Swami Dayananda Saraswati
How did Swami Dayananda Saraswati establish the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam?
Swami Dayananda Saraswati, born as Natarajan in Tamil Nadu, India, was a renowned Vedic scholar and teacher who dedicated his life to spreading the knowledge of the ancient Indian scriptures, the Vedas. He firmly believed that the teachings of the Vedas were relevant and beneficial to people of all ages and backgrounds, and thus, he established the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam to preserve and propagate this ancient wisdom.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati's journey towards establishing the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam began with his own quest for knowledge. He studied under various renowned teachers and eventually became a disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, who was a prominent spiritual leader in India. Swami Chinmayananda recognized Swami Dayananda's potential and encouraged him to spread the knowledge of the Vedas to the masses.
In 1979, Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. The word 'Arsha' means 'of the Rishis' or 'from the ancient sages,' and 'Vidya' means 'knowledge.' The name itself reflects the essence of the institution, which is to impart the knowledge of the ancient sages, the Rishis.
The Gurukulam was established as a traditional Vedic school, where students were taught the Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient scriptures in the traditional Gurukul system. The Gurukul system is a time-honored method of education in India, where students live with their teacher in a gurukul (residential school) and learn through a combination of theoretical and practical teachings.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati's vision for the Gurukulam was not just to impart knowledge but also to develop individuals who could live a life of purpose and contribute to society. He believed that the Vedas not only contain spiritual wisdom but also practical guidance for leading a fulfilling life. Thus, the Gurukulam also focused on character development and instilling values in its students.
Over the years, the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam has expanded to include branches in India and other parts of the world. It offers various courses on Vedic studies, Sanskrit, and Indian philosophy, attracting students from all over the world. The Gurukulam also conducts various spiritual retreats and camps, providing an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the teachings of the Vedas and experience the traditional gurukul lifestyle.
In conclusion, Swami Dayananda Saraswati's passion for preserving and propagating the knowledge of the Vedas led to the establishment of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam. Through this institution, he has not only imparted knowledge but also inspired countless individuals to lead a life of purpose and contribute to society. The Arsha Vidya Gurukulam continues