- LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM
June 24 – July 29, 2021
Vedanta: Teachings from the Upanishads on the Essential Freedom of the Self
Swami Brahmananda
6 WEEKLY SESSIONS, Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm ET
Course Description:
The oneness of all existence is the message which Vedanta teaches. The Upanishads form the basis of Vedanta. It is the science that raises us above the plane of bondage and suffering and shows 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 all limiting ideas about oneself and the world.
This is an ongoing series, where each course contains new teachings and highlights a different portion of the Upanishads. It is meant for experienced and new students alike.
What you'll learn:
- The Vedantic teachings from the Upanishads on the inherent freedom of the self, and its identity with the supreme reality.
- An analysis of the Self and creation: The definition of what the Self is. An analysis of whether creation actually comes out of Atma, and whether creation is real or not.
- An analysis of Samsara - the cycle of suffering through repeated birth and death. How to attain freedom from suffering through purity and knowledge.
- All mental phenomena are shown to be the manifestations of consciousness.
- The Mahavakya or great proclamation: Pranjnanam Brahma - Consciousness is Brahman.
- Traditional commentaries on the teachings of the Upanishads.
- The Upanishads are Brahma Vidya, the knowledge of the absolute reality, the science of the Self, that, which being known, all this becomes known. The Upanishads communicate their teachings through dialogues of enlightened sages with their disciples with Vedantic analogies and mahavakyas, or proclamations of the highest truth, such as sarvam khalvidam brahma (all indeed is Brahman).
Additional Information:
Offered as 6 weekly sessions on Thursdays, June 24 July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:30-8:30pm 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:
- 12 hours of on-demand video
- Last 15 min of each class will be Q&A
- Downloadable course manual
- Teacher’s availability to reply to students’ questions between classes via Google classroom
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.