The term Sastri (Shastri) refers to a person conversant with ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge and wisdom, known as Shastra in the Sanskrit language. It is traditionally offered to accomplished students of the theology and philosophy of the Vedas. According to the Bhagavad Gita, among all the Vedas, those texts that teach how to develop bhakti, divine love for God, the Supreme Soul, are the best. We are aiming for that with our education.
In Bhaktivedanta College, we have been offering Bhakti Sastri courses on campus since 2003. The courses are taught by qualified teachers, both in terms of academic knowledge and personal practices. Since we began offering our programmes, we have received many requests to start an online study for those who cannot personally travel to Bhaktivedanta College due to their personal situations and responsibilities in life. Bhakti-sastri.com is one answer to these requests.
To participate, you need a computer, an internet connection, and basic internet and computer skills. Once we know all our students' schedules and have determined their geographical locations, we'll organize at least one interactive phone conference or live chat. Ideally, all our main discussions will take place in such online forums.
Bhaktivedanta College Online Bhakti Sastri (BCBSO) includes a comprehensive study of two programs each divided into separate modules. The Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies consists of three modules: Discovering Bhakti Culture and Spirituality, Philosophy of the Vedas and Puranas, and Bhakti-yoga in Everyday Life. The Bhakti-sastri Program is a systematic study of four books: the Bhagavad-gita (in three parts), The Nectar of Devotion (the first 19 chapters), The Nectar of Instruction, and Sri Isopanisad.
Which program is right for you depends on your knowledge and particular interest in India's culture, philosophy, and spiritual practices. The Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies is introductory, and Bhakti Sastri is more advanced.
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