Vedic Wisdom

Enrich your life with Vedic Wisdom

Upcoming Program: 1st Sept. - 28th Sept., 2016
Venue: International Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore

Bangalore Ashram invites you to spend four weeks in scenic environs chanting Vedic mantras and learning the ancient sacred ceremonies. The Vedic Wisdom program offers you a unique opportunity to be reborn in the spiritual world towards a higher knowledge of the self.

 

  • How to Apply
  • You get to Learn
  • Benefits
  • Testimonials
  • FAQ's
  • You can apply for Vedic Wisdom Program by filling in the Form below. After one of our Swami's have approved your application we will send you a Confirmation email so you can book your tickets. The actual contribution will be made on the spot at Bangalore Ashram. Online transfer is unfortunately not possible.

     

    If you require any assistance in your applications or registration, kindly send an email to internationalevents@vvmvp.org, or call to +91 867262802.

     

  • Upanayanam Samskara

    Of the many purificatory rites, Upanayanam holds a special place. These rites are called samskaras and they have been mentioned in the Vedic traditions. The etymological meaning of Upanayanam is ‘vision through knowledge’. Upanayana also called the ‘sacred thread ceremony’ is a ceremony traditionally performed to mark the point at which children or adults began their formal education in the Vedic tradition. Upanayana is traditionally seen as getting a new birth in the spiritual world towards the higher knowledge of the Self. It is an initiation process to learning the sacred chants and mantras according to the Vedic tradition. Upanayanam ceremony witnesses the wearing of the Yajnopavitam (Sacred Thread) on the body. There is also the imparting of a powerful mantra, the gayatri mantra, by the guru. This mantra is the essence of the Vedas. Passing on of this knowledge, means the beginning of the vedic studies and represents the onset of a new phase of responsibility in one’s life. It is the entry point towards the brahmacharya ashram and for the larger roles which are to follow in the coming life.

    Vedic Mantras (Sandhya Vandanam)

    Learning to appropriately chant Vedic Mantras is one of the core points of the Vedic Wisdom programme. The Mantras are sound vibrations that permeate every cell of your being and allow your mind to dissolve and repose. In Sanskrit, it is said, ‘Manana trayate iti mantra’. Mantra is that which saves you from repetitiveness. A repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from your worries. The meaning of every mantra is infinity. It is a sound vibration beyond the cognition of the mind. When the mind is unable to cognize, it simply dissolves and moves into a meditative space. Sandhya vandanam consists of excerpts from the Vedas. These are to be chanted and performed three times a day at morning (dawn), noon and evening (dusk).

    Apart from these daily chantings and Vedic spiritual practices, you will be given guided group sadhana in the pristine environs of Bangalore Ashram, which has a very profound effect on the consciousness.

    Sessions on Applied Ayurveda

    Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing that has been in practice for thousands of years in India. Its goal has always been wholeness of being. The Ayurvedic approach to health and freedom from disease is very different from modern medicine. Here Ayurveda is not just about healing but about a healthy way of life. It is a regime which aims towards attainment of longevity. In this system of medicine, the body is made up of five elements namely earth, water, fire, air and ether. Health is a state of harmony in these elements and disease occurs when there is imbalance among them. The goal of treatment then is merely to restore balance. Since the approach and treatment is completely natural, it has no side effects. It is holistic, regarding the mind and the body as part of each other and not separate. In this program, you will be given an overview of Ayurveda and also practical Ayurvedic tips to keep the body and mind healthy. This kind of practical knowledge comes in very helpful when dealing with the mundane and everyday events of life.

