Consciousness of Krishna. A Beginner's Guide

This book will help you improve in your spiritual life. In it you will find all the necessary information for the daily practice of Krishna consciousness. The book contains many practical recommendations and will be useful for both those living at home and those living in an ashram. The book provides spiritual standards that are most optimal for beginner devotees. The advice is based on the method of spiritual practice followed by the members of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya (the disciplic succession originating from Lord Chaitanya) and which is described in such authoritative scriptures as «Hari-bhakti-vilasa», «Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu», «Sri Upadeshamrita», and others.

Contents:

• - Preface
  - Why practice Krishna consciousness?
  - The foundation of spiritual life: guru, sadhu, and shastras
  - Krishna consciousness as it is
  - The significance of Srila Prabhupada
  - Guru and spiritual initiation
  - Sadhana – the most important aspect of spiritual life
  - Kirtan
  - Japa
  - The importance of hearing from advanced devotees
  - Reading spiritual literature
  - Associating with devotees
  - Four regulating principles
  - A temple in your home
  - Worshipping Deities: puja and arati
  - Tulasi
  - Daily routine
  - Songs and prayers
  - Krishna-prasadam
  - Diet
  - Tilaka
  - How to handle sacred items
  - Cleanliness
  - ISKCON
  - Preaching
  - Nagara-sankirtana
  - Ekadashi
  - Chaturmasya and Damodara-vrata
  - Festivals
  - How to express respect
  - The appearance of a Vaishnava
  - Holy places
  - The mood of a devotee
  - How to create a spiritual atmosphere at home
  - Relationships with relatives and loved ones
  - Restrictions on interaction between men and women
  - Become a member of ISKCON
  - The secret of success in spiritual life
  - Glossary
  - About the author