Explore Bhajan Rahasya

By Pran Govinda Das

Certificate Course

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Course Duration

30 Hours

Videos

2 Hours

No. Of Sessions

15

Sessions per week

5

Language
English

Eligibility

Anyone 

Schedule of Classes

calendar

Starts on
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calendar

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Regular classes on Monday - Friday

About the Teacher

teacher

Pran Govinda Das

Pran Govinda prabhu, was born in Comilla/Ampinagara in East Pakistan in the year 1962. 

In 1971, he went with his father to visit his aunt’s family in Jadavpur Calcutta, where Srila Prabhupada was giving a lecture and where he saw for the first time “western devotees” in Deshapriya Park. Being just a small boy, he only saw Srila Prabhupada from afar and felt a strong desire to become a devotee.

In 1978 he went to Vrindavan, and lived there for many months with the BABAJIS in the Cakaleswar Temple at Govardhan. Later he met H H Bhakticaru Swami at the end of 1979 in the Krishna Balarama Temple in Vrindavan he went back to Calcutta with him and, a year later, he took initiation from Bhavananda Maharaja.

From 1981-1986, he was working in Mayapur as a guest house manager. In 1986, during the 500th anniversary of Lord Chaitanya, the new management allowed him to serve as the first general manager in Mayapur–managing the Gaura Purnima festival.

From 1980-1989, he served as a facilitator of prasadam and accommodations for GBC, sannyasis, devotees, and life members. He also served as a life membership director and fundraiser for the Mayapur temple. During monsoon, when Mayapur would become flooded; he would distribute kitchori prasadam to all the neighboring villages.

For many years he has been serving the devotees in the Alachua Temple every day from 4 am until 9 am. He serve the devotees 5 days a week in the evening with Krishna Katha in a study group, under his present siksa-guru, HH Radhanatha Swami. Almost every day he is counseling devotees to overcome their challenges on the spiritual path. He is always enthusiastic about looking to make new devotees and bringing them to the platform of becoming sincere, serious followers of Srila Prabhupada.

Now that both his sons are grown up and can be on their own, both spiritually and materially, He feel he can do more service by dedicating his full time as a sannyasi while encouraging other devotees to cooperate with the GBC in pushing on the Krishna Consciousness movement and pleasing Srila Prabhupada.

Course Overview

This course offers a comprehensive study of Bhajana Rahasya by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a pivotal text in Gaudiya Vaishnavism that delves into the subtleties and intricacies of devotional practices. Bhajana Rahasya ("The Secret of Devotional Service") provides profound insights into the principles and practices essential for cultivating a deep and sincere devotional life. The course aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's teachings on devotional service, offering practical guidance to enhance one's spiritual practice.

Course Contents:

  1. Introduction to Bhajana Rahasya

    • Overview of the text’s significance within Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
    • The historical and spiritual context of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s contributions.

  2. Fundamental Principles of Devotional Service

    • Exploration of the foundational principles outlined in Bhajana Rahasya.
    • Key concepts such as the nature of bhakti, the importance of sadhana, and the characteristics of a sincere devotee.

  3. Analysis of the Six Unfavorable and Six Favorable Items of Devotion

    • Detailed examination of the six unfavorable practices that hinder devotional progress, as described in the text.
    • Study of the six favorable practices that enhance devotional service and ensure spiritual advancement.

  4. In-Depth Study of Key Chapters and Verses

    • Systematic analysis of important chapters and verses from Bhajana Rahasya.
    • Insights into Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's commentary and practical applications of the teachings.

  5. Practical Application and Integration

    • Techniques for applying the principles of Bhajana Rahasya in daily devotional practice.
    • Real-life examples and interactive sessions to address challenges and integrate teachings into one’s spiritual life.

  6. Personal Development and Growth

    • Strategies for self-assessment and personal growth based on the teachings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
    • Group discussions and practical exercises to facilitate deeper understanding and practice.

Course Material:

  • Primary Text: Bhajana Rahasya by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
  • Supplementary Reading: Translations, commentaries, and related devotional literature for enhanced understanding.

Course Requirements:

  • No prior requirements; suitable for devotees and individuals at all levels of spiritual practice.

Target Audience:

  • Devotees, spiritual practitioners, and individuals interested in deepening their understanding of devotional service and the teachings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

Assessment Plan:

  • MCQ

What You Will Learn:

  • In-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of devotional service as described in Bhajana Rahasya.
  • Knowledge of the six unfavorable and six favorable items of devotion, including how to avoid pitfalls and embrace practices that enhance spiritual growth.
  • Practical strategies for integrating the teachings into your daily devotional practice.
  • Enhanced ability to navigate the challenges of devotional life with the guidance of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions