Ashtavakra Gita

Ashtavakra Gita- A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Knowledge

Course Duration: 

Course Duration: 32 weeks (September 2024- June 2025)

Course Description:

Ashtavakra Gita is a text which is compatible with the teaching of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. It details and guides us in our search and journey towards independent peace and bliss. This text is a dialogue between 2 self-realized masters: the teenager Rshi Ashtavakra and his royal disciple, King Janaka. To Rshi Ashtavakra, self knowledge through direct mystical intuition is the only goal to be reached and experienced in the dynamic silence of one’s own deepest meditation.

Through this course, we will strive to study the path to Self Realization and all that encompasses this journey starting from Knowledge of the Self to analyzing the experiences of this pluralistic world using the perspectives of the deeper Advaita Philosophy.

Seeker/Student profile (for whom this course is most suitable):

This course is for an advanced seeker who has engaged in the systematic study of Advaita Vedanta with a knowledgeable and experienced Guide for 2+ years.  This seeker prioritizes self-development, engages in a regular spiritual practice, and leads a Sattvic lifestyle.

Weekly Commitment:

Class takes place on zoom every Wednesday from 9pm-10pm ET (holidays will be announced in class in advance)

1. This course requires a commitment to regular weekly attendance, active listening and reflection.
2. We highly recommend a minimum of 3 hours of self-study/reflection per week (30 mins per day) in addition to the above attendance requirement.
3. Participation in group discussion during class and in our online chat forum is highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the text.

Learning Objectives (key outcomes that you can achieve by the end of the course):

1. Deeper understanding and internalization of Advaita Vedanta
2. Increased faith in the Higher Reality
3. A shift towards simple living and high thinking
4. A decreasing dependence on articles, beings, and circumstances
5. A greater feeling of joy and inner peace

Requirements:

Each student is required to acquire a hard copy of the Ashtavakra Gita text prior to class commencement using the following means:

1. Chinmaya Publications USA
2. Chinmaya Publications Canada
3. Chinmaya Publications India
4. Through Amazon Canada

Our Guide:

Born and raised in India, Shri Vijay completed a degree in Science from Kanpur University.  Moving to Canada in 1974 he slowly established himself as a successful entrepreneur.  His life changed after attending a Chinmaya Mission Camp in 1995, particularly listening to Pujya Swami Tejomayananda.  Soon after Shri Vijay began attending Dharma Sevaka Courses and inspired to share his inspiration, initiated Study Groups and Bala Vihar® in his home.

In 2010 Shri Vijay partially attended the Residential Vedanta Course in Piercy.  And in 2014 joined the Residential Vedanta Course in Sidhabari.  Studying in Hindi for 2 1/2 years under Pujya Swami Tejomayananda, Pujya Swami Subodhananda and Pujya Swami Gangeshananda, Shri Vijay is now posted at CM in London.

With over 6 weekly study classes for adults including Bhagavad Gita, Meditation and Upanishad classes and Jnana Yajnas, Shri Vijay has dedicated his life to sharing the knowledge of Vedanta. Through compassion and love for his students, Shri Vijay has transformed numerous lives by making Vedanta relatable and practical.