Bhaktivedanta College’s 2nd Term Courses - 2008-12-14

Bhaktivedanta College's courses for the second term in 2008/9: Modern Hindu Trends, ISKCON and Society, Classical and Medieval Philosophy, Sad Darshanas, Bhakti Sastri 2009, Reflections on Shri Caitanya-caritamrta, Interfaith, Leadership & Management, Shri Caitanya-caritamrta, Vaisnava Vedanta, Vedas and Upanishads, Congregational Preaching, Bhagavata Purana, Introduction to Kavya, Health for Devotees

Modern Hindu Trends: January 2 - January 12, 2009.

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

ISKCON and Society: January 5 - January 16, 2009.

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: Dr. Burke Rochford, Chairman of the Department of Social Anthropology at Middlelbury College in the USA. He has been doing social research on ISKCON for more than thirty years.

Classical and Medieval Philosophy: January 12 - January 23, 2009.

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

Sad Darshanas: January 14 - January 18, 2009.

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: Pranava Dasa

Bhakti Sastri 2009: January 18 - May 22, 2009.

Reflections on Shri Caitanya-caritamrta: January 26 - January 30, 2009.

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

Interfaith: January 31 - February 1, 2009.

This is an interactive course showing what interfaith activity is and why it is important for ISKCON members. We analyze various types of interfaith programs, and students learn to present concepts of Krishna consciousness in a personal manner. We study the essential principles of a Vaishnava approach to dealing with members of other faiths and practical guidelines for meeting them. The course includes a field trip to religious communities.

Teacher: Saunaka Rsi Dasa

Leadership & Management: February 2 - February 6, 2009.

This is an interactive course for devotees who supervise people or projects. The course examines the essential principles of leadership and management and enhances skills in both personal and professional capacities. Delegation, time management, strategic planning, public speaking, project vision, team development, devotee relations, writing job descriptions, assessment and reporting, facilitation and meeting skills, and characteristics of expert leaders are explored in the course.

Teacher: Alakananda Dasi

Shri Caitanya-caritamrta: February 9 - February 13, 2009.

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

Vaisnava Vedanta: February 23 - February 27, 2009.

“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.

Second week will be from March 9-13.

Teacher: Sudevi Dasi

Vedas and Upanishads: March 2 - March 13, 2009.

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

Congregational Preaching: March 4 - March 6, 2009.

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

Bhagavata Purana: March 9 - March 13, 2009.

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.

Second week will be from May 18-22.

Teacher: Gopinath Acharya Dasa

Introduction to Kavya : March 16 - March 20, 2009.

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

Health for Devotees: March 23 - March 27, 2009.

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