SUNDAY EVENINGS 6:30 – 8:00 PM

RESUMES JANUARY 5, 2025

Happening both in-person and on Zoom.  Click here to join

This class will explore the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the core scriptures of Yoga. The Gita is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and his teacher Krishna on philosophical concepts that are important to the present day. The text addresses some of the core human questions that we all have, such as “Who am I?” “What is my purpose?” “Why am I here?” and “How can I best contribute to my community and the world?” 

This class will introduce you to the history, story and key concepts within the Gita chapter by chapter. We will read the text, taking inspiration from specific verses and connecting them with specific struggles we face in everyday life. The format of this class will include textual reading, group discussion, chanting in Sanskrit and meditation.  Drop-ins are welcome.

MONDAY EVENINGS 7:30 - 9:00pm

STARTS APRIL 14, 2025

Happening both in-person and on Zoom.  Click here to join

Ashtavakra Gita is a dialogue between Ashtavakra and Janaka on the nature of Self/Atman, reality and bondage. It offers a radical version of non-dualist philosophy. The Gita insists on the complete unreality of the external world and absolute oneness of existence. It does not mention any morality or duties, and therefore is seen by commentators as 'godless'. It also dismisses names and forms as unreal and a sign of ignorance.

In a conversation between Janaka and Ashtavakra, pertaining to the deformity of his crooked body, Ashtavakra explains that the size of a temple is not affected by how it is shaped, and the shape of his own body does not affect himself (or Atman). The ignorant man's vision is shrouded by names and forms, but a wise man sees only the Self.

You are really unbound and action-less, self-illuminating and spotless already. The cause of your bondage is that you are still resorting to stilling the mind. 

You are unconditioned and changeless, formless and immovable, unfathomable awareness, imperturbable- such consciousness is un-clinging. 

You are not bound by anything. What does a pure person like you need to renounce? Putting the complex organism to rest, you can go to your rest. 

This is an advanced class. While all are welcome, it is especially geared to those with some study and experience in Advaita Vedanta. If you have questions as to its suitability for you, give Jim a call.

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

STARTS JANUARY 29, 2025

Happening both in-person and on Zoom.  Click here to join

This collection of the timeless teachings of one of the greatest sages of India, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, is a testament to the uniqueness of the seer's life and work and is regarded by many as a modern spiritual classic. I Am That continues to enlighten seekers anxious for self-realization. Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj was a teacher who did not propound any ideology or religion, but gently unwrapped the mystery of the self. His message was simple, direct, and sublime. I Am That preserves his dialogs with the followers who came from around the world seeking guidance in destroying false identities. The sage's sole concern was with the human suffering and the ending of suffering. It was his mission to guide the individual to an understanding of his true nature and the timelessness of being. He taught that the mind must recognize and penetrate its own state of being--not "being this or that, here or there, then or now," but just timeless being. 

THURSDAY EVENINGS 7:30 - 9:00PM

RESUMES JANUARY 9, 2025

Happening both in-person and on Zoom.  Click here to join

This is an advanced class geared for those who have a background in the non-dual teaching of Advaita Vedanta and are committed to a regular meditation practice.  While it is a more advanced text, it is open to all as it begins with the basics of the Path and proceeds from there.  Named after sage Vasistha,  Yoga Vasishta uses the framework of Ram's enlightenment under the guidance of sage Vasishtha to guide the seeker after liberation.  Self-effort and meditation are explored as the means to liberation. Stories and fables putting forth the cosmological and metaphysical teachings of existence add richness and variety. 

SATURDAY MORNINGS 10:30AM - 12:00PM

BEGINS JANUARY 11, 2025

Happening both in-person and on Zoom.  Click here to join.

The Upanishads are the primary source material for the whole Advaita Vedanta philosophy and practice. We will make our way through some of the principle ones in an on-going group.

Mandukya is the shortest but most advanced of the principle Upanishads, containing only 12 mantras. It is traditionally studied with the gloss (karika) of Gaudapada, the guru of Govindapada who was the guru of Adi Shankara. It is in four chapters, the first of which deals with the mantras proper, and the succeeding three deal with the non-dual philosophy found therein. While all are welcome, this book is quite advanced in its implications and practice. If you have questions about whether the class is appropriate for you, please call Jim.