Bhakti Shastri 11 an Investment in the Future
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Bhaktivedanta College “Now I want that we shall concentrate on making our devotees Krishna conscious and ourselves become Krishna conscious, and not be so much concerned with expanding ourselves widely but without any spiritual content. Just like boiling milk, it becomes thicker and sweeter. Now do like that, boil the milk.” Letter from Srila Prabhupada May 5, 1972 Educational Vision Ministerial Programme 4 Bhaktivedanta College is part of the educational vision for ISKCON developed Benefits for ISKCON 7 by its Ministry of Educational Development. The Ministry’s ideas are to create institutes of higher education in Vaishnava Theology that Student Life 8 facilitate exchanges of thought and experience and help ensure the efficiency and competence of all levels of education needed Faculty Council 8 in ISKCON communities. Vocational Courses 10 Proper education is needed for a healthy society. Education not only enriches our present lives with knowledge, but represents Bhakti Shastri 11 an investment in the future. Students who are cared for and nurtured in a personal way can later dedicate their skills and knowledge to How to Apply 11 society and thus become instruments for spiritual change. By attending a range of 2 accredited courses, students develop their Costs 11 spiritual potential with confidence and maturity, which enables them to serve in ISKCON and build bridges of understanding A Look Into the Future 11 and cooperation with members of society. Graphics and Design © David Damodara Asen E-Mail: [email protected] Practically, our main focus at Bhaktivedanta College is the character development of the students. We see this as the main purpose of education. Our tutors and staff offer personal attention and care to students to facilitate their imbibing or deepening Vaishnava principles and values. We thus aim at establishing a solid foundation for the future of the students’ Krishna consciousness, while stressing academic excellence and the acquisition of practical and vocational skills useful in their service to Srila Prabhupada, the communities of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and wider society. A strong emphasis is put on the principle of being loyal to Srila Prabhupada and contributing to his mission. Vaishnava friendship, empowerment, team work, and cooperation are key elements of the College ethos. The spiritual atmosphere existing in the already well-established Radhadesh community is conducive to the devotional growth of the students, who come from many countries. They are expected to take part in the daily temple programmes, and they offer a variety of voluntary services in good Vaishnava association. Our academic courses are accredited by the University of Wales Lampeter, one of the oldest universities in the U.K. This ensures the quality of the courses and qualifies the students to speak and write in informed and relevant ways as they communicate Srila 3 Prabhupada’s message to today’s world. Bhaktivedanta College offers ample opportunities to students to grow as educated devotees, to prepare for responsibilities in ISKCON, and to acquire the qualifications to pursue further studies or seek respectable jobs in mainstream society. Yadunandana Dasa College Principal Ministerial Programme A Unique Educational Ethos The College combines formal academic study and ministerial training with devotional nurturing. Thus our curriculum includes three strands. For example, students in the first-year programme take modules in the Theology and Philosophy strand, modules in the Ministerial and Vocational strand, and modules in the Introspection and Devotion strand, along with additional exercises and group sessions. The courses are taught in a caring mood in small classes and have been tailored to give students sufficient University of breadth and depth for a solid basis in teaching and outreach work. Wales Lampeter A Three-Year Programme Bhaktivedanta College has a partnership with the University of Wales Lampeter (founded in 1822), an acknowledged centre for theological and religious studies in the UK. Since September 2003, Bhaktivedanta College has offered a Certificate in Vaishnava studies accredited by the University of Wales Lampeter, through its Open Learning Theology and Religious Studies programme. Students in our Year One course receive a Certificate in Vaishnava “The academic strand opened a Studies. For two years of study, the students earn whole new world to me and gave a Diploma in Vaishnava Studies. Students who me opportunities to integrate have successfully completed two years of study can spiritual education with university progress to the third year of study, leading towards recognition. The courses a Bachelor of Theology degree accredited by