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Calendar of Educational Events:

    • Welcome

    • Dear devotees,

      Welcome to Iskconeducation.org, the official website of ISKCON's Ministry of Educational Development (MED). We would like to express our gratitude to all of you who helped us create this website by contributing your valuable materials, time and resources.

      » more

    • Job Vacancy Head of Boys Ashram - Sri Mayapur International School : 2008-07-05

      Sri Mayapur International School offers educational facilities and guidance for the children of the devotees of Iskcon Mayapur and the surrounding community.  The school is an accredited Cambridge International Examination Centre and gives students the opportunity to complete their schooling with recognised international credentials whilst living in the most sacred of Vaishnava Dhams. The school caters for both day school attendees and boarders and has separate accommodation facilities for male and females.
      SMIS is seeking an experienced Boys Ashram teacher to support and lead our growing boarding facilities. The applicant should have a responsible and tolerant attitude towards children and be able to manage the behaviour of students in their specific areas.  
      As leader you must be a proficient in organising the financial and organisation of the day to day running of the school as well as being directly involved with your own group of students.

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    • Krishna Conscious Educational Opportunity by Visvambhara das : 2008-07-05

      The New Raman Reti School, a Krishna-centered educational institution located in Alachua, Florida, is now accepting enrollment for Pre-K thru 6th grade for the 2008 / 2009 school year. We offer:
      * Dedicated Teachers – Credentialed and experienced educators who are focused on your child’s academic, social, and spiritual development.
      * Personalized Learning – Low student to teacher ratios to facilitate your child’s individual interests, needs, and nature.
      * Academic Excellence – Montessori based curriculum and instruction to ensure that every child gets the most out of the learning experience.
      * Vedic Scripture – Study of Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Nectar of Devotion, and other Vedic literatures.
      * Devotional Arts – Deity worship, music and drama.
      Tuition assistance is available for qualified families. Space is limited. For more information call 386-462-2886

      » more

    • Methods Of Teaching And Evaluating by Urmila Devi Dasi : 2008-07-05

      Although the general approach to learning will to some degree determine the particular method, most teaching methods can be used to some extent in all the above-mentioned systems. We may think of teaching as telling the students information, either verbally or in writing. But, even a good lecturer or textbook makes use of a variety of ways to communicate. Mary Pride, in Schoolproof, lists methods of teaching as follows: read to students, lecture, demonstration, visuals (teacher-made, canned, unfolding), imaginative pictures, videos, experience, experiment, simulation, walk the student through it, have the student research, challenge the student, put on a play or puppet show, field trip, repetition, songs, chants and poems, games, and asking the student to learn on his own.

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    • Upcoming Japa Retreats : 2008-07-01


      Level One, Georgia


      Facilitated by:

      Sacinandana Swami, Giriraja Swami, Mahatma Das, Yajna Purusha Das, Bada Haridas Das

      Date:

      September 10-14, 2008

      Location:

      Delphi University & Spiritual Center

      940 Old Silvermine Road
      McCaysville, GA 30555


       

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    • Deity Worship for Children - Aruddha Dasi on Homeschooling : 2008-06-28

                                                                                                                                                 
      An important element in preparing the home for the home schooled child is the introduction of Deity worship. Deity worship is essential in the education and training of our children because it trains the mind to focus on Krishna, and to be clean and punctual. Bhaktivinoda Thakur said in Jaiva Dharma: 
             “The religions which have no provision for Deity worship face the danger that those children born into the religion and those just beginning spiritual      life—both of whom may have little or no understanding, or deep faith in Godhead—may become overtly materialistic and even develop aversion towards the Supreme Lord as a result of the absence of a Deity form upon which to fix their minds. Therefore, Deity worship is the foundation of religion for general humanity."
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    • Interview with Laxmimoni Dasi, the Dean of Students at Bhaktivedanta College : 2008-06-29

      Q: What you were doing before coming to the college?
      For twenty-nine years I was the Principal of the Vaishnava Academy for Girls, in America. I was also involved in ISKCON education on other levels, as a child-protection advocate, a trainer, and a judge and as a member of ISKCON's Ministry for Educational Development. 

