Vedika Global, Inc. Igniting a community healing and wellness movement with classical Ayurveda

Dear Friends,

Nearly 18 months ago now, Vedika Global established Vedika Gurukula as a back to tradition school for the sacred science of Ayurveda, a tradition of transformations in health, wellbeing and knowledge.

On April 12, Vedika Gurukula held its second Upanayana, the traditional initiation ritual before the sacred fire which lies at the threshold of the oral Gurukula tradition, for a group of 25 students. In the oral tradition, it marks the formal entry into a journey of contemplative education in Ayurveda. Through this initiation, the students entered an empowering bond with their Ayurveda Acharya, 'Shunya’ Pratichi Mathur and her family lineage of many generations of luminous Vaidyas, most recently Baba Ayodhya Nath. They also entered into a deep relationship with the wealth of knowledge that comes both through this oral tradition and through the traditional Ayurvedic texts and exponents.

The fire rituals to invoke the blessings of nature, the sages and the celestial powers began amidst flowers, fruits, grains, ghee, auspicious fragrances and the soft morning light. They were led with vibrancy and exquisite recitation of Vedic mantras by Vedika's Purohit, Shri Vivekshastri Godbole, who is a renowned and blissful Vedic Priest and Vedic Acharya of a traditional Vedapathshala in western India, who had come specially for this occasion, along with his wife. Everyone's hearts were lifted into a celestial realm by his rare chanting of the melodious Sama Veda, his resounding Rudram, and his magical chanting of Om for a full hour as the students received their loving initiation from their Ayurveda Acharya, ‘Shunya’ Pratichi Mathur.

Upanayana means seeing up close, perceiving what is subtle and hidden. The study of Ayurveda requires subtle thinking and perception, so that the vast knowledge it encompasses can be digested into wisdom that the student understands, lives and practices. With this ritual, they embrace the process and rigors of studentship, and the health promoting daily practices that enhance their ability to enter the depth of this knowledge. This rite of passage is rich with blessings and opens an amazing relationship with the sacred fire, the knowledge of the sages of Ayurveda, and the elements of nature.

Vedika studentship begins with a year of studying and internalizing an in-depth introduction to the material science and spiritual dimension of healing in Ayurveda. For many students this is the beginning of four years of in-depth study, apprenticeship and service in Ayurveda, during which they will have the opportunity to study with a broad range of outstanding teachers and Vaidyas from India.

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