The Bhakti-Steps Program is a system for encouraging the congregation by recognizing their chanting and their spiritual standards. It is a great way to help congregational devotees to consolidate and increase their spiritual practices. It also offers a system to identify who is serious in advancing in Krsna consciousness, an important consideration especially in forming and consolidating your groups.
The Bhakti-steps Program has five levels, gradually leading to initiation the levels, in brief, are:
Sraddhavan — Chanting at least one round of Hare Krsna maha-mantra every day and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Krsna (or Gaura) Sevaka — Chanting at least four rounds of japa, refraining from meat-eating (including fish & egg), recognizing Lord Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and avoiding grossly immoral acts.
Krsna (or Gaura) Sadhaka — Chanting at least eight rounds and practicing sadhana-bhakti by worshiping Krsna at home and eating prasadam. Refraining from intoxication, meat-eating (including fish & egg), gambling and extra-marital sex.
Srila Prabhupada Asraya — Chanting sixteen rounds, following the four regulative principles, consistently practicing sadhana.
Sri Guru Carana Asraya — Practicing Srila Prabhupada Asraya standard for a minimum of six months, with additional faith in and surrender to an ISKCON initiating spiritual master.