      Q: What inspired you to serve as the Dean of Students?
      One reason is that I am inspired by the team of wonderful devotees developing the college and training the students. Another is that I am inclined to remain connected to ISKCON's educational development. The process of education is the backbone of ISKCON, on all levels, and I have always felt that whatever little good thing I can do becomes many times more valuable if I teach many others to do it.

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    • Around The World - Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture : 2008-06-20

      The Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC) was founded in July 1991 in Durban, South Africa. Brhat-mrdanga Dasa formed the BCEC under the instructions and guidance of His Holiness Giriraja Swami. The college is a forum to discuss and relish the translations and purports of the books of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
      Courses Offered
      All classes are part-time and are of one hour minimum duration each. This format attracts those who hold regular jobs, professionals, businessmen, students and even house-wives. It is also convenient for devotees residing in temples, who can study without neglecting their regular temple services.

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    • Good Association - Aruddha Dasi on Homeschooling : 2008-06-18

      There is a saying that “Example is better than precept.” Even though in the Krishnaconscious movement we follow both, Prabhupada often stressed the importance of good example over precept. He explained that if one cannot show by example then the precept has little value.
      “Unless one is firmly convinced about Krishna Consciousness, I don't think the children will learn properly from such a person. Whatever the elder members are doing, the children should do if possible. But for teaching the teachers themselves should be fixed up initiated devotees, otherwise how the children can get the right information and example?"
      According to the Vedic system, the teacher must not only be learned about spiritual matters but also good in character. Therefore parents who are home schooling their children must also follow the four regulative principles namely no gambling, intoxication, meat eating and illicit sex and be initiated devotees or aspiring to be initiated. Why?

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    • Bhakti Shastri 2009 : 2008-06-14

               

      From January 18 through May 22, 2009

      Come and experience this enlivening Vaishnava education in the peaceful setting of Radhadesh, Belgium.
      This is an opportunity for you to systematically study Srila Prabhupada's books and become conversant with the philosophy of Krsna consciousness.
      Please register by the end of December 2008.
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    • Comparative Religion Curriculum by Sita Priya Dasi

                                          

      What’s Inside this Document?

      Curriculum Unit Objectives
      Ideas to Explore – enhancing the unit
      Materials Needed
      Index to Lessons (Click on one of the listed lessons to open the corresponding file)
      By Week First Semester Breakdown
      Second Semester Units and Rough Ideas

      Objectives
      At the end of this unit scholars will be able to:
      · Give different definitions of religion.
      · Explain how (if) Srila Prabhupada’s International Society for Krishna Consciousness fits with those definitions.
      · Compare and contrast different theories of where religions come from.
      · List the 5 major world religions
      · Explain the origins of the 5 major world religions
      · Explain some of the main practices and rituals of each of the 5 major religions
      · Compare and contrast the philosophies of the 5 major world religions and discuss them in relationship to Vaisnavism
      · Identify and evaluate the effects of bias and perspective when reading non-fiction texts
      · Explain the limitations of taking an “overview” of a rich tradition and culture

      Ideas to explore
      · Can we get any guest speakers? Call local mosque, Jewish temple, student or other  groups to try to get representatives to come speak – or plan field trips to their locations of worship. Imagine the difference in what students learn about “Hare Krishnas”in their “world religions” book vs what they would learn by having a devotee visit. Try to create that better rounded experience for your scholars.

      » Download full text.

