- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
March 14 – May 30, 2024
Vedanta: Teachings from the Upanishads on the Essential Freedom of the Self (Course Series)
Swami Brahmananda
12 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Thursdays, 6:00-7:45pm ET
Course Description:
Do you seek a new vision of who you are, what the world is and how can you attain true and lasting happiness, fulfillment and freedom?
Join this 12 weeks course with Swami Brahmananda to learn the Vedanta teachings on the oneness of all existence, the knowledge of the Upanishads, the science that raises us above the plane of bondage and suffering and shows us 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 our limiting ideas about oneself and the world.
There is no other way to attain the Immortal than the knowledge that the world and God are one, that the Self and the Absolute are identical, that Atman is Brahman. It is this saving knowledge, the realization of the unity of Existence and Consciousness in essence, that can raise us above from the erroneous notion that the objects of sense are real in themselves, that they are either desirable or undesirable or otherwise, that happiness is in the contents of the world of sense. Devotion to God, knowledge of Reality alone is the way to Moksha. Here is our blessedness.
What you'll learn:
- The Vedantic teachings from the 8th chapter of the Chhandogya Upanishad, proclaiming the highest truth of the Self abiding in the heart.
- There is the city of Brahman, the Absolute, in our own Self. A very small lotus-like abode exists in our own heart, and in this little abode, there is a little space which shines by its own light. It is not physically small. It is really as expansive and as extensive as this universal ether that we see outside. The whole of the heaven and the whole earth can be found inside this little space. Because our heart, which we call the selfhood of our being, is the true representative of the ultimate Reality.
- This is the secret, as the Upanishad puts it. This heart is a great secret, and by an introversion of Consciousness into its depths, it would be possible to plumb the mysteries of the whole cosmos.
- The heart which we are speaking of is not the physical heart. It is not your heart or my heart, not that which is in this bodily encasement. It is a symbol used for the center of pure knowledge in us and, therefore, the heart means the consciousness which is apparently located within the walls of the body
- This heart that the Upanishad is speaking of does not get old when the body gets old. It is not destroyed when the body is destroyed. It is the Atman. What we call the Atman is the same as what we refer to here as the heart. It is free from every kind of affliction or sorrow or limitation. It is unaging, for it has no age. It is the timeless Being and, therefore, it has no destruction. It sees no death. It sees no sorrow. It is self-existent by its own pristine magnificence.
- It is this Atman which holds together in a state of harmony the various worlds in the cosmos, so that they may not create chaos. The different worlds, the realms of being, as we call them-all these are held in position on account of the law of the Atman (Dharma). The law of the universe is due to the presence of this all-comprehending Being, the Atman.
- This Atman is free from every kind of evil. It is unaffected by old age or decay of any kind. It has no connection with death. It is free from mortality. Death cannot touch it. It is immortal. It is free from every kind of grief, turmoil or trouble we see in this life. It has no hunger and no thirst. These do not affect It in any manner. Its will is truthful. Its wishes are immediately materialized. All the desires arising from here are immediately fulfilled without any limit of space or time. This Atman is to be investigated into. This Atman is to be known. Whoever investigates into this Atman and knows the nature of this Atman attains all the worlds and fulfils all desires. This is the great benefit accruing to the knowers of the Atman.
- How to overcome emotional attachments and addictions and erroneous misconceptions about yourself and the world.
- Tools to strengthen your power of spiritual discernment, clarity of vision and equanimity in life’s challenges
- The teachings are meant for new and experienced students alike.
"This series of courses has been a wonderful opportunity to enhance my understanding of Vedanta. Swami Brahmananda is an excellent teacher who shares his deep knowledge with clarity, patience and humor."
- Michele.
"Studying this material with Swami Brahmananda was a richly rewarding experience. He is an ocean of knowledge and presents the material with great respect, love and clarity. I look forward to being with him again soon."
- Rev. Manjula S.
"The course taught by Swami Brahmananda is exceptional. Clearly presented with good detail."
- Bert H.
Additional Information:
Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Thursday, March 14, 21 & 28, April 4, 11, 18 & 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, from 6:00-7:45pm 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 recordings5
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.
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.