Disciples who have entered the tradition and are seeking systematic spiritual education to pursue a profound practice of liberation are encouraged to enter the process of full-time or part-time study at the Vidya Mandala (Study Department) of the World Community of Sanatana Dharma (WCSD).

This program is unique in the sense that it was developed by Mahamandaleshwar Sri Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri on the basis of his experience of practicing an extended three-year solitary retreat in response to requests from his disciples. It accumulates more than 25 years of experience in teaching and spreading the Dharma.

It gives answers for every student:

- How to begin?

- How to practice?

- How do we progress and what are the signs of progression?

- What should we eventually reach as a result of practice?

The learning process consists of 12 courses. Each course includes the study of philosophy, practice, examination in the form of an interview, and the passing of tests in the form of specialized individual and group retreats.

The basis for this system of training is the traditional program of monastic training for students of sannyasis (monks) in the ashrams of Swami Vishnudevananda Giri lineage.

A great deal of emphasis in this program is placed on practical yoga practice and training, developing skills in concentration, meditation, contemplation in movement, work with prana, internal energy (kundalini yoga, prana-vidya), in accordance with the teachings of the Siddha tradition, Advaita Vedanta, Shivaism, and Anuttara-tantra.

If you ask the question:

"How do you achieve Liberation?

How to attain Enlightenment in this life?

How do you become a true sannyasi, a sadhu in the ancient tradition of saints?"

the Guru's answer is, you should immerse yourself in the process of learning and practice.

What do the 12 courses of study include?

The first stage - preliminary spiritual education - Sanatana Dharma:

1.1 Elementary - the basics (kanishtha).

1.2 Middle - fundamentals (madhyama).

1.3 The highest - depth (uttama).

The second stage - elementary spiritual education - the philosophy and practice of Advaita Vedanta:

2.1 Elementary - the basics (kanishtha).

2.2 Middle - fundamentals (madhyama).

2.3 The highest - depth (uttama).

The third stage - secondary spiritual education - the philosophy and practice of siddhis’ Shivaism:

3.1 Elementary - the basics (kanishtha).

3.2 Middle - fundamentals (madhyama).

3.3 The highest - depth (uttama).

The fourth step - the highest spiritual education - philosophy and practice of Tantra and Annutara-tantra (Laya-yoga, the way of Sahajayana avadhutas):

4.1 Elementary - the basics (kanishtha).

4.2 Middle - fundamentals (madhyama).

4.3 The highest - depth (uttama).

These stages match the four levels of Dharma comprehension: external, internal, secret, and transcendental.

During spiritual education every spiritual seeker is immersed in the deep world of Siddha tradition, receives transmissions in the practice of methods from the Guru and monks (his close disciples), has the opportunity to consult, undergo practices in secluded retreats for long periods of time.

On successfully passing the tests for the course, a certificate of attainment of the corresponding level of spiritual education is issued.

Assignment to the levels includes four types of assessment:

- theory,

- practice (methods),

- retreat rule,

- qualities,

- signs of attainment in meditation and contemplation, according to the teachings of the 7 Lands of Wisdom and the teachings of the 16 stages of contemplation.

This testimony opens the path for those who aspire to help others by spreading the Dharma, teaching others, opening Dharma centers of our lineage, to become an instructor, missionary, or Dharma mentor.

This system of religious-philosophical yogic education is authentic, based on the sacred texts of the tradition, blessed by the saints, belonging exclusively to the WSDC, and intended exclusively for the followers of the tradition.