Headquarters
Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrndavana, India

Project leader
Braja Bihari Dasa

Goals

• To help devotees fulfill the purpose for which Srila Prabhupada wanted them to visit Sri Vrndavana Dhama: to study his books in the association of senior devotees. Srila Prabhupada once wrote that his dream was for students to stay in Vrndavana, be trained nicely, and be sent to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world.
• To give senior devotees a chance to share their expertise.
• To give senior devotees a forum in which to develop their teaching skills and scriptural knowledge.
• To provide a setting in which spiritual masters can instruct their disciples in Vaisnava literature and practical devotional service.
• To establish the VIHE as a university where devotees, while living in Sri Vrindavana Dhama, can get deep and thorough knowledge of Srila Prabhupada's books and develop skills for serving Lord Krishna in arts such as cooking, writing, and playing musical instruments.

Details
The VIHE started in the month of Kartika (October-November) in 1987. Twenty-four students attended the first one-month semester. Since then, at least 2500 students have taken part in more than 200 courses. The Institute now offers a one-month course, during Kartika (Oct/Nov). Each semester combines detailed courses on Srila Prabhupada's books with courses on such topics as teaching, cooking, music, and counseling.

The VIHE also offers the Bhakti Sastri course. This course prepares students for the Bhakti Sastri degree through courses in Sri Isopanisad, Bhagavad-gita As It Is, The Nectar of Instruction, and The Nectar of Devotion. Candidates must favour renunciation, possess brahminical tendencies, and be strict in their spiritual practices.

Starting in July, 2002, the VIHE will also offer the Bhakti Vaibhava course which will cover the first six cantos of the Srimad Bhagavatam. This is an 18 month course taught over three years.

Contact Information
Braja Bihari Dasa
Krishna-Balaram Mandir
Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg
Raman Reti, Vrindaban
Mathura Dist., U.P., India

E-mail: vihe@pamho.net

Website: http://www.iskcon.net/vihe

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