Dates: 03/04/2017 - 09/07/2017
Mode of Delivery: online
Duration: 14 weeks
- PROGRAM SUMMARY
- VTE Methodology
- 12 Aims of Sastric Study
- VTE Orientation Module
- Study Requirements and Accreditation
- FAQ Bhaktivaibhava
- Part 1 - Module Structure
- Part 2 - Module Structure
- Learning Outcomes
- Course Assessment
- Registration
Our Bhaktivaibhava Course is based on a methodology developed by the Vaishnava Training and Education team of devotees and has been shaped to suit on-line teaching requirements.
There are six modules, covering the first six cantos of Srimad Bhagavatam. This is the first one, the first cant.
After completing each module, the students will receive a Certificate of Attendance. After completing all six modules, the students will receive the Bhaktivaibhava title and a Certificate of Completion of the Bhaktivaibhava Course, issued by Bhaktivedanta College.
The first module, covering the First Canto, takes 24 weeks. It is divided into two parts. We explore the topics presented in the First Canto and cover all the important points presented by Srila Prabhupada.
This interactive, on-line module is designed to empower you to dive deep in the nectar of bhagavata-katha while still keeping pace with your regular daily life. This is made possible by inspiring forum discussions, exchanges with other students, and many helpful and relevant videos of our guest teachers.
Please enroll for this course and enjoy studying the ripened fruit of the desire tree of Vedic knowledge.
The VTE’s over-arching purpose in promoting the systematic study of sastra (sacred texts). This Module introduces the VTE methodology. To facilitate a systematic, Krishna-conscious education, the VTE has developed an aims-driven (as opposed to content-driven) approach to studying sastra. Here you will find an introduction to and overview of those 12 aims of sastric study.
Each Aim for sastric study is expressed in a few words as follows. Each aim has corresponding objectives. Each aim is also denoted by a two or three letter code, as shown below. Students should try to memorize these codes.12 Aims:
KUPP
1. Knowledge (Memory and Recall) = Kno
To help students memorise and recall the (theoretical) knowledge which forms the foundation of their ongoing progress in Krishna Consciousness.2. Understanding = Und
To deepen students’ understanding of the Krishna consciousness theology, particularly through studying it from a wide range of perspectives and through developing thoughtfulness and introspection.3. Personal Application = PeA
To help students apply the Krishna Consciousness theology, with reference to:- their external practices;
- their inner development;
and to help them develop appropriate Vaishnava qualities and behaviour.
4. Preaching Application = PrA
To enhance devotees desire and ability to preach effectively.
FATE
5. Faith and Conviction = F+C
To help build and maintain students’ faith and conviction in:- the process of Krishna consciousness;
- the sastra as its foundation.
6. Authority = Aut
To simultaneously cultivate within devotees:- wholehearted acceptance of the spiritual authority of shastra;
- a mood of open and honest inquiry and a desire to factually understand and realise the import of Vedic knowledge.
7. Theological Application = ThA
To help create learned Vaishnava theologians who are expert in assisting the Society through application of sastric knowledge to a wide range of personal, social, moral, topical and theological issues.8. Evaluation = Eva
To develop students’ analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills, particularly in respect of the practical application of sastric knowledge.
MARS
9. Mood and Mission = M+M
To facilitate devotees in:- understanding and appreciating the mood and mission of Srila Prabhupada;
- perpetuating that understanding within the Society and its members.
10. Academic and Moral Integrity = AMI
To ensure that devotes develop moral and academic integrity in the interpretation, evaluation and application of sastric knowledge.11. Responsibility for Learning = RfL
To encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and develop healthy study habits by:- enhancing their desire to study Srila Prabhupada’s books (particularly by nurturing their appreciation of shastra and sastric study, and by demonstrating sastra’s relevance to everyday life);
- equipping them with the appropriate learning skills.
