Miri Piri Academy - UK Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association

Miri Piri Academy
Developing the Whole child: Mind, Body and Spirit

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Table of Contents
• Our Founder and Mission..................................... 3
• A Message from the
MPA Administrative Team.................................... 4
• Why Miri Piri Academy?....................................... 5
• Mind..................................................................... 6
• Body..................................................................... 8
• Spirit................................................................... 10
• Integrating
Mind, Body and Spirit......................................... 12
• Living at MPA...................................................... 14
• Travel Opportunities .......................................... 16
• How to Apply..................................................... 18
• Travel and
Visa Requirements.............................................. 18
• Financial Aid........................................................ 18
Our Founder
Miri Piri Academy was founded in 1997 by the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan
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Singh Khalsa, also known as Yogi Bhajan. Born in India on August 26 , 1929, he began
his yogic training at the age of eight. By the age of sixteen he was proclaimed a
master of the empowering science of Kundalini Yoga. He arrived in the West in 1968
and, breaking the centuries old tradition of secrecy surrounding Kundalini Yoga,
he began teaching it publicly.
Yogi Bhajan crusaded tirelessly to educate, uplift, and enlighten everyone he met.
True to his earliest commitment, "I've not come to gather students, but to train
teachers," he directed the formation of the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers
Association to hold teacher-training courses throughout the world.
A deeply devoted Sikh, his inspiration and example motivated thousands of people
around the world to embrace the Sikh way of life. Through his efforts, Sikh Dharma
was legally incorporated and officially recognized as a religion in the USA in 1971.
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The Siri Singh Sahib died on October 6 2006. Miri Piri Academy lives on to serve
future generations with the example and the teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib Bhai
Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogi Ji.
Our Mission
Miri Piri Academy trains the future leaders, teachers, and healers of the world
through rigorous discipline, quality academics, and a strong sense of self.
“Don't love me, love my teachings.
Become ten times greater than me.”
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A Message from the MPA Administrative Team
Miri Piri Academy is served by qualified and dedicated teachers and staff, and led by a collaborative
working group called the Miri Piri Academy (MPA) Administrative Team. As leaders of a relatively
young school, the MPA Administrative Team has the privilege to significantly shape the future of
Miri Piri Academy through creation and continuous refinement of the programs, facilities, and
resources necessary to serve the school’s mission. We are confident that our unique educational
model elevates the character of each student, resulting in lifelong fulfillment, and we feel honored to
serve the Siri Singh Sahib’s vision. We invite you to join the Miri Piri Academy family and experience
the quality and the depth of our program.
Why Miri Piri Academy?
Miri Piri Academy is named after the two swords of
Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs. These
swords represent the mastery of both the temporal
world, ‘Miri’ and the spiritual world, ‘Piri.’ Our
unique program is based on a Yogic model, integrating
the mind, body and spirit through a specialized
program that balances each of these components to
educate the whole person.
A model for the Aquarian Age, we offer a values
based, world class education with unique
opportunities for spiritual expansion. Our diversity,
location, and academic program instill each student
with a global perspective. Small class sizes and a high
staff to student ratio guarantee that Miri Piri Academy
students receive a high level of personal attention and
develop deep bonds of friendship with one another.
Graduates of Miri Piri Academy have the values, the
knowledge, the perspective, the tools and the
experience to lead, to teach, and to heal the world.
IKYTA
teacher &
minister training,
healing arts,
kundalini yoga
sports,
martial arts,
dance
sikh
dharma
responsible
citizenship
self-esteem,
knowledge &
self-mastery
humanology
physical
education
equality
integrity
practices of
yogic lifestyle
music
theatre/drama
visual arts & crafts
nobility
truth
courage
REVERANCE
SERVICE
CHARACTER
LEADERSHIP
CHERDI KALA
commitment
creativity &
aesthetic
appreciation information
management
the arts mathematics,
science,
technology
geometry & algebra
life, physical, earth & space science
computers & business
NAIS
fortitude
manners
grace
kindness
purity
communication &
collaboration skills
analytical
reasoning
social studies
literacy
intuitive
awareness
languages
history,
geography,
global citizen awareness
english,
punjabi,
& others
punjab
board
candidate
for
IB
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If you do not have a mastery of your mind you cannot
know the mystery of existence.
Yogi Bhajan
Miri Piri Academy offers an academic program that meets the highest global education standards.
Teaching is student centered and project based, incorporating the multiple intelligences concept.
All instruction is conducted in English.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Punjab State Education Board, Miri Piri Academy students are eligible for
admission to colleges and universities in both India and the United States. Miri Piri Academy
is also a candidate school for International Baccalaureate Accreditation.
