- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
February 13 – May 1, 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 Chhandogya Upanishad of Sandilya-Vidya containing the famous declaration of the highest truth: "Sarvam khalvidam brahma—All this is verily Brahman." This is a very famous passage in the Upanishad. This is how we have to meditate, calmly, quietly and peacefully. We have to meditate that everything comes from That, everything is sustained in That, and everything returns to That. That which is the origination, the sustenance and the dissolution of all things is this Brahman.
- The whole mental world is permeated by this Being. The light of the mind, the light of understanding, the light of intelligence is the light of Brahman.
- All actions are its actions—sarvakarma. It performs everything. Whatever I do, whatever you do, whatever anyone does, whatever happens anywhere in all the levels of creation—all these are activities of that Being. It is the fingers of God working through all these phenomena of nature. All the ways in which the mind thinks are the ways He thinks.
- Panchagni-Vidya, the knowledge of the Five Fires, by which the Upanishad reveals the processes of one's bondage and the way in which the cycle of transmigration or birth and death revolves. There is a coming and going, descending and ascending in this samsara-chakra, or the revolving wheel of bondage. How it happens, and how one can be free from it, what are the methods to be employed for the purpose of freeing oneself from the clutches of this involuntary law that imposes itself upon us and binds us to its own mandate.
- The Course of the Soul After Death: The knowledge, or meditation of the phenomenon of birth and death. We see people being born and people dying, but we do not know why people are born and why people die. The causes are unknown to us. What is it that compels a person to be born and what is it that forces him to die? Birth, death and the experiences in life are apparently effects produced upon us by causes of which we seem to have no knowledge. The Upanishad, in these meditations, tries to introduce us into a new type of knowledge which is the solution to the sorrows that are incumbent upon being subject to the laws of this natural phenomenon of birth and death.
- 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, Feb 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24 & May 1 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.