By Tattvatit dasa
Posted February 7, 2003

Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha Click here for full size

The very first three-month term at Bhaktivedanta College, in Radhadesh (Belgium), drew enthusiastic appreciation from the college's principal and nine students. You can read samples of their appreciations here and see their photos. For more information, please visit the College website:
http://www.easy
comsolutions.
com/BCollege/

Beyond My Expectations
Yadunandana Dasa / December 2002

Yadunandana, 39, serves as the principal of Bhaktivedanta College. He comes from Spain and is a disciple of His Holiness Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami. He has been in ISKCON for twenty-five years and has performed leadership and preaching services for more than two decades. His educational services include training new devotees, giving seminars to devotees, and holding conferences in more than twenty universities.

Two years ago, I began thinking of committing myself to the development of Bhaktivedanta College. The College would contribute to the development of systematic education in ISKCON and conscientiously train devotees to offer substantial service to Srila Prabhupada, his movement, and the general public. The College would also create a model that, if successful, could be reproduced. I was enlivened because many exemplary Vaisnavas were involved as trustees, teachers, and staff. Initially, Saunaka Rsi Prabhu offered me the opportunity to teach the first two Cantos of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Later, the trustees offered me the privilege of being the first principal, which I gladly accepted, considering the substantial support from many experienced devotees, especially Visnu Murti Prabhu, an excellent manager. I knew that it was going to be good, but never thought that it would be this good. It has surpassed all my expectations. The feedback of the many devotees involved (teachers, students, staff, and devotees of the Radhadesh community) confirms my perception: that the College is offering an opportunity for serious devotees to receive training from many experienced teachers in a wonderful Krsna-conscious environment. The students really feel nourished by the association and the learning experiences, and I trust that this will enhance their personal lives and their service to Srila Prabhupada, the Vaisnava community, and the conditioned souls that they meet. As this is the first year of the ministerial course, I have been attending all the classes to gain an overview. I am impressed by the high caliber of the curriculum, by how selflessly the teachers are dedicating themselves to the students, and by how seriously the students are taking to the learning process. Krsna mercifully sent a wonderful group of students, whose responsibility for learning is high and who work well as a team. The Radhadesh community, presided over by Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha, provides an excellent atmosphere for the students to execute sadhana in the association of sincere, mature Vaisnavas. This, no doubt, increases the learning experience and inspires everyone.

My Experience at Bhaktivedanta College
Bhakta Bram / December 2002

Before I started courses at the College, I was reserved and skeptical. The confident College organizers enthusiastically called it a groundbreaking project. I thought, "I’ll learn something, but nine months of study could prove to be too theoretical." After three months, I gave up my skepticism. During the first term we dove into one course after another, and in each one I gained skills, values, and realizations. I especially achieved the blessing of devotee association, sadhu-sanga. The teachers eagerly shared their experiences, and I was impressed by their openness and kindness. Another aspect of the wonderful sadhu-sanga was the association that we students gave one another. All the courses provoked, more than anything else, thoughtfulness and introspection. I had to think about many subjects, issues, and myself. Now I know more clearly what my obstacles are and what I can offer. At times it was painful to confront myself, but by these challenges I grew and had a change of heart. I am now more open, truthful, sociable, appreciative of others, and serious about spiritual life. I am feeling that I am coming alive. I now aspire to be a real Krishna conscious person, not merely an image of what a devotee is supposed to be. These three months seemed long because it was such a rich experience, a spiritual adventure. Krishna was guiding me. I was forced to give up my skepticism and forced to appreciate the organizers and teachers from the core of my heart.

My Experience at Bhaktivedanta College
Bhakta Daniel / December 2002

The term produced practical, tangible fruits. The skills courses gave me tools for preaching and teaching. I soon noticed the increased effectiveness of my preaching, and my motivation to teach greatly increased. The skills course and the introspection courses were complementary. I gained spiritual integrity and a deeper sense of honesty about myself. I had opportunities to get in touch with myself and began to ascertain my real position in spiritual life. I now have greater clarity about my future direction and greater determination and enthusiasm to achieve my goals. The academic courses provided me with more understanding of both my position and ISKCON’s position in society. Combined with the skills and introspection courses, this enabled me to preach more solidly, within a more secure framework. I feel privileged to have had the rare opportunity of close association with many advanced devotees. My seed of bhakti has been nourished. My relationships with Srila Prabhupada and Vaisnava friends and authorities has become close, real, intimate, and tangible. I was overwhelmed by the students’ care, support, and cooperation. I feel fortunate to be part of the College in its first year.

