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.

Vedika Global’s special guest Kumar Batra current Director and former President of NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association), and Felicia Tomasko, Editor-in-Chief LA Yoga and Ayurveda magazine and NAMA Director standing with Vedika’s Founder and Ayurveda Acharya Pratichi Mathur, Professor Vaidya Mahesh Sabade, Director Sanjai Mathur and Vedika’s President, Smt. Hema Patankar.

Preparing through study and contemplation began several months ago for this group of students. Then the day before this ceremony, Shri Vivekshastri explained to them at length the significance of each step of the fire ceremony. Since the witnesses of the ritual are fire and knowledge, which is embodied in the learned Purohit who leads the rituals, Shri Vivekshastri and his wife were honored on their arrival with the traditional welcome of shawls and flowers. Shastriji explained to the students the importance of inviting all the elements of nature and the universe through invoking the various Vedic deities, and seeking their blessings. He explained in detail the significance of understanding the powers of the nine planets and seeking their blessings for such an auspicious endeavor. He also explained that the fire that would be kindled in the vedika represents and is intimately linked with the Sun, the great source of healing energy, and with the fire within each living being. For Vedika students, this wisdom is central, as “Vedika” is the name for the traditional Vedic altar in which the fire of transformation blazes. The understanding and experience of Agni at many levels is a key theme of this education.

The Sun, known in the Vedic tradition as Surya Narayana, the source of healing energy, shone abundantly on the radiant students, as they sat in contemplation amidst the beauty of nature and in the presence of family, elders, community in an atmosphere overflowing with love and the spirit of service. To honor the modesty and beauty expressed in the Vedic heritage, the students had come dressed in saris with flowers in their hair, adding to the spirit of celebration.

The special guests at the Upanayana ceremony included Shri Kumar Batra, current Director and former President of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), Felicia Tomasko, Editor-in-Chief LA Yoga and Ayurveda magazine and a Director of NAMA, and Smt. Rita Sahai, an internationally acclaimed cassical Indian vocalist and composer from the Benares Gharana.

Vedika Global’s Director and Legal Counsel Janet Dobrovolny expressed the importance of keeping alive the purity of Vedic traditions including the living wisdom of Ayurveda and the perfect recitation of the Vedic mantras. Indeed, these students have begun a journey of study that is an invaluable contribution to the preservation of these masterpieces of the living heritage of humanity.

Hema Patankar
President - Adhyaksha
Vedika Global, Inc.