Institute For Higher Education

One time during his visit and lecture at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, Srila Prabhupada had commented that all over the world there were several Departments for study of different fields of material knowledge but there was not a single Department for the study of the science of the soul. At other occasions, he used to say that there was a great need for educating the intelligent class of people about the knowledge of the soul and our relation to God. Srila Prabhupada wrote to me instructions on the Institute.

"The Institute will be primarily for those who have not entered our temples. The subject matter will not be different from what is taught in our temples. There will be no difference between our temples and the Institute, but the Institute will be official for the general mass. It will be a formal education and they will get degree. It will be open for everyone, including those who have already entered our temples, they may also participate. But, the subject matter should not be different from what is in the temples." [Letter to Svarupa Damodar das, 30 September, 1975]

Keeping Srila Prabhupada's desires in view, during my stay in Atlanta, I outlined several courses to be taught at Bhaktivedanta Institute: Bhagavad-gita, sections from Srimad Bhagavatam, Vedic history, Sanskrit language etc., and sent these course outlines to Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada approved the course outlines and wrote to me saying,

"I have read the aims and objects of the Institute and it is done very nicely. I am satisfied that you are properly understanding the philosophy. … I have also suggested for the GBC's consideration, that we introduce a system of examinations for the devotees to take. Sometimes there is criticism that our men are not sufficiently learned, especially the brahmanas. Of course second initiation does not depend upon passing an examination. How one has molded his life chanting, attending arati, etc., these are essential. Still, Brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am suggesting examinations. Bhakti-sastri (for all brahmanas) based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri Īsopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and all the small paper backs. Bhakti-vaibhava-the above plus first six cantos of S.B. Bhaktivedanta-the above plus cantos 7-12 S.B. Bhakti-sarvabhauma-the above plus Caitanya-caritamrta. These titles can correspond to entrance, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. So just consider how to organize this Institute." [Letter to Svarupa Damodar das, 10 January, 1976]

Srila Prabhupada had earlier written a letter to me saying that I should collect the names of all devotees who have a degree from university.

"I am glad that you have keen interest in the Institute program. Be ready, as I am negotiating. As soon as it is complete, I shall send a telegram for you to come. In the meantime, request all GBC's to send lists of all our disciples who have B.A., M.A. or Ph.D. degrees." [Letter to Svarupa Damodara das, 31 August, 1975]

Srila Prabhupada wanted that all educated devotees must help in the Institute's work. I then wrote to all the GBCs, as per Srila Prabhupada's instructions, requesting them to forward all the names, but the response unfortunately was not good. Only one GBC replied giving the details of his zone.