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Introductory Hindu
Spirituality |
| (will include introductory
Breathing exercises and Meditation) |
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| Course |
| The
course will be informal and is intended to provide basic understanding
of Hinduism & Eastern spirituality. The course content will be
tailored to the needs of participants. Teenage children may also
participate. The course is also intended to provide satsang (good
association with like minded and spiritually inclined people), a key
ingredient in one’s spiritual development. |
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| Course Length |
Twelve 1-hour sessions (12 consecutive weeks).
(Hatha Yoga classes are being considered) |
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| Content |
| 1 |
Introduction |
Basic understanding of Body, Mind, and Self;
Integral Yoga (four yogas); Satsang; Purity of Mind; Qualifications of aspirant; Introduction to
spiritual practices (Meditation, reflection, repetition of mantra,
selfless action and others) |
| 2 |
Experiences
of Sages |
Enlightenment
as goal of spirituality. Mystical experiences of sages. Seven Stages in
spirituality, Liberation in life (Jivan Mukti) and Disembodied
Liberation (Videha Mukti); Qualifications of Aspirants, Common
Misconceptions in Spirituality |
| 3 |
Mind |
Difference between Brain and Mind. Mind - its constituents and its functions
(Superficial mind; intellect; ego and chitta-mind stuff); five sheaths
of mind; Four states of consciousness |
| 4 |
Modes of Nature |
Modes of nature -Sattwa (Principle of harmony),
Rajas (Principle of Activity), Tamas (Principle of Inertia); Ways of
control Rajas and Tamas and promote Sattwa. |
| 5 |
Yoga of Action |
Law of Karma; Death and reincarnation; Way to
perform Action; Performing swardharma (own action) vs. paradharma
(others' action) |
| 6 |
Yoga of Devotion |
Yoga of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) - Love of God (9
stages of devotion); Faith; Surrender; Practice of prayer; Practice of
Mantra Japa (Repetition of Mantra); |
| 7 |
Yoga of Meditation |
Yoga of Meditation (Raja Yoga) - How to practise
of Meditation; Practice of breathing exercises (Pranayama); 8 steps of
Raja Yoga |
| 8 |
Yoga of Wisdom |
Yoga of Wisdom (Jnana Yoga) - Reflective
practice; Introduction of Upanishads and Yoga Vasistha |
| 9 |
Integral
Yoga |
Integration
of the four major Yogas in daily life. Summary of key spiritual values and
practices |
| 10 |
Scriptures and Saints |
Yogic and Hindu Tradition; Scriptures; Saints |
| 11 |
Symbolism and Mysticism |
Symbolism and Mystical meanings in Hindu
Scriptures and rituals |
| 12 |
Universality of religions |
Underlying universality of religions; other
mystical traditions (Buddhism; Taoism; Christian mysticism; Sufism;
Kaballah) |
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| Course Material |
| Handouts, articles etc. will be provided.
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| Schedule |
| 11.30 - 12.30 pm
(tentative) Commences
Sunday Feb 13, 2005 (tentative) |
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| Location |
| Sri
Meenakshi Temple, 17130 McLean Rd (C.R.104), Pearland, TX 77584 |
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Directions: Please check Sri Meenakshi
Temple website (www.meenakshi.org) for directions |
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| Cost |
| $101 per family |
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| Registration |
| To register, please contact Raju raju@pakalapati.com
or 832-452-6999. |
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| Instructor |
| Raju
Pakalapati has a deep interest in Hindu spirituality and has learnt
Integral Yoga, and Hinduism under the guidance of Sri
Swami Jyotirmayananda, an enlightened master (Yoga Research Foundation, www.yrf.org,
Miami, Florida) for over 10 years. |
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