a   Bangalore School Combines Modern Syllabus  with Vedic Training From Hinduism Today: BANGALORE, INDIA, July 9, 2005: A symbiosis of two universes, the ancient and the modern, philosophy and science, is what one finds in this unique Guru Kula which does not have the trappings of a conventional school. Situated amidst the scenic and serene environs of Mutthathi forest range, near the confluence of river Arkavathy and Cauvery, this project believes in "strengthening the moral and ethical fibre of a student," Satyavratha, secretary of the project, told PTI. "Merit and inclination towards Vedic learning" is the only criteria for admission to this school, about 92 km from Bangalore which takes students from fifth standard, said Satyavratha. In the first phase, a six-year course, the students are made aware of the relevance of Vedic culture and ancient heritage and imparted Vedic knowledge about all the four Vedas by experts (Vidwans) in the field, Satyavratha said. While the first half of the day is devoted to yoga, Vedic ritual and learning including Sanskrit grammar, the post-lunch session comprises regular classes in Science, Math, English, History and Computers, conforming to the National Institute of Open School syllabus, he said. An option is given to students to either pursue Vedic studies or join the mainstream. If the student decides to continue, he goes deep into the Shastras and Sanskrit and trains as a Vedic scholar, Satyavratha said. The young students not only have to follow a unique dress code of wearing the sacred thread, a dhoti and angavastra, they also have a strict daily schedule which requires them to be up at "Brahma Muhurtha" (4 am), he said. Open air class at OM SHANTIDHAMA After finishing their daily ritual, they clean their "Kutirs" and then go for yoga practice. This is followed by "Sandhyavandanam" (detailed recitation of gayatri mantra) and "Agnihotra." Later they do "Go Seva," which involves cleaning and milking the cows followed by Vedic classes. Nutritious "Sattvic" (without onion or garlic) food with much less spice and oil is provided to them. The vegetables and fruits are totally organic and home-grown, Satyavratha said. Play hours in the evening is the time when the students closely interact with the teachers, playing badminton, cricket, throwball and indoor games like chess with them. Parents are allowed to meet their wards only once in four months. During this time a parents-teachers meeting is held wherein parents are briefed not only about their wards' academic progress but also his personality development. "Guru Purnima," celebrated in a grand manner in the school, is another occasion when parents and friends can visit the students and take part in the festivities, Satyavratha said. A team of like-minded people from different walks of life conceived the project and formed the Om Shantidhama Charitable Trust in 1991. The Gurukula has 45 students at present and 10 teachers including five Vedic scholars. For full information on OM SHANTIDHAMA please click on the name to visit its web site or just to review about it and to see photos of some indoor classrooms please click on the next line.....    Bangalore School Combines Modern Syllabus  with Vedic Training From Hinduism Today: BANGALORE, INDIA, July 9, 2005: A symbiosis of two universes, the ancient and the modern, philosophy and science, is what one finds in this unique Guru Kula which does not have the trappings of a conventional school. Situated amidst the scenic and serene environs of Mutthathi forest range, near the confluence of river Arkavathy and Cauvery, this project believes in "strengthening the moral and ethical fibre of a student," Satyavratha, secretary of the project, told PTI. "Merit and inclination towards Vedic learning" is the only criteria for admission to this school, about 92 km from Bangalore which takes students from fifth standard, said Satyavratha. In the first phase, a six-year course, the students are made aware of the relevance of Vedic culture and ancient heritage and imparted Vedic knowledge about all the four Vedas by experts (Vidwans) in the field, Satyavratha said. While the first half of the day is devoted to yoga, Vedic ritual and learning including Sanskrit grammar, the post-lunch session comprises regular classes in Science, Math, English, History and Computers, conforming to the National Institute of Open School syllabus, he said. An option is given to students to either pursue Vedic studies or join the mainstream. If the student decides to continue, he goes deep into the Shastras and Sanskrit and trains as a Vedic scholar, Satyavratha said. The young students not only have to follow a unique dress code of wearing the sacred thread, a dhoti and angavastra, they also have a strict daily schedule which requires them to be up at "Brahma Muhurtha" (4 am), he said. Open air class at OM SHANTIDHAMA After finishing their daily ritual, they clean their "Kutirs" and then go for yoga practice. This is followed by "Sandhyavandanam" (detailed recitation of gayatri mantra) and "Agnihotra." Later they do "Go Seva," which involves cleaning and milking the cows followed by Vedic classes. Nutritious "Sattvic" (without onion or garlic) food with much less spice and oil is provided to them. The vegetables and fruits are totally organic and home-grown, Satyavratha said. Play hours in the evening is the time when the students closely interact with the teachers, playing badminton, cricket, throwball and indoor games like chess with them. Parents are allowed to meet their wards only once in four months. During this time a parents-teachers meeting is held wherein parents are briefed not only about their wards' academic progress but also his personality development. "Guru Purnima," celebrated in a grand manner in the school, is another occasion when parents and friends can visit the students and take part in the festivities, Satyavratha said. A team of like-minded people from different walks of life conceived the project and formed the Om Shantidhama Charitable Trust in 1991. The Gurukula has 45 students at present and 10 teachers including five Vedic scholars. For full information on OM SHANTIDHAMA please click on the name to visit its web site or just to review about it and to see photos of some indoor classrooms please click on the next line.....  (original posting: October 25, 2005)

