Life in the Gurukula

A typical day at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya

4:00 am                        Wake up bell
5:30 am                        Vedic Chanting
7:00 am                        Vedanta class
8:00 am                        Breakfast
10:30 am                      Sanskrit class (twice a week)
12:00 pm                      Chanting Class
12:30 pm                      Lunch
1.00 pm                        Rest
3:00 pm                        Tea
4:00 pm                        Vedanta Class
5:00 pm                        Snack
6.25 pm                        Jagadeeshwara Arati
7:00 pm                        Satsang
8.00 pm                        Dinner
10.00 pm                      Lights out

*The schedule is followed every day of the week except during special holidays.

Ashram Discipline

Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, as its name states, is an abode of sadhana. Apart from classes, students are expected to study, reflect and contemplate on the teachings. The sublime atmosphere of the Ashram effortlessly makes the seeker turn inward to know the Self.

Students are expected to follow the Acharya’s instructions and adhere to the strict discipline of the Brahmacharya way of life. Attending all classes is mandatory, with no exceptions.

Narayana Seva/Shramadan

As a part of the daily schedule, students are delegated different types of Narayana seva – assist in the Jagadeeshwara Temple, serve in the Annakshetra, maintain Saraswati Nilayam (the lecture hall) and assist the Acharya. The aim of seva is to foster a spirit of togetherness and gain purity of mind.

Dress Code

Students are required to be attired in white clothes (sari for women and dhoti-kurta for men). The colour white stands for pure resolve of heart and helps to reinforce a feeling of all around serenity. The purity of white provides a peaceful aura and serves as a reminder to live a life of austerity in thought, word and deed.

Pyjamas for men and salwar-kurta-dupatta for women are permitted during seva, yoga class and in one’s room.

Students are required to purchase their own clothing and toiletries for the first six months of the course. Thereafter, they will be provided with a new set of white clothes, supplies and toiletries.

Yoga

Students will necessarily be seated during class and during their personal sadhana. The total time or physical activity will be fairly substantial. It is therefore essential that they maintain their physical health. Yoga sessions, daily walks or exercise in one’s room, is encouraged as times permits.

Diet

The Ashram follows a pure sattvika vegetarian diet (no onion and garlic).
Tea/Milk                     6.00 am
Breakfast                   8.00 am
Lunch                         12.30 pm
Snacks, Tea/Milk       5.00 pm
Dinner                        8.00 pm

On a regular basis, with a few exceptions, the lunch and dinner menu includes rice, chapati, sabzi (vegetable) and dal. For those on a strict diet, boiled food in limited quantities is available. It is recommended that students do not purchase food from outside.