Current Status

Not Enrolled

Price

$197

Get Started

Start Now
  • OP LIVE ONLINE PROGRAM

June 25 – September 10, 2026

Vedanta: Teachings from the Upanishads on the Essential Freedom of the Self

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-week 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 Taittirīya Upanishad second chapter – brahmānanda vallī
      Brahma Vidya, the science of the Self, is the specific theme of this section. The knowledge of the unconditioned Brahman only can completely destroy ignorance, which is the seed of all miseries.

 

    • The knower of Brahman attains the Supreme (the Highest)
      There is none greater than Brahman. So Brahman is known as Parama, the Highest. Brahman is the highest comprehensive promise of happiness, is all that appears as happiness, the eternal source of all happiness that fulfills the desires of all those who meditate on It.

 

    • Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma – the swaroopa lakshanam of Brahman
      The definition of the essential nature of Brahman – the changeless existence, non-dual consciousness and limitlessness or absolute freedom or bliss.

 

    • He who knows the Self is not afraid of anything
      He who knows that self which is sinless, which is free from all desires, which is free from the relation of enjoyer and enjoyment, is not afraid of anything. He realises the unity or oneness of Self. All distinctions, differences, dualities and separateness have vanished from him. The cause of fear, created by ignorance, has disappeared. He beholds his own Self everywhere. He feels that everything that exists is nothing but his own Self. Therefore, he feels no fear from anything.

 

    • The knower of Brahman is not affected by virtue and vice
      The knower of Brahman is not affected by such thoughts as, “Why have I not done what is good? Why have I done evil actions?”, because he regards that good and bad are but different manifestations of the same Atman. Virtue and vice do not afflict him.

 

    • The knowledge of the five Koshas
      Man in essence is the all-pervading immortal soul. He identifies himself, on account of delusion and ignorance, with the five illusory Koshas or sheaths, the Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, Anandamaya and thinks that he himself is subject to the various changes. Man’s intellect becomes pure through meditation. He develops the faculty of true discrimination between the real and the unreal, between the permanent and the impermanent and abandons the first Kosha and recedes to the one next behind. He resolves by meditation each Kosha into what is behind it, till he reaches the innermost Atman behind the Koshas and then holds on to that Atman alone.

 

    • The One appearing as the universe of diversity
      Brahman desired, May I be many, may I be born. This teaching demonstrates how the One Self appears as many beings and the diverse creation. It is Sri Sankaracharya’s theory of Vivarta Vada, the doctrine of superimposition. Brahman has not undergone any change to project this world, or to bring forth the creation. There is a mysterious inherent illusory power in Brahman. It is this power that has brought forth this creation. This inscrutable power is Maya.

 

    • Ananda Mimamsa – the analysis of happiness
      Just like we see ripples glittering in the lake or ocean from one source of light reflecting in them, the sun or moon, so is the bliss of the Atma or Self, which is of the nature of limitlessness reflecting in objects in which the mind imagines a sense of wholeness or completion, relative to its own sense of limitations due to vasanas. The happiness glittering in objects is the reflected bliss of one’s own Self. Therefore the deeper the purity of the mind is, the more the true source of happiness is revealed in one’s Self, and one’s experience of happiness expands.
  •  
"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
"Swami Brahmananda is an articulate, humorous, engaging, kind, and wonderful teacher. Always ready to answer any and all questions."
Jyothi Panicker
"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)
"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 Thursday, June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3, and 10 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

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.

Scroll to Top