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The Journey of Self-Discovery

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Journey of Self-Discovery is a collection of transcribed conversations and lectures by Srila Prabhupada on a variety of subjects, including the means for achieving global unity, the myth of scarcity, spiritual economics, superior evolutionary models, and predictions of the future state of the world. Many of these pieces previously appeared in Back to Godhead magazine, and helpfully address the doubts that inevitably arise for those new to the Vedic view of reality. While Srila Prabhupada published definitive, scholarly translations and commentaries on some of the world's most important ancient texts— Bhagavad-gita , Srimad-Bhagavatam , and Chaitanya Charitamrita —his printed talks found here in Journey of Self-Discovery capture the humorous, refreshing flavor of his lively debating style. As the ambassador to the West of the age-old Krishna bhakti cult—which teaches practical devotional service to God in His most approachable and attractive form—Srila Prabhupada speaks with an authority that is hard to resist. His arguments for intelligent design, and the existence of a supremely intelligent person possessing such intelligence, have inspired many skeptics, agnostics, and atheists to reassess their worldview.

Srila Prabhupada declares, "We don't say that this scientific knowledge is useless. Mechanics, electronics—this is also knowledge…but the central point is atma-jnana —self-knowledge, knowledge of the soul."

In these thirty-one essays, talks, and informal conversations, Srila Prabhupada reveals the central point of essential self-knowledge—a knowledge that makes all other knowledge and activities pale in comparison.

Brighten your life with the light of self-knowledge and gain a world perspective usually reserved for ascetics and saints.

A six session course on the principles of Bhagavad Gita to quench your quest for Serenity, Joy & Purpose

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

A GLIMPSE OF THE SIX SESSIONS ON 'THE JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY'

We begin the course by understanding the basic similarities and differences between humans and animals. This analysis helps us realize the special prerogative of human life; the ability to reason and offer permanent solutions to the problems of life.

For millennia saints and holy men of all religious and spiritual traditions pursued an inner calling of God as a solution for seeking permanent happiness. Is this a utopian idea or for real? Can we logically and scientifically prove the existence of God?

A car cannot move on its own; a driver maneuvers it. Similarly the body functions due to the presence of a driver, the soul. The soul pervades the body with consciousness and adds the element of life to the body. What or who is the soul?

If God does exist, is He one or many? How do we explain the existence of so many religions and so many gods? What about the plethora of images and forms in Hinduism? Does God have a form or is He an impersonal light that pervades the whole existence?

The most popular of the six sessions, this session examines thoroughly the law of action and reaction, also known as the law of karma. The session facilitates the participants to relate to the sufferings of the world more soberly by examining the nature and the purpose of this world.

The lessons and experiences of the first five sessions create a need for practical life management programme. The concluding session offers a healthy package and schedule centred on prayer and meditation. This session address the acutely felt need of balancing our material and spiritual roles.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BENEFIT ME?

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JOSD COURSE BOOK

Subsections

This course was originally envisaged and delivered by His Holiness Radhanath Swami in 1989-90 in Mumbai, India, after years of teaching spirituality in American universities. Over the years, this course has evolved by the precious insights of many teachers who have shared it with thousands of students on every populated continent of the globe.

This JOSD course, in six chapters, covers the five main topics of the Bhagavad Gita

Isvara - controller

Jiva - soul

Prakriti - nature

Kāla - time

Karma - activities

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International Programs

My journey of self-discovery through London and Wales: a business student's reflection on studying abroad

Reflecting on my time in London, I can confidently say it was a whirlwind of new experiences and eye-opening moments. Stepping out of the familiar confines of the United States for the first time on my own was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. However, as I embarked on my adventure, I quickly realized that every moment was worth the initial uncertainty.

London welcomed me with open arms, offering me a glimpse into the rich tapestry of European culture. The city's diversity struck me in ways I hadn't anticipated, and my exploration extended beyond the bustling streets to the charming landscapes of Wales. The contrasts in culture and demeanor between the places I visited were stark yet fascinating, revealing the intricate layers of human experience.

Coming from the bustling metropolis of Chicago, London presented a refreshing change of pace. The warmth and politeness of its inhabitants, coupled with their penchant for privacy, left a lasting impression on me. The efficiency and cleanliness of London's transportation system were a pleasant surprise, a far cry from the crowded chaos of home. As I navigated the city's labyrinthine streets and parks, I embraced the unexpected joys of walking everywhere—an integral part of London's culture.

"While my time abroad presented its share of challenges, such as adjusting to new social norms and expectations, each obstacle became an opportunity for growth. Embracing the unknown with an open mind allowed me to overcome these hurdles and emerge stronger and more resilient."

During our trip I not only got to experience the International Business: Data Analytics program in London but also in Wrexham, Wales. We took this travel to do exploration about the new celebrity owner Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny of the Wrexham football team. London and Wrexham, Wales, exhibit distinct cultural differences. London, a bustling metropolis, embraces multiculturalism, boasts iconic landmarks, and thrives as a global financial hub. In contrast, Wrexham, a smaller town, focuses on Welsh heritage, features a more localized economy, and emphasizes community values.  

We got to experience numerous football games during the time abroad to assist in the class and it was a fascinating experience to witness the various types of matches and how deeply embedded football is in their cultural fabric. From the lively discussions in the stands to the electrifying atmosphere on the field, the passion for the sport was palpable. The warmth and inclusivity of football culture welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to seamlessly integrate into the community. I found myself unexpectedly captivated by the fervor surrounding the game, realizing just how integral it is to their way of life. As we delved deeper into the history and traditions of football, I gained a newfound appreciation for its significance within their culture. The sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among fans transcended language barriers, forging connections that transcended mere sporting events. It was a testament to the power of sport to unite people from diverse backgrounds under a common passion. In retrospect, my immersion into football culture was a highlight of my time in London and Wales, enriching my understanding of their heritage and fostering a deep appreciation for the universal language of sport.

In hindsight, my journey to London was more than just a physical voyage—it was a journey of self-discovery. I gained insights into different facets of my identity and learned to navigate the complexities of cultural exchange with grace and humility. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

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International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

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The Science of Self-Realization

Articles from Back to Godhead magazine

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'Thelma the Unicorn' Sets Out on a Sparkly Adventure of Self-Discovery in First Trailer

The animated movie premieres on May 17 on Netflix.

The Big Picture

• The Thelma the Unicorn trailer is sparkly and upbeat, showcasing Thelma's dream to be in Sparklepalooza.
• The movie delves into themes of identity, exploring whether love is based on talent or appearance.
• Director Jared Hess, known for Napoleon Dynamite , co-wrote and directed the adaptation.

With just a little over a month until its premiere, Netflix decided to unveil the trailer for Thelma The Unicorn . The animated movie centers around a pony that desperately wants to show off her singing talents to the world, but Thelma’s only able to do that after being mistaken for a magical creature. The movie is based on a children’s book that sold over a million copies, and it premieres on May 17.

The trailer for Thelma the Unicorn is everything you’d expect from it: Sparkly and upbeat . It does a quick overview of the pony’s trajectory and her desperate dream of one day being a part of the musical event Sparklepalooza. Her life changes after an accident leaves her soaked in pink paint and glitter, and it’s singing time after that. Despite its target audience , the trailer for Thelma The Unicorn also makes it pretty clear that identity will be a big theme in the movie.

It’s pretty easy to understand Thelma’s worries: does the public love her because of her talent or because she’s shiny and bright? If she takes away her unicorn layers , will they still value her talents? It might sound too deep for a kid’s movie, but we all know they have given us the feels many times before . It's up to director Jared Hess to find the correct balance between the sparkly world of unicorns and fame and the deeper themes that the movie wants to touch on.

Eclectic Director Jared Hess Has a Lot On His Plate

Even though Hess has been away from feature film directing for quite a while – his last movie before Thelma The Unicorn was 2015 comedy Masterminds – we’ll be talking about him a lot in the coming years. The director is attached to helm the highly anticipated Minecraft movie , Nicktoons and Shanghai Dawn . For Thelma The Unicorn , Hess co-wrote the script with his wife Jerusha Hess , and they both adapted it from the children’s books by author Aaron Blabey . In an official statement, the duo of screenwriters called adapting Thelma The Unicorn “a dream come true” and that “the lovable misfits in his books feel right at home” for them.

The duo became one of the biggest references for misfits back in the early aughts because they wrote Napoleon Dynamite , which later spawned a sequel animated series. For Thelma The Unicorn , the Hesses recruited some of their long-time collaborators to do the voice acting, including Jon Heder ( Blades of Glory ), Will Forte ( Saturday Night Live ), Zach Galifianakis ( The Beanie Bubble ), Jemaine Clement ( Flight of the Conchords ), Edi Patterson ( The Righteous Gemstones ), Ally Dixon ( The Croods: Family Tree ) and Fred Armisen ( Wednesday ). The title character is voiced by Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard in her first-ever acting role.

Netflix premieres Thelma The Unicorn on May 17. You can watch the trailer below: