Cultivating mind and heart (Academy 2026-2027 )
September 11, 2026 - June 19, 2027
At the source of wisdom: the Intellectual Path and the Path of the Heart according to Vedic Philosophy
Study Topic
The Prashna Upanishad
The Prashna Upanishad is part of the Atharva Veda and is ascribed to Rishi Pippalada. Prashna means “question”. In this Upanishad, there are six students who each ask a question to the Guru, and the Guru answers them.
- How did life begin?
- What is a living being?
- What is the nature of a human being, and how is it so?
- What is the true Self of a human being?
- What is meditation, and why meditate?
- What is immortal in a human being?
The Kaivalya Upanishad
The Kaivalya Upanishad is part of the Atharva Veda. Kaivalya means absolute freedom or ultimate liberation. It is a short yet profound text, classified among the minor Upanishads, yet carrying the essence of the highest spiritual teachings. The Kaivalya Upanishad asserts that one must see “his Atman (Self) in all beings, and all beings in his Atman” to attain salvation, there is no other way. It emphasizes faith (Shraddha), devotion (Bhakti), and meditation (Dhyana Yoga) as essential practices
The Uddhava Gita (final teaching of Lord Krishna)
The Uddhava Gita is part of the 11 th chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam, that narrates the Divine play of Sri Krishna. The Uddhava Gita (also referred to as Hamsa Gita) consists of Krishna’s final teachings to his devotee Uddhava before Sri Krishna leaves this world. Krishna advises Uddhava on Bhakti, how to serve with devotion and find liberation when Krishna is no longer physically present on earth. The Uddhava Gita also emphasizes the importance of a spiritual teacher in one’s spiritual journey.
The six traditional philosophy schools of India (Shat Darshana)
The study of the 6 Darshanas helps to develop a broad understanding of
Indian philosophy.
Swami Sivananda says: “Philosophy has six divisions or ways of seeing
things, usually called the six systems or six different schools of thought. The six schools of philosophy are the six instruments of true teaching or the six demonstrations of Truth. Each school has developed, systematised and correlated the various parts of the Vedas in its own way. Each system has its Sutrakara, i.e., the one great Rishi who systematised the doctrines of the school and put them in short aphorisms or Sutras.”
Talks given by Swami Vishnudevananda on the various aspects of Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga, the path of love and devotion, is not just an emotional journey; it’s a path to spiritual realization. Swami Vishnudevananda had very profound Bhakti for his teacher Swami Sivananda, for the Divine in its different forms and for all living beings. These lectures will focus on the teachings on Bhakti Yoga given by Swamiji on various occasions to yoga practitioners.
How to cultivate virtues according to Swami Sivananda
Yoga emphasizes the necessity of positive thoughts and ethical actions as essential for personal change and evolution. Cultivating virtuous qualities is fundamental in achieving transformation within oneself. Without ethical foundation, we cannot live a happy life with ourselves or others. Thus, the necessity of virtue is a critical element in the journey of
self-improvement and spiritual growth.
Based on Swami Sivananda’s book “How to cultivate virtues and eradicate vices” a selection of nine positive qualities will be discussed.
- Compassion
- Humility
- Faith
- Forgiveness
- Joy
- Adaptability/detachment
- Generosity
- Non-violence
- Truthfulness
Categories : Online activities, Yoga Academy