Bhaktivedanta College to Create Bhaktivedanta Newsletter Autumn 2006 Sri Ananga Manjari Dasi Premanjana, Aniruddha, and Malati-Manjari Similar Leadership Programs

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Aravindaksa Dasa

ning, and temple management. Dina Dayal Dasa This is the newest initiative preparation for a lifetime Henk Bul from the SSPT, which hopes to send Jean Pierre, Linda and Nena Devriese five more students for the 2007-08 Maritza Mardones class. The SSPT will encourage oth Moira Keyes ers worldwide to take advantage Saranga Thakur Dasa of Bhaktivedanta College to create Bhaktivedanta Newsletter Autumn 2006 Sri Ananga Manjari Dasi Premanjana, Aniruddha, and Malati-manjari similar leadership programs. Stephen Butler In 2006, ISKCON leaders of North America So you want to be a leader? set a precedent after years of discussions Mathura Members The College is Happy to Begin Offering Bachelor’s Degrees on the future of ISKCON. They decided to Through Web sites and networking, the Alakananda Dasi take steps to gradually hand down the keys SSPT canvassed North America looking for Ananda Saraswati For the first time Bhakti tributes to a devotee’s strengths in becom deepening their knowledge of theology to the next generation. a few young devotees to dedicate them Baraha Murti Dasa vedanta College is running ing a teacher, a counsellor, a manager, etc. and related fields. Each year the college One of those steps took place in Sep selves to being trained for leadership. The Blazej Bolebruch three years of courses simultane Till recently the field of theology has students invigorate the atmosphere of Rad tember: The Spiritual Strategic Planning three who have come to the College are Brahmananda and Paula Nandoe van ously, and twenty-six students from been predominated by Christian scholars. hadesh by their enthusiasm and geniality. Team (SSPT) and the GBC of North Amer Aniruddha (Vancouver), Malati-manjari Dasi der Wal fourteen countries are enrolled. Three stu The potential now is being given to devo The College’s combined efforts regarding ica sent three young prospects to begin (Washington, D.C.), and Premanjana (New Bruno van Gompel dents in the Year One course are from the tees to present the illuminating Vaishnava character development and education in their leadership training at Bhaktivedanta Talavan, Mississippi). These three all have an Christian Rudin USA and Canada; thry are part of a program philosophy to society. Educated devotees theology will greatly benefit students and College. The students were sponsored by optimistic view of ISKCON’s future. Devaprastha Dasa sponsored by the North American GBC and can have a positive influence by giving bring the degree-holders high recognition Gopal Bhatta Prabhu (Los Angeles). “I felt obliged to apply for the leadership Dinasraya Dasa Spiritual Strategic Planning Team to find people scholarly explanations of the world in different areas of human society. Anuttama Prabhu, a member of SSTP, program because ISKCON is my family and and support second- and third-generation and God. Dr. C. Rajagopal said, “Bhaktivedanta College offers the only the temple is my home,” Aniruddha said. devotees to fill an array of important leader By studying at Bhaktivedanta Col Gandharvika Giridhari Dasi higher-education program in ISKCON that “The idea of being able to take part in ship positions within ISKCON. lege, students dramatically enrich Ivo Diels leads to a Bachelor of Theology degree. Its a revolutionary shift in ISKCON is one thing The nine students in the Year Three their character in three ways: (1) James Lee three-track program (theology and philoso that keeps me going,” said Premanjana. course, who are expected to graduate in by the spiritual development that Jaya Krsna Dasa phy, ministerial and vocational training, and All of them agree that Bhaktivedanta June 2007, will receive Bachelor’s degrees comes from sadhana and from introspective and devotional development) College is an ideal institution for training a Josef Lauber in Theology from Bhaktivedanta College’s seminars and retreats given by makes Bhaktivedanta College a perfect new generation of ISKCON leaders. It offers Kamalakantha Dasa partner in education, the University of Wales gurus and senior Vaishnavas; (2) place to prepare budding leaders.” a supportive, nurturing environment that Kevin & Shelina Boyle Lampeter. A Bachelor’s degree in theology through personal development, The students will study here for one allows students to identify their strengths Kumari-priya Dasi can provide a devotee great opportunities pastoral care, and vocational academic year and then travel back to and weaknesses while developing their Lalita Dasi to effectively preach in academia, in public, courses that help them to bet America to start a six-month mentorship propensities. Malati Priya Dasi and within the Hare Krishna movement. A ter manage themselves and oth Marc Berger Bhaktivedanta College education also con ers in the movement; and (3) by College Martin Fels

