Bhaktivedanta College - preparation for a lifetime...
Bhaktivedanta College is dedicated to helping students simultaneously develop both Krishna consciousness and academic excellence.
The College, in partnership with the University of Wales Lampeter, awards a certificate (for completing one year), a diploma (for completing two years), and a Bachelor's degree in Theology (for completing three years).
Bhaktivedanta College students are living in the devotional atmosphere of Radhadesh, following the temple programmes, doing devotional service, and studying Vaishnava philosophy.
UNIQUE It is the only ISKCON institution offering B.A. courses in Vaishnava theology in English. Bhaktivedanta College is also developing a curriculum for a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration.
COMPREHENSIVE Our courses cover various fields of human knowledge with reference to Vedic texts.
INTERNATIONAL Devotees from ISKCON's younger generations are feeling the need for systematic, accredited education. Our courses attract students from all over the world. Currently, students come from over twenty countries.
SUPPORTIVE OF ITS STUDENTS The College nurtures and supports its students in academic, personal, and spiritual development.
ORIENTED TOWARDS HUMAN VALUES The outstanding personal qualities of those in our graduating classes and a yearly increase in applications are signs of our success.
EXEMPLARY This campus will be the model for future programmes of its kind around the world.
ACCREDITED The current undergraduate programme is accredited by the University of Wales Lampeter, one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom.
Would you like to earn an academic degree in Vaishnava theology while living in a devotional community?
Bhaktivedanta College Easter Japa and Kirtan retreat 2012
Venue: Bhaktivedanta College; Radhadesh, Belgium
Dates: 6-12 April 2012
Price 1: €150 - the Radhadesh Guesthouse dormitory (own beddings) Price 2: €170 - the Radhadesh Guesthouse shared rooms (3-5 beds) Price 3: €0 - Free of charge! We need 4 kitchen assitants - 3 hours service per day - please contact dinadayal.sns@pamho.net
6 days accommodation, prasadam, and seminar fee are included in above prices. Children under 8 are having free accommodation. Children 8-12 are paying 1/2 of the price.
_________________________________________ Invitation letter from Sacinandana Swami:
Dear devotees, dear friends Please accept my best wishes. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
It is my special pleasure to invite you again to our yearly Japa and Kirtan retreat in Radhadesh.
All of us have experienced how environment and atmosphere can influence our chanting significantly. In a strong devotional atmosphere we feel uplifted and empowered and in a non-devotional atmosphere often disturbed. This year we will learn to chant in an Vrindavan atmosphere.
In Srila Rupa Goswami's guidebook "Nectar of Instruction" he mentions
that the essence of all spiritual advice consists of absorbing oneself
into the name and personality of the Lord while residing in the
atmosphere of Vrindavan. (Text 8)
New online program by Bhaktivedanta College: Discovering Bhakti Culture and Spirituality
This module is a blend of theoretical and practical approaches to human devotion to God. It will take you on a journey through the academic world of comparative religious and social studies, and into the realm of yoga meditation and self-discovery, while it prepares you for future studies with us or others elsewhere.
Congregational Preaching: January 25 - January 27, 2012.
Identifies the successes and mistakes of more than twenty years of
preaching in the United Kingdom. This course takes into account all the
existing ISKCON programs of congregational development and some from
other organizations, and helps students think about what will be right
in various fields of preaching.
Teacher: Kripamoya Dasa
Interview with Arcana-siddhi about the Online Bhakti Shastri course
What made you join spiritual movement thirty-six years ago?
I had an existential crisis. I couldn’t see the point of living a meaningless life, so I began to search for answers to my burning questions: “What is the purpose to existence? Is death liberation from material suffering, and if so is suicide a short cut?” My search ended after meeting the devotees. Everything resonated—the philosophy, the way of life, the prasada, the devotees. I dropped out of graduate school and moved into the asrama.
When did you start to write for Back to Godhead magazine, and how has your writing matured since then?
I started writing for BTG in 1998. I felt the magazine needed more
articles demonstrating the practical application of our philosophy in
our everyday life, especially for those living outside temples. I feel
my that writing has naturally matured with increased life experience
and a maturation of my spiritual realizations.
Online Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies: Discovering Bhakti Culture and Spirituality: February 6 - March 26, 2012.
