General Practical Seminars

All seminars offered by Urmila devi dasi.

(These are approximately 1 or 1 ½ hours long)

 
Forgiveness

Participants define forgiveness, differentiating it from condoning and justice. We explore the value of forgiveness and how we can practice it in our lives.

Emotions: material and spiritual

We learn the functions and interrelation of the intelligence, body, and soul, how to deal with and control the material emotions. We explore the value and variety of spiritual emotions and the difference and similarity between impersonalists and personalists in thinking about and dealing with the emotions.

Humility

Exploring the need for humility, we define what humility is and is not. Participants then learn various ways to develop this quality in their behavior and hearts.

Choosing our Association

After considering the power of association in general, participants learn of various ways of thinking about and dealing with  people according to our relationship with them and their advancement in devotional service. We also explore various ways to interact with non-devotees, including situations where such non-devotees are family or co-workers.

Fellowship with devotees

We learn the six loving exchanges with devotees, explore the necessity of such exchanges for devotees to develop the support, strength, and determination to succeed in spiritual life, make a plan to increase the practice of these exchanges, and know the three levels of devotees and how to practice the six loving exchanges with them.

Vaisnava Etiquette

We learn the criteria that determine the respective social position of devotees, how devotees should behave with one another in terms of these categories, discuss the value of proper etiquette, and plan for person improvement in specific terms of etiquette.
 

Well-formed Plan

Before we can accomplish anything, we need to know our goal. Unfortunately, sometimes we only know what we want to get away from. Our lack of success may lie in plans that invite failure. This seminar covers the five essential elements of planning. In this workshop practical skill will not only aid your own formation of long and short term goals, but also greatly enhance your teaching and counseling in all areas. This seminar is most useful for everyone in all areas of service, particularly for those who are engaged in teaching, lesson planning, counseling, and managing.

Obstacles and Tests: If I want to serve Krishna, why are there external difficulties in my life?

We examine sources of problems—our own behavior, the external energy, and ways in which Krishna Himself is dealing with us. Then we consider the purposes for obstacles and the different ways in which devotees and materialists respond.

Association and Anchors: What triggers favorable and unfavorable behavioral and educational responses?

Our students are already associating certain subjects, learning itself, and spiritual practices with specific positive or negative feelings. This seminar gives much specific guidance about intentionally creating the atmosphere and association we would like each of our students to have.

Personality Types

This workshop explores how our relationships are more conducive to developing Krishna consciousness (as well as being more externally pleasing and productive) when we understand our and others’ personality type. The models presented are easy to understand and apply. The personality models presented are both modern and based on ayur-veda and the modes of nature. The principles are universal and scriptural. (If there is sufficient advanced notice and funds, participants can receive scoring devices and booklets to determine their style according to one of the models described)

All Types of Preaching in All Aspects of Life

This seminar helps us to define preaching and our attitudes towards it, as well as the benefits for the preacher and society. We explore ways of preaching in various circumstances.

Relationships Between Men and Women in ISKCON, and Interacting with the World

Addressing dealings between men and women other than husband and wife, this seminar invites us to consider the purpose for standards about interaction, the ideal, and how to function in a world that usually promotes quite different behaviors and attitudes from that which Srila Prabhupada taught.

Chanting with Attention

Why and how overcoming this offense to the holy name is the key to spiritual advancement and removal of all obstacles is examined in this seminar. An honest appraisal of both the problem and solution is explored.

Developing Vaisnava Qualities

Considering why such qualities matter to an individual and society, this seminar focuses on some specific qualities and the ways to make them an integral part of our character.

Overcoming the “Stigma” of Being a Religious Person in a Secular Society

This workshop defines the discrimination, often subtle, that religious people experience when interacting with modern society, whether at work, school, or even shopping. We explore the two toxic extremes devotees of Krishna can adopt when interacting with the world, and many specific strategies and results.

Women’s Ancient and Modern Social and Economic Role

Exploring history and exploding myths, this seminar challenges our assumptions about Vedic culture and practical application in the modern world. Participants consider an unbiased and rational understanding of women’s role in society, beyond stereotyped liberal and conservative ideas.

Developing Rapport

This is a participatory workshop that gives many practical and interesting ideas as to the material mechanics involved in having or not having a sense of rapport and communication with others.

Where I Am in Spiritual Life and How to Progress

From Sraddha to Prema with an emphasis on overcoming the ten offenses and exploring other ways to think about the stages of progression in spiritual life.