The Gurukula approach

The Gurukula Approach in connection to "Books are the basis", "Utility is the Principle" and "Purity is the force"

In contemplating the subject of Gurukula the following points should be taken into consideration:
1. Books are the Basis
a. All root concepts should be taken from Srila Prabhupada's books.
b. The mood of implementation must be taken from the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
c. Results of the school must be judged by the Krsna Conscious standards set in the books.
 
We should have faith that all information necessary for perfecting the human force of life can be found in Srila Prabhupada's books. Careful study is required in order to extract or discover topics not emphasized. Some subjects may not always be addressed directly. However, indirect reference is to be found in practice throughout the books. Example, Niti is not directly discussed very much in Srila Prabhupada's books, but one can detect the practice of Niti in Duryodhana's dealings with Dronacarya in the first chapter of the Gita. Indeed if one studies the books, searching for Niti, he will find so much. Similarly, if one reads the books sincerely searching for guidance in the educational field, he will find it. If we carefully examine all instances where instruction is being given to students, sons, or disciples in Srimad Bhagavatam, we can learn a great deal about teaching technique and learning technique and the element necessary for both.
 
2. Preaching is the Essence:
 
a. That the students be trained (by study and practice) in the philosophy and devotional principles of ISKCON.

b. That the students in training be exposed to preaching as much as practical as to  enhance their proper spiritual development.

c. That the teachers themselves must all be preachers who are factually using their talents for the expansion of the preaching mission.

d. That the culmination of the gurukula system be to produce Krsna Conscious preachers firmly fixed in the principles of Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON movement.
 
 
Narada Muni's first instruction in Chapter 12 Canto 7 describe the 6 aspects of student life:
1. He should reside in the house of the guru:
2. He must learn sense control.
3. He must act only for the benefit of the guru.
4. He must perform menial service.
5. He must be submissive.
6. He must develop an attitude of firm friendship.
 
By going out preaching with the teacher, the student can more quickly develop the ability to control his senses, develop respect for and dependency on the teacher, and then given use to sudrdha-sauhrdah - firm friendship with the teacher.
 
A new student will feel insecure or intimidated when first going out on preaching engagements. When he observes his teacher answering questions that he himself cannot, or accomplishing tasks that he is not yet able to, then he develops respect and a dependency on the teacher and understands that he needs him. If the student lives at home, he remains dependent upon the parents, and then he doesn't feel the necessity to become dependent on the teacher - therefore firm friendship is slow to develop. More involvement and exposure to preaching is sure to bring the teacher and students closer. The more thick the relationship is, the easier it is to control the students and thus discipline problems are less apt to arise.
 
Also preaching together always offer some exciting experiences that the teacher and students share thus making their relationship more meaningful. While traveling and preaching each student must accept some type of responsibility and that relieves the teacher of some burden. Then the teacher becomes more interested in the welfare of that student as he is relieving him of some work he would otherwise have to perform. Thus the student feels "wanted" or "needed", or that he fits in the ashram - that he has a place with his teacher and becomes satisfied quickly in being away from home. As respect and friendship develop then the student becomes submissive and will happily act for the benefit of his teacher. Preaching also gives the student necessary practical realization of the philosophy.
 
 
3. Utility is the Principle
 
a. Bhaktivedanta means to take the essence out of the vast ocean of knowledge and thus bring light to the actual purpose of knowledge - Krsna Consciousness - and  thereby deliver the world.
 
b. Real knowledge means to understand matter (the material world) spirit (The Supreme Lord and living entities) and the relationship between both.
 
c. Complete knowledge and all its various facets can only be found in the Vedic literatures. Modern knowledge is simply a meager speculative reflection.
 
1. Even in the Vedic systems of speculation and sense gratification there is more
   depth of thought.
 
2. Modern scholasticism has not set direction of development, always changing.
 
d. The Bhaktivedanta is found in theism; modern scholarship is found in atheism.
 
1. Krsnizing a vedic formula is more natural than trying to Krsnize a modern one;   (formula - as a foundation for education), as the essential root principle (God Consciousness) is different.
 
2. In Krsnizing the vedic formulas of education one can easily find the necessary principles of purity and respect of authority required for realizing success in Gurukula training. 
 
3. Trying to apply Krsnized systems in dovetailing aspects of modern system principles of impersonalism, voidism and attachment to sense gratification are difficult to circumvent.
 
e. Higher education mean Srila Prabhupadas books, as arts are always subservient to eternal knowledge.
 
1. Understanding Sambandha, abideya, and prayojana is human life - the only
   considerations of a devotee - arts can only be of use in connection to the 
   attainment of these three principles.
 
2. Modern knowledge is factually only a study of the material nature presented through the medium of arts and numbers; even then, not having any basis in authority - only observation and inference.
 
3. When Srila Prabhupada says "a little english, a little math . . . . . . . . higher    studies are from my books" this means the quantity and quality of these subjects are naturally inferior to the vast and super excellent subject matter described in His books.
 