12. Sastra Caksus = SC
To equip students with the ability to see through the eyes of shastra, and with a Krishna conscious worldview. Ultimately, to assist the students in realising scripture, and in seeing Krishna, at all times and in all places.
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VTE Orientation Module for Bhakti Sastri and Bhaktivaibhava
TO ENTER THIS INTRODUCTORY MODULE YOU NEED TO TYPE IN THIS PASSWORD: ONLINESTUDY.
The VTE’s over-arching purpose in promoting the systematic study of sastra (sacred texts). This Module introduces the VTE methodology. To facilitate a systematic, Krishna-conscious education, the VTE has developed an aims-driven (as opposed to content-driven) approach to studying sastra. Here you will find an introduction to and overview of those 12 aims of sastric study.
Orientation Module: Introduction to Online Study is an open module offering an overview of the Bhaktivedanta College study methodology. It is designed to introduce students to the Bhaktivedanta College Online Campus (BCOC) environment.
Future students are invited to carefully explore the Orientation Module before proceeding with any of our online programs. This module is designed to inform prospective students about our BHAKTI SASTRI Studies (BS), but all others are welcome to explore our virtual environment and in that way get to know what to expect during your studies. In the Orientation Module, you will also find general information about the BS program.
To enter VTE Orientation module you need to register at BCOC. Registration is free and to complete your enrollment on this demo module use “onlinestudy” as enrollment key.
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Study Requirements and Accreditation
Although all prospective students are able to enroll in the modules on the first two cantos of Srimad Bhagavatam, we are recognizing two levels of awards for the Bhaktivaibhava degree.
I. Bhaktivedanta College Digital Attendance Certificate, which will be issued electronically at the end of each Bhaktivaibhava module. The study requirements are:
a) Watching to the weekly video classes
b) Reading the assigned materials
c) Submitting homework assignments and completing quizzes
d) Being active on the forum
II. Bhaktivedanta College/VTE Bhagavatam Certificate for the study of each Bhaktivaibhava module. In addition to the above requirements, a student is required to:
e) Have a Bhakti Shastri degree.
f) Successfully pass the closed-book exams within the requested time frame.
g) Provide a recommendation letter by a local ISKCON representative.
Upon successfully finishing all the modules on the first six cantos, students will receive a VTE Bhaktivaibhava degree issued by the ISKCON Board of Examination.
Bhaktivedanta College will add modules on the other cantos to its online delivery on an annual or bi-annual basis, depending on the growth of the programs.
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Although online studies offer many benefits, one of the challenges of online studying in general is in achieving sufficient interaction with others and cultivating verbal proficiency and skill in presenting relevant topics. Speaking more specifically in relation to our studies, there is both theological, personal, social and spiritual significance in our endeavor to present the message of Bhagavatam verbally. Srila Prabhupada doubtlessly wanted it, and he went to length to train his disciples how to present it. As ISKCON and in general as contemporary Vaishnavas, we are inescapably meeting a need to present the teachings of Krishna in a relevant and empowered way to both intelligentsia and the masses. Therefore it is essential for us to make an endeavor and do at least two short 10-20 minute presentation per Canto.
How to do it:
o assemble students for an online presentation (skype etc)
o present locally at your center/ temple/ sanga and send us the recording
o present on a radio/ tv/ newspaper and send us links
o present locally at Radhadesh
o one can record Power Point presentation
o one can do home video presentation and send the youtube/vimeo link
o record webinar session and provide the link -
Part 1 – Module Structure
Week 1 – Introduction.
Discussing the place of Srimad Bhagavatam in Vedic literature. Discussing the role of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and general overview of the First Canto.
Week 2 – Verse 1.1.1.
Discussion about the nature and characteristics of the Absolute Truth according to the 1st verse of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Week 3 – Verse 1.1.2.
The nature of dharma or religion and the ways of discriminating between the false and true religion. The characteristics of sanatana dharma according to the 2nd verse of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Week 4 – Verse 1.1.3.
The nature and characteristics of Srimad Bhagavatam as the ripened fruit from the tree of a vedic knowledge according to the 3rd verse of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Week 5 – Verses 1.1.4-17.
Introducing the scene – Naimisaranya forest, sages performing sacrifice, Saunaka Rsi and Suta Goswami. Saunaka Rsi asks first four out of six questions that trigger the discussion about Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Week 6 – Verses 1.1.18 – 1.2.11.
Saunaka Rsi asks the remaining questions and Suta Goswami begins answering them. He starts from offering obeisance’s to his guru and glorifying the relevance of the sage’s inquiries.
Week 7 – Verses 1.2.12-22.
Devotional service is the means of satisfying the Absolute Truth. Progression of consciousness by overcoming the modes of material nature through the process of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam and serving pure devotees is described.
Week 8 – 1.2.23 – 1.3.28.
Position of Krsna beyond the modes of material nature. The roles of purusa avataras in the cosmic creation and brief description of twenty two incarnations of the Supreme Personality of Godhead who appear in this universe. Paribhasa sutra – 1.3.28 – krsnas tu bhagavan svayam.
Week 9 – 1.3.29 (Chapter 4 included) 1.5.22.
In comparison to Absolute Truth the material world and virat-rupa are imaginary. Therefore the sages describe the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s pastimes and incarnations. Suta Goswami glorifies Srimad Bhagavatam as the incarnation of the Lord meant for delivering the conditioned souls of Kali-yuga. In Chapter Four Suta Goswami tells the story of Vyasadeva who compiled and edited Vedic literature for the benefit of the fallen souls of Kali-yuga but still felt unsatisfied. Narada Muni, the spiritual master of Vyasadeva appears and explains to Vyasa the importance of direct description of Krsna’s pastimes and asks him to do so.
Week 10 – 1.5.23-40.
Narada Muni describes the importance of performing devotional service mentioning his example of serving the Bhagavatas, glorifies remembering Krsna’s pastimes and requests Vyasadeva to glorify Krsna’s pastimes for the benefit of humanity.
Week 11 – 1.6.1-38.
On Vyasadeva’s request Narada Muni relates his life-story how after his mother’s departure he was wandering throughout the world, received Lord’s darsan and how eventualy left the material body taking his spiritual form.
Week 12 – 1.7.1-58.
On a request of Saunaka Rsi, Suta Goswami describes how Vyasadeva compiled Srimad Bhagavatam and taught it to Sukadeva Goswami. Then answering the previous question of Saunaka Rsi about Krsna, Maharaja Pariksit and the Pandavas Suta Goswami begins to narrate how Asvatthama, son od Dronacarya killed five sleeping sons of Pandavas. Arjuna captures Asvatthama and solves the problem of “kill” or “not kill” by cutting the jewel from Asvatthama’s head.
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Part 2 – Module Structure
Week 13 – 1.8.1-21.
Krsna saves Maharaja Pariksit in a womb of his mother Uttara from the brahmastra weapon released by Asvatthama. Queen Kunti begins her glorification of the Lord.
Week 14 – 1.8.22-31.
Kunti describes how the Lord was protecting her and her family during the exile. Only one who has no material shelter can easily approach Krsna. Then Kunti Devi describes the mysterious nature of Krsna’s birth and activities and the reason for His advent.
Week 15 – 1.8.32-1.9.24.
Kunti begs Krsna to stay in Hastinapura and direct all her affection towards Krsna. Offering her obeisance’s she declares complete dependence upon Him. Then Yudhisthira, Krsna and Pandavas go to the battlefield of Kuruksetra to honor Bhismadeva lying on the bed of arrows. Bhismadeva describes glories and actual position of Krsna.
Week 16 – 1.9.25-49.
Bhismadeva answers King Yuddhisthira’s question about the duties of a religious monarch. After that he notices the arrival of appropriate time for departure from this world, focuses his mind on Krsna remembering the loving exchange he had with Him on the battlefield of Kuruksetra. After departure Maharaja Yudhisthira rules the kingdom according to the instructions received from Bhismadeva.
