Nectar of Instruction

 Recordings from »Bhakti Śastri Seminar« sessions
 ISKCON Ljubljana, 05.04.2009 - 10.05.2009
 
 Recorded sessions
 Sample Test Questions Answers (bhA,RMd&Sdd)/Odgovori (AuCdd,bhL)
 Thematic Essay
   Essay Marking Guidelines
   How to Write an Essay
 BS Student's Handbook -- 12 aims, main themes, key verses, overviews,...

Recorded Sessions

Sample Test Questions
  1. Advancement in KC depends on the attitude of the follower.
  2. Explain the example of the elephant bathing.
  3. Define prāyaścitta.
  4. Define the word Gosvāmī according to text one.
  5. Why is atonement without sense control useless?
  6. What are the three bodily urges?
  7. Define antaranga śakti, tatastha śakti, and bahiranga śakti.
  8. Give the Sanskrit and English explanation of the three types of miseries of this world.
  9. Explain the twofold meaning of niyamāgraha.
  10. "Endeavor executed with intelligence in Krsna Consciousness is called utsāha."
  11. For what purpose does Srila Prabhupada say that he established ISKCON?
  12. How does Rupa Goswami instruct us to associate with the three types of devotees?
  13. Explain the example of the pollution in the Ganges.
  14. What is the symptom of our diseased condition?
  15. Explain the example of taking sugar candy to cure jaundice.
  16. Summarize Rupa Goswami's "essence of all advice".
  17. Why is Mathura superior to Vaikuntha?
  18. Why is Vrndavana superior to Mathura?
  19. Why is Govardhana Superior to the forest of Vrndavana?
  20. Why is Sri Radha Kunda supreme?
  21. What reason does Rupa Goswami give for the gopi's being exalted above all the advanced devotees?
  22. Define vipralambha-seva.
  23. Describe the hierarchy of the spiritual world (total 5 places). Give to each place the reason why that place is considered superior to the other.

Thematic Essay/Personal Application

Please answer one out of the following questions (Length for answer: 1 page)

  1. Defeat, on the basis of Rupa Goswami's and Srila Prabhupada's teachings in the Nectar of Instruction, the argument that "American Goswamis" are not bona fide. Also explain how goswamis (or devotees in general) may either rise or fall from their position.
  2. In the light of the Nectar of Instruction and your own experience, analyze the role association has had in the past and has in the present in helping/hampering your spiritual progress.
  3. Describe the process for achieving perfection as enunciated by Srila Rupa Goswami in the Nectar of Instruction. Which of the instructions given therein are the most relevant for you at this stage of your development in Krsna consciousness and why are they so?
  4. Explain the Krsna conscious method of self-control as well as the outcome of succeeding or failing to control the mind and senses. What is therefore the best situation for you to be in?
  5. Explore one or more of the present challenges ISKCON is faced with, with reference to Srila Prabhupada's instructions in the Nectar of Instruction. How will you, from your own position, help win over this/these challenges?
  6. Srila Prabhupada writes in the Nectar of Instruction, "Advancement in Krsna consciousness depends on the attitude of the follower." What drawbacks can you observe in your own self and what hints did you find in this book that will help you progress forward?

Essay Marking Guidelines

 To get 70% (good) an essay must satisfy 4 requirements:
  1. correct philosophy
  2. Vaishnava attitude
  3. based on the appropriate section with quotes and references
  4. the announced aim (from the 12 aims of sastric study, as explained in the Student's Handbook) is covered
To get MORE than 70% the essay should be/have: