- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
August 12- September 30, 2021
Vedanta: Teachings from the Upanishads on the Essential Freedom of the Self
Swami Brahmananda
8 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm ET
Course Description:
Do you seek a new vision of who you are, what the world is and the goal of life, to be free from limiting ideas and to have a deeper understanding of the teachings and practices of Advaita Vedanta?
Join this 8 weeks course with Swami Brahmananda to learn the methods for attaining knowledge of the ever free Self, our own true nature, and how to overcome emotional attachments and addictions and erroneous misconceptions about yourself and the world. You will learn tools to strengthen your power of spiritual discernment, clarity of vision and equanimity in life’s challenges, based on the Upanishads which form the foundation of Vedanta. The teachings are meant for new and experienced students alike.
The oneness of all existence is the message which Vedanta teaches. The Upanishads form the basis of Vedanta. It is the science that raises us above the plane of bondage and suffering and shows the path to freedom. Vedanta reveals the essential nature of the self which is ever free and blissful. The study of Vedanta frees us from all limiting ideas about oneself and the world.
What you'll learn:
- The Vedantic teachings from the Upanishads on the inherent freedom of the self, and its identity with the supreme reality. The teachings will be mainly taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
- What is That, which being known, All this becomes known? What is that one thing by knowing which one becomes all-knowing? What is That reality which is the cause of all things, knowing which, everything is known? How does one shift one’s dependence from the world of names and forms to the one Self, the underlying reality of everything and attain freedom?
- An analysis of the mantra revealing the nature of reality as one’s own Self - the eternal, all-pervading, which alone shines as everything etc.
- Brahman as the cause of the universe - the substratum as well as the Supreme intelligence behind all phenomena.
- The analysis of the goals of life - the four purusharthas or goals of life: artha - wealth, kama - pleasure, dharma - righteous living, moksha - liberation.
- Traditional commentaries on the teachings of the Upanishads.
- The Upanishads are Brahma Vidya, the knowledge of the absolute reality, the science of the Self, that, which being known, all this becomes known. The Upanishads communicate their teachings through dialogues of enlightened sages with their disciples with Vedantic analogies and mahavakyas, or proclamations of the highest truth, such as sarvam khalvidam brahma (all indeed is Brahman).
Additional Information:
Offered as 8 weekly sessions on Thursdays, Aug 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:30-8:30pm ET
This program is offered live through Zoom webinar with the availability for students to interact through Q&A with the presenter.
For enrolled students, a video recording will be available after each class in the event you miss a class or would like to review the content.
It is possible to register and take the course at any time. You can catch up on any classes you miss with the recordings.
Requirements and Recommendations:
- No experience necessary. This program is open to beginners as well as advanced practitioners.
- Viewing Device: Desktop or laptop computer will provide the best experience, although you can also connect via a tablet or smartphone.
- Internet connection: High-speed broadband wired or wireless is best.
- Video: Download Zoom to your computer, or install the Zoom app to your device. For interactive group sessions, a webcam or integrated camera will allow others to feel more connected with you.
- Audio: Headphone speakers are recommended. If you wish to participate vocally, a headset with a microphone will be ideal.
Course Includes:
- 16 hours of live course session
- Course Manual
Swami Brahmananda is a monk and senior teacher of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and is the current Manager of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. Swami Brahmananda joined the Sivananda organization in 1999 and was initiated into Sannyasa (monasticism) in 2006.
A long-time practitioner of yoga, meditation and philosophical studies, he regularly teaches meditation and yoga philosophy for the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses as well as the Advanced Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses. He also teaches online courses on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and Vedanta. Swami Brahmananda is a much-loved, inspiring, and knowledgeable teacher.