Guru Disciple – March 2023

Guru Disciple Course 

Date:        Sundays 5th to 26th March 2023

Time:       10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

Location: Bhakti Lounge, Bhaktivedanta Manor, Dharam Marg, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD25 8HE

Online via zoom - link will be shared in the course registration email.

Course Description

The 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 sense of happiness and fulfilment that goes beyond our present limitations. This inspired Radha Govinda to develop one of the most innovative and cutting-edge initiatives at the 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 traveled 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 innovations that the school has recently developed. He is also a qualified yoga teacher, web designer and 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!