Bhakti Prospectus 2007

International Society for Krishna Consciousness Founder Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Bhakti Prospectus 2007 BHAKTIVEDANTA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE SOUTH AFRICA

CONTENTS A) Purpose of all Sacrifices; The Path of Liberation and Freedom; Everyone Has to Hear - Excepts by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada...1 B) GENERAL INFORMATION...2 1. The College Council... 2 2. Commencement of Lessons... 2 3. Enrolment... 2 4. Registration and Fees... 2 5. Criteria for Graduation... 2 C) COURSES...3 NB : ALL COURSES ARE PART-TIME 1. Bhakti-pauganda and Bhakti-kaisora Certificates For Children...5 Details of Classes... 5 Gauteng Province... 5 Kwazulu Natal Province... 5 2. Bhakti-sadacara Certificate...7 Details of Classes... 7 Gauteng Province... 8 Kwazulu Natal Province... 8 3. Bhakti-gita Diploma...10 Details of Classes... 10 First Year... 11 Second (Final) Year... 12 4. Bhakti-sastri Degree...14 Details of Classes... 14 First Year... 15 Third Year... 16 5. Bhakti-vaibhava Degree...16 Details of Classes... 16 6. Teacher s Seminar And Intensive Courses...Inside Back Cover A) Purpose of all Sacrifices... "The purpose of all sacrifices is to arrive at the status of complete knowledge, then to gain release from material miseries, and, ultimately, to engage in loving transcendental service to the Supreme Lord (Krsna consciousness). Nonetheless, there is a mystery about all these different activities of sacrifice, and one should know this mystery. Sacrifices sometimes take different forms according to the particular faith of the performer. When one s faith reaches the stage of transcendental knowledge, the performer of sacrifices should be considered more advanced than those who simply sacrifice material possessions without such knowledge, for without attainment of knowledge, sacrifices remain on the material platform and bestow no spiritual benefit. Real knowledge culminates in Krsna consciousness, the highest stage of transcendental knowledge. Without the elevation of knowledge, sacrifices are simply material activities. When, however, they are elevated to the level of transcendental knowledge, all such activities enter onto the spiritual platform. Depending on differences in consciousness, sacrificial activities are sometimes called karma-kanda (fruitive activities) and sometimes jnana-kanda (knowledge in the pursuit of truth). It is better when the end is knowledge. " (Bhagavad-gita 4.33, purport) The Path of Liberation and Freedom... "Proper understanding of one s constitutional position in relationship to Krsna is so nice that it can at once lift one from the struggle for existence which goes on in the ocean of nescience. This material world is sometimes regarded as an ocean of nescience and sometimes as a blazing forest. In the ocean, however expert a swimmer one may be, the struggle for existence is very severe. If someone comes forward and lifts the struggling swimmer from the ocean, he is the greatest savior. Perfect knowledge, received from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the path of liberation. The boat of Krsna consciousness is very simple, but at the same time the most sublime. " (Bhagavad-gita 4.36, purport) Everyone Has to Hear... "Everyone should know how God, or Krsna, is great, and everyone should know the factual position of the living entities. Everyone should know that a living entity is eternally a servant and that unless one serves Krsna one has to serve illusion in different varieties of the three modes of material nature and thus wander perpetually within the cycle of birth and death; even the so-called liberated Mayavadi speculator has to undergo this process. This knowledge constitutes a great science, and each and every living being has to hear it for his own interest." (Bhagavad-gita - Except from Preface) 1

B) GENERAL INFORMATION 1. THE COLLEGE COUNCIL Chairman - Board of Examiners : His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami Co-International Directors : Brhat-mrdanga Dasa Nrsimhananda Dasa National Director : Nrsimhananda Dasa Registrar : Balaram Dasa 2. COMMENCEMENT OF LESSONS: Monday, 14 February 2005 3. ENROLMENT 3.1. No previous academic qualification is necessary for enrolment to the Bhakti-pauganda Certificate and Bhakti-sadacara Certificate courses. 3.2. A Bhakti-sadacara Certificate is compulsory for enrolment to the Bhakti-gita Diploma course. 3.3. A Bhakti-gita Diploma is compulsory for enrolment to study for the Bhakti Sastri Degree. 3.4. Enrolment for further degree study will require knowledge of the books of the preceding degree as well. 4. REGISTRATION AND FEES 4.1. Registration opens on Friday, 9 February 2007. 4.2. Registration closes on Friday, 6 April 2007. 4.3. All registration forms may be obtained from one s lecturer in the appropriate areas. 4.4. Completed forms together with a photocopy of your ID document must be handed in to one s lecturer in the appropriate areas on or before the date on which registration closes. 4.5. A registration fee of R45-00 is payable upon registration. 6.6. Course fees must be paid in full by the commencement of the first lesson. 5. CRITERIA FOR AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES Attendance, class participation, timeous completion of assignments and examinations. The final decision to award certificates for the various courses will be determined by the College Council. C) COURSES All classes are part-time and of one hour duration each. This format attracts those who hold regular jobs, professionals, businessmen, students and even house-wives. It is also convenient for devotees residing in temples, who can study without neglecting their regular temple services. For Children: 1. Bhakti-pauganda Certificate (Five Levels: 5-10 years) 25 sessions per year at 1 hour per week Gopala Class (Age 5-6 years) Devotional Practices Part One Who Am I? Srila Prabhupada Cow Protection & Vegetarian Living The Appearance of Lord Jagannath Mukunda Class (Age 6-7 years) Vaishnava Behavior Animals in the Vedas Lord Caitanya s Childhood Pastimes Adventures of Lord Rama Festivals of India Part One Giridhari Class (Age 7-8 years) Devotional Practices Part Two Das Avatar Prayer Pilgrimage to Vraja Mandala Festivals of India Part Two 2. Bhakti-kaisora Certificate (Four Levels: 10-14 years) 25 sessions per year at 1 hour per week Syamasundara Class (Age 10 11 years) Coming Back Reincarnation and Cycle of Birth & Death The Nine Processes of Devotional Service Prayer Vaishnava Saints The Six Goswamis of Vrndavan Festivals of India Part Two (As given in Giridhari Class) Madhava Class (Age 8-9 years) The Material World & Spiritual sky Introduction to Bhagavad Gita His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Vegetarianism and a Non-violent world Krishna kills the Demons & our Material Desires Damodar Class (Age 9-10 years) Vaishnava Behavior The mercy of Lord Caitanya Cleanliness Heroes from the Vedas Festivals of India Part One (As given in Mukunda Class) Madan Mohan Class (Age 11-12 years) What makes someone Bhagavan? Bhagavad Gita As It Is Chapter Two, Contents of the Gita Summarized Preaching is the Essence - Prabhupada s Mission Vegetarianism and a Non Violent World The Vedic View 2 3

Govinda Class (Age 12-13 years) Vaishnava Behavior The Pastimes of Lord Krishna The Nine Islands of Navadwip Media Madness Festivals of India Part One (As given in Mukunda Class) Gopinath Class (Age 13-14 years) The four pillars of religion Stories from the Srimad Bhagavatam Prayer Is there Life on other Planets? Vaishnava Saints 1. BHAKTI-PAUGANDA / KAISORA CERTIFICATES FOR CHILDREN PARENTS: Please note that the CONSENT SECTION must also be completed on the registration form. Duration of course : One year Course fee : R 120-00 (inclusive of guides) For Adults: 3. Bhakti-sadacara Certificate- 1 Year Course: 30 weeks at 1.5 hours per week (For Beginners) Module 1: Science of Self Realization Module 2: Vaisnava Etiquette 4. Bhakti-gita Diploma- 2 Year Course: 60 weeks at 3 hours per week (A credit for Bhakti-sastri degree) First Year: Module 1 The Yoga Ladder Module 2 Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapters 1-6 Second Year: Module 2 Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapters 7-12 Module 3 Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapters 13-18 5. Bhakti-sastri Degree- 3 Year Course: 105 weeks at 3 hours per week First Year Module 1 Nectar of Devotion Module 2 Nectar of Instruction Second Year Module 3 Sri Isopanisad Module 4 Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Overview Third Year Module 4 Training :Memorization of Verses Module 5 Overall Revision, Homework Assisgnments and Final Examinations 6. Bhakti-vaibhava Degree Srimad-Bhagavatam Cantos 1 and 2 Future Courses 7. Bhakti-vaibhava Degree- Srimad-Bhagavatam (Canto 7 to 12) 8. Bhakti-sarvabhauma- Caitanya-caritamrta (9 Volumes) Fun filled strategies to present Vedic Culture to children, insulating them against the some what decadent society that we are living in. Through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games, children will now be able to study the ancient wisdom of the Vedas. The first level will offer preparatory lessons for juniors in motor skills etc. in keeping with the academic requirements. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. Children enrolling in this course will also be afforded an opportunity to learn lessons in morality that is resultant in them imbibing Vedic teachings. DETAILS OF CLASSES FOR CHILDREN BHAKTI-PAUGANDA / KAISORA CERTIFICATES 1.1 LENASIA Venue : Sri Bharat Sharda Mandir School Salvia Street, Ext 3 Day and Time : Friday 7pm Age Group : 5-16 years Commencement Date : 23 February 2007 Teachers : Sitala Dasi / Reshma Mistry Telephone : (011) 852 3766 / (011) 854 7013 1.2 MARLBORO Venue : Radhe Shyam Mandir - Gilia Crescent Day and Time : Thursday - 7:15pm Age Group : 5-16 years Commencement Date : 22 February 2007 Teacher : Madri Dasi 4 5

KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE 1.3 CHATSWORTH 1.3.1 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Age Group : 6-8 years Teacher : Salona Reddy Telephone : (031) 400 1370 1.3.2 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Age Group : 9-12 years Teacher : Radha Radhanath Dasi / Alina Reddy Telephone : (031) 403 3328 / (083) 754 6649 1.3.3 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Age Group : 12-16 years Teacher : Taralika Devi Dasi and Roshnee Chandanram Telephone : (031) 403 3328 / 401 3897 / 400 6935 1.4 PHOENIX 1.4.1 Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Age Group : 4-6 years Teacher : Sureka Ramlakan Telephone : (031) 507 6559 1.4.2 Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Age Group : 7-9 years Teacher : Priyadarshini Devi Dasi Telephone : (031) 578 3495 / (082) 924 3009 1.4.3 Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Age Group : 13-16 years Teacher : Madhavapriya Devi Dasi Telephone : (031) 507 6559 6 1.4.4 Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Age Group : 10-12 years Teacher : Krsni Devi Dasi Telephone : (031) 505 6559 / 506 1150 1.5 PIETERMARITZBURG Venue : 4 Truro Road, Allandale Day and Time : Tuesday 6:30pm Age Group : 4 16 years Commencement Date : 13 February 2007 Teachers : Lokabandhu Dasa / Kirtida Devi Dasi Telephone : (033) 3873158 2. BHAKTI-SADACARA CERTIFICATE Duration of course : 1 year - 30 weeks at 1.5 hours per week Course fee : R 150-00 (included study guide) The course consists of two modules, namely: MODULE ONE: THE SCIENCE OF SELF REALIZATION 10 weeks at 1.5 hour per week Text: The Science of Self Realization Study notes will be provided In this text you will discover the timeless science that great teachers have spoken for millenia. The Science of Self Realization opens up the secrets of the self within, nature, the universe and the Supreme Self within and without. Here the world s most distinguished teacher of the science of self realization talks about meditation and practising yoga in the modern age, gaining liberation from the laws of karma, achieving super consciousness and much more. In these pages Srila Prabhupada presents the same message the great sage Vyasadeva recorded thousands of years ago, the message of India s ancient Vedic literatures. He quotes freely and often from Bhagavad-gita, the Srimad-Bhagavatam and other classic Vedic texts. He transmits in modern English the same timeless knowledge without adulteration. In all the interviews, lectures and essays chosen from this special book, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada speaks with invigorating clarity and power. He proves just how relevant the science of self realization is to today s world and your own life. 7

MODULE TWO: VAISNAVA ETIQUETTE (Includes Spiritual Masters And Disciple) 15 weeks at 1.5 hour per week (Study notes will be provided) Vaisnava etiquette is the behaviour of saintly persons. Nothing can be successful without sadacara or etiquette. Every action of ours should be performed according to proper etiquette. The heart of a saintly person is free from contamination. Although one may have acquired the knowledge of all of the Vedas, if one is not practicing the proper etiquette or if he did not become a Vaisnava, then all of this knowledge which he has acquired will be lost at the time of death. Thus one can understand that Vaisnava etiquette purifies the heart and consciousness. Vaisnava etiquette involves an in-depth study of the codes of behaviour as practised by saintly persons. SPIRITUAL MASTERS AND DISCIPLE 5 weeks at 1.5 hour per week (Study notes will be provided) If one understands the truth of Krishna consciousness and seriously desires to attain transcendental knowledge for the perfection of life, he can accept a spiritual master from any social status, provided the spiritual master is fully conversant with the science of Krishna. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura also states that although one is situated as a brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra, brahmacari, vanaprastha, grhastha, or sannyasi, if he is conversant in the science of Krishna he can become a spiritual master as vartma-pradarsaka-guru, diksa-guru or siksa-guru. The spiritual master who first gives information about spiritual life is called the vartma-pradarsaka-guru, the spiritual master who initiates according to the regulations of the sastra is called the diksa-guru, and the spiritual master who gives instructions for elevation is called the siksa-guru. Factually the qualifications of a spiritual master depend on his knowledge of the science of Krishna. It does not matter whether he is a brahmana, ksatriya, sannyasi or sudra. (Caitanya Caritamrta Adi-lila, Chapter 11, Text 128, Purport) DETAILS OF CLASSES BHAKTI-SADACARA CERTIFICATE 2.1 LENASIA 2.1.1 Venue : Sri Bharat Sharda Mandir School Salvia Street, Ext 3 Day and Time : Friday 7:30pm Commencement Date : 23 February 2007 Teacher : Madri Dasi 8 KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE 2.2 CHATSWORTH 2.2.1 Venue : Sri-Sri Radha-Radhanath Temple Day and Time : Saturday 1:30pm Teacher : Balaram Dasa Telephone : (031) 401 7121 / 082 877 0753 2.2.2 Venue : Sri-Sri Radha-Radhanath Temple Day and Time : Saturday 3:00pm Commencement Date : 10 February 2007 Teacher : Lognath Maharaj Telephone : (031) 400 6814 2.3 NORTHDENE Venue : Northdene Primary School Date and Time : Saturday 2:00pm Commencement Date : 10 February 2007 Teacher : Radha Valalbha Dasa Telephone : (031) 708 2714 / 083 278 2714 2.4 PIETERMARITZBURG 2.4.1 Venue : 4 Truro Road, Allandale Day and Time : Wednesday 6:30pm Age Group : 4 16 years Commencement Date : 14 February 2007 Teachers : Lokabandhu Dasai Telephone : (033) 3873158 2.4.2 Venue : Preaching Centre - Raisthorpe Date and Time : To be announced Commencement Date : To be announced Teacher : Jaisacinandan Dasa Telephone : (031) 505 2277 2.5 PHOENIX Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Day and Time : Tuesday 7pm Commencement Date : 13 February 2007 Teacher : Ram Kinkara Dasa Telephone : (031) 578 3495 / (082) 924 3009 9

3. BHAKTI-GITA DIPLOMA Duration of course : 2 years - 60 weeks at 3 hours per week Course fees - First year : R 180-00 (Study guide included) - Second year : R 200-00 This course is made up of four modules, namely: MODULE ONE: THE YOGA LADDER Text: Bhagavad-gita As It Is (hardbound) Study guide will be provided The process of linking oneself with the Supreme is called yoga. It may be compared to a ladder for attaining the topmost spiritual realization. This ladder begins from the lowest material condition of the living entity and rises up to perfect self-realization in pure spiritual life. According to various elevations, different parts of the ladder are known by different names. But all in all, the complete ladder is called yoga and may be divided into three parts, namely jnanayoga, dhyana-yoga and bhakti-yoga. The beginning of the ladder is called the yogaruruksu stage, and the highest rung is called yogarudha. (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapter 6, Verse 3, Purport) MODULE TWO-FOUR: BHAGAVAD-GITA AS IT IS, CHAPTER 1-18 Text: Bhagavad-gita As It Is (hardbound) Study guide will be provided The subject of the Bhagavad-gita entails the comprehension of five basic truths. First of all, the science of God is explained and then the constitutional position of the living entities, jivas. There is Isvara, which means the controller and there are jivas, the living entities, which are controlled. Prakriti (material nature) and time (the duration of existence of the whole universe or the manifestation of material nature) and karma (activities) are also discussed. This Gitopanisad, Bhagavad-gita, the essence of all the Upanisads, is just like a cow, and Lord Krsna, who is famous as a cowherd boy, is milking this cow. Arjuna is just like a calf, and learned scholars and pure devotees are to drink the nectarean milk of Bhagavad-gita. DETAILS OF CLASSES BHAKTI-GITA DIPLOMA First Year Total of 30 weeks at 3 hours per week Module 1 The Yoga Ladder Module 2 Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapters 1-6 10 KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE 3.1 CHATSWORTH 3.3.1 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Day And Time : Saturday 6:00pm Commencement Date : 10 February 2007 Teacher : Pundarik Vidyanidhi Das Telephone : (031) 403 3328 3.3.2 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Day And Time : Sunday 10:00am Teacher : Roshnee Chandanram Telephone : (031) 403 3328 / 400 6935 3.2 DURBAN Venue : Clare Estate / Overport Day And Time : Wednesday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 14 February 2007 Teacher : Shankarlall Dasa Telephone : (031) 201 4539 / 082 899 6779 3.3 LADYSMITH Venue : Temple Day And Time : Thursday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 15 February 2007 Teacher : Shankarlall Dasa Telephone : (031) 201 4539 / 082 899 6779 Yogeswara Dasa : (036) 633 2617 / 083 236 6595 3.4 NEWCASTLE Venue : Lennoxton Primary School Day And Time : Friday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 16 February 2007 Teacher : Shankarlall Dasa Telephone : (031) 201 4539 / 082 899 6779 Krishna Kripa Dasa : ( 034) 312 3369 / 084 440 4021 3.5 NORTHDENE Venue : Northdene Primary School Day And Time : Thursday 6:00pm Commencement Date : 15 February 2007 Teacher : Patridas Telephone : (031) 708 6972/ 082 468 4669 11