    Jyotish (Astrology)

    The world runs on the principle of cause and effect. Very often we can see the relationship between the two but sometimes they seem unrelated, like a butterfly flapping its wings and causing cyclone on the other side of the world. Similarly, our life is affected by many influences. The moon due to its movements causes high and low tides in the water in the ocean. Our body is also made up largely of water and the moon exerts an influence on our body and mind as well. The ideas of healing and suffering are constituted in the minds of the people through various ways. The planetary constellations enjoy a privileged position in our society and therefore, in Jyotish, we identify the influences that different planets have on various aspects of our life. Just like when we are driving a car, a warning on the radio about a traffic jam ahead helps us take the right turns and avoid roadblocks, Jyotish helps us find a direction to move in life and identify the time to act or to wait. It also offers us remedies for correcting the planetary influences and thereby ensuring that our life is free of hurdles.

    Timeless & Ancient Wisdom

    India is the oldest civilization in the world with a phenomenal depth of knowledge about various aspects of life. Here, science and spirituality have always been together. It was the same rishis who discovered the subtle secrets of meditation who also discovered principles of medicine, astronomy, music and arts, mathematics, geometry and architecture, metallurgy, even economics and many other fields. The Vedas are actually the oldest known research papers available in the world on various subjects. This ancient Vedic knowledge enriches human life and is as relevant today as it has ever been. This course enables one to unravel some of the secrets of this timeless and ancient wisdom.

    Padaytras (Blessings and Field trip)

    During the Vedic Wisdom Programme you will have the opportunity to go on a padayatra, 'pada' means foot, and 'yatra' means journey, which literally translated to a journey on foot. In ancients days the sages and saints in India used to reach out to villages and towns to share the vedic knowledge and bring happiness and blessings to people in need.

    Blessings are said to have three major effects. Blessings bestow on one ‘svasti’ that is blessing for good health. Another is ‘shanti’ that is blessing for peace and the last is ‘samriddhi’ that is blessing for abundance. This is to explain that it is only in a healthy body and mind will one find peace. When there is peace there is no longingness and want or craving. There is contentment and through this there is a feeling of fullness or purnata. It is only in this feeling of purnata that these qualities manifest. We will offer padayatra packages, of various durations, and to different locations, near and further away from Bangalore Ashram.

  • Be a Seva warrior!

    A true warrior is one who masters his skills and exhibits benevolence in his trade. A warrior knows when to execute and when to withdraw. A warrior is strong and has an unshakable conviction in his skills. To be a seva warrior means to have great conviction in the service at hand, to execute it to perfection and to show compassion in its execution.

    The concept of service has always existed in the world irrespective of the religion which one follows. A common thread that links all humanity is the idea of service or seva. You will get to know how to keep work and life balance. Skillfully combine seva and family life. During your stay in India you will enjoy a lot of seva opportunities outside the Ashram helping the local villagers and children in schools run by Art of Living Foundation. You will transform to be a seva warrior.

    Purify Yourself

    The program starts with sacred Vedic Ceremony called Upanayan Samskara. It prepares you to receive the highest knowledge by purifying your mind and body of past impressions. There is no need to take your karma further on. You can leave all your burdens behind and enjoy your new birth into the spiritual path. Most of the program you will be busy with chanting vedic mantras as well as performing yagnas and pujas. These are the most powerful tools to clean our system and make us pure. They make us become childlike allowing us to recognise our pure self and our true nature that is joy.

    Work on your Inner and Outer Strength

    During your stay you will experience many long and soothing yoga sessions to make your body and mind strong and vibrant. Every day you will enjoy fresh and healthy food cooked according to ayurvedic recipes. In your free time you may also enjoy consultations with ayurvedic doctors and ayurvedic treatments to balance and cure the body.

    Unite with the Master

    You are being reborn as an instrument of service, ready to tread the path of service and wisdom shown by the master. Vedic scriptures specify many means of spiritual development. However, according to the Upanishads, sitting close to the Master is considered to be the highest way. The Grace of the Master transforms information into wisdom and experience into knowledge.

  • Vedic Wisdom has brought a transformation into my life, when I look back 7 months ago, since the course has finished in Nov 2014, it look like 7 years has passed since then, not just because the so many events that I have experinced but rather the changes that came into my life which is leading me to more growth, personally,mentaly and spiritually. If I could describe the course in a word it would be "Blessing" and after the course I would say 'Transformation'.

