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Gurukula
Key Benefits of Gurukula Education Method
Crafting true healers
Most mainstream universities are not geared to give attention to the role of consciousness, soul and spirit in the process of education. They focus on training Ayurvedic healers to deal with patients as mere physical entities, losing the opportunity to impart a holistic learning experience. However, a Gurukula based education gives equal emphasis to both scientific learning and the interpersonal aspects of treating a human being. Students learn by the experiences of their Gurus, validating the deep, natural, psychological and spiritual laws elucidated in the Ayurvedic texts. Through the living practice and experience in a Gurukula, students learn that healing is both a science and an art.
Benefits of the Teacher-Student Tradition
The Guru – shishya tradition, lineage, or parampara, denotes a succession of teachers and disciples in traditional Indian culture. It is a spiritual relationship and mentoring where teachings are transmitted from a Guru to a shishya. Such knowledge, whether Vedic (from the ancient books, Vedas), medical (Ayurveda), astrological (Jyotish), architectural (Shilpa shastra), musical (Gandharva Veda), linguistic (Sanskrit) or spiritual (Vedanta), is imparted through the developing relationship between the Guru and the student. It is believed that this relationship, based on the genuineness of the Guru, and the respect, commitment, devotion and receptivity of the student, is the best way for subtle or advanced knowledge to be conveyed. The student eventually masters the knowledge that the Guru embodies.
In a Gurukula, a teacher is vested with the responsibility of first preparing the student's mind, just as farm soil is prepared by first tilling it. Then the teacher plants the seeds of knowledge in the mind and carefully nurtures the sapling of knowledge until the tiny seed becomes a tree of wisdom that can sprout further seeds.
At Vedika, the presence of both Acharya (head teacher) and Upadhyaya (anchor teachers) ensures that students are firmly supported in their journey of learning. They are given guidance, constructive feedback and ethical pointers (that represent Dharma as described in the Ayurvedic source texts). Dharma is the indispensible ingredient for the transformation of today’s student into tomorrow’s legendary healer and teacher.
A Gurukula facilitates mutually respectful, open, honest and heart-felt communication between the teacher and the student.
What does a student learn from the teacher?
Vedika Gurukula students learn from Shlokas (coded knowledge in the form of Sanskrit verses) and commentaries, study the Granthas (classic texts), cook seasonally appropriate foods, tend to the altars, grow herbs in their kitchen gardens, and make basic herbal preparations. They also observe and learn from the teacher’s values, character, and daily health practices starting from Brahma muhurta (an auspicious time to begin the day) to bed time.
A specialized class of Sanataks (graduates) is being groomed, through a sustained labor of love by the teachers at Vedika. These teachers embody Dharmic qualities, demonstrate theoretical as well as practical excellence, possess an outstanding command of the Shastras (traditional bodies of knowledge), their lives dedicated to Ayurveda by the daily personal application of its principles and practices.
In a Gurukula setting, the teacher and student agree to have a mindful and respectful relationship. This relationship itself becomes an example to the student to model his or her conduct in larger society. Emotions are expressed mindfully and the ideals of Dharma guide the interaction protocol.
Benefits of mentoring by the teacher
Mentoring of students by a special teacher in the Gurukula tradition yields great benefits. In its essence, it represents a true flow of knowledge, wisdom and experience for the benefit of humanity. Students evolve to their true potential and receive a lifetime of Ayurveda experience gained by the teacher. This will ultimately benefit the ability of the students to contribute to the future growth of Ayurveda. They will be able to generate new insights in diagnosis, treatment methods and solutions for the suffering.
Facilitating a holistic, intensive, multi level education process
The Gurukula method of education at Vedika is an intellectually challenging process for the ardent seeker of knowledge. It engages the student physically, mentally and emotionally in a thorough, multidimensional and experiential educational journey designed by the original Rishis (ancient sages and seers).
Other features include discipline in studentship, interacting with other expert teachers and specialists, abiding by a code of professional and humanitarian ethics and the vow to serve humanity upon graduation.
The one-on-one mentoring of students by dedicated teachers, the atmosphere of support for students through sharing circles, meditation, initiation into the study of Ayurveda by the teacher at the Upanayanam ceremony in Uttarayana Kala (specific portion of the solar year, when the Sun symbolically moves towards the Northern hemisphere) create a deeply fulfilling, intense journey. The daily chanting of Ayurveda shlokas and an atmosphere of respect towards all teachers , Rishis and Lord Dhanwantari (celestial source of the wisdom of Ayurveda) evoke dedication towards completion and perfection in the study of Ayurveda.
A detailed style of learning
Students are encouraged to keep reflective journals. They are asked to submit introspective homework, which may include spontaneous poetry, reflections in prose, as well as technical and researched essays on current topics of study. The environment supports mindful and purposeful conversations, sharing insights with fellow students and discoveries about ways in which the knowledge is affecting their bodies and minds. There are class discussions directly linking objective knowledge with students' subjective inner states and physical conditions.
This detailed style of learning creates true ownership of the wisdom gained, by revealing the immediate relevance in the students' own lives.
Inspired engaging classes
Notes and references relevant to the topic of study are given in each class. The Acharya, anchor teachers and visiting faculty bring a breadth and depth of experience that is truly amazing and enlightening. Classes also include group meditations, prayers, singing of Vedic hymns, group chanting, periods of silence, humor, laughter, and the sharing of profound messages from Ayurvedic sages.
The inspiration gained through this type of class structure enables and ennobles students to courageously follow their own inner path toward self-education and self-transformation.
Eating Ayurvedic meals in class daily
It is recommended that students follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle of mindful self-care, behavioral guidelines, including a Sattvic (pertaining to a life force with higher vibration, purifying) Ayurvedic diet. Sattvic food is cooked daily inside Vedika’s beloved six season kitchen.
Daily meditation and spiritual practices along with Yoga sadhana (disciplined practice) and Pranayama are taught in detail. These practices strengthen and maintain mental balance, leading toward the achievement of full mental purity.
Student to student support
Students are encouraged to participate in study groups. This promotes kinship, harmonious effort and enhanced educational absorption through discussion and debate, thus training future teachers.
Culture of selfless service
The ancient sages lived to serve, and theirs were the lives of greatest fulfillment. Right from the beginning, everyone at Vedika Gurukula learns the power of selfless service in promoting the deepest healing and recovering abiding health. All teachers and students perform seva (selfless service) for the upkeep and management of Vedika.
In summary
The Gurukula environment creates an immersion experience for self evolution at Vedika. The spiritually charged and supportive underlying culture in a Gurukula allows for focus to be kept on the student's true Self, rather than be caught up in the drama outside. So, it is more about the inside than the outside.
As they advance through the educational journey, the students are already enjoying the fruits of their effort.
