By Atul Krsna Dasa
In pursuance of the GBC’s recent recommendation that the ISKCON Disciples Course be taught to all of the Society’s aspiring initiates, Namhatta leaders and preachers recently attended the course in Sri Dham Mayapur, with the aim of making it available to more than 2000 Namhatta centers throughout West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha.
Taking a break from their regular travelling and preaching services, 35 Namhatta leaders and preachers attended the three-day intensive training program, by Atul Krsna Dasa of the Mayapur Institute in Bengali medium.
Developed by the GBC Guru Services Committee, the Disciples Course deepens devotees’ understanding of guru-padasraya within ISKCON’s multiple-guru environment. Designed for new devotees preparing to take initiation, the course is equally recommended for the leaders, preachers, counselors, and educators who guide these aspirants.
Namhatta Leaders who participated in the course commented on its importance:
Namhatta Director Gauranga Prema Swami Maharaja: “This course is essential for all our preachers.”
Namhatta Co-Regional Director Gaurachandra Dasa: “This course helps develop a united ISKCON wherein we can mor successfully spread Krsna consciousness. I feel the course is necessary for all ISKCON members.”
Padmanetra Das, Co-Regional Director for Namhatta: “The leaders of Namhatta who have taken this course have agreed upon its immense importance for ISKCON’s future, and we will follow the steps to ensure that this course be made available for all Namhatta members.”
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami., inaugurator of ISKCON Namhatta, in discussing with students after the course, commented that the course should be made available for all ISKCON devotees before taking initiation.
A detailed description of the ISKCON Disciples Course online can be viewed at:
http://bhaktivedantacollege.com/events/disciples-course/