Provides students with broad knowledge and an understanding of the main contemporary social issues in ISKCON in light of contemporary and traditional social theory. Considers how these issues shape ISKCON’s development.

Teacher: Braja Bihari Dasa

Identifies the key concepts of both Western and Vedic sociological theory and examines them in the context of present-day ISKCON. By examining changing societies (particularly ISKCON), with the purpose of digesting the sociological constructs that run them, students become able to apply this knowledge in the improvement of relationships, communities, and societies.

Teacher: Urmila Dasi

Introduction to Kavya introduces students to the principal elements of Sanskrit poetry (kavya), its historical development, key authors, and writings. It further aims to enlarge the students’ knowledge and understanding of Hindu and Caitanya-Vaishnava theology by considering the relationship between kavya, scripture, and religious practice.

Teacher: Gopinath Acharya Dasa

Everyone gets into conflicts sooner or later in Kali-yuga. There are both practical and Krishna conscious ways to deal with such situations when they arise. This course addresses those ways. Furthermore, there are skills involved in helping others when they are in conflict, and this course studies those skills. Organizations have learned to deal with conflicts in a proactive and systematic way. This course shows how religious organizations in general, and ISKCON in particular, can set up systems so that there is a smooth and fair process for dealing with conflicts. Such systems can be a key factor in improving an organization's ethos. The course studies the theory behind establishing these systems and the ways to implement the theory.
 
Teacher: Braja Bihari Dasa

Explores the historical development of ISKCON and identifies landmarks in the development of ISKCON thinking; teaches recognition of how changing circumstances within ISKCON shaped the organisation’s view of its identity and mission.


Teacher: Urmila Dasi

Four days of listening, discussions, and reflection on Srila Prabhupada's example and teachings, based on the recollections of a direct, intimate witness: Dhananjaya Dasa and his wife Bala Gopala Dasi. This course promotes
appreciation for Srila Prabhupada and his relevance to the lives of ISKCON members.

Teachers: Dhananjaya Dasa and Bala Gopala Dasi

Provides students with an introduction to modern philosophy and the basic ideas, methods, and influences of the great philosophers of the period 1500-1860. It also aims to allow students to reflect on the impact of historical and philosophical changes in attitudes toward and understandings of religion.

Schedule: every second day

Teacher: Anupama Dasi

Classical and Medieval Philosophy introduces the most important thinkers and ideas of the West in a chronological overview, from the Greeks to the 1500s. The overview makes it possible to understand the nature and the deeper meaning of Western philosophy. While giving due attention to the individual features of the work of the various thinkers, two distinct phases are discerned: the formation of the discipline in classical Greece and the synthesis with Christianity that philosophy entered into in the Middle Ages.

Teacher: Mahendra Dasa

Learn what constitutes effective teaching:
- planning a lesson and writing a lesson outline
- teaching methods: interactive learning and experiential learning
- learn to select methods that correspond to what students learn
- the basic skills of delivery, facilitation, and classroom mgt.
- types of assessment and its purposes and oral-feedback skills
- basic communication and interpersonal skills
- the importance of teaching by example
- the need for systematic training and education.

The first course is suitable for both novice and experienced teachers. It is particularly appropriate for devotees who train other devotees. It is fun, intensive, highly interactive, and transformational. All students will receive a handbook that includes extensive notes and course worksheets. There is little or no homework. No exams. Informal assessment will be made mainly by oral feedback.

Teacher: Rasamandala Dasa

Provides students with a thorough knowledge of the structure, key themes, theology and central narratives of important literary works in the Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition that have not been studied in previous modules.  This module provides a thorough understanding of how these works have shaped the development of a) the Caitanya Vaishnava tradition and b) ISKCON thought and practice.

Teacher: Yadunandana Swami

Provides students with a comprehensive overview of Hindu history, theology, and social and political life.

Teacher: Gopinath Acharya Dasa

Introductory session: 27.09.2010.

Module 1
Bhagavad-gita 1-9: Jaya Bhadra Dasi, Braja Bihari Dasa and Yadunandana Swami (27.09.-24.10.2010.)
Exam Module 1: 24.10.2010.

Module 2
Nectar of Devotion: Sudevi Dasi (25.10.-07.11.2010.)
Nectar of Instruction: Mangala Candrika Dasi (08.11.-21.11.2010.)
Sri Isopanisad: Yadunandana Swami (22.11.-26.11.2010.)
Exam Module 2: 28.11.2010.

Module 3
Bhagavad-gita 10-18: Yadunandana Swami, Dinadayal Dasa (29.11.-19.12.2010.)
Exam Module 3: 22.12.2010.

Consolidation ceremony: 23.12.2010.

The Bhakti Shastri course encourages students not only to memorize the contents of Srila Prabhupada’s books but also to digest the philosophy and practically apply it. Professionally designed by the Vaishnava Training and Education team, the course draws together the principles of Krishna consciousness and progressive education. It focuses on behavior and character, and nurtures students in appropriate Vaishnava values. In this way, the course is true to ISKCON’s heritage and simultaneously relevant to contemporary society. Come and experience this enlivening Vaishnava education in the peaceful setting of Radhadesh, Belgium.

Here you can download application forms for the Bhakti Sastri course. You may return by e-mail or regular mail:

Bhaktivedanta College
Petite Somme 10
6940 Septon-Durbuy
Belgium

Package price: € 968

Covers the course costs and accomodation and prasadam.
Please register by the end of August 2010.

