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Students
in Traditional Indian Sari -
Just back after attending a wedding |
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"It was like home for 2 months.. It was the best way to discover the country.. being in a small village without any tourists.. learning arts, thanks to some very skillful teachers, great staff and great food as well.. too good.. I thought I would lose a few pounds and I actually put on weight.. probably the only place in India where this happens...." |
Patricia Mallay,Spain, 2 months, in August 2006 |
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"From the very first lessons I felt a greater connection with the music and India than I ever felt with Sitar and Bharatanatyam back at home in the States. An International community of students, teachers and staff gives a greater connection to the world. I have made friendships here that extend half-way round the world. Vijnana Kala Vedi will be an important check point in my musical and personal life." |
Chris Diamond, USA, 1 week, in July 2006 |
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"There is probably no better way to understand and appreciate a culture than through its art, craft and languages. Five weeks just gave me a taste, but enough to leave me wanting more. Nisha is a superb Hindi teacher, just the right balance of demanding and understanding. This special place - this tiny little community in South India - is a place to explore a side of India you wont find hopping from town to town taking pictures. I came to learn and will continue to learn with the building blocks I gained here." |
Victoria Kirk, 1 month, in July 2006 |
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"Coming back here, studying hard, giving sweat and tears and al my energy - getting so much out of it really was the best thing I every did in my life. We are teaching each others lessons - just by living together in a social community - interacting. It it works here between all the different cultures - I'd like to believe this could work out for the entire world.." |
Johanna Rossa, 1 month, in June 2006 |
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" Thanks to my great Swami who made me realise that I want to do Yoga for the rest of my life and would like to thank him that he made me confident enough teach Yoga and find my great interest in this subject. I'm gonna miss him a lot but he'll be in my meditations." |
Lilla Pocs, Hungary, 2 months in June 2006 |
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" Once upon a time, I was living in Korea teaching English and studying Yoga. I was very bad at yoga and tired of teaching so i spent time on a computer trying to figure out how to improve yoga and entertain myself as well. Having chosen to spend this month in Kerala with you all was the best decision! made all year! Having chosen not to do the teachers training course was may be the worst. I am miserable at the thought of leaving. The past month was fantastic. I have accomplished everything I desired from the Intense Hatha Yoga course and more (Malayalam, Kalaripayat and Samadhi). Brahmananda was inspiring. I respect the ease with which he can eat meals with that beard. Atma #1 was incredibly helpful and I dont know what I would have done without his sincere concern. Kurup taught me to cook and eat raw coconut; cooking class was a bright spot, as was Unnis martial arts and malayalam hours. Thanks to all staff for entertaining my Malayalam attempts, offering up amazing meals and making the whole experience comfortable and home-y. I will be so lonely without you in the coming weeks" |
Erin Elizabeth King, USA, 1 month in May 2006 |
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" After 4 months I dont even know what to say. I will never forget my friends here, my wonderful loving teachers, the beauty, noise, kindness, especially the kindness. I really felt like I had a home here and that I wasnt just one of "those tourists" but.. like more. I'm not being very eloquent, oh, welll. My Kathakali "Arangetram" was one of the most moving experiences I've had even though in all that costume and makeup I could barely move.. Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Karnatic music have captured my imagination and I hope to return someday to continue my studies. Thank you all for everything we've shared, 4 months full of Joy" |
Jessica Callahan, USA, 4 months in April 2006 |
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" I arrived, not broken but slightly cracked around the edges. A month of stretches, of breathing, of toxin release, of creative paint has some what begun the process of putting the pieces back together. I will miss the smiles and happy energy that surrounds Anil on his little creative balcony. I will also miss the constant smiles of the "lads" and all their help. But my final thanks go to Swmai for helping me to recognise the pieces that I am missing and for putting me on the path. For every beautiful word, for his wisdom and his silence. Namaste" |
Claire Beyer, Australia, 1 month in March 2006 |
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"I know I have got quite a tally on classes studied, may be even a record. If you have found yourself here - be grateful- after 2 months of travelling from the north to the south of India, this is a GEM. The food is great and cooked with so much love, the staff helpful and personable, the teachers knowledgeable and authentic, the village is what I feel to be "real India", and teaching English has been a heart warming and rewarding experience!! If youre thinking about it and feel it may be too hard,dont! The classes are relaxed and every effort you give, is appreciated by the school and the children. The most memorable part of this experience has been learning another language -Hindi- with a great teacher Nishaji. She has been so fun and caring while still maintaining her drill surgent nature. I will never forget her or the language. oh yeah - G0 see a whole night Kathakali!!!" |
Candice and Derek, USA, 2 months in February 2006 |
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"Indiana. India. Though its only 2 letters apart, the areas of the world they represent are practically half a world apart. The only way my family would let me leave home in Indiana to travel in India was if I found a "structured, organised and supervised environment" in which to stay. These guidelines in mind, VKV captured my interest (and received my parents approval). After 3 months here, I can certainly say this place far exceeded my highest expectations and provided me with the learning opportunity of a lifetime. Between the outstanding classes - I'm extremely grateful that the VKV staff worked hard to arrange for me to study Karnatic violin, and extremely grateful that Sreeraj arranged his hectic schedule to come every day to give me lessons- wonderful teachers, the helpful and always accommodative staff, the exquisite tropical paradise-like environs, the delicious food, the dynamic ever interesting international community within the school and the wonderful local community surrounding it, these 3 months have been saturated with countless amazing moments, plenty of learning opportunities, many memorable experiences and several new friends. I feel far more sad leaving this place that I did about leaving home 3 months ago (dont tell that to my parents!). I have enjoyed practically every milli second of my time here. This has been a great structured environment through which to get a taste of Keralan culture. Both myself and my parents are extremely grateful" |
Melissa Dittmann, USA, 3 months in February 2006 |
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"7 'O' clock. My alarm clock rings and I am already there to switch off. Yes, every morning I have been awake to receive the official sign to jump out of my bed. ..The mornings filled with expressions of what would happen and knowing that I would not be able to do all I wanted. I feel I would need much more time to appreciate every tiny bit of this place. I am truely grateful for everything I received from all of you. I wish I could stay longer at this place that lets you breathe so freely" |
Alena Matzke, Germnay, one month in January 2006 |
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"There exists a song that last for 10 years and you need 16 years to learn it.An artist who takes 6 hours making a painting with natural powder to destroy it later, become into a symbolic action with a specific meaning. I work the all day and I have nothing to take home. What I have understood is that the important is to do it, not to keep it. I took what you offer me to learn. VKV has changed completely my trip to India. It is exactly what I waslooking for without knowing it. As a painter I have to say that this experience has been extremely creative and important. I come back to my country full of new ideas and the energy to develop them. Thank you again to everybody in the centre for keeping this wonderful atmosphere in the perfect environment. I have loved every single day in Aranmula. Learning from the Indian culture and local people, at the same time had the opportunity to meet amazing people from all around the world." |
Miren Gonzalez, Spain, 2 months in December 2005 |
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"As I travel through the rest of Asia, I will undoubtedly be searching for a place like VKV. I might find a yoga class, I'll find cooking classes, But its the breadth of subjects that makes me this place unique. It is rare to find a place where everyone has in common the quest for knowledge and the appreciation of experience." |
Vicki Wilson, USA, 2 weeks in December 2005 |
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"I was here only a week, at first I thought it will be a reasonable time to stay, now I feel that it was only a taste, my appetite to this place grew and I feel sorry I have to leave.
This place give a wonderful feeling of home. The smile of the staff and their readiness to listen and help any moment. The learned subject that opened a window for the Art in Kerala, keralan art that touch the depth of my soul. It was so moving to see my Kolam teacher doing magic with the rice powder. The setting of the class was so inspiring. While doing Kolam I was exposed to the great sound of the tabla in the next room and it was my friend in that class made the rhythm special for my work. Everybody is committed to his/hers subject trying to give and get the best. And then those wonderful intervals at lunch or dinner where everybody from all around the world can meet and share, eat the loving food. I can never forget the freshness of the banana leaf" |
Reuma Weinberg, Israel, one week in November 2005 |
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"VKV is really special, I dont think there can be many other places like it. Living at one of the school houses in this village is so easy - you can feel really at home. The staff work really hard to take great care of you. The food is copious and delicious, and the atmosphere is so friendly. As for the Yoga, I have so many great things I could say. We'd never done any yoga before coming here, but now Yoga feels like such an important part of our lives. We've never imagined what a huge subject Yoga is, but we are glad we have learnt the basics from a true Yogi like Swami and are excited and confident about continuing our Yoga practise and education. The yoga courses here are a great foundation in the subject, we now know there is so much more to yoga than the bendings." |
Oliver and Nejwa King,UK, 2 months in November 2005 |
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"I was surprised how quickly I felt at home at the centre. I have the colour and brightness of the village and its people. I'll really miss the friends I've made, my teachers and students. I'm vey grateful to my Malayalam teacher, Preetha, for befriending me over my 2 month stay. Teaching English was a real challenge and I really had no idea what to expect. But I'm so glad I chose to do it - despite their noisyness and excitability my students are all lovely and have a wonderful sense of humour. The staff here do a fantastic job to organise a place with so much going on and make their visitors feel so welcome. I'm really going to miss those lunchies. Future students in Tharayil House - the spiders take some getting used to but if you venture behind the house at night time and be patient there is a tree full of fireflies. We dont get fireflies n England so this is still exciting to me after 2 months." |
Rowan Massey,UK, 2 months in October 2005 |
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"I'm sorry we didnt have enough time to grasp enough Malayalam, but I hardly knew a word of Hind before, even
less how to spell it and I am going back to France with my head and ears filled with new sounds,
music and voices. I can read new alphabets, sing 2 karnatic songs, a whole new world opening up before me.
I also found one thing I'd guessed before: Children's smiles are the same on both sides of the world." |
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Marie Diaz, France, 3 weeks in September 2005 |
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"How to describe an unique experience? How to find words for everything I learned
about my subjects and myself? I am very grateful, that I could join classes with teachers, who not only teach but live
their subject. Tank you for your kindness to introduce and share with me. A big thank you to all the staff at VKV, who always keeps a smile and open ear to us.
Keep on going!" |
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Anna Scheidiger, Switzerland, one month in August 2005 |
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"This is a little pocket of wonderfulness that I feel so lucky to have found. I've learned and grown so much
from the people here. VKV helps one see the beauty in people, in the world, in the relationship between students
and teachers, and between friends from around the world.I am very grateful to all and happy to have had these 2 months and sad to
leave." |
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Yvette Issar, Kenya, 2 months in July 2005 |
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"I have been one of the few with the ability and the privilege to stay here for such a long period.
This has allowed me to become immersed in the culture and the flow of daily life. What I enjoyed the most
and will miss the most of my life here are the wonderful people, who called my by my name and invited me into
their homes. And most important of all, the neighborhood children that I made friends with. We would play together
and they would laugh at me and laugh with me. I learned a lot about life from everyone here." |
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Jaxan Goodsky, USA, 7 months in June 2005. |
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"Of course, it was not enough time for myself or my students. It was a beautiful taste
of Kerala though. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. The staff
was amazing - professional and friendly. As a teacher with students in India, it was
great to know there was help for everyday needs and local questions. The assistance in
planning our stay and travels was invaluable. The students truly loved their teachers. I know I did.
