I am deeply impressed and inspired by the quality of learning experiences that many devotees have undergone in taking either the Mayapur Institute Bhakti-sastri or Bhaktivaibhava Courses. Some devotees have described their experiences to me in these course as the most “ecstatic”, “meaningful”, or “wonderful” experiences of their devotional careers. I have noticed that those who have taken these courses become more serious and steady in their spiritual lives and develop a deeper understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s mood and mission. Naturally, they also become much more expert at giving classes and preaching.
Of course, you can and should study Srila Prabhupada’s books regularly wherever you are in the world. If, however, you could somehow or other come to Sridhama Mayapur and take the Bhakti-sastri Course and then maybe some, if not all, of the Bhaktivaibhava Course, you will find that your devotional learning experience would be enhanced enormously.
Srila Prabhupada often told us that devotional service performed in the holy dhama earns a thousand times more benefit than the same service rendered outside the dhama. Furthermore, the Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya states, “The glories of other holy places are present hundreds and millions of times over in Navadvipa in the age of Kali. Navadvipa is filled with ever-increasing bliss. All the holy tirthas reside in Navadvipa; therefore, by serving in Navadvipa one automatically serves all the tirthas”.
Srila Prabhupada’s personal ecstasies, the Bhaktivedanta purports, will come alive for you in the sanctity of Sridhama Mayapur. Studying Prabhupada’s books in Mayapur will be a very special and unforgettable experience, which will stimulate deep Krishna conscious realizations that will remain with you for the rest of your life.