Gurukula

expand all
collapse all

What is a Gurukula?

The rationale behind the Gurukula model

Gurukula is a compound Sanskrit word made of 2 words: Guru and Kula.

Guru refers to the teacher. Kula refers to the teacher's domain comprising the teacher's home and school, where students are embraced as part of the family. A characteristic feature of the Gurukula model of education is that it is a relationship oriented style of teaching. The direct relationship between the teacher and the student is emphasized as the vehicle for transmission of knowledge and transformation of consciousness. The teacher and students create a family based on the values of support and trust. A personalized, intensely focused and experiential nature of study is possible in a Gurukula. Each student’s personal gifts are enhanced. With the Guru's support, a student can view academic as well as personal challenges more objectively, moving from strength to strength.

A Gurukula is not confined to the notion of living at the teacher's house, but refers to a nucleus of living education where the daily routine, regimens and interactions are as much a part of the learning experience as the more formal classes.