Systematic Sastric Study

On January 6, 1976, Srila Prabhupada directed the GBC to implement a graduated system of sastric examinations to ensure that his disciples were carefully studying his books. Srila Prabhupada could understand that due to insufficient sastric knowledge, some of his followers were improperly representing him, others were falling down, and many were unsteady in their service. He hoped to remedy these problems by encouraging the systematic study of his books.

In pursuance of Srila Prabhupada’s directive, the Mayapur Institute for Higher Education and Training now offers the Vaishnava Training and Education (VTE) Bhakti-sastri and Bhaktivaibhava Courses.

Vaishnava Training and Education (VTE), a UK based developer of devotional curriculum, describes the overall purpose of systematic sastric study as follows:

To nurture the evolution of a brahminical, Krishna-conscious leadership, whose members are expert in the study and assimilation of sastric knowledge and are proficient in its application – in their own lives, in helping others, and in perpetuating the mission of Srila Prabhupada.

These courses use a personalized approach to learning. They encourage students to go beyond simply memorizing the content of Srila Prabhupada’s books by digesting the philosophy and practically applying it, as delineated in the VTE Aims of Systematic Sastric Study.

Focusing on behavior and character, these courses nurture students in appropriate Vaishnava values. Professionally designed and written, they draw on the principles of Krishna consciousness and the best of progressive education. They are thus true to ISKCON’s heritage and at the same time relevant to its mission within contemporary society.

The Mayapur Institute has implemented and enhanced the courses developed by VTE, presenting them through a highly qualified team of facilitators and staff.

Currently focusing on the Bhakti-sastri and Bhaktivaibhava degrees, the Mayapur Institute will eventually provide the full range of Bhakti degree courses envisioned by Srila Prabhupada and described by Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu with penetrating realizations of the need for these courses within ISKCON in his paper, “ISKCON and Varnasrama-Dharma: A Mission Unfulfilled”.

Twelve Aims of Systematic Sastric Study

The following Aims apply to all four VTE Sastric degrees, starting with Bhakti-sastri. These Aims are weighted differently for each of the four main courses. The first three Aims relate to cognition (going respectively from memorization through intellectual understanding to full realization), the second three to application (skills) and the remaining six to values and higher skills.

  1. To help students memorize and recall the (theoretical) knowledge which forms the foundation of their ongoing progress in Krishna Consciousness.

  2. To deepen students’ understanding of the Krishna consciousness theology, particularly through studying it from a wide range of perspectives and through developing thoughtfulness and introspection.

  3. To equip students with the ability to see through the eyes of sastra, and with a Krishna conscious worldview. Ultimately, to assist the students in realizing scripture, re-establishing their relationship with Krishna and remaining conscious of Him at all times and in all places.

  4. To help students apply the Krishna Consciousness theology, with reference to:

    • their external practices
    • their inner development and to help them develop appropriate Vaisnava qualities and behavior.

  5. To enhance devotees desire and ability to preach effectively.

  6. To help create learned Vaisnava theologians who are expert in assisting the Society through application of sastric knowledge to a wide range of personal, social, moral, topical and theological issues.

    • understanding and appreciating the mood and mission of Srila Prabhupada
    • perpetuating that understanding within the Society and its members.

  7. To ensure that devotes develop moral and academic integrity in the interpretation, evaluation and application of sastric knowledge.

  8. To simultaneously cultivate within devotees:

    • wholehearted acceptance of the spiritual authority of shastra
    • a mood of open and honest inquiry and a desire to factually understand and realize the import of Vedic knowledge.

  9. To help build and maintain students’ faith and conviction in:

    • the process of Krishna consciousness
    • the sastra as its foundation

  10. To develop students’ analytical, interpretative and evaluative skills, particularly in respect of the practical application of sastric knowledge.

  11. To encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and develop healthy study habits by:

    • enhancing their desire to study Srila Prabhupada’s books (particularly by nurturing their appreciation of shastra and sastric study, and by demonstrating sastra’s relevance to everyday life)
    • equipping them with the appropriate learning skills