    Ahmed Al-Alawi, Saudi Arabe


    When I traveled to Tamil Nadu to do padayatra I open my eyes to another way of life. I had the real experience of seva, putting all my time in hands of god to share happiness, music, blessings, meditation and love with others. I can`t describe with words what i felt these days. So much love we recived from the people! and despite of we don´t know the local language, we discover that the international lenguage is love.

    Ludmila Kondratzky, Buenos Aires Argentina


    Simply the most beautiful experience of my life! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet and experience a little bit of how is the life in the villages of India. The simplicity and humility of the Indian people inspires me daily. And the feeling that we are all ONE became very clear during the Padayatra. Consequently has moved me to take this felling to the people of my city. Was a constant exchange, children, adults and gentlemens, all ages and the care and affection was the same! I imagine that everyone should experience this beautiful and wonderfull experience of Padayatra.

    Tatiana Alcantara, Brazil


    When I did the Upanayana something changed. When I do the sandhyavandana now, repeating the Gayatri Mantra, it allows me to experience higher states of consciousness. My mind has become clearer and sharper, and the quest to find out who I really am has become stronger.

    Stephane, France


    This knowledge is very universal. I come from a Christian background, but even though in my country most people follow the practices and customs, it is not very religious. After doing this program, I feel I can understand my own tradition better. I can now see much more meaning in those practices.

    Hogne, Norway


    When visiting villages, we had programs with children and villagers. We had an amazing time. We were dancing and singing together, and I have learned so much from these people—their simplicity, happiness, fulfilment and joy.” Being an instrument to give blessings to so many people made me feel so grateful. “It felt like we are also getting blessed. It was a very deep and amazing experience!

    Marcin, Poland

  • Q: What are Mantras?

    You are being reborn as an instrument of service, ready to tread the path of service and wisdom shown by the master. Vedic scriptures specify many means of spiritual development. However, according to the Upanishads, sitting close to the Master is considered to be the highest way. The Grace of the Master transforms information into wisdom and experience into knowledge.

    Q: What is the importance of chanting Mantras?

    When we chant the mantras, or listen to them, we get purity of mind and word. This prepares us for meditation. As a result of the sound vibrations, different patterns of the mind rearrange themselves to become tranquil. Repetition of the Mantras creates a psychological or mental response that is very deep and beyond the realm of words or expression. It can only be experienced. When the mind is calm and centered, it can turn inward. Only a mind turned inward can experience the vastness and beauty of the Divine consciousness.

    Q: Who can participate in this program?

    Participants should have done at least one advance meditation program / Part 2 program. The program is for participants from all countries outside India. This program is open for all – both male and female participants. Personal recommendation of an Art of Living Teacher/Art of Living Board Member is required. Participants should be between 18 to 50 years of age. Participants should not consume alcohol, drugs, non-vegetarian food (including eggs) and should not smoke.

    Q: How long is the program?

    The program would be for 4 weeks.

    Q: What will the weather be in Bangalore during my stay?

    In November and December the temperatures are in the range of 15 to 20° C. It is raining quite often - please bring your umbrella with you and some warm clothes.

    Q: Do I need to know Sanskrit or English language to participate in the program?

    It is not required. You will be guided on vedic mantras pronunciation and meaning by the teachers. Since the program is meant for many participants from all countries, translators from English to your local language will be with your group during the whole stay. Please check with your local coordinator.

    Q: Do I need to follow celibacy in order to participate?

    No, married people are most welcome. You can even bring your family with you to India, they can stay in the Ashram , there is no need to miss your dear ones!

    Q: Do I need to shave my hair to participate in the program?

    No it is not necessary. If you wish you can keep your wonderful hair cut. Some people decide to shave the hair because it is traditional way to celebrate a new birth to spiritual life.