the provided a stronger foundation University of Wales Lampeter. for my spiritual life and practical training for the outside world.” Certificate in Gopisvari Dasi (Ireland) Class of 2003-04 4 Certifi cate in Vaishnava Studies YearYear OneOne “Your idea for the scholastic institution is a very good idea. Now we have so many books – almost 50 books of 400 pages – so this institution can be affi liated with some nearby university. Then the students will get their Bachelors and post-graduate degrees, Ph.D.” Letter from Srila Prabhupada November 9, 1975 Theology and Philosophy This programme makes it possible for students to gain a deeper understanding of the Vaishnava tradition and other philosophies and theologies. The areas covered are: Vaishnava Vedanta Ministerial and Vocational Readings in Western Philosophy History of ISKCON This strand of the programme imparts Sanskrit for Scriptural Study to students the practical skills needed World Religions for teaching, mentoring, leading temples Introduction to Ethics and congregations, and presenting Introduction to Hinduism Vaishnavism to diverse audiences. “The College helped me look at Communications ISKCON’s legacy in the broader contexts Congregational Development of Indian and Western philosophy and Counseling and Life Skills from the viewpoints of sociology and Interfaith interfaith. I gained confi dence, courage, Leadership and Management and the tools to become more active and Teacher Training effective in Krishna consciousness.” Teacher Training for Bhakti Shastri Vrindadevi Dasi (Switzerland) Class of 2002–03 Introspection and Devotion This strand encourages refl ection on 5 experiences gained from the courses and enables students to develop an ethos of honesty and spiritual integrity. Faith Development Emotions in Krishna Consciousness Inner Truth Srimad-Bhagavatam, First Canto Diploma in Bachelor of Theology Vaishnava Studies Degree YearYear TTwowo YearYear ThreeThree Theology and Philosophy Theology and Philosophy Readings from the Acaryas Modern Teachers and Trends Reason and Revelation: in Hinduism The Enlightenment and Religion Sad-darsanas: ISKCON and Society: Sociology The Six Vedic Philosophies Vedas and Upanishads Contemporary Social Issues The Epics: in ISKCON Ramayana and Mahabharata Canonical Textual Studies I: The Goswami Tradition: Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Bhaktirasamrta-sindhu and Canonical Textual Studies II: Sat-Sandarbha Bhagavata Purana Science and Religion Kavya: Indian Poetry and Drama Guided Study Module on a selected scriptural choice Ministerial and Vocational Systemic Work for Organizations Health for Devotees Coaching Clear Thinking, Strong Speaking Mediation and Confl ict Resolution Field Work Projects Introspection and Devotion Additional Activities Srimad-Bhagavatam, Second Canto Emotions in Krishna Consciousness Nectar of the Holy Name Daily temple programmes “The College gives a devotee Weekly introspective meetings opportunities to gain a deeper (devotee sangas) understanding of Krishna Voluntary service in the temple consciousness on a personal level Team-building exercises and to communicate it to others in a Participation in community activities much more mature way.” 6 Kadamba Kanana Swami “My fi rst year was a wonderful one of Teacher at Bhakivedanta College personal development. It increased my taste for scriptural study and my appreciation of the devotees. I was enriched by the variety of courses.” Re’em Stern (Israel) Class of 2004–05 Benefi ts for ISKCON Bhaktivedanta College . Encourages students to become creative, devoted servants of Srila Prabhupada’s movement. Teaches students to present Krishna conscious messages in informed, relevant, and accessible ways. Helps students prepare to minister to the Vaishnava congregation by teaching skills and values related to teaching, counseling, leadership, mediation, and pastoral care. Promotes an educational ethos within ISKCON by serving as a model for other training initiatives. Trains and accredits Krishna conscious teachers to work within ISKCON. Enables young people in ISKCON to become informed spokespersons for ISKCON and Gaudiya-Vaishnavism. What Students Can Do with a Bhaktivedanta College Degree The purposes of our educational programme are several. Two purposes are to provide a solid foundation in Vaishnava theology and to help students acquire ministerial and vocational skills. Bhaktivedanta College enables students to grow, deepen their spiritual knowledge, and develop a wide range of skills for future roles as preachers, scholars, teachers, leaders, counselors, and managers. The knowledge, skills, and values imparted in our programmes will enrich their life either in a spiritual community or in society at large. Our partnership with the University of Wales Lampeter gives our graduates 7 the opportunity