It was without a doubt the most wonderful experience of my life. I'm sure that either systematically studying Srila Prabhupada's books or residing in Sridhama Mayapur for a few months fully engaged in service would have been transcendentally enlivening, but the combination was exponentially ecstatic. I very much appreciated Atul Krishna Prabhu's enthusiasm, expertise and mood, Jayadvaita Maharaja's patience and thoughtfulness with all our questions, and Hari Sauri Prabhu's dedication and expert intertwining of his experiences with Srila Prabhupada. Although I've practically grown up reading the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, I felt like I read it for the first time at the MIHET.
Best of all was the association of the students. It seems like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself screens who is allowed to come (how I snuck in I don't know), because everyone was so sincere in their desire to deepen their Krishna Consciousness and better equip themselves to spread the Lord's mercy."
Navin Jani, M.A.Urban Planning & Ph.D. student at University of California - Irvine
The MIHET VTE Bhakti-shastri Course helped me to understand Srila Prabhupada, his mood and his mission as well as my personal service within that mission more deeply.
Therefore I recommend to all the members of ISKCON to follow this course at Sri Mayapura Dhama. It gave me more faith and conviction and brought me a step closer in serving Sri Sri Radha Madhava and Their servants with devotion."
Lilasuka dasa (Secretary for the Governing Body Commission)
"The course really sobered me, the way I see and deal with people. It was the teachers. They empowered and challenged me to apply what I was learning. To complete the course, I had to discipline my mind and senses more than ever. But I also tasted more love and trust with the devotees than I ever have. I want to learn more, and teach others."
Mahamantra dasa (20), Australia
"It was the way the teachers taught, – lots of group work and interactive learning, using music, art, and drama. At nineteen, I was the youngest student, and I was afraid to speak in front of so many senior devotees. But they encouraged me and gave me confidence that I could realize the truth of the Bhagavad-gita. I read it all the way through for the first time.
Bhakti-Shastri pacified my heart and gave my studies and career goals a transcendent purpose—to please Krishna. I owe a lot to my facilitators."
Vijaya Devi Dasi (19), Medical Student, Bolivia
"I must say that the Bhakti-shastri course exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be lectures with questions and answers, but it was so interactive; practically the students were involved in the teaching process from the beginning. The course materials and recordings were professionally done, the facilitators well trained and chosen, and the classes well organized. And the MIHE staff was always ready to help us with whatever inquiries or problems we had. I was astonished at how hard they worked, practically day and night, to make sure everything ran smoothly.
While taking Bhakti-shastri, I personally felt that I made some friends for life. I had the feeling that we in ISKCON are really part of a big family, and I got a deeper appreciation for the devotees from all over the world who are serving in their various capacities. I have gotten valuable gems of experience I cannot wait to take home to Trinidad and share with my friends, family, and well-wishers. I am convinced that by the mercy of my spiritual master and the devotees, I am able to remain as a servant in this unique and wonderful society of devotees founded by Prabhupada to fulfill the mission of Lord Chaitanya."
Santa-vigraha Dasa (24), Trinidad
"I'd say Bhakti-shastri revolutionized my spiritual life. I'll never be the same after taking the course. Now I feel so strong, inspired, and enriched by studying Srila Prabhupada's books, and I just want to preach Krishna consciousness all over the world."Sita dasi (19),
Vaishnava youth, Australia
"I would recommend Bhakti-shastri as increasing one's personal spiritual health and desire to preach. The essays we had to write really tested our ability to apply the knowledge in Prabhupada's books and our ability to explain it to others, thus making us think seriously about both. That was most impressive."
Krishna-kripa dasa, Krishna.com correspondent, U.S.A.
"Philosophy I did not fully understand has become clear. Now I am more determined in my spiritual practices. I saw the conviction of the teachers in Prabhupada's mission."
"Before taking the Bhakti-shastri, I never really understood what Srila Prabhupada's mood and mission was, and how everything he said was really based on sastra. So that really amazed me and gave me a lot of faith in reading Srila Prabhupada's books."
Bhaktin Shalini , Ireland
"The integrity of the facilitators, their commitment to sastric study and their living according to Vedic ideals proved to be great models for personal growth. Prabhupada's books were re-established in the center of our lives."
Santi Parayana dasa (Traveling Preacher, Laksmi Nrsimha Polish Tour)
"The presentation on Bhagavad-gita was thorough and stimulating. During these three months, I've gained a better grasp of the details of Bhagavad gita than what I'd gained in many years of trying to fathom what seemed to be enigmas and puzzling passages."
Kaliya Krishna dasa (Traveling Sankirtana, Australia and S.E. Asia)
"It is really great to study Srila Prabhupada's books in detail. Personally, the course is allowing me to be more confident when I'm preaching. I've developed a great taste to read Prabhupada's books and that taste keeps growing more and more."
Carudesna dasa (Temple President, Ivory Coast, West Africa)
"I am happy to be home, although I must say that attending the Bhakti-shastri course was one of the most enriching things I have ever done. I am still feeling separation from the many devotees with whom I shared that ecstatic 13 weeks.
I am aching for some Mayapur association. All glories to Sri Mayapur Dham. All glories to the MIHET!"
Kaivalya Sundari dd (New Talavan Farm, USA)