"Svadhyayam means that one should study Vedic literature according to his individual ability and also teach others. In Bhagavad-gita it is mentioned that a brahmana should have the qualities of jnana and vijana, scriptural knowledge and practical realized application of knowledge."[SB 11.3.24]
On Friday we had our third class of the first level - Bhakti Sadacara Course. In this course the students who are mostly completely new to Krishna consciousness have an introduction to the philosophy by studying Srila Prabhupada's book, Science of Self Realisation. (SSR) The course is designed for all ages. On the left is a pic of the class. Nrsimhananda Prabhu is the teacher/preacher/mentor and can be seen standing at the back. Most of the students drive long distances to attend the class every Friday night from 7pm to 9pm.
They are provided with a study guide. Recomended reading is part of the requirements prior to the class. This book, SSR is so appropriate as it covers all of the basic points of Krishna conscious philosophy. Above is Nash who has done his homework - answered assignment question.
Below is a pic of the study guide with the assignment questions.
"Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised Prakasananda Sarasvati, "Study Srimad-Bhagavatam very scrutinizingly. Then you will understand the actual meaning of the Brahma-sutra."
[CC Madhya 25.153]
[CC Madhya 25.153]
In our experience of doing these courses in the last 15 years we find that the students continue with their studies in the ensueing years. After studying the SSR another course on Vaisnava Ettiquete and the Spiritual Master and Disciple is offered.
For this particular class the venue is a house. The one room has been transformed as a classroom. The parking is secure and the Vaisnava hosts are polite.
We use this venue twice every week. On Wednesdays I teach Nectar of Devotion here. We hope fellow devotees feel inspired by this post.
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