    • Creating a Basic Classroom Structure - by Bhurijana Das : 2008-06-10

      Viewing a prime aspect of a teacher's service as helping his students achieve self-discipline, we will now begin looking at techniques for keeping order and giving instructions. Using these simple techniques, even Kali-yuga students who tend to be unsubmissive will be influenced into obedience. We have previously spoken of a teacher assertively and directly demanding adherence to the basic structural rules of his classroom. These rules should not be more than what a teacher actually requires to effectively teach within a given situation. Here are some examples of typical rules useful for a class of young students:

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    • Promising Results from BGIS - by Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi : 2008-06-08

      Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School (BGIS) is two schools in one - the primary level Gurukula, classes 1-8, and the International School--the secondary or high school level, Classes 9-12. The students in the International School take their final exams with a private board of education, the Council for the Indian Secondary Certificate of Education (CISCE), an internationally recognised board of education located in New Delhi, India.
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    • Morning Program - Aruddha Dasi on Homeschooling : 2008-06-04


      An enthusiastic daily morning program at home is very important when we are home schooling our children.We are all creatures of habit and if we inculcate good spiritual discipline in children they will maintain it throughout their adult life. Also, there is great benefit to starting the day with remembering the Lord, chanting his holy name and reading His books. The mind becomes peaceful and happy so that they can think intelligently about spiritual matters. The morning program will help control their restless minds and reduce misbehavior among them. If we do this with sincerity and faith and maintain the mood of Krishna consciousness throughout the day, we can actually have little saints running around the house - naughty, just like children are, but often times in a transcendental way.

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    • The Test of Education - by Urmila Devi Dasi : 2008-06-02

      In the last week of the last year of school, students sweat at the thought of the final exam. When they've passed their exams and earned their degrees, they'll be entitled to call themselves educated. But the Vedic culture has a different standard. The sage Canakya, whose proverbs Srila Prabhupada would often quote, tested a person's education by three questions—questions of character and ethics.

      Women as Mother
      Test one: matrvat para-daresu. In the ideal system of education, a properly trained young man should be able to look upon any woman other than his wife as if she were his mother. In other words, his mind and heart should be free from desire for sex outside of marriage.
      Similarly, a girl should see men other than her husband as her father. In Vedic society, boys were trained to address women as "Mother." Members of the Krsna consciousness movement teach this same etiquette today. Lord Jesus taught a similar principle when he said that a man who lusts after a woman other than his wife has already committed adultery in his heart.
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    • Teaching and Disciplining in the Modes of Material Nature by Bhurijana Das : 2008-05-31

      From The Art of Teaching
      According to the Bhagavad-gita, one's activities can either be in goodness, passion, or ignorance.
      There is no being existing, either here or among the demigods in the higher planetary systems, which is freed from these three modes born of material nature. Bg. 18.40
      Teachers will be affected by the modes of nature. Their style of teaching and discipline will, therefore, also be affected. In this chapter we analyze how the spectrums of discipline techniques are influenced by the three modes of material nature. This analysis is meant to remove common roadblocks to discipline and thus facilitate teachers, especially less-experienced teachers, in quickly attaining a well-disciplined teaching and learning environment.
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    • Individualizing Instruction in Secondary Schools - by Urmila Devi Dasi

      By the time children are about twelve years old, most of them have developed personal educational interests. It is common for middle and secondary students to have a specialized vocabulary that their teachers don’t possess unless they share those same interests. When absorbed in their passion, these adolescents can absorb and apply information and skills at an incredible rate. They will also learn skills that may be secondary to their interest, such as organization, memory aids, typing, and so on.
      » Download full text.

    • CD for the Sunday School Curriculum - by Tapasvini Dasi : 2008-05-27

      I just recently received the completed CDs for the Sunday school curriculum. I have contacted a devotee about helping me set up a website so it can be purchased and paid for online.  In the meantime, if anyone wants to order the CD's from me directly here's how it can be done:
      A check or money order in US dollars ONLY can be mailed to:
      Hare Krishna Sunday School
      4218 NW 234th Ave. Alachua, FL 32615 USA

      There are three different CD's -- one for each age group. The cost for the CD's are:
      Madhava Class (ages 6-8)                $75
      Damodar Class (ages 9-11)              $75
      Madan Mohan Class (ages 12-14)    $75
      Or order the entire 3-CD set             $200  (this is great since the
      whole set of the hard copies used to be about $550)
      Shipping:  Include $5 per CD for shipping and handling, or $10 for the 3-CD set.  (Total cost for the set would be $210.)
      Immediately upon receiving payment, I will ship out the CD's.

