Vedanta and Silence Course

11/07/10 to 11/17/10

Taught by Swami Sitaramananda •

Course Details

This 10-day advanced course features vedantic meditation, the practice of group scriptural study, personal self-inquiry and the practice of outer and inner silence.

Curriculum

There will be personal coaching and guidance by Swami Sitaramananda in the study of Viveka Chudamani, the "Crest Jewel of Discrimination" by Sankaracharya. Enter into the peaceful silence of the inner Self through the practice of external silence. Come away with deeper self-knowledge and a sense of clarity and peace.

Course schedule:

• 5:30 am - Wake up bell
• 6:00-7:00 am - Meditation alone at a chosen location
• 7:00-10:00 am - Swadhyaya, guided study of scripture, in a group with the teacher
• 10:00-10:45 am - Vegetarian brunch, sitting alone in Mouna (silence)
• 11:00-12:00 pm - Karma yoga, interactions as needed, still in Mouna
• 12:00-2:00 pm - Silent reflection, journal writing, study time
• 2:00-4:00 pm - Dialogue with the teacher, group dialogue
• 4:00-6:00 pm - Asana/pranayama practice in silence
• 6:00-7:00 pm - Vegetarian dinner, sitting alone in Mouna
• 7:00-8:00 pm - Mantra chanting/writing in a group, spoken chanting allowed, but no conversation
• 8:00-10:00 pm - Meditation in a group or alone, study on assigned reading, summary writing...no sleep allowed before 10:00
• 10:30 pm - Lights out

TESTIMONIALS

"I feel safe and sound now that I know the techniques of questioning 'Who am I?' and of spiritual discrimination. I feel lots of hope." - Gopala, CA

"I now have the answers to so many of my questions." - Cynthia, Canada

"I found a teacher, a genuine tradition, a supportive community and a place where I can ask every question without fear." - Leslie, NY

Pre-requisite

There are no pre-requisites

Certification

Certificate of Completion from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, International.

Cost

$450 plus cost for 10 nights accommodations.

Arrival and Departure

The course will begin at 8pm on Sunday, Nov. 7 with Satsang, and will end Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 3pm.

We recommend that you spend at least a few days at the Yoga Farm before the start of your course. This allows your body and mind to rest, re-energize and be nourished by the ashram environment. You can then bring your study feeling relaxed and refreshed. You may also wish to stay for some days after the end of the course to allow the learning from your study to integrate more fully into your consciousness within the supportive environment of the ashram. If you decide to arrive early and stay longer, please register for the Yoga Vacation Program for those additional days. Please see the calendar of events for guest programs on offer around the time of your visit.

What to Bring

Required Text:

Viveka Chudamani: the Crest Jewel of Discrimination by Adi Shankaracharya

Reccommended Commentary and translation:

Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood, Vedanta Press

Slip-on shoes, loose comfortable clothing, writing materials, meditation shawl or blanket, yoga mat, flashlight.

All books and materials are available in our boutique.

Reservations

To reserve a place for this course, please register online or email yogafarmregistration@sivananda.org. Then please call to give us your credit card deposit and confirm your reservation.

A deposit paying for your first night's stay is required for your reservation. Please note that in case of cancellation, no refund will be given. A credit note for other programs at the Yoga Farm (valid for one year) will be given.

Tuition Discounts

Seniors (60+) 10%

TTC Graduates 10%

About Swami Sitaramananda
Swami Sitaramananda is a Yoga and Meditation teacher for more than 25 years. She is presently the main teacher of the Yoga Teachers Training Courses offered at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm, Grass Valley, CA where she is serving as the director. She also teaches at other Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams & Centers in India and Nassau, Bahamas, Asia, as well as Centers along the West Coast USA, including her birth country, Vietnam. She is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnu-devananda. She was nominated by her teacher as Goraknath acharya (spiritual teacher, one of the holders of the lineage) in 1989. Her lectures are based on the four classical paths of yoga as well as the 5 points of Health.