10 – WAYS TO PRACTICE PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

Scriptural evidence is given for items 43 through 46 of the 64 angas of bhakti with
emphasis on hearing and remembering.

CHAPTER 11 – WAYS TO PRACTICE PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

Scriptural evidence is given for items 47 through 53 of the 64 angas of bhakti with
emphasis on servitude, friendship, and surrender.

CHAPTER 12 – WAYS TO PRACTICE PURE DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

Scriptural evidence is given for items 54 through 64 of the 64 angas of bhakti, five of
which are considered to be the most potent forms of devotional service, with emphasis on
festivals and the five most potent forms of devotional service.

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CHAPTER 13 –THE FIVE MOST POTENT PRACTICES OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE

This chapter completes the discussion on the 64 items of devotional service. It elaborates
on the wonderful effects of performing the five most potent forms of devotional service
described in chapter 12 and begins to discuss some items wrongly considered to be
angas of bhakti.

CHAPTER 14 – THE RELATION OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE TO OTHER SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé continues to explain why certain items commonly thought to be
angas of bhakti cannot be accepted as such.

CHAPTER 15 – SPONTANEOUS DEVOTIONAL SERVICE – RÄGÄTMIKÄ-BHAKTI

This chapter describes rägätmikä-bhakti, the spontaneous devotional service of the
eternal residents of Våndävana.

CHAPTER 16 – SPONTANEOUS DEVOTIONAL SERVICE IN PRACTICE

The process of rägänuga-bhakti, spontaneous devotional service in practice, is described.

3rd Laharé Bhäva-bhakti – Devotional Service in Ecstatic Love

CHAPTER 17– DEFINITION AND ATTAINMENT OF BHÄVA-BHAKTI

This chapter describes the process of rising to the platform of bhäva-bhakti, ecstatic love
for Kåñëa.

CHAPTER 18 – SYMPTOMS OF BHÄVA-BHAKTI

This important chapter examines the characteristics of a person who has developed
ecstatic love. By studying them carefully, one will understand the difference between the
ecstatic love of a genuine devotee and the so-called ecstatic symptoms of a pretender.

4th Laharé Prema-bhakti – Devotional Service in Pure Love of God

CHAPTER 19 – PREMA-BHAKTI
In this chapter, prema-bhakti and the means of attaining it are described. The
development of prema is a gradual evolution beginning with çraddhä.

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NECTAR OF DEVOTION ADDITIONAL NOTES & CHARTS

Outline of Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu Pürva-vibhäga

Sämänya-bhakti
Introduction
a. Maìgaläcaraëa
b. Guru-vandanä
c. Vaiñëava-vandana
d. Grantha-vibhäga

Contents of Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu
An ocean of four sides:

Overview of Pürva-vibhäga (Eastern division) Chapters 1-19

Laharés ( waves) Subject Chapters

Intro – 1
1. Sämänya-bhakti General description

2-16
2. Sädhana-bhakti Practice

17-18
3. Bhäva-bhakti Ecstasy

19
4. Prema bhakti Pure love of God

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Definition of Uttamä-bhakti

Taöastha-lakñaëa
i. anya äbhiläñitä çünyaà
other desires zero
ii. jïäna karma ädy anävåtam
monism fruitive activity etc. not covered by

Svarüpa-lakñaëa
Änukülyena
Kåñëa should get pleasure from it
Devotee‖s attitude towards Kåñëa should be favorable
Kåñëa
Kåñëa and various expansions
Kåñëa‖s paraphernalia of
Kåñëa‖s pure devotees
änu-çélanaà
constant / activity  following predecessor äcäryas

Six Characteristics of Uttamä-bhakti

Kleçaghné  Relief from all kinds of material distress.