      For further information please contact:
      tapasvini@windstream.net

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    • Teaching Our Children to Eat Only Prasadam - Aruddha Dasi on Homeschooling : 2008-05-25


      Another thing we can do within the home to make it pure and conducive to learning for our children is honoring only prasadam and avoiding all unoffered foods cooked by non-devotees.
      Lord Caitanya, the yuga avatar for this age of Kali, emphasized the chanting of the holy name as the only means of achieving love of God in this age of Kali. Unlike other incarnations that came to annihilate demons this most merciful form of the Lord used instead a secret weapon to subdue the demoniac mentality in this age. It was the chanting of the holy name and distribution of prasadam--food that has been offered to Krishna with love and devotion. Just like we can tame any animal by feeding it food, similarly all demoniac tendencies within us can be tamed and eradicated by eating prasadam. Eating and distributing only prasadam is so important that in many cases it may the only way of melting cold hearts that have forgotten Krishna from time immemorial.
      Every devotee can tell many stories in this regard. No amount of philosophical discussion can do as much as a plate of prasadam in changing people’s hearts.
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    • BHAGAVATA-PRAVESA, an extension course in Mayapura, 1 June 2008 - 15 February 2009 : 2008-05-25

      AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BHAGAVATA PHILOSOPHY
      The Srimad-Bhagavata Vidyapitham

      by Guru-sevananda dasa

      The Srimad-Bhagavata Vidyapitham began operations in fall, 2005. The school is directed by BBT's senior Sanskrit editor, translator and commentator, His Grace Gopiparanadhana Prabhu. The main purposes of the school are to train Sanskrit translators and editors for the BBT, promote deep study of Srimad-Bhagavatam, help devotees learn to function as brahmanas in ISKCON, and for the accomplishment of these main purposes teach proficiency in reading and speaking Sanskrit. In its initial phase of operations, the school offers a three-year Bhagavata- sastri study program, the students of which study Srila Prabhupada's purports to the Srimad-Bhagavatam, learn the Sanskrit grammar of Srila Jiva Gosvami and undergo training to read the Sanskrit commentaries on Srimad-Bhagavatam by our previous acaryas. From July, 2007 Srila Jiva Gosvami's Sat-sandarbha has been taught by the director of the Vidyapitham as a part of this study program.
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    • Good Time for Getting Mercy in Mayapur - Enhanced Bhakti-sastri Curriculum : 2008-05-25

      If you are meditating on improving your spiritual life, increasing your contribution to Srila Prabhupada's movement, or are unsure how to pass the tests Krishna is giving you, then please consider taking Srila Prabhupada's powerful darshan in Sridham Mayapur.
      Srila Prabhupada's darshan that we are referring to here is in his books and more specifically in his "personal ecstasies" within his Bhaktivedanta purports. The power of this darshan will be fully experienced in the sanga of advanced Vaisnavas this coming November when the Mayapur Institute for Higher Education and Training will launch newly re-designed VTE Bhakti-sastri and VTE Bhaktivaibhava Courses. Senior ISKCON educators predict these courses will revolutionize sastric study in our movement.
      A team of senior devotees will facilitate these courses sharing their realizations in an interactive format designed to empower devotees as preachers, leaders, and lifetime servants of ISKCON.
      These courses begin on Bhisma Pancaka (November 9, 2008), enabling devotees, during the last five days of Kartika, to get credit for their austerities as if they had performed them for the entire caturmasya.
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    • The Official Standards for Bhakti Sastri

      AWARDING SASTRA DEGREES

      • ISKCON Board of Examinatoins
      • Examination Centers   
      • Bhakti Sastri Examinations
      • Grading of Exams
      • Program Administration Policies

      APPLICATION TO BECOME AN APPROVED EXAMINATION CENTER

      EXAMINATION GRADER RECOMMENDATION LETTER

      E-mail:bhaktarupa.acbsp@pamho.net

      » Download full text.

