A Modern Day Gurukulam

learning to evolve

Information is not knowledge. Schools, colleges and universities today vie with each other offering innumerable courses in academics but these are obviously limited in their scope and application, for they cannot offer insights into fundamental existential queries. In contrast, sages of yore created such environments where aspirants lived with the master, studying not only academics, but also ancient sciences, martial arts, archery and more. Rishi Chaitanya Ashram is one such modern day gurukul, where sitting at the feet of the revered master, one learns Vedanta, Yoga and Sanskrit, delves into Ayurveda and Astrology, offers sewa and hones body and mind for delving into deeper practice. Where like an artisan the revered master is shaping lives just like a sculptor compassionately chisels away the dross. The master hammers at the ego so as to enable the glorious divinity within the disciple to manifest. Where the master’s very being, her energy and silence and vibrant pulsating presence is a teaching in itself.

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“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self” - The Bhagavad Gita

Yoga Asana

The word asana means kaya sthiram that which steadies the body and in which one experiences comfort. In this way, when we perform asanas awarefully, only then do we fathom their higher purpose – awakening of the supreme consciousness.
With this very intention of acknowledging your quest, with this purpose as our goal, several Yoga Asana Retreat Programs are held from time to time here at Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, to initiate one onto the path of well-being, self discovery, and to encourage one to be able to discover the answers for himself with direct experience. The Yoga asana programs are meticulously structured under master’s supervision. Each asana in the sequential series is designed astutely, to hinder the mind from wavering and instead achieving a state of one-pointedness. It includes an in-depth understanding of the posture and the role of body muscles along-with the breathing pattern to be followed. 
Although structured retreats of yoga and asanas are held here from time to time but we understand your life is extremely busy and occupying and you may not be able to attend them. Keeping this in mind, the ashram gates are open all round the year for those who are seeking to learn yoga. You may come to ashram for a week’s time or more and learn asanas under the guidance of the adept disciples of the master. All you have to do is to pick up the phone, dial the ashram number and book your date! Such Yoga asana retreats are an opportunity to attune yourself to an ashram life which is the reign of spiritualityThe ongoing variegated meditative and chanting practises along-with the sattvik food and environment will all-together suffice you with a rejuvenating experience.
Summa summarum we invite you to come and take a dip to explore for yourself the third limb of the eight-fold path of (ashtanga) yoga-asanas.

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Vedanta


Live each day in everlasting bliss, for you are the ever blissful!

Vedanta literally means the end of the Veda – vedanta refers to the highest wisdom that is specifically illuminating the oneness of the Atman and the Brahman, that is the individual self and the absolute supreme reality. 
Revered Master Anandmurti Gurumaa, is a true Vedantist Guru, who has experienced the truth of the cryptic aphorisms at a very young age. It is the Guru’s mastery and love for vedanta along with her unparalleled and undifferentiated compassion, that has led her to share her wisdom with all who are interested to learn. Her insightful expositions on various texts like the Upanishads, as also the series on the Shrimad Bhagawad Gita, Shri Vichaar Chandrodaya and Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita classic Nirvanashatakam and many others, are opportunities to delve into Vedanta, and retreats on expositions on Vedanta are held time and again in the Ashram.
The objective behind the course is to introduce one to the timeless wisdom of Vedanta such that he is able to live with discerning wisdom day in and day out. It is not a pre-requisite to know Sanskrit before attending these courses, however, it is recommended that one goes through the Masters explication on the Bhagwad Geeta or any vedantic exposition available on the Amrit Varsha app to have a better understanding of the approach. 
The Master’s unique approach makes the subtlest concepts and highest wisdom come to life and be accessible even for complete novices – such is her light approach to the most heavy weight wisdom.
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

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Meditation


Delve deeper within Oh Sadho! Let the search of the Self begin.

Meditation is not contemplation. Meditation is not concentration. Meditation is not about doing something; rather it is about doing nothing. Meditation is a state of awakened awareness. Anything that is experienced by the mind cannot be meditation. Whatever we do, is done through our mind. And releasing ourselves from the clutches of our mind is called meditation. Meditation is not a state where you are fighting with your thoughts and memories, dealing with your urges as also fighting with your bodily sensations. When all modifications, all fluctuations of the mind are gone – now that is, the state of meditation. Having thus transcended the mind, we are one with our real Self. Meditation becomes an antidote for the many ailments that our mind and body undergoes in this stressful life. The transformation that comes from the regular practice of meditation is gradual but certain. The benefits from meditation are indeed manifold.
From a sea of techniques available today which is suitable for you? One can make the right choice only on having a basic idea of what it means to meditate. Kirtan dhyana, OM dhyana, visualisation- the revered Master has compassionately designed a mind-boggling variety of techniques, each accompanied by the most entrancing music. 
Meditation retreats are often held in the Ashram with the vision of making people experience a state from mind to no-mind, from thoughts to thoughtless awareness, from chaos to stillness, from doing to non-doing, this is meditation. 
Stay updated about the upcoming courses on the website or the Amrit Varsha App.

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Astrology


I’ve heard the stars speak.. through the language of Astrology.

What does the planet Jupiter, hundreds of millions of kilometres away from Earth, have to do with my intelligence? How can the position of the stars possibly influence my choices and actions? 
If you comprehend the fact that everything is interconnected, then you are in a great place to embark on the fantastical journey of astrology!
Conducted by proficient disciples of the Master, students are taught directly from authentic ancient astrology scriptures. The course is designed as a residential program or sometimes as an online live programme depending on the feasibility of those interested to learn. The mathematical basis of Astrology and basic Astronomy are the foundation of the course where one learns about the characteristics and roles of the major planets, and their influence on human life. They will then move onto the most awaited part of the course - how to construct, analyse and accurately interpret birth charts, shedding light on everything from one’s innate tendencies, to true potential and life possibilities. The individualised birth chart is essentially a map of one’s life, extracted from a map of the sky!
Vitally, this course is being offered under the guidance of a realised Master, whose sole endeavour is to awaken one to their true nature. Thus, the emphasis for any spiritual seeker utilising this science is to get insights into the complex theory of karma realising the connection between their current life circumstances, their past actions, and future possibilities. This helps one to accept, navigate, and maximise the unfolding events of their life to assist them on the path of dharma, irrespective of their life situation.
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

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Sanskrit


Devavani - The poetic language of the Gods!

Legend has it that the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet originated from the sounds made by Lord Shiva’s Damru. Once an inseparable part of our rich Indian heritage, Sanskrit is called Dev Vani, language of the Gods. For this reason Sanskrit as a language is of interest to those who wish to delve into our original texts which have descended directly from the ancient sages. 
Inspired by her incredible love for language, and compassion to all seekers, the Master has enabled this ancient language to be accessible to all who wish to learn! With a view to revive this ancient Vedic language Rishi Chaitanya Ashram provides organised Sanskrit courses for beginners and beyond. Residential retreats are conducted which facilitate conversing in simple Sanskrit and also a deeper understanding of scriptures. Participants are taught basic grammar and vocabulary by a dedicated teacher and the sessions are lively, interactive and fun. The last day features a group presentation with students sharing their experiences, short stories and a play – all in Sanskrit!
The main objective of this course is to introduce Sanskrit as a living language and appreciating the uniqueness of this language with respect to its rich sound and arduous grammar. 
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

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Ayurveda


Mother Nature provides the best medicines, know it through Aryuveda.

Ayurveda - the wisdom of life is a holistic ancient science of total wellbeing. It is one of, if not the oldest system of health in the world, but the wisdom of Ayurveda extends far beyond the treatment of diseases.
From time to time here at the Ashram, the Basic principles of Ayurveda course is held to help you build a new approach towards learning Ayurveda. As a student of Ayurveda you will understand the fundamental principles of the three major bio-energetic forces (doshas), namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Understanding one’s prakriti – i.e. their natural body-mind constitution, is the key to effectively managing one’s health. The design of the course is structured using a tailor-made and dynamic methodology. 
This course is best suited for those who are mind-body enthusiasts and have a keen interest to set a solid foundation on the the path of yoga.
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on details about the upcoming courses on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

Yoga Asanas

The word asana means kaya sthiram that which steadies the body and in which one experiences comfort. In this way, when we perform asanas awarefully, only then do we fathom their higher purpose – awakening of the supreme consciousness.
With this very intention of acknowledging your quest, with this purpose as our goal, several Yoga Asana Retreat Programs are held from time to time here at Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, to initiate one onto the path of well-being, self discovery, and to encourage one to be able to discover the answers for himself with direct experience. The Yoga asana programs are meticulously structured under master’s supervision. Each asana in the sequential series is designed astutely, to hinder the mind from wavering and instead achieving a state of one-pointedness. It includes an in-depth understanding of the posture and the role of body muscles along-with the breathing pattern to be followed. 
Although structured retreats of yoga and asanas are held here from time to time but we understand your life is extremely busy and occupying and you may not be able to attend them. Keeping this in mind, the ashram gates are open all round the year for those who are seeking to learn yoga. You may come to ashram for a week’s time or more and learn asanas under the guidance of the adept disciples of the master. All you have to do is to pick up the phone, dial the ashram number and book your date! Such Yoga asana retreats are an opportunity to attune yourself to an ashram life which is the reign of spirituality. The ongoing variegated meditative and chanting practises along-with the sattvik food and environment will all-together suffice you with a rejuvenating experience.
Summa summarum we invite you to come and take a dip to explore for yourself the third limb of the eight-fold path of (ashtanga) yoga-asanas.

