ISKCON Logo
Loading...
Donate
Krishna Upasaka - Bhakti Steps Level 4
🪜

Krishna Upasaka — Level 4

Krishna Upasaka means one who worships Krishna — deeper commitment to deity worship and rituals. This level is for those dedicated to leading a devotional way of life with an established home worship practice.

Recommended Practices

  • To be dedicated to leading a devotional way of life, by gradually learning and practicing Bhakti-yoga, according to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada under the guidance of his representatives.
  • To study the books of Srila Prabhupada and attend the classes as often as possible (at least the weekend Bhagavad-Gita class every week).
  • To worship Lord Krishna, as far as practical in the home, by setting up an altar, offering arati and foodstuffs, worshipping the sacred Tulasi plant and following basic sadhana like rising up early in the morning.
  • To chant 12 to 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra every day.
  • To lead a pure holy life by refraining from meat eating (including fish & eggs), intoxication (alcoholic drinks & smoking), gambling and illicit sexual activity.
  • To observe fasting on Ekadasi and festival days as indicated in the Vaishnava calendar.
  • To observe fasting for the appearance and disappearance of the previous acharyas as given in the Vaishnava Calendar.

Recommended Songs

  • 🎵 Sri Narasimha Kavacha Mantra
  • 🎵 Sundara Bala Saci ra Dulala
  • 🎵 Jagannath Ashtakam

Recommended Audio Lectures

Selected audio recordings of Srila Prabhupada and senior leaders of ISKCON for daily hearing:

Prabhupada Audio ISKCON Desire Tree

Level Duration

The tentative timeline for this step is 12 months. Student is expected to complete all the assigned tasks within this step in 12 months.

Writing Shiksha Paper

An open book test. Please download the questionnaire below:

Download Questionnaire (PDF)