AFFILIATED SITES:
|
|
|
Principles of Conduct Policies Health and Medical Aged, Illnesses Cleanliness Standards Dress Code Regulative Principles Schedule of Activities Food Policy Animal Products Intoxicants Japa Meditation Possessions, Storage, etc Money, Debts, Donations Voluntary Service Communication & Visitors Accomodations |
Off-Campus
Employment Leave of Absences Transfer Policies Disciplinary Policies Residency Levels Correctional Procedures Prasadam Meals Harinama Sankirtana Required Textbooks Gambling and Sports Neighboring Universities Kansas City Founder's Instructions Post Graduation Varnasrama College Cultural Events Faculty/Staff Areas |
Residents are expected to practice the Vedic principles of purity during their stay at RVC. They must abstain from:
Residents are expected to chant a minimum of sixteen rounds of japa (108 maha mantras per round of beads) each day. [Please see Japa Meditation] Residents are expected to attend the morning and evening temple programs each day unless authorized otherwise by RVC leaders. The morning temple program includes mangala-aratika, guru-puja and Srimad-Bhagavatam class. The evening temple program includes Sundara-arati and Bhagavad-gita; class. [Please see "Schedule of Activities"] Residents are expected to obey federal, state, and local laws, as well as those of ISKCON and the regulations of RVC. [Please see section on "Intoxication" ] Residents are expected to be honest and straightforward in all dealings. Residents are expected to engage in devotional service under the directions of the RVC authorities. Residents are expected to settle all disputes by utilizing RVC's and ISKCON's judicial facilities. [Please see and sign the "Arbitration Agreement" form in the Handbook section] Residents are expected to make no claim of ownership over RVC property allocated for their use during their stay at RVC, nor claim assets as their own which are acquired while performing service at the RVC. [Please see and sign "Voluntary Service" and "Free-will Donation" forms in the Handbook section] It is up to the discretion of RVC and its management regarding who may or who may not reside at RVC. RVC is not responsible for any costs incurred to students or faculty/staff because of their not being allowed to reside at RVC. All service rendered by students on the work/study system or by faculty members is voluntary. No salaries are given by RVC. Residents must arrange their own transportation to and from Kansas City, Missouri, USA. [Please see the "Directions to the RVC" section of the Handbook] RVC management reserves the right to have access to all residence and storage rooms upon request. No extracurricular activities are permitted such as: a) outside employment or education, b) mundane sports, cinema, entertainment, etc., c) female relationships or homosexual conduct of any kind, d) reading or hearing subjects matter not approved by the RVC. Only those maintaining allegiance, through initiation, instruction, etc. to teachers within ISKCON will be eligible for RVC residence privileges. Any student or faculty member at RVC is free to withdraw or leave RVC at any time. There is no compulsory force upon any residents of RVC. All residents must strive to maintain the standards of cleanliness and dress taught by Srila Prabhupada. The RVC provides no personal or group medical/dental care or health insurance for its students or faculty/staff. The RVC has no nursing, medical or hospital facilities on campus. The RVC has no trained medical or psychological treatment staff or facilities. RVC students or staff/staff are allowed to maintain their own medical care programs or health insurance programs at their own expense. The RVC, however, does not provide its students or faculty/staff the funds or time for earning funds to maintain private medical or health insurance programs. RVC students and staff/staff are entitled to certain medical/dental and health care benefits as offered by state, county or private sector institutions without payment. RVC will assist all of its students and faculty/staff to obtain whatever medical/dental and health care facilities are available without payment in every way possible. Students and faculty/staff requiring more medical, nursing, and/or psychological care than the RVC is able to provide, must find such outside the RVC campus. The minimum age limit for the RVC is 18 years. There is no upper age limit. Aged or chronically ill persons are eligible to become RVC students and faculty/staff and the RVC will try its best to accommodate such persons. However the RVC cannot guarantee its ability to maintain such persons under all circumstances. •If the RVC determines that it is unable to maintain any students or aged or ill faculty/staff, then such persons will be obliged to find other residence. RVC students and faculty/staff are expected to: Wear clean clothes each day. Bathe each morning before the first temple service. Bathe after each evacuation. Keep their area of residence and service neat and clean. Brush teeth after meals. Shave their heads weekly leaving the sikha at the top, back of the head. The sikha is a tuft of unshaven hair left by Vaisnavas indicating that they accept Lord Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and themselves as His humble servant. