Practical Spirituality: Karma Yoga
"Each soul is potentially divine, the goal is to manifest this divinity within by controlling nature: external and internal. Do this either by work (Karma) , or worship (Bhakti), or psychic control (Raja), or philosophy (Jnana) -- by one, or more, or all these -- and be free. This is the whole of religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or forms, are but secondary details." -- Swami Vivekananda, on the essential teaching of Vedanta (Hinduism)
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| Autumn: Karma Yoga |
Winter: Gyana Yoga |
Spring: Raja Yoga |
| TIME/VENUE: |
old union common room 3rd floor, 10:30 – 12:30 |
| RSVP to: |
Sandhya Kunnatur (kunnatur at gmail dot com) |
GITA CLASS
Karma Yoga takes us on a journey to discover the secret of work. It is a path that does not require a belief in God or a supernatural entity. A Karma Yogi knows how to use their work to realize the highest truths of life, the same truths that others reach through self-inquiry, devotion or meditation. This quarter, please join us as we delve into the brilliant commentary of Swami Vivekananda on Karma Yoga in an interactive discussion format.
Learning Methodology
Each week, we will read through one essay from Swami Vivekananda's book on Karma Yoga. This will be followed by a group discussion. We hope to attract a diverse community of interested learners. People of all ages and faiths are welcome. The intention is to engage in an open-minded discussion on philosophical and spiritual topics through the lens of Karma Yoga. Newer perspectives and different opinions will serve to enrich the discussion.
As the learning is group-oriented, your absence will significantly alter the group experience. Most students who have attended this class before have had very busy schedules and have managed to work around them. Also, please note that Swami Vedananda drives for four hours to be with us every Sunday and he never misses a session.
Class Protocols
We start and end the class with these prayers. You are expected to arrive 10 minutes before the start of the class and settle down. On a rotating basis, students will take the responsibility of cleaning the Yoga room for the class.
Class Blog
The Vivekananda Study Group has merged with this class. We now have a blog where we can post thoughts and comments for group discussion.
Signing Up
Send an email to Sandhya Kunnatur, explaining your interest in karma yoga.
| Comments from Autumn 2005: Karma Yoga |
I was amazed by the depth of our discussions on Karma Yoga. I was also surprised by the fact that no one in our group would be ready to leave at the end of class.
-- Somik Raha
First, thanks! This weekly meeting kept me nourished spiritually.
-- Ke Wong
Very nice and useful class!
-- Luigi
The morning sessions were very stimulating and helped a lot. I had a great time listening to all the discussions!
-- Prasanthi R.
I really enjoyed the class and I will be back next quarter.
-- Ashwin Mudaliar
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| Comments from Spring 2005: Raja Yoga |
This class has been a great experience. It is very calming. Swami Vedananda's guidance has been very helpful and has played a key role in understanding the concepts. The open-minded nature of the class was very nice and impressive.
-- Sandhya K.
I have personally benefited from this class and Swamiji's interpretation of Raja Yoga as a way of life. This is a very good attempt to start seeing the benefits of Raja Yoga. The yoga exercises by Mr. Rao was very useful and it helped me a lot."
-- Ashish Kumar
This course has been extremely helpful in giving me a broad overview of Raja Yoga. Both as an academic exercise and as spiritual undertaking, this course was fulfilling.
-- Ajai Vyas
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