In the winter holiday season, Vedika Gurukula celebrated the culmination of its trail-blazing first year of back-to-tradition education in Ayurveda. We are so proud of the accomplishments of our founding group of students, who have studied, contemplated and internalized an in-depth introduction to Aushadh and Bheshaj, the material science and spiritual dimension of healing of Ayurveda. They have emerged beautiful, radiant and quite transformed in health, wellbeing and knowledge, and excited to study further. They are joined now by a new group of students for 2009 whom Vedika had the delight of welcoming. During this time I was traveling in India and had the opportunity to meet with Vedika's new faculty members: anchor teachers Vaidya Mahesh Sabade & Vaidya Yogesh Bele, and senior visiting faculty Vaidya Subhash Ranade and Vaidya Dr. P. Kulkarni. They will teach and inspire these students on their continuing journey of learning, alongside Vedika's Acharya, Pratichi Mathur. These vibrant individuals have not only gained academic and professional success in Ayurveda, but also live this knowledge and share it generously with communities in need. Last week, we also welcomed Shri Kirit Shah, Vedika's dedicated and inspired Sanskrit teacher who has years of experience teaching a variety of Indian languages. Vedika Global launched a new service platform called Vedika Kula
through which we offer open access to the wisdom and practices of
Ayurveda, through our teachers and enthusiastic students. The
vital ingredients of these monthly open-house style gatherings
are education, contemplation and participation in a conscious
community. Hema Patankar |
Shakti Namaste|
Conscious Teaching Unfolded Auspiciously: On January 14th, Vedika Gurukula's 2009 classes began on the auspicious day known as Makar Sankranti. The ancient sage of Ayurveda, Rishi Charaka, says this is the ideal day to begin the study of Ayurveda, as it marks the time of gathering light and longer days filled with the healing rays of the Sun. The participants were both Vedika's first group of continuing students, and a new group of first year students. Together they resolved to walk in the path of light, to pursue their studies with dedication, and to share the fruits of their knowledge with people in need. They were shown how to invoke the Sun, the generous source of healing, with the chanting of mantras and a special khichidi ritual from the oral tradition of Ayurveda. A Sacred Circle: Two full batches of Vedika Gurukula students are now studying side by side. The second year seekers are investigating "Nidana", the cause of imbalances that afflict mind, body and soul; and the first year's are excitedly immersed in an experiential and alive journey dedicated to self discovery and activating self healing of body, mind and soul, utilizing the healing wisdom contained in Ayurveda. The two batches of students meet often and sit in sacred circle, share Ayurvedic meals, exchange the delight of Ayurvedic living and are become each other's support in the journey towards abiding wellbeing and knowledge. 2010 Admissions Now Open: Information about study at Vedika Ayurveda Wellbeing Classes for Public: Are you a seeker of Ayurveda's wisdom? Vedika will host various teaching events that are open to public throughout the year in its Berkeley facility and also in association with it's Partners in Education organizations - The Yoga Loft in San Francisco (March to July), Safronya Ayurveda in San Rafael (May and September) and East West Books in Mountain View (June). Click here for more information Ayurvedic Psychology: Yoga Sutra Intensive
Class taught by: Vedika's Acharyaa Pratichi Mathur The much awaited class is back again! Don't wait a whole another year to benefit from this unique, experiential class that embodies the Gurukula's rich heritage of oral transmission. People from all walks of life will benefit from an immersion in the sage wisdom contained in the Sutras as they facilitate mind based shifts and tremendous inner wellbeing. The study of the Sutras is a rich and endless exploration into the hidden depths of the esoteric meaning and significance of Yoga practice in our modern lives; and the Yoga Sutra provides a most excellent companion for those who would use meditation (dhyana) and other adjunctive yoga practices as a practical spiritual path to awaken, heal and self liberate. The Yoga Sutra is really a manual on meditation and the nature of the human mind; and how to relieve it from the worldly conditionings and fixations. It also describes principles of practice that can be put to use by yoga adepts as well as general wellbeing seekers. A study of the Sutras in essential to the study of Ayurvedic psychology and is especially relevant for students of Yoga, Ayurveda and related disciplines. Click here for more information Ayurveda, Yoga, Chanting & Meditation Immersion in San Francisco