This is an opportunity for you to systematically study Srila Prabhupada's books and become conversant in the philosophy of Krsna consciousness. In order to receive an official Bhakti Sastri degree it is necessary that the candidate be chanting 16 rounds of japa, following the 4 regs and be active in devotional service for at least one year. Others are welcome to attend the course.

tac chraddadhana munayo
jnana-vairagya-yuktaya
pasyanty atmani catmanam
bhaktya sruta-grhitaya

"The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well equipped with knowledge and detachment, realizes the Absolute Truth by rendering devotional service in terms of what he has heard from the Vedanta-sruti." (Bhag. 1.2.12)

". . . you have to understand by studying carefully the philosophy. We have got so many books now, and I want all of my disciples to read them carefully. Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti Shastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books." (Letter from Srila Prabhupada, 7 July 1976)

For more information and course registration, please contact the College Secretary:
Tel: +32 (0)86 32-32-77 / E-mail: college@pamho.net
 

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

Provides students with a broad understanding of the principal religious and philosophical ideas contained in the four Vedas and the principal Upanishads, supported by an in-depth study of selected texts.

Teacher: Gopinath Acharya Dasa

Provides students with background on the emergence of modern Hinduism and a detailed understanding of the lives and teachings of the Hindu reformers who shaped it.

Teacher: Pranava Dasa

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

Provides students with historical background on the life of Rupa Goswami and detailed knowledge of the structure and contents of his principal theological ideas, as presented in the Bhaktirasamrta sindhu.

Teacher: Hanumatpreshaka Swami

Teacher: Saunaka Rsi Dasa

Provides students with detailed knowledge of the structure of the Ramayan and the Mahabharata and the main stories and characters presented therein. It invites students to consider their theistic ideas, their characters as role models, their ethical teachings, and the moral dilemmas they explore.

Teacher: Anuradha Dasi

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

Acquaints students with a range of modern interpretations of the Bhagavada-gitaand the reasons for these divergent understandings. Aims to allow students to consider the relevance of these interpretations to the Hindu tradition today.

Teacher: Anuradha Dasi

The course will include material on varieties of pastoral care that are being practiced in spiritual organizations, current issues in the delivering of pastoral care, the nature of pastoral care, and the need for pastoral care within communities. We will also discuss a variety of current ideas and developments regarding pastoral care within ISKCON communities.

Below are a few questions to consider for our upcoming seminar:

(1) Have you ever received spiritual care when you needed it? What was that like?

(2) Have you ever provided spiritual care to someone in need? How was that experience for you? For the recipient?

(3) Have you ever seen someone who needed spiritual care but did not receive it? How might this situation have turned out differently?

(4) Have you ever deeply needed spiritual care but none was available in the way you truly needed it?

Teacher: Yadunandana Swami

"Science and Religion" provides an introduction to the historical and conceptual relation between science and religion. The course uses historical examples and philosophical concepts to convey knowledge of case studies. It imparts an understanding that allows intelligent engagement in the debate.

Teacher: Gopal Hari Dasa

Vaishnava Vedanta introduces Vedanta, with an emphasis on how Vaishnava acharyas, especially Ramanuja and Madhva, challenged Sankara's  advaita-vedanta. This requires looking carefully at Sankara and at what assumptions the acharyas made in their refutations. The course also considers features of Jiva Goswami's and Baladeva Vidhyabhusana's acintya-bheda-abheda systems. The course frames the issues in meaningful ways for contemporary Vaishnava practitioners.

Teacher: Sudevi Dasi

Provides students with a thorough knowledge of the structure, key themes, theology, and central narratives of the Bhagavata Purana and a thorough understanding of how these have shaped the development of wider Hindu, Vaishnava, and ISKCON thought and practice.

One week pause: 04-08.04.2010.

Teacher: Yadunandana Swami and Gopinath Acharya Dasa

Builds on the Certificate Level introductory module to Vaishnava Vedanta through a study of the major doctrines of prominent Vaishnava acharyas and their writings, the conditions of the formulation of their works, and the historical developments.

Teacher: Gopal Hari Dasa

The Japa & Kirtan retreats will summarize the insights of the Japa retreats and then go into explaining and doing kirtan. Good kirtan improves japa, and good japa also brings about improved kirtan. Both of them complement each other, because they are based on the same thing: Krishna's most merciful form, the holy name.

Teacher: Sacinandana Swami

Compares the various theories behind moral reasoning that we find in different cultures. Examine models of ethical thought in terms of their relevance and practical application to ISKCON, contemporary society, and traditional Vedic culture.

Teacher: Sesa Dasa

Deepens and challenges the students’ knowledge and understanding of the Caitanya-caritamrta by providing a detailed analysis of its historical context, structure, and content. The module also aims to nurture a reflective approach to the message and teachings of the text in light of personal and institutional practice.

Teacher: Krsna Ksetra Dasa

Topics include: strategic planning; public speaking; listening skills; devotee relations; internal communications; media relations and training; and networking with academics, interfaith people, and government leaders.

Teacher: Anuttama Dasa

Provides students with historical background on the life of Jiva Goswami and detailed knowledge of the structure and contents of his principal theological ideas, as presented in the Sat-sandarbhas

Teacher: Radhika Ramana Dasa

Aims to give students an appreciation for the beauty and utility of the Sanskrit language. Upon completing the course students will have acquired the skills necessary to embark on a deeper study of the Sanskrit language. The course will focus on those aspects of the language that are most useful for the study of Srila Prabhupada's books. These include a basic familiarity with:

Teacher: Radhika Ramana Dasa