Sastric Education & Spiritual Training
The Bhaktivedanta Institute of Higher Education (BIHE) offers structured educational courses based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. BIHE is dedicated to systematic spiritual study, character development, and academic excellence in Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Vision
- Systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and educate all peoples in the techniques of spiritual life to check the imbalance of values in life and achieve real unity and peace in the world.
- Propagate a consciousness of Krsna, as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- Train qualified teachers or mentors in order to develop contemporary lessons to help scientists, educators, engineers, technologists, researchers, etc., understand the true values of our ancient Vedic civilization.
- Equip students with the ability to see the world through the eyes of Scriptures.
- Lead a quality life of spiritual discipline amidst any calamities.
- Imbibe the mood of predecessor Acharyas of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Mission
- Facilitate systematic study of books by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
- Set the lifestyle and/or aim of one's life based on scriptures and/or its practical applications.
- Inspire and inculcate the values & culture of Gaudiya Vaishnavism among all students.
- Discuss, understand, apply and/or teach by example the philosophical purports from books of Srila Prabhupada.
- Conduct practical activities to understand the practical lessons in the scriptures.
- Learn how to cooperate with other members in spite of one's personal differences.
- Understand and apply the best practices in the mode of goodness.
- Facilitate the study and understanding of the predecessor Acharyas.
- Know, understand and apply the subtle principles embedded in the scriptures.
"In January of 1970 we will be holding an examination among all of our students on this book, and those who will pass shall be awarded with the title of Bhakti-sastri. With these examinations I wish to encourage all my disciples to very carefully learn this philosophy of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness because there is so many preachers who will be required to bring this message to all of the corners of the earth."
— Srila Prabhupada (Letter to Mahapurusa, Los Angeles, 7 February 1969)
Requirements for Courses
Courses offered by us have requirements that need to be met before you will be admitted for study. For all courses, you will need to complete a registration form and provide a reference. Once the registration and reference are received by us, you will be considered registered for your chosen course.
Our courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise stated. Your command of English should be sufficient for you to study Srila Prabhupada’s books, and be favorably assessed. Most courses have a service charge, which can be paid on arrival in Mayapur. Unless you have been granted a scholarship, you will not be permitted to begin a course unless you have remitted the service charge.
Sastric Courses General Criteria
Good sadhana, brahminical tendencies, voluntary service, proficiency in English, and a recommendation/character sketch from a senior devotee who knows you well are required in general for all sastric courses. Assessment criteria include attendance and personal conduct.
Minimum Specific Admission Requirements:
- You must chant 16 rounds of japa daily and follow the four regulative principles.
- You must be recommended by an ISKCON authority who knows you well, certifying that you have been engaged favorably in the preaching mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu for at least the previous 12 months.
- The Bhakti Sastri course requires students to read all 5 designated books (Bhagavad Gita, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, Sri Ishopanishad, and Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita) before commencing the course. We can accept your registration on your assurance that you will read these books at least once before coming. This is required because the course is interactive and conducted as group discussions and activities. You must be 18 years or older in age.
Graduation Ceremony Note
There will be a Graduation Ceremony in which certificates will be distributed to successfully passed out students. Students are requested to participate in the Graduation Ceremony to collect their certificates.
Attached Files & Resources
Financial Considerations
The service charges we receive merely cover our administrative and non-human infrastructure expenses. Our teachers and administrative staff receive basic necessities from funds derived from non-designated donations that our supporters regularly give. The main principle that Srila Prabhupada emphasized — that teachers not get salaries or charge for transferring transcendental knowledge — has always been, and remains a cornerstone of our ethos.
Please note that our service charges do not include giving any daksina to the teachers. The Vedic system is for students to offer daksina in order to gain the most from learning. Teachers do not charge, and students freely give. So, we strongly encourage our students to offer their teachers some donation, whether money, gifts, or service, remembering that most of our teachers are renunciates with no means of support other than charity.
Register or Ask Questions
Have questions about admission requirements, course fees, or schedules? Reach out to the BIHE coordinators directly.