Dear Friends
Srila Prabhupada often confirmed that his greatest contribution to the world was his books which he painstakingly and tirelessly worked to publish. These books form the philosophical foundation upon which ISKCON rests. Thus for a serious follower of Srila Prabhupada, regular engagement with his books is essential. It is also a wonderful way to develop a relationship with Srila Prabhupada. “If you want to know me, read my books,” Srila Prabhupada once said. The service that significantly pleased him was the publication and distribution of his books. Yet oftentimes, Srila Prabhupada expressed his concern that his followers must read and study his books: “Distributing my books will keep my followers happy; reading my books will keep them.”
One of ISKCON Durban’s priorities is to provide our community with opportunities to read and study Srila Prabhupada’s books. Shortly we will open up in-person classes for various courses offered by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture, both for children and adults. Following is a list of online courses coming up over the next weeks.
Online Courses
Vaisnava Etiquette Course
With His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Begins on 2 May 2022 and will continue for 4 weeks.
Classes are Mondays to Fridays @5:30pm
There are no pre-requisites to enrol for this course. The course entails attending the daily online classes and the submission of one multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course. Certificates will be awarded on the successful completion of the course.
The course fee is R250. Registration has been extended until Friday 29 April.
Register here
For further information: mailto:education.bcais@gmail.com
Begins on 2 May 2022 and will continue for 4 weeks.
Classes are Mondays to Fridays @5:30pm
There are no pre-requisites to enrol for this course. The course entails attending the daily online classes and the submission of one multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course. Certificates will be awarded on the successful completion of the course.
The course fee is R250. Registration has been extended until Friday 29 April.
Register here
For further information: mailto:education.bcais@gmail.com
Teacher Training Course 1&2
hosted by the ISKCON South African Education Ministry
Dates: April 30, May 1-2, May 7-8, May 21-22
Times 10:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:00pm
Times 10:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-3:00pm
This course helps to develop the skills required not only inside the classroom but also outside the classroom. How to ask a question in a specific way so that you easily draw out thoughtful answers? How to respond to answers positively, so that the student feels encouraged to open up more and speak from the heart? How to positively listen and ask questions as a teacher, mentor, manager, leader, parent, or even a spouse?
Register here
Srimad Bhagavatam Reading Marathon for South African Devotees
Hosted by ISKCON Bhagavata Mahavidyalaya
with His Grace Brajsundar Das
Sunday 15 May – Sunday 17 July (3 months)
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm (10 sessions once a week)
Self-study of one chapter of Srimad Bhagavatam from Monday to Saturday. Students need to take an online Srimad Bhagavatam Quiz after the completion of each chapter (simple multiple-choice questions). A certificate of participation will be awarded.
Register here
Study in Sri Vrindavan Dhama
Bhakti-sadacara
30 June to 23 October
Bhakti-sadacara is a pre-Bhakti-sastri course suited for those who have recently taken to Krishna consciousness and would like to gain basic knowledge and training in Bhakti. The course gives a systematic understanding of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy and enables one to assimilate the practices of Krishna consciousness step-by-step. It includes practical workshops, karatala and mridanga lessons, and discussions concerning Vaishnava values and qualities. A major part of the time is spent studying Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta.
30 June to 23 October
Bhakti-sadacara is a pre-Bhakti-sastri course suited for those who have recently taken to Krishna consciousness and would like to gain basic knowledge and training in Bhakti. The course gives a systematic understanding of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy and enables one to assimilate the practices of Krishna consciousness step-by-step. It includes practical workshops, karatala and mridanga lessons, and discussions concerning Vaishnava values and qualities. A major part of the time is spent studying Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta.
Register here
Bhakti-sastri
16 June to 31 October
Srila Prabhupada envisioned the Bhakti-sastri level of study as a training for brahmanas. This systematically structured course enhances the philosophical knowledge of the practitioner as well as his/her ability to cultivate Vaishnava qualities and apply the sastric knowledge in real life. Devotees learn to see the world from a sastric perspective, their faith is enhanced, their conviction becomes stronger and they are able to convey the message of Krishna consciousness more effectively. Devotees are encouraged to develop the spirit of service and cooperation via practical engagements throughout the course.
Register here
16 June to 31 October
Srila Prabhupada envisioned the Bhakti-sastri level of study as a training for brahmanas. This systematically structured course enhances the philosophical knowledge of the practitioner as well as his/her ability to cultivate Vaishnava qualities and apply the sastric knowledge in real life. Devotees learn to see the world from a sastric perspective, their faith is enhanced, their conviction becomes stronger and they are able to convey the message of Krishna consciousness more effectively. Devotees are encouraged to develop the spirit of service and cooperation via practical engagements throughout the course.
Register here
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā Book 2022
The Vyāsa-pūjā of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda takes place on 20 August 2022. Offerings for the Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā book may be submitted from now until 5 June 2022.
Submit your offering here
Week Ahead
Saturday 23 April
Morning Class @7:30am
The Juhu Story – New Allies
The Juhu Story – New Allies
with His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das
Sunday 24 April
Morning Class @7:30am
Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 – Being Patient
with Her Grace Rasamrita Devi Dasi
Nectar of Instruction, Verse 3 – Being Patient
with Her Grace Rasamrita Devi Dasi
Love Feast @11:00am
Finding Freedom – Tools to a Light Heart
By His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
We explore the shackles that keep us in a negative state of consciousness and averse to spiritual growth. Is freedom found in letting go? How does the path of Bhakti free us?
Tuesday 26 April
Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes
Wednesday 27 April
Ekadasi Break Fast 06:22-10:02
Reminders
COVID Protocol at the Temple
1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.
2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.
3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly stay at home.
1. Temperature check and sanitisation on entry.
2. Masks MUST be worn in all enclosed spaces, like the temple room.
3. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, kindly stay at home.
Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Note: The Temple Receptionist can assist you at Radhanath’s Gifts on weekdays between 8am-4pm.
Govinda’s Dining
Monday – Saturday 10am – 3pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 10am – 2pm
CLOSED on Wednesdays.
Function Booking for the Dining Area
1. Maximum 30 people
2. Booking to be placed five days in advance
3. Please take note of our dining times.
4. To discuss details, please contact the temple.
How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 (Currently out of service.) • temple@iskcondurban.net
