Provides students with a thorough knowledge of the structure, key themes, theology, and central narratives of the Bhagavata Purana and a thorough understanding of how these have shaped the development of wider Hindu, Vaishnava, and ISKCON thought and practice.

Teacher: Yadunandana Swami and Gopinath Acharya Dasa

"Science and Religion" provides an introduction to the historical and conceptual relation between science and religion. The course uses historical examples and philosophical concepts to convey knowledge of case studies. It imparts an understanding that allows intelligent engagement in the debate.

Teacher: Gopal Hari Dasa

Builds on the Certificate Level introductory module to Vaishnava Vedanta through a study of the major doctrines of prominent Vaishnava acharyas and their writings, the conditions of the formulation of their works, and the historical developments.

Teacher: Gopal Hari Dasa

Learn what constitutes effective teaching:
• planning a lesson and writing a lesson outline
• teaching methods: interactive learning and experiential learning
• learn to select methods that correspond to what students learn
• the basic skills of delivery, facilitation, and classroom mgt.
• types of assessment and its purposes and oral-feedback skills
• basic communication and interpersonal skills
• the importance of teaching by example
• the need for systematic training and education.

The first course is suitable for both novice and experienced teachers. It is particularly appropriate for devotees who train other devotees. It is fun, intensive, highly interactive, and transformational. All students will receive a handbook that includes extensive notes and course worksheets. There is little or no homework. No exams. Informal assessment will be made mainly by oral feedback.

Teacher: Laxmimani Dasi

“Vaishnava Vedanta” introduces Vedanta, with an emphasis on how Vaishnava acharyas, especially Ramanuja and Madhva, challenged Sankara's  advaita-vedanta. This requires looking carefully at Sankara and at what assumptions the acharyas made in their refutations. The course also considers features of Jiva Goswami's and Baladeva Vidhyabhusana's acintya-bheda-abheda systems. The course frames the issues in meaningful ways for contemporary Vaishnava practitioners.

Teacher: Sudevi Dasi

Vastu Shastra is the Vedic science of divine architecture, derived from the Sthapatya Veda, an Upaveda (auxiliary) of the Atharva Veda. It is a manual of instruction for how to best harmonize one's place of worship, workplace or residence with the natural & divine cosmic forces. If one is having trouble at home or at ones workplace, if finances are weak, if family or working members are unhappy, then having a Vastu Consultation done of ones home, office, building and land can prove highly beneficial.

Jyotish is one of the very important six branches of the Vedas. Jyoti literally means 'light or energy-rays' and Isha means 'God or control' - so Jyotish gives divine enlightenment on one's individual destiny.

Teacher: Arjuna Dasa, disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has been working as a Vastu and Jyotish Consultant and Architect for temples in Mauritius and India since 1981 and is now in Europe for a few months to share these Vedic sciences with others.

Looking for an opportunity to enhance and enliven your spiritual life? Eager for a retreat in a remote and calmer environment? This three-week introductory course provides you with an opportunity to improve your meditation (japa), hear about the bhakti tradition, and learn about yoga postures.

In this retreat you will learn more about the bhakti-sastras, especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is, deepen your knowledge of bhakti-yoga, and discuss philosophical topics. There will be ample time to experience simple living and high thinking with an emphasis on a balanced life and spiritual well-being.

Allow yourself the time to retreat into more reflective rhythms and join other devotees in their learning, creativity, and other expressions of devotion to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. After completing this bhakti-yoga retreat, you will be better prepared to further advance in your regular surroundings. Please join us!

Course Contents

• Discussions on philosophical topics in the bhakti tradition
• Reflections on bhagavad-gita in the light of western thought
• Japa meditation and reception
• Yoga sessions and field trips
• Bhakti-yoga in practice

Course Fee
€ 195, including accommodation and prasadam. Please book your accommodation as soon as possible. Contact: Radhadesh Guesthouse, tel. +32 (0)86 38 71 31  o  Email: radhadesh.guesthouse@pamho.net


More information and registration
Mangala Candrika Dasi, Bhaktivedanta College Secretary
Tel.: +32 (0)86 32 32 77
Email: college@pamho.net
www.bhaktivedantacollege.com

Bhaktivedanta College
Petite Somme 5
6940 Septon (Durbuy)
Belgium

Four days of listening, discussions, and reflection on Srila Prabhupada's example and teachings, based on the recollections of a direct, intimate witness: Sruta-kirti Dasa and his wife Bala Gopala Dasi. This course promotes appreciation for Srila Prabhupada and his relevance to the lives of ISKCON members.

Teacher: Dhananjaya Dasa and Bala Gopala Dasi

Explores the historical development of ISKCON and identifies landmarks in the development of ISKCON thinking; teaches recognition of how changing circumstances within ISKCON shaped the organisation’s view of its identity and mission.

Second week: 16-20.11.2009.

Teacher: Urmila Dasi

Identifies the key concepts of both Western and Vedic sociological theory and examines them in the context of present-day ISKCON. By examining changing societies (particularly ISKCON), with the purpose of digesting the sociological constructs that run them, students become able to apply this knowledge in the improvement of relationships, communities, and societies.

Teacher: Urmila Dasi

Learn skills necessary for more meaningful relationships; overcome blocks to effective communication; learn to use empathic listening; study problem-solving strategies; become empowered to take responsibility and to make and keep commitments; access your natural capacity for making clear, appropriate decisions; gain insights into your personality and the way you run your life.

Teacher: Krishna-lila Dasi

Aims to give students an appreciation for the beauty and utility of the Sanskrit language. Upon completing the course students will have acquired the skills necessary to embark on a deeper study of the Sanskrit language. The course will focus on those aspects of the language that are most useful for the study of Srila Prabhupada's books. These include a basic familiarity with:
• the purpose of Sanskrit study
• the structure and scope of the language
• proper pronunciation of the alphabet
• frequently used verse meters
• rules of euphonic combination
• etymology and word derivation

Teacher: Radhika Ramana Dasa