Week 17 – 1.10.1 – 1.11.25.
Asked by Saunaka Rsi Suta Goswami describes wonderful situation created by the rule of Maharaja Yudhisthira. The he describes the departure of Krsna from Hastinapura to Dvaraka. Ladies observing the departure describe the glories of the land in which Krsna descends. Krsna accept their prayers and leaves. Chapter 11 describes the city of Dvaraka. Krsna enters the city of Dvaraka and various citizens offer prayers to the Lord.
Week 18 – 1.11.26-39. (Chapter 12 later in week 21) 1.13.1-27
Krsna enters His 16 108 palaces. His transcendental character and spiritual relationship with queens are described. Chapter 13 describes the return of Vidura to Hastinapura. Maharaja Yudhisthira inqures from him about his travels. Vidura preaches to Dhritarastra to leave home.
Week 19 – 1.13.28-58.
Dhritarastra leaves home with his chaste wife Gandhari. Narada Muni appears and instructs Maharaja Yudhisthira about the real situation of the living entity in the world. Before leaving he instructs Maharaja Yudhisthira to take shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna.
Week 20 – 1.14.1 – 1.15.51.
Maharaja Yudhisthira eveals to Bhimasena his fears that Lord Krsna departed from the world. He describes bad omens he has seen. Arjuna returns from Dvaraka and King Yudhidthira inquires from him about the welfare of the Yadus. Grief-stricken Arjuna explains that Krsna is no longer present on the Earth. He tells about the incident when he was defeated by insignificant cowherd men and describes his intimate relationship with Krsna.
Week 21 – 1.12.1-36.
The sages of Naimisaranya inquire about the birth of Maharaja Pariksit. Suta describes the vision Maharaja Pariksit had while still in the womb. Maharaja Yudhisthira asks learned brahmanas to describe the character and qualities of Pariksit. King Yudhisthira performs sascrifice to atone for his sins.
Week 22 – 1.16.1 – 1.17.42.
Suta Goswami explains that one time Maharaja Pariksit while touring the earth, punished Kali, the master of Kali-yuga. Saunaka Risi inquires how did he do this? The Dharma in a form of a bull inquires the Earth in a form of the cow about the cause of her miseries. She says it is due to separation from Krsna and the influence of Kali. Maharaja Pariksit stops Kali and consoles the cow and the bull. Bull explains to Maharaja Pariksit the reason of their miserable condition. While Maharaja Pariksit wants to kill Kali, Kali surrenders to him and on his request gives Kali permission to live in five places – where gambling, drinking, prostitution and animal killing takes place and where gold is hoarded.
Week 23 – 1.18.1-50.
Suta Goswami describes Maharaja Pariksit’s life and his wonderful dealings with Krsna. Sages ask Suta Goswami to describe the pastimes of leaving the world by Maharaja Pariksit by fixing his mind on Krsna. Suta Goswami describes how Maharaja Pariksit insulted the sage by hanging dead snake on his neck and was cursed by his sin, Srngi to die in seven days. Samika Rsi laments about the curse and prays to the Supreme Lord for forgiveness for the foolishness of his son.
Week 24 – 1.19.1-40.
Hearnig that he has been cursed for his offense Maharaja Pariksit sits down on a bank of Ganges and decides to fast till death. Many sages and rsis arrive glorifying King’s decision. Sukadeva Goswami appears and Maharaja Pariksit offers him respect and inquires from him about a duty of one who is about to die.
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Learning Outcomes to be Assessed
- Knowledge, understanding, and application of the philosophy contained in Srimad-Bhagavatam, Cantos 1 through 6.
- Knowledge of and memorization of a defined number of verses found in Srimad-Bhagavatam, Cantos 1 through 6.
- Competence as a Bhagavatam speaker and preacher.
- Personal behaviour that reflects the principles and values found in Srimad Bhagavatam.
