Thank you for your interest in our Training and Coaching programme. Here are some details.
Visa requirements are to be arranged by the prospective candidate. We will write an invitation letter if needed. If there are any other requirements from our side we will do the needful.
The programme is a personalised training and coaching programme tailored to the needs and spiritual level of the applicant. Coaching is on a one to one basis but there are group aspects too such as the morning programme, evening programme, Gita class, Saturday public programme with in debt discussion, harinama sankirtan, book and prasadam distribution and more.
All these aspects are exclusively focused on Srila Prabhupada and his teachings. We also have an organic garden where participants in the programme can gain some practical experience if they feel inclined. Tulasi seva is another aspect. We also teach harmonium, mridangam, how to play kartals, lead kirtan, bhajans etc. Moreover, participants will learn about aspects of arcana, deity worship, and will be able to gain practical experience in it. The overall course is balanced in theory, learning and how to practically implement what has been covered.
While these services are on a volunteer basis according to the interest and inclination of the trainee we do expect participation in the practical aspects of devotional service. It is part of the overall programme and will help the future Vaishnava in his mature realisations.
The personal coaching aspect of the programme will be delivered by senior and mature devotees. The aim of the overall programme is to create first class Vaishnavas who will first of all understand the Krishna consciousness philosophy and Vaishnava siddhanta and who will then be equipped to render valuable devotional service at any temple worldwide or in their own home. Above all, the programme aims to inspire spiritually potent preachers who can teach the science of devotional service to others.
The programme will be tailored to the needs and realities of the participants and the time scale they can take part in it. It is delivered in modules and single modules can be taken according to needs and practicalities, however, an introductory module is compulsory. Other modules can be added at a later stage.
The programme is free. So is the accommodation. Participants have to be vegetarian or almost vegetarian with the aim of becoming fully vegetarian within a short time.
Leicester itself is an ideal setting and environment for such a Vaishnava training programme due to its multicultural history. Devotees are accepted and appreciated throughout the city. Leicester has a large and favourable Indian community, perhaps the largest Indian community outside of London.
The motivation of the participants in the programme is important to us. Therefore we conduct an interview via Skype before deciding to accept any applicant. We also need three references from temples, senior devotees or community leaders. Moreover, before deciding to enrol a participant we need a full CV style educational and working history. This will help us tailor the programme according to the needs of the trainee.
The training and coaching programme is more than a bhakta programme offered in temples because it is individual and personalised. The personal aspects of devotional service and the relationships with other Vaishnavas are important to us. The training programme aims to take account of this.
Please do get in touch with us by email if you have any further questions. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Your servants in the service of Srila Prabhupada.