learning Advaita Vedanta/Arsha vidya gurukulam/Chinmaya Mission

[Guest guest]

Hi Warren,

 

Like Jaishankar and Kalyan, I have also learned a great deal from Swami

Dayananda and the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (AVG). In my case however, since I

have had other primary teachers, my association with Swamiji has been

through his books and tapes. Every time I have been to the gurukulam, he

wasn't there :-( But I have also benefitted from knowing the kind and

knowledgeable Swami Tadatmananda :-), who is full-time resident at AVG, and

who at one time I believe, might have been a member of this list or of

ADVAITA-L.

 

In the U.S., I think that AVG is as close as one can come to a traditional

gurukulam setting. They also have the best bookstore for Vedantic books

I've ever been in (you can call 717-992-2339).

 

There is also the Chinmaya Mission, which teaches Advaita Vedanta in more

of an "outreach" format, with study groups around the U.S. I studied with

the New York group for about 2 years. Sadananda-ji, one of our moderators,

is also a teacher for the Chinmaya Mission, and can tell you more about it,

if you are interested. At one time, Swami Dayananda was Swami Chinmaya's

student.

 

If anyone is serious about learning advaita vedanta, I **highly recommend**

these approaches to studying the scriptures. It is definitely preferable

to any scholarly analysis. There is a VERY VERY strong tradition of oral

teaching in this sampradaya guru-disciple tradition. Oral teaching from

the texts becomes the springboard for a teacher-conducted tour through the

entire vedantic vision and philosophy. And from experience, I can tell you

that the answers to most questions tht Westerners are likely to ask ARE NOT

IN WRITTEN IN BOOKS. In other words, the best stuff is not written down.

So, face-to-face or oral contact becomes a highly efficient way to learn

advaita vedanta.

 

Om!

 

--Greg

[Guest guest]

Hari Om:

 

I have been to Arsha Vidya Gurukulam several times and have attended one of

their weekend classes. I agree with Sri Jaishankar, Sri Kalyan and Sri Greg

that Swami Dayananda is one of the best few teachers who is well versed in

Scriptures and Shankara's Advaita Philosophy. I also agree that Arsha Vidya

Gurukulam has nice set up as a Gurukulam with nice cottages, book-store, a

temple and several lecture halls. During my short visit there, classes were

free and the food was provided free with a small donation. Actually, the

Gurukulam did not demand money from us and we only offered donations on a

voluntary basis. This concept may look strange and this is the true vedic

tradition where unselfish service generates revenue without asking! In

Rishikesh, northwest of Delhi, there are several other institutions follow the

same tradition.

 

The traditional way of learning the scriptures and Advaita Vedanta can't be

accomplished in a fixed time framework and everyone who wants to learn may not

have time to undertake studies of longer duration. Consequently, those who

want to learn Vedanta have number of options. Ramakrishna Missions, Chinmaya

Missions and several other yoga centers (for example, Yogaville in Virginia)

offer classes during weekends, residential retreats and annual camps. Chinmaya

Mission also offers a Brahmachari Course conducted at Sandeepani, Bombay and

Chinmaya Mission West offers also longterm courses. These courses are

conducted in Gurukulam style with imposed discipline and restrictions. Those

who committed to do service after completing the course can practically study

without paying any fees (or nominal fees) in most of the institutions. The

links to those institutions are available at the advaitins homepage:

http://www.geocities.com/advaitins/

 

As pointed out by Sri Greg, attending Satsang can help us to broaden our

outlook, exchanging ideas and improve our understanding. Sri Sadanandaji, Sri.

Raju Chidambaram, Sri Madhava,

Sri Gummuluru, Sri Shyam, Sri Jyothi Kumar and several others including me are

members of Chinmaya Mission. Several lead the Satsang or teach the Adults,

Youth and Children of different ages. All these institutions also publish

large number of books on Vedas and Vedanta which are quite thorough. Internet

is a great source for getting useful information and there are electronic

versions of Upanishads, Vedas, Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and other

scriptures with Sanskrit and English translations. The Advaitin List and

other lists such as Advaita-L, , nonduality saloon, Ramakrishna,

are useful for interested readers with time and transportation constraints.

 

Finally, I have a request to those who have access to information related to

other institutions: Please share your knowledge to the list members with

information on Web Address, etc. This is an important service that

everymember of this list to other members. This is the least expensive way to

exchange ideas and knowledge and let us take full use of it. Let us follow

this Vedic Tradition and the best way to learn Vedanta is through Service and

this is the only way!

 

 

=======================================================

Two and One-half Month Course

(Mon., Oct. 4, 1999 - Sun, Dec. 19, 1999)

THE GURUKULAM DOES NOT CHARGE TUITION FOR VEDANTA PROGRAMS.

WE MAINLY RELY ON DONATIONS TO MAKE THE PROGRAMS POSSIBLE.

 

Two and a half Month Course

Registration - $100

Lodging and Meals

$300 per month per single room;

$500 per month per couple

$150 per month per person for commuters.

 

Arrangements can be made for part time study.

More details on other programs and retreats, see

the WEB Page: http://www.arshavidya.org/programs/

======================================================

 

Greg Goode wrote:

>

> Greg Goode <goode

>

> Hi Warren,

>

> Like Jaishankar and Kalyan, I have also learned a great deal from Swami

> Dayananda and the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (AVG). In my case however, since I

> have had other primary teachers, my association with Swamiji has been

> through his books and tapes. Every time I have been to the gurukulam, he

> wasn't there :-( But I have also benefitted from knowing the kind and

> knowledgeable Swami Tadatmananda :-), who is full-time resident at AVG, and

> who at one time I believe, might have been a member of this list or of

> ADVAITA-L.

>

> In the U.S., I think that AVG is as close as one can come to a traditional

> gurukulam setting. They also have the best bookstore for Vedantic books

> I've ever been in (you can call 717-992-2339).

>

> There is also the Chinmaya Mission, which teaches Advaita Vedanta in more

> of an "outreach" format, with study groups around the U.S. I studied with

> the New York group for about 2 years. Sadananda-ji, one of our moderators,

> is also a teacher for the Chinmaya Mission, and can tell you more about it,

> if you are interested. At one time, Swami Dayananda was Swami Chinmaya's

> student.

>

> If anyone is serious about learning advaita vedanta, I **highly recommend**

> these approaches to studying the scriptures. It is definitely preferable

> to any scholarly analysis. There is a VERY VERY strong tradition of oral

> teaching in this sampradaya guru-disciple tradition. Oral teaching from

> the texts becomes the springboard for a teacher-conducted tour through the

> entire vedantic vision and philosophy. And from experience, I can tell you

> that the answers to most questions tht Westerners are likely to ask ARE NOT

> IN WRITTEN IN BOOKS. In other words, the best stuff is not written down.

> So, face-to-face or oral contact becomes a highly efficient way to learn

> advaita vedanta.

>

> Om!

>

> --Greg

>

> > Discussion of the True Meaning of Sankara's Advaita Vedanta Philosophy

focusing on non-duality between mind and matter. Searchable List Archives are

available at: http://www.eScribe.com/culture/advaitin/ Contact Email Address:

advaitins

>

 

--

Ram Chandran

Burke, VA

[Guest guest]

Many thanks to all who graciously provided answers to my questions about the

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam and Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

>.... nonduality saloon....

 

Hey now, that sounds like my kind of place! I wonder what they serve

there....? :-)

 

(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

 

Warren