An Introduction To Dakshinamurthy Stotram

Adi Shankaracharya has packed tightly the entire Advaita Vedanta Jnana in the Dakshinamurthy Stotram. He presents the Ultimate Absolute Reality ,Para Brahman as being manifest in three forms : 1.Eshwara,2.Guru and 3.Atman or Paramatman simultaneously in the context of a praise of Dakshinamurthy in each of the Slokas of the Stotram.
The Oneness of all these above three is conveyed well.

By being established in the Jnana delivered through the Dakshinamurthy Stotram it is possible to achieve Liberation or Moksha in its full glory and grandeur of Self Realisation of Oneself with the Universe.

In this talk, Prof. CSR Prabhu will give a detailed introduction and an overview of the text.

Jayatu Svaananda: Glory Of Ganapati

The phrase “Jayatu Svaananda,” meaning “Victory to Inner Bliss,” reflects Ganesha’s role in guiding devotees toward spiritual fulfillment and inner peace. This talk will explore the profound mentions of Sri Svananda in the Shruti, Smriti, and Puranas, unveiling the sacred texts that have venerated his form and essence through time. It will delve into the diverse sampradayas of Ganapathi Upasana practiced across a Bharat, showcasing the regional traditions and spiritual lineages that uphold his worship. Additionally, the session will offer an immersive glimpse into the stutis—the devotional hymns and praises—that extol Ganesha’s virtues and blessings. From the playful child to the wise guardian, Ganapati is revered in myriad forms as the deity of auspicious beginnings, the protector of sacred knowledge, and the guardian of ancient tradition, reminding us that true success blossoms not from external conquests, but from the serene light of the awakened soul.

Indriya Nigrahah As A Jnana Sadhana

Indriya-nigrahaḥ is the mastery over the functioning of one’s sense organs. What drives a person’s indriyas are the compelling desires for worldly pleasures. When the indriyas function under the influence of instinctive thoughts, conditioned by fancies or cravings, the inner self—the sanctioning authority—has no real control over them.

True nigraha is the mastery of the buddhi (intellect) over the ways of the indriyas. It is when a person consciously and deliberately exercises choice over the functioning of the sense organs, guided by a well-formed value structure.

Yet, even such disciplined control is not the ultimate solution. Only Self-knowledge (ātma-jñāna) can truly liberate one from the hold of cravings for sense pleasures that shape and condition one’s patterns of thinking.

Thus, Indriya-nigrahaḥ becomes an essential preparatory step in the pursuit of Self-knowledge.

Acharyaa Revathi will shed light on different aspects of Indriya Nigraha.

Sri Shreedhara Swami: Life, Dharma, And Vedantic Insights

The talk explores the life and spiritual legacy of Sri Shreedhara Swami Maharaj, a revered saint regarded as an incarnation of Dattatreya. Inspired by his Guru and the blessings of Samarth Ramdas, he traveled extensively to spread the message of Sanatan Vedic Dharma. The talk examines key events in his life and the philosophical depth of his teachings, highlighting how they illuminate core insights from Advaita Vedanta, DharmaShastra, and the Puranas. It also reflects on the relevance of his message for contemporary seekers.

Marriage In Sanatana Dharma : A Revisit

Marriage in Sanatana Dharma is not a mere pact or contact, agreement or adjustment. It is intended to be a great samskaara, a threefold refinement that works at the levels of mind, speech and body; the individual, family and society; physical, emotional and intellectual needs. It is for this multilayered purpose, marriage in Sanatana Dharma is manifolded and variegated. Just by understanding the nature of marriage in Sanatana Dharma, one can realize the magnanimity of true Indian culture and its objective of universal well-being.

In this short, informal and introductory talk, a glimpse of Hindu marriage in its essential features will be explained.

सूर्य – Majestic God Of Radiance ( Hindi Talk )

In Sanatan Dharma, Surya is a very important diety. It is also known by names such as Aditya, Arka, Bhānu, Savitṛ, Pūṣan, Ravi, Mārtāṇḍa, Mitra, Bhāskara, Prabhākara, Kathiravan, and Vivasvat. The famous Surya Namaskara is basically a worship of the Sun.

In this lecture, Dr Omkar will enunciate upon the glory of this great deity of Radiance who touches every aspect and every form of life.

Atma Upanishad

Atma Upanishad delves deep into Atma Jnana.Totally Four levels of Atman are identified :Jeeva Atma,Antar Atma ,Vijnana Atma and finally Parama Atma.

Jeeva Atman as body level of self consciousness .Antar Atma as the mental,emotional and intellectual levels of self consciousness.Vijnana Atma is the philosophical knowledge level of self consciousness and finally Parama Atma is transcendental supreme Brahman level of Self Consciousness which encompasses all the levels of self consciousness of all beings.This Advaita level of self consciousness when reached by the individual by transcending the above stated other three levels Moksha state of Kaivalya is attained.

Introduction To Paramahamsa Upanishad

The Paramahansa Upanishad is one of the 108 Upanishads in the Muktika Canon and is counted among the Sannyasa Upanishads. The Upanishad is a discourse between Bhagavan Brahma and Rishi Narada. Their conversation is centered on the characteristics of Paramahansa Yogi.

A Paramahansa is a highly exalted spiritual personality. In this Upanishad the attributes of a real Paramahansa are described in detail. A Paramahansa renounces the world and establishes himself in the Supreme Being always. He is equanimous to everything and he is a Sthitaprajna.He is free from the effects of all dualities. A Paramahansa is always established in the supreme state of Advaita . He is in Brahmi state of Supreme Self Awareness and hence is always liberated from all bondage.

Prof. CSR Prabhu will provide a detailed introduction and overview of the teachings of the text.

The Essential Yoga Practice

The yoga śāstra offers us a compass, map and user’s guide for the human experience. It also offers us thousands of wonderful yoga techniques.

However, from a certain perspective, the amazing benefits of these techniques are only accessed when the practice is rooted in the foundation principles of the yama-s. The first of the aṣṭāṅga/eight limbs, the yama-s are described by Patañjali in the yoga sūtra as the essential, all times, all places practice.

This session will elucidate why the yama principles are considered the essential practice, how they facilitate and support all other practice methods, and how they provide robust, reliable references to cultivate yogic steadiness amidst the inevitable ups and downs, comings and goings of life.

Shukarahasya Upanishad: An Introduction

Shri Shuka Rahasya Upanishad stands out as the tallest and in fact the very top most tip of all the 108 Upanishads and hence celebrated to be at the very apex point of Vedanta Darshana.

Being a direct instruction of Advaita , both in theory and practice , directly from Lord Shiva himself to Shri Shuka on the occasion of Upanayanam of Shri Shuka , it resulted in total transformation of Shri Shuka into a Brahmi Bhoota , a personality of total identification with Brahman .

This Upanishad contains the formal Mantra Upadesha of the Four Maha Vakyas of Vedanta using the Six Angas and also the Anga Nyasa and Kara Nyasa.

The study , understanding and practice of the procedure of Anusthana given in this Upanishad results in definite Release or Moksha from the World of Karma and Maya resulting in being established in a total state of Advaita