Bhakti Shastri_slides-12

1.To help students memorize and recall the (theoretical) knowledge which
forms the foundation of their ongoing progress in Krishna Consciousness.
2. 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. To help students apply the Krishna Consciousness theology, with
reference to:
(a) their external practices
(b) their inner development and to help them develop appropriate Vaishnava
qualities and behavior.
4. To enhance devotees desire and ability to preach effectively.
5. To help build and maintain students' faith and conviction in:
(a) the process of Krishna consciousness
(b) the shastra as its foundation
6. To simultaneously cultivate within devotees:
(a) wholehearted acceptance of the spiritual authority of shastra
(b) a mood of open and honest inquiry and a desire to factually understand
and realise the import of Vedic knowledge.
7. To help create learned Vaishnava theologians who are expert in assisting
the Society through application of shastric knowledge to a wide range of
personal, social, moral, topical and theological issues.
8. To develop students' analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills,
particularly in respect of the practical application of shastric knowledge.
9. To facilitate devotees in:
(a) understanding and appreciating the mood and mission of Srila Prabhupada,
(b) perpetuating that understanding within the Society and its members.
10. To ensure that devotes develop moral and academic integrity in the
interpretation, evaluation and application of shastric knowledge.
11. To encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and develop
healthy study habits by:
(a) 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),
(b) equipping them with the appropriate learning skills.
12. 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 realizing scripture, and in seeing Krishna, at all times and in all
places.
Bombay
10 January, 1976
My Dear Svarupa Damodara,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to thank you for your letter dated December 26th, 1975, and I
have noted the contents carefully.
Your plan to have the Bhaktivedanta Summer Institute in one of our farms is a very good idea. . . .
brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am suggesting examinations. Bhakti-shastri - (for all
brahmanas) based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction,
and all the small paper backs. Bhakti-vaibhava – the above plus first six cantos of S.B.
Bhaktivedanta - the above plus cantos 7-12 S.B. Bhakti-sarvabhauma - the above plus
Caitanyacaritamrta. These titles can correspond to entrance, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. So just consider
how to organize this Institute. At Mayapur we shall finalize everything. Hoping this meets you
well.
Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
The broad framework for the four degrees is largely based on this letter. There are several other
references Srila Prabhupada made to these degrees, with some variations.
Degree Courses
Texts studied
Bhakti Shastri
Bhagavad-gita, Nectar of Devotion, Sri Isopanisad,
Nectar of Instruction
Bhakti-vaibhava
Cantos 1 to 6 of the Srimad Bhagavatam
Bhaktivedanta
Cantos 7 to 12 of the Srimad Bhagavatam
Bhakti-sarvabhauma
The entire text of the Caitanya-caritamrta
The “entrance” point into Vedic
scriptures
It is our ambition that devotees taking this course will
experience a change in their Krishna consciousness and
spiritual lives, as well as increased capability and
qualification to serve Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
The course takes a personal approach to learning.
It encourages the students to not only understand the content of Srila
Prabhupada’s books but to also digest the philosophy and practically
apply it.
A study of Cantos 1 to 6 of the Srimad
Bhagavatam
Split, canto by canto
The BA degree course in Vedic scriptures
Bhaktivedanta and Bhakti-sarvabhauma
degree courses (MA and PhD) to follow
soon…
Any questions, please e-mail us at:
cvs@krishnatemple.com