Széchenyi István University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda in India to establish a Department of Ayurveda. The University continues to strengthen its ties with India while awaiting the arrival of the head of department. Most recently, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sri Avatar Puri Ji, a senior representative of a Hindu monastic order and an expert in classical Indian philosophy and Sanskrit, delivered a lecture attended by visitors from across Hungary.

On the International Day of Ayurveda, Széchenyi István University recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Embassy of India in Budapest with the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, which operates under India’s Ministry of Ayush, to establish a joint Department of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine dating back thousands of years. The agreement reflects the University’s long-term commitment to developing its ties with India, building on its ongoing efforts to strengthen these links through its student community and public engagement.

Even before the arrival of the Indian head of department, the University is bringing the partnership to life through a range of cultural and academic programmes. Recently, the University welcomed Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sri Avatar Puri Ji, who gave a talk in the lecture hall of the University Library. Despite his young age, he is a senior monk in a Hindu monastic order. An expert in classical Indian philosophy and Sanskrit, he is the spiritual successor to Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, founder of the authentic Yoga in Daily Life system. The monk spoke to an audience of interested visitors from across Hungary about harmonious living and the importance of self-knowledge.

On his first visit to Széchenyi István University’s Győr campus, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sri Avatar Puri Ji gave a lecture to the University’s students and staff, as well as many other interested visitors. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sri Avatar Puri Ji was raised in a monastic community from early childhood, where, alongside traditional spiritual studies, he studied Sanskrit and classical Indian philosophy as part of his formal education. In 2013, at just 13 years of age, he underwent one of the most sacred monastic initiations in Hinduism. This made him one of the youngest swamis in the Parampara tradition, which preserves the ancient science of yoga and authentic Indian knowledge. Sannyasa is the last of the four traditional stages of life in Hinduism, characterised by renunciation and regarded as a form of asceticism.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sri Avatar Puri Ji delivers lectures, leads retreats and offers spiritual guidance around the world, from Europe and Australia to the Americas. His visit to Széchenyi István University was part of a tour of Hungary.

A large audience gathered for Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sri Avatar Puri Ji’s talk. (Photo: Máté Dudás)

In his lecture, the Hindu monk highlighted the value of slowing down, relaxation, meditation and thoughtfulness. He pointed out that physical and mental well-being, positive thinking, avoiding materialism and learning all play an important role in achieving a harmonious life. As he explained, self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-inquiry are essential to living peacefully, loving ourselves and, in turn, being able to help others. Addressing the students, he emphasised the importance of staying focused and not dividing their attention between too many activities at once. Instead, he encouraged them to give their full attention to each activity in turn, whether studying, relaxing, taking part in community activities or simply doing nothing.

Professor Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, said that the University is committed to maintaining and strengthening its ties with India and aims to introduce India’s ancient cultural heritage to people across the region. In line with this commitment, Uni-Medicampus, which is part of the University, offers yoga classes every Wednesday based on the Yoga in Daily Life system. The sessions are free of charge for students and University staff. Further information is available on the Uni-Medicampus Facebook page.

The visit concluded with the watering of the peace tree planted in front of the University Library in 2014 by Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, founder of the Yoga in Daily Life system, and University leaders. (Photos: Máté Dudás)