Material distress 3 causes:
a. päpam — sinful reactions
b. béjaà — material desires
c. avidyä — ignorance

Çubhadä  All auspicious.

d. Compassion for everyone
e. Attracts everyone
f. Produces good qualities
g. Bestows superior happiness

Mokña-laghutäkåt  derides conception of liberation

Sudurlabhä  rarely achieved

h. Cannot be achieved by own efforts….
i. Kåñëa rarely awards it

Sändränanda-viçeñätmä  Incalculably condensed bliss

Çré-kåñëäkarñiëé  the only means to attract Kåñëa.

j. Under the control of the internal potency of Kåñëa

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Four Kinds of Effects of Sinful Activities


aprärabdha-phalaà päpaà küöaà béjaà phalonmukham
krameëaiva praléyeta viñëu-bhakti-ratätmanäm
Padma Puräëa
(Quoted in Bhagavad-gétä 9.2)

Päpam
sin

Aprärabdha
unmanifest reaction

Küöaà
sinful propensity

Béjaà
sinful desire
Prärabdha
manifest reaction
(Phalonmukham)

Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 1. Page 6

64 Items of Sädhana-bhakti

64 Items of Sädhana-Bhakti

20 Items of 44 Additional
Primary Importance Items of Service

1 - 10 11 - 20 21 - 59 60 - 64
Activities to Accept Activities to Avoid Items of Sädhana Five Most
(pravåtti) (nivåtti) Effective Items

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Characteristics of Bhäva
Avyärtha-kälatvam Utilization of time
Kñanti Perseverance
Virakti Detachment
Mäna-çünyatä Pridelessness
Aça-bandha Great Hope
Samutkaëöhä Eagerness for Achieving Desired Success
Näma-gäne sadä ruci Attachment to Chanting Hare Kåñëa
Äsaktis tad-guëäkhyäne Eagerness to glorify Kåñëa's qualities
Prétis tad-vasati sthale Attraction for living in the Dhäma
Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 18. Page 135
Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 23.18-19

Achieving Prema

Prema

Bhäva Mercy

Vaidhi Rägänugä

This pure love can be transferred to the Supreme Personality of Godhead under two
conditions —out of ecstasy and out of the causeless mercy of the Supreme Personality of
Godhead Himself.

Nectar of Devotion Page 145

Two types of Prema

Spontaneous attraction to Kåñëa, which is said to be due to the extraordinary mercy of the
Lord, can be placed under two headings:

Mähätmya-jïäna-prema
(Vaikuëöha)

Kevala-prema
(Våndävan)
Nectar of Devotion Page 145

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PÜRVA-SVÄDHYÄYA (PRELIMINARY SELF STUDY)

Questions for Closed Book Assessment

Preface
1. For who is Nectar of Devotion specifically presented?
2. Give the English meaning of the words: rüpänugas, rasa, capala-sukha, bhoga-tyäga
and amåta.
3. What is Lord Caitanya‖s universal principle?
4. What is the example Çréla Rüpa Goswämé set for devotees and for humanity in general?
5. Where did Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé first meet Lord Caitanya?

Introduction
6. List the twelve rasas in Sanskrit or English.
7. Give the English meaning of the terms pravåtti and nirvåtti.
8. Give the English meaning of the word anuçélana.
9. What does the term jïäna-karmädi refer to?

Chapter 1
10. List, in Sanskrit or English, the six characteristics of pure devotional service.
11. List, in Sanskrit or English, the four effects that are due to sinful activities.
12. List four examples Prabhupäda gives of ―mature‖ sinful reactions.
13. What does the comparison between mystic perfections and modern scientific
improvements indicate?
14. Why does Kåñëa rarely agree to offer a soul devotional service?
15. List the three sources of happiness according to the analysis of Çréla Rüpa Goswämé.
16. What is the meaning of the words madana-mohana-mohiné.

Chapter 2
17. Name the three main categories of devotional service.
18. List the two types of sädhana-bhakti in both English and Sanskrit.
19. What is the most basic of all regulative principles?
20. What is the benefit of feeding one who preaches the message of the Bhagavad-gétä?

Chapter 3
21. List the four examples given of the neophyte devotees who begin devotional service for
relief in the matter of their respective self-satisfaction.
22. Without being elevated to what position can one stick to the principle of worshiping the
Supreme Personality of Godhead?

Chapter 4
23. List, in Sanskrit or English, the five kinds of liberation.
24. Liberated persons who have achieved these four stages of liberation may also be
promoted where?

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Chapter 5
25. What is the mystery of the Vaiñëava (devotional) cult?

Chapter 6
26. List the first 10 of the 64 items of sädhana in English or Sanskrit.
27. Out of the first 20 items of sädhana, which are considered the most important?
28. List the five most potent items of sädhana.

Chapter 7
29. What is the crucial point for advancement in spiritual life?
30. Why can the followers of Buddha not be accepted as devotees?
31. What is the real reason for observing fasting on Ekädaçé?
32. List the two kinds of nondevotees whose association should be avoided.