The seeds the VKV teachers have planted will find root as the students apply their experience here
to their studio art practise at home. Thank you for providing a home in India." |
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Mark Ritchie, University of Wyoming,USA, 2 weeks in May 2005 |
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"India's cultural heritage is an incredible one. Vijnana Kala Vedi made it something I could really
expereince. My stay here was fantastic, my classes wonderful, offering a world of new information.
Seeing everything through the staff here was the best way I could imagine too see India through you." |
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Julia Patterson, USA, 2 weeks in April 2005. |
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"What a wonderful five weeks I've spent here, its hard to leave! Really enjoyed learning
a new language, learning to make the regions delicious food, and of course dancing with the lovely
Dhanya. A warning to other dancers though; the view from the dance platform can sometimes be very distracting.
an elephant and mahout, a lizard, young woman collecting firewood, colourful birds flirting etc..
Aranmula is a great host village." |
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Caroline Wagner,Canada, 5 weeks in March 2005 |
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"I
came here wishing to learn a little about Keralan food. I thought
that 2 weeks would be a good period for that. And it was indeed.
But as I'm packing my things and preparing to leave, I cannot help
feeling like I'm leaving my family. I wish I could stay longer and
enjoy what I'll remember like my place in India. Hence I've had
a genuine Indian experience, really worth of being off the beaten
track. " |
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Joao
Carlos, Brazil, 2 weeks in February 2005. |
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"I
discovered this special place through Internet, but I wouldnt have
said that "virtuality would have been so near to reality". At the
first glance, at home in front of my computer, I felt it could be
a good place for me. It did, but much more than that. I enjoyed
the atmosphere, which takes-as always-a certain time to discover
in all their elements. I had some problems to sleep here, and I
understood also through this problems, how, here, you are not protected
(like star hotels do) from Indian customs. You are quite exposed
and immersed (and this can include a lack of silence, which in my
culture has its importance), but always helped to cope with." |
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Paola
Dallora, Italy, one week in January 2005. |
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"I
have learnt so much here, not only in the lessons themselves, but
from the warm and generous staff, about India and her traditions,
her culture, her people, and a brief insight into the way of life
here. So much more interesting and valuable to me than if I had
travelled around spending a coupld of days here and there. This
place has a good rhythm of life and a spirit of respectfulness and
acceptance that makes it easy to settle into." |
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Jacqui
Gibbons, UK, on emonth in January 2005. |
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I've
had a great stay here. All the staff is so kind and helpful, the
teachers are skilled and kind too. It's a great chance to experience
one to one classes. That makes them very intensive and you really
feel that the teacher's paya great attention to your preogress.
Besides, the surroundings are beautiful, it's amazing that you could
dance past a few metres from an elephant! Staying in a small village
allows you to learn a little about the everyday life of people too.
Finally the food is good and the accommodation very clean." |
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Sophie
Senicourt, France, one month in January 2005. |
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"After
being here for a little over 4 months, one would think I could come
up with something profound to say.. well I am speechless. I have
learned things here that I will keep with me forever. This place
is more than a school, it turned into a place that felt like home.
And - if anyone figures out what the procedure is for passing an
elephant while riding a bicycle, let me know, I am still at a loss." |
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Mary
Mallicote, USA, 4 months in December 2004. |
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"I
am at a loss for words to explain what a profound impact my time
here has had in my life. The teachers and staff I have met here
are some of the most beautiful, phenomenal, talented, kind, generous
and warm people I have ever met in my life. They have all touched
my heart and graced me with their gifts of knowledge. They have
shared the magic of India with me and there is no question that
Kerala lives in my heart and may I have the good fortune to return
and see you all again." |
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Jennifer
Walden, Canada, 3 months in December 2004. |
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"During
my stay of 2 months, I could discover very skillful and knowledgeable
teachers. All honours and respect to them! They are the heart of
the school - specially thanks to Swami, his clear teaching and marvellous
guidance has had a big influence on me. Within 2 months, I could
feel changes in body, mind and on spiritual level. It was my luck
to find such a great knowledge of Indian philosophy in this school
of art." |
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Anita
Sanders, Belgium, 2 months in December 2004. |
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"I
came here to stay just 2 weeks, but within 2 days I extended my
stay to a month. And I dont regret it!Yes what can I say - I have
been really happy to be here." |
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Sanna
Schlieve - Denmark, one month in December 2004. |
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"What
a marvelous cultural shock! Elephant walking down the street, a
neighborhood temple a few steps from Revathi house, a snake boat
and river in another direction and sundown music from the Aranmula
temple. The staff was totally delightful with kindness at every
turn. What a pleasure it was to be introduced to Malayalam by a
22 year old girl, almost 50 years my junior, she became a Keralan
grand daughter to me. Observing Mr. Kurup, Keralan chef, in his
kitchen for days gave me respect for the intricacies of Kerala dishes.
But most impressive were the Keralan people, gentle, graceful, helpful
and kindly. Their movements doing their daily work lent a special
dignity. Children stopped me often to practice their English asking
my name and where I was from. Their sincerity for a bit of communication
was gratifying. It was all great fun and demanded an early return.
Even as the spicy delights at every meal leave me asking "what next"
, every experience here, mundane though it might appear provokes
that same curiosity. Ah India! what greetings Kerala offers this
hungry soul, this first-time traveller to your shores!!!" |
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Olga
and Jack Harper, USA, 2 weeks in December 2004. |
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"Having
been in India for three months prior to coming to VKV, I had learned
to expect the unexpected, so I wasnt sure what I would find at the
centre! Upon my arrival, I discovered beautifully clean rooms, exceptionally
friendly staff and gorgeous food! As for my classes, I have learned
more than I thought possible in 4 weeks, and definitley want to
continue with Kathakali in the future! Thanks so much to Pradeep
and Dhanya for their excellent, fun and friendly teaching!! I promise
you to keep practising!!! I would reccommend my courses to anyone
(but be warned that your thigh muscles will suffer at first), and
have had so much fun stamping the floor and wiggling my eyebrows!
Thank you Louba and all staff for all your kindness and the opportunity
to perform in a Kathakali production." |
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Charlotte
Jolly, UK, one month in December 2004. |
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"I
enjoyed so many things about this place - the exquisite meals, friendly
staff, excellent teachers and the opportunity to soak up Indian
culture in a Keralan village. After wanting to visit India for more
than 10 years, my dream has come true. It was a bit overwhelming
at first landing in the chaos of Chennai, but then a few days later
we found ourselves in this nurturing, beautiful place. As time went
by and the culture shock wore off, we began to absorb, appreciate
and really love being in this small village in Kerala. We leave
with new friends, more knowledge in cooking and Ayurveda and very
fond memories." |
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Dan
and Molly Sadowsky, USA, one month in November 04 |
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"As
has been said many times today "There are not words to express"
- and it remains true. I arrived with tears in my eyes, homesick
and tired - and I leave feeling homesick already - for the Centre.
Every day was a pure joy and inspiration. To be able to do artwork
so deeply rooted in such a beautiful culture and interact with teachers,
students, travellers, children random cows and goats - is beyond
what I could have dreamed. Quickly, my sadness reversed into wonder
at the place I found myself - not merely a tiny village far from
western comforts (which I quickly learned I didn't miss) but a place
brimming with a culture and people I have come to love dearly and
will travel with in my heart in all my future adventures. Everyone
has something to offer here - and I've absorbed so much I can't
even begin to process it all. But before I go, nothing can truly
be said enough about the teachers - all are amazingly talented,
extremely caring, tremendous fun, always helpful, and never have
I found an equal in all my studies. My deepest and sincerest gratitude
to Shaji and Suresh who opened my eyes to beauty, my heart to India,
my smile to laughter, and my mind to limitless possibilities. An
experience that I never dreamed possible - but feel so fortunate
that it is my reality." |
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Susanna
Kuehl, USA, 4 months in October 04 |
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