Systematically study Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and Sri Isopanisad – 4 of the most important bhakti-texts. Our teachers are experienced devotees who have been studying, living by and teaching Prabhupada’s books for many years. Our students are from all over the world and create a worldwide online community with the goal of understanding and deeply imbibing the Gaudiya Vaishnava principles and practices.
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Bhakti Sastri Modules
- Bhagavad-gita 1 (Chapters 1-6) - Karma Yoga (next delivery: January 6, 2020)
- Bhagavad-gita 2 (Chapters 7-12) - Bhakti Yoga (next delivery: March 2, 2020)
- Bhagavad-gita 3 (Chapters 13-18) - Transcendental Knowledge (next delivery: April 27, 2020)
- Sri Isopanisad (next delivery: June 23, 2020)
- The Nectar of Instruction (next delivery: August 24, 2020)
- The Nectar of Devotion (next delivery: October 19, 2020)
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Certificates
We recognize and issue few levels of awards for the Bhakti Sastri degree: 1. Bhaktivedanta College Bhakti Sastri Module digital certificate - sent upon request to the student upon the successful completion of the module 2. Bhaktivedanta College full Bhakti Sastri digital certificate - sent to the student upon the successful completion of all 6 modules of Bhakti Sastri. 3. VTE Bhakti Sastri Certificate - issued once a year (January/February) by the ISKCON Board of Examination to students who successfully pass the full Bhakti Sastri course and:- Chant sixteen rounds of the maha-mantra daily
- Follow the four regulative principles for bhakti-yoga
- Provide a recommendation letter by a local ISKCON representative.
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Enrollment
Bhakti Sastri course is always going on, with 6 modules in total, one after another. It is possible to enroll at any time and continue from the next scheduled module. You can enroll for:- one module of your choice (every module is an independent unit) or
- full Bhakti Sastri course (you immediately enroll for all 6 modules)
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Fees
Fee for each module is €99. If you immediately enroll for all 6 modules, you get the following benefits:- a 15% tuition-fee deduction - pay €505, instead of €594
- a 15% deduction if, after receiving a Bhakti Sastri PLUS degree, you decide to study the Bhaktivaibhava course with us - pay €150 instead of €199 (applicable for those enrolled into BS+ after December 2015)
- Disciples Course free of charge; if you've already passed the course with us, you can give it to someone else as a gift
- a special gift - two breathtaking audio CDs recorded by the Bhaktivedanta College students!
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Assessment
The final mark for each Bhakti Sastri module is made:
- 15% of the mark for participation in the discussion forums throughout the module
- 30% of the mark for VTE essays (two or three, minimum 40% mark for each is required for pass)
- 15% of the mark for quizzes (five or more)
- 40% the mark for the closed-book exam (minimum 65% is required for pass)
- The VTE’s over-arching purpose in promoting the systematic study of shastra (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 shastra. Here you will find an introduction to and overview of those 12 aims of shastric study.
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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;
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 shastric study, and by demonstrating shastra’s relevance to everyday life);
- equipping them with the appropriate learning skills.
12. Shastra 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.
Deepen your transcendental knowledge from everywhere and anytime!!