The Chinmaya Vedanta Learning Center, located in St. Augustine, Florida offers inspirational classes & study groups on traditional scriptures of India; in particular, the Bhagavad-Gita, essential teachings on Advaita-Vedanta (Non-duality) from the ancient Upanishads, as well as important devotional texts such as Shrimad Bhagavatam, including devotional song and chant to fill the heart with love of God. Our parent organization is Chinmaya Mission West, a branch of Chinmaya Mission worldwide, founded by His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. For full information on Chinmaya Mission, visit ChinmayaMissionWest.com and ChinmayaMission.com
Local classes are led by Swamini Radhikananda who has been sharing the universal teachings of Vedanta for over 35 years, having met and studied with her Teachers, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, and his successor, Pujya Swami Tejomayananda, both in India and the U.S. since 1978.
Through subtle text explanations of the great spiritual masters, inspirational stories and discussion of examples from everyday life, the thrill of this Knowledge of the Self (Atma-Jnana) is conveyed with clarity and joy for the seeker to discover and make their own.
If interested in joining an ongoing class or in scheduling a one-time or series of presentations at your yoga-studio, spiritual center, or other venue, in person or online, please email us here.
Joyous Wisdom of the Bhagavad-Gita Study-Group
Thursdays • 10:30-12pm
The Center for Spiritual Living • 1795 Old Moultrie Rd., St. Augustine, FL 32084
Presently teaching Chapter 7 (“The Yoga of Knowledge & Realization”) which beautifully describes both the transcendent and immanent nature of the Supreme and how to contemplate the Divine presence within all things. Class includes meditation, verse explanation & discussion. Drop-ins welcome. Suggested donations gratefully accepted for CSL.
For more information, email us at: Govardhanadhari1@gmail.com
Vivekachudamani (“The Crest-Jewel of Discrimination”)
Alternate Fridays • 5-6:30pm
A foundational text of Advaita-Vedanta, the vision of Non-duality, by Adi Shankaracharya: with step-by- step, clear analysis of the subtlest layers of our being, leading us beyond the limitations of body and mind to discover our true identity as eternal, infinite Existence-Consciousness-Bliss (Brahman) itself.
For dates and location in St. Augustine, email Govardhanadhari1@gmail.com
Contact Us for Availability
Bhagavad-Gita (“Song of the Divine”)
This most well-known scripture of India, a source of inspiration even to such famous western personages as Emerson, Wordsworth, and T.S. Eliot, reveals the highest knowledge of our true, divine Self (Atma) and forms the philosophical basis of all branches of yoga. In the form of a dramatic dialogue, we are given the practical means for personal transformation through knowledge, devotion and selfless action to create a positive life of balance, inspiration and wellbeing for ourselves and others, ultimately fulfilled in God/Self-realization and abidance in our changeless, eternal nature. The Gita’s universal, non-sectarian principles are timeless and applicable to seekers from all religious traditions.
“The Gita teaches us to see life as a whole and to live a whole life.” - Swami Tejomayananda
[Upon request, “The Essence of Bhagavad-Gita” has also been a popular addition to Yoga Teacher Trainings as a one-time “overview,” or series of presentations on each chapter or major themes of the Gita.]
The Yoga of Life (Putting Spiritual Values into Practice)
A single or series of topics with talk & group discussion on how we can integrate spiritual principles into our everyday life on the material/physical and psychological/emotional levels. Examples from the lives of saints, famous and everyday people who have overcome great obstacles provides wonderful guidance and encouragement!
Topics include: * Adversity: Catalyst for Spiritual Growth * Transforming Daily Duties into the Highest Yoga * Freedom from Worry * The Path of Devotion & Secret of the Undivided Heart * Effort & Grace *The Power of our Vision *The Unity of Karma-Bhakti & Jnana (Action-Devotion-Knowledge) *The 4 A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Action, Awakening! * Leap and the Net will Appear: Learning to Trust the Divine, & more.
Sanskrit Invocations & Hymns
Learn beautiful, yet simple, Vedic Sanskrit invocations and hymns with transliteration and English meanings for greater mental quietude, sense of inner and outer harmony and depth in meditation. Designed for the ease of those unfamiliar with the Sanskrit language.
Oṃ svasti prajābhyaḥ paripālayantām nyāyena mārgeṇa mahīṃ mahīśāḥ.
Gobrāhmaṇebhya śubhamastu nityam lokā samastā sukhino bhavantu.
Meaning: May there be auspiciousness to all people; may leaders protect the world by righteous means; may there ever be auspicious abundance for the cows (animal kingdom) and spiritual leaders; may all the world be happy. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta
Essential teachings of Non-duality from the ancient Upanishads peel back the layers of our false, limited ego-identity and call us to awaken to our limitless, ever auspicious, pure Being. The Upanishads fearlessly declare – “That thou art” (Tat Tvam Asi), the one, infinite Existence-Consciousness-Bliss (Brahman) itself!
Classes may be on the Upanishadic teachings as a whole or on a selected text, such as Kena-Upanishad, Kaivalya-Upanishad, Ishavasya-Upanishad, Upadesha Sara (by Ramana Maharshi), and others.
“That which illumines the worlds of relative experiences lived in the waking, dream and deep-sleep states, that Brahman am I. Realizing thus, one is freed from all shackles.” —Kaivalyopanishad
Shrimad Bhagavatam
Revel in the soul-enchanting stories of the Lord and his devotees in this supreme devotional scripture that dissolve the knots of spiritual ignorance and spontaneously establishes love of God in the heart. Where the sweet waters of pure devotion (bhakti) and the highest knowledge (Jnanam) meet to inebriate the listener’s heart and mind in Divine Love and Bliss, and the soul unites forever with the Divine Beloved - this is the glorious Bhagavat!
Mythic Stories from Ancient India
(And The Wisdom They Offer Us Today)
One of the most powerful means of self-transformation is through the mirror of story. Through these enthralling, timeless dramas of ancient India, rich in universal archetypes, we are given deep insight into our individual and collective human psyche and the many inner and outer obstacles it must overcome on its journey from conflict and delusion to wholeness, illumination and freedom! Herein is my story and yours.
Presentation includes story narration with slides, discussion of characters & symbolic import from the psychological, socio-political/economic and spiritual standpoints. Fascinating and highly illuminating!
