ISKCON SYDNEY

Shiksha Program - spiritual training program

Dear Devotees,

Hare Krishna! Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Please accept the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath for a happy and prosperous New Year 2007. I hope you are keeping well and making steady progress in Krishna Consciousness. Thank you for joining the Siksa program at ISKCON Sydney.
Last year - 2006 was an eventful year. Among other initiatives – we saw the successful launch of the Siksa program. We had 2 ceremonies last year – the first one in May 2006 and the 2nd one in Dec 2006. In all more than 50 devotees participated and both the events were very inspiring for all of us.

The Siksa program stresses on the same 5 potent forms of devotional service that was emphasized by Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Lord Chaitanya is Lord Krishna Himself who came down as His own devotee to taste the sweetness of Krishna Consciousness and to teach us the process. The 5 potent items he taught were –

1) Chanting the Holy Names – I hope you are all able to chant your committed levels of rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Srila Prabhupada instructed all of us to chant a minimum of 16 rounds every day in order to stay in Krishna Consciousness. I pray to Sri Sri Radha Gopinath and Srila Prabhupada to give us the strength and determination to carry out this instruction nicely. If you are not chanting 16 rounds yet, I request you to try and increase your rounds and gradually come up to chanting 16 rounds and more on a daily basis. If you are having difficulty in chanting your rounds then please contact me or any devotee on the mentor list (given below) and they will be happy to help you.

2) Hearing Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic literatures – Good News!!! This year, 2007 we have begun classes specially for you according to the time-table (below) . Basically we will be having classes on various books like Bhagavad Gita, Sri Ishopanishad, Science of Self Realisation, Srimad Bhagavatam etc. Once you study these books you can
start teaching these books and other books. The idea is ‘Each one teach one’. Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wanted everyone to become a teacher – a Guru by first being a good student. This is a very good opportunity to thoroughly
understand the essence of the Vedic literatures. Please see the attached schedule and choose from the various classes and let me know which ones you can attend. The other 3 items of devotional service that Lord Chaitanya emphasized were:

3) Associating with devotees – This will happen automatically when we attend the above classes.

4) Serving the Deity with faith and devotion – More training will be arranged in this area – later in the year – stay tuned for more!

5) Living in a holy place – Again this will be part of the upcoming training events – showing you how you can live in complete harmony with Krishna and His energies.

Also I would like to remind you that the next Siksa ceremony is planned
for May 2007. I would like to request you to consider upgrading your level in the Siksa program. Also if you can invite your friends and family members to also enrol in the Siksa program, you will receive unlimited blessings from Sri Sri Radha Gopinath and Srila Prabhupada and all the devotees. This is the secret of making rapid advancement in Krishna Consciousness! To further help you in your spiritual life you can choose from the following list of mentors who can help you on a personal level. Let me know who your preferred mentor is and I will send you their contact details after getting their
approval. The list of mentors will be growing as more and more devotees take up the solemn responsibility of helping others in their spiritual journey – Krishna Consciousness. I do hope that one day you will also consider becoming a mentor, if you are not already one. This is a very wonderful service to Lord Sri Krishna. As the Lord Himself declares in the Bhagavad
Gita – Chapter 18 Text 68-69 “For one who explains the supreme secret to the devotees, devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.” And “There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor
will there ever be one more dear.”

The following devotees are available to help you as mentors:
Vara Nayaka Prabhu, Sundara Nanda Gopal Prabhu, Bharat Mana Prabhu, Prananath Prabhu, Vrajanath Prabhu, Radha Krishna Prabhu, Vijay Gauranga Prabhu, Hemang Prabhu, Jitesh Prabhu, Viran Prabhu, Rajib Prabhu, Krush Prabhu, Venugopal Prabhu, Babu Gopal Prabhu, Ganesh Prabhu, Raj Sandu Prabhu, Gaurav Prabhu and more … to be confirmed.

Now I request you to take this important step in your spiritual life and select a mentor who can help you and guide you - as a friend. Please let me know who you would prefer as your mentor. If you are unable to select your mentor and need help – you can contact me by e-mail or phone – 0419 382 105.

Also I would like to request you to confirm your attendance at the classes being conducted specially for you.