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Forthcoming courses

Rabin Bangoer Ranaka Dasa In late October, 2006, a new and much ap- At the opening session Haridasa fa- seminar was an upsurge of enthusiastic Please feel free to attend any of our courses. Renee Brabers preciated seminar took place at Bhakti- cilitated a discussion that identified the participation in kirtana. Another was the Dec. 11–15 Bhagavata Purana Garuda Dasa vedanta College, facilitated by Haridasa qualities and behaviour typical of pasto- creation of a better informed student Rupa Manjari Dasi Prabhu (Ph.D. in Pastoral Care, Loyola Uni- ral care. As the sessions continued, their community and staff, which Dec.11–15 Inner Truth Akhandadhi Dasa Stefan Horinka versity). The seminar addressed many of flavours included professional acumen provides a foundation for Jan. 8–19 Classical and Medieval Philosophy Mahendra Dasa Visnumurti Dasa and Laxmipriya Dasi the social and emotional needs of reli- and academic rigour. There was also on- building up the standards Jan. 8 – Feb. 2 Reason and Revelation: Vrindadevi Dasi gious communities. going dialogue between Haridasa and of personal care and The Enlightenment and Religion Abala Dasi Willaert Jacky In the classroom Haridasa radiated a re- the students plus some mind-opening attention that Bhakti Jan. 22–26 Reflections on Caitanya-caritamrta Kadamba Kanana Swami Yadunandana Dasa laxed, friendly mood. He inspired individual interactive exercises. vedanta College wi Jan. 27–29 Interfaith Saunaka Rsi Dasa students to invoke a spirit of pastoral care at The last session was special. Students shes to offer. The Feb. 5–16 Kavya and Hinduism Rembert Lutjeharms Vrndavan Members the beginning of each daily class by singing, had been assigned readings from Satsva- intention is that Feb. 19 – Mar. 9 Vaishnava Vedanta Mahendra Dasa Alain de Kuyssche reciting poetry, or reading prose. This mood rupa Dasa Gosvami’s “Sanatorium,” an the quality of pas- Feb. 25 – Mar. 2 Leadership and Management Hanuman Dasa, Alakananda Dasi Manohara Dasa achieved special depth when Haridasa unconventional novel describing numer- toral care can eventu- Feb. 26 – Mar. 9 Vedas and Upanishads Rembert Lutjeharms himself recited from his heart an excerpt ous concerns that Vaishnava practitioners ally be extended into Mar. 26–30 Mediation Braja Bihari Dasa Govardhan Members from Satsvarupa Dasa Gosvami’s poeticized harbour but rarely discuss. the greater Radhadesh Apr. 23–26 VTE Communications Course Anuttama Dasa Mahaprabhu Dasa and Asoka Dasi Prabhupada-lilamrta. One result produced by Haridasa’s community.

Petite Somme 2 • 6940 Durbuy • Belgium • Tel: +32 (0) 86 32 32 77 • [email protected] • www.bhaktivedantacollege.com Petite Somme 2 • 6940 Durbuy • Belgium • Tel: +32 (0) 86 32 32 77 • [email protected] • www.bhaktivedantacollege.com Who Are the College Staff Members? We wish to thank everyone! Students busy in spiritual activities