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean. Keep a clean-shaven face daily. Employ the Vedic method of evacuation using water rather than paper products. RVC utilizes commercial toothpaste which does not con tain animal products. Students and faculty/staff shall be sup plied these by RVC rather than those of personal taste. RVC utilizes commercial liquid soap for bathing which does not contain animal products. Students and faculty/staff shall be supplied these by RVC rather than those of personal choice. The general dress expected and supplied for RVC students and faculty/staff is the traditional Vaisnava which is comprised of:
Those who are unmarried shall wear the saffron colored cloth signifying the celibate lifestyle. Those who are married or engaged to a woman shall wear white cloth signifying their position as a married person. Students and faculty/staff are expected to wear tilaka at all times. Tilaka is a whitish sacred clay marking which is applied to several places on the body after bathing. The most prominent marking is on the forehead appearing as two vertical parallel lines between the eyebrows. Western dress may be worn, when authorized, during certain types of service necessitating such clothes. Examples are while performing a) automobile mechanical service, b) construction, c) gardening, d) some forms of literature distribution, etc. Wearing of shorts or short pants is not allowed. RVC students and faculty/staff are prohibited from indulging in "illicit" sex. Illicit sex is defined as any sexual activity outside of marriage and not intently for procreation. In the Vedic culture, sex life is allowed only for procreation and only within the institution of sacred marriage. Consequently there can be no sex indulgence of any kind by RVC students or faculty/staff. This includes self-induced sex behavior. All students and faculty are required to participate full-time, i.e. twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Included within this framework, Srila Prabhupada stipulated that resident students and faculty/staff must daily attend:
Students participating in AVC (Introductory Semester of Applied Vedic Culture) should please see the section on this website for further information about the schedule to be followed by them. All meals at RVC are called "prasadam". Prasadam is a Sanskrit word which means mercy and refers to spiritual food. The food preparations at RVC are prepared with love and devotion by the devotees while meditating on Sri Krsna. Then the preparations are offered to the Lord on the altar. Lord Krsna accepts such offerings since they are performed according to His instructions given in the Bhagavad-gita: patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati tad aham bhakty-upahrtam asnami prayatatmanah If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it. (9.26)
Saving prasadam for later is not allowed. The purchasing of one's own food from stores, cooking one's own food (without sanction) or eating at restaurants is not allowed. The RVC diet excludes all meat, fish or eggs in any form. No animal products are used whatsoever, including rennet. Additionally, no onions, garlic, or vinegar are used.
The RVC prepares and serves only fresh lacto vegetarian foodstuffs which includes dairy products. There is no provision for Vegan, macrobiotic, Rainbow, or other diets. Foodstuffs may or may not be of an "organic" type. RVC uses different types
of sweeteners including raw sugar, honey, brown sugar, white sugar,
RVC uses different kinds of rice including basmati, white rice, brown rice, etc. RVC uses and offers tap water which is filtered for drinking. Bottled water, mineral water or spring water is not used. RVC does not make special arrangements for meals, all students and faculty/staff are expected to be satisfied with the prasadam meals provided. Since all foodstuffs are formally offered to Their Lordships, all cooking is to be done only by ISKCON initiated brahmanas, or in special cases by harinama initiated devotees. There may be microwave ovens present and utilized on the premises. Non-reusable cups, plates, spoons, etc. used for guests may be made from: paper, plastic, Styrofoam, or other materials as the case may be. Prasadam Meals are served at:
All food served at RVC is "Prasadam," i.e. vegetarian spiritual food offered to Krsna. Every meal except "Evening Hot Banana-Milk and Cookies Prasadam" is "All You Wish to Eat." Daily Breakfast Prasadam
