Śrī Caitanya Bhagavata

Śrī Caitanya Bhagavata course offers a specialized exploration of the life and teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, as detailed in the sacred text Caitanya Bhagavata. This program provides an opportunity to delve deeply into his profound philosophy, devotional practices, and historical influence within the Bhakti movement. Through this diploma, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual legacy and cultural significance of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

By Pran Govinda Dās

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Course Duration
106 Hours

Videos
2 Hours each

No. Of Sessions

57 Videos

Sessions per week

At your own pace

Language
English

Eligibility

Anyone

Schedule of Classes

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Starts on
-

calendar

Anytime

Regular classes on

At your own pace

About the Teacher

teacher

Pran Govinda Dās

Pran Govinda Dās, was born in Comilla/Ampinagara in East Pakistan in the year 1962.

In 1971, he went with his father to visit his aunt’s family in Jadavpur Calcutta, where Śrīla Prabhupāda was giving a lecture and where he saw for the first time “western devotees” in Deshapriya Park. Being just a small boy, he only saw Śrīla Prabhupāda from afar and felt a strong desire to become a devotee.

In 1978 he went to Vṛndāvana, and lived there for many months with the Bābājī's in the Cakaleswar Temple at Govardhan. Later he met H H Bhakticaru Svāmī at the end of 1979 in the Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma Temple in Vṛndāvana he went back to Calcutta with him and, a year later, he took initiation from Bhavananda Mahārāja.

From 1981-1986, he was working in Māyāpur as a guest house manager. In 1986, during the 500th anniversary of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the new management allowed him to serve as the first general manager in Māyāpur–managing the Gaura Pūrṇimā festival.

From 1980-1989, he served as a facilitator of Prasādam and accommodations for GBC, sannyasis, devotees, and life members. He also served as a life membership director and fundraiser for the Māyāpur temple. During monsoon, when Māyāpur would become flooded; he would distribute Kitchori Prasādam to all the neighboring villages.

For many years he has been serving the devotees in the Alachua Temple every day from 4 am until 9 am. He serve the devotees 5 days a week in the evening with Kṛṣṇa Kaṭha in a study group, under his present Śikṣā-guru, HH Rādhānāth Svāmī. Almost every day he is counseling devotees to overcome their challenges on the spiritual path. He is always enthusiastic about looking to make new devotees and bringing them to the platform of becoming sincere, serious followers of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Now that both his sons are grown up and can be on their own, both spiritually and materially, He feel he can do more service by dedicating his full time as a sannyasi while encouraging other devotees to cooperate with the GBC in pushing on the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness movement and pleasing Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Course Overview

Course Description:

This self-study course delves into the enthralling pastimes of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu as depicted in the Chaitanya Bhagavata. Just as Vyāsadeva compiled the pastimes of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śrī Vṛndāvana Dās Ṭhākura has beautifully narrated the life of Lord Śrī Caitanya. Immersing oneself in this sacred text has the power to dispel misfortune and enlighten the heart. Through the study of Śrī Caitanya-Bhagavata, one can gain profound insights into the glories and truths of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Nityānanda, ultimately leading to the conclusion of devotional service to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. The subject matter of this book is so sublime that it feels as if Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu himself speaks through the writings of Śrī Vṛndāvana Dās Ṭhākura.

Course Materials:

Within the Caitanya Bhagavata, Lord Caitanya's life and teachings are unfolded across three distinct sections: the Ādi-khaṇḍa, Madhya-khaṇḍa, and Antya-khaṇḍa, each offering a unique perspective on Lord Caitanya's life and teachings. You will have access to English translations of the Caitanya Bhagavata to aid your self-study journey.

Ādi-khaṇḍa:

  • It covers the socio-religious landscape of Bengal before Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu advent.
  • It narrates the details of his birth, upbringing, and union with Lakshmi-priyā in marriage.
  • Chronicles his victories over opposing scholars and his visit to East Bengal.
  • Narrates the passing of Lakshmi-priyā, his marriage to Viṣṇupriyā, and his journey to Gāya, where he received initiation from Īśvara Purī.

Madhya-khaṇḍa:

  • Focuses on Caitanya's growing external displays of devotion.
  • Details the disciples who join his devotional creed.
  • Highlights the conversion of the notorious Jagāi and Mādhāi.
  • Depicts Śrī Caitanya's civil disobedience movement against the Muslim Chand Kazi, who attempted to obstruct the congregational chanting of the names of  Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Antya-khaṇḍa:

  • Explores Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu acceptance of sannyāsa (the renounced order).
  • Shares the heart-wrenching lamentation of his mother, Sācī-mātā.
  • Describes his travels to  Purī, meetings with Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya, and interactions with various devoted souls.

Target Audience:

This self-study course is open to individuals of all backgrounds who are eager to explore the life and teachings of Lord Śrī Caitanya.

Course Requirement:

No prerequisites or special requirements are necessary. This course is open to all who are interested in delving into the profound wisdom of Lord Śrī Caitanya’s life.

Course Content

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