VTE Bhakti Sastri Course in Radhadesh

[Guest guest]

Dear Devotees

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

It was Srila Prabhupada's desire that devotees become well versed with the

Vaisnava philosophy:

"I have also suggested for the GBC's consideration, that we introduce a

system of examinations for the devotees to take. Sometimes there is

criticism that our men are not sufficiently learned, especially the

brahmanas. Of course second initiation does not depend upon passing an

examination. How one has moulded his life--chanting, attending arati, etc.,

these are essential. Still, brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am

suggesting examinations. Bhakti-sastri--(for all brahmanas) based on

Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction…"

(Srila Prabhupada letter to Svarupa Damodara 76-01-10)

 

The VTE (Vaisnava Training and Education) Bhakti Sastri course has taken

almost five years to complete, this course has been designed and written by

experienced devotee-teachers. Going well beyond theory, it aims to equip the

student with practical skills in applying scripture (in our own lives and in

guiding others). It specifically focuses on behaviour and character,

nurturing students in appropriate Vaisnava values. Designed and written

professionally, this course draws extensively on the principles of Krishna

consciousness and the best of progressive education. In this way, it is true

to ISKCON's long-standing heritage and at the same time relevant to its

mission within contemporary society.

 

This three month residential course will begin 26th March 2001 and continue

until 23rd June 2001. It will be held in Radhadesh, a wonderful vaisnava

community, situated in the tranquil and picturesque Belgium Ardennes.

Radhadesh is already well known for hosting the Annual European Iskcon

convention.

 

The teachers for this course are:

Sriman Rasamandala Dasa who joined ISKCON in 1973 at Bhaktivedanta Manor. He

is now the director of ISKCON Educational Services and is serving the VTE

(Vaisnava Training and Education) in the fields of teacher training and

curriculum development. He is a great believer in "aims-driven" and

"principle-based" education.

Sriman Braja Bihari Dasa joined ISKCON in 1977 in Detroit. He did sankirtana

until 1989 when he joined the VIHE staff as assistant manager and teacher.

He is now also helping to manage the Vrindavana Gurukula and the Ministry of

Educational Development.

Srimati Rati Manjari Devi Dasi has been serving in ISKCON Cape Town, South

Africa, for the last ten years. Her main areas of service have been book

distribution and college preaching. She has been giving classes and

conducting retreats for the university students for the past five years. She

has been teaching Nectar of Devotion in both Vrndavana and Mayapur for the

last two years.

Sriman Anumanta Dasa - Joined ISKCON in 1986 in Amsterdam. He spent eight

years of preaching in Greece and then he moved to Radhadesh in 1996. For the

last three years he has been teaching bhakta program in Radhadesh, as well

performing other educational and managerial services.

 

The curriculum materials combine focus with flexibility, and can be taught

according to a wide range of styles. They are suitable to the experienced

teacher (who wishes to exercise initiative) and the younger devotee

(preferring closer guidance). All in all, this course makes sastric study

stimulating and exciting, and helps develop the Society as a serious

educational institute.

 

This highly participatory and interactive course covers Bhagavad Gita,

Nectar of Devotion, Sri Isopanisad and Nectar of Instruction with a total of

135 1½ hour lessons (i.e. generally 2 lessons a day with one day a week

free), students will also require 1- 1½ hours of self study per lesson (67%

of the assessment is coursework/project work). All participants will receive

comprehensive student's handbooks and workbooks and those who successfully

pass the exams will also get official VTE Bhakti Sastri Cetificates. For a

more detailed overview of the course see the attached file.

 

This course is meant for devotees who have been seriously practicing Krsna

Consciousness for some time and have some basic backround sastric knowledge

and understanding, (equivalent to a serious devotee residing in the temple

for one year). All students must follow the 4 regulative principles and

chant 16 rounds and are expected to attend the daily morning program.

 

Radhadesh will provide an environment conducive for devotees to study and

practice Krsna consciousness. Participants will have places to study, a

complete reference library, good association, gorgeous Deities to worship,

an enlivening morning and evening program, nice accommodations, and

delicious prasadam.

 

Registration:

The fee for this highly participatory and interactive, 3 month VTE bhakti

sastri course is 900 Euros (850 Euros if you register before January 1st

2000) inclusive of tuition, accommodation, prasadam and all course

materials. Places are limited, so register quickly if you don't want to be

disappointed. Devotees wishing to register are requested to pay a 100 Euro

registration fee to reserve their place.

For registration and other inquiries contact:

Anumanta dasa

Radhadesh

Chateau de Petite Somme

6940 Septon - Durbuy

Belgium

+32 86 322926 Reception desk

+32 86 322928 Fax

+32 86 321501 Home

anumanta.dg (AT) pamho (DOT) net

 

We are eagerly waiting for you to join us in Radhadesh for the upcoming VTE

(Vaisnava Training and Education) Bhakti-sastri Course. We can assure you

that of a very satisfying and valuable experience.

 

Your servant

Anumanta dasa

Radhadesh Center for Vaisnava Training and Education