Gurukula
śrī-nārada uvāca
brahmacārī guru-kule
vasan dānto guror hitam
ācaran dāsavan nico
gurau sudṛḍha-sauhṛdaḥ
“Nārada Muni said: A student should practice completely controlling his senses. He should be submissive and should have an attitude of firm friendship for the spiritual master. With a great vow, the brahmacārī should live at the gurukula, only for the benefit of the guru.”
—Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, 7.12.1
Authentic Vedic School
Bhāgavat Dharma Samāj Gurukula, located in the serene and spiritually enriching environment of Śrī Vrindavan Dhām, offers an authentic Vedic education at the beautiful Śrī Śrī Rādhā Govinda Mandir, the Red Stone Temple. Catering to students above the age of thirteen, our Gurukula is dedicated to reviving the original teachings, purpose, and methods of spiritual life, providing an ideal setting for spiritual growth.
Purpose of the Gurukula
Our mission is to guide students in the control of their senses and to instill in them an attitude of service and friendship towards their spiritual master. Under the shelter of our bonafide guru, His Divine Grace Mahāmaṇḍaleshwar Mahant
Śrī Kṛṣṇa Balarām Svāmī Prabhupāda, students live, learn, and practice embracing a lifestyle of discipline and devotion to Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Free of Charge
At Bhāgavat Dharma Samāj Gurukula, students learn the virtues of service to a bonafide guru and devotional service to Kṛṣṇa. The education provided here is not commercialized; there are no fees, and all learning is imparted with love and genuine care. The daily routine includes rising early, chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, learning Vedic mantras, singing, and cooking, everything always in connection with Kṛṣṇa. This makes students become naturally Kṛṣṇa conscious, which they will be able to carry throughout the rest of their lives, regardless of what the occupation they decide to do in life.
Original Vedic Tradition
Our Gurukula adheres to the Vedic tradition where brāhmaṇas, as natural teachers, impart knowledge without charging fees, accepting only charity instead. The teachers exemplify the behaviors and virtues they teach, ensuring an authentic and immersive learning experience for the students. Bhāgavat Dharma Samāj Gurukula maintains the purity and authenticity of the Vedic education system, focusing on character building and spiritual growth rather than mere academic achievement.
Training and Discipline
Students are trained as brahmacārīs, living a student life of celibacy and obedience to the bonafide Guru. The education system emphasizes self-control, cleanliness, truthfulness, and other saintly qualities. This rigorous training prepares them for a life of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, enabling them to become ideal members of society, irrespective of their future roles in life.
Education for a Lifetime
From a young age, students are taught bhāgavata-dharma, preparing them for a lifetime of spiritual practice. The daily activities include chanting, dancing, offering obeisances, and serving the guru and Vaiṣṇavas. This lifestyle not only sharpens their intellect but also enhances their memorization skills, allowing them to absorb and retain spiritual teachings effectively. The emphasis on early and continuous training ensures that students develop a strong foundation in Kṛṣṇa consciousness that they will carry throughout their lives.
Tailored Education
Education at our Gurukula is customized according to the natural tendencies and practical psychology of each student. Guided by Guru, students are assigned duties that align with their nature, ensuring they engage in Kṛṣṇa consciousness meaningfully and effectively.
Humility and Character
Emphasizing humility and good character, our Gurukula follows the example set by Kṛṣṇa Himself, who lived as a servant in the Gurukula of His teacher, Sāndīpani Muni. The focus is on molding students into individuals of high moral character and Kṛṣṇa consciousness, rather than merely producing academic scholars. The bhakti-yoga system practiced at the Gurukula engages students’ senses and minds in Kṛṣṇa’s service. This practical training is essential for developing self-control and awakening the original consciousness. The aim is to create individuals of real character, who embody the principles of Kṛṣṇa consciousness in every aspect of their lives.
Upanayanam Saṁskāra
A significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the young students at Bhāgavat Dharma Samāj Gurukula is the Upanayanam Saṁskāra. During the Upanayanam ceremony, the students receive the sacred thread. Once initiated, students are authorized to recite the Vedas and perform fire sacrifices, thereby participating fully in Vedic rituals.
The Upanayanam Saṁskāra involves several steps, including purification rites, recitation of sacred mantras, and blessings from Guru. This ceremony reinforces the importance of Vedic education and the responsibilities that come with it. By undergoing this sacred initiation, students reaffirm their dedication to the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and their commitment to living a life of spiritual discipline and service.
Until their Upanayanam is completed, children learn astrology, musical instruments like harmonium and mridang, Bhagavad Gita, seven-day recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam, Vaishnava songs, and other essential skills.
The Goal of Education
While academics are important, the primary goal is to make students fully Kṛṣṇa conscious. They receive a solid foundation in Sanskrit and Vedic literature, studying texts like the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. The ultimate aim is to develop pure devotees of Kṛṣṇa, rather than focusing solely on academic achievements.
Teaching with Love
Our Gurukula trains our students with love, ensuring they remember Kṛṣṇa at every moment. This nurtures a voluntary and willing attitude towards spiritual practice, fostering a deep, personal connection with Kṛṣṇa.
Location and Facilities
Situated in the holy land of Vrindavan, Bhagavat Dharma Samaj Gurukula offers free education, boarding, and lodging. The sacred atmosphere and the community of devoted Vaiṣṇavas create an ideal environment for spiritual growth and learning. Vrindavan’s pristine and spiritually charged ambiance ensures the health, protection, and happiness of all our students.