R.I.S.E Rupanuga Institute of Spiritual Education

The educational wing of ISKCON Auckland Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari Temple

Founder Acarya Course

Introduction

Srila Prabhupada wanted all his followers to understand and to participate in Vaishnava culture and to systematically study the scriptures. To this end, RISE Training Team has established a number of Courses to assist our congregation.

What is the Founder Acarya Course (FAC)?

The Founder-Acarya course is especially meant for new devotees. Building our relationship with our Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada is the key to deepening our relationships with all his followers including our instructing and initiating spiritual masters, and ultimately with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. There are no prerequisites for enrolment in the FAC.

Purpose

The purpose of this course is to know and understand how Srila Prabhupada is at the center of our lives and of our Society.

‘Srila Prabhupada did not simply carry the message of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Krishna to us. While that in itself is a glorious task, Srila Prabhupada, as our Founder-Acarya, created the very foundation, function and vision of ISKCON as a global community aiming for the “Prabhupada of the entire human society.”

Content

FAC deepens our relationship with our param-guru Srila Prabhupada by providing a glimpse into his life, especially his struggle to establish ISKCON. Coursework is made up of ten lessons that progress through three stages:

  1. sambandha (deepening our knowledge of Prabhupāda’s relationship with us as our Founder-Acharya),
  2. abhidheya (acting in that relationship by identifying and improving our contribution to his mission) and
  3. prayojana (deepening our love for him).

Outcomes

  1. By attending the Course, devotees become curious to learn more about Srila Prabhupada’s mission and his inner mood.
  2. Then reading Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta – which is also compulsory for all Melbourne initiation candidates – becomes an enlivening experience.
  3. Participation in the FAC is essential for anyone who wants to enrol in the ISKCON Disciples Course.
  4. The Course educates shelter candidates in the requirements for formal shelter in ISKCON.
  5. Attending and passing the FAC is a compulsory prerequisite for all levels of initiation candidates in Melbourne.