Jeevan Vidya Introductory Course (English)
1st – 8th June 2024
Do You Ever Wonder?
What is my purpose? What is Happiness? What are relationships? Can relationships be harmonious? What are values? What is love? What causes conflicts and misunderstandings? Is making money my only aim in life? What is Equality, Justice, and Education? What is happening to our natural resources? Is society needed? Why are there so many laws, rules, regulations? Can we survive without each other? Why is there exploitation in society? What am I? What is this world? What is life? What are these planets, stars, galaxies? Are we alone in the universe? What is the universe?
The human quest is to seek a happy, secure, harmonious, and sustainable way of life. Happiness at the level of the individual, security at the level of family, harmony at the level of society, and sustainability at the planetary level: What do you aspire for?
At present, this quest has generally been reduced to acquiring wealth and influence over others. However, the fact remains that no matter how much wealth or influence one acquires, fulfillment continues to elude us as individuals. What is your quest?
Presently, the pursuit of wealth and power is causing deterioration of self (mental health, physical health), and relationships (unfulfilled expectations) resulting in a society that is constantly fighting/exploiting within itself. In the mainstream we have accepted this exploitation as inevitable; harmony is not even a consideration anymore. What do you think, is this a problem?
The impact of this destructive way of living is all around and it affects one and all, but none of us wants this destruction. Despite none of us desiring this destructivity in our living, we are all, unfortunately, knowingly, or unknowingly, participating in it. And at the same time hoping for harmony and sustainability. What do you think we need to do considerably better as a society?
Is this what we want? Is there any alternative to this? Can we humans live in harmony with each other? Can we nurture our relationships, families, communities, and our society? Is there a possibility for a sustainable lifestyle? Many of us are asking these questions; some are even attempting to answer them, and some are attempting to present solutions to such related issues at various levels.
If such questions/issues concern you or interest you, then this Jeevan Vidya Introductory Course is for you. Note: Living inspired by Jeevan Vidya is a family-based, society-based, happy, robust, responsible, interactive, and harmonious living.
| Challenges | Possibilities | |
| Individual | Boredom, confusion, loneliness, disillusionment, depression, aggression | meaningfulness, clarity, rootedness, purposefulness, self-confidence, calmness |
| Family/ Relationships | Unfulfilled expectations, interference, betrayal, injustice, dominance, abuse, discord, money problems | Fulfillment of responsibilities, mutual support, trust, justice, inspiration, nurturing, cordiality, prosperity |
| Society | Fear, hate, exploitation, inequality, unemployment, poverty, struggle, war | Security, respect, complementarity, equality, self-employment, development, cooperation, peace |
| Planet | Pollution, climate change, global warming, air, water food scarcity/crisis | Clean air-water-food, climate reliability, Global balanced cycles of minerals, plants, animals, temperature, precipitation, and wind, for the blooming of the planet with humans. |
| What is Jeevan Vidya? | What is Jeevan Vidya Introductory Course? |
| Jeevan Vidya (JV) is a proposal for understanding coexistence and living in accordance with coexistence as defined in philosophy called Madhyasth Darshan. | It is usually a 7-day residential course. |
| The introductory JV course introduces one to the basic concepts of JV regarding self, relationships, society, nature, and the principle of coexistence governing all of these. With these basic concepts, one can understand the structure, purpose, responsibilities, expectations, and fulfillment of various aspects of life. | It is conducted by one or two facilitators |
| JV proposes that each person can live according to an ‘understanding-based living’ and in the absence of proper understanding they live according to their assumptions. | The facilitator puts forth proposals for the participants to examine. |
| According to JV, understanding is that which takes one towards harmony in self and at the same time harmony with others. | Participants’ clarifications on the proposals introduced during sessions are welcome and addressed. |
| If harmony is absent then it is just an ‘assumption’ not understanding, which needs to be examined. In fact, education is the journey from assumptions to understanding. | This course is free of Do’s & Don’ts, therefore there is no preaching. |
| Those of us who have engaged with JV have slowly developed a ‘worldview’ that helps in live a more harmonious life. | This course is not associated with any religion, sect, or commune. |
| Normally, the classroom sessions last for over 6 hours, so the participants need to be mentally prepared for that. | |
| Besides the above-mentioned formal interaction time, participants are free for informal interactions. | |
| There are no mandatory rules in this course. Participants are suggested to maintain civility, cooperation, and politeness with each other, to nurture a learning and contemplating environment within the participant group. | |
| This course does not have any fee. It is offered as a sharing, for mutual joy. | |
| The accommodation & food is chargeable as per the hosts. Basic and simple dorm-style accommodation is provided along with simple vegetarian food. |
About the facilitator
Ashok Kumar Gopala, 53 years old, was born and brought up in Delhi and presently lives with his wife (Sheila) and two daughters in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. In the past, he has also lived in Noida and Raipur, Chhattisgarh. During his professionally active days (1994-2007), he worked as an IT professional. From 2008 to the present, he has been engaged as an Organic Farmer as well as a Facilitator for Jeevan Vidya workshops. His school & university education was done at The Army Public School New Delhi, IIT Delhi & Kakatiya University, Warangal.
During his days at IIT Delhi (1988-92), Ashok discovered that he was not inspired by the options offered in the mainstream (modern, urbanized) way of life. Fortunately for him, he soon came across Jeevan Vidya (JV) in 1993 through his professor, Dr. Yash Pal Satya. After an initial examination of Jeevan Vidya, he started believing that this was the path he wanted to explore further.
Under the guidance of Shri A. Nagraj (original propounder of Jeevan Vidya) the process of understanding ‘JV’ was then undertaken together by the husband-wife team of Ashok & Sheila. This was a journey of 24 years and brought many changes in their personal, family, and social life. In this process, they have at various points in their lives, made several choices based on their understanding of JV and moved towards a more harmonious & sustainable way of life. The choices made have been in the domain of relationships, parenting, occupation, and health.
As a family, they have focussed on harmony in relationships and education from the perspective of Jeevan Vidya.
The family is now based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, while engaged in the educational programs of JV. They have a small farm in Roorkee, Uttarakhand where organic agriculture is practiced through natural farming techniques. This farm provides their family and friends with organic produce. As a part of their sustenance, they also produce some healthcare products at their home.
Language: English
Dates and Venue: 1st to 8th June 2024, Sambhaavnaa Institute, VPO – Kandbari, Tehsil – Palampur, District – Kangra, PIN 176061, Himachal Pradesh
Participant Contribution
✦ Simple accommodation will be provided at the venue from 5 pm onwards from 31st May till 5 pm on 8th June 2024.
✦ Breakfast, lunch & dinner comprising simple nutritious vegetarian food will be provided, along with tea twice a day.
✦ The cost of organizing this 8-day workshop is presently coming to ₹9500/- per person. We acknowledge this amount can deter many prospective participants from committing therefore we are offering it at a reduced amount of Rs. 6500/- for everyone. We request you to consider paying the full amount if you feel such programs need to be promoted in society. You may contribute the balance amount of Rs. 3000 (9500-6500) anytime before, during, or after the workshop. Charges include accommodation and food; participants are requested to remit the amount of Rs. 6500 at the time of registration.
✦ No fee/payment or donation is expected or accepted by the facilitator for any Jeevan Vidya activity (lectures, meetings, workshops, etc). These are shared for mutual joy.
How to reach the Sambhaavnaa’s campus: Please visit: Getting here
For any other info: WhatsApp or call: 889 422 7954 (between 10 am to 5 pm), or email: programs@sambhaavnaa.org
To apply please fill out the application form: