Start your spiritual journey on a sound footing

Introductory Course

If you have recently come in contact with Krsna Consciousness and wish to understand its philosophy and practice, this course is perfect for you. You will learn about Krsna, Lord Caitanya, Srila Prabhupada and the timeless process of bhakti yoga, the path of devotion. You will clearly understand the goal of Krsna Consciousness. Moreover, you will learn about lifestyle in the mode of goodness.

Dates:

Feb to Apr 2025

Timings (IST):

7pm-8.15pm (Tue/Wed to Sat)
5.30pm-8.15pm (Sun)

Requirements:

There are no initial requirements for attending the course; however, it is advised that one chants a minimum of 2 rounds of Hare Krsna mantra daily.

Admissions:

Admission open

Aims

To give persons who have recently come in touch with the Hare Krsna Movement a clear understanding of the philosophy of Krsna consciousness.

To give training in the essential practices of devotional sadhana as taught by Srila Prabhupada.

To give a taste for the chanting of the Holy Name and increase the students' commitment to japa.

To encourage the reading of Srila Prabhupada's books.

To encourage and facilitate engagement in practical devotional activities.

To establish a connection with Srila Prabhupada through the study of his life's history and accomplishments, and the testimonies of his followers.

To introduce the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

To cultivate faith In Krsna, guru, sadhu and sastra.

To develop a thoughtful approach to devotional life.

To introduce one to a lifestyle in the mode of goodness.

To teach the goal of Krsna consciousness.

Special features of the course

The VIHE Bhakti-pravesa course has 1 or 2 hours of classes 5 days a week. The course includes lectures, workshops, assignments and exams. There are also online japa sessions and festivals.

Course Contents:

Who am I - Journey of the Soul

Krsna, the Reservoir of Pleasure

Bhakti Yoga - The Path of Devotion

Lord Caitanya's Life and Teachings

Readings in Krsna Consciousness

Chanting the Holy Names of Krsna

Who is Srila Prabhupada

Bhakti Life

Food for the Soul

Practical Lessons

Devotional Mantras

Teachers:

H.G. Madhusudana Visnu Dasa

H.G. Nava Kishora Govinda Dasa

H.G. Damodara Priya Devi Dasi

H.G. Saktimanta Devi Dasi

H.G. Pandita Devi Dasi

H.G. Lavanga Lata Devi Dasi

H.G. Balaji Priya Devi Dasi

And more...

Assessments:

1. Open and closed book exams
2. Attendance (minimum 75%)

About Contributions:

The contribution towards the course is INR 4,000 (listener only: No assessment: INR 2,000). Please note that the contribution covers the study materials and administrative expenses connected with conducting the course. You can send the contribution by bank transfer or UPI (Indian Nationals) or pay by international debit or credit card at online payment link

Please note that this payment is to be made once your admission is confirmed. If the payment is done prior to admission confirmation, it is done at your own risk and the VIHE is not liable to give a refund in case you are not admitted to the course.

Testimonies:

This course opens the gate to enter into the house of bhakti, where there are different rooms of devotional services like hearing, chanting, reading Scriptures, worshiping the Deity, etc. I realized that Lord Krishna reveals Himself to those who chant His holy name sincerely and read the Scriptures daily in the association of devotees, and that one can understand Lord Krishna through bhakti only. - Bhawna Virmani (bhakti-pravesa batch 2023)

Contact Information:

VIHE c/o ISKCON Goshala,
Parikrama Marg,
Raman Reti, Vrindavan,
Mathura Dist., 281121,
U.P., India

Phone: +91 89799 43134 (12-6pm IST), +91 88690 53796
Email: courses@vihe.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vihe.vrindavan/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VrindavanInstituteforHigherEducationVIHE