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Section Five: Faith-Student Assignments

Essay Concepts

Each of the essays is meant to be at least 10 pages and is intended to impart a well-researched and documented presentation of the topic.

1. How did the twelve mahajanas display faith?

Follow the anecdotes in Srimad-Bhagavatam and present the points with relevant quotations.

2. How did Srila Prabhupada preach with argument and logic?

  • For examples use Collected Lectures and Conversations With Srila Prabhupada & Siksamrta.
  • Explain the need for logic.
  • The difference with mental speculation.

3. How is the Bhagavad-gita principally a book of faith?

Arjuna was overwhelmed by grief; how did Krsna change Arjuna's perception?

Follow the line of reasoning until Arjuna conquers his grief and is convinced to follow Krsna's words.

4. Faith and Falldown.

  • 1 Describe examples of falldown, analyze the causes, and discuss prevention.
  • 2 Use examples from Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-caritamrta.
  • 3 Also address the topic in relation to ISKCON (no personal details)

5. Prabhupada the Founder-Acarya -the inspiration for generations to come.

A well-rounded document presenting his prominence by post, precepts & achievements.

Prabhupada's unique position in the Golden Age:

  • He took Krsna consciousness worldwide.
  • Lawbooks for the next 10,000 years.

6. Faith development in ISKCON

1966: ISKCON is fresh, enthusiastic, strong faith in Swamiji, naive, idealistic, ready to take on the world.

2002: ISKCON has a history of success and failure, more reserved, needs to strengthen leadership, has more maturity, now only Prabhupada vani.

7. Are we Hindus?

Explain the origin of the term => There are no Hindus and to group a wide range of beliefs under one nomer may cause misidentification.

8. Atheism

Apply logic

9. Harer namaiva kevalam

The only way

10. Why did we join? What did we join?

 

11. Prabhupada, the living proof

 

12. Show how Krsna consciousness is superior

 

13. Describe the practices of devotional service and the results.

 

14. Explain why acintya bheda-abheda-tattva makes perfect sense.

 

15. How to develop 'Love of God', when He is the source of evil?

 

16. What do you do for fun?

Sreyas & preyas (The four principles of Freedom, Satyaraja)