Chapter 8
33. Define seväparädhaù and nämäparädhaù.
34. How can an offender unto the Lord Himself be delivered?

Chapter 9
35. What is the result of decorating one‖s body with sandalwood pulp?
36. Who are the impersonalists who became devotees after smelling the remnants of
flowers and incense in the temple?
37. Define laulyam and lälasämayé.
38. What is the result of drinking caraëämåta, even for sinful people?

Chapter 10
39. Define däya-bhäk.

Chapter 11
40. Which two of the nine types of devotional service are rarely seen?

Chapter 12
41. A person who keeps Vaiñëava literature at home always has what?
42. What is even higher than the worship of the Lord?

Chapter 13
43. A small attachment for any one of the five potent items can arouse what, even in a
neophyte?

Chapter 14
44. List the examples of devotees who achieved perfection by practicing simply one process
of nava-vidhä-bhakti.

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Chapter 15
45. Where can spontaneous devotional service easily be seen?
46. What is the meaning rägä?
47. Define rägätmikä-bhakti and rägänuga-bhakti.

Chapter 16
48. At what stage is it possible to achieve eagerness to follow in the footsteps of the
denizens of Vraja?
49. Define präkåta-sahajiyä.
50. Briefly describe the two categories of conjugal love.

Chapter 17
51. What is the first symptom of pure love for the Personality of Godhead?

Chapter 18
52. List the nine characteristics of a person who has developed ecstatic love for Kåñëa.

Chapter 19
53. List in Sanskrit or English the two types of prema-bhakti.
54. List in Sanskrit or English the nine stages from çraddhä to prema.

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SELECTED ANALOGIES FROM NECTAR OF DEVOTION

PREFACE
Nectar of Devotion will teach us how to turn the one switch that will immediately brighten
everything, everywhere.

INTRODUCTION
The sharks that dwell in the ocean do not care for the rivers which are gliding down into it. The
devotees eternally live in the ocean of devotional service, and they do not care for the rivers. In
other words, those who are pure devotees always remain in the ocean of transcendental loving
service to the Lord and have no business with the other processes, which are compared to the
rivers that only gradually come to the ocean.

In the midst of the ocean, volcanic eruptions can do very little harm, and similarly, those who are
against devotional service to the Lord and who put forward many philosophical theses about the
ultimate transcendental realization cannot disturb this great ocean of devotional service.

CHAPTER 1
There are many, many snakes on the ground of the forest, and when a fire takes place, it burns
the dried foliage, and the snakes are immediately attacked. Animals that have four legs can flee
from the fire, or can at least try to flee, but the snakes are immediately killed. Similarly, the blazing
fire of Kåñëa consciousness is so strong that the snakes of ignorance are immediately killed.

The personal attendants and maidservants of a queen follow the queen with all respect and
obeisances, similarly the joys of religiousness, economic development, sense gratification and
liberation follow the devotional service of the Lord

CHAPTER 2
There are certain prescribed methods for employing our senses and mind in such a way that our
dormant consciousness for loving Kåñëa will be invoked, as much as the child, with a little
practice, can begin to walk.

CHAPTER 5
Any person who is properly initiated into the Vaiñëava cult certainly becomes a brähmaëa, as
much as the metal known as kaàsa (bell metal) is turned into gold by the mixture of mercury

CHAPTER 7
Even if one is forced to live within a cage of iron or in the midst of a blazing fire, he should accept
this position rather than live with nondevotees who are through and through against the
supremacy of the Lord. (Kätyäyana-saàhitä)

One should prefer to embrace a snake, a tiger or an alligator rather than associate with persons
who are worshipers of various demigods and who are impelled by material desire. (Viñëu-
rahasya)

CHAPTER 12
When the mango fruit becomes ripened it is the greatest gift of that tree, and Çrémad-Bhägavatam
is similarly held to be the ripened fruit of the Vedic tree.

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Association is very important. It acts just like a crystal stone, which will reflect anything which is
put before it. Similarly, if we associate with the flowerlike devotees of the Lord, and if our hearts
are crystal clear, then certainly the same action will be there.