ABOUT OM SHANTIDHAMA Om Shantidhama is a vedic World Project – a unique cluster of spiritual, Education, Ayurvedic & Service Projects. A team of like-minded people from different walks of life, inspired by precepts of our ancient vedic Heritage-Sanatana Dharma-conceived this project. To translate this dream in to reality, a Registered Charitable Trus “Om Shantidhama” was formed. From Om to Om Shantidhama: Om - chant it once; it becomes a melody. Chant it with intonation, it becomes music. Chant it with modulation sitting alone or as a group, under the training, supervision and role modelling by an expert called Guru; it transforms itself into the Veda. Om is pranava. Vedas are the source of supreme knowledge. The concept of Universal Man originated from the Vedas. Their primary objective is to create Universal Man. This can be accomplished by the study of the Vedas. But to do this our ancestors have idenitified a certain kind of environment. These ancestors are called seers. They had revelations i.e. supernatural communication regarding the formulae, the technique and the means to unravel the mysteries of life. They are our revered Rishis. The revelations of the Rishis, it is said, are codified and classified for the use of humanity by no less a person than Maharshi Vyasa. According to the prescription mentioned in the Rigveda 'Hills and mountains all around and a confluence of rivers is the most conducive place for the forming of the enlightened souls'. Inspired by this indubitable declaration, a team of likeminded and highly dedicated persons started their venture to identify in Karnataka, a place that very closely resembled the description. The journey began way back in 1988-89. The team, finally arrived at a place in Kankapura Taluk. It is Sangam. It is the confluence of rivers Cauvery and Arkavathi, 90 Kms. from Bangalore. The team travelled another 3 Kms., deep inside the woods, along the banks of the Cauvory and at last succeeded in locating the land required to launch their vedic-world-project. The architects of the project thought that, that land being unique in all respects, could be developed as the land of the Vedas. The team, then, decided to combine the sanctity of the Cauvery, the Ganga of the South, the enchanting environs o the forest and the backdrop provided by the mountains all around. Side by side, they also decided to preserve the unpolluted Nature with all her glory and charm. Keeping the urge of mankind in their hearts these people decided to transform this land into a Punyadhama (abode of righteousness), a Satyadhama (abode of truth) and a Brahmadhama (abode of the ultimate). To begin with they called it Om Shantidhama. Computer classroom at OM SHANTIDHAMA It is said that the Lord (siva) commanded his devotees to further the welfare of the mankind and said "Just as 1 have been spreading the meltage of the Rig Veda and other Vedas, you also continue to do the same (Yajur Veda), The architects of Om Shantidhama vowed to obey this command from the day they decided to launch their dream-project. Om Shantidhama has the following organisational objectives. To preserve and propogate the importance and sanctity of the Vedas and also to practise the culture, tradition, and values enshrined in the Vedas through the Gurukula system of education; to enable the boys and girls studying in Gurukula to acquire knowledge of modern disciplines like Science, Mathematics, Humanities etc., along with computer education; to provide medical services to the rural poor around the campus of Om Shantidhama; to plant trees, medicinal plants and herbs on the land around Om Shantidhama; to identify rare and endangered species of medicinal plants and to protect them; to conduct a variety of short term and long-term educational programmes for senior citizens and the youth. Om Shantidhama, thus stands, before you as a symbol of international integration, national solidarity and universal brotherhood. Om Shantidhama provides educational, medical and spiritual services to all people without any discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, colour, religion, language, nationality etc. No one should be denied the opportunity to acquire knowledge to realise,the highest in life is the philosophy of this vedic world project. Objectives: Uphold the importance of the Vedas: collection, preservation & propagation of Vedic knowledge through Gurukulas (Residential Universities).   Conduct Research in Vedic Literature & create awareness about the relevance of Vedic culture & Importance of our ancient heritage, develop the feeling of universal botherhood & scientific temper.   Provide Infrastructure and environment for sadhakas in a true Chaturashrama Way-Brahmacharya through Sanyasa.   Conduct periodic courses in vedic way of life, Yoga, Naturopathy & Ayurveda. Promote Rural Development of proximate rural areas in primary health, education and employment.

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