“You must confirm at least ten days in advance that you will be attending. This can be done by letter, e-mail, phone or in person. Include your course choices at this time.”

VIHE Kartik Semester 2000
By Kripa Pala das

General Information 

The VIHE in Vrindavan was established to fulfill Srila Prabhupada's desire for an educational institute in Vrindavan. The VIHE in the holy dhama provides an ideal facility and atmosphere for you to improve your sadhana, develop your devotional qualities, engage in serious study, associate with senior devotees and receive training in practical skills relevant to management and preaching. The VIHE also aims to preserve and disseminate standards Srila Prabhupada set for acting in Krishna consciousness and to deepen devotees' understanding, realization and appreciation of Srila Prabhupada's teachings and movement. Thus, the Krishna conscious culture and values that Srila Prabhupada gave us can be passed on to successive generations. All courses are well researched and taught by senior devotees who have a deep understanding of the subject.

Where Are We Located? The VIHE main office is located in room 31 of the gurukula building at the Krishna Balarama Mandir in Vrindavan, India. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays. Semester Dates Classes commence on 25 September, end on 20 October and are held Mondays to Fridays. There are parikramas every Saturdays, and Sundays are free.

Kartik month begins on 13 October. Classes Courses vary from year to year. We offer courses on sastra, preaching, communication, Deity worship, teaching, and more. See the last page of this pamphlet for a list of courses offered. Contact us to get complete course descriptions and schedule.

Registration Procedures and Deadlines 

You must confirm at least ten days in advance that you will be attending. This can be done by letter, e-mail, phone or in person. Include your course choices at this time. We recommend that you do not take more than a 7-½ hour per day workload (total hours of classes and homework). You may consult us for the length of each class and the amount of homework. You can add or drop classes until the third day of classes. Fees are paid when you register in Vrindavan. Registration is done for 5 days before classes begin from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room 31. Students who miss this deadline must pay a late registration fee of Rs. 300. The opening meeting is on Monday, 25 September at 9 a.m. in Room 48 (gurukula building). Fees Full schedule: Rs. 6500 (approximately US $160). This includes the registration fee, 4 or more courses, course books and materials, 3 parikramas and two feasts. Students who do not want to take a full schedule may take as few or as many courses and parikramas as they wish and pay accordingly.

Registration fees: Rs. 600 Two-week courses: Rs. 750 each One-month courses: Rs. 1400 eachThree parikramas and two feasts: Rs. 500 Discounts are available in special circumstances for devotees from economically depressed countries or temples, and are considered on an individual basis. Please arrange with us by E-mail (not at the time of registration). Refund Policy No refunds are given but payment can be applied to another devotee or another semester. Requirements A proficiency in English, an inclination to learn and study, and good sadhana. Minors must have notarized parental approval. Grading Grading is an option the teacher may choose to use. These grades are only for assessment and not for degrees. Upon arrival see Kartika semester Course Descriptions pamphlet for details or consult us.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Reading Room 

The VIHE has a reading room with all of Srila Prabhupada's books available for quiet study in the Gurukularoom no.22. A VIHE Tape library is also available here.Tape and Bookstore The VIHE has a tape and bookstore (room 32). Over 50 courses are available on tape. We also have many course books from past and current courses. Registered VIHE students receive a 10% discount on all items. Wheelchair Accessibility Classrooms are on the first floor. There is no wheelchair accessibility but we have carried disabled devotees up the stairs and can provide this facility if needed. Please confirm with us before coming if you require this service.

Very hot: mid April to early October Very cold: mid December to mid February Mild: mid October to early December and late February to April Keep in mind that the temple is outdoors, so bring sufficient warm clothing if you plan to be here during the cold season.

What You May Want to Bring 

Computer (optional). A computer is useful for having course books on disk, taking notes, writing essays, access to the folio, etc. We have one computer in the library with the folio (all of Prabhupada's books, conversations and lectures) for consultation. If you wish to bring your own computer, you will need to purchase a step down or Constant Voltage Transformer (CVT) at a cost of about Rs. 500 to Rs.1000 ($12 to $24) to protect your computer from being damaged by the alternating voltage that is common in Vrindavan. We have 2 CVT connections in the library that you can use. Basic amenities are available in India, but quality and variety can vary considerably from what is available in the west. Keep this in mind when deciding what to take, especially if you require certain medications. If you have questions about what to bring, please contact us.

Where to Stay 

There are many rooms and apartments available near the temple ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 850 per day. Contact us or visit our web site for a list of such rooms and apartments. The VIHE has rooms available in the gurukula building for men only. Most ashrams are adequate but simple. Bedding is often not supplied.

Where to Eat 

Temple prasadam is available at Rs. 40 per day (prices are subject to change). The temple also runs a restaurant and snack bar. For those who wish to cook for themselves, all required ingredients are available in the temple vicinity.

Classes in Foreign Languages 

If your temple, country or zone has a sufficient number of non English speaking devotees wishing to attend the VIHE, please contact us about arranging special classes translated into your language. Become Part of the VIHE If you are interested in becoming part of the VIHE, either in Vrindavan or starting one in your country, please contact us.

Kartik Semester 2000 

25 September - 20 October 

The courses for this year are:

• Brhad Bhagavatamrita Bhakti Caitanya Swami

• Vaisnava Etiquette Janananda dasa (1st two weeks)

• VTE Teacher Training Course 1 Rasamandala dasa (2nd two weeks)

• Japa Workshop based on Siksastaka Narayani devi dasi (1st two weeks)

• Srimad Bhagavatam (Canto 1, Chapter 1) Narayani devi dasi (2nd two weeks)

• "Srila Prabhupada is Coming" Mahamaya devi dasi (2nd two weeks)

•  Bhagavad-gita (The Middle Chapters) Braja Bihari dasa

• Public Speaking Braja Bihari dasa (2nd two weeks)

• Deity Worship Mukunda Datta dasa (1st two weeks)

• Nectar of Instruction Atul Krishna dasa (1st three weeks)

• Madhurya Kadambini Rati Manjari devi dasi (2nd two weeks)

Please consult the VIHE for the complete schedule and course descriptions.

 Your servant Kripa pala das

© CHAKRA 12-August-2000

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