Nonviolent Communication: Living Bhakti Values in Everyday Interactions

A 6-week course

2026 dates for this course

Saturdays - January 17, 24, and 31, Feb 7, 21, and 28. Break on Feb 14. (6 sessions)

Timing: 9:30-11:00am EST

Course Description:

This six-session course introduces Nonviolent Communication (NVC) through the lens of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, offering practical tools to bring Bhakti values into everyday interactions. Participants will learn how empathy, self-awareness, and compassionate speech can strengthen relationships at home, in the community, and in service.

The course covers the core principles of NVC, including understanding emotions and needs, practicing empathic listening, and expressing oneself with honesty and care in alignment with the Bhagavad-gita’s guidance on the austerity of speech. Students will explore conflict resolution based on mutual needs and learn ways to cultivate supportive, cooperative environments within ISKCON and beyond.

Each session includes interactive exercises, small-group discussions, and guided reflection to help integrate these skills into daily life. This course is ideal for anyone seeking to enhance their communication and build more loving, effective relationships grounded in spiritual values.

Facilitator Bios

The course will be facilitated by Sri Radhika devi dasi and Yamuna Jivana das, disciples of HH Romapada Swami.

Sri Radhika devi dasi is a certified Empathic Communication Trainer and a Nonviolent Communication Certification Candidate. She works as the Head of Human Resources for a nonprofit and holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management.

Yamuna Jivana das is trained by the Karuna Care Association to provide Compassionate Care and is a skilled mediator. He works as a Director of Engineering for the Chamberlain Group and holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

They live in Naperville, IL, USA, where they homeschool their two teenaged boys.