Sakhyarasa Prema Dasa has been an initiated member of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness for over 44 years and is an experienced teacher. He tries to be a patient servant of the devotees and wants to help them achieve either one or all six levels of excellence on this course.
He's also a natural musician since childhood, learning piano and guitar, and is a bhajan/kirtaneer, playing several eastern and western instruments. Due to having a sharp musical ear, his hearing is acutely sharp and ideal for guiding others toward clear and precise chanting of mantras and ślokas.
Following the instructions of his superiors, Sakhya learned to read and write Sanskrit devanagari script. He follows guidelines from an expert Sanskrit teacher from Sirshi in South India and uses Lokanāth Swami's Samskritoccāranam as one of his text books to aid with the correct Sanskrit pronunciation, grammar etc.
Considering that so many advocates of religious and philosophical pursuasions are able to quote their own docrtrines and scriptures, it goes without saying that initiated and even non initiated members of ISKCON should assimilate and memorise key verses in Bhakti shāstras.
To be able to quote and correctly pronounce the original verses from Vaishnava scriptures is most pleasing and satisfying. It also pleases one's Spiritual Master, the previous Vaishnava acharyas and is most pleasing to the Supreme Lord Himself Who is situated in the heart of all living entities as the Upādriṣta, Anumānta and Chaityā Guru within.
You're most welcome to join a free online group shlokarship courses and get inspired to acquire the tools, techniques and expertise to be able to articulate and memorise sacred texts from the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhāgavatam, Shri Iśopaniṣad, Padma Purāna, Nectar of Instruction and Devotion, the Katha, Mundākya, Svetāṣvatara and Taittirya Upaniṣads and many other śāstras along with basic and/or advanced levels of vyākaran/grammar. It is a dynamic service and an ideal way to utilise your spare time where you will derive great benefit for yourself and others!
"You are most welcome to join us on zoom anytime during our shloka learning session which is posted on Monday, Tuesday (Krishna Book), Friday and Saturday on the 'Learning How To Learn Vedic Verses' Facebook page. "