I have a little story re. love and faith and destiny.
After three weeks of dead ends and frustration on the job market, I broke down crying. I woke up the next day and instead of rushing for the laptop, I did four hours of yoga. Then I blogged. I was reminded to be clear and in my body. So, in that state, I asked my body "what do you want?" Answer: "Yoga. Ayurveda. To know how to live this life." I reconciled myself to the fact that I DO have money - it's in an IRA. Although I don't like the idea of taking it out, I already lost 30% of it with the economy downturn and I need it now - not in the future...so what am I waiting for? I want to rest easy about money. I have that option. I want to do what I like and be with people that I like. And I want to study more yoga and learn about ayurveda. That's it. And hopefully, I'll find a paying job on the side...
If I'm clear in my mind and body, the right career opportunity for me will emerge when it's supposed to emerge. I can't force it. I immediately thought of a school I discovered online on my second day back in the U.S. (At that time, I breathed a sigh of relief to see that an Indian woman was teaching ayurveda and yoga in the traditional Vedic tradition, just as it had been introduced to me by Dr. Geeta in Gujarat during my last week in India, i.e. the yogic cleanse week. I noticed the classes had already started the week before and gave up on the idea for 2009. However, there was no hesitation in my mind that this was the school for me.) So, after doing yoga for four hours and realizing that I wanted to do this, I simply wrote an e-mail explaining my frustration with my return to the U.S., my desire to study yoga and ayurveda and I listed all of the huge steps of my spiritual journey that brought me to this point. I asked if I could join the course at this late date. I also asked if we could arrange a work study. The main teacher e-mailed me almost immediately and invited me to the weekend course on the Yoga Sutras.
The course was incredible and she was a funny, brilliant, gifted teacher. After the morning session, she agreed to let me into the program and said that all of the seva (selfless work) places had been filled but that she would ask. In the afternoon, I had a sudden gush of clarity again and I approached her. I asked if she had written a book. She said "yes, it's 2000 pages, is very esoteric, and has lots of citations to texts that need to be checked. Are you a good writer?" After I responded "I'm a great writer!" and mentioned that my legal training is in reading, writing, clarifying and cross-referencing cites, statutes and common law in support of a theory, she smiled broadly and said "I asked the universe to send me someone to help me with my book." I replied "I asked the universe to guide me on a spiritual path of ayurveda and yoga studies because this is the only thing I want to do...and write." And you know what? It's true. And now it's happening. The universe provides...
She is modern and Indian and very, very real. I have found my teacher and am honored to have the opportunity to edit her book, incorporate our classes into the book and at the same time, maintain my blog as a reflection of this unbroken wholeness in flowing movement. Oh yeah, I also found a great home in Oakland with an ayurvedic yoga practicioner (who is a former corporate person, not a vegetarian and is living the yogic path) and a physicist who wants to learn about yoga (I've been looking for a physicist to share yogic theories with since I read the Dalai Lama's book 'The Universe in a Single Atom') - three women, three rooms, my share: $500/month. Unheard of in a beautiful home.
I'm just thrilled and wanted to share with you. Here's a description of the course.
Self Heal with AyurvedaThe education in Ayurveda follows the following course:
In the First Year- Heal the Self:
The first year helps the student understand the basic principles of Ayurveda, its unique philosophy, spirituality and science and how the different aspects of Ayurveda integrate and work together to create the one of a kind Ayurvedic path of self healing.
More importantly, the student begins to understand how the different facets of Ayurveda apply to the personal, daily life of the student; and how everything fits together intimately in the scheme of things for the student, here and now in the 21st century in the modern lives with its typical challenges.
Sacred circles, class discussions, check ins, journal and dialoging with the teacher will facilitate enlivening Ayurveda beyond the text books and into the real life of the student, center stage amidst the drama of crisis and resolution; ill health and health; pain and relief; ignorance and wisdom...to lay path to well being, step by step.
Vedika Gurukula unfolds wisdom with love...so that the student begins to think, breathe, eat, live, talk, walk and be...inspired by the sage science of Ayurveda.
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 livingGurukula 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.
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 Vedika Gurukula in Berkeley to teach the first year students Vedanta's foundational scripture: Sankaracharya's: Tatva Bodha.
Studies in Yajna Shastra
The fire ceremony of or 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, (insert coma) and understand the tangible and non-tangible benefits of the healing science of Yajna.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.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. (insert coma) 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 (d 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.
Thus, the first year is dedicated to learning the fundamentals of Ayurveda in an experiential manner ... and then completely owning the wisdom in personal life. If a student wishes, they can, at the end of the first year, begin to illumine family and personal friends with the benefits of incorporating an Ayurveda based lifestyle and science of foods.
Other Relevant InformationCross 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.
Kula 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 "Kula" represents the teachers family and in Vedika Kula. 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 Kula meets is optional; however attendance adds extra credit or hours to the student's portfolio. Attendance will be taken at the Kula meets. Typically, students enjoy Kula participation and Kula 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 in November in Tahoe 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 Kula 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.
Come, let us dive into the magical ocean of Ayurveda ...the ocean will come live inside us...let us embrace each wave, cherish each drop and shiver withanticipation Blessed, the sun, moon, wind, earth and ether are frolicking withus in the ocean of Ayurveda...let us play....loving you,
Your teacher, Shunya Pratichi
...and so the journey continues...and the gratitude is even deeper than ever before.
