• VEDIKA GLOBAL
• VEDIKA GURUKULA

Welcome 2010 Gurukula Candidates
Important dates and information

Dear Excited Seeker and Lover of Ayurveda,

Namaste - the divine in us bows to the divine in you.

Welcome to Vedika Gurukula, a contemplative education tradition in Ayurveda. Here you will benefit from a unique, experiential, spiritually and scientifically balanced, consciousness transforming, in-depth immersion education in Ayurveda.

Vedika Gurukula is a Back to Tradition School of Ayurveda - and it not only teaches at subsidized cost to students, the principles and practices of Ayurveda in 1 to 6 year study programs, but is also dedicated to preserving the oral tradition of Ayurveda, an invaluable heritage of humanity. Inside Vedika Gurukula, as students, you will first and foremost be encouraged to activate your own self healing processes. Next, you will be systematically taught by a top notch faculty of teachers to build a repertoire of Ayurveda knowledge and skills to be able to tap into the professional opportunities that are opening up in the field of Ayurveda, worldwide. And above all, in the tradition of age old spiritually rooted science of Ayurveda, and in tune with the universal, humanitarian and compassionate vision unfolded by the sadhus and sages of Ayurveda, you will be nurtured and encouraged into becoming agents of conscious spiritual change and selfless service; so that through your work in Ayurveda, you can uplift communities and serve humanity.

Vedika Gurukula offers the most in-depth training in Ayurveda with 1 to 6 year study and training programs including study from source texts, six month Panchakarma intensives, and concurrent study in the Vedas, Yoga and Vedanta psychology and spirituality, Sanskrit language, Jyotish or Vedic Astrology, Vastu Shastra, extensive apprenticeship and advanced study opportunities in India, and classified teachings from the rare oral tradition.

Some Salient features of Gurukula education:

Gurukula education is experiential and transformative. Sometimes academia talks about not getting too close to one's subject. This is the opposite.

• It follows the Vedanta model of shravana, manana, nidhidyaasaana: listening, contemplating and internalizing by constant practice.
• Thorough the ritual of Upanayanam (fire ceremony), students are initiated into both formal studies and into the values and heritage of the Vedic culture. They embrace the dharma of a student.
• In a Gurukula there is spirit of selfless service both on the part of the students and the process of learning.
• There is an atmosphere of reverence for knowledge, teacher, student and the process of learning.
• The oral tradition's syllabus includes not only Ayurvedic regimens, formulas, etc, but also an emphasis on spiritual and yogic practices that develop the intuitive faculties and nurture the student's inner life, which in turn enhances their ability to contemplate and assimilate their studies.
• There is a progressive study of the Vedic foundations of Ayurveda, from the Atharva Veda to Vedanta and Yoga philosophy.

Important Features of First Year of Studies at Vedika Gurukula:

• Self healing:
• A stand alone foundational course to establish students in their own wellness practices and Ayurvedic life skills.
• Guides students to overcome / manage personal wellbeing and lifestyle problems through careful study and application of Ayurvedic principles and regimens (under teacher's direct guidance).
• The first year is as valuable to homemakers committed to understanding and living an Ayurvedic lifestyle as it is to students on a track to ultimately become Ayurvedic practitioners.
• It is as relevant to a serious student of Vedic Astrology, Vastu Shastra, Yoga or Indian Philosophy as it is to those who plan to practice Ayurveda professionally.
• Complete introduction to the principles and practices of Ayurveda
• Create a strong foundation for continuing students to become effective and insightful healers.
• Prerequisite year for students going on to practitioner-track studies.
• The first year of studies is not intended to create graduates who will begin to help others (but rather begin to help their own selves).
• Gurukula experience
• Exposure to Gurukula style of learning and its culture of seva, sadhana, and sangha.
• Experience of intangible spiritual values of Vedic tradition
• Learning of classified knowledge, taught only inside in Gurukula lineages.
  

