Coping With Challenges

 

Intermediate Yoga and Meditation Course

Sundays 9:30 - 11:00 AM
NEXT IN PERSON 8-SESSION SERIES STARTS ON JANUARY 15, 2023


Yoga is a complete system, as it is designed to balance body, energy and mind, it offers tools for coping in a balanced, stress-free way with life, it shows us ways of understanding ourselves deeply, and it helps us find our center. With a little effort and regular practice, one receives many benefits.

According to the vision of Vedanta, all our experiences stem from our innermost being, which is unlimited, formless conscious awareness. In this 8-session course we will explore ourselves as the awareful being with the help of yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation.

Whoever you are and whatever is your life-style, incorporating some yoga practice into your daily life can do wonders!

Fee: $100
Pre-registration Required

To register and pay the course fees online, use the PayPal button below

Beginners Yoga Course

Weekday Evenings
Contact us for dates

Yoga asanas and pranayama - for balancing body, energy and mind, stress reduction, increased awareness, and a wonderful preparation for meditation. Step-by-step instruction for beginners.
We will cover the basics of yoga Asana and Pranayama practice and relaxation techniques, as well as guidance for establishing and refining one's personal practice.

 

 

Introduction to Sanskrit Pronunciation

Tuesdays 5 - 6 PM (CA Time), Starting November 8, 2022

In this course you will learn how to read Devanagari, the Sanskrit script, as well as the correct pronunciation of the basic Sanskrit sounds. This will give you the key to chant mantras and shlokas. As we progress, we will focus on chanting of Dhyana Shlokas and the Mahamrtyunjaya mantra.

The course will start in early November this year on a weekday evening (US Pacific Coast time) and will meet once or twice a week. The timing to be finalized soon. If you are interested in participating, contact us at vishnuyoga@gmail.com

 

Vedanta Classes

The original and most authoritative teachings of Vedanta are revealed in the Upanishads, which are the latter part of the Vedas, the most ancient spiritual texts known to humanity. The Upanishads reveal the unity of the individual being and the universal presence, declaring that they are one and the same consciousness. Due to lack of inner clarity and the unsteady nature of the mind, we aren't aware of this basic fact and identify ourselves with situations and various notions. These in turn sow the seed for ups and downs, pain, suffering and disappointment.

Vedanta claims that one of the most misunderstood words in our language is "I". We take its meaning for granted without any analysis. Many other phenomena are thoroughly analyzed by us, such as atoms, stars, politics, etc., but we don't inquire into the inquirer itself. Different Vedantic methodologies are prescribed for discerning who it is experiencing the world through this body-mind-sense complex. Just as a map is necessary for reaching a destination, the teachings of Vedanta are the compass guiding the aspirant along the path of self-inquiry. Traditionally, Vedanta is studied by listening to the teachings from an experienced teacher, reflecting on them to help clarify our doubts, and meditating on these truths to enshrine them in our being. Vedanta offers a three-step system for gaining this understanding - Shravanam or listening to the Upanishadic teachings from an experienced teacher, Mananam or reflecting on them to help clarify our doubts, and Nididhyasanam or meditating upon these truths.

I am very grateful to be able to continue offering Vedanta classes remotely at these times, as in-person classes are not feasible. The study of this vision has had a tremendous impact on my life, as it helps one gain a deeper understanding of oneself. We take for granted our identity as an individual being - struggling with the ups and downs of life. We get exposed to some philosophical ideas about our identity as a conscious being, but seldom take the time to closely look at and understand this alternate angle of vision. The study of Vedanta is a systematic, in-depth inquiry into fundamental, deeper questions such as "who am I?" and "what is the source of this creation?". Vedanta claims that the source of our insecurity and discontentment is a simple misunderstanding of ourselves.

One and all are invited to join us.


Kathopanshad (Online)
Study of one of the major Upanishads
Thursdays, 6 - 7:15 PM

It is rare to have the opportunity to study the Upanishads themselves, the source of this timeless knowledge. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to start teaching one of the major and complete Upanishads, namely the Kathopanishad. It is well-known for illustrating these eternal truths via a conversation between the aspirant, Nachiketas, and his preceptor, Lord Yama or the Lord of Death. Many verses and ideas in the Bhagavad Gita are taken from this text. The course will begin with an introduction to the study of the Upanishads and will cover the whole text (in Sanskrit and English) along with detailed commentary.

Bhagavad Gita (Online and In-Person)
Sundays, 8:00 - 9:15 AM - Starting January 15, 2023
Ongoing

The Bhagavad Gita is a unique scripture, which teaches both yoga and Vedanta. It offers guidance for living a balanced life while performing our duties and facing all types of situations. The Gita also helps the aspirant gain a clear understanding of his or her own Self, the limitless consciousness. We will take "deep-dive" into these teachings and their application and implications in our lives.

The Teacher
The classes will be taught by Gajananam, a direct disciple of late Sri Swami Vishnu-devananda Ji. He is the founder/director of the Vishnu-devananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Fremont, served as the director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York in the 1990's, and has been teaching yoga and meditation for 30 years. Since 2013, he has been studying Vedantic scriptures in a traditional fashion at Arsha Vidya.

Registration
Email us at vishnuyoga@gmail.com to register.
Following the tradition of Vedantic teaching, these classes are free of charge. Donations are optional.

 

Donations

For yoga and Vedanta class donations, use the button below

Na Hi Jnaanena Sadrsham Pavitram Iha Vidyate
There is nothing as purifying in this world as knowledge
- - Bhagavad Gita 4, 38