Yoga Vasishta Sara

Introduction

The Yoga Vasishta is presented as a profound dialogue between Sage Vasishta and Sri Rama, during which the doctrine of Advaita (non-duality) is expounded in its purest form, Ajatavada (the theory of non-origination), interwoven with illustrative stories. This vast work was abridged centuries ago by Abhinanda Pandita, a Kashmiri scholar, into 6,000 couplets—a masterpiece in its own right, akin to the original.

Further condensing this work, an unknown scholar long ago distilled it into 223 verses, divided into 10 chapters, as Yoga Vasishta Sara. This condensation is a significant service to all seekers (sadhaks), making the teachings more accessible.

This course offers a contemporary commentary and discourse on this vital, yet often overlooked, text. The Yoga Vasishtabridges the divide between the secular and the sacred, between action and contemplation. Bhagavan Sri Ramana frequently referred to the Yoga Vasishta and even included six couplets from it in His Supplement to Forty Verses (Verses 21-27).

An example of the Yoga Vasishta approach is exemplified by the following shloka in translation: “The remark of even a child is to be accepted if it is in accord with reason; but the remark of even Brahma Himself, the Creator of the world, is to be rejected like a piece of straw if it does not accord with reason.”

This philosophy of comprehensive spirituality—both rational and practical—is what modern man needs to rescue himself from the dilemmas of the 21st century and set himself on the path of creative living and fulfillment.

Course Objectives

To provide a clear understanding of the key ideas and philosophy of the Yoga Vasishta Sara and their application to the 21st century Bharat and the world.

Course Outcomes

• A comprehensive exposure to the key ideas contained in the Yoga Vasistha
• A clear knowledge of how to apply these ideas in the modern and current context

Course Syllabus

The course covers the entire Yoga Vasishta Sara. Each shloka will have the padartha (word meaning) along with anvaya (sentence ordering of words) along with translation and lucid explanation by faculty. At the end of the session there will be Q & A to clarify and firm-up learning .

• Introduction to Yoga Vasishta
• Detachment
• Unreal Nature of the Universe
• Knowledge of the Fundamental Truth
• Temporary Absorbtion of the Mind
• Cessation of Latent Impressions
• Reflection on the Self
• Ascertaining the means of Purification
• Adoration of the Self
• Defining the Sel
• The State of Emptiness and Non Emptiness
• Conclusion :Sadhana the Operationalizing of Yoga Vasistha

Reading List

• Yoga Vasishta of Valmiki (4 volumes) by Ravi Prakash Arya
• The Supreme Yoga by Swami Venkatesananda
• The Yoga Vasishta of Valmiki – The Mind and its Creation by K.K.Dhiman
• Laghu Yoga Vasishta by Jnananda Bharati
• Yoga Vasistha Ratnakaramu by Swami Vidya Prakashananda
• The Yoga of Sage Vasistha by Swami Niranjananda Sarasvati
• The Philosophical Verse of Yoga Vasishta by Swami Bhaskarananda
• Yoga Vasishta Sara published by Sri Ramana Asramamam
• Nectar of Supreme Knowledge – Yoga Vasishta Sara by Swami Sarvadevananda

Course Features

• Live Interactive Sessions: Participate in live lectures and discussions with ample opportunities for Q&A.
• Flexible Learning: Access class recordings and materials at your convenience for asynchronous learning.
• Certificate of Completion: Demonstrate your new knowledge with a certificate upon successfully completing the course.

*Important Enrollment Notice: Please note that this course requires a minimum of 15 registrations to commence. If the required number of students is not met, enrolled participants will be notified promptly and provided with options for a full refund or alternative courses.