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Gurukula
Three Vedic Sciences - a Synergistic Teaching
“By studying a single scripture one does not know the conclusive essence of the same. Hence, the physician should try to understand the scripture after having knowledge of several disciplines”.
- Sushruta Samhita
Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta are seamlessly integrated and taught at Vedika. Ayurvedic texts themselves recommend full and comprehensive study of these Vidyas (bodies of knowledge) for deeper knowledge and abiding benefit to the mind and soul. This is a hallmark of the living, oral tradition of Ayurveda from which Vedika took birth.
Sanatan Dharma
At Vedika, Ayurvedic understanding is first and foremost rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the timeless spiritual belief system of the sages of India who gave us Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta. That is why at Vedika, Ayurveda is interpreted not only as a scientific technology of cultivating health but also in a larger, foundational, spiritual context of Sanatan Dharma.
Many rituals and oral spiritual practices from Sanatan Dharma such as Surya Namaskar , Surya Upasana, Sandhya Vandanam are incorporated in Vedika's living curriculum. Festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Guru Purnima, Dhanwantari Jayanti, Deepawali, Navratri are celebrated with great fervor, not only for their spiritual significance but also for their seasonal and astrological aspects. Students at Vedika are mindfully exposed to Sanatan Dharma’s tattvajnana (knowledge of the essence underlying everything) via study of Shad Darshans ( the six classical schools of Indian philosophy), exposure to Karma Kanda (rituals) and Yajna Shastra (knowledge of the fire ceremony) of the Vedas, belief in Karma, Jyotish Shastra and by following a Dharmic code of conduct as laid down by Sanatan Dharma and reflected in Ayurveda Shastra.
Yoga Darshan, Ayurvedic Psychology
Ayurveda makes a truly unique and amazing contribution to the science of mental health through the pioneering concepts and principles in Ayurvedic psychology.
These concepts are highlighted at Vedika together with an understanding of their relationship with Yoga Darshan.
Students first fully appreciate Yoga Darshan by study of the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Kriya Yoga), Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Yoga in Bhagavad Gita. They then apply its principles to Ayurvedic psychology (also taught independently) utilizing tenets laid down by Ayurvedic sages Charak and Sushruta.
Vedanta Darshan, Ayurveda Spirituality
Ayurveda’s concept of ultimate true health, which is Moksha or freedom from birth and death, is based on Vedanta Darshan. The subject of study in Ayurveda is the human being, and this entity is seen as Atman or Chetna Dhatu (pure consciousness) with a sharira (material body), indriya (senses) and manas (mind). The supreme Truth of Consciousness within the living creature is known as Atman or Purusha. At the cosmic level, this consciousness is called the Supreme Soul or Paramatman. The highest or true Self is understood to be distinct from Ahamkara (the “I”consciousness or ego). Vedanta Darshan empowers students with a perspective on deliverance from spiritual conditions of suffering, bondage, existential pain, deep depression, and purposelessness.
At Vedika Gurukula, students participate in a unique opportunity to live by many of Vedanta's core beliefs and practices for the individual and the community. For example, personal Sadhana (spiritual discipline) is advised for the evolution of consciousness. Through Satsangha (illumined company), students are in a spiritual community and receive perspectives from experienced teachers. Seva (selfless service for all souls) at school and outside helps in imbibing the essence of Karma Yoga. The environment is enriched by the spiritual teachings of Ayurvedic sages such as Rishi Charak, deep study of texts from Vedanta Darshan (Vivek Chudamani, selected Upanishads) and practices such as Aatmanubhuti Dhyana on inner Self (meditation for experience of the self by the self ).
