Receiving the chance to engage in such an incredible opportunity to explore the soul in an incredible environment is an absolute privilege. A once in a lifetime journey that will never be forgotten.
Be a monk challenge
Are you ready for an immersive experience?
Feel like you would like to cut away from the everyday distractions and experience first-hand what it’s like to lead a spiritual life in a thriving community? Join us on any one of our various residential courses on offer here at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned practitioner, we have something for everyone, check out what’s on offer below. It’s available for both men and women.
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The Monk Experience
Dive into spirituality with our weekend experience, perfect for seekers with limited time! Tailored for the novice, this course features morning meditation, insightful discussions and practical workshops.
Get away into nature and live out the ancient teachings with our experienced monks. This retreat is the perfect opportunity to break through mental barriers and overcome your real-world problems. Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Level: Novice Duration: 3 days Cost: £50
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Be a monk challenge
This course will give you an opportunity to cut yourself off from everyday distractions and focus on your spiritual wellbeing. Over a period of 7 days, you will get a taster of spiritual practices in real life.
You will get to know yourself better spiritually, strengthen your mind and determination and, most importantly, have an amazing time with like-minded individuals!
Level: Beginners Duration: 7 days Cost: £75
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Veda course
The residential Veda Course is designed for those wishing to gain a foundational understanding of bhakti-yoga.
Over a period of three months, you will learn about the theology and philosophy, devotional practice and Vaishnava culture, experience the early morning devotional programme, engage in practical service and make lifelong friends.
Level: Intermediate Duration: 3 months Cost: £200
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Sabbatical
You will spend the first part of your time traveling to exceptional Temples around Europe and/or India and experience the life of living in a spiritual community.
You will spend the remaining part of your time at Bhaktivedanta Manor studying Nectar of Instruction, Sri Isopanisad, Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and Nectar of Devotion. (Details may vary based on the course. Get in touch with us for specific details)
Level: Expert Duration: 6 months Cost: £300
Register your interest
Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with you to take it forward
Want a little sneak peek into the course?
Need some more inspiration? Check out the videos below. The Be a monk challenges for men and women are held separately and can be at different times. If you want to know even more, check out the great testimonials we have from the course right at the bottom.
The men’s challenge
The women’s challenge
FAQ for Be a Monk Challenge
Yes, everyone is welcome to apply regardless of their familiarity with this spiritual practice. The Be a Monk challenge is especially designed for the newcomer where we introduce the challenger to some of the core elements of what we practice and believe in.
The cost covers basic shared accommodation and three meals a day for the duration of the course and of course lots of fun activities as well as amazing learning opportunities.
Depending on the specific requirements and/or allergies, we may not be able to cater for some dietary requirements. As everyone’s situation is individual, please do get in touch with us for more information.
You will be staying in our residential guest accommodation which is on the temple premises. Accommodation will be shared, simple and of a monastic style with communal bathroom facilities.
Of course, to dive deeper into spiritual life there is no age limit, however these residential courses are most suitable for the youth (although you must be at least 18 years old) and middle-aged adults as you’ll be in a fast-paced environment and it can sometimes be challenging. For those who are older or have health issues, we encourage exploring other courses offered by our educational hub – School of Bhakti or exploring our guesthouse options.
Our courses are quite popular and so we regularly offer them multiple times throughout the year and other offerings are frequently updated here on the website and so if one offering doesn’t work out for you, there may be more coming soon. Generally, we recommend one to take part for the entirety of the course as it’ll take one on a journey of self-discovery and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the many exciting things we have lined up. There are short rest breaks during each day where you may choose to take calls if you wish.
It’s up to you – the schedule is generally packed with exciting activities that you naturally won’t spend so much time with your devices.