Bhakti Sastri is an in depth study of four foundational books of Bhakti yoga philosophy and practice (Nectar of Instruction, Isopanisad, Bhagavad Gita and Nectar of Devotion).
what to expect
- weekly live and interactive online sessions conducted via zoom, recorded for later viewing
- personal reading and homework assignments in between sessions
- questions and answers welcome during and in-between live sessions
- recitation and memorization of sanskrit verses from each text
- access to teacher throughout the course for support on your journey
- quizzes and exams for each module
cancellation policy
- one must cancel 48 hours in advance of a workshop/event to receive refund
- credit card processing fees apply
Bhakti Sastri – Module 1: Nectar of Devotion
systematic study of essential bhakti yoga wisdom books
presenter – Vasudeva das
dates: march 18 – june 24th
time – weekly on mondays 7:00pm – 8:30pm
(be aware that classes may go longer occasionally)
location – online
admission – $151
*NOTE: you will receive an email with the zoom link prior to the first session
for questions regarding this program, please contact Vasudeva Das at vasudeva@bhakticenter.org
Bhakti Sastri is suitable for Bhakti practitioners or those who want to become practitioners. Students will deepen their understanding of spiritual knowledge, learn how to connect spiritual teachings back to the original Vedic texts, and also learn and be encouraged to implement teachings into practical life applications.
There are 6 modules, which are offered successively and independently. This means that students can enroll in each module on its own as they are released, regardless of having taken any previous modules, and without having to commit to any subsequent modules. Students must register and pay for each module separately. Each module consists of a weekly class which spans the timeframe of 2-4 months, depending on the volume of content for that particular module.
Students must complete all 6 modules in order to receive their Bhakti Sastri degree.
Outline of Modules
Module 1: Nectar of Devotion
Module 2: Bhagavad-gita Chapters 1-6
Module 2: Bhagavad-gita Chapters 7-12
Module 4: Bhagavad-gita Chapters 13-18
Module 5: Isopanishad
Module 6: Nectar of Instruction
We will be starting our study with module 1 – Nectar of Devotion. This is a summary study of the bhakti-yoga classic the Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu of Rupa Goswami, which Srila Prabhupada describes as “the complete science of bhakti-yoga”.
This seminal work teaches us how to practice bhakti-yoga in the lineage of Sri Caitanya and attain the goal of life — love for Krishna.
Students will need to get a copy of their own book, or access a free online resource: https://vedabase.io/en/
Vasudeva Das, originally from the Netherlands, started his journey on the path of bhakti in 1997. Since then, he has lived as a monk for 16 years in various ashrams in India and Europe, engaged in intensive practice of bhakti-yoga and study of Sanskrit and Vedic bhakti texts, such as the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. He received initiation in the bhakti lineage of Sri Caitanya in 2003 from his guru, HH Kadamba Kanana Swami. In 2016 he earned a BA in Vaishnava Bhakti Theology with honors from the University of Chester, UK. Vasudeva currently lives with his wife in the East Village, New York City, where he serves as the head priest and senior educator at the Bhakti Center. As a scholar of Sanskrit, he is engaged in various translation projects and also tutors individual students. Vausdeva’s main aspiration in life, however, is to constantly serve Krishna (God) and his devotees with a selfless and humble heart.