Classes held on one Sunday a month from March to July: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM; $ 75 per class / $ 345 for the entire series. Classes taught by Vedika's Acharyaa Pratichi Mathur, Vaidya Ayurveda: introduction to the Science of Ayurveda and its relevance for Yogis and Yoga teaching in America today; Understanding Doshas that impact body and mind; Self assessing the unique Ayurveda constitution; Establishing a conscious lifestyle; Learning about potent oils to safeguard joints and muscles and invigorate the spine; Learning to eat consciously; The six tastes of health; Exploring foods that promote mental balance and spirituality (Sattva), reduce excitement (Rajas) and dullness (Tamas); Establishing into wellbeing and experiencing improved relationships by internalizing principles from Ayurvedic psychology and spirituality. Yoga: Introduction to Ayurveda based Asana practice; Exploring your constitution's relevance to daily Yoga practice and related care of joints and muscles; Asana practice to balance Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha; Learning the Surya Namaskar daily Sadhana with Sun chants and clarity intention for health, wisdom and wellbeing. Chanting and Meditation: Introduction to Ayurveda mantras and methods of meditation; Ayurvedic chants and meditation: on Pancha Mahabhutas, on God of Health Dhanwantari, on Vayu, Soma and Agni within for abiding health and wellbeing. Join a Conscious Community Vedika Kula To benefit from Ayurveda's timeless Wisdom: Vedika offers
Upcoming Kula dates: Feb, 22nd, March 22nd, April 12th, May 31st, June 14th, July 12th, August 2nd, Sept. 27th, Oct 18th, Nov.29, Dec. 19th. Cost: Free will donation. Bring a vegetarian potluck offering - 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 wisdom. The wisdom of Ayurveda, when embraced by humanity, heals the entire planet. When this wisdom is generously and lovingly shared, the blessings are enhanced. In great respect of the sages who have handed down the wisdom of Ayurveda to us, we welcome all fellow beings to partake in the great feast of knowledge. All members of Vedika's global community are sincerely invited. Age, color, religion, sex, preference - no bar! We love you. The gatherings include practical hands on wisdom, knowledge that can be immediately applied in our day to day lives to improve our wellbeing along with group meditations, instructions in Pranayama, chants and other fun activities that promote wellbeing. For more information on upcoming Kula dates contact Kula Acharyaa and Founder Pratichi Mathur is available to speak at To schedule an appearance or to find out about her next public Please consider making a donation to Vedika Global to help us achieve our humanitarian Ayurveda mission and spread Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta around the world. Namaste. |
Namaste. The Divine in me bows to the Divine in you. I muse upon what it is to know Ayurveda truly, deeply, and intuitively - know it so that it awakens inside our being and constantly guides our life journey. Each day the universe reveals to me inviolable laws which if broken or disrespected, break me, and if followed or accepted, keep me together. What does it mean "I know Ayurveda"? Does intellectual learning of this deep intuitive wisdom constitute as knowing Ayurveda? Compared to that, even falling from the golden path, becoming sick, being physically and mentally broken is closer to the path than pedagogic regurgitation of the law. We fall off the path so that we can intuitively begin to feel and grasp the steps that constitute the path. Falling sick is a grand opportunity to become healthy. Only the truly lost will be truly found. What is Ayurveda but the recorded wisdom of beings before us, who played with nature and upon discovering her laws, wrote them down for the rest of us, out of compassion, to make our lives a little easier. Now I don't have to invent the law of macrocosm and microcosm from scratch or go figure why things move, burn or become glued in my body. I just have to validate the existence of these laws and how they bear upon my life, in my own life, through my own life experiences. Thank you Sadhus ... seers and sages of Ayurveda! Thank you my
lovely radiant Baba for reminding me of my journey. Thank you
darkness, for making sure I become conscious on this journey ...
and I do walk it, with joy and appreciation too.