3.6 PHOENIX Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Day And Time : Friday - 6:30pm Commencement Date : 16 February 2007 Teacher : Ram Kinkara Dasa Telephone : (031) 502 2277 3.7 PIETERMARITZBURG Venue : 4 Truro Road, Allandale Day and Time : Friday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 16 February 2007 Teachers : Lokabandhu Dasa Telephone : (033) 3873158 3.9.2 Venue : Teacher s Centre Day And Time : Saturday 3:00pm Commencement Date : 10 February 2007 Teacher : Roshnee Chandanram Telephone : (031) 403 3328 / 400 6935 3.10 NORTHDENE Venue : To be announced Day and Time : Friday 6pm Commencement Date : 9 February 2007 Teacher : Radha Valalbha Dasa Telephone : (031) 708 2714 / 083 278 2714 Second (Final ) Year Total of 30 weeks at 3 hours per week Module 3 Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapters 7-12 Module 4 Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Chapters 13-18 3.8 PRETORIA Venue : Hare Krishna Temple, Hatfield Corner Church and Duncan Day and Time : Monday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 19 February 2007 Teacher : Nrsimhananda Dasa KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE 3.9 CHATSWORTH 3.9.1 Venue : Teacher s Centre Day And Time : Sunday 1:30pm Teacher : Jaisacinandan Dasa Telephone : (031) 403 3328 / 083 777 3328 12 3.11 PHOENIX Venue : Panca Tattva Temple Day And Time : Saturday - 2:00pm Commencement Date : 17 February 2007 Teacher : Ram Kinkara Dasa Telephone : (031) 502 2277 3.12 PIETERMARITZBURG Venue : 4 Truro Road, Allandale Day and Time : Monday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 13 February 2007 Teachers : Lokabandhu Dasa Telephone : (033) 3873158 4. BHAKTI-SASTRI DEGREE Duration of course : 3 years - 105 weeks at 3 hours per week Course fees - First year : R 250-00 (Study guide included) - Second year : R 250-00 - Third year : R 250-00 The awarding of the Bhakti Sastri degree is a culmination of siz years of study which begins with the Bhakti-sadacara certificate, then the Bhakti-gita Diploma 1 st, 2 nd years and finally ends with Bhakti-sastri degree part time over 3 years. MODULE ONE: NECTAR OF DEVOTION The Nectar of Devotion - is a summary of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu which was written in Sanskrit over five hundred years ago by Srila Rupa Goswami, one of our predecessor teachers. 13

