The Bhakti Evolution Program (BEP) aims to promotes a natural progression in bhakti yoga. It outlines a set of personal goals associated with different levels of Bhakti Step, focusing on daily chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, studying bhakti philosophy, participating in various bhakti practices, and personal development.

At each stage, participants adopt specific practices, complete necessary courses and readings, and concentrate on enhancing their personal lifestyles.

Personal Development

Chanting and other bhakti practices help transform and elevate our character to a higher level. This transformation can be compared to gardening. When seeds are planted in poor soil, they may grow but will struggle and compete with weeds for nutrients. In contrast, seeds planted in rich soil thrive much more quickly. Likewise, the seed of bhakti flourishes in the fertile ground of good character. As bhakti develops, it naturally removes the weeds of bad habits and negative traits. Self-improvement is also guided by ethical principles known in the yoga tradition as yamas and niyamas.

Benefits of Commitment

Why is commitment essential? In every aspect of life, strong commitment is crucial for achieving success, and this is especially true in bhakti yoga. Reaching the goal of pure spiritual love is a noble aspiration, but it requires dedication. This journey involves taking responsibility and fulfilling one's duties. Chanting can be likened to a daily shower—it represents a commitment to maintaining our inner purity. Just as skipping a shower leads to physical dirtiness and odor, neglecting regular chanting can result in spiritual stagnation. Consistent chanting cleanses us from within and helps elevate our consciousness, promoting ongoing growth. Additionally, other practices in the Bhakti Steps program complement chanting and enrich our spiritual journey.

Course Blueprint

This course has Six levels. Each level covers progress in maha-mantra chanting, learning the philosophy of bhakti yoga, adopting more devotional practices and character cultivation, helping us to develop qualities beneficial to our spiritual growth.

Advancing to each level involves a combination of required achievements and activities in different areas including:

-Japa

This is the core of the progress in Bhakti Steps, gradually increasing one’s mantra meditation by committing to a minimum number of “rounds” (108 mantras) per day.

-Sankalpa

The Sankalpas (commitments) are specific pledges within the sadhana lifestyle. They serve as tools that accompany us on our journey, acting as allies in our progress and gradual advancement.

-Courses

Each level requires the completion of specific courses in order to progress to the next.

-Book Reading

refers to self-study, encompassing both independent learning and introspection. This includes reading suggested books, starting with shorter texts.

-Association

Association refers to the importance of coming together with fellow bhakti practitioners (often called devotees) for progress in bhakti. Chant Now provides a range of weekly group meetings at convenient times. Each session is facilitated by an experienced devotee and includes activities tailored to the group's level. To progress to the next stage, each participant in the program is required to attend a minimum number of group meetings.

-Archana

Another aspect of bhakti introduced progressively in the Bhakti Steps program is archana, or worship. This includes creating a home altar, learning different prayers and mantras, and understanding how to perform rituals, along with other elements of a bhakti-focused home life.

-Service

Practical devotional service is essential for advancing in bhakti yoga. At each level, there is a recommended minimum involvement in various forms of service, starting with becoming a Chant Now Seva Member.

-Coaching

To take part in this program, each member selects an experienced Chant Now facilitator as their personal coach to guide them through the program with complete confidence.

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Bhakti Explorer

Bhakti Explorer represents the initial phase of the bhakti yoga journey, inviting individuals to delve into the profound practice of devotion and love for the divine.

There are no set requirements for this level. This stage encourages seekers to explore their spiritual inclinations, fostering a connection with their inner selves and the universe around them.

• Duration: 4 weeks

Bhakti Yoga Level 1

This is the first step for serious bhakti seekers.

There are some minimum requirements to get to this level:

Requirements

1. Japa: 1 round of Mahamantra Japa every day attentively

2. Courses:

   -What is the Soul?

   -Mantra Meditation workshop

3. Book Self Reading:

-The Science of Self-Realization: https://vedabase.io/en/library/ssr/
-Chant and Be Happy: https://vedabase.io/en/library/cabh/

Watch: Documentary: Hare Krishna, Mantra and The Movement and the Swami Who Started it all: https://harekrishnathefilm.com/

4. Association: Attend mini 4 explorer group meeting & Enroll in Bhakti Yoga Level 1Group

5. Service: We will discuss this once you join

6. Coaching: Have at least one personal coaching session with your chosen coach

7. Duration: 6 Weeks

Bhakti Yoga Level 2

This level demands progressively more commitment from the Bhakti Yogi in all aspects.

1. Japa: 4 rounds of Mahamantra Japa every day in the morning

2. Sankalpa: Ahimsa- no meat eating and flesh and eggs; Pana- Abstaining from drugs and alcohol

3. Courses:

   1. Introduction to Vedic Knowledge

   2. Karma 101

   3. Mantra Meditation 101

   4. Your Chanting Sadhana

4. Book Self Reading:

-Ishopanishad: https://vedabase.io/en/library/iso/

5. Association: 4 Bhakti Yoga Level 1 Group meeting; enroll in Bhakti Yoga Level 2 Group

6. Service: We will discuss this once you join

7. Duration: 6 weeks
   

Nimai Ashraya

A Bhakti yogi who has progressed to Nimai Ashraya is ready to dedicate themselves to Krishna Consciousness.

1. Japa: 8 rounds of Mahamantra Japa every day in the morning

2. Sankalpa: Ahimsa- No gambling, Krishna Prasadam only, Ekadasi Vow

3. Courses:

   -Personal Sadhana 101

   -Growing Bhakti Course

   -The Bhagavad Gita-directed reading

4. Book Reading:

   -Nector of Instructions (https://vedabase.io/en/library/noi/)

   -Bhagavad Gita as it is (https://vedabase.io/en/library/bg/)

5. Association: 4 Bhakti Yoga Level 2 Group meetings; enroll in Nimai Ashraya Group

6. Service: We will discuss and decide mutually

7. Duration: 12 weeks

Acharya Ashraya

At this stage, you are ready to be under the stage of full shelter of Acharya Shrila Prabhupada

1. Japa: 16 rounds of Mahamantra Japa every day in the morning

2. Sankalpa: No caffeine and tea or tobacco

3. Courses:

   -Growing Bhakti Course-L2

4. Book Reading:

   -Srimad Bhagavatam-1st canto

   -Isopanisad

   -Srila Prabhupada lilaamrita

5. Association: 4 Bhakti Yoga Level 2 Group meetings; enroll in Nimai Ashraya Group

6. Service: Decide Mutually

7. Duration: 20 weeks

Bhakti Yoga Advanced

This is the final stage in the 6 steps program

1. Japa: 16 rounds of Mahamantra Japa every day in the morning

2. Sankalpa: No caffeine and tea or tobacco

3. Courses:

   • Iskcon Guru Disciple Course course pass, receive a letter from the local ISKCON temple authority-- we will help you.

4. Association: Visit local ISKCON temple regularly

5. Archana: Home altar

6. Service: Decide mutually

7. Duration: 20 weeks