Sometimes, it is found that a person who never attended school or college may be recognized as
a great scholar, or an honorary degree from great universities may be offered to him. But this
does not mean that one should avoid school and expect to automatically receive an honorary
degree from some university. Similarly, one should devoutly execute the regulative principles of
devotional service and at the same time hope for Kåñëa's favor or for His devotee's favor.

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VERSES FOR MEMORIZATION FROM NECTAR OF DEVOTION

Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu 1.1.11
anyäbhiläñitä-çünyaà
jïäna-karmädy-anävåtam
änukülyena kåñëänu-
çélanam bhaktir uttamä

anya-abhiläñitä-çünyam—without desires other than those for the service of Lord Kåñëa, or without
material desires (such as those for meat eating, illicit sex, gambling and addiction to intoxicants); jïäna—
by the knowledge of the philosophy of the monist Mäyävädés; karma—by fruitive activities; adi—by
artificially practicing detachment, by the mechanical practice of yoga, by studying the Säìkhya philosophy
and so on; anävåtam—uncovered; änukülyena—favorable; kåñëa-änu-çélanam—cultivation of service in
relationship to Kåñëa; bhaktiù-uttamä—first-class devotional service.

When first-class devotional service develops, one must be devoid of all material desires,
knowledge obtained by monistic philosophy, and fruitive action. The devotee must
constantly serve Kåñëa favorably, as Kåñëa desires.

Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu 1.1.12
sarvopädhi-vinirmuktaà
tat-paratvena nirmalam
håñékeëa håñékeça-
sevanaà bhaktir ucyate

sarva-upädi-vinirmuktam—free from all kinds of material designations, or free from all desires except the
desire to render service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; tat-paratvena—by the sole purpose of
serving the Supreme Personality of Godhead; nirmalam—uncontaminated by the effects of speculative
philosophical research or fruitive activity; håñékeëa—by purified senses freed from all designations;
håñékeça—of the master of the senses; sevanam—the service to satisfy the senses; bhaktiù—devotional
service; ucyate—is called.

Bhakti, or devotional service, means engaging all our senses in the service of the Lord, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of all the senses. When the spirit soul renders
service unto the Supreme, there are two side effects. One is freed from all material
designations, and, simply by being employed in the service of the Lord, one's senses are
purified.
(Originally from Närada Païcarätra, quoted in Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 19.170)

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Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu 1.2.234
ataù çré-kåñëa-nämädi
na bhaved grähyam indriyaiù
sevonmukhe hi jihvädau
svayam eva sphuraty adaù

ataù—therefore (because Kåñëa's name, form, qualities and pastimes are all on the absolute platform);
çré-kåñëa-näma-ädi—Lord Kåñëa's name, form, qualities, pastimes and so on; na—not; bhavet—can be;
grähyam—perceived; indriyaiù—by the blunt material senses; seva-unmukhe—to one engaged in His
service (when a person places himself at the disposal or order of the Supreme Lord, at that time the
spiritual energy, or Hare, gradually reveals the Lord to him); hi—certainly; jihvä-ädau—beginning with the
tongue; svayam—personally; eva—certainly; sphurati—be manifest; adaù—those (Kåñëa's name, form,
quality and so on).

Because Kåñëa's form, qualities, pastimes, etc. are all on the absolute platform, material
senses cannot therefore appreciate them. When a conditioned soul is awakened to Kåñëa
consciousness and renders service by using his tongue to chant the Lord's Holy name and
taste the remnants of the Lord's food, the tongue is purified and one gradually comes to
understand who Kåñëa really is.
(Originally from Padma Puräëa, quoted in Caitanya-caritämåta Madhya 17.136)

Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu 1.2.255
anäsaktasya viñayän
yathärham upayuïjataù
nirbandhaù kåñëa-sambandhe
yuktaà vairägyam ucyate

anäsaktasya—of one who is without attachment; viñayän—to material sense objects; yathä-arham—
according to suitability; upayuïjataù—engaging; nirbandhaù—without bondage; kåñëa-sambandhe—in
relationship with Kåñëa; yuktam—proper; vairägyam—renunciation; ucyate—is called;

When one is not attached to anything but at the same time accepts anything in relation to
Kåñëa, one is rightly situated above possessiveness.

