By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,
Jayapataka Swami has become the first devotee in ISKCON history to receive the Bhakti Sarvabhauma degree, the highest academic qualification of the ISKCON Board of Examinations, earning an A+ grade from the Mayapur Institute.
A Vision Rooted in Srila Prabhupada’s Instructions
The degree system that Jayapataka Swami has now completed at the highest level was established directly by Srila Prabhupada. In a letter to Svarupa Damodara dated January 10, 1976, Prabhupada laid out the full framework:
“I have also suggested for the GBC’s consideration that we introduce a system of examinations for the devotees to take… Bhakti-sastri: (for all brahmanas) based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, The Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and all the small paperbacks. Bhakti-vaibhava: the above plus first six Cantos of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Bhakti-vedanta: the above plus cantos 7–12 Srimad-Bhagavatam. Bhakti-sarvabhauma: the above plus Caitanya-caritamrta.”
The responsibilities Srila Prabhupada attached to these qualifications were clear. In a letter to all Governing Body Commissioners on January 6, 1976, he wrote: “Anyone wishing to be initiated as a brahmana will have to pass the Bhaktisastri exam and anyone wishing to take sannyasa will have to pass the Bhaktivaibhava examination as well…Any sannyasis or brahmanas already initiated who fail to pass the exams will be considered low class or less qualified.”
His deepest aspiration, however, went even further. As he expressed as early as 1969: “I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue through the generations.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/jayapataka-swami-becomes-first-to-receive-bhakti-sarvabhauma-degree/
Comments