Founder and Acharyaa Vedika Utsav A Celebration of Achievements
On Thursday December 11, Vedika Global celebrated a milestone in its evolution: the one-year anniversary of its back-to-tradition school of Ayurveda, Vedika Gurukula. Under the inspired and loving guidance of Vedika's Acharya, Pratichi Mathur, the founding students successfully completed the first of four years of transformative education in Ayurveda's material science and spiritual dimensions of healing. The celebration was evocative, colorful and delicious. In the company of family, friends, and community leaders, the students shared how this year of study had transformed their lives and health, and were honored with certificates, gifts and abundant blessings. The students in turn offered everyone the fruits of their studies in the form of a delicious organic meal featuring ayurvedically-conscious dishes from various regions of the world. They welcomed the new students, passing them lamps lit with glowing flames as they chanted Sanskrit verses invoking the sages of Ayurveda and the healing power of the Sun. We were thrilled to have as chief guests Mr. Georgy Bhaala, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tathaastu magazine, and his wife Indu. They were accompanied by renowned Jyotish Acharya Chamunda Swami from New York, Vastu Acharya Pandit Ram Gopal Sharma from India, and Dr. Kumar Batra, Board Member and former President of the National Association of Ayurvedic medicine (NAMA). With their blessings, participation and encouragement, the evening was a moving celebration of the power of community, selfless service, and the living wisdom of Ayurveda. Click here to read more and view photos.
From amongst the many great traditions of wisdom that the world How did it weather the innumerable turns of history, the waves of invaders and migrations, the shifting tides of economies? From my personal observation of some moving expressions and lineages within this culture of living wisdom, I believe it is more than their sophisticated memorization techniques or the work of dedicated scribes. I believe it is the love between the teacher and the students, the Guru and the disciples, the mentor and the apprentices, which has kept this great tradition alive. I am moved to see Vedika Gurukula's dedication to this cornerstone of the sacred tradition of Ayurveda. May we, the current generations, shine as great preservers of this invaluable wisdom. Janet Dobrovolny,
For more information on sliding-scale treatments, classes, and To find out more about Vedika Global, Inc and its activities, Vedika Global, Inc. is a non-profit organization with its headquarters in Berkeley, California. Vedika is dedicated to teaching, living and sharing the spiritually energized science of Ayurveda. Vedika Global has established a unique, back to tradition school of Ayurveda - Vedika Gurukula, which not only teaches at subsidized cost to students, the principles and practices of Ayurveda in 1 to 5 year study programs, but is also dedicated to preserving the oral tradition of Ayurveda, a heritage of humanity. Vedika's culture is rooted in selfless service - Seva and Vedika's vision of humanitarian Ayurveda extends to establishing Walk-in Ayurveda Wellbeing Centers' for low income and at-risk communities; and encompasses Sangha or conscious community development through gatherings such as Vedika Kula which share knowledge, and uplift local community. |
|||||
Enroll for a 16 hour weekend intensive on the Yoga Sutras: February 14th and 15th, 
Enroll for 5 - 4 hour classes with Vedika's Partner in Education Organization - 
Dear Seekers,
The Vedic tradition in which Ayurveda was born has flourished in the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. This vast body of living wisdom and rich culture has been carefully passed from generation to generation in meticulous detail since long before recorded history. It lives to this day, not as fascinating artifacts in a museum exhibit but as an eternal flame in people who study, internalize, love, master, teach and live this wisdom. So when we listen to Vedic experts chant the verses of the Rig Veda, we are hearing these verses chanted exactly as they were chanted three thousand years ago. The experts in Ayurveda are guiding people successfully to wellness using the same knowledge and practices that have been practiced since before recorded history.
Vedika Global is proud to support Safronya Ayurveda, a holistic center dedicated to serving the community.We apologize for sending a proof version of the Vedika Newsletter that was still undergoing type edits. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are happy to send you the final and corrected version of Vedika Vani: News from Vedika Global.
%%PLUGIN_UNSUBSCRIBE: 174376-UNSUBSCRIBE%%