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Gurukula
Community Education Platform - Shared Skills, Values and Perspectives
“Ayurveda graduates must be well versed in the art of teaching and communicating the principles of Ayurveda to the general community. The need of the hour is to bridge the distance between modern sensibilities and ancient knowledge, today's needs and timeless values in a skilled, sensitive way. Dialogue and open communication can show the way forward. This interaction has to address contemporary problems yet stay anchored in tradition, true to the science and spirituality of Ayurveda without dilution, compromise or distortion at all times. The ambassadors of Ayurveda groomed at Vedika will be amply prepared to accomplish the task of community welfare and upliftment.”
- Shunya Pratichi Mathur
Crafting ambassadors of knowledge
One of the missions of Vedika Gurukula is to enable its shishyas (students) to become ambassadors of knowledge in their community. This is done by ensuring that each student graduates with a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda and its tenets of disease prevention, spreading the message of hope and abiding well-being. The student learns to communicate effectively, using relevant examples, drawing upon the wisdom learned from the Gurukula lineage. He or she is supported by the experience of living the practices and working in the Vedika Clinic, with inner strength developed by the powerful intention of selfless service to all.
Learning by observation and participation
This goal of teaching and grooming future speakers and teachers to transmit Ayurveda authentically is accomplished by the platform of Vedika Sangha, led by Vedika’s founder and head teacher Shunya Pratichi Mathur and anchor teachers. Sangha is an open invitation to the community to meet regularly, throughout the year. Renowned teachers and guests share their wisdom and knowledge, and provide practical suggestions on incorporating Ayurveda in day-to-day life. Students interact and mingle with the larger community, gaining sensitivity and insight into the needs of the people. They learn necessary skills by observation, emulation and participation.
Grooming future leaders
A parallel, student run Sangha called Vedika Shishya Sangha (to begin in the South Bay from February 2012 onwards) will give students an additional opportunity to take leadership in communication, and teaching skills to the larger community. The process of preparing for the Sangha will give the students an opportunity to frame teaching topics for community welfare, and utilize teaching materials such as recipes, tutorials, charts and curriculum that were received during their education. The Sangha platform is a forum for development and expression of aptitude in students to teach specific topics, and strengthen public speaking skills.