What Hinders And What Helps?

By Pran Govinda Das

Certificate Course

Enroll Now

Course Duration

20 Hours  

Videos

2 Hours per session 

No. Of Sessions

10

Sessions per week

5

Language
English

Eligibility

Anyone

Schedule of Classes

calendar

Starts on
-

calendar

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM 

Regular classes on

Monday - Friday

About the Teacher

teacher

Pran Govinda Das

Pran Govinda prabhu, was born in Comilla/Ampinagara in East Pakistan in the year 1962. 

In 1971, he went with his father to visit his aunt’s family in Jadavpur Calcutta, where Srila Prabhupada was giving a lecture and where he saw for the first time “western devotees” in Deshapriya Park. Being just a small boy, he only saw Srila Prabhupada from afar and felt a strong desire to become a devotee.

In 1978 he went to Vrindavan, and lived there for many months with the BABAJIS in the Cakaleswar Temple at Govardhan. Later he met H H Bhakticaru Swami at the end of 1979 in the Krishna Balarama Temple in Vrindavan he went back to Calcutta with him and, a year later, he took initiation from Bhavananda Maharaja.

From 1981-1986, he was working in Mayapur as a guest house manager. In 1986, during the 500th anniversary of Lord Chaitanya, the new management allowed him to serve as the first general manager in Mayapur–managing the Gaura Purnima festival.

From 1980-1989, he served as a facilitator of prasadam and accommodations for GBC, sannyasis, devotees, and life members. He also served as a life membership director and fundraiser for the Mayapur temple. During monsoon, when Mayapur would become flooded; he would distribute kitchori prasadam to all the neighboring villages.

For many years he has been serving the devotees in the Alachua Temple every day from 4 am until 9 am. He serve the devotees 5 days a week in the evening with Krishna Katha in a study group, under his present siksa-guru, HH Radhanatha Swami. Almost every day he is counseling devotees to overcome their challenges on the spiritual path. He is always enthusiastic about looking to make new devotees and bringing them to the platform of becoming sincere, serious followers of Srila Prabhupada.

Now that both his sons are grown up and can be on their own, both spiritually and materially, He feel he can do more service by dedicating his full time as a sannyasi while encouraging other devotees to cooperate with the GBC in pushing on the Krishna Consciousness movement and pleasing Srila Prabhupada.

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the key teachings found in the "Bhaktyaloka" by Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura, focusing on the critical elements that shape devotional service. By examining the teachings related to the six unfavorable items and six favorable items of devotional practice, students will gain a profound understanding of how to both avoid obstacles and enhance their devotional journey. This course is rooted in Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura’s elucidations on the Nectar of Instruction (Upadeshamrita), particularly addressing Texts 2 and 3, and provides practical insights for personal and spiritual growth.

Course Contents:

  1. Introduction to Bhaktyaloka

    • Overview and context of Bhaktyaloka within the broader framework of devotional literature.
    • Fundamental principles and the role of Bhakti Vinod Thakura's writings in ISKCON teachings.

  2. Analysis of Key Verses in Bhaktyaloka

    • Detailed examination of the verses in Text 2 and 3 of the Nectar of Instruction.
    • Insights from Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura's commentary on these verses, as presented in Bhajana Rahasya.

  3. Understanding the Six Faults

    • In-depth study of the six faults detrimental to devotional service, beginning with atyaharah prayasashca.
    • Analysis of the practical implications of these faults and strategies for overcoming them.

  4. Understanding the Six Favorable Items

    • Examination of the six items that enhance and support devotional practice, starting with utsahan nishcayad.
    • Exploration of practical applications and real-life examples illustrating these positive practices.

  5. Practical Application and Integration

    • Application of theoretical knowledge to personal devotional practice.
    • Case studies and practical examples to illustrate how to implement the principles discussed.

Course Material:

  • Primary Text: Sri Bhaktyaloka by Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura.
  • Supplementary Reading: Translation by Bhumipati das.

Course Requirements:

  • No prior requirements; suitable for all levels of spiritual practice and understanding.

Target Audience:

  • Open to all who are interested in deepening their understanding of devotional service and the teachings of Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura.

Assessment Plan:

  • No formal assessment. The focus is on personal enrichment and practical application.

What You Will Learn:

  • Key philosophical terms and concepts from Texts 2 & 3 of the Nectar of Instruction.
  • A systematic and comprehensive understanding of the six faults that undermine devotion.
  • Insight into the six favorable items that promote and ensure success in pure devotional service.
  • Practical application of these teachings with real-time examples for effective devotional practice.

Frequently Asked Questions