4. Modern knowledge has produced many useful things that may be dovetailed into the Krsna Conscious movement, though in no way should we become enamored or consider them life giving or eternal, like wise men we should not be adversed; equipoised.
 
f. Vedic education is complete in all subjects, aspects, presentation usefulness and application, for the individual and the society as a whole.
 
g. Vedic education is culture, the process for the attainment of human life (spiritual birth), the foundation for a lifetime of Krsna Consciousness, the means to attain the goal of life - re-establishing ourselves in our lost relationship with Krsna. 
 
1. Present day society lacks culture
  • a. No standards for interactions between individuals or society at large
  • b. No standards of value - what is important, what secondary what is useless and what is detrimental.

2. Only Vedic culture in connection to Srila Prabhupada's books with consideration of modern day situations can bring about any satisfying results.

  • b. The gurukula is meant for teaching knowledge. Knowledge is defined as that which leads one to understanding matter and spirit and their relationship. This is also defined in B.G. 13. 5-12 - philosophical search for the absolute truth. . .  perception of the evil of birth and death and disease. The gurukula should only be concerned with giving knowledge which will help the students get out of the material world - out of samsara (guror na sa syat). We should not be concerned with giving them that "knowledge" which will make them expert at becoming comfortable or successful or socially accepted in the material world. We want to prepare the students for getting out of the material world, not prepare them for the comfortable stay here.
  • c. The residents of Jambudvipa explain (5.18.13) that a person devoid of devotional service and engaged in material activities has no good qualities. Why should we hear from them? "He must be given by his own mental speculation and must engage in the service of maya." Also Rupa Goswami advises "Jana sanga ca laulga ca", "sanga tyaga" and "avaisnava mukad girnam," whatever comes out of the mouth of a non devotee - srotavya naiva kartavyam - certainly do not hear it - even if it is Hari Katha, don't hear it because it will have a poisonous effect.
 
Some might argue that it is alright to research the books of modern educational techniques in an attempt to improve or train our teachers (taking gold from a filthy place). If one hears from the non-devotee, there is a great danger of becoming contaminated and if we apply what we have read and it seems to work, then our faith will develop in them and we will certainly increase our association with them. If the karmis have a technique that actually help enhance the learning process, then that is knowledge. They may receive knowledge from the Super soul because of their ardent desire and austerities. But if it is actually knowledge then that principle has to exist within the vedas, as they are the source of all knowledge. So let us spend our time researching the nectar - Prabhupada's books, and let our faith develop in them rather than the karmis. Why take gold from a filthy place when it is also available in the gold mine?
 
 
4. Purity is the Force.
 
a. All actions must have some motive or goal.
 
1. In material consciousness
 
  • b. To try to enjoy (lord over) the material nature. Or due to frustration and anger one takes to impersonalism or voidism (seemingly avoiding material activities).
  • No motivation for spiritual activities.
 
2. In spiritual consciousness
 
  • a. One acts only to please guru and Krsna
    • 1. Based on the principles given by Srila Prabhupada
    • 2. Assimilated from guru
    • 3. Confirmed by the senior and assemble vaisnavas
    • 4. Realized by practical service.
 
  • b. As one understands the relationship to a particular activity to Krsna   Consciousness then he becomes inspired to act.
  • c. Only be replacing material goals by spiritual goals can we see progress in spiritual understanding.
    • 1. If the children are conditioned to material standards of distinction adoration and profit they will have no interest or motive in spiritual life.
    • 2. The vedic education is aimed at destroying the material misconception of life
      • a. by purity (inside and out)
      • b. by acceptance of authority
      • c. by menial service
3. Only by developing a humble submissive service attitude can we attract the    attention of the Supreme Lord Krsna.
 
4. When the child sees the use of his education in Krsna Consciousness then he becomes properly inspired to study.
 
5. Learning is service, unless the child has a service attitude he will be reluctant to learn - knowledge is the natural constitution of soul and inquiry is the nature of the first class pious soul (jnani)
 
  • c. A child purified by the principles of service, association (from peers, teachers, elders etc.) and sadhana can seriously accept the vedic process of education and reap results.
  • d. In conclusion a child who is still attached to modern society, friendship, and love, will not be able to engage himself, or others in the Devotional service of the Lord.
 
   Purity means that one must have not material desires in the heart of which sex life is the chief. Gurukula is meant to teach celibacy. If one follows strictly the process, he will be able to control sex desire and keep the semen in the body. "they used to lift the semina up to the brain. They are called urdhva retah, those who lift up. Semina is so important that if, by the yogic process, one can lift the semina up to the brain, he can perform wonderful work." 4.8.1. purport. One who is keeping the semina in the body develops great determination for executing the order of guru. He develops strong memory and the ability to convince and influence others. He will have the purity and power to convert many people to Krsna Consciousness. Where, but in the gurukula, will such a person be produced.