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UNIT 4 OPEN-BOOK ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

Question 1
In your own words, explain the definition of pure devotional service with reference to the
svarüpa and taöastha lakñaëa, Prabhupäda‖s comments, examples and specific Sanskrit
words.
(Understanding)

Question 2
Explain in your own words, how pure devotional service has the power to nullify all four kinds
of sinful reactions, with reference to Prabhupäda‖s comments, appropriate analogies and
other relevant sastric references.
(Understanding)

Question 3
Explain, in your own words, each of the six characteristics of pure devotional service and at
what stages they manifest. Give appropriate reference to to Chapter 1 of Nectar of Devotion.
(Understanding)

Question 4
Explain, in your own words, the process of sädhana-bhakti with reference to Chapter 2 of
Nectar of Devotion. In your answer explain the distinction between vaidhi and rägänugä
sädhana-bhakti. Give reference to appropriate analogies and and relevant comments from
Chapter 2 of Nectar of Devotion.
(Understanding)

Question 5
Discuss, in your own words, the practice of claiming members from all sections of the
Western countries in relation to principles established by Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé. Give
reference çästric evidence, and examples from the previous äcäryas from Nectar of
Devotion Chapter 5.
(Mood and Mission)

Question 6
Explain the difference between principle and detail, as referred to in Chapter 6 of Nectar of
Devotion. Discuss the significance, of this distinction, for ISKCON's future development.
Give appropriate reference to Nectar of Devotion Chapter 6 in your response.
(Understanding/ Evaluation / Mood and Mission)

Question 7
Describe in your own words, with reference to Prabhupäda‖s statements in Chapter 10 of
Nectar of Devotion, the appropriate attitude towards suffering in one's life. Discuss, with
relevant personal examples, how development of this attitude can help you deal with
suffering in your life.
(Personal Application)

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Question 8
Describe the significance of the five most important items of sädhana-bhakti with reference
to Chapters 11 and 12 of Nectar of Devotion. Discuss in your own words, practicle ways you
could improve your practice of the five most important items of sädhana-bhakti.
(Personal Application)

Question 9
With reference to Chapters 15 and 16 of Nectar of Devotion, in your own words, discuss the
appropriate attitude toward the practice of rägänuga-bhakti for ISKCON devotees.
(Evaluation/ Mood and Mission)

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UNIT 4 PAÖHANA-PRAYOJANAM (LEARNING OBJECTIVES)

The following learning objectives describe what students will be able to do by the end of the
unit.

PREFACE
Explain the term Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu. (NOD Preface) (Und)
List examples of mundane rasa (NOD Preface) (Und)/ (PrA)
Discuss their experience of relishing eternal rasa in Kåñëa consciousness. (PeA)
Discuss the significance of Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé in the cult of Caitanya Mahäprabhu. (M&M)
List reasons revealing Çréla Prabhupäda‖s purpose in writing the Nectar of Devotion and discuss
how these reasons are relevant for you individually and for society at large. (NOD Preface) (M&M)

INTRODUCTION
Present an overview of the Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu including vibhägas and laharés. (NOD
Introduction) (Und)
Explain the objective of Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu with reference to Våndävana Kåñëa – akhila-
rasämåta-mürtiù (the reservoir of all rasas). (NOD Introduction) (Und)
Discuss the appropriate attitude of all preachers of the Kåñëa consciousness movement. (NOD
Introduction) (VQ)/ (M&M)
Explain the definition of Pure Devotional Service with reference to the svarüpa and taöastha-
lakñaëa, examples and specific Sanskrit words. (NOD Introduction) (Und)
Discuss examples of pure and mixed devotional service. (NOD Introduction) (Und)/ (PeA)

CHAPTER 1
Explain the six characteristics of pure devotional service. (NOD Chapter 1) (Und)
Define the terms ―Kleçäghné‖ and ―Çubhadä‖. (Und)
Explain the four kinds of effects of sin and how devotional service has the power to nullify all kinds
of sinful reactions with reference to appropriate analogies and Sanskrit verses. (Und)/ (PrA)
Discuss the relevance of the six characteristics of pure devotional service in their practice of Kåñëa
consciousness. (NOD Chapter 1) (PeA)
Discuss how the Kåñëa consciousness movement is the highest welfare activity. (M&M)

