Ashram Lifestyle
BYB seeks to admit a diversity of students with a broad range of interests and backgrounds. Along with yogic education, the spirit of seva (selfless service), samarpan (dedication) and karuna (compassion) is imbibed by the students.
As
this gurukul-based institute is an experiment in combining academic studies
with ashram lifestyle and discipline, aspirants must be prepared for this
approach to yogic study. All courses are fully residential. The rules
and regulations for the students, teachers and other residents are designed
to make the yogic lifestyle smooth and simple, creating an atmosphere
in which the yogic spirit can be imbibed at a subtle level.
It will be helpful to consider residing in the ashram whilst undertaking academic study as a retreat during which time interactions with the outside world are minimised in order to better experience yogic and ashram lifestyle and derive maximum benefit.
The
average daily schedule begins at 4.00 am. Asana and pranayama class starts
at 5.00 am; breakfast at 6.30 am; general and departmental seva yoga continue
until lunchtime. Lunch is at 11.00 am; after lunch is either rest, study
or personal time; afternoon tea is at 1.30 pm, followed by lectures or
practical meditation/yoga nidra classes. The evening program varies according
to the course, with gardening or kitchen seva yoga at 4.30 pm; dinner
at 5.30 pm; evening program from 6.30·7.30 pm; lights out at 9.00
pm. Timings may, however, change from time to time as the summer and winter
timetables are adjusted.
Attendance and participation in all classes, seva yoga and all ashram activities in general is compulsory and is assessed at the end of each term. At least 90% attendance is required from all students in order to appear at the final examinations. Mouna (silence) is practised in the Jyoti Mandir (temple), at meals and tea times in kitchen areas, and from 5.30 PM through to 7.00 am in all areas of the ashram. This practice develops greater thought management, and helps create space for the different people who have come from all around the world to discover their own deeper intrinsic identity.
Ashram Training
Bihar Yoga Bharati offers a complete academic yogic education and training in the gurukul (ashram) environment. This combination of academic training and residential ashram lifestyle helps the student to imbibe the yogic principles in a more integrated way. It ensures that, along with yoga education, the spirit of seva (selfless service), samarpan (dedication) and karuna (compassion) for humanity is also imparted to each student.
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