Wishing you all the best in your Krishna Conscious journey!!!

I beg to remain your humble servant,
Vijay Gopikesh Das
Mob: 0419 382 105

ISKCON Sydney SHIKSHA PROGRAM

KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AT HOME

SHRADDAVAN:

He/she chants at least one round of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra every day.

Books recommended for reading: (1) On the way to Krishna Bhakti and (2) Beyond birth and death and (3) Matchless gift and (4) Bhagavad Gita As It Is

KRISHNA SEVAK:
He/she chants a minimum of four rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra every day.

Books recommended for reading: (1) The Perfection of Yoga, and (2) Path of Perfection and (3) Easy Journey to Other Planets and (4) Bhagavad Gita As It Is

KRISHNA SADHAK:

He/she chants eight to sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra every day.

Books recommended for reading: (1) Science of Self realization, (2) Perfect Questions and Perfect Answers and (3) The Nectar of Instruction and (4) Bhagavad Gita As It Is

SRILA PRABHUPADA ASHRAYA:

He/she chants minimum sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra every day.

Books recommended for reading: All the above + (1) Sri Isopanisad and (2) Bhagavad Gita As It Is and (3) Nectar of Devotion (Chapters 1 – 6)

SRI GURU CHARANA ASHRAYA:

He/she chants minimum sixteen rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra every day.

Books recommended for reading: All the above + Srimad Bhagavatam (at least first Canto) and The Nectar of Devotion (Chapters 7 – 25)

General comments:

Classroom schedules for each of these books (except for Bhagavad Gita As It Is, Nectar of Devotion and Srimad Bhagavatam) will run for 8 weeks with the last week being reserved for a written TEST.

Siksa Level	Text Book	Teacher	Start Date	Frequency	End Date	Test Date	Comments
SHRADDAVAN (Level 1)	1) Bhakti	Prakash Pr	28/1/07	Every Sun 3-4 pm	18/3/07	18/3/07
	2) Beyond birth and death	Babu Pr	24/3/07	Every Sat 4-5 pm	12/5/07	12/5/07
	3) Matchless gift	Ganesh Pr	19/5/07	Every Sat 4-5 pm	7/7/07	7/7/07
KRISHNA SEVAK (Level 2)	(1) The Perfection of Yoga	Raj Sandu Pr	28/1/07	Every Sun 4-5 pm	18/3/07	18/3/07
	(2) Path of Perfection	Prananath Pr	24/3/07	Every Sat 4-5 pm	12/5/07	12/5/07
	(3) Easy Journey to Other Planets	Krush Pr	19/5/07	Every Sat 4-5 pm	7/7/07	7/7/07
KRISHNA SADHAK (Level 3)	(1) Science of Self realization	Venugopal Pr	27/1/07	Every Sat 4-5 pm	17/3/07	17/3/07
	(2) Perfect Questions and Perfect Answers	Rajib Pr	25/3/07	Every Sun 3-4 pm	13/5/07	13/5/07
	(3) The Nectar of Instruction	Jitesh Pr	20/5/07	Every Sun 3-4 pm	8/7/07	8/7/07
SRILA PRABHUPADA ASHRAYA (Level 4)	(1) Sri Isopanisad	Vrajanath Pr	27/1/07	Every Sat 4-5 pm	17/3/07	17/3/07
	**(2) Bhagavad Gita As It Is		27/1 & 28/1/07	Every Sat & Sun 5-6 pm	8/7/07	8/7/07	**Common to all devotees. Advised to attend at least 1 of the 2 Gita classes every week
	(3) Nectar of Devotion		25/3/07	Every Sun 4-5 pm	8/7/07	8/7/07	Includes Sri Guru Charan Ashraya
SRI GURU CHARANA ASHRAYA	Srimad Bhagavatam 1^st Canto		28/1/07	Every Sun 3-4 pm	8/7/07	8/7/07

Major festivals – Events – 2007

7 Feb 2007 We Pancami K Dhriti Hasta *

Sri Purusottama Das Thakura -- Disappearance

Srila Gour Govinda Swami -- Disappearance

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura -- Appearance

(Fasting till noon)

14 Feb 2007 We Suddha Ekadasi K Vajra Mula *

Fasting for Vijaya Ekadasi

15 Feb 2007 Th Dvadasi K Siddhi Purva-asadha

Break fast 05:30 - 09:11 (Daylight saving not considered).

Sri Isvara Puri -- Disappearance

16 Feb 2007 Fr Trayodasi K Vyatipata Uttara-asadha

Siva Ratri

18 Feb 2007 Su Pratipat G Parigha Satabhisa

Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji -- Disappearance

Sri Rasikananda – Disappearance

27 Feb 2007 Tu Suddha Ekadasi G Ayusmana Ardra *

Fasting for Amalaki vrata Ekadasi

28 Feb 2007 We Dvadasi G Saubhagya Punarvasu

Break fast 05:42 - 09:59 (Daylight saving not considered).

Sri Madhavendra Puri – Disappearance

4 Mar 2007 Su Purnima G Dhriti Purva-phalguni *

Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu -- Appearance

*** Gaura Purnima ***

(Fasting till moonrise)

15 Mar 2007 Th Suddha Ekadasi K Parigha Uttara-asadha *

Fasting for Papamocani Ekadasi

----------------- Mina Sankranti (Sun enters Pisces) -----------------

16 Mar 2007 Fr Dvadasi K Siva Sravana

Break fast 05:55 - 10:01 (Daylight saving not considered).

Sri Govinda Ghosh – Disappearance

27 Mar 2007 Tu Navami G Atiganda Punarvasu *

Rama Navami: Appearance of Lord Sri Ramacandra

(Fasting till sunset)

28 Mar 2007 We Dasami G Sukarma Pusyami

29 Mar 2007 Th Suddha Ekadasi G Dhriti Aslesa *

Fasting for Kamada Ekadasi

30 Mar 2007 Fr Dvadasi G Sula Magha

Break fast 06:06 - 10:02 (Daylight saving not considered).

Damanaka-ropana dvadasi

14 Apr 2007 Sa Suddha Ekadasi K Sukla Satabhisa *

Fasting for Varuthini Ekadasi

----------------- Mesa Sankranti (Sun enters Aries) -----------------

Beginning of Salagrama and Tulasi Jala Dana

15 Apr 2007 Su Dvadasi K Brahma Purva-bhadra

Break fast 06:18 - 08:23 (Daylight saving not considered).

29 Apr 2007 Su Dvadasi G Vyagata Uttara-phalguni

Break fast 06:28 - 10:05 (Daylight saving not considered).

Rukmini Dvadasi

30 Apr 2007 Mo Trayodasi G Harsana Hasta

Sri Jayananda Prabhu -- Disappearance

1 May 2007 Tu Caturdasi G Vajra Citra *

Nrsimha Caturdasi: Appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva

(Fasting till dusk)

2 May 2007 We Purnima G Siddhi Swati

Krsna Phula Dola, Salila Vihara

Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura -- Disappearance

Sri Sri Radha-Ramana Devaji -- Appearance

Sri Madhavendra Puri -- Appearance

Sri Srinivasa Acarya – Appearance

**** Sri Sri Radha Gopinath’s 36^th anniversary

13 May 2007 Su Suddha Ekadasi K Viskumba Purva-bhadra *

Fasting for Apara Ekadasi

14 May 2007 Mo Dvadasi K Priti Revati

Break fast 06:39 - 10:08 (Daylight saving not considered).

Srila Vrndavana Dasa Thakura -- Appearance

End of Jala Dana

15 May 2007 Tu Trayodasi K Ayusmana Asvini

----------------- Vrsabha Sankranti (Sun enters Taurus) -----------------

16 May 2007 We Caturdasi K Saubhagya Bharani

Trivikrama Masa continues after Purusottama Adhika Masa

27 May 2007 Su Suddha Ekadasi G Siddhi Hasta *

Fasting for Padmini Ekadasi

28 May 2007 Mo Dvadasi G Vyatipata Citra

Break fast 09:37 - 10:11 (Daylight saving not considered).

11 Jun 2007 Mo Suddha Ekadasi K Saubhagya Revati *

Fasting for Parama Ekadasi

12 Jun 2007 Tu Dvadasi K Atiganda Asvini

Break fast 06:57 - 10:16 (Daylight saving not considered).

