Frequently Asked Questions for the One-year Course
We appreciate your interest to attend the course.
This FAQ aims to give comprehensive information about various aspects of the course. We hope you will find the necessary information that you seek. If not, please contact us and we will be glad to clarify.
Eligibility
Q1. My age is not within the eligibility limits. Can I still apply for the course?
Eligibility is 25 years to 60 years of age. Age limit extended upto 65 years in specific cases if found fit to handle the daily course schedule.
Course details
Q2. What will be taught in the one year course?
- Entire Bhagavad Gita with Bhashyam
- 6th Chapter of Chandogya Upanishad with Bhashyam
- Some Prakarana Granthas
- Sanskrit Grammar
- Chanting
Q3. What would be the typical schedule for a day in the course?
- 6:30 am – Morning Temple Puja
- 7:15 am – Meditation
- 8:00 am – Breakfast
- 9:00 am – Vedanta Class 1
- 10:20 am – Chanting Class
- 11:00 am – Tea
- 11:30 am – Sanskrit Class
- 12:45 am – Lunch
- 2:30 pm – Seva
- 3:30 pm – Tea
- 4:15 pm – Vedanta Class 2
- 6:30 pm – Evening Temple Puja
- 7:00 pm – Dinner
- 8:00 pm – Satsang(Q&A)
The actual time table may differ and will be given at the beginning of the course. Each class will be for one hour. Chanting class and Satsang will be for 45 mins.
Q4. Can I choose to attend only some classes mentioned in the daily schedule?
Students are expected to attend all classes and activities in the course. Following this routine helps the person to develop mastery and dedication to the pursuit. Exemptions may be made for short-term health-related issues on a case-by-case basis with approval of the Course Coordinator.
Q5. Will there be holidays during the course?
Every Wednesday, there will be only one morning class. The rest of this day will be free for personal time.
Q6. Can I use my laptop/tablet/mobile to take notes during classes?
Laptop/Tablet/Phones are not allowed during class, in order to avoid distractions to oneself and others around. You can use them outside the class.
Q7. Will there be any homework during the course?
In the beginning of the course, for some time, the students are expected to submit a daily one-page summary of each class, presenting their understanding. The notes are expected to be handwritten.
Later, they are expected to give an oral summary at the beginning of each class. This is to enable the student to get more clarity and also enable the teacher to know if the student has followed what was taught in class.
Q8. What is expected from the students with regard to seva mentioned in the schedule?
“Seva” is service with the proper attitude. In the Gurukula tradition, seva is offered by students as an expression of eagerness to learn and gratitude for the knowledge received. Seva also makes the person a contributor, helping one grow.
The following are some of areas of seva identified at the Gurukulam:
- Serving in the Dining hall (common for all)
- Audio/Video recording
- Temple
- Classroom cleaning
Each student is expected to contribute 1 hour of seva per day. The type of seva assigned will be based on the student’s skills and interest. In some areas, there may be a rotating weekly seva roster.
Students are also expected to offer their Seva in the programs or retreats conducted at the Gurukulam.
Q11. Will I get a certificate at the end of each course?
We do not issue any certificate.
For official purpose, if a student requires a letter to confirm their presence in the course at the Gurukulam, the office may issue the letter on special request.
Q12. What are my options after completion of the course?
The students are free to pursue the field of their choice after the course completion. The Gurukulam will be happy to provide guidance if one is interested in teaching Vedanta, but one may need to support oneself.
About the Gurukulam
Q13. Can you give some general information on the Gurukulam?
The Gurukulam is located in Anaikatti, about 25 km from Coimbatore city in Tamil nadu, India. It is a 42 acre campus located in a forest belt, in the foothills of the Western Ghats and has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Please check our website for more information about the Gurukulam.
The general FAQ about the Gurukulam, how to get here, accommodation, climate etc can be found here
You may check our YouTube channel Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Anaikatti which has many videos of classes and events.
Q14. What can I expect about the room and facilities?
We provide single-room accommodation with attached bath. The room includes a single bed (with blankets/linens) and study table. Filtered drinking water is available at various locations and most people bring a bottle to refill, as needed. Simple Indian vegetarian food is served at mealtimes. Laundry service is available at nominal rates.
Q15. Is smoking allowed in the Gurukulam?
No. Smoking, consumption of alcohol and use of drugs are strictly prohibited in the Gurukulam. Smoking pollutes physically and spiritually the sanctity of the place and is against the spirit of the pursuit. If anybody is found smoking, etc., they will be asked to leave.
Donation
Q16. What is suggested donation for the course?
A donation of Rs.10,000/- per month is suggested towards food and accommodation. There is no charge or tuition fee for the classes.
Q17 Can overseas students apply for the Course?
The Ministry of Education, Government of India has recently introduced new rules and regulations for overseas students to study in India. Since the Gurukulam is still in the process of registering for the initiative, we apologize that we are currently unable to accept overseas students into the course.
However, overseas students can attend classes in the course for short-term on Tourist visa. Kindly enquire further for details.
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