Gurukula
The Gurukula
Chinmaya Mission is today a global presence with over 300 centres spread across the world, rendering yeomen service in the spiritual, cultural, educational and medical fields. Among its various projects, the most outstanding and spiritually uplifting are the ‘Sandeepanies’. Formulated in keeping with the tenets of the ancient Gurukula System, these sanctuaries of wisdom provide inspired and dedicated youngsters the opportunity to live the life of spiritual seekers (sadhaks) under the guidance of an Acharya. Sincere sadhaks imbued with an attitude of service find here the perfect opportunity to study Vedanta in an ashram, following a lifestyle to enable and enhance their spiritual sadhana. Swami Chinmayananda had a special name for these students – ‘Rishi-putras’ (children of the sages).
Sandeepany Sadhanalaya
Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, an Academy of Knowledge, was founded in 1963 by Swami Chinmayananda – a visionary and saint of our times. The forerunner among institutes of Vedantic studies, it is based in the Chinmaya Mission Ashram in Powai, Mumbai. The Ashram complex is blessed by the famous Jagadeeshwara Temple, presided over by Lord Shiva seated in a meditative pose. This hallowed space has witnessed the conduct and completion of eighteen Vedanta courses. Stationed across the world, hundreds of its graduates, some now as Swamins and Brahmacharins engaged in diverse roles, have been selflessly serving society and enriching humanity, in whichever way possible.
Through the entire duration of this intensive two-year residential course, the Acharya closely observes and monitors the progress and development of the students. They are expected to observe strict discipline and there are no holidays during this entire period. A typical day at the Ashram begins at 4.00 am and ends at around 10.00 pm. The schedule includes the study of Vedanta and Sanskrit, Vedic chanting, Meditation, Bhajans, Satsang, and Narayana Seva.
Students are exposed to the wisdom of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Brahmasutra and Prakarana-granthas, authored by Adi Sankaracharya, Vidyaranya Swami and other scholars of Vedanta. Texts unveiling the depths of Bhakti like Ramacharitmanas and Bhagavatam are studied in great detail. Students get an overview of the six Darshanas (philosophical systems) prevalent in India. They are also introduced to the basics of world religions. They receive a firm grounding in Sanskrit, which gives them command over the language, and helps in their quest of the study of ancient scriptures.
Life at the Gurukula
A typical day at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya
4:00 am Wake up bell
5:30 am Vedic Chanting
7:00 am Vedanta class
8:00 am Breakfast
10:30 am Sanskrit class (twice a week)
12:00 pm Chanting Class
12:30 pm Lunch
1.00 pm Rest
3:00 pm Tea
4:00 pm Vedanta Class
5:00 pm Snack
6.25 pm Jagadeeshwara Arati
7:00 pm Satsang
8.00 pm Dinner
10.00 pm Lights out
*The schedule is followed every day of the week except during special holidays.
Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, as its name states, is an abode of sadhana. Apart from classes, students are expected to study, reflect and contemplate on the teachings. The sublime atmosphere of the Ashram effortlessly makes the seeker turn inward to know the Self.
Students are expected to follow the Acharya’s instructions and adhere to the strict discipline of the Brahmacharya way of life. Attending all classes is mandatory, with no exceptions.
As a part of the daily schedule, students are delegated different types of Narayana seva – assist in the Jagadeeshwara Temple, serve in the Annakshetra, maintain Saraswati Nilayam (the lecture hall) and assist the Acharya. The aim of seva is to foster a spirit of togetherness and gain purity of mind.
Dress Code
Students are required to be attired in white clothes (sari for women and dhoti-kurta for men). The colour white stands for pure resolve of heart and helps to reinforce a feeling of all around serenity. The purity of white provides a peaceful aura and serves as a reminder to live a life of austerity in thought, word and deed.
Pyjamas for men and salwar-kurta-dupatta for women are permitted during seva, yoga class and in one’s room.
Students are required to purchase their own clothing and toiletries for the first six months of the course. Thereafter, they will be provided with a new set of white clothes, supplies and toiletries.
Yoga
Students will necessarily be seated during class and during their personal sadhana. The total time or physical activity will be fairly substantial. It is therefore essential that they maintain their physical health. Yoga sessions, daily walks or exercise in one’s room, is encouraged as times permits.
Diet
The Ashram follows a pure sattvika vegetarian diet (no onion and garlic).
Tea/Milk 6.00 am
Breakfast 8.00 am
Lunch 12.30 pm
Snacks, Tea/Milk 5.00 pm
Dinner 8.00 pm
On a regular basis, with a few exceptions, the lunch and dinner menu includes rice, chapati, sabzi (vegetable) and dal. For those on a strict diet, boiled food in limited quantities is available. It is recommended that students do not purchase food from outside.
