Arsha Vidya Center – There is Nothing Indeed as Purifying as Knowledge

In keeping with prevailing COVID-19 health advisory, please note that weekly Saturday and Tuesday classes are now only livestreamed online at AVC BayArea Youtube channel. See detailed instructions below.

Quick Links

Please use the Menu pull down selections to navigate the website
Please see the AVC Class Calendar for changes to Class schedules and locations
Access weekly Audio class recordings here
For notification of Live Youtube streaming, click this link AVC BayArea Youtube channel and click “subscribe” on the right hand side.
See Latest Class videos click here
Bhagavad Gita Home Study course Info and signup sheet page

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Brahma Sutra, class started, Dec 5th 2020

See the video on introduction of this course.

Brahma Sutra is a precise enunciation of all the key aspects of Vedanta in a sutra (aphorism) form. As the last word on the validity and effectiveness of the entire Vedanta Shastra, it is often likened to the pronouncements of a supreme court. This is so, because the highest court considers both pros and cons of issues, before giving final judgment, accompanied by the reasons why the judgement is proper. Similarly, Veda Vyasa presents arguments both for and against Advaita Vedanta, and presents a resolution, both individually topic by topic as well as the overall essence of it.

The authoritative knowledge of the self is presented in the two earlier portions of the triad, namely Upanisads and Bhagavad Gita, called (श्रुति). Brahma Sutra does not present new information. Instead, it solidifies and clarifies the knowledge, relying heavily on reasoning (युक्ति). As such, it relies on the assumption that the student is already familiar with the basic tenets of Vedanta through prior study. If not, then the study of Brahma Sutra will not be useful.

Book recommendation: by Swami Gambhirananda (Brahma Sutra Bhashya of Adi Shankara – available from Amazon for $16.55). Also Relevant Bhasya text (in Devanagari) on our Google Drive folder along with other class media. See youtube class videos here

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New Years message

Ongoing AVC Vedanta classes ONLINE Saturdays, and Tuesday Evenings – Sri Vijay Kapoor

Saturday 8.00 am till 9.30 am – Brahma Sutra (starting Dec 5th, 2020)
See this page to follow updates and the class teachings in audio audio/video and reference materials.
Saturday 10.00am till 11.30am – Drg Drsya Viveka
See this page to follow updates and the class teachings in audio audio/video and reference materials.

Tuesday 8.00pm to 9.15pm – Purusha Suktam
See this page to follow updates and the class teachings in audio audio/video and reference materials.Purusha Suktam is one of the most sacred Vedic hymns to Isvara, and explains the creation of the universe. Along with Sri Rudram it ccupies a special place in all pujas and homas – it is invariably recited. It is wonderful to see how many people know how to chant it with proper svaras in many occasions in Bay Area temples. (Note: we may practice chanting, but it will not be taught). Many translations also are available. But much rarer is the access to the insight of Mahatmas into the wisdom of Isvara’s creation that once understood, makes our lives fulfilling, both personal as well as societal. See the Purusha Suktam Flyer 4-17-20 for more details.

Here is how you can attend the live class:

Click on the link to go to AVCBayarea – Live classes channel on Youtube for “Live streams” page > click on the “live” class video that may be running -> make your presence known on Chat window using the chat text space below the Chat window
To watch the class after the class is complete:
Click on the link to go to AVCBayarea – Archived videos channel on Youtube to listen to previous classes > click on any class video of interest. OR press > Playlist tab > select Class topic of interest to watch sequential videos of the the same class.
The archives of mp3 Audios and Video and collateral texts of classes are available via Arshavidyacenter.org – class recordings site. > select the Class title > then select audio/video sub tabs
Subscribe to the AVC BayArea channel so you can receive notifications on when a class has started by clicking on “Subscribe” button or the “bell” icon at home page. In case of difficulty message Chandra 415-572-5538, or Raj 408 476 1638

Guru Dakshina for Vijayji’s classes can be given here
Guru Dakshina 2021

To join, or to inquire about the classes, please send email to the instructor, Sri Vijay Kapoor at vijaykapoor@gmail.com.

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Swami Tattvavidananda Online (from AVG website.)

Thanksgiving and New year Retreats on Sad Darshanam just completed. This year, the 9 week Retreat was on Kathopanisad Part 2.

Course recordings can be purchased at this new AVG media site

Vedanta in Rudram weekly virtual talks (2021) Friday 6 pm PST Zoom link

Self Inquiry – Swami TV, 2020 – Article

Vijayadashami Celebrations, DEVI MAHATMYAM ~ Talk by Swami Tattvavidanandaji

Swami Tattvavidananda last visited Bay Area Nov 11-20th 2019

Topic Texts : Ashtavakra Gita Selected Verses. Download Here
Ashtavakra-Samhita full 1st Edition PDF.

Panchdasi chp7 -V133 verses

Recordings: Talks are available on our youtube AVC BayArea Youtube channel or via this dedicated Page. Both mp3 audio and video playlists are provided for your convenience.

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