ad·vai·ta (ad·whý·ta), Free of duality; sole; unique (Sanskrit)

An ongoing course of study, adapted from the East for everyday life in the West. The ancient philosophy of Advaita Vedanta holds that every human soul is a pure reflection of the one supreme soul – essentially wise, conscious, and blissful.
Learn to:
- live more mindfully
- find extra energy for enjoying a fuller life
- connect with the deep inner peace that is your natural birthright

Advaita’s message of oneness, or unity, is reflected in many traditions, from the millennia-old scriptures of India to the teachings of Greek philosophers, to the American transcendentalists. It is hinted at in the mystical writings of every religion that describes the potential for union of man with God.

Learn simple yet powerful exercises for experiencing this deep underlying unity. Discover the potentially life-changing consequences of adopting these Advaita disciplines.

Examine topics such as:
What is the nature of the human mind?
Why is the state of the mind important and how does it influence understanding?
What are the stages of spiritual knowledge?
What is meditation and what is its real purpose?
What do the states of sleeping, dreaming and waking tell us about the nature of reality?
What are the three qualities in play throughout the universe?
What is the power of discrimination and how can we refine it?
What are the coverings that obscure our pure consciousness?
What is the importance of stillness and silence?
What are the spiritual paths based on knowledge, devotion, and action and how are they different?
Which one is most suitable for me?

Students are asked to accept or reject nothing, but simply to be open to the ideas presented and to draw conclusions based on their own experience.

The course is open to all and requires no prior knowledge of Advaita. Classes meet weekly for 10 weeks from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. A break for refreshments also provides an opportunity to meet other students. Tuition is $160 ($80 for full-time students). You may enroll by phone or on-site prior to the first class.

Prerequisite: Inward Bound or experience with a spiritual path based on non-dual teachings.

Examine topics such as:
  What is consciousness or awareness?
  What is the nature of the human mind?
  Why is the state of the mind important and how does it influence understanding?
  What are the stages of spiritual knowledge?
  What is meditation and what is its real purpose?
  What do the states of sleeping, dreaming and waking tell us about the nature of reality?
  What are the three qualities in play throughout the universe?
  What is identification and how does it work?
  What is the power of discrimination and how can we refine it?
  What are the sheaths that obscure our pure consciousness?
  What is the importance of stillness and silence?
  What are the spiritual paths of knowledge, devotion, and action and how are they different? Which one is most suitable for me?

The introductory course is offered three times a year beginning in January, April and September. See Schedule for the starting date of the next course.