25 Jun 2007 Mo Dasami G Siva Citra

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana -- Disappearance

Ganga Puja

Srimati Gangamata Gosvamini -- Appearance

26 Jun 2007 Tu Suddha Ekadasi G Siva Swati *

Fasting for Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi.

(Total fast, even from water, if you have broken Ekadasi)

27 Jun 2007 We Dvadasi G Siddha Visakha

Break fast 07:01 - 10:19 (Daylight saving not considered).

28 Jun 2007 Th Trayodasi G Sadhya Anuradha

Panihati Cida Dahi Utsava

29 Jun 2007 Fr Caturdasi G Subha Jyestha

30 Jun 2007 Sa Purnima G Sukla Mula

Snana Yatra

Sri Mukunda Datta -- Disappearance

Sri Sridhara Pandita – Disappearance

July 6 (Friday) till July 9 (Monday) HH Bhaktivisrambha Madhava Swami visiting Sydney

11 Jul 2007 We Suddha Ekadasi K Ganda Krittika *

Fasting for Yogini Ekadasi

12 Jul 2007 Th Trayodasi K Vriddhi Rohini

Break fast 07:00 - 10:21 (Daylight saving not considered).

13 Jul 2007 Fr Caturdasi K Dhruva Mrigasira

14 Jul 2007 Sa Amavasya K Vyagata Ardra *

Sri Gadadhara Pandita -- Disappearance

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura -- Disappearance

(Fasting till noon)

15 Jul 2007 Su Pratipat G Harsana Punarvasu

Gundica Marjana

16 Jul 2007 Mo Dvitiya G Vajra Pusyami

Ratha Yatra

(Hera Pancami after 4 days)

(Return Ratha after 8 days)

Sri Svarupa Damodara Gosvami -- Disappearance

Sri Sivananda Sena – Disappearance

26 Jul 2007 Th Suddha Ekadasi G Brahma Jyestha *

Fasting for Sayana Ekadasi

27 Jul 2007 Fr Dvadasi G Indra Mula

Break fast 06:52 - 10:19 (Daylight saving not considered).

28 Jul 2007 Sa Trayodasi G Vaidhriti Purva-asadha

29 Jul 2007 Su Caturdasi G Viskumba Uttara-asadha

30 Jul 2007 Mo Purnima G Priti Sravana

Guru (Vyasa) Purnima

Srila Sanatana Gosvami -- Disappearance

First month of Caturmasya begins.

(Fast from sak, green leafy vegetables, for one month.)

(Caturmasya is not observed during Purusottama Adhika Masa.)

7 Aug 2007 Tu Navami K Vriddhi Krittika

The incorporation of ISKCON in New York

8 Aug 2007 We Dasami K Dhruva Rohini

9 Aug 2007 Th Suddha Ekadasi K Vyagata Mrigasira *

Fasting for Kamika Ekadasi

10 Aug 2007 Fr Dvadasi K Vajra Ardra

Break fast 06:41 - 10:14 (Daylight saving not considered).

24 Aug 2007 Fr Suddha Ekadasi G Priti Mula *

Fasting for Pavitropana Ekadasi

Radha Govinda Jhulana Yatra begins

25 Aug 2007 Sa Dvadasi G Ayusmana Purva-asadha

Break fast 07:56 - 10:06 (Daylight saving not considered).

Srila Rupa Gosvami -- Disappearance

Sri Gauridasa Pandita -- Disappearance

26 Aug 2007 Su Trayodasi G Saubhagya Uttara-asadha

27 Aug 2007 Mo Caturdasi G Sobana Sravana

28 Aug 2007 Tu Purnima G Atiganda Dhanista *

Jhulana Yatra ends

Lord Balarama -- Appearance

(Fasting till noon)

Second month of Caturmasya begins.

(Fast from yogurt for one month.)

4 Sep 2007 Tu Astami K Harsana Rohini *

Sri Krsna Janmastami: Appearance of Lord Sri Krsna

(Fasting till midnight)

5 Sep 2007 We Navami K Vajra Mrigasira *

Nandotsava

Srila Prabhupada -- Appearance

(Fasting till noon)

6 Sep 2007 Th Dasami K Siddhi Ardra

7 Sep 2007 Fr Suddha Ekadasi K Vyatipata Punarvasu *

Fasting for Annada Ekadasi

8 Sep 2007 Sa Dvadasi K Variyana Pusyami

Break fast 06:06 - 09:58 (Daylight saving not considered).

20 Sep 2007 Th Astami G Ayusmana Mula *

Radhastami: Appearance of Srimati Radharani

(Fasting till noon)

21 Sep 2007 Fr Navami G Saubhagya Purva-asadha

22 Sep 2007 Sa Dasami G Sobana Uttara-asadha

23 Sep 2007 Su Suddha Ekadasi G Atiganda Sravana *

Fasting for Parsva Ekadasi

24 Sep 2007 Mo Dvadasi G Sukarma Dhanista

Break fast 05:44 - 09:46 (Daylight saving not considered).

Sri Vamana Dvadasi: Appearance of Lord Vamanadeva

(The fast is observed till noon on the Ekadasi.)

(Feasting is done today.)

Srila Jiva Gosvami -- Appearance

25 Sep 2007 Tu Trayodasi G Sula Satabhisa *

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura -- Appearance

(Fasting till noon)

26 Sep 2007 We Caturdasi G Ganda Purva-bhadra

Ananta Caturdasi Vrata

Srila Haridasa Thakura -- Disappearance

27 Sep 2007 Th Purnima G Vriddhi Uttara-bhadra

Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava

Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada

Third month of Caturmasya begins.

(Fast from milk for one month.)

7 Oct 2007 Su Suddha Ekadasi K Sadhya Magha *

Fasting for Indira Ekadasi

8 Oct 2007 Mo Dvadasi K Subha Magha

Break fast 05:24 - 09:11 (Daylight saving not considered).

23 Oct 2007 Tu Suddha Ekadasi G Vriddhi Satabhisa *

Fasting for Pasankusa Ekadasi

Srila Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami -- Disappearance

Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami -- Disappearance

Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami -- Disappearance

24 Oct 2007 We Trayodasi G Dhruva Purva-bhadra

Break fast 05:04 - 09:28 (Daylight saving not considered)

26 Oct 2007 Fr Purnima G Vajra Asvini

Sri Krsna Saradiya Rasayatra

Sri Murari Gupta -- Disappearance

Laksmi Puja

Fourth month of Caturmasya begins.

(Fast from urad dahl for one month.)

5 Nov 2007 Mo Suddha Ekadasi K Indra Purva-phalguni *

Fasting for Rama Ekadasi

6 Nov 2007 Tu Dvadasi K Vaidhriti Uttara-phalguni

Break fast 05:50 - 09:23 (Daylight saving not considered).

10 Nov 2007 Sa Amavasya K Saubhagya Visakha

Dipa dana, Dipavali, (Kali Puja)

11 Nov 2007 Su Pratipat G Sobana Visakha

Govardhana Puja, Go Puja, Go Krda

(Worship of Govardhana Hill)

Bali Daityaraja Puja

Sri Rasikananda -- Appearance

12 Nov 2007 Mo Dvitiya G Atiganda Anuradha

Sri Vasudeva Ghosh -- Disappearance

13 Nov 2007 Tu Tritiya G Sukarma Jyestha

14 Nov 2007 We Caturthi G Dhriti Mula *

Srila Prabhupada -- Disappearance

(Fasting till noon)

21 Nov 2007 We Suddha Ekadasi G Vajra Uttara-bhadra *

Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji -- Disappearance

(Fasting till noon)

(Feasting is done tomorrow)

Bhisma Pancaka

Fasting for Utthana Ekadasi

22 Nov 2007 Th Dvadasi G Siddhi Revati

Break fast 04:41 - 09:21 (Daylight saving not considered).

5 Dec 2007 We Suddha Ekadasi K Saubhagya Citra *

Sri Narahari Sarakara Thakura -- Disappearance

Fasting for Utpanna Ekadasi

6 Dec 2007 Th Dvadasi K Sobana Citra

Break fast 04:37 - 09:23 (Daylight saving not considered).