The 523 page book teaches us the science of loving every living entity perfectly in relation to developing our innate love for the Supreme. MODULE TWO: NECTAR OF INSTRUCTION The Nectar of Instruction - is a compact guidebook of how to choose a spiritual guide, how to practice yoga and even where to live for progressive spiritual advancement. The 130 page book with eleven verses was written in sanskrit by Srila Rupa Goswami. MODULE THREE: SRI ISOPANISAD Sri Isopanisad - discusses personality as the solid foundation and unifying principle of our existence. This 142 page book with its eighteen mantras is the most confidential of the 108 Upanisads. MODULE FOUR: BHAGAVAD-GITA AS IT IS - OVERVIEW Bhagavad-gita is universally renown as the jewel of Vedic spiritual wisdom and the essence of the Upanisads. This 1047 page book with seven-hundred verses provide a definitive guide to the science of self realisation. This work discusses man s essential nature, his environment and his relationship with the Supreme. MODULE FIVE: TRAINING - MEMORIZATION OF VERSES MODULE SIX: OVERALL REVISION, HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS AND FINAL EXAMINATIONS DETAILS OF CLASSES BHAKTI-SASTRI DEGREE First Year Module 1 Nectar of Devotion Module 2 Nectar of Instruction 4.1 RANDBURG 4.1.1 Venue : Sri Bharat Sharda Mandir School Salvia Street, Ext 3 Day and Time : Friday 7pm Commencement Date : 18 February 2005 Teacher : Nrsimhananda Dasa Telephone : (011) 675 0684 / (083) 5511550 4.1.2 Venue : ISKCON Lenasia Day and Time : To be announced 14 Commencement Date : To be announced Teacher : Brhat-mrdanga Dasa Nrsimhananda Dasa Vrajabasi Dasa 4.2 PRETORIA Venue : ISKCON Pretoria Corner Church and Duncan, Hatfield Day and Time : To be announced Commencement Date : To be announced Teacher : Brhat-mrdanga Dasa Nrsimhananda Dasa Gaura Dasa KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE 4.3 CHATSWORTH Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Day And Time : Saturday - 4:30pm Commencement Date : 19 February 2005 Teacher : Balgopal Dasa Telephone : (031) 403 3328 Third Year Module 5 Training: Memorization of Verses Module 6 Overall Revision, Homework Assignments and Final Examinations 4.4 MARLBORO Venue : Radhe Shyam Mandir - Gilia Crescent Day and Time : Thursday - 7:15pm Commencement Date : 18 February 2005 Teacher : Nrsimhananda Dasa 15

5. BHAKTI-VAIBHAVA DEGREE Srimad-Bhagavatam is the desire tree of Vedic wisdom. Veda itself means the aggregate of knowledge. And whatever knowledge is required for human society is perfectly presented in Srimad-Bhagavatam. There are different branches of knowledge in the Vedic writings, including sociology, politics, medicine and military art. All these and other branches of knowledge are perfectly described in the Vedas. So, as far as spiritual knowledge is concerned, that is also perfectly described there, and Srimad-Bhagavatam is considered to be the ripened fruit of this desire-fulfilling tree of the Vedas. A tree is honored by the production of its fruit. For example, a mango tree is considered very valuable because it produces the king of all fruits, the mango. When the mango fruit becomes ripened it is the greatest gift of that tree, and Srimad-Bhagavatam is similarly held to be the ripened fruit of the Vedic tree. And as ripened fruit becomes more relishable when first touched by the beak of a parrot, or suka, Srimad- Bhagavatam has become more relishable by being delivered through the transcendental mouth of Sukadeva Gosvami. (From Nectar Of Devotion: Recitation of Srimad-Bhagavatam Among Devotees) In the Srimad-Bhagavatam ten subjects are described: (1) the creation of the ingredients of the cosmos, (2) the creations of Brahma, (3) the maintenance of the creation, (4) special favor given to the faithful, (5) impetuses for activity, (6) prescribed duties for law-abiding men, (7) a description of the incarnations of the Lord, (8) the winding up of the creation, (9) liberation from gross and subtle material existence, and (10) the ultimate shelter, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE 5.2 CHATSWORTH 5.2.1 Course : Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 3 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Day And Time : Sunday 10:00pm Teacher : Balgopal Dasa Telephone : (031) 403 3328 / 305 5307 5.2.2 Course : Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 6 Venue : Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Day And Time : Monday to Friday - 6:30pm Commencement Date : To Be Announced Teacher : Sankirtan Dasa Telephone : (031) 403 3328 6. TEACHER S SEMINAR AND INTENSIVE COURSES To Be Announced. DETAILS OF CLASSES BHAKTI-VAIBHAVA DEGREE 5.1 LENASIA Course : Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 2 Venue : Sri Bharat Sharda Mandir School Salvia Street, Ext 3 Day and Time : Saturday 6:30pm Commencement Date : 24 February 2007 Teacher : Nrsimhananda Dasa 16

The Bhakti Prospectus 2005 is published by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture Correspondence can be addressed to: The Chief Registrar Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture P.O. BOX 815, LENASIA, GAUTENG, 1820 SOUTH AFRICA Telephone: (011) 675 0684 / 0835511550 e-mail: bcec@pamho.net