    • Purity is the Force - Aruddha Dasi on Home Schooling : 2008-05-17

      Srila Prabhupada gave us a wonderful motto: Books are the basis, purity is the force, preaching is the essence and utility is the principle.  Let us see how we can incorporate these principles into our home schooling.

      PURITY IS THE FORCE

      There are many things we can do within the home to make it pure and conducive to learning for our children. For example we can have an altar with Deities so that they can be the center of our lives, we can engage in good spiritual sound vibration such as chanting of the maha mantra, we can always cook and honor prasadam, and we can associate always with like-minded devotees. While we introduce these auspicious things in our home we should also be careful to avoid certain things that destroy this purity and pollute the body and mind. The activity that most single-handedly destroys serenity, purity and good sense is watching television.  Countless reports, statistics and studies have shown that television has very bad effects. For our purposes all the principles of religion are broken while watching television because it encourages violence, illicit sex, gambling and intoxication.
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    • Steps to start a school

      By Urmila Devi Dasi

      For each of these, one has to determine who will make the decision (e.g. school board, head teacher (principal), all the teachers, etc.). One also has to determine how the decision will be made (i.e. autonomously, autonomously after a process of consultation, collective consensus, collective vote, etc.)

      Strategic planning

      This should be done before anything else, and in this order:

      1. Establish vision
      2. Assess needs or gaps in the current situation
      3. Assess facilities and constraints in the situation (nature of the community served, availability of personnel, availability of finances, physical facility, laws, etc.)
      4. Link vision to addresses needs/gaps
      5. Modify vision so it is workable with facilities and constraints available
      6. Set immediate and long-range goals for each area of vision
      7. Set priorities
      8. Establish system and timeline for assessment benchmarks to determine if the goals are being met and if, when met, the gaps are decreasing

      » Download full text.

    • The Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula Australia - Position Vacant : 2008-05-13

                                                               

      The Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula (Hare Krishna School Murwillumbah ‘ Australia

      Position Vacant: School Teacher (grades 3 - 6)

      The Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula is an independent school offering educational programs for girls and boys from Kindergarten through to year 6. We offerr students a high standard of academic education, combined with a focus on development of character, and a comprehensive immersion in the practices and philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. The school is located on the New Govardhana rural community, which is an 800 acre property with a pleasant, sub-tropical climate.

      A position is available for a full-time qualified primary teacher for a composite class of grades 3 to 6.

      The successful candidate will develop and implement educational plans for all Key Learning areas according to the New South Wales Board of Studies syllabi, and will educate and supervise children with proper care, attention and diligence.


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    • The First Building of Bhaktivedanta College’s Campus : 2008-05-08

      Dear Vaisnavas,

      We are glad to inform you of the recent exciting development that the roof on the first building of BhaktivedantaCollege’s campus was finished yesterday, May 6 2008 – an exciting and important moment for Srila Prabhupada’s movement. This building will be used as the College teachers’ and staff dormitory, but for an initial period it will be utilized to accommodate the ever-growing number of students.

      A BhaktivedantaCollege graduate receives a Bachelor of Theology accredited by the University of Wales Lampeter. For the near future we have plans for a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Theology.

      At the moment twenty five students from sixteen countries study at BhaktivedantaCollege. Already we have application for thirty seven students from South and North America, Europe and Asia for level one to three of the academic year 2008-09. Twenty five of them are looking for a partial scholarship as they are from low income countries and therefore unable to finance the tuition, room and board.

      We urge you to support this wonderful project whether by contributing to the building fund to finish the first building, or to contribute to the scholarship fund.

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    • Second BBT Art Seminar : 2008-05-07

                                                   

      The BBT will be holding their second annual art seminar in Vrindavana, India, from October 7-28, 2008.At last year's seminar, taught by veteran ISKCON artists Dhriti Dasi and Ram Dasa Abhirama Dasa, eighteen international students learned practical techniques as well as the mood essential in producing devotional art.
        This year, the course is once again free for the fifteen most-qualified applicants, who will learn BBT Art Department procedures, how to approach painting spiritual subjects, and of course, new techniques. It's also a unique chance to learn from artists trained in the standards Srila Prabhupada taught, and to paint Krishna in His holy birthplace.


