Bhaktivedanta College Online Campus (BCOC)

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.

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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. bhaktivedantaonline.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.

The Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies (CIBYS) in three modules gives one ample opportunities to learn how the Vedas are teaching the art of leading a balanced life, with a clear focus on spiritual well-being. The CIBYS trilogy offers theoretical and practical approaches to human devotion to God and a healthy relationship to the world. The Bhakti Sastri program offers a systematic study of the four most important bhakti-texts: the Bhagavad-gita, The Nectar of Devotion, The Nectar of Instruction, and Sri Isopanisad.

Worldwide, friends of Krishna are studying Vedic writings, and although most are eager to study systematically, they're not always able to spend a few months to relocate and take the courses in a classroom setting. Our list of online teachers is growing (see here). Thanks to internet technology, Bhaktivedanta College has prepared for you the Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies and Bhakti Sastri programs. In our virtual classroom, you can now take our online programs in your own home, in your own time zone, and from any computer in the world.

We are using a variety of e-learning materials: articles, discussion forums, webinars, quizzes, questionnaires, feedbacks, e-books, and so on. Once we know your location around the globe and your daily schedule then we can attempt to have either a live chat or interactive phone conference to put you on track. The course only requires basic computer competency and access to the internet. We intend that all our main discussions will take place on our online forums, to keep everyone on the same page. We hope you will enjoy your studies.

This online course combines synchronous and asynchronous learning, which means that sometimes you, your fellow students, and your teacher(s) are simultaneously present in these phone conferences or live chats, and that at other times, you'll study the easily and always downloadable course materials by yourself in your own time.

The synchronous learning method creates a sense of association with the classmates, while the asynchronous method appeals to your self-motivation and responsibility. Of course, our teachers and administrators will be pleased to guide you through this more student-centered learning process.

Every Monday, we'll post a new study section and relevant questions, and we expect you to spend up to seven hours a week on reading and completing homework assignments. You'll also be expected to respond throughout the week, and for all inquiries teachers or course administrators are responding in less than 24 hours.

Our support is visible in providing you with extraordinary convenience, online tools, resources, and the opportunity to achieve your educational goals and lots more. Expect to see an attractive and challenging curriculum in a supportive learning environment.