Degree Programs and Courses > Associate Level

The Associate Certificate in Vaisnava Philosophy is awarded to the student who has successfully completed sixty undergraduate credits which must include AVC and who has passed the Bhakti Sastri exam. (60 Credits & Bhakti Sastri Exam)

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester I (15 credits)
VP Vaishnava Philosophy

Introductory Semester in Applied Vedic Culture (AVC "intensive"), includes the following courses: (Note: *Please see the section on the Introductory Course in Applied Vedic Culture for more in-depth descriptions of the courses.)

VP101 *Bhagavad-gita As It Is (Introductory), 3 credits - This course was designed for the University of South Florida's religion department. It provides a brief perusal of the subject matter of the entire dialogue between Lord Sri Krsna and Arjuna stressing the main philosophical ideas.

VP102 *Topical Studies in Srimad Bhagavatam, 3 credits - This course provides an abundance of classroom instruction given by a broad range of qualified teachers thoroughly analyzing each particular verse studied. The sequential nature of the study material furnishes a complete understanding of the intricate themes.

VP103 Sri Isopanisad, 1 credit - One of the world's most famous Vedic classics. The primary text among the 108 Upanisads. This work contains 19 jewel-like verses and is meant to bring students closer to spiritual understanding.

VP104 Nectar of Devotion [Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu], 1 credit - This course studies Srila Rupa Goswami's most well-known work, often referred to as the "Handbook of Krsna Consciousness."

VP105 Nectar of Instruction (Upadesamrta), 1 credit - Srila Rupa Goswami explains in easy to grasp groups of sixes the activities which are favorable to devotional service, unfavorable to devotional service, how to associate with devotees, the qualifications of a guru and the glories of Radha Kunda.

VP106 *Vedic Paradigm, 3 credits - This is a topical survey of Vedic literature covering sixty distinct facets of Vedic learning from the three modes of nature to mystic powers. This popular course introduces the students to the unlimited realm of transcendental knowledge.

VP107 *Readings in Vedic Literature, 1 credit - This is a concise introduction to Vedic literature with an especially helpful section on the academic biases which have surrounded Vedic literature for the past two hundred years.

VP108 *Gita Slokas, 1 credit - The sloka class is good refreshment for new bhaktas during a long japa period (15 minutes daily) and students learn to memorize some wonderful verses from Bhagavad-gita.

VP109 Vaisnava Etiquette, 1 credit - Sobering and often humorous practical tips on how to implement Vedic etiquette into everyday life.

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Semester II (12 credits)
Vaisnava Philosophy-VP

VP110 *Intro to Sadhana Bhakti, 3 credits - Learning the techniques and practices of chanting japa sixteen rounds daily, (two hours daily)

VP111 Bhagavad-gita Overview, 3 credits - Using the course (a favorite among students) designed by Bhurijana dasa Adhikari examining of the Gita's syntax, theme and background of the first nine chapters.

VP112 Easy Journey to Other Planets, 1 credit - One of Srila Prabhupada's first books describes the easy, yet subtle process of transferring oneself to other planets, both material and spiritual. Discusses life on other planets and indicates the futility of modern spacecraft excursions.

VP113 Life Comes From Life, 1 credit - A poignant series of morning walk conversations. Modern scientists theories of life arising from chemicals is assailed from the point of logic, observation and Vedic scriptural evidence.

VP114 Topmost Yoga System, 1 credit - Discusses the relative statuses of various bona fide yoga systems such as hatha, pranayama, dhyana, jnana, bhakti, etc. (the yoga ladder). Bhakti-yoga is accepted as the topmost by Vedic authorities

Elective, 3 credits

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Semester III (12 credits)
Vaisnava Philosophy-VP

VP102 A Topical Studies in Srimad Bhagavatam III, 3 credits - The continuing study of VP102. This course provides an abundance of classroom instruction given by a broad range of qualified teachers thoroughly analyzing each particular verse studied. The sequential nature of the study material furnishes a complete understanding of the intricate themes.

VP115 Bhagavad-gita Overview II, 3 credits - Using the course (a favorite among students) designed by Bhurijana dasa Adhikari examining of the Bhagavad~Gita's syntax, theme and background of the second nine chapters.

VP116 Nectar of Devotion, 2 credits - A continuation of VP104 studying of the twelve rasas (spiritual relationships), conflicting rasas, and ecstatic symptoms of devotional service.

VP117 Intro to Vaisnava prayers (aratis), 3 credits - Students participate in mangala arati, tulasi arati, guru-puja, and sundara arati and learn the Sanskrit and Bengali verses.

VP118 Elevation to Krsna Consciousness/ Perfection of Yoga, 1 credit - Studies the choosing of human and animal lives, the hard struggle for happiness, knowing Krishna as He is and taking to Krishna Consciousness.

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Semester IV (12 credits)
Vaisnava Philosophy-VP & Sanskrit-SA

VP119 Arcana-Paddhati I (The Process of Deity Worship), 3 credits - A guidebook for Deity worship, based on Sanatana Goswami's Hari-bhakti-Vilasa. All brahmanas will be responsible to learn this book.

VP120 Beyond Birth and Death, 1 credit - This course studies the Vedic explanation of what happens after death, how the soul transmigrates and the cycle of samsara.

VP121 Perfect Questions and Answers, 1 credit - A study of an interesting conversation between a Peace Corps worker and Srila Prabhupada. Discusses many practical points of bhakti-yoga.

VP122 Raja-vidya: The King of Knowledge, 1 credit - This course focuses on the transcendental aspects of knowledge delineated in the Bhagavad-gita and contrasts the ordinary knowledge taught elsewhere.

VP123 Intro to Harinama sankirtan, 3 credits - Students learn by participating with teachers in the Yuga Dharma of public chanting of the holy names.

SA101 Elementary Sanskrit, 3 credits - Familiarizes the student with the Devanagari alphabet through reading, writing and pronunciation, initial vocabulary, transliteration and beginning grammar.

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Semster V (12 credits)
Vaisnava Philosophy-VP
Study Abroad-UIP

VP124 Srimad-Bhagavatam, First Canto Volume 1: Chapters 1-7, (3credits) - The sages at Naimisaranya question Suta Goswami on devotional service. Twenty-two incarnations of Godhead are described. Narada Muni appears to instruct his disciple Vyasadeva. Drona's son is punished.

VP125 Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto part II, Chapters 8-12, (3credits) - The child-embryo Pariksit is saved by Lord Krsna and becomes the next emperor. Grandfather Bhismadeva passes away by his own volition on the bed of arrows. Queen Kunti offers her famous prayers to Lord Krsna before His return to the splendid island-city of Dvaraka.

VP126 Srimad-Bhagavatam First Canto part III, Chapters 13-19, (3credits) - Dhrtarastra quits home upon the insistence of his brother Vidura. Lord Krsna's disappearance is described and soon afterward, the Pandavas retire to the Himalayas. Pariksit Maharaja assumes rulership of the world, punishes and rewards the Age of Kali personified, but is later cursed to die in seven days by a brahmana's son. Sukadeva Goswami appears to the king at the River Ganges.

Study Abroad

UIP101 Mayapura, (2 credits) - Students journey to the holy birth site of Lord Caitanya in Nadia, West Bengal, India. Two and a half weeks of parikramas (walking to holy places connected with Lord Caitanya's pastimes), seminars, kirtanas and sadhana. RVC instructor personally guides the students for the pilgrimage during March. Students write a thorough essay of their experience.

UIP102Vrndavana, (2 credits) - Following the visit to Mayapura, students take a train to Vrndavana, Lord Krsna's place of pastimes. Here students visit many tirthas (holy sites) associated with the pastimes of Lord Krsna five thousand years ago. Students write an thorough essay of their experience.

UIP103 Vaisnava Sanga, (2 credits) - The practicum takes place at the time of ISKCON's annual Mayapura-Vrndavana Festival and joins with many participants from around the world. The students will interact with many devotees of Krsna and write of their experiences.

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