First year Includes all the typical courses of introductory level Ayurveda, and more:

• Philosophy. Cosmology and History
• Basic Ayurveda Anatomy and Physiology
• Ayurvedic Psychology
• Ahara: Diet, Nutrition
• Ayurvedic Lifestyle: Svasthavritta, Sadvritta
• Pharmacology: Dravyaguna
• Subtle therapies including Pranayama, Mantra, Mudra, etc
• Intro to Ayurvedic Self Diagnoses and Self assessment

Additional Topics (unique to Gurukula)

• Introduction to Vedanta Text: Tattva Bodh of Shankracharya
• Introduction to Sanskrit: Devanagari script and pronunciation, recitation of Sanskrit shlokas, Ayurvedic vocabulary building.
• Introduction to Yoga Darshan: Text-Patanjali Yoga Sutra
• Introduction to core Vedic values such as Dharma, karma, Karma Phala, Yajna, Puja.
• Participation in festivals and pujas of the Vedic tradition, and exploring their relationship with Ritucharya and Tattva Shuddhi.
  

Subjective Case management (unique to Gurukula)

In the first year, students are given themselves as the case to manage under the teacher's guidance.

Students learn and practice regimens such as seasonal and detoxifying diets (modified according to their Vikriti), lifestyle practices, consume herbals Rasayanas that they recommend for them selves with the teacher's approval, do pranayama, mantra, japa, etc. Students track their own case and report back in class and in writing.

Constant Enhancement Not Examination

Gurukula tradition does not promote memorization of knowledge and the mechanical testing of this memorization; instead, Vedika Gurukula promotes internalization, contemplation, expression and dialogue of knowledge with peers and teachers.

Therefore there are no competitive, graded examinations or tests inside the Gurukula. Rather, there is emphasis upon Oral Q and A or dialogue in class and a formal oral presentation at the completion of the year in which the students presents to teacher and the entire class the essence of their learning and insights from the entire year (about their own case). The students will also turn in a hand written or typed presentation that teacher will review at leisure. All quizzes and homework have open book policy and emphasis is upon essay type questions to stimulate contemplation, understanding, imagination, and articulation.

Culture of Seva (unique form of learning inside Gurukula)

Inside a Gurukula, students are encouraged to embrace the spirit of selfless service - Seva; as it is an ideal of conscious life (dharma). Vedika Global is run entirely on volunteer basis. Through the selfless service of the students (and teachers and board), a whole support and logistical system has been put into place. Even students who are busy with families and professions are recognizing the value of selfless service in purifying the heart and mind and enhancing quality of life and wellbeing. As part of the Seva culture, students will soon be helping out at Vedika's free / low cost ayurveda centers for at-risk and economically challenged communities.

Rendering Seva, students are learning hands on about the Gurukula model and methods of education transmission.

Important dates to mark on your schedule

• Formal classes for the 2010 Gurukula Batch begins on Thursday, January 14th, 2010
• Application, Registration and payment deadline is Thursday, Decmber 31st, 2009.
• Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Vedika Global facility in Berkeley, California.
• The 560 hour program also includes one weekend intensive per month 9:00am-5:00pm both Sat/Sun and one 3-day residential retreat during the year.

Come check us out

To Understand the Gurukula style of Contemplative, Personalized, and Immersion Education in Ayurveda better, and evaluate if this spiritually energized and experiential method of knowledge transfer works for you, we recommend you come meet us. To do this, we recommend 3 options (A, B, C). See below:

A - Drop into informal classes on Sundays

You are welcome to drop into any of the informal classes taught by Vedika's Acharyaa (main teacher) Pratichi Mathur and other master teachers - Vaidyas from India, in side the platform of Vedika Sangha which is an informal, family style gathering of people seeking wellness and wisdom. The atmosphere is intimate and accessible, the experience is empowering and spans from hands-on participation to collective transcendence. The setting inspires a sense of reverence towards the great healing art and science of Ayurveda, and the Sadhus and Sages who have discovered, lived and taught this. Topics are introductory and accessible. They include how to:

• adopt a positive, proactive Ayurveda lifestyle, step by step
• cook and eat healing foods
• follow beauty and personal care rituals
• practice Ayurveda's optimized science of thoughts
• apply Ayurvedic wisdom to transform relationships
• activate Ayurveda to enhance social health
• exercise the spiritual law of Karma for growth
• walk the conscious path of Ayur-Dharma for personal, all-round abundance chant, meditate, practice Yoga, Mudras, Bandhas and Pranayama
• sing, dance, and celebrate seasonal festivals with traditional festive foods
• make spiritual friends and cultivate mutual respect, love, positive energy and support

Monthly Sangha Meets: Vedika Sangha meets at its facility in Berkeley, California at least once a month usually on specified Sundays from 2:00 to 6:00PM in Berkeley, CA. Kindly note the schedule of dates:

2009
Jan 1st	Thursday	2-6 PM
Feb 22nd	Sunday	2-6 PM
March 22nd	Sunday	2-6 PM
April 12th	Sunday	2-6 PM
May 31st	Sunday	2-6 PM
June 14th	Sunday	2-6 PM
July 12th	Sunday	2-6 PM
August 2nd	Sunday	2-6 PM
Sept 27th	Sunday	2-6 PM
Oct 17th	Saturday	4-7 PM
Nov 29th	Sunday	2-6 PM
Dec 19th	Sunday	2-6 PM
2010
Jan 1st	Friday	2-6 PM

* Note: Sangha attendance is at no charge. Free will donations are however welcome and greatly appreciated. You are welcome to bring your friends and family also.

B - Enroll for Formal 2010 Preparatory class series held on Selected Tuesdays

Preparatory classes will be held on 4 Tuesday nights from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.

Date	Time	Day	Cost	Topic
Oct 20th	6-9 PM	Tue	$ 30	Introduction to traditional Ayurveda, its history and sourcesthrough oral exponents and ancient texts, and its dynamic lifestyle of transformations in health, wellbeing and knowledge.
Oct 27th	6-9 PM	Tue	$ 30	Introduction to Gurukula education, the oral practices of ayurveda lived by family lineages and sadhus, and their study for personal well-being and service to humanity.
Nov 3rd	6-9 PM	Tue	$ 30	Karma and Dharma: Using the law of Karma and and its fruits and understanding the principles of Dharma to consciously craft health and wellbeing in mind, body, and soul.
Nov 10th	6-9 PM	Tue	$ 30	Ayurveda & Yoga Philosophy: understanding Sattva Shuddhi ­ purification of the mind, and the Gurukula concept of Shishya Sadhana - the Ayurveda student's path of immersion in conscious education.

This series of Preparation Classes gives an illuminating introduction to traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and practice, explaining both its astonishing science and its spiritual foundations.

The series is invaluable for prospective students as it provides an opportunity to explore, understand and experience the spiritually energized curriculum of Vedika Gurukula, its roots in an oral tradition, and its style of education. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet the Vaidyas, the learned ayurvedic healers and practitions, who teach at Vedika Gurukula.

The cost is $30 per class or $100 for the entire series of 4 classes if paid in full prior to start of class or on the first day of the classes (a $20 savings). Those interested in signing up in advance should RSVP with Ishani at registrar@vedikaglobal.org. You can also pay at the desk on the day of class by cash, check or credit card.

C - Check out a 2009 Gurukula Class in Session on Thursdays

You are welcome to schedule a visit to a Gurukula class in session on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. You can also meet with the teacher briefly after the class ends and mingle with currently enrolled students to ask them questions about their own experience. To schedule a visit email Gouri, Janet young, Registrar at registrar@vedikaglobal.org or call her at 1-877-708-3342 (1-877-70- VEDIC) Ext. 14.

Tuition

The tuition has been made affordable to ensure that allseekers with the passion to learn can participate in this unique and valuable educational experience. No seeker will be turned away from the opportunity to be exposed to this ancient wisdom.

Fees and payment options

Registration and tuition payment deadline is December 31, 2009.

You may choose to pay for your tuition fee of $4,000 by selecting one of the following payment options:

1. Pay $1,500 at the time of signing this agreement, with two payments of $1,250 each, payable on May 1, 2010 and September 1, 2010, or
2. Payment in one lump sum, an amount of $3,750 that includes a $250 discount.

It is your responsibility to make payments according to the option selected. Installment payments are due on May 1 and September 1, 2010, delayed payments will incur a late fee of $5 per day of delay. The first payment is due under either payment options is the date of registration and signing of the agreement of financial responsibility, which will not be later than December 31, 2009.

You can make payments by cash or check payable to Vedika Global or by major credit card, your card will be charged on May 1, 2010 and September 1, 2010 unless you make prior notification for another date (which cannot be later than the 10th of the month).

Cancellation / early termination policy and penalties

In case a student decides to opt for cancellation / early termination of financial agreement, a one month (or 30 days) days notice is required in writing, and this notice should be sent to Vedika’s Treasurer via email vedika.treasurer@gmail.com ; depending on the timing of cancellation / early termination, the following penalties would be applicable:

1. Withdraw from program before January 14, 2010, $250 will be retained by Vedika Global, towards administrative fee, no tuition will be retained by Vedika Global.
2. Withdraw from program any time after class starts on January 14th, 2010 and up to April 30, 2010; $1,500 (being the first semester fee) will be retained by / payable to Vedika Global.
3. Withdraw after May 1, 2010 and up to August 31, 2010; $2,750 (being the first and second semester fee) will be retained by / payable to Vedika Global.
4. Withdraw after September 1, 2010; the entire amount of, either, $3,750, if paying in one lump sum or $4,000, if paying in installments, will be retained by / payable to Vedika Global.

Other Relevant Information

Cross Class refers to presence of more than one batch of students in the same class at the same time. Several batches of Vedika Gurukula will come together for special instructions, lectures, festival celebrations and other special occasions. Cross Classes may at times fall on non-class days; however, attendance in Cross Classes is mandatory to integrate Gurukula's experiential education - and requires planning ahead of time and special accommodation from the student's side.

Sangha Meet refers to the informal gathering of teacher and students of Vedika Gurukula (all batches); and involve exchange of knowledge and energy; food and community. The word "Sangha" represents the teachers family and in Vedika Sangha. Students sit with teacher as one family; derive tangible as well as non tangible benefits from the sense of unity, community and closeness that are the hallmarks of Gurukula education. Attendance in Sangha meets is optional; however attendance adds extra credit or hours to the student's portfolio. Attendance will be taken at the Sangha meets. Typically, students enjoy Sangha participation and Sangha meets are memorable landmarks of the year long process. Students are encouraged to invite friends and family and usually bring an offering of food to the common table.

Required Attendance

Kindly note all dates carefully:

• 85% attendance is mandatory to graduate.
• Three day retreat attendance is compulsory for gaining your certificate as this is your final project where you will present your Self Healing Presentation that highlights your understanding of the information provided in the entire year. So please plan leave of absence from your work, school or other ongoing engagements ahead of time. Children are not permitted at the retreat, so please create baby sitting options. If student is taking care of an infant then presentations will be made outside the retreat during normal class hours and permission to not attend retreat will have to be obtained ahead of time with reasons.

Classified Curriculum

Apart from the syllabus in Ayurveda, along with Yoga and Vedanta philosophy and introductory studies in Sanskrit language, from time to time, the students will also be taught Gurukula Gupta Vijnanam which is the internal classified teaching of the Gurukula tradition. The classified teachings increase in volume and intensity with each progressive year of study and immersion inside Vedika Gurukula.

Homework

Once, twice or thrice per month - quizzes will be posted on an online forum for students to complete online and post for the teacher to review. Students will also take a print out and file in a HW folder to show to the teacher at the end of the year at the retreat. Vedika Gurukula has an open book policy to promote a contemplative reflective study style. We encourage students to refer to text books and class notes to answer quizzes. Homework helps students review topics studied in class and internalize the information at deeper levels. Quizzes that will be completed on time, or display care and extra effort get extra credit. We recommend 6 hours per month in homework. Some months it may be slightly more or slightly less.