Curriculum
The curriculum up to Grade 10 is based on the requirements of the Punjab School
Education Board. The curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 is designed to meet U.S.
equivalency at High School level. Subjects available for study include:
• Mathematics
• English
• Science
• Social Studies
• Punjabi as a Second Language
• Punjab History and Culture
• Comparative Religions
• Teachings of Yogi Bhajan
• Visual Arts
• Tabla
• Gurbani Kirtan
• Gurmat Studies
Extra Curricular Study Opportunities
The extracurricular program at Miri Piri Academy allows students an
opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. Recent extracurricular
classes have included:
• Classical Raag Vocals
• Tabla
• Sitar
• Kathak Dance
• Painting
• Pottery and Sculpture
• Metal Work
• Photography
Students of Classica l Raa g Vocal s and Tabla can choos e
t o pursue a comprehensiv e curriculum an d assessment f or a Bachelor s Degree in mu sic.
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Guru Nanak emphasized the body as a temple, a vehicle for experience that
contains all the powers that can be gained from any outside source.
Yogi Bhajan
The Miri Piri Academy model places great emphasis on the development of fitness, agility,
and a cooperative spirit. The connection between nutrition and health is central to our
philosophy, and is emphasized in academic and spiritual life classes.
Physical Fitness
From Monday to Friday at least three hours a day is dedicated to the development of
physical fitness. All students participate in Running, Physical Training, and a specially
designed Yogic Workout. Fitness is monitored on a regular basis, and students set
individual goals for achievement.
Sports
Team sports provide an important venue for the development of agility
and cooperative social skills. Students have the opportunity to receive
basic skills training and to participate in a number of interschool
competitions and intramural sports. These include:
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Cricket
Nutrition
Yogic philosophy emphasizes the
connection between nutrition and
mental, physical and spiritual health.
The school kitchen offers both Indian
and Western vegetarian cuisine, with
all meals cooked in pure ghee.
Healthy snacks are available at
regular intervals throughout the day.
• Badminton
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Table Tennis
• Kabaddi (a traditional Punjabi wrestling game)
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I have found that inside there is nothing but One
God and Its light which keeps me alive. It is the
breath of life which is most valuable, and it is the
spirit which brings the breath of life.
Yogi Bhajan
At Miri Piri Academy, spiritual education and practice are a fundamental part of the daily life of the students. Based
upon the teachings of the Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan, our curriculum integrates the practice of Kundalini Yoga and
the Sikh lifestyle. Regular spiritual education and practice includes:
Bana
Seva
• Morning Sadhana
• Recitation of Banis
• Kundalini Yoga Classes
• Weekly trips to the Golden Temple
• Gurbani Kirtan
Bana is the traditional Sikh attire, and our school uniform adopts this technology to enhance each
student’s presence and projection. While at Miri Piri Academy, students live the Yogic lifestyle,
keeping their hair uncut and tied in a turban to enhance their mental focus and energy.
Seva, or selfless service, is a cornerstone of spiritual development. At Miri Piri Academy students
develop compassion and humility through regular participation in seva projects.
Some examples are:
Special Programs and Intensives
Throughout the year students participate in intensive programs that give them the
opportunity to learn and to challenge themselves. A highlight for our students, these
programs keep the spirit of the school elevated throughout the year. They include:
• Hemkunt Sahib Yatra
• Monthly Gatka Intensive
• Goindwal Yatra
• Intensive Humanology Program
• Gurmat Studies
• Teachings of Yogi Bhajan
• Gatka Training
• Sat Nam Rasayan Training
• Serving and reading to children at local orphanages
• Doing Parkarma Seva and hosting visitors to the Golden Temple
• Teaching Kundalini Yoga and Gatka at local schools and youth camps
• 40 Day Intensive Meditation Practice
• 40 Day Parkarma Seva at the Golden Temple
• 11,000 Repetitions of the 'Re Man' Shabad
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Integrating Mind, Body and Spirit
In Yogic philosophy, the mind, body and spirit are an integrated whole. Each
component has an interdependent relationship with the other, providing
multiple avenues for growth. Our unique program employs the disciplines of
Gatka, Sat Nam Rasayan and Kundalini Yoga to educate the whole child
simultaneously, developing mental, physical and spiritual mastery.
Gatka
A traditional Sikh martial art, Gatka employs a number of weapons and handto-hand
fighting techniques. It trains the body and mind to work together,
instilling the qualities of bravery, courage and self-discipline. At Miri Piri
Academy students participate in weekly Gatka classes, and interested students
can pursue Gatka Teacher Certification through additional practice and
participation in monthly Gatka intensives. Widely recognized and beloved by
the people of Punjab, the Miri Piri Academy Gatka Squad participates in
exhibitions and sparring matches throughout the year.
Sat Nam Rasayan
Sat Nam Rasayan is an ancient healing art that
works through the projected meditative mind,
allowing the healer to access and balance the five
elements and the pranic body. Intermediate and
senior students at Miri Piri Academy participate in
weekly training sessions, and have the opportunity
to deepen their study in additional optional classes.
Senior students have the option to test for first
level Sat Nam Rasayan Certification at the
conclusion of their final year.
Kundalini Yoga
Yoga is a dynamic and powerful tool for expanding awareness. An integrated and authentic system of exercise,
breath control, and meditation, it uses control of the mind and the body to uplift and enrich the spirit.
Practiced in India for millennia before the Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan brought it to the western world, Kundalini
Yoga is integral to the Miri Piri Academy Program. All students attend classes at least four times a week, and they
are strongly encouraged to choose and maintain a personal practice.