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    • Lord Nrsimhadeva Activity Book and Posters : 2008-05-03

      Activities and Resources for Teaching and Guiding
      Ages 2-18
      Uses:
      For children in non-devotee schools as a supplementary program in the morning or evening
      For children being home-schooled to enrich the devotional part of the program
      For regular academic schools that are related to Krishna consciousness
      For Sunday schools, children’s clubs, and similar supplementary programs

      Organization of the materials:
      •First, there is a simplified version of a story associated with the festival that can be read to the children. A detailed version is also provided at the end.
      •Second, there is the educational focus in three parts: Learning Aims, What children will accomplish by the end of this unit, and Assessing how well the aims have been achieved.
      Some parents and teachers may find these brief ideas to be sufficient for them to develop their own programs.
      •Third, there are lists of suggested activities for children of various ages. There are also genera suggestions not categorized by age.
      •Fourth, there are pages of resources—songs and prayers, where to find stories in scripture,
      pictures to color, Internet links, and so forth, to assist with the suggested activities.
      •Fifth, there are suggestions for how the study of this festival may be related to other areas of Study.
      Download full text.
      Download aditional text.

    • HH Radhanath Maharaj on Children Education : 2008-05-03

       The tape recording of this answer should be send to all parents.

      We are dealing with this subject actually. But in my opinion, inh Prabhupada's opinion, this particular type of educational system may program young people with incredible amount of data which they are going to forget 99% anyway. But it is not meant to give them good character, or faith, or happiness. The idea is the more data you have, the more you pass the exam, the more seats you get in colleges, and the more money you make, and the more happy you will get from that money. That's the whole system. But actually, most really intelligent parents who are leaders of society, they do not even send their children to these school systems. Most of the wealthiest and wealthiest men in this world did not even do good in that system of education. They did not like it, they did not do any  good in it, and some of them did not even do it.

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    • Teaching Position in Bhaktivedanta Manor School : 2008-05-02

      Interested in being part of a school where values come first?
      We offer a holistic relevant education rich with the culture and teachings of Vedic wisdom situated at Bhaktivedanta Manor

      Primary School Teacher Required
      Full and Part time
      Salary negotiable
      To begin employment in September 2008

      The qualities we are looking for are:

      * Willing to be an active part of a team striving to educate and nurture the children
      * Experienced and competent with an ability to take initiative
      * A respect and understanding of Krishna conscious philosophy and Vedic culture
      * A methodical, organised, calm and creative approach to teaching and working with the children
      * Experience in working with the national curriculum and in the classroom preferably with qualified teacher status
      * A commitment to the educational needs of the children they are working with.

      » more

    • Teaching Positions Open at New Raman Reti School - Alachua : 2008-05-02

      The New Raman Reti School (NRRS), a Krishna-centered elementary school, located in the Alachua, Florida devotee community, is seeking applicants for positions of experienced elementary school teachers. The positions will begin in August 2008.

      The school has been serving the devotee community in Alachua since 1990 and is presently serving the needs of 52 students in grades pre-K – 6th, making it one of ISKCON’s largest elementary schools in North America. The school is committed to both a strong Krishna Conscious program, as well as academic excellence. We are seeking teachers who have a genuine love for working with children, who like working with a team, and who have strong sadhana. Positions are opening for teachers of pre-school through elementary.


      » more

    • Bhakti Shastri in Alachua : 2008-05-01

      Have you ever thought of taking the Bhakti Shastri Course, but didn't have four months  to spare?
      Try this alternative instead!
      This summer will mark the first part of a three part study of the Bhakti Shastri Course.  During this three week intensive session, there will be two classes daily.  We'll cover the first six chapters of Bhagavad Gita and the
      entire Sri Isopanishad. Laxmimoni Mataji will be teaching Bhagavad Gita and Nanda Mataji will teach Sri Isopanishad.  The course fee is $100.00.
      Limited housing is available on the temple property for out-of- town guests.

