- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
October 31, 2024 – January 16, 2025
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 6th chapter of the Chhandogya Upanishad, containing the famous Instructions of Sage Uddalaka to his son Shvetaetu on Sat-Vidya (knowledge of absolute Being).
- The Mahavakya (great proclamation of the highest truth) Tat Tvam Asi - That you are, declaring the oneness of the individual being with the Absolute Being, taught with various illuminating analogies.
- What is That Absolute Being, by knowing which, everything in creation is known.
- Just as through a lump of clay all that is made of clay shall become known, for all modifications or forms of clay are only names arising from speech, but the clay alone is real. So is that knowledge of Absolute Being by which one knows all and becomes free of all limitations.
- One, unlimited and untainted consciousness manifests through all minds and bodies. The individual knower is none other than that Self of all.
- 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.
Additional Information:
Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Thursday, Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19, 26, Jan 2, 9 & 16 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.