Successful student will be awarded a Bhakti Sastri Diploma by the Mayapur Institute Of Higher Education.
Fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's vision for worldwide spiritual education
Batch 2
The Bhakti-Shastri Program is an intermediate-level course offering a structured and in-depth study of core Gaudiya Vaishnava scriptures as presented by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. The curriculum includes Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Sri Īśopaniṣad, Nectar of Instruction, and Nectar of Devotion, with emphasis on philosophical understanding, practical application, and the development of Vaishnava character.
This program is ideal for students seeking to deepen their scriptural knowledge, strengthen personal sādhana, or prepare for greater spiritual responsibility within ISKCON.
Batch 2 Starting
08 Mar 2026
Frequency
Weekly Sun 8 - 10 AM Zoom
Duration
18 Months (Estimated)
Assessment Criteria
- Attendance to weekly sessions
- Memorising key verses
- Writing essays on topics
- Passing short written exam questions
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum 4 rounds of chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra following the four regulative principles. Read More
- No eating meat, fish, or eggs
- No gambling
- No use of intoxicants
- No illicit sex
Instructor
His Holiness Dayananda Swami
His Holiness Dayananda Swami is a gentle yet powerful messenger of Srila Prabhupada’s mission, a monk whose life has been shaped by humility, service, and unwavering dedication. Joining ISKCON in 1983, he spent sixteen transformative years in Manchester, sharing spiritual wisdom through door‑to‑door book distribution and steady temple service. From 2002 he served at Bhaktivedanta Manor including serving as brahmacari ashram leader. Since 2005, he has travelled widely across the United Kingdom, Russia, and neighbouring lands, carrying the holy names with compassion and simplicity. In 2011, under the loving shelter of HH Radhanath Swami, he accepted sannyasa, embracing a life fully dedicated to serving Sri Guru and Gauranga. His presence continues to inspire quietly, consistently, and profoundly wherever he goes.
Course Materials
Books provided
Registered
14
Available Seats
6
Payment Options
Successful Candidates, Batch 1 - 2019/20
Hear from those who have completed the course
Nandini Gopika Devi Dasi
Studying Bhakti‑śāstri with the devotees was a wonderful experience, and I’m especially grateful to Dayananda Maharaj for his patience and guidance throughout the course. Learning together and sharing realizations made the whole journey meaningful and enjoyable.
Madhava Kumar Das
Dayananda Swami Maharaj guided the class with great care, helping students refine their assessments to meet the course standards. His patience during verse recitations and the deep realizations he offered from over forty years of bhakti‑yoga practice made the entire learning journey truly uplifting.