Self Study

Vedika Gurukula promotes Svadhyaya - which means being with the wisdom in silent attention. Students are encouraged to sit quietly with closed eyes, and reflect upon knowledge transmitted in class, or pour over study notes, recommended books, and scriptures; or make flash cards and detailed self study notes in time allotted for self study with minimal distractions. One hour per week is easily managed by most students so the recommended self study time per month is 4 hours. Just being with the Gurukula knowledge by conscious effort, reviewing the written pages again and again, drawing inner conclusions and allowing the interconnections to occur with ease and flow and enjoying the sweetness of what this knowledge has to offer, savoring each piece and internalizing it through meditative contemplation is called self study or Svadhyaya in Gurukula tradition. There is merit in keeping ourselves surrounded by this wisdom that has the capacity to heal our bodies, enhance the mind based awareness and liberate our soul from conditionings and material restrictions.

Extra Credit

Vedika Gurukula does not promote competitive model of education. Sage education at Vedika Gurukula is purely for the evolution of Self and that includes the celebration of all beings. That is why there are no tests or competition that are scored or graded in terms of numbers. In fact, it is every Gurukula student's sacred duty or dharma to assist a class mate who needs help with their studies or other matters. On the other hand, Gurukula rewards students who make sacrifices in material life and dedicate more time to the spiritual process of self education and self healing.

By cutting out social time or TV time students who turn in excellent contemplative homework; or do self study, or offer more seva or self less service to the parent non profit Vedika Global that makes the excellent education possible; or help out inside the school Vedika Gurukula or assist other class mates in their studies and attend Sangha meets (attendance will be taken) get extra credit as a symbol of recognition and appreciation from the Vedika elders. Vedika education is not merely about numbers (credits for credits sake) but an entire culture of self sacrifice for self transformation and global transformation.

Hence students who display exemplary zeal and understanding of Gurukula culture, willing attitude, focus towards their studies and positive energy will be allocated credits by the Vedika elders (in each students file) and at the time of final graduation - student will pass with honors and additional titles and categories of recognition. More details will be provided at beginning of the class in January.

Daily Immersion

The daily immersion refers to the time spent in pursuing unique Gurukula curriculum which includes a spiritually energized curriculum, Gayatri sadhana, mediation, Yoga asana, Pranayama, Abhyangam, etc. Two hours are being allocated in lieu of such practices and it is recommended that students adopt these practices mindfully and go through them daily in the tradition of experiential education. When such practices are sincerely adopted and practices in daily life, the multi-dimensional healing tradition of Ayurveda gives fruitful results.

Yoga Studies

The philosophy of Yoga as well as its applied aspect is covered under the topic "psychology" and under "Gurukula Classified Teachings" and in the first year students study in depth the text Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

Vedanta Studies

A renowned Vedanta teacher from India is especially invited to teach the first year students and the text studied in depth is Vedanta's foundational scripture: Sankaracharya's: Tatva Bodha.

Sanskrit Studies

Sanskrit studies are mandatory for first year students. The Sanskrit language classes have been arranged 3 to 4 weeks apart so that students can have ample time to review, revisit, internalize and memorize the information provided in the previous class.

Studies in Yajna Shastra

The fire ceremony of Yajna ritual is at the heart of Vedic learning. The word "Vedika" itself means the altar in which the fire of transformative knowledge blazes. Students learn about the foundational principles of Yajna Shastra from India's leading Vedacharya who will visit Vedika Gurukula and all lead the students through an experiential passage through the fire altar in their own Upanayanam (initiation) ceremony. The students will chant Vedic mantras together and pour ghee and herbs into the flame and understand the tangible and non-tangible benefits of the healing science of Yajna.

Please Contact Us

We are happy to guide you through the entire process. You can e-mail us under the Contact Us section on the website, or give us a call at 1-877 708-3342 (1-877-70-VEDIC) and leave a message in our General Mailbox or browse our directory of extensions.

To learn more, we encourage you to read the sections on Vedika Global and Vedika Gurukula, under the tabs: About Us, About Gurukula, Programs, Curriculum and Student Services.

To get started on your application, please click here
To download the application or click here to download the pdf and mail the hardcopy application to:
Vedika Global, Inc.
Attn: Ishani Lauren Olofson, Registrar
830 Bancroft Way, Ste. 104
Berkeley, CA 94710”

With Blessings,

Gurukula Team