      To sign up or to get more information go to www.Alachuacommunityspirit.com
      Pre registration is required
      Three week Bhakti Shastri Intensive Course - part one
      Starting Date:  June 23, 2008  thru July 11,2008
      Course fee :  $100.00
      Bhagavad Gita chapters 1 thru  6 taught by Laxmimoni Mataji
      Sri Isopanishad taught by Nanda Mataji
      Classes will be held at the Alachua Learning Center
      Two classes daily
      Temple Prasadam available for an additional fee
      Limited housing available for and additional fee


    • Basic principles of Krishna Conscious Home Schooling : 2008-04-30

       By Aruddha Dasi
      Home schooling should be a part of a Krishna conscious lifestyle, not that Krishna consciousness is one aspect of home schooling.
      A Krishna conscious lifestyle should be the focus of homeschooling. We should be inspired to raise our children as good devotees instead of focusing only on their scholarly achievements. Srila Prabhupada’s books are of a very high caliber, and so if we base our curriculum on his books, academic achievement will naturally follow.
      What does this Krishna conscious lifestyle for children really mean?
      Prabhupada explains this very simply.
       “Simply follow the program of the elders, let the children associate as much as possible with the routine Krishna conscious program, and when the others go out for working and business matters, the children can be given classes.”

      This is what we tried to do in our homeschooling. The children lived at home just as they would in the gurukula, with a few adjustments. We did our own morning program, and after breakfast prasadam we studied the Bhagavatam for two to three hours everyday. This became a major part of our home schooling curriculum, and through the Bhagavatam we covered many subject matters. After our study, we applied all that we learned through practical daily activities. We did preaching activities such as giving classes at local schools, writing and rehearsing for plays, organizing festivals, Deity worship, distributing books at local events and harinam. There was never a dull moment--homeschooling was so full of a variety of activities that there was no time for anything else.


      » more

    • Open admissions to the Srimad Bhagavata Vidyapitham : 2008-04-27

      The Śrīmad-Bhāgavata Vidyāpīṭham in Govardhana, Sanskrit school of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, is inviting applications for new students to enter our three-year Bhāgavata-śāstrī Program at the beginning of our next school-year on October 1st.
      The Bhāgavata-śastrī Program, with strong focus on the study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and on acquiring competence in Sanskrit, is excellent preparation for future translators, editors, preachers, and teachers.
      With generous support from the Friends of the BBT, and our schools co-director Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Dāsa, we are able to cover all the tuition, prasadam and accommodation costs for our students. Students are only required to meet their travel expenses to come to the school as well as any major medical expenses.

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    • Krishna and His Cows - by BGIS students : 2008-04-19

      I like cows because they play with us. We should respect cows because they are very important to us. So many people beat or kill them. We should stop them from doing this because cows are our own mothers.
      The cows sleep for one or two hours a day. One Sunday I went to goshala. I saw a bull named Krishna eating two buckets of food in five minutes. Some cows were playing with Krishna. When the big bull Krishna came to me I ran away from there. There was another cow there named Pushpa - we took her blessings. When we were giving leaves to the cows all the cows came to us. And some cows were recovering from sickness. I like cows because they are very cute. Cows are important because they give us pure milk. We should respect cows because they never hurt us.

       Rohan, Class 4

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    • Bhakti-shastri in Vrindavan : 2008-04-10

                                           
      Bhakti-sastri course is a systematic study of Srila Prabhupada's books. Srila Prabhupada wanted all of us to deeply study his books, so that we could be better preachers, teachers and have a clear understanding of the beautiful science of devotional service.
      This year the English Bhakti-sastri course and Hindi Bhakti-sastri course in Vrindavan takes place from July 11 to October 25.
      As was Srila Prabhupada's desire, "Introduction to Deity Worship" is added to the curriculum.
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    • 'Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc. www.krishna.com Used with permission.'