The Taittiriya Upanishad is one of the ancient philosophical texts of Indian philosophy, revered for its profound insights into metaphysical concepts such as Brahman (the Supreme soul), Atman (the individual soul), and the relationship between the two. The text is structured as a series of dialogues between a teacher and students, imparting spiritual wisdom through allegories, stories, and philosophical teachings. It delves into the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the paths to spiritual liberation, offering profound contemplations for seekers on the journey of self-realization.
For students of yoga, the Taittiriya Upanishad serves as a foundational text that elucidates the philosophical underpinnings of yoga practice. It provides insights into the nature of consciousness, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the methods for transcending the limitations of the ego. By studying this Upanishad, yoga practitioners gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical framework that supports their physical and spiritual practice. It offers guidance on cultivating virtues such as compassion, self-discipline, and devotion, which are essential for spiritual growth and the attainment of yoga's ultimate goal: union with the divine.
Our instructor, Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao, is not your ordinary Sanskrit scholar. He is a shining star from Mysore, and we consider it an honor to share his knowledge with the world. With his razor sharp wit and light hearted humor, he is one of our favorite teachers. Through this journey into Indian philosophy, your understanding of life, human experience, and yoga will be enriched. We have full confidence that this lecture series will be a profound experience for everyone who attends.
Learning from a great scholar like Dr. Rao offers