Spiritual aspirants are invited by Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam (Swami Rama Institute of Meditation and Interfaith Studies) to receive the purest form of knowledge of the meditation tradition of the great yogins of the Himalayas in the ancient and contemporary context.

• 1.   Although there are many institutions in India and abroad introducing people into various meditation methods, the specialty of the Himalayan tradition is that

1. It includes hundred of the paths leading to inner self
2. In it, the knowledge of the mutual relations and sequences (systems) of these paths is integrated, and
3. A guide initiated and trained in the Himalayan tradition knows exactly which paths amongst those multitudes is suitable for an aspirant, according to his capacity, emotional state and the state of his subtle body.
   

Thus, in the Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam every aspirant will gain entry into his inner self, after being examined for his spiritual adhikara, his qualification and capacity.

• 2.   At present, the study of the scriptures like Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita is mainly done by treating them as texts of philosophy and doctrine or on the basis of logic, grammar, lexicons, etc. (apara vidya)In the understanding of the trained guides in the Himalayan tradition,

1. These texts were acquired in the state of samadhi,
2. Thus they are guides to the path of meditation and samadhi, and
3. Without the realization of deep meditation, their meaning cannot be comprehended.
   

In the Swami Rama Dhyana Gurukulam these texts are taught in the context of meditation practice. For example, the Vedanta is not taught only as text or doctrine by as the basis of Vedantic meditation, the practice of nididhayasana (the Vedantic system of contemplation).

The commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga-sutras and Tantrik Kundalini Yoga will be given in the form of practices, according to the capacity of the aspirant.

• 3.    Yoga has now been reduced to mere physical exercise. In the commentary by Vyasa on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.1, yoga has been defined as “samadhi” , The meaning of samadhi has been explained by Sutra 1.2 as “chitta-vritti-nirodha” , control over the operations of the mind-field. We teach hatha-yoga in the context of meditation.
• 4.    Around the world, meditation practices have been taught since ancient times in various religions and spiritual traditions. This Gurukulam introduces its students to the large spectrum of these traditions, so that they may teach the true form of the meditation practices to all communities and cultures throughout the world.

The decision as to a candidate’s right to admission is taken after rigorous examination of his temperament and attitudes and there is a probation period.

The rules of residence and practice are strict.

Knowledge of Sanskrit and English would be an added advantage, with English being the medium of instruction. One year minimum spent in learning English for non-English speaking students does not count; it is additional.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Veda Bharati will himself interview the candidates, assisted by other faculty.

1-year, 2-year, 3-year (3 year minimum recommended), 5-year, 7 and 10-year programmes of study and practice are offered.

For further information and application please write to: dhyanagurukulam@gmail.com