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  • OP LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM

September 15 – December 1, 2026

Living at the Source:
Contemplating the Presence of God and the Supreme Self

Swami Brahmananda

12 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Tuesdays, 6:00-7:45pm ET 

Course Description:

What does it mean to live in the presence of God, and how can meditation transform the way we experience ourselves and the world?

Through the teachings of the Upanishads and Swami Sivananda on Upāsanā, this course explores the journey from worship and contemplation of the Divine to the recognition of the Supreme Self as the innermost reality of our own being and of all existence.

We will discover how meditation purifies and turns the mind inward, how the Divine can be approached through form and symbol as well as through formless contemplation, and how love, happiness and fulfillment ultimately have their source in the Self.

Moving from Saguṇa to Nirguṇa Upāsanā, from outer worship to inner contemplation, the teachings guide us toward recognizing the presence of the Divine not as something distant, but as the very source and essence of our being.

What You'll Learn:

  • The meaning and purpose of Upāsanā — what it means to “sit near” God and to cultivate an unbroken current of contemplation on the Divine.
  • God and the Supreme Self as the object of meditation — understanding the Upanishadic teaching ātma iti eva upāsīta: “One should meditate on It as the Self, for in It all these are unified.”
  • Finding the source of happiness within — exploring the teaching that true and lasting happiness belongs to the Infinite rather than to finite objects, and learning to contemplate the Self as that which is truly dear in all that is dear to us.
  • Saguṇa and Nirguṇa Upāsanā — meditation on God with form and attributes and contemplation of the formless, attributeless Brahman, and their relationship to Bhakti Yoga and Jñāna Yoga.
  • Transforming and purifying the mind through meditation — how Upāsanā reduces Rajas and Tamas, develops Sattva, turns the mind inward, and prepares it for direct spiritual realization.
  • The role of sacred forms, symbols and images — understanding how Pratīka, Devatā, sacred images and other supports help concentrate the mind and awaken awareness of the Divine presence.
  • From external worship to internal worship — the movement from Pūjā to Mānasika Pūjā, in which the entire act of worship takes place inwardly through concentrated thought and feeling.
  • From worship to recognition — discovering Para Pūjā, the highest worship, in which the seeker recognizes that God is not separate from one’s own being and contemplation culminates in oneness with the Divine.
"Swami Brahmananda has such a depth of knowledge and a great sense of humor with his teachings. He is also highly engaged with his students. He is clear and helpful with his explanations. I truly enjoy his presence and presentation of the teachings."
Krishna Priya (Tracey)
"Swami Brahmananda is an articulate, humorous, engaging, kind, and wonderful teacher. Always ready to answer any and all questions."
Jyothi Panicker
"The immeasurable knowledge and vast wisdom that Swami Brahmananda brings to his courses is literally life changing. Whether it is morning Satsang, a live study group, or a recording of the teachings, things are always better when I stay connected to Swamiji's teachings."
Rev. Manjula Spears
"The teachings are precious, sublime, and life enhancing. Swami Brahmananda takes a deep, crucial topic and delivers the knowledge with humor, lightness, clarity, and sincerity. He brings the teaching alive."
Debica
"These teachings are so crucial to help us understand our lives and how to approach our daily work and spiritual practice. Swami Brahmananda beautifully explains the teachings in an insightful way that is invaluable."
Niranjana

Additional Information:

Offered as 12 weekly sessions on Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 13 ,20, 27, November 3, 10, 17, 24, and December 1, 2026 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 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:

  • Recordings of the live sessions
  • Course Manual
  • Teacher’s availability to reply to questions about the study material between classes

Swami Brahmananda

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.

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