HERE'S A Krsna conscious project you might like to support or get involved in.
Project
Vaisnava Institute for Higher Education (VIHE)
Headquarters
Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrndavana, India
Project Leaders
Bhurijana Dasa, Dhanurdhara Swami, Braja Bihari Dasa
Goals
To help devotees fulfill the purpose for which Srila Prabhupada wanted them to visit Sri Vrndavana Dhama: to study his books in the association of senior devotees. Srila Prabhupada once wrote that his dream was for students to stay in Vrndavana, be trained nicely, and be sent to spread Krsna consciousness all over the world.
To give senior devotees a chance to share their expertise.
To give senior devotees a forum in which to develop their teaching skills and scriptural knowledge.
To provide a setting in which spiritual masters can instruct their disciples in Vaisnava literature and practical devotional service.
To establish the VIHE as a university where devotees, while living in Sri Vrndavana Dhama, can get deep and thorough knowledge of Srila Prabhupada's books and develop skills for serving Lord Krsna in arts such as cooking, writing, and playing musical instruments.
Details
The VIHE started in the month of Kartika (October-November) in 1987. Twenty-four students attended the first one-month semester. Since then, at least 750 students have taken part in more than 80 courses. The Institute now offers one-month courses twice a year, during Kartika and in February, before Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Each semester combines detailed courses on Srila Prabhupada's books with courses on such topics as teaching, cooking, music, and counseling.
The VIHE also offers the Preacher Training/Bhakti Sastri course, which this year will run from July 15 to December 1. The Preacher Training course prepares students for the Bhakti Sastri degree through courses in Sri isopanisad, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, The Nectar of Instruction, and The Nectar of Devotion. Candidates must favor renunciation, possess brahminical tendencies, and be strict in their spiritual practices.
The VIHE also offers a course in classical Gaudiya Vaisnava music. The two-month course teaches traditional ragas used by spiritual masters in the line of Lord Caitanya. The course instructor, Nand Lal, one of the fore-most authorities in this field, taught for two years at Harvard University.
Finally, the VIHE offers a three-month course to train gurukula teachers.
Obstacles
Shortage of classrooms and living quarters: Students attending VIHE courses often have to stay in asramas outside the Krishna-Balaram temple complex. Because ISKCON's governing body has asked ISKCON Vrndavana to develop educational programs, the VIHE hopes to set up a campus near the Krishna-Balaram temple.
How You Can Help
Come to Vrndavana and attend the VIHE.
Help set up similar seminars around the world.
Once the VIHE's goals for expansion are precisely defined, contribute to building a university in Vrndavana.
For more information, please contact:
Braja Bihari Dasa
Krishna-Balaram Mandir
Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg
Raman Reti, Vrindaban
Mathura Dist., U.P., India