The week-to-week operation of Bhakti- he took up Krishna consciousness. Be- Library Donations Kartika is a wonderful month to increase under Sudevi Dasi’s guidance, con- vedanta College requires many services. tween 1996 and 2006 he performed all Mahaprabhu Dasa, our main donor loving devotion to Krishna because Sri- structed a gigantic Govardhana hill in To familiarize you with the staff members kinds of services for the Cologne Temple. Anuradha Dasi mati Radharani is the merciful protector the community hall. So everyone could doing these services to fulfill Srila Prabhu- In September 2006 he began serving at Bhakta Rick of Kartika and spiritual practices count make the traditional parikrama, guided pada’s mission in the field of education, Bhaktivedanta College as the promotion Dina Dayal Dasa a thousand times more than usual. So by Malati Manjari Dasi. Opulent prasa- we introduce them to you here. manager, and he plans to earn a Bache- Haridas Dasa some students took vows to chant more dam pleased the belly of Govardhana lor‘s degree at the College. rounds, abstain from sweets, and serve and then was lovingly shared with the Yadunandana Dasa, the College Princi- Jatayu Dasa more than they were used to. assembled devotees. pal and Course Director, has been a devo- Nayika Dasi was born in Hungary in 1978. Jaya Badhra Dasi In addition, students observed When one relishes a taste of Krishna tee since 1977. He was born in Spain in She studied piano at the Bela Bartok Mu- Kancana-valli Dasi an Ekadasi with an all-night nama- consciousness, the desire to share it 1963. His involvement in the movement sic Conservatory, but before completing Krishna Kumar Dasa yajna that started with a recitation of with others naturally awakens. Thus in the field of education for twenty years her studies she joined ISKCON in 1993. Be- Lilasuka Dasa the Bhagavad-gita. many students and community mem- inspired him to help establish Bhakti- tween 1993 and 2001 she served in Hun- Sri Ananga Manjari Dasi Students also took part in the festi- bers traveled to Brussels and Paris to vedanta College. He now does graduate gary, mainly as a book distributor and pu- Tamal Vriksha Dasa vals of Govardhana-puja and the ap- distribute love of Godhead by chanting class; Tina, a first-year student, and Kris- work in Indic Studies with Lampeter. jari. From 2001 she continued her services Visveshvara Dasa pearance anniversary of Radha-kunda. the holy names in public. tina, our librarian, both from Slovenia, in the USA, and since September 2006 Yadurani Dasi Alakananda Dasi was born in Serbia in These were joyfully celebrated with Then on Diwali five students were in- performed an Indian dance; and alto- she has served at Bhaktivedanta College Yugala Kisora Dasa 1964. She studied electronic engineer- glorifications and krishna-katha, dra- vited guests at a celebration in Brussels gether the students sang inspiring bha- as the Membership Secretary. She wishes ing at Belgrad University but stopped her Scholarships (in addition to those mas, an abhisheka, and heart-melting organised by the Hindu community. Ani- jans. Their activities were well received, to earn a Bachelor‘s degree at the College education in 1986 to become a devotee. mentioned in our last newsletter) bhajans. Some enthusiastic devotees, ruddha, our youngest student, gave a and they were invited back. and teach in ISKCON children‘s schools. She distributed books in former Yugosla- Gopal Bhatta Prabhu for the 3 students via for three years and served as a pujari Bhaktin Kristina joined ISKCON in 2004 sent by the North American GBC; for eleven years. Since 1998, she has lived and soon became a member of the Lju- Dr. Murari Gupta; in Radhadesh, and in 2002 she joined the bljana temple dance group. She traveled For Bhaktivedanta College, constructing a new building is a funda- Renee Braber (partial scholarship) staff of Bhaktivedanta College as the sec- around Slovenia for two years, dancing New college building mental next step. The number of students is growing, and the retary. She also assists in teaching voca- and distributing prasadam. She was also General donations College needs more accommodations for them. For now, the necessary housing is provided by Radhadesh, which re- tional courses and mentoring ladies. an assistant at the Bhakti School in Lju- Jacky Willaert, Sesa Dasa, cently agreed to renovate or build rooms in the castle. bljana. She joined Bhaktivedanta College Dr. C. Rajagopal, Jagat Hari Dasa, Mahendra Dasa, the Assistant Course Constructing a very spacious building that includes in September 2006 as the librarian. an unnamed donor from Denmark Director, also teaches Classical & Medi- new accommodations, classrooms, and offices will cost eval Philosophy and Vaishnava Vedanta. Jaya Krsna Dasa was born in Switzer- almost 1.7 million euros, an amount beyond the reach He was born In Bulgaria in 1972. He has land in 1952. He has a Master‘s degree in of the College. But an apartment house with some of- practiced Krishna consciousness since business administration and was a suc- fices will cost much less, and this sort of building will meet hr e hr e hr * Z

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for two years. He holds a B.A. in Philoso- raising and constructing the first residen-

and provide four offices. phy (Sofia University) and a B.Sc. (Hons.) tial building for the College. Construction should start in March 2007, and the building should open for the be- in Information Systems and Management Visakha Dasi was born in Germany in Vaishnava Training & Education (VTE) ginning of the academic year 2008-09. (London School of Economics). He is now 1976 and became a devotee in 1998 in To finance this building, the College is raising funds. Should you wish to support our endeav- a graduate student in management at De Paris while completing a Master’s degree Bhakti Sastri Course our in the mission of Srila Prabhupada, please contact us. You can become a patron, finance one room Monfort University in Leicester. in European Cultural Management. She or a complete apartment, or support us with any amount you wish to contribute. Aksara Dasa was born in Germany in served in ISKCON temples in the USA, 2007 1961. After completing engineering stud- Austria, and Germany before coming to 15 January through 18 May ies at the University of Cologne, in 1995, do accounting for the College in 2005. Budget Actual Tuition 27,097 23,706 Bhagavad-gita Memberships & scholarships 14,040 14,334 ‘Whatever you do, Jaya Krsna, The Nectar of Instruction Annual whatever you eat, Donations 28,200 28,851 Aksara, Sri Isopanisad whatever you offer functional Other income 3,024 2,389 Yadunandana, or give away, and The Nectar of Devotion accounting Total income 72,361 69,280 Mahendra, whatever austerities Office, classroom, and library maintenance 21,282 22,622 Nayika, Cost (including accommodation and statement you perform—do Alakananda, prasadam): € 960 2005 Teacher maintenance 12,790 19,643 that, O son of Kunti, little Mirabai Administration 28,800 19,080 as an offering with her mother, Please register before (in Euros) Promotion 2,000 2,250 to Me.’ Visakha, and 31 December 2006 Depreciation & miscellaneous 9,585 11,501 Kristina at — Sri Krishna, Bg. 9.27 [email protected] Total expenses 74,457 75,096 Balance -2,096 -5,816