This module is a blend of theoretical and practical approaches of human devotion to God. It will take you on a journey through the academic world of comparative religious and social studies into the realm of yoga meditation and self-discovery. At the same time the Course is preparing you for your future Yoga practice and studies.
Sad Darshanas - The Six Indian Philosophies: February 6 - February 10, 2012.
Introduces the six philosophies of Hindu thought that have contributed most to defining historically Hindu ideas of world, self, God, and the process of liberation. Each philosophy is analyzed in terms of its basic perspective and categories, with the help of selected original texts in translation. The course provides tools for informed comparative studies and a broader grasp of the basis of traditional Vaishnava philosophy.
Teacher: Sudevi Dasi
A Christmas Message from the Principal
Dear Alumni and Friends of Bhaktivedanta College, Please accept my warm greetings and respectful pranams. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I want to take the opportunity of Christmas and the 2012 New Year season to wish you all success in your life projects. May Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha bless you with good health, prosperity, rewarding relationships, and spiritual fulfillment.
I would also like to update you on the latest developments at Bhaktivedanta College. By Krishna’s grace and by the hard work of many committed persons, this is the tenth year Bhaktivedanta College is operating.
Bhaktivedanta College’s BA (Hons) in Educational Studies, Theology & Religion will begin on Monday September 17th, 2012. The application deadline is April 30th, 2012. The College is looking to select ambitious, spiritually-minded students. If you have such aspirations, please send for a prospectus by contacting mandala.education@pamho.net or calling +32 86 323277.
A new course offered by Bhaktivedanta College at the ISKCON community in Radhadesh, Belgium, promises to open up a host of career opportunities for ISKCON devotees. » Read more
Bhaktivedanta College: New Online Programs in 2012
Worldwide, friends of Krishna are studying Vedic writings, and although
most are eager to study systematically, they're not always able to spend
a few months to relocate and take the courses in a classroom setting.
Thanks to internet technology, Bhaktivedanta College has prepared for
you the Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies and Bhakti Sastri programs.
In our virtual classroom, you can now take our online programs in your
own home, in your own time zone, and from any computer in the world.
Bhaktivedanta College Students Represent ISKCON at Assisi Interfaith Events
Saint Francis of Assisi, a spiritual leader renowned for centuries, established the Franciscan order in the Catholic tradition. He is not so well known for creating the first interfaith event of the Catholic Church. In memory of his worthy efforts, various Catholic institutions commemorate his initiatives at interreligious dialogue with a grand interfaith event. Recently, Bhaktivedanta College students were invited, through the Radhadesh communications department, to represent ISKCON at two Assisi memorial interfaith events in Belgium.
Selected Topics from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Biographies: January 16 - January 20, 2012.
More than any other book, Sri Caitanya-caritamrta reveals our
identities as Vaishnavas, for it roots us in the tradition we
represent. Also, it yields deep insights into the life and philosophy
of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The text thus provides us with the authority to
spread His teachings. But, above all, this sacred biography gradually
and methodically introduces us to the inconceivable love of God
experienced by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The course is meant to offer
essential perspectives on our personal spiritual lives and aims to
establish the dignity and authenticity of our sampradaya.
Teacher: Kadamba Kanana Swami
An Interview with Suresvara Dasa on the Prabhupada Seminar
College: Why did you start this seminar?
Suresvara: I was teaching and coordinating a Bhaktivaibhava course
at the Mayapur Institute in 2010, and I was surprised to hear that so many
students felt distant from our founder-acarya, Srila Prabhupada. Whenever I'd
tell an anecdote about Prabhupada to illustrate or apply a philosophical point,
some students would say how fortunate I'd been to have lived in his time, as
though the devotees now were less fortunate to associate with him through his
everlasting vani. I'd cite references from Srila Prabhupada that vani (his
words) is more important than vapu (his bodily association), but I could see in
their eyes that they didn't believe it at heart. "This isn't right,"
I thought. "Prabhupada may be my initiating spiritual master, but he's
everyone in ISKCON's founder-acarya. I need to develop a seminar to promote and
deepen that understanding." I'd heard about the GBC's standing committee
to promote Prabhupada's preeminence in ISKCON, so I got in touch with its
chairman, who encouraged me to develop a seminar.
Bhaktivedanta College is the home of some young devotees from all over the world. Together they pursue academics and learn to love Krishna in a nurturing and thriving community, Radhadesh. This video provides a taster of student life.