- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
July 1 – August 3, 2026
Katha Upanishad Immersion
Shankar Arunachalam Ayer
Course Description:
The Katha Upanishad is one of the most profound and poetic of the Upanishads, presenting the timeless dialogue between Nachiketas and Yama, the Lord of Death. Through this sacred teaching, the nature of the Self, the mystery of death, and the path to liberation are revealed with clarity and depth.
This immersion offers a traditional study of Vedanta, guided by Shankar Arunachalam Ayer, based on the Katha Upanishad with the commentary (Bhashya) of Adi Shankaracharya. Each session includes chanting of the original Sanskrit verses, followed by clear explanation and unfolding of the teachings in English, in keeping with the traditional methodology of Vedantic study. This approach has been preserved for centuries as a means of gaining direct knowledge of the Self.
The study of the Upanishads forms the heart of Vedanta, the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), guiding the seeker to inquire deeply into questions such as: Who am I? What is real? What is freedom? Through listening, reflection, and contemplation, this immersion supports a steady assimilation of these teachings into one’s own understanding.
Whether you are new to Vedanta or continuing your study, this course offers a rare opportunity to engage with a foundational text in a focused and immersive way, within the supportive environment of the ashram or through online participation.
Additional Information:
Offered daily (except for Saturdays) from 8:15-10:15am 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.
Shankar Arunachalam Ayer
Shankar Arunachalam Ayer has combined an international professional career with a lifelong dedication to the study and teaching of Vedanta. His work has taken him across India, Kenya, Australia, Asia Pacific, and the Americas, including leadership roles with IBM and Accenture. He currently manages a business specializing in complex logistics solutions.
His spiritual journey began nearly two decades ago through the teachings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati in Australia. He later undertook dedicated study with Swami Omkarananda and has studied for the past 12 years under Swamini Atmaprakasananda.
Shankar is the resident Acharya for Arsha Vidya Australia and has been actively teaching Vedanta for the past seven years through classes, talks, and study groups. His teaching style reflects the clarity and authenticity of the traditional guru–shishya teaching lineage while making the wisdom of Vedanta accessible and relevant to modern seekers.