Experiences at Bhaktivedanta College
Bhaktin Claire / December 2002

To be able to deeply study the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and, provided with knowledge of other philosophical systems, establish Prabhupada’s as the most perfect truth in our hearts and the hearts of others is the highest good we can do. Bhaktivedanta College has this aim, and it is being achieved to the great ecstasy of all involved. There are three strands to the curriculum: knowledge, skills, and values. Each course develops a particular strand, but they are woven together, complement each other, and enhance the quality and depth of the education. Each course seems to prepare us for the next, providing just the right attitude required for us to absorb the coming knowledge. Bhaktivedanta College has been the perfect thing for me for so many reasons. It is such a joy to be given real Krishna consciousness as we have been given it by the teachers here. The education is valuable academically and in the scope of society at large, but the real value of this experience is not that. Although the curriculum is outstanding externally, the knowledge I am receiving is enlightening me and empowering me to give myself internally to the mission of Krishna consciousness. By "myself," I do not mean a superficial execution of duties: that my body serves ISKCON. Rather, I am learning how to give my heart by slowly realizing and accepting myself as a servant of Krishna and the devotees. The people involved (the organizers and instructors) are astoundingly mature and serious, and we students are being completely nurtured by their concern and determination to spread genuine spiritual life. Similarly, the maturity and sincerity of the devotees at Radhadesh creates an atmosphere that causes us all to grow on a personal level, in ways that may not have been possible otherwise. From this growth, we have become a close group, and we inspire and encourage one another to stretch beyond our fears and weaknesses and apply our education on all levels of life.

Bhaktivedanta College: the First Trimester
Jaya Bhadra Dasi / December 2002

I love being a student at Bhaktivedanta College. The focus on assimilating knowledge is revitalizing my starved intellect. Being regularly assessed is bracing and invigorating. It has been helpful that in all the courses the students were supplied documents and resources painstakingly written or compiled by the teachers. Besides this, the Bhaktivedanta Library is being developed and maintained by a dedicated, accommodating staff, and it is a fantastic learning-facility. We students have weekly meetings in a devotional mood and share our realizations. I feel joy at being a classmate of students of such high caliber and sincerity. Although I’m like a mother to most of them, their insights and aspirations exceed mine. These are the type of students Srila Prabhupada wanted to attract, and it is a tribute to the founders and trustees of the College that Lord Krishna sent such students right from the start.

The Cream of the Cream
Jaya Govinda Dasa / December 2002

What I went through in the first three months at Bhaktivedanta College was not just a program of courses and study but an overwhelming life-experience in Krishna consciousness that involved all aspects of my life: physical and social, mental and emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It is exactly the right thing for me, at the right time, by and with the right persons, in the right place. I arrived at Radhadesh with strong confidence and high expectations. The curriculum was planned in a balanced, intelligent manner by qualified and sincere devotees. As in the magical narrations in the Srimad Bhagavatam, some of the best teachers from Europe, America, and India have appeared on campus like great sages descending for special events, and all were clearly inspired by the College’s attempt to establish systematic education in ISKCON. This is a dream come true. After only three months, I feel like a completely different person, for the better. This experience has been overwhelming and transforming, a turning point and breakthrough in my life. I feel richer and more confident and have more foresight.

The Bhaktivedanta College Experience: "I shall never be alone."
Krsna Chandra / December 2002

The skills I am learning inside and outside the classroom are already helping me practically. For example, empathic listening (taught in a few courses) has really helped me listen to others and help them. Besides learning much clearer communication, I am getting a handle on time management, something I have never been good at. This is my first time out of my parents’ house, and I am learning not to waste time, because time is Krishna, and every moment is a chance to serve and remember Him. Being the daughter of two disciples of Srila Prabhupada, I find it significant that I celebrated my eighteenth birthday here with this family of devotees. It represents my maturing, growing up, becoming less self-centered and more Krishna conscious. As a young adult, I have chosen to be a devotee. This is my first temple experience, and I am glad to be finally chanting sixteen rounds every day. This is a pivotal time for me. The courses have sparked so much inside us that has helped us students become close knit and eager for others to join. The courses have also given us the external and internal skills to both improve our devotional services and be simultaneously nourished. I am getting my life’s education, Krishna conscious education; I am getting devotees’ association; I am identifying and working on anarthas; I am finding myself. I know that Krishna is taking care of me. Srila Prabhupada says in his purport to Bhagavad-gita 16.1-3:

"One must have firm conviction that Krishna as Paramatma will take care of a soul surrendered to Him. 'I shall never be alone,' one should think. 'Even if I live in the darkest regions of a forest I shall be accompanied by Krishna, and He will give me all protection.'"

Now that I am part of the Bhaktivedanta College family, I know that "I shall never be alone" in more ways than one. I am becoming more aware of Krishna’s constant presence, feeling more of a connection with Him than ever, and I am also beginning to trust the devotees and trust myself that we will not let these deep relationships fade. Devotees are friends not only for life, but for eternity, because at the center of our relationships is our eternal friend, Krishna.

Bhaktivedanta College: Food for Thought
Nrtya Kisori Dasi / December 2002

"It’s going to be like a nine-month festival," we were told during orientation week at Bhaktivedanta College.

I really couldn’t grasp the meaning. I thought, "Nine months of study . . . but I don’t know about the festival part."

Now I know better. It is three months down the road, and, lamentably, only six months are left before the festival ends. For me, my dreams are coming true. I feel completely satisfied and fully engaged mentally and intellectually.

When I think of a festival, I think of the program, guests, and decorations. Here, at Bhaktivedanta College, an extensive festival takes place. Radhadesh’s temple program, community members, and beautiful surroundings give us moral support, and we receive a full range of mercy.

Did I forget something? Oh, yes. The feast!

The main item is the feast of courses at this opulent, nine-month festival. Varieties of preparations offer just the right combinations of almost all the tastes I like. Making each tasty preparation are expert cooks (teachers) with individual specialties, invited from Europe, America, and India. And this feast is being honored in the association of most wonderful, hungry devotees. By the enlivening association and the mercy of the exalted Vaisnavas, the future seems so bright and promising. We, the students, are also ingredients. As a payment for this great feast of food for thought, we should make a tasty preparation, perhaps a big, creamy cake (yes, with cherries on top), as an offering to the lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and his wonderful mission.

My Experience at Bhaktivedanta College
Bhakta Rabin / December 2002

The original reasons I joined the Bhaktivedanta College were to boost my spiritual life and become more serious. After nine years of working and associating with nondevotees, I had dried up spiritually and become joyless. My daily sadhana felt like mountain climbing. My wishes have certainly been fulfilled. My spiritual life has deepened, I experience joy again, and I am satisfied with my sadhana. The Radhadesh community consists of sweet and humble devotees. It is a stimulating place. I received far more than I expected. The contrast is like heaven and hell. I chose Bhaktivedanta College because of my good experience at the Bhakti Sastri course in Radhadesh in 2001 and because of the very qualified teachers. The philosophy courses were given by advanced devotees with genuine love for Krishna and devotional service. The philosophy courses were not dry theory. However, because some of these courses were pilot courses, there were some challenges, like getting the proper study material together, finding the most effective teaching style, and realizing everything within the tight schedule. The skills courses were very powerful. The teachers shared their whole life’s experience with us, greatly increasing the practical value. The introspection sessions helped me deepen my spiritual life. The association with devotees, the sharing of our realizations and inspirations, and our exchanging feedback created a powerful, positive energy that enabled us to push ourselves beyond our limits. They also helped unite everything – philosophy, skills, temple programs – into one ongoing process. I could feel Srila Prabhupada and his love, affection, and blessings enter my heart. This made me feel very safe and protected. I have gained close friends.

My Experience of the First Term at Bhaktivedanta College:
Greater happiness, accelerated purification and required solidification
Vrindadevi Dasi / December 2002

From the first day, I derived a lot of spiritual taste and fulfillment by attending the blissful morning programs with the community of Radhadesh devotees. I improved my sadhana. My boldest dreams for meaningful relationships with devotees came true in this community. I gained a lot of courage to improve my relationships because of the loving and trusting family mood, especially within our group of nine College students, but also within the two larger groups of (1) additional devotees who take part in our skills courses and (2) other community members. Although I gained reassurance about my potential for becoming a teacher and counselor, I saw the need for using more common sense and intuitive empathy rather than just analytical study, to understand people. Along with the whole load of bliss came the pain and strain of removing my unwanted habits, or anartha-nivritti. I am gaining a deeper sense of having a balanced personality, capable of assertiveness yet allowing vulnerability, too. Now I have even bolder dreams of close, confidential relationships with my dear ones. Regarding my relationship with Krishna, I still have to overcome many selfish motives. But my belief in the process of bhakti grew stronger in the intense association of experienced devotees. Stronger than ever, I can sense that dedication to spreading the mercy of Harinama-sankirtana will naturally fulfill all of my desires. My surrendering of time and energy to the mission will manifest hidden potentials at the right time, for example, in motherhood and creativity. Paternal care is certainly implicit in what we learned about teaching, communicating, counseling, and so on. And in practical stretches, we learned to access our creativity on many levels. In these ways, Bhaktivedanta College helped me a lot to become more resourceful, and my confidence in Krishna consciousness as an art of living and acting became solidified.

© dipika.org February 7, 2003