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Aspiring Disciples of HG Devakinandan Das
Reference Document

Eligibility for Initiation

Requirements for Harināma and Brahminical Initiation

This document outlines the prerequisites a candidate must fulfil before applying for initiation. Please read each section carefully and ensure every requirement has been met before submitting your application. Both stages are listed in order; Brahminical initiation may only be considered once Harināma initiation has been received and held for the prescribed period.

Stage 01 · First Initiation

Harināma Initiation

Required Practices & Qualifications
  1. 01

    Follow the four regulative principles & chant a minimum of 16 rounds daily

    No meat, fish, eggs, onion, or garlic. No gambling. No intoxication. No illicit sex. A minimum of sixteen rounds of japa daily, without fail, for a minimum of the last 12 months.

  2. 02

    Formally introduced to His Grace for at least 6 months prior to applying

    Please email us at admin@devakinandandas.com to confirm that your name has been recorded.

  3. 03

    Continuous service in an ISKCON-approved community

    Serving under, or favourably connected to, an ISKCON-approved temple, Bhakti Vṛkṣa, Nāmahaṭa, etc., for a minimum of least 12 months.

  4. 04

    Completion of the ISKCON Disciples' Course (IDC)

    Certificate must be submitted with the application.

  5. 05

    Official recommendation letter

    From your Temple President or other authorised official authority.

  6. 06

    Submission of all required documents

    Recommendation letter, IDC certificate, and the Initiation Form must be submitted prior to the initiation interview.

Books to be Studied — First Initiation
Bhagavad-gītā As It IsMinimum 1 time
The Nectar of InstructionMinimum 1 time
Śrīla Prabhupāda's Biography (brief version)Minimum 1 time
Stage 02 · Second Initiation

Brahminical Initiation

Required Practices & Qualifications
  1. 01

    Harināma initiated for at least 12 months

    From an ISKCON-authorised guru.

  2. 02

    Completion of Bhakti Śāstrī

    Mandatory to be eligible to apply for second initiation.

  3. 03

    Continuous service in an ISKCON-approved community

    Serving under, or favourably connected to, an ISKCON-approved temple, Bhakti Vṛkṣa, Nāmahaṭa, etc., for a minimum of the last 12 months.

  4. 04

    Official recommendation letter

    From your Temple President or other authorised official authority.

  5. 05

    Submission of all required documents

    Recommendation letter, IDC certificate, and the Initiation Form must be submitted prior to the initiation interview.

Books to be Studied — Second Initiation
Bhagavad-gītā As It IsMinimum 1 time
Śrīmad Bhāgavatam — 1st CantoMinimum 1 time
Nectar of DevotionMinimum 1 time

Before You Apply

Please ensure every requirement above has been met for the full duration specified. All documents — recommendation letter, IDC certificate, completed Initiation Form, and the Personal Questionnaire — must be submitted together, prior to the initiation interview.