Visiting times: Mon – Sat 10.00am – 1.00pm and 4.00pm – 7.30pm | Sun 10.00am – 7.30pm
Date: Sunday 18 May 2025 to 20 July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Nitai Room, Behind Cow Barn ( Gaushala), Bhaktivedanta Manor, Dharam Marg, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD25 8HE
Course Description
The Bhagavad Gita is invaluable in gifting us the words and instructions of Krishna. And then there is the Srimad Bhagavatam, gifting us further instructions of Krishna but also allowing us to be privy to His activities too. If one is to listen to the instructions of Krishna, then at some point it behoves one to know more about what Krishna does, His adventures and His enlivening interactions with others on the terrestrial, celestial and transcendental planes of reality.
This vast and comprehensive spiritual literature is divided into 12 cantos. Each canto focuses on a certain aspect of Krishna’s qualities and canto 8 vividly presents the theme of ‘manvantara’ or the reign of the Manus who are administrators of the universe appointed by the Supreme Lord.
Join us on this course as our scholarly teacher Kartikka Candra Dasa will take students deeper into canto 9.
This course is suitable for students aged 13 years and above and an understanding of ‘Bhagavad Gita As It Is’ is preferred so that deeper subject matters can be easily grasped.
This is an onsite course to enahance the experience for students and interaction with the teacher during and after the session. Teacher Bio: Kārttika Candra Dāsa was born into a devout Vaiṣṇava family with spiritual roots stretching back sixteen generations. Immersed in the profound traditions of Vaiṣṇavism from a young age, he received early training in sacred texts such as the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and its commentaries, the Bhagavad Gītā, Vaiṣṇava Vedānta, and Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, the foundational text on Sanskrit grammar. A dedicated disciple of H.H. Rādhānātha Swāmī Mahārāja, Kārttika Candra Dāsa has practised Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism since September 1992. He holds a Śāstrī degree in Sanskrit, a Bachelor’s in Engineering (Hons), and an Executive MBA.
Throughout his journey, Kārttika Candra Dāsa has taken on a variety of roles, contributing to numerous spiritual initiatives. In his early years, he joined as a resident monk, engaging in book distribution, temple cleaning, and managing the festival shoe-stall. From 1995 onwards, he served by offering transcription services, writing inspiring articles for youth, and contributing cartoons to the Marathi Back to Godhead magazine. During this time he also wrote spiritual articles for national Indian newspapers. By the early 2000s, he became a regular contributor at London, playing a key role in organising the temple’s fortieth-anniversary festival in November 2009, giving frequent talks on the Bhagavad Gītā, managing festivals, and advising on temple operations. From 2009 to 2019, he served as an adviser to the Managing Director and Temple President at Bhaktivedanta Manor, while also holding leadership roles as a trustee of the Avanti Trust and Chair of Governors at Avanti Schools and Bhaktivedanta Manor Gurukula. He also supported spiritual authors by editing and translating Sanskrit texts for various publications.
Currently, Kārttika Candra Dāsa is a permanent member of the GBC’s Śāstric Advisory Committee (SAC). Alongside his wife, he offers spiritual mentorship to the wider community and continues to teach at the School of Bhakti at Bhaktivedanta Manor, where he is a beloved teacher. His passion lies in studying and sharing the wisdom of ancient sacred texts, especially the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, exploring the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition in Vraja, and delving into Sanskrit etymology, aesthetics, and grammar. He also draws personal inspiration from deepening his connection with the Lord through chanting His Holy Names, cooking for the deities as a devotional offering, affectionately worshipping Śrīmatī Tulasī devī in her holy plant form, visiting sacred pilgrimage sites, and serving senior Vaiṣṇavas. He frequently travels across the UK and Europe, sharing spiritual teachings.
Proficient in nine languages and equally attuned to both Western and Indian cultural perspectives, Kārttika Candra Dāsa offers a compassionate, balanced and thoughtful approach to ancient wisdom. He creates a welcoming environment where students can explore and deepen their understanding of Vaiṣṇava philosophy and practice. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, his courses and retreats offer an authentic and inspiring journey towards spiritual growth.
Kārttika Candra Dāsa lives in North West London with his wife and two children, balancing family life with his service and his unwavering commitment to sharing Vaiṣṇava wisdom.