- Competency in evaluating peers and receiving evaluation from peers in regard to the above-mentioned outcomes.
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The final mark for each Bhaktivaibhava module is graded according to the following formula:
Attendance and Forum participation 15% Homework questions 10% Two 1,500 word VTE essays 20% Two presentations on chosen topic 20% Two closed book exams 35% Final grades will be published approximately 30 days after the closed-book exam period is over. An Excel table with all grades will be posted to the general forum. Student has to get at least 65% in the final mark to pass the module.
Attendance
Student is expect to hear at least 70% of the classes within the planned study week.
Forum participation
It is expected that students submit at least one forum post per week.
Homework questions
One essay of max. 350 words per week.
VTE essays
The VTE essays are mandatory for passing the module. The minimum score required to pass the essays is 40% (for each essay).
Presentations
Although online studies offer many benefits, one of the challenges of online studying in general is in achieving sufficient interaction with others and cultivating verbal proficiency and skill in presenting relevant topics. Speaking more specifically in relation to our studies, there is both theological, personal, social and spiritual significance in our endeavor to present the message of Bhagavatam verbally. Srila Prabhupada doubtlessly wanted it, and he went to length to train his disciples how to present it. As ISKCON and in general as contemporary Vaishnavas, we are inescapably meeting a need to present the teachings of Krishna in a relevant and empowered way to both intelligentsia and the masses. Therefore it is essential for us to make an endeavor and do at least two short 10-20 minute presentation per Canto.
How to do it:
o assemble students for an online presentation (skype etc)
o present locally at your center/ temple/ sanga and send us the recording
o present on a radio/ tv/ newspaper and send us links
o present locally at Radhadesh
o one can record Power Point presentation
o one can do home video presentation and send the youtube/vimeo link
o record webinar session and provide the linkClosed-book exam
At the mid and end of Bhaktivaibhava Canto I module, you will be given a closed-book exam that will consist of up to 20 questions that you are required to answer within a set time limit (120 minutes). That means you are NOT allowed to consult any books or use any other source, except recalling the answers from memory, and complete your answers within approximately one and half hours.
This final closed-book exam will also include 2 or 3 questions asking you to recall verses that you are required to learn during your study. A list of all the Bhaktivaibhava Canto I verses to be memorized is here. Mid-term closed book exam will require memorization of only those verses learned during the period before examination.
To ensure that closed-book system is honored you are requested to provide us the name of a proctor who will sit with you while filling out the on-line exam.
Before attending the exam every student and proctor needs to be familiar with the Proctor Guidelines. The closed-book exam should be written within two week after the module is finished. Those who fail the closed-book exam (achieving a score of less than 65% percent) will be given a second chance. Of course, that will be a different exam.
Final grade
If student is not satisfied with the mark s/he got for a particular part of the assessment, one should do the following:
- contact tutor to get clarification
- if there is no agreement achieved between the students and tutor regarding the mark, internal monitor marks again the disputed part of the assessment. Mark given by internal monitor is final.
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Registration
Bhaktivaibhava Canto I can be attended without special requirements. By clicking “Enrol this module” you will be redirected to Bhaktivedanta College Online Campus, where you will proceed with registration and payment only for this module. The Paypal fee is €399 fully inclusive.
Additional benefits of enrollment
With the registration for Bhaktivibhava Canto I module, one is entitled to few benefits:
- Student, or someone else gifted by the student, can take the first upcoming Disciples Course free of charge (person’s name and BCOC username should be sent to secretary@bhaktivedantacollege.com if you wish to use this opportunity!
- Bhaktivaibhava Canto I graduate can apply for TRS program without paying the application fee of €50.
- After successfully receiving the Bhaktivaibhava Canto I certificate, the graduate can take one module from our BA in Theology and Religious Study (TRS) program free of charge
As a special gift…
…we will immediately send you two breathtaking audio CDs recorded by the Bhaktivedanta College students!
Deepen your transcendental knowledge from everywhere and anytime!!