Introductory Course (Bhakta Programme)

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Bhaktivedanta Manor Training information

 

 

Please see attached files, and place the poster if you wish on your notice

board.

 

1.*Introductory Course (Bhakta Programme)*

 

 

 

After a long and extended break, the Manor Training and Education (MTE)

Department at Bhaktivedanta Manor is planning to run an Introductory Course/

Bhakta Programme. We have received many enquiries from various temples and

individuals over the past year as to the commencement of the next programme.

Due to circumstances, we were unable to begin, however, the time has arrived

now. Below is an outline of what we have on offer.

 

 

 

If you have any suggestions or questions for clarification, please contact

us. If you have interested parties to come for the programme but the dates

seem unsuitable, let us know, there is still some flexibility in terms of

the final dates, though we do not wish to stray too far from the April to

July period.

 

 

 

We wish to also reassure you that this is a *service* the Manor wishes to

offer, and all students who attend will be expected to return to their

respective temple of service after completing the course.

 

 

 

*Dates*: 3rd April to 30th June 2006 (yet to be finalised)

 

 

 

*Course Overview*

 

The course is scheduled for three months. We wish to place emphasis on seven

key areas to help develop a healthy foundation in the student's Krishna

Consciousness, the appropriate skills in dealing with Vaishnavas and

cultivating the right attitude for practising devotional service:

 

 

 

.. *Saddhana – rising early and quality chanting *

 

.. *Seva – developing the right service attitude *

 

.. *Sastra – comprehensive understanding of Vaishnava teachings *

 

.. *Sanga – good association*

 

.. *Sankirtan – preparation for giving Krishna to others *

 

.. *Simplicity* – *simple in needs and clean in mind *

 

.. *Living in community* – *learning to live within a community of

devotees *

 

 

 

* *

 

*About the teacher*

 

The teacher for the course will be Jivadoya das.

 

 

 

He came to Krishna Consciousness in Spring 1996. After completing the

Introductory and Foundation courses at Bhaktivedanta Manor, he served in the

capacity of temple commander ; since 1998 he has been on book distribution

for seven years (of which he was the head of department for three years).

During these years he also participated in western outreach programmes such

as 'Meet the Monks', university preaching and congregational development.

 

 

 

Jivadoya das is a *Bhakti*-*sastri* graduate with ISKCON certification in

Teacher Training, Communications skills and Mediation skills. Also, of

significant impact has been a recent six-month stay in Chowpatty temple

under the guidance of HH Radhanatha Swami and other senior devotees where he

received further training in Vaishnava culture and brahmacari life.

 

* *

 

*The Programme *

 

Classes and workshops will be held four days a week with accompanying

general temple services i.e. practical services, support in the kitchen and

assisting a number of festivals.

 

* *

 

Other days will include Harinam, book distribution, university and home

visit programmes, farming and milking cows, cooking and deity services etc

 

 

Fees

 

A nominal charge of £251 will be asked for the course to cover basic costs

of study materials, clothing etc. Concessions or sponsorships will be

available for those with limited resources.

**

*The Syllabus*

 

The syllabus of the Introductory Course is as follows:

 

 

 

Students will take part in general temple service duties and festivals

together with their classroom studies.

 

 

 

Each Student will cover 3 handbooks entitled Devotional Practice, Theology &

Philosophy and Vaishnava Culture.

 

 

 

 

*A) Devotional Practice:*

 

 

 

1: Devotional Service

 

2: Daily Schedule & Appearance

 

3: Four Principles

 

4: Hearing and Chanting: Tips and Pitfalls

 

5: Deity Worship: Tulasi Worship

 

6: Holy Days and Festivals

 

7: Preaching, Paramapara and ISKCON

 

8: Cleanliness and Etiquette

 

 

 

 

*B) Theology & Philosophy:*

 

 

 

1: The Existence of God

 

2: The Search for the Absolute Truth / 3 pramanas / 4 defects

 

3: "You Are Not The Material Body"

 

4: Faith

 

5: The Three Aspects of the Absolute Truth

 

6: Krishna: The Supreme Absolute Truth / The Five Primary Rasas

 

7: The Three Energies of the Lord

 

8: The Creation / Universal Time

 

9: Perceiving Krishna in His Creation

 

10: The Three Modes of Material Nature / the Law of Karma / Re-incarnation

 

11: Death & Liberation

 

 

 

*C) Vaishnava Culture:*

 

 

 

1: ISKCON's Cultural Identity

 

2: The Vedas

 

3: The Four Varnas

 

4: The Four Ashrams

 

5: Respect: The Basis of Civilisation

 

6: Ethics and Morality

 

7: Relating to Devotees with Due Respect

 

8: Relating to seniors, juniors, and Peers

 

9: Receiving a Guest

 

10: Fellowship and Association

 

11: Three Levels of Devotees

 

12: Offences to the Vaisnavas

 

13: Twenty-Six Qualities of a Devotee

 

 

 

To commend success in completing the course, students will be awarded

Introductory Course certificates.

 

 

For your convenience we are attaching an invitation letter you may wish to

send to the prospective candidates. Please feel free to use it.

 

 

 

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

 

 

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,

 

Jivadoya das

 

 

 

 

For more information please contact:

 

Jivadoya das

 

Manor Training & Education

 

Bhaktivedanta Manor

 

Hilfield Lane,

 

Aldenham,

 

Watford,

 

Hertfordshire

 

WD25 8EZ

 

 

 

Day phone number: 01923 854 270

 

 

 

E-mail: jivadoya.srs

 

 

 

Website: http://www.krishnatemple.com