CHAPTER 2
Explain at what stages the six characteristics of pure devotional service manifest. (Und)
Discuss the qualification for practicing devotional service in relation to Çréla Prabhupäda‖s mood
and mission. (NOD Chapter 2) (M&M)
Explain ―sädhana-bhakti‖ with reference to analogies and Bhakti-rasämåta-sindhu Sanskrit verses.
(NOD Chapter 2) (Und)
Explain the distinction between vaidhi and rägänugä sadhana-bhakti. (NOD Chapter 2) (Und)

CHAPTER 3-5
Explain the eligibility for accepting, practicing and advancing in sadhana-bhakti. (Und)
Explain the independent nature of pure devotional service. (NOD Chapter 5) (Und)
Discuss ISKCON‖s practice of claiming members from all sections of the Western countries in
relation to principles established by Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé, other çästric references and examples
from the previous äcäryas. (NOD Chapter 5) (M&M)

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CHAPTER 6-8
Draw a map of 64 items of Sädhana bhakti explaining the significance of the various divisions.
(NOD Chapter 6) (Und)
Identify items from the 64 items of Sädhana bhakti where they could improve their practice. (PeA)
Discuss the difference between principal and detail and its significance for ISKCON‖s future
development. (NOD Chapter 6) (M&M)
Explain the significance of the first 3 items of sädhana bhakti and discuss their relevance in their
own practice of Kåñëa consciousness. (NOD Chapter 7) (PeA)
Discuss the relevance of ―Not accepting unfit disciples and constructing many temples‖ for ISKCON.
(NOD Chapter 7) (M&M)
Identify some of the seväparädhaùs which by avoiding would substantially help their practice of
Kåñëa consciousness. (NOD Chapter 8) (PeA)
Make a plan for improving their avoidance of seväparädhaùs. (NOD Chapter 8) (PeA)
Explain the importance of carefully avoiding nämäparädhaù in their practice of Kåñëa
consciousness. (NOD Chapter 8) (PeA)

CHAPTER 9-10
Describe the appropriate way of dealing with blasphemy, with reference to examples from the text.
(NOD Chapter 9) (PeA)
Describe ways they can offer their submission to Kåñëa. (NOD Chapter 9) (PeA)
Explain the relevance, in their own practice of Kåñëa consciousness, of the terms ―laulyam‖ and
―lälasämayé.‖ (NOD Chapter 9) (PeA)
Discuss the glories of worship of the Deity in the temple. (NOD Chapter 9) (Und)
Discuss general principles drawn from the example of the South Indian brähmaëa and explain how
these can be applied personally. (NOD Chapter 10) (PeA)
Describe the appropriate attitude towards accepting suffering in one‖s life with reference to
examples from their own lives. (NOD Chapter 10) (PeA)

CHAPTER 11-14
Discuss the relevance of ätma-nivedanam and çaraëägatiù in their own practice of Kåñëa
consciousness. (NOD Chapter 11) (PeA)
Describe the process of and glories of serving Tulasé. (NOD Chapter 11) (Und)
Review items from the 64 items of Sädhana Bhakti and identify items which, if they personally
improved the practice of, could significantly help their practice of Kåñëa consciousness. (NOD
Chapters 6-13) (PeA)
Discuss the importance of the five potent forms of devotional service in their own practice of Kåñëa
consciousness. (NOD Chapters 12-13) (PeA)
Discuss the relevance for ISKCON at present, of the principle of Lord Caitanya‖s rejecting
varëäçrama-dharma in His discussion with Çréla Rämänanda Räya. (NOD Chapter 13) (M&M)
Explain how attachment to jïänä-vairägya may hinder progress in bhakti. (Chapter 14) (Und)/ (PeA)
Discuss how Çréla Prabhupäda‖s mission reflects the principle of yukta-vairägya. (Ch 14) (M&M)

CHAPTER 15-16
Present an overview of the process of rägänuga-bhakti. (NOD Chapters 15-16) (Und)
Describe the appropriate attitude toward practice of rägänuga-bhakti for ISKCON devotees. (NOD
Chapters 15-16) (M&M)
Describe the appropriate attitude toward the process of siddha- praëälé for ISKCON devotees.
(NOD Chapter 16) (M&M)

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CHAPTER 17-19
Explain the stages of bhava and prema bhakti. (NOD Chapters 17-19) (Und)
Outline the progression from çraddhä to prema bhakti. (NOD Chapter 19) (Und)
Express ways they can apply points they particularly appreciated from the study of Unit 4: Sadhana
Bhakti. (PeA)

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