Vedanta

Vedanta literally means the end of the Veda – vedanta refers to the highest wisdom that is specifically illuminating the oneness of the Atman and the Brahman, that is the individual self and the absolute supreme reality. 
Revered Master Anandmurti Gurumaa, is a true Vedantist Guru, who has experienced the truth of the cryptic aphorisms at a very young age. It is the Guru’s mastery and love for vedanta along with her unparalleled and undifferentiated compassion, that has led her to share her wisdom with all who are interested to learn. Her insightful expositions on various texts like the Upanishads, as also the series on the Shrimad Bhagawad Gita, Shri Vichaar Chandrodaya and Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita classic Nirvanashatakam and many others, are opportunities to delve into Vedanta, and retreats on expositions on Vedanta are held time and again in the Ashram.
The objective behind the course is to introduce one to the timeless wisdom of Vedanta such that he is able to live with discerning wisdom day in and day out. It is not a pre-requisite to know Sanskrit before attending these courses, however, it is recommended that one goes through the Masters explication on the Bhagwad Geeta or any vedantic exposition available on the Amrit Varsha app to have a better understanding of the approach. 
The Master’s unique approach makes the subtlest concepts and highest wisdom come to life and be accessible even for complete novices – such is her light approach to the most heavy weight wisdom.
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

Meditation

Meditation is not contemplation. Meditation is not concentration. Meditation is not about doing something; rather it is about doing nothing. Meditation is a state of awakened awareness. Anything that is experienced by the mind cannot be meditation. Whatever we do, is done through our mind. And releasing ourselves from the clutches of our mind is called meditation. Meditation is not a state where you are fighting with your thoughts and memories, dealing with your urges as also fighting with your bodily sensations. When all modifications, all fluctuations of the mind are gone – now that is, the state of meditation. Having thus transcended the mind, we are one with our real Self. Meditation becomes an antidote for the many ailments that our mind and body undergoes in this stressful life. The transformation that comes from the regular practice of meditation is gradual but certain. The benefits from meditation are indeed manifold.
From a sea of techniques available today which is suitable for you? One can make the right choice only on having a basic idea of what it means to meditate. Kirtan dhyana, OM dhyana, visualisation- the revered Master has compassionately designed a mind-boggling variety of techniques, each accompanied by the most entrancing music.
Meditation retreats are often held in the Ashram with the vision of making people experience a state from mind to no-mind, from thoughts to thoughtless awareness, from chaos to stillness, from doing to non-doing, this is meditation.
Stay updated about the upcoming courses on the website or the Amrit Varsha App.

Astrology

What does the planet Jupiter, hundreds of millions of kilometres away from Earth, have to do with my intelligence? How can the position of the stars possibly influence my choices and actions? 
If you comprehend the fact that everything is interconnected, then you are in a great place to embark on the fantastical journey of astrology!
Conducted by proficient disciples of the Master, students are taught directly from authentic ancient astrology scriptures. The course is designed as a residential program or sometimes as an online live programme depending on the feasibility of those interested to learn. The mathematical basis of Astrology and basic Astronomy are the foundation of the course where one learns about the characteristics and roles of the major planets, and their influence on human life. They will then move onto the most awaited part of the course - how to construct, analyse and accurately interpret birth charts, shedding light on everything from one’s innate tendencies, to true potential and life possibilities. The individualised birth chart is essentially a map of one’s life, extracted from a map of the sky!
Vitally, this course is being offered under the guidance of a realised Master, whose sole endeavour is to awaken one to their true nature. Thus, the emphasis for any spiritual seeker utilising this science is to get insights into the complex theory of karma realising the connection between their current life circumstances, their past actions, and future possibilities. This helps one to accept, navigate, and maximise the unfolding events of their life to assist them on the path of dharma, irrespective of their life situation.
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

Ayurveda

Ayurveda - the wisdom of life is a holistic ancient science of total wellbeing. It is one of, if not the oldest system of health in the world, but the wisdom of Ayurveda extends far beyond the treatment of diseases.
From time to time here at the Ashram, the Basic principles of Ayurveda course is held to help you build a new approach towards learning Ayurveda. As a student of Ayurveda you will understand the fundamental principles of the three major bio-energetic forces (doshas), namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Understanding one’s prakriti – i.e. their natural body-mind constitution, is the key to effectively managing one’s health. The design of the course is structured using a tailor-made and dynamic methodology. 
This course is best suited for those who are mind-body enthusiasts and have a keen interest to set a solid foundation on the the path of yoga.
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on details about the upcoming courses on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!

Sanskrit

Legend has it that the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet originated from the sounds made by Lord Shiva’s Damru. Once an inseparable part of our rich Indian heritage, Sanskrit is called Dev Vani, language of the Gods. For this reason Sanskrit as a language is of interest to those who wish to delve into our original texts which have descended directly from the ancient sages. 
Inspired by her incredible love for language, and compassion to all seekers, the Master has enabled this ancient language to be accessible to all who wish to learn! With a view to revive this ancient Vedic language Rishi Chaitanya Ashram provides organised Sanskrit courses for beginners and beyond. Residential retreats are conducted which facilitate conversing in simple Sanskrit and also a deeper understanding of scriptures. Participants are taught basic grammar and vocabulary by a dedicated teacher and the sessions are lively, interactive and fun. The last day features a group presentation with students sharing their experiences, short stories and a play – all in Sanskrit!
The main objective of this course is to introduce Sanskrit as a living language and appreciating the uniqueness of this language with respect to its rich sound and arduous grammar. 
Before the commencement of the next course a prior announcement will be made with all the required details. Stay updated on the website or the Amrit Varsha app!