What is Required of Bhāgavata-śāstrī Students
Our one primary requirement, that all mandatory sādhana programs and classes be attended, is simple in theory, but difficult for some to carry out because of the intense work load and occurrences of illness. Those who have trouble fulfilling this requirement are encouraged to come to the standard, but ultimately those who cannot meet the requirement for a long time will have to be discontinued as supported students.
Additional requirements are minimal passing grades on tests and reasonably peaceful coexistence with the other members of the āśrama. Our āśrama members are forbidden to go hear from speakers outside ISKCON without special permission. And we have a dress code, which in short is that brahmacārīs should tuck in their dhotīs in the back, and not go about in public in lungīs or karmī clothes. Beards are also discouraged except during the Cāturmasya months.
Those who have their own Deities and śilās should arrange Their worship so that it doesn’t intefere with scheduled sādhana and classes, and those who do not yet have Deities should better forgo starting new worship until they have finished the three-year course.
Students are recommended to bring their own laptop computers. We also have some common computers in the āśrama, and internet connection by datacard is available.
It is difficult for some, especially those from outside India, to keep healthy in the difficult climate of Govardhana. We try to provide from our kitchen prasādam suitable for remaining healthy. But each individual has to be aware of what foods are good or bad for him, and should avoid overeating. We give warm bedding and clothing for the winter, and Āyurvedic and other medical care is available nearby and in Delhi. Within reasonable limits, the school pays for medical expenses. We try the best we can to help our āśrama residents avoid becoming sick, but if someone cannot avoid being constantly sick, we may advise him to go elsewhere for his health.
Evaluation of the students’ performance is by recording of attendance and the grading of tests. The teachers and management constantly check these evaluations and counsel those having problems.
For new students, there is a trial period of the first two months. At the end of this period the teachers and management decide whether the student is likely or not to succeed in following the program, and if necessary he may have to be asked to leave. But even for the rest of the three years students who fail for a long period to attend adequately are subject to being let go.