Guru Disciple

Guru Disciple

Date: Sunday 20 February – 13 Mar 2022 

Time: 10:00AM – 1:00PM GMT

Location: Online Zoom and onsite: Gaura Room above the Gosholla, Bhaktivedanta Manor, Dharam Marg, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD25 8HE

Course Description

IThe ISKCON disciple course is intended for those wanting to understand the intricacies of the Guru-Disciple relationship. It covers theological principles and practical aspects such as the importance of a guru for spiritual progress, selecting a guru, forming a strong relationship with the guru, testing and serving the guru plus qualities of a bonafide guru and disciple.  

 The course is based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, educates one on the history of gurus in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and explains setbacks experienced by some gurus within ISKCON. This course helps one develop the values and attitude required of a disciple and is a prerequisite for candidates aspiring for initiation. The course includes PowerPoint presentations, interactive discussions, assessment exercises and provides an opportunity for you to ask questions and clear any doubts. 

There are specific requirements for students to be eligible for the official certificate: 

- Attendees must be present for all 4 sessions. If they are unable to make one or more sessions, they will need to attend these sessions next time the course is held 

- Attendees will need to get at least 70% in the test held during week 4. This test will be short answers and multiple choice 

- Certificates will be delivered in 3 weeks time from the test date. It is the student's responsibility to attend all sessions and take the course well in advance to make sure they fulfil their requirements and receive the certificate in time for initiation.

Teacher Profile

An enterprising young man of many talents, Radha Govinda realized in his early years as a monk that we are in a  state of transition. Insights into communication, education and ideas on science and religion are being shared and  discussed on a level never seen before. 

Increasingly, people are turning to spirituality to access a pleasure and sense of happiness that goes beyond our  present limitations. This is what inspired him to develop one of the most innovative and cutting-edge intiatives at School of Bhakti called ‘Krishna Wisdom’.  

An initiative designed to help people living a modern lifestyle explore solutions for happiness and a better quality of  life by accessing the knowledge of the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas.  

Radha Govinda did his Masters in the UK before landing a lucrative job as a Control Systems engineer. Soon he  came across the Krishna conscious books and it wasn’t long before he put his burgeoning career on hold to spend a  month living and serving at the temple. It turned out to be a long month!! He ended up spending ten years as a monk

During this period, he studied the scriptures, delivered seminars, organised events and retreats for spiritual seekers and travelled around the world sharing what he learnt. 

Now he is one of the leaders of School of Bhakti and a major creative force behind some of the innovations that the school has developed in recent times. He is also a qualified yoga teacher, web designer and an accomplished  musician. He loves singing kirtan, writing blogs, making friends and sharing the wisdom of bhakti with the world. But arguably his most famous talent is his quick wit and great sense of humour. It really needs to be experienced!