A Vedānta teacher is not measured solely by what they teach—they are measured by whom they train. Glória Arieira, at over 70 years old, can look back and see disciples who are now teaching on their own.
Vitor Arieira Harres
The most prominent disciple of Glória is Vitor Arieira Harres, her nephew. Vitor studied for years with Glória at Vidya Mandir and then went to India, where he spent 5 years at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam with Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
Today, Vitor teaches at Vidya Mandir. He combines the training he received from Glória in Portuguese with his direct studies with Dayananda in India. He is the bridge between generations.
Henrique Castro
Henrique has been studying with Glória for over 15 years. He is one of the most experienced teachers at Vidya Mandir. His contribution lies in regular teaching—in-person and online classes that keep the center running.
Fernanda Aboim
Fernanda represents the new generation of teachers. She teaches in-person and online, reaching students who might not otherwise be able to travel to Rio de Janeiro.
The Importance of Training
In the Vedic tradition, no one self-proclaims as a teacher. You study with a guru, are trained by that guru, and only then do you begin to teach. It is a chain of responsibility.
Glória was trained by Dayananda. Her disciples are trained by her (and some also by Dayananda). The students of these disciples will be trained by them. And so the lineage continues.
Thousands of Students
"Perhaps thousands have studied with me," says Glória. Not everyone becomes a teacher—nor do they need to. Vedānta is not just for those who will teach. It is for anyone who wants to know who they are.
But among these thousands, those who have become teachers ensure that the tradition does not depend on one person. Glória will not be eternal. Knowledge, if transmitted well, is.
The Future
The next generation is already teaching. Vidya Mandir continues to operate. Classes are held in-person and online. Glória remains active, but the system does not depend solely on her—this is a sign of health.
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