Bhakti-sastri is an essential course in Krishna consciousness that covers the study of Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-Gita, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction and Sri Isopanisad. At the VIHE, the course also includes an introduction to the process of Deity worship as well as a workshop on Sanskrit pronunciation. Srila Prabhupada conceived of the Bhakti-sastri course as a part of brahminical training. It is meant for devotees who want to get a systematic understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s books and thereby enhance both their knowledge and practice of Krishna consciousness and their ability to convey its message. The Bhakti-sastri degree is a requirement for getting the second initiation. We invite you to take the whole course on-site, in Sri Vrndavana Dhama. If however, it is not possible for you to attend in full, you may take parts of the course on-site and finish the rest by email, or you may complete the course another year at the VIHE or in another place.
Dates:
July 6 – November 13, 2020 (4 months)
Requirements:
According to the standards of the ISKCON Board of Examination students must chant a minimum of 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra daily and follow the 4 regulative principles in order to qualify for obtaining a Bhakti-sastri degree. We require 2 recommendation letters by senior devotees in good standing. The letters must attest to the student’s character, brahminical tendencies, service attitude, and sadhana. The candidate should be proficient in English.
Course Content and Teachers:
Bhagavad-gita (all 18 chapters) – 17 weeks. Teachers: H.H. Jayadvaita Swami, H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami, H.G. Sarvabhauma Dasa, H.G. Pranesvara Dasa, H.G. Adi Purusa Dasa, H.G. Sundara Lala Dasa
Nectar of Devotion (first 19 chapters) – 6 weeks. Teacher: to be announced.
Sri Isopanishad – 3 weeks. Teacher: to be announced.
Nectar of Instruction – 3 weeks. Teachers: to be announced.
An introduction to Deity Worship – 10 hours. Teacher: H.G. Mukunda Datta Dasa
Sanskrit pronunciation and meter – 8 hours. Teacher: to be announced.
Assessment: Essays, closed-book exams and oral assessment of slokas. Sadhana, service, cooperation, and attendance at extracurricular activities are also taken into account.
Admissions:
Click here and fill the application form for the VIHE Bhakti-sastri Course: https://forms.gle/G6bg8tCDvb6WRDjr5
About Contributions:
The contribution towards the course is 12,500 rupees (listener only: Rs. 6,500). Please note that contributions cover the study materials and administrative expenses connected with conducting the course. Accommodation and travel are not included. Lunch prasadam is served at the VIHE by the mercy of well-wishers. Classes are free of cost.
