ISKCON 60–50 Launches Online Srila Prabhupada Study Course

As part of the ISKCON 60–50 global celebrations, and in alignment with the objective of increasing Śrīla Prabhupāda consciousness across the Society, the Śrīla Prabhupāda Introductory Course (SPIC) is being presented by the ICC 60–50 Education Committee. Based on the BBT publication Śrīla Prabhupāda: The Messenger of the Supreme Lord, this course is designed to gently guide participants toward a deeper, more personal appreciation of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, fostering a meaningful connection to his life, teachings, and mission.

By the end of the course, students become familiar with the significant events in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life, develop a deeper appreciation for his struggles in establishing and expanding the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, and gain clarity on how to understand, appreciate, and carry forward his mood and mission. The course also seeks to inspire participants to imbibe the ideals of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life and character within their own devotional journey.

SPIC offers a structured eight-lesson overview supported by well-developed resources, including lesson plans, presentations, and guided readings. Participants engage in pre-class study and structured reflection, making the experience both systematic and enriching. The course emphasizes thoughtful facilitation, enabling learning to deepen into realization. Special focus is placed on creating an interactive environment where participants can reflect, discuss, and internalize key lessons in meaningful ways.

To support wide adoption, SPIC is flexible in its delivery. It may be conducted as an intensive four-day course with two lessons per day, or as a weekly offering within Bhakti Vṛkṣa groups, congregational Bhagavad-gītā classes, or youth programs. The vision is that everyone who comes in touch with ISKCON undergoes a systematic study of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life early in their journey, thereby strengthening both the philosophical grounding and emotional connection in their devotional life.

The first online course will be conducted from April 20–24, and participants can register here. The website also facilitates teacher registration; devotees who have completed VTE TTC-2, submitted a recommendation letter, and obtained a SPIC certificate are eligible to apply for certification to teach. Additionally, ISKCON preachers, leaders, and teachers who have completed TTC-2 and are already engaged in teaching courses may attend a brief orientation session on course delivery and objectives, and thereby register themselves to teach the course, upon which they will be provided with the necessary materials to facilitate it. Upon successful completion of the course, including submission of the required assessment, participants are awarded a certificate.

This initiative is offered in a spirit of service, with the aspiration of strengthening ISKCON’s future by deepening every devotee’s relationship with Śrīla Prabhupāda.

For further information, suggestions, or feedback, please contact Nitai Madhav Das via email or visit the website.