The study of Kundalini Yoga is incorporated into the academic program as well, with weekly classes in the
Teachings of Yogi Bhajan and Yoga theory. Eleventh grade students take Kundalini Yoga teacher training and obtain
Level I Teacher Training Certificates from the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association. Twelfth grade
students take the Authentic Relationships and Conscious Communication Level II Teacher Training modules as well.
“The physical body
is a temple;
take care of it.
The mind is energy;
regulate it. The soul is
the projection;
represent it.”
Yogi Bhajan
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Living at MPA
Miri Piri Academy is an ever growing international family, with students from
more than ten countries who represent multiple faiths and cultures. Living and
studying so closely together, our students develop deep and lasting bonds of
friendship that continue to support and sustain them throughout their lives.
Student Leadership
Upon arrival at Miri Piri Academy, students are assigned to one of four
houses. Each is led by senior student ‘Jethadars,’ who guide and
encourage the students under their leadership throughout the year.
The houses participate in numerous competitive and social events, building
a strong sense of community and mutual support.
The Jethadars are supported by our residential staff
counselors, known as ‘Mukhia Jethadars,’ who supervise
all student activities and ensure the mental, physical and
emotional health of each individual student.
Dorm Living
Students at Miri Piri Academy live in comfortable dorms,
divided according to age and gender, and supervised by
experienced residential staff
members. Intermediate
students in grades five to
eight share 4-6 person
rooms, and senior students
share two to four person
rooms. Dorms include a
shared common space
and a garden for
relaxation.
Our Community
Situated in a rural farm setting, Miri Piri Academy is only twenty
minutes from the city of Amritsar. Students have many opportunities
to interact directly with the local people during weekly trips to the
Golden Temple, regular town leaves, and various academic and
spiritual field trips. Students prize these opportunities to converse,
interact with, and explore the local community.
“If you think you cannot stand the
pressure, then you do not know
that you are a human being,
because the human being has been
made to withstand extreme
pressure to crystallize the
consciousness.”
Yogi Bhajan
Sample Daily Schedule
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• 3.45 am Optional Aquarian Sadhana
• 5.30-6.00 am Japji
• 6.00-6.45 am Yoga Workout, Gatka, Running,
or Marching
• 7.15 am Room Inspection
• 7.30 am Breakfast
• 8.15-10.55 am Academic Classes
• 10.55-11.15 am Snack Break
• 11.15-1.40 pm Academic Classes
• 1.45 pm Lunch
• 3.30-4.45 pm Sports
• 5.00-6.00 pm Kundalini Yoga or
• 6.00 pm Dinner
• 6.45-7.15 pm Rehiras
• 7.15-8.15 pm Extra-curricular Classes
• 10.00 pm Lights Out
Sat Nam Rasayan Class

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Travel Opportunities
Miri Piri Academy students have many
opportunities to experience the rich
culture of India, and even to travel
abroad. Students participate in various
annual travel programs that have
included destinations such as:
• Anandpur Sahib
• Shimla
• Chandigarh
• Rajasthan
• Dharamsala
• Rishikesh
• Singapore
• Malaysia
Join the MPA Family...
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Subject to space availability, enrollment is open to children of all
backgrounds and nationalities. Twelfth grade applicants must have Level I
IKYTA Kundalini Yoga Teacher Certification.
How to Apply
To fill out our simple online application form and begin the enrollment
process, please visit our website at www.miripiriacademy.org. A paper
application form is also available upon request.
Travel and Visa Requirements
Miri Piri Academy parents are responsible
for making all travel arrangements for their
children. Chaperones will escort students
on two major routes at the beginning and
the end of the school year. Detailed
instructions are available on our website.
Financial Aid
Miri Piri Academy is committed to
enrolling all students who want to
attend. Details about our Financial
Aid program are available online.
“ Children need to be nurtured.
Find them a higher view,
an expanded consciousness,
and help them to be successful in
their own identity.”
Yogi Bhajan
Getting to Miri Piri Academy
By Air
The Raja Sansi International Airport, located just a few
kilometers from the school, is connected to the world via
several major domestic and international airlines. Students
will be met upon arrival. For details go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Sansi_International_Airport
By Rail
Also nearby, the Amritsar Railway Station is well-connected
to the major cities of India. The high speed New Delhi-Amritsar
Shatabdi Express arrives twice a day. Students can be met on
the platform. To book tickets online go to:
http://www.irctc.co.in/

Contact Us
Mail: Miri Piri Academy
Guru Ki Wadali
Chheharta, Amritsar - 143105
Punjab, India
Phone: Local: +91-183-225-9767, US: +1-505-715-6977
Fax: 91-183-225-5332
Email: info@miripiriacademy.org
To learn more about Miri Piri Academy, visit our website
www.miripiriacademy.org
Affiliated Organizations
G
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M
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IB
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O W
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U O
M
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LR
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S
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International Baccalaureate Organization
www.ibo.org
International Kundalini Yoga Teacher Association
www.kundaliniyoga.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
National Association of Independent Schools
www.nais.org
Design: CREATIVE SPOT