Gurukul 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/yoganidra 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 qualify for the final assessment.

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.

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