Here are the dates for the spring Vaishnava festivals of 2010. On all these days there are special festivities in the temple. On the smaller festivals most of the celebrations take place during the morning program, with a feast served at the next meal after the end of the fast time. On all the festivals regular prasadam meals are served at other meal times (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for those unable to fast.

Details of the bigger festivals (in this case Gaura Purnima), when there will be events throughout the day, will be posted nearer the time.

January

• 22 – Advaita Saptami: Advaita Acarya’s appearance day (fast till noon)
• 28 – Nityananda Trayodasi: Nityananda Prabhu’s appearance day (fast till noon)

February

• 3 – Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s appearance day (fast till noon)
• 28 – Gaura Purnima: Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance day (fast till moonrise)

March

• 7 – Holi: festival of colors (cultural celebration)
• 24 – Rama Navami: Ramacandra’s appearance day (fast till sunset)

Please note that the Ekadasi days for Belgium and the Netherlands (when Vaishnavas fast from grains, beans, and pulses) are:

• January 10 and 26
• February 9 and 25
• March 11 and 26

For the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Radhadesh temple we are holding the following events:

• January 30–31: Kirtan weekend
• February 28: Gaura Purnima
• May: VIP Opening of Museum of Sacred Arts*
• June 25–27 June: Padayatra with Lokanath Swami
• July 24–25: Summer festival
• August 29: Janmashtami cultural celebration
• September 15: Radhastami finale

Everyone welcome!

* By special invitation

This part-time foundational course, held over three-months by Bhaktivedanta College, has been especially designed for those who would like to familiarise themselves with the themes and general content of the four books studied in the in-depth scriptural study course – bhakti-sastri. These books are Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, and Nectar of Instruction.

There are 5 one hour classes per week.

Living and worshiping in the temple, offering service, taking part in community life and enjoying the association of experienced teachers, senior devotees, and visiting preachers, is an enlivening experience and gives a solid foundation in devotional life.

Fee: 20 € per month (participants perform full-time service in the temple and receive meals and accommodation)

Course content

• Introductions, explanations, and outlines for all four books
• Coverage of all the main topics in each book
• Five classes per week (17:30 – 18:30)
• Bhakti-yoga in practice every day

Teachers Yadunandana Swami, Dinadayal Dasa, Sudevi Dasi, Mangala Candrika Devi Dasi, Ramakesava Dasa, and Ananga Gopika Devi Dasi.

For more information and course registration:
Mangala Candrika Dasi
Tel: +32 (0)86 32–32–77
E-mail: college@pamho.net

Modern Hindu Trends

1−5 March
Provides students with background on the emergence of modern Hinduism and a detailed understanding of the lives and teachings of the Hindu reformers who shaped it.

Teacher: Pranava Dasa

Congregational Preaching

3−5 March
This course is designed to help participants learn how to successfully share the spiritual principles of Krishna consciousness with different audiences and how to establish regular groups and communities. Kripamoya Dasa, an expert in the field of congregation development, shares with us his experience gained from over twenty years of congregational development in the UK.

Teacher: Kripamoya Dasa

Nectar of Instruction

Series of evening classes that start on the 7th March

Nectar of Instruction is a summary by Rupa Goswami of his extensive teachings on Vaishnava philosophy. This beautiful work is as relevant now as when it was written 500 years ago. Join us and dive into this great classic guided by an expert teacher.

Teacher: Hanumatpresaka Swami

Introduction to Hinduism

8−23 March
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of Hindu history, theology, and social and political life.

Teacher: Gopinatha Acarya Dasa

Nectar of Devotion

8−12 March
Provides students with historical background on the life of Rupa Goswami and detailed knowledge of the structure and contents of his principal theological ideas, as presented in the Nectar of Devotion.

Teacher: Hanumatpresaka Swami

Interfaith

13−14 March
This is an interactive course showing what interfaith is and why it is important for ISKCON members. We analyze various types of interfaith programs, and students learn to present concepts of Krishna consciousness from a personal perspective. We study the essential principles and practical guidelines of how to approach members of other faiths. The course includes a field trip to various religious communities in Belgium.