Daily Lunch Prasadam
Evening Hot Banana-Milk and Cookies Prasadam Sunday Eleven-Course Feast Prasadam
Special Annual Festivals/Feasts
.......just to name a few. The RVC uses no products taken from slaughtered animals in its food, soaps, tooth paste, cleaning materials, clothing, shoes, furniture, etc. RVC approves of Ahimsa Leather used in the mrdanga drums made in India which uses the skins of animals which have died of old age by natural causes only. No skins from slaughtered animals are used. RVC does not allow the use of any intoxicants by its students or staff or by visitors on the campus. Intoxicants include: alcoholic beverages, marijuana, drugs, coffee, tea with caffeine, cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, chocolate (caffeine) or soft drinks with caffeine. No illegal substances are allowed at the RVC by students, faculty/staff or guests. Persons found with illegal substances in their possession shall be: a) asked to leave, b) reported to police authorities, or c) both of the above. The chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra, Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna is known throughout the world as the most sublime and effective process of meditation. This type of meditation purifies the consciousness of the practitioner and brings him in contact with the Lord directly through the chanting of His holy names. Japa mala (prayer beads), which are similar to rosary beads, will be provided for all RVC students/faculty staff. Chanting sixteen rounds takes approximately two hours to complete. Generally the chanting is done in the early morning hours which are most conducive for mantra meditation. Possessions, Storage, Purchases, Etc. RVC students and faculty are free to maintain their prior possessions at their own arrangement and expense. RVC has limited space for storage of students and faculty/staff possessions. Storage can only be allowed with permission of RVC authorities and at no liability to the RVC. No unauthorized vehicles are allowed to remain on or adjacent to RVC campus. RVC students and faculty/staff are obliged to receive authorization if they wish to purchase any new or used items with their own funds. Money, Debts, Costs, Donations All funds and/or items which are donated to the RVC are tax deductible and non-refundable. The RVC assumes no responsibility for the debts accrued by its students and faculty/staff before their coming to RVC. The RVC assumes no responsibility for the debts accrued by its students and faculty/staff incurred while engaged in activities unapproved by the RVC management. In some cases, RVC may agree to assist students and faculty/staff members in liquidating previous debts over a period of time. All donations of funds or things made to RVC are voluntary and as such final and non-refundable. There are no salaries at the RVC for either students, faculty/staff or work/study participants. Students and faculty/staff are required to fill out a "Voluntary Service" and "Arbitration Agreement" form. All students and faculty/staff will be expected to perform devotional service to Krsna by assisting the RVC in its smooth operation. An RVC student enrolled and engaged in full-time work/study contribution has no future financial or service obligation if the student should leave prior to completing a semester or a degree. Nor are there any financial or any other type of refunds given back to students. The making of outgoing local telephone calls are available to RVC students and faculty/staff members. The making of outgoing long distance phone calls by RVC students and faculty/staff members within the USA is limited and requires authorization. The making of outgoing international phone calls by RVC students and faculty/staff members outside the USA is extremely limited and requires authorization. Incoming telephone calls are allowed for all RVC students and faculty/staff members however it is recommended that the receiving of such calls be steered toward times which do not conflict with temple programs and classes. Incoming telephone call messages will be taken and delivered to all RVC students and faculty/staff members in case they are absent when the call comes in. Incoming post and e-mail shall be delivered to RVC students and faculty/staff members at the earliest possible opportunity. RVC students and faculty/staff members are encouraged to communicate through e-mail or post rather than direct telephone calls. Normal use of e-mail and post is available to all RVC students and faculty/staff members. Excessive use of these requires RVC authorization. RVC students and faculty/staff members are permitted to invite their friends and relatives to visit RVC as guests. Such guests shall be provided prasadam meals, and guest accommodations if required according to availability.
RVC students are accommodated on-campus in dormitories of varying sizes, shared rooms and sometimes private rooms. Faculty/staff are generally provided with on-campus shared rooms or private rooms. Resting is accommodated either on foam mats or bunk beds. Bedding is supplied by RVC as required. Off-Campus Employment and Activities RVC students and faculty/staff are not allowed to earn funds by any employment at the campus or off-campus unless approved by RVC. RVC students and faculty/staff are not permitted to engage in any off-campus activities without the expressed authorization of RVC. All leave of absences must be authorized by RVC management. Unauthorized leave of absences are grounds for disciplinary action. It is to be understood that any adult desiring to reside at RVC as either a student or faculty/staff member is doing so of their own volition. No coercion is applied by RVC. RVC is not responsible for any social, familial, religious, educational, etc. obligations whatsoever which transfer students or faculty/staff members may have accrued prior to coming to RVC. Those who consistently abide by the above principles and policies are considered to be in "good standing" and thus earn the opportunity of continuing to reside in the RVC. RVC residents are assigned to certain residency levels with appropriate prerogatives according to length of residence and performance at RVC. In cases of misconduct, the RVC employs correctional methods in accord with residency levels and its internal judicial system such as; counseling, censure, probation, suspension and expulsion. However, RVC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse enrollment to any candidate without explanation as to cause. RVC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request the resignation of any student or staff/faculty member without explanation as to cause. RVC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to expel any student or staff/faculty member without explanation as to cause and to demand his immediate vacation from the campus. Five Residency Levels of RVC for Students and Faculty
For each level of RVC residency, different correctional procedures shall be applied. The principle behind this is that residents who have proven themselves over a longer period of time should have a greater opportunity to rectify themselves than those who are unproven. Below, general correctional procedures are described, followed by procedures to be applied for each stage of residency.
AVC Students The AVC is conducted according to the Bhakta Program Manual and as such all decisions concerning correctional procedures applying to participants are enacted at the discretion of the Dean of New Students. Appeals may be presented to the RVC management. Entrants:
Aspiring Residents
Residents
Senior Residents
Pure Vegetarian Prasadam Meals Now that people are becoming educated about the detrimental effects of consuming meat products, vegetarianism is becoming more popular. A well balanced vegetarian diet has, for eons, fueled the Vedic civilization not only for health, economical or ecological reasons, but for spiritual reasons as well. All meals at RVC are completely free from meat, fish, and eggs. The congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord (Harinama Sankirtana) is another activity which has been practiced by Vaisnavas (followers of the Vedic culture) for hundreds of years. This chanting is traditionally accompanied by drums and hand symbols. Feel the awakening of spiritual bliss as you chant and dance in the association of the spiritually like minded people. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada. "Srimad Bhagavatam" Los Angeles, CA. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1984. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada. "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" Los Angeles, CA. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1984. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; "Sri Isopanisad", 2nd Edition. Los Angeles, CA. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust 1984 . A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; "Nectar of Instruction" 2nd Edition. Los Angeles, CA. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1984. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada; "Nectar of Devotion", 2nd Edition. Los Angeles, CA. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1984. Gosvami, Satsvarupa dasa. "Readings in Vedic Literature" 2nd Edition. Los Angeles, CA: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1977. Danavir Goswami (Ed.); "Vedic Paradigm" Kansas City, MO., Rupanuga Vedic College, 1998. Sports are considered to be in the category of gambling and therefore against Vaisnava regulations. Because the participant or spectator is staking his most precious possession ,time, on a game. Let's imagine if someone went to the racetrack and bet his entire lifesaving's of $50,000 on a horse. Everyone would think he was crazy. Because he put forward so much money and there was a good chance he would lose it. Then if he did actually gamble the money and lost...oh how he would be disheartened, how his family would feel forsaken, and how his friends would be disgusted. Such behavior is as sinful as it is foolish. Sports is big time gambling with all the players and spectators losing their wealth. That priceless, misused, human time should have been engaged in serving Lord Krishna. At the end of their lives, such spiritual paupers and their relatives cry in frustration over the tragic loss. Devotional service itself may be seen as recreation. If one performs devotional service properly, there will be abundant exercise for keeping healthy. Dancing in kirtanas, cleaning, offering obeisances and a myriad of other devotional activities keep the body fit without wasting time in sports. A devotee is described as jolly (hrstah), happy (prasanna), joyful (susukham), carefree (svacchanda). But we never hear of a devotee described as frivolous. Both participants in and spectators of frivolous sports are involved in frivolous sports. Sports is not required for sustenance, it is a frivolous waste of time therefore it should be given up by persons who are serious about making spiritual advancement. University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC): 12,000 students, (public, coeducational) founded in 1929. UMKC is part of the University of Missouri System and confers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in thephysical sciences, computer science, fine arts, business, health sciences, education, and performing arts. Rockhurst University: 3,000 students (private, coeducational); was founded in 1910 and is adjacent to UMKC. The school is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and confers bachelor's and master's degrees in the liberal arts, the arts and sciences, business administration and management, education, human resources, and theological studies.
Kansas City's principal asset is its location. Among large American cities, it is the closest to the geographic center of the continent. With excellent rail, river, and freeway connections, the city serves as a transportation crossroads for much of the country's heartland. In fact, the city refers to itself as "The Heart of America." Kansas City was originally settled as a fur-trading post in 1821.
Kansas City has a variable continental climate. A long period of warm days and cool nights begins in late September and extends through October and November. Severe thunderstorms, cold waves, blizzards, and drought occasionally visit the region, and one or two tornadoes may be expected to hit the metropolitan area each year. The annual average temperature is 54° F, the average high temperature in January is 35° F and the average low -17° F; average high in July is 89° F and the average low 68° F. Average annual precipitation is 37.6 inches; The city's mean elevation of 750 ft has little effect on the climate. Kansas City lies on both banks of the Missouri River, covering a land area of 310.8 sq mi. It is a community of wide, tree-lined streets and many parks. More than 200 fountains grace the city's parks, public gardens, and parkways, while statues imported during the 1920s can be found along many boulevards. The region known as Big Blue Country was occupied by the Kansa, or Kansas, people at the time white settlers first arrived. This group was quickly displaced when settlers moved into the area. Kansas City is the corporate headquarters for Hallmark Cards, world headquarters for H & R Block, Unity Church, The Church of the Nazarene and the Reorganized Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Independence, Missouri). The Founder's Instructions to RVC Teachers Please perform your service of training up the new men very carefully. Present the philosophy of Krsna consciousness as it is. There is no need to add anything or take anything away. As it is. They must learn to strictly follow the four regulative principles and chant 16 rounds minimum every day, avoiding the 10 offenses. The new men should also go out for sankirtan, chanting or distributing my books. This will make them strong. Also, they must study my books at least three hours a day (including classes). (Letter: October 25, 1976) This is the movement, to give them education to understand what is the Absolute Truth, satyam param dhimahi, to teach them how to behave in life, how to become purified in life. This is very scientific movement. If anyone wants actually to become sura, the perfect man, they must join this Krishna consciousness movement. Then his life will be successful. Thank you very much. (Lecture: January 27, 1975, Tokyo) Take care of the new devotees so that they may read our literatures carefully and come to the real standard of understanding. Our strength is not material strength, but spiritual strength. (Letter: September 29, 1970) "Unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master, all the imports of Vedic knowledge are automatically revealed." The Vedas enjoin, tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet: one must approach a spiritual master who has full knowledge of the Vedas and be faithfully directed by him in order to become a devotee of the Lord. Then the knowledge of the Vedas will be revealed. When the Vedic knowledge is revealed, one need no longer remain in the darkness of material nature. (Srimad Bhägavatam 6.1.49 Purport) The highest perfection is to become a devotee of the Lord. To attain this perfection, one must consult Srimad-Bhagavatam, which is understood to be the ripe fruit of the Vedic desire tree (nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam). (Srimad Bhagavatam: 9.3.11 Purport) Similarly, in the Vedas it is also said, "Unless one has acquired brahminical qualifications, he should not study Vedas." So in every department, if you want to take education in a particular line, you have to qualify yourself to enter that school or college. Similarly, if you want to study Bhagavad-gita, then you have to become a devotee. Simply academic educational qualification will not help you, because it was spoken to the devotee. (Lecture: January 3, 1969, Los Angeles) Srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana kirtanah. Thinking of Krishna, hearing the holy name of Krishna or hearing the pastimes of Krishna will make one pure, and then he will become a devotee. Our Krishna consciousness movement is therefore trying to introduce the system of somehow or other letting everyone hear the holy name of Krishna and take Krishna's prasada. Thus one will gradually become a devotee, and his life will be successful. (Srimad Bhagavatam 7.1.28-29 Purport) I think you may have already heard that 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 Krishna Consciousness because there is so many preachers who will be required to bring this message to all of the corners of the earth. Caitanya Mahaprabhu has predicted that this movement of Krishna Consciousness will one day be spread into every village and town, and everywhere there will be found chanting of Hare Krishna. So you are an intelligent boy, and please continue to study our books carefully, finish all of your chanting of rounds, and help out in your temple as much as possible. These items will give you all preparation to render very valuable service to Lord Caitanya's mission. (Letter: February 7, 1969) I have looked over the sample of test paper from Srimati Joanne and it is very nice. This question and answer practice should be encouraged amongst the devotees. Then they will become trained to reply questions from outsiders. (Letter: July 7, 1970) Regarding the examinations, the idea is that anyone, after studying the books, who wants to gain the title of Bhakti-sastri, can take the exam. This is academic. Just like a brahmana with sastric knowledge and a brahmana without. It is optional—one who wants may take. The real purpose is that our men should not be neglectful of the philosophy. The examinations will begin on Gaura Purnima, 1977, not this year, so there is no reason why any of the devotees should give up their normal engagement. (Letter: February 3, 1976) Whenever you find time please read my books. Shortly we shall be introducing the system of examinations for those students who are ready for second initiation as well as sannyasa. According to the degree, devotees will be expected to read and assimilate our different books. (Letter: January 5, 1976)
"Here we are negotiating for a plot of land on the University of Gorakhpurcampus for establishing a center…And if we can establish a seat of Krishna Consciousness these students may take their doctorate degree in Krishna Consciousness and go out and preach all over the world." Letter
from Srila Prabhupada
Four hundred years later, in the early 1900's, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura enhanced the mission of Sri Caitanya by instituting the system of awarding brahminical initiation (sacred thread) to Vaisnavas, regardless of whether they were born in brahmana families. His aim was to show that a Vaisnava, who knows the Absolute Truth, is automatically a pandit (scholar), vipra (priest) and a brahmana(preceptor), and should therefore be respected in society as the topmost spiritual authority. Presently, it is difficult for a public unfamiliar with the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya-sampradaya institution to accept Vaisnavas as credible. A capable student, acting within the material sphere, can earn a doctorate by eight years of university study. Similarly, it is our premise that students who study Vedic literature and apply Vaisnava philosophy in their lives should have the facility to obtain higher college degrees. In this manner, Vaisnavas may use the already established system of higher education for social acknowledgement and enlightenment. As Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati took advantage of respected social symbols to win credibility, so should the modern advocates of Krishna-bhakti use degrees awarded by the Rupanuga Vedic College. Shrila Rupa Goswami teaches: anasaktasya
visayan When one is not attached to anything, but at the same time accepts everything in relation to Krishna, one is rightly situated above possessiveness. On the other hand, one who rejects everything without knowledge of its relationship to Krishna is not as complete in his renunciation. (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 2.255_256) Srila Prabhupada desired that his Vedic college graduates should use their degrees as professors in universities teaching Krishna consciousness.
Today's world yearns for information about reincarnation, karma, vegetarianism, Sanskrit, yoga, meditation, etc. and RVC graduates are the natural authorities to speak on these subjects. Several formidable universities in America recognize RVC courses, credits and degrees for transfer. For example, the University of South Florida recently authorized several of their undergraduate and graduate students to take three semesters of Sanskrit I and Sanskrit II from RVC's Professor of Vaisnava Philosophy. Those who receive degrees from Rupanuga Vedic College are unique in the world as experts in Vaisnava learning and are being increasingly appreciated as such. RVC is the seed of a varnasrama college which Srila Prabhupada indicated that he wanted to establish. RVC's concept, with its curriculum, faculty, and method of management offers an excellent means of learning Vaisnava teachings, especially relevant since not everyone is inclined to study on their own. All the higher levels of society, the twice born, need to hear from sages about Lord Krishna's instructions and pastimes. Although brahmanas (intellectual-transcendentalists) are totally immersed in the scriptures, ksatriyas (administrators) and vaisyas (producers) also require this background knowledge to properly execute their responsibilities. It is the logical synthesis to employ a thriving organizational system of college education, such as the one used in the West, to propagate the perfect theistic science, Kåñëa consciousness. East is east and West is west but they honor prasadam together at Rupanuga Vedic College. Let us summarize the benefits of an RVC degree: A growing number of colleges, universities and professors accept RVC courses, credits and degrees for transfer. This opens worldly and otherworldly doors for advancement. RVC grads may also acquire teaching positions at colleges, universities and institutes. Note: Graduate Theological Union (UC Berkeley), Oxford University, England, and Indian Institute of Technology (Mumbai) among others, have begun employing ISKCON Vaisnava scholars to staff Vaisnava Studies Departments. This indicates a growing appreciation for the Vedic culture in today's educational environment. In the social realm, RVC graduates win appreciation from employers, family and society in general. Within ISKCON or Vedic colleges, RVC graduates are preferred for positions of teaching, counseling, writing, administrating, etc. At the center of all activities in Rupanuga Vedic College are Their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Vedic style religious festivals are held throughout the year. Among them are Janmastami, Radhastami, Govardhana Puja, Dipavali, Snana Yatra, Gaura Purnima, Rama Navami, Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja, and many other celebrations and conferences. In addition there is:
Marathon Festival in St. Louis: On News Years's Day RVC students and faculty join other Vaisnavas for a two day celebration of the past years book distribution efforts. India Pilgrimages: Each year, eligible RVC students and faculty participate in the one month long Mayapura-Vrndavana Festival held in India. Traveling Book Distribution Excursions: Some RVC students participate in traveling to different US cities and towns for distributing literature often at colleges and concert tours. Friends of the RVC provide lodging on the tour. Special Engagements: RVC faculty and students are often invited to speak and chant on radio and TV stations, etc. College Programs: RVC faculty and students are often invited to speak and chant at colleges and universities. Com Universtiy Programs: In Kansas City RVC participates in the University of Missouri at Kansas City's lecture series offering classes in philosophy and cooking. Sunday Feasts: The gala RVC Sunday Feast Program is heralded as the best in America. Saturday Maha Harinamas: On every Saturday night the RVC students and faculty go to Kansas City's famous Plaza for an evening of ecstatic chanting and dancing with the public. The Best In Transcendental Theatre: A wide selection of devotional video entertainment shown regularly. Guest Speakers: The RVC often hosts internationally known speakers on the science of Krsna consciousness. Parents Weekend: The RVC hosts all the parents and family members of its students and faculty for a weekend of togetherness. Rathayatra (Festival Of The Chariots): RVC plans to inaugurate the grand Rathayatra Parade and Festival in Kansas City soon.
RVC faculty/staff members generally reside on campus and are, like students, governed by the "Principles of Conduct" and "Policies" enumerated above. |
|
Students
and faculty/staff are expected to honor (eat) the RVC prasadam (spiritual
food) at the general times in the designated places at RVC. 
turbinado
sugar, date gur, etc. 
AVC
students usually reside on-campus in dormitories with four to six
students per dorm. 
Kansas
City, Missouri is the largest city in the state and is one of the
country's most important centers of commerce and transportation.
Kansas City is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the
United States. It boasts a carefully planned network of urban parks
along notable architecture constructed during the city's economic
boom in the late 19th Century. It lies in western Missouri where
the Kansas River (also known as the Kaw) joins the Missouri River.
Although
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu had His own school, some of His students
lacked sufficient regard for Him because of His being a householder.
It was difficult to get them to listen submissively. Therefore,
in order to enhance His preaching mission, He accepted the renounced
order of life, sannyasa, from Kesava-bharati Maharaja of the prestigious
Sankaracarya line. This gesture caught the attention of learned
circles, including eminent professors in Vedic philosophy such as
Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and Prakasananda Sarasvati, who could then
take the Lord seriously.
Premadhana:
RVC's own mantra rock band putting out stimulating sounds accompanying
the maha mantra. Premadhana also gives regular Kansas City performances
and Mantra Records produces it CD's, audio and video cassettes.
The
Annual Westheimer Festival in Houston, Texas: The whole RVC
participates in this five day event which features RVC's Premadhana
band in concert attended by half a million persons.