Arsha Gurukulam – Institute of & P.O. BOX 1059, Saylorsburg, PA 18353 Phone: (570) 992 2339. Email: [email protected]

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (AVG) is an institute for the traditional study of Vedanta, Sanskrit, , , astrology, and other classical Indian disciplines. The word arsha means that which is from the rishis - the great sages of ancient . The word vidya means knowledge. Gurukulam refers to a residential center for learning with the teacher. Thus, AVG is a place where one learns the knowledge imparted by the rishis.

Established in 1986 by Swami the Gurukulam is patterned after the ancient gurukulams of India. The Gurukulam offers Indians and Westerners alike an opportunity to study the profound spiritual knowledge of the , , Brahmasutras, and other classical Vedic texts in English in the USA.

Located on 14 acres in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, a serene setting in the Pocono Mountains, the Gurukulam offers short and long term programs of study for guest and resident students of all ages. The campus is adorned by a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurti, considered the first teacher of Vedic knowledge. Apart from Vedanta, classes on Sanskrit, Vedic chanting, Vedic astrology, ayurveda, meditation and Iyengar yoga are also offered. There are ongoing meditation and Bhagavad Gita classes for adults and Vedic Heritage program for children and youth on 1st and 3rd weekends of the month. These classes are open to all. On weekends free counseling services are offered by Dr Ashok Chaabra, a licensed psychologist and former manager of the Gurukulam. Further details of the different programs can be found at www.arshavidya.org.

AVG also offers a variety of outreach programs designed to support continued studies in one’s home and community. These outreach programs consist of public talks and satsangs by resident acharyas, Vedanta Classes, support for Gita vichara groups, Vedic Heritage for children and youth, youth and adult support groups, stress management seminars and yoga and meditation workshops. Many of the public talks and other learning resources are available at www.avgsatsang.org.

The Gurukulam also publishes many books on various topics in Vedanta, including a Bhagavad Gita Home Study course and a Vedic Heritage Teaching Program for children. The Arsha Vidya bookstore has over 7000 publications on Vedanta, , Sanskrit, yoga, astrology, ayurveda, philosophy and Indian history.

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam Page 1/3

Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayananda_Saraswati_%28Arsha_Vidya%29)

Swami Dayananda is a great visionary, an eminent and traditional teacher of Vedanta, a brilliant thinker and writer. As a teacher of Vedanta, he has established four traditional teaching centers and many others across the globe through his students with a primary focus on teaching Vedanta and Sanskrit and related disciplines. These traditional teaching centers carry the banner ‘Arsha Vidya’ and the word ‘Arsha’ has also been used by many of Swami Dayananda’s students in naming their facilities to mark the lineage.

Swami Dayananda’s work in the spheres of Vedantic teaching, Bhagavad Gita Home Study, exemplary and tireless service to humanity, initiating global spiritual harmony, rural education, preservation of indigenous social and religious cultures and national and religious unification efforts in India, have benefited and positively impacted the spiritual and social lives of millions of people around the world. He is unequivocally a venerable teacher, exemplifier of contemporary Hinduism today and a visionary to follow and emulate. His far-reaching and transformational work has already yielded salutary benefits to millions across countries and continents.

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam as a center of learning

AVG has now come to be recognized by more and more people as a center of learning in all its profundity. A number of Indian families are also able to see that this place is an ideal set-up for learning the Vedic religious culture. In the words of Swami Dayananda, “Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is not an organization, nor is it merely a facility. It has a certain atmosphere, a unique personality or a soul that makes it a home. All of you can feel that this is your place, it is your home. Some may live outside, others may live inside, but for all of us it is home.”

Here are a few examples of the accolades that AVG has received:

“I would also like to thank the Gurukulam for providing a tranquil place to promote Indian culture and to maintain the traditional transmission of spiritual knowledge,” Honorable Patrick J. Toomey, U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania.

“On behalf of the constituents of the 16th Senate District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I commend the Arsha Vidya Pitham for its extensive humanitarian work performed most especially in the area of education. Your organization's vision to "Care-Innovate-Educate" children is both noble and altruistic,” Honorable Patrick M. Browne, Senator 16th District, State of Pennsylvania.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude towards Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the Board of Directors, the teachers, and the members of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam for their continuous dedication to the enrichment of our community through programs on the traditional practices of Vedanta, Sanskrit, and Yoga, as well as teaching other aspects of the rich Vedic Heritage and Indian culture,” Honorable Congressman Matt Cartwright, 17th District Pennsylvania, U.S. House of Representatives.

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam Page 2/3

Community Impact of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam

AVG serves the community in a profound way through the various programs it offers that provide a range of opportunities to people of all ages for a holistic and harmonious living. Below are given excerpts of some of the feedback from children and adults on the Gurukulam which exemplify the impact it makes in people’s lives.

“AVG is a place which provides spiritual nourishment for the entire family. Truly the programs serve as a route to the roots,” Mrunal, New Jersey.

"The teachings/discourses at Gurukulam have brought a lot of positive changes in our life and growth. Our daughter loves AVG - annual retreat, summer camp and other events that take place throughout the year,” Kavita & Chandan, Pennsylvania.

“The teaching method motivates me to go back to the Gurukulam and learn more. The future role I see for AVG is to continue as a premier teaching institution for Vedanta and also to train teachers for imparting education on Indian religion to children,” Sankar, Pennsylvania.

“The whole family looks forward for visits to AVG to attend camps and weekend lectures in which we learn about our ancient scriptures that provide knowledge about the Self. This learning also helped us to achieve more at work, at home, raising children etc. Overall, AVG gave a new meaning to life and goals,” Praveen & Surekha, Penssylvania.

“AVG was the ultimate turning point in my life as well as the life of my family. It has been a great resource for my kids as well. Children who grew up in association with AVG are of very high class in terms of culture, character and clarity. I would like to see AVG continue its service and grow in leaps and bounds,” Palani, New Jersey.

“What I like about AVG is the classes, snacks and my friends,” Naren (9 years old), New Jersey.

“AVG is a spiritual place full of nice people who help you learn about your culture in a fun way. By the end of camp you will love it so much that you don’t want to leave,” Ankita (12 years old), Pennsylvania.

“AVG camps are fun, helped me in making new friends and learn something useful during holidays,” Pragnya (13 years old), Pennsylvania.

“Arsha Vidya (to me at least) has a calming effect. When I feel overwhelmed with any outside event, simply walking down a road at AVG instantly makes me feel better. From the camps to the people to the food to the temple to the campus itself, Arsha Vidya is a place of comfort and happiness. I am so thankful that I could spend most of my childhood there,” Akanksha (14 years old), Pennsylvania.

Arsha Vidya Gurukulam Page 3/3