Teacher: Saunaka Rsi Dasa

Pure Spiritual Life (Uttama Bhakti)

25−26 March
This course will give the participants an exciting glimpse of the nectarean ocean of pure devotional service. There will excursions into the Nectar of Devotion and the songs of Narottama Dasa Thakur and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

Teacher: Sankarsana Dasa

The Epics: Ramayan & Mahabharata

12−16 April
This course provides participants with detailed knowledge of the structure, stories, and characters of the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. During the course Anuradha will explore the theistic ideas, character role models, ethical teachings, and moral dilemmas presented in these two classic texts of ancient India.

Teacher: Anuradha Dasi

Sri Caitanya-caritamrita

April 12–23
Deepens participants’ knowledge and understanding of the Caitanya-caritamrta by providing a detailed analysis of its historical context, structure, and content. This course aims to nurture a reflective approach to the message and teachings of the text in light of personal and institutional practice.

Teacher: Krsna Ksetra Dasa

Modern Interpretation of the Gita

19−23 April
This course will acquaint participants with a range of modern interpretations of the Bhagavada-gita and the reasons for these divergent understandings. It aims to allow students to consider the relevance of these interpretations to the Hindu tradition today.

Teacher: Anuradha Dasi

Communications Course

26−30 April
This is a fantastic course for all those who would like to learn about the field of communications. Topics include: strategic planning; public speaking; listening skills; devotee relations; internal communications; media relations and training; and networking with academics, interfaith people, and government leaders.

Teacher: Anuttama Dasa

Japa Kirtan Retreat

This is another great opportunity to once again experience the thoughtful genius of Sacinandana Swami's engrossing spiritual retreats.

Everyone welcome!

“The idea of having a ‘Japa Kirtana Retreat’ evolved from the well-attended, inspirational japa retreats. The dharma for the Age of Kali is sankirtan, the loud singing of the holy name of the Lord. This retreat simultaneously examines the deep instructions available on japa and kirtan and engages participants in the practice of both. Vaishnava scriptures contain a wealth of information on kirtan. I immediately applied this information, and since them my practice of kirtan has become qualitatively much more than before. I am unlimitedly grateful to Srila Prabhupada and the previous acaryas of our glorious parampara, who revealed detailed knowledge on how to perform kirtan. Out of gratitude, I and the other facilitators will share this knowledge in lectures, workshops, and lila-katha, all centered on improving japa and becoming deeply absorbed in kirtans.” – Sacinandana Swami

These retreats are recommended for anyone seriously interested in improving their practice of Krishna consciousness.

The result of all spiritual processes (meditation, sacrifices, Deity worship) can be obtained in Kali-yuga simply by chanting the holy names of Lord Keshava. O great sages, a small effort in Kali-yuga is the cause of the greatest good fortune for mankind. No doubt, I am most satisfied by this particular yuga. – Visnu Purana (6. 2.16)

Timings

1st May (evening) – 7th May (morning)

Booking

We strongly recommend that all participants confirm their attendance with the Radhadesh guesthouse:
+32 (0)86 387131
radhadesh.guesthouse@pamho.net

Accommodation

(includes meals and seminar fee)

1. Shared room (3–5 beds) – 150 Euros
2. Dormitory – 125 Euros (please bring your own bedding / sleeping bag)

These are the prices for one person (Saturday 17:00 – Friday 11:00) (additional nights will be charged extra)
This offer is valid until 1st April (one month before the retreat begins).

For those not staying in the Radhadesh guesthouse, registration should be done with the college's secretary
+32 (0)86 323277
college@pamho.net.

The price for only the seminar without meals or accomodation is 50 Euros.

Travel

When you are in Belgium, how to travel to Radhadesh?

Radhadesh Guesthouse
Petite Somme 5
6940 Septon Durbuy
Belgium
+32 (0)86 387131
radhadesh.guesthouse@pamho.net

Please remember that there are two airports near Brussels. One is called ‘Brussels International’ (Zaventem) and is very close to the city centre. The other is called ‘Charleroi’ or ‘Brussels South.’ Charleroi is a little bit closer to Radhadesh. This is to avoid long waits, which can occur if we get incorrect information. Give us details of where you want to be picked up from. Please give your flight information: flight number, arrival date, departure date & airport (or station).

At both airports you can buy a train ticket for 10.50 Euro which is valid for bus from airport to the train station and all trains till Marloie or Barvaux. However, please not that even though Charleroi is closer to Radhadesh than Zaventem, Zaventem is more convenient to reach on public transport.

Click here for more information about transport.