From first connection to complete perfection.
A practical lens for leaders to see where people need a welcome, a relationship, a community or deeper guidance.
The six stages
Contact
Reach people and invite a first conversation.
Cultivate
Build trust through friendship and attentive follow-up.
Congregate
Welcome people into meaningful devotee association.
Commit
Encourage steady practice and deeper participation.
Certify
Make progress visible: named levels from śraddhāvān to dīkṣā encourage the next step.
Complete perfection
Keep the highest goal of devotional life in view.
The Six C approach helps leaders examine the whole journey rather than counting meetings alone. When a group needs attention, they can ask whether enough people are being reached, relationships are being cultivated, association is becoming regular and devotees are receiving support to deepen their practice.
It is a guide for caring for people, not a score for measuring their spiritual worth.
The six stages at a glance
| Stage | The person | What we offer | Time they give |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | First meets us, or is already in our life | A warm welcome and an honest read of how much time they can give | 0–30 minutes, now and then |
| Cultivate | Gives as much as they can, often very little | The right small dose, through prayer, prasādam, friendship, music, service and example | The same, growing |
| Congregate | Gives 20–30 minutes and enjoys it | A weekly Mañjarī program of 40–60 minutes | Weekly |
| Commit | Wants to go deeper | A Bhakti Vṛkṣa small group | Weekly, plus daily japa |
| Certify | Is practicing steadily | Recognition at each level | Daily practice |
| Complete perfection | Takes shelter of a spiritual master | Lifelong guidance of guru and Vaiṣṇavas | A whole life |
Caitanya Avatāri Dāsa teaches the Six C approach to Bhakti Vṛkṣa leaders and congregation preachers, including through the Introduction to 6C Strategy seminar on Bhakti Setu (opens in a new tab).
About Bhakti VṛkṣaBring the Six C approach to your group.
Ask the office about training for Bhakti Vṛkṣa leaders and preachers.
Contact the office