The Bhaktivedanta Study Center – Popular University of Indovedic Studies (APS) is a social promotion association founded in 1996 by Marco Ferrini, based in Ponsacco, in the province of Pisa.

The Association is registered in the Single National Third Sector Register (RUNTS) and is an educational institution accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM), in accordance with Directive 170/2016.

For thirty years, it has been active in Italy and abroad, promoting the knowledge and dissemination of the ancient wisdom of the Indian tradition, highlighting its universal teachings and their application to contemporary life.

Through study, training, and cultural activities, the Bhaktivedanta Study Center provides tools for deepening self-knowledge, developing one’s potential, and addressing the challenges of personal, family, professional, and social life with greater awareness.

At the heart of the CSB’s cultural and educational offering lies a vision of the human being that acknowledges physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual dimensions.

The teachings of the Yoga and Bhakti traditions are conveyed through contemporary language and educational methodologies that foster a dialogue between India’s philosophical and spiritual heritage and Western knowledge.

Special attention is given to the quality of relationships, the management of thoughts and emotions, the development of talents and inner resources, the search for meaning, and the capacity to navigate life’s changes and challenges.

The goal is to provide practical knowledge and tools that can contribute to an improved quality of life and personal growth, with the understanding that individual development is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the community.

Education and training form the core of the activities at the Bhaktivedanta Study Center (Centro Studi Bhaktivedanta).

The Association offers its members study programs in the Sciences of Yoga for the Development of Human and Spiritual Resources, as well as personal and professional development courses, seminars, and experiential activities.

These educational offerings cover a variety of specialized fields, including the traditional sciences of India, Yoga, Ayurveda, relational counseling, and nutritional education through the "Cuisine for the Soul" (Cucina per l'Anima) program.

In addition to its courses, the Bhaktivedanta Study Center promotes conferences, cultural gatherings, publications, audiovisual productions, and study trips—both within Italy and abroad—with a particular focus on India and its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Activities are conducted both in-person and online, using formats designed to encourage active participation and ensure the continuity of study, even from a distance.

Throughout its history, the Bhaktivedanta Study Center has engaged thousands of members, students, and participants, fostering a community of individuals united by an interest in knowledge, inner growth, and the sharing of universal values.

The life of the Association is built upon the active participation and the free, voluntary contributions of its members, who support its cultural, educational, and social objectives.

Through its initiatives, the CSB aims to make a tangible contribution to the growth of both the individual and the community, promoting a culture of awareness, respect, and responsibility.