Founded by Marco Ferrini in 1996, the Institute of Indo-Vedic Studies - Centro Studi Bhaktivedanta (CSB) has its head office in Ponsacco, Pisa (Italy) and conducts its activities throughout Italy and abroad. It operates mainly on the basis of the free and voluntary contribution of thousands of members and more than 100,000 people, including scholars and followers attracted by the cultural, educational and informative activities through which we seek to offer a useful contribution and value to the individual and the community.
Born as recognized non-profit association and for social promotion one, the CSB has been recognized by the MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research) to provide accredited training courses for teachers and Italian school staff, in accordance with Directive 170/16.
The purpose of the CSB is to preserve the philosophic, literary and spiritual wisdom of the millenary knowledge of the Vedas (recognized as UNESCO world heritage), the Upanishads, the Puranas, the Itihasas, the Psychology and Philosophy of Yoga with particular focus on the teachings of Bhakti Yoga (according to the Vaishnava tradition and inspired by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) and Ayuveda, making this ancient knowledge available for everyone through educational courses for personal and professional development, seminars, yoga-ayurveda wellness programmes, spiritual journeys to India, yoga retreats, as well as the publications of books, essays, audio and video materials.
The Courses in Human and Spiritual Resources, based on Traditional Sciences of the Bhaktivedanta Tradition, represent the core activities of CSB, allowing students to experience the Association even at long-distance through the study of these subjects, that unites and brings people together around the transmitted universal values. The courses offer concrete tools to raise the quality of life. They deal with topics such as the harmonization of relationships, thought and emotion management, the grieving process, awakening the talents within and the valorization of inner resources. These courses are versatile and accessible to everyone, regardless of age and cultural background, allowing for the attainment of personal development certificates.
