Bhakti Vedanta Academy - Hare Krishna Melbourne

Bhaktivedanta Academy Melbourne

ISKCON MELBOURNE · SINCE 2003

Bhakti Vedanta
Academy

Śrīla Prabhupāda envisioned a systematic education of his books within ISKCON, and he personally designated various courses such as Bhakti Śāstrī, Bhakti Vaibhava, Bhakti Vedānta, and Bhakti Sarvabhauma. In line with this vision, ISKCON Melbourne initiated its śāstric courses in 2003. These courses serve to cultivate a community founded on the spiritual principles presented in Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings. Our commitment lies in providing high-quality spiritual education at the local level, fostering a deeper understanding, practice and sharing of bhakti yoga.

Explore Courses 2026 Calendar

Courses we offer

Founder-Ācārya Course

Understand Śrīla Prabhupāda's relationship with all of us as ISKCON's Founder-Ācārya, develop our mission by understanding his mission and to ultimately love him.

Founder-Ācārya Course

+ Schedule

The first Founder-Ācārya Course for 2026 has been scheduled as follows:

Saturday, 18 July – 10am to 5pm
Sunday, 19 July – 10am to 5pm

Registrations close: 18th Jun 2026

Please use the 'Course Registration' button below to register.

+ Why?

To understand Śrīla Prabhupāda's relationship with all of us as ISKCON's Founder-Ācārya, develop our mission by understanding his mission, and ultimately love him.

+ For who?

For devotees inclined to take up initiation (1st and 2nd) and study śāstra. Also recommended for all devotees, including leaders, preachers, counselors, and educators.

+ Pre-requisites:

Chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahāmantra daily for a minimum of 6 months.

+ Is it Mandatory?

Yes, it is required in Melbourne for anyone interested in initiation (1st and 2nd) or studying śāstric courses such as Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava etc. It is mandatory for enrolling in the ISKCON Disciple Course.

+ What's the outcome?

Inspire participants to read Śrīla Prabhupāda-Līlāmṛta, assist in Śrīla Prabhupāda's mission, move closer to initiation and śāstric studies, and deepen their love for Śrīla Prabhupāda.

Śrīla Prabhupāda-Līlāmṛta Exam

Assess your understanding of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life journey as portrayed in Śrīla Prabhupāda Līlāmṛta.

Śrīla Prabhupāda-Līlāmṛta Exam

+ Schedule

The next Śrīla Prabhupāda Līlāmṛta exam has been scheduled on 20th June 2026, from 9am–12noon.

Venue: South Melbourne

Registrations close: 31st May 2026

Please use the 'Course Registration' button below to register.

+ Why?

Assess your understanding of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life journey as portrayed in Śrīla Prabhupāda Līlāmṛta.

+ For who?

For those inclined to take up initiation (1st and 2nd) and study śāstra. Also recommended for all sincere devotees.

+ Pre-requisites:

Complete reading of the six volumes of Śrīla Prabhupāda-Līlāmṛta.

+ Is it Mandatory?

Yes, it is required in Melbourne for anyone interested in initiation or studying śāstric courses such as Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava etc. It is mandatory for enrolling in the ISKCON Disciple Course.

+ What's the outcome?

Move a step closer to initiation and studying śāstric courses like the ISKCON Disciple Course, while deepening your love for Śrīla Prabhupāda.

ISKCON Disciples' Course

Deepen your understanding of guru-tattva, the qualifications of a guru, Śrīla Prabhupāda's role in ISKCON, choosing a spiritual master, initiation, and serving the spiritual master within ISKCON.

ISKCON Disciples' Course

+ Schedule

The next ISKCON Disciples' Course has been scheduled as follows:

Saturday, 25 Apr 2026 – 10am till 6pm
Sunday, 26 Apr 2026 – 10am till 6pm
Saturday, 02 May 2026 – 10am till 6pm

Venue: TBC
Course Fee: $20

Registrations close: 05 April 2026

Please use the 'Course Registration' button below to register.

+ Why?

To help deepen your understanding of guru-tattva, including factual knowledge about the spiritual master; the position and qualifications of a spiritual master; Śrīla Prabhupāda's unique role in ISKCON; the meaning of taking shelter of Śrīla Prabhupāda and respective spiritual masters within ISKCON; one's position in relation to the spiritual master; choosing a spiritual master; the process and meaning of initiation; and service to the spiritual master, among other topics.

+ For Whom?

For devotees inclined to take up initiation and study śāstra. Also recommended for all devotees, including leaders, preachers, counselors, and educators.

+ Pre-requisites:

Chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahāmantra daily
Following the four regulative principles for at least 6 months
Successful completion of the Founder-Ācārya Course
Completed study of all the volumes of Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta
Passed the Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta exam

+ Is it Mandatory?

Yes, it is required in ISKCON Melbourne for anyone interested in initiation (1st and 2nd) or studying śāstric courses such as Bhakti-śāstrī and Bhakti-vaibhava.

+ What's the outcome?

Inspire participants to assist in Śrīla Prabhupāda's mission, move closer to initiation and studying śāstric courses like Bhakti-śāstrī and Bhakti-vaibhava, and deepen their love for their guru.

Bhakti-śāstrī with Deity Worship Module

Comprises an in-depth study of Bhagavad-Gītā As it is, Śrī Īśopanisad, The Nectar of Devotion, The Nectar of Instruction, and deity worship module.

+ For who?

This course is suitable for those who have been practicing Krishna consciousness seriously for about a year or more and have a basic śāstric knowledge and understanding.

+ Pre-requisites:

Must be over 18, unless an exception is granted by the IM Board of Education.
Must have been chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahāmantra daily and following the four regulative principles for at least 1 year.
Must be recommended by an ISKCON authority who knows them well.
Must have completed the Founder-Ācārya Course, ISKCON Disciple Course, and Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta.

+ Content:

This course comprises an in-depth study of Bhagavad-Gītā, Śrī Īśopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, and Nectar of Instruction.

+ Is it Mandatory?

Yes, this course is required for anyone who wants to progress in their śāstric study and preaching activities. Śrīla Prabhupāda wanted all brahmanas to have the Bhakti-śāstrī degree.

+ What's the outcome?

Participants will:

Gather scriptural knowledge
Deepen their understanding
Enhance their ability to preach
Build and maintain faith and conviction

Upon completion of this course:

There is no requirement to take the second initiation exam.
Participants are eligible to enroll in the next course, Bhakti-Vaibhava.

+ Content:

Imparts a basic understanding and values of the temple deity worship and equips you with preliminary skills in worshipping the deity in the temple. The main topics of the course include:

Philosophy of deity worship
Mood of worship
Bhoga offering – theory and practice
Rituals for purification
Mantras and meditation
Standards of worship
Rituals and culture
Arati
Acamana practical

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta Courses

Comprises Bhakti-Vaibhava, Bhakti-Vedānta and Bhakti-Sārvabhauma.

+ For who?

For devotees who have successfully completed Bhakti-śāstrī degree and wish to further enhance their understanding and application of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 1 to Canto 6.

+ Pre-requisites:

Must have completed Founder-Ācārya Course, ISKCON Disciple Course, Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta, Bhakti-śāstrī.

+ Content:

This course comprises an in-depth study of Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 1 to Canto 6.

+ What's the outcome?

Enhanced comprehension of Śrīla Prabhupāda's Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam purports of the first six cantos. This will not only enrich your practice of sādhana-bhakti but also empower you to effectively present the philosophy of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in the context of modern times. Eligible to enroll in the next course, Bhakti-vedānta.

+ For who?

For devotees who have successfully completed Bhakti-vaibhava degree and wish to further enhance their understanding and application of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 7 to Canto 12.

+ Pre-requisites:

Must have completed Founder-Ācārya Course, ISKCON Disciple Course, Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta, Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava.

+ Content:

This course comprises an in-depth study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Cantos 7 to Canto 12.

+ What's the outcome?

Ability to deeply understand and appreciate the most advanced teachings of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as presented in the last six cantos. Application of this knowledge will help a devotee deepen their devotional service and advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Eligible to enroll in the next course, Bhakti-sārvabhauma.

+ For who?

For devotees who have successfully completed Bhakti-vedanta degree and wish to dive into an in-depth study of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

+ Pre-requisites:

Must have completed Founder-Ācārya Course, ISKCON Disciple Course, Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta, Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava, Bhakti-vedānta.

+ Content:

This course is an in-depth study of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta.

+ What's the outcome?

As one systematically and deeply studies the life and teachings of Lord Caitanya, one will become well-versed in the most advanced philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and in the deep knowledge on the mellows of bhakti.

Important Dates for Courses in 2026

Courses/Exam	Course Dates	Apply Before	Location	Remarks
Founder Acarya Course	14, 15 Mar	28 Feb	St Kilda	—
	18, 19 Jul	18 Jun	Port Melbourne	—
	17, 18 Oct	1 Sep	TBC	—
Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita Examination	21 Feb	01 Feb	Port Melbourne	—
	20 Jun	31 May	South Melbourne	—
	31 Oct	10 Oct	TBC	—
ISKCON Disciple Course	25, 26 Apr & 2 May	05 Apr	Port Melbourne	—
ISKCON Disciple Course	12, 13 & 20 Sep	20 Aug	TBC	—
Teachers Training Course – 1	30 & 31 May, 13, 14 & 21 Jun	15 May	Port Melbourne	—
Teachers Training Course – 2	TBC	TBC	TBC	—
Bhakti Sastri	Commencing Feb 2026	—	Near Temple	—
Bhakti Vaibhav	Commencing Feb 2026	—	Near Temple	—

Bhaktivedanta Academy Melbourne

Bhakti VedantaAcademy

Courses we offer

Founder-Ācārya Course

Śrīla Prabhupāda-Līlāmṛta Exam

ISKCON Disciples' Course

Bhakti-śāstrī with Deity Worship Module

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta Courses

Important Dates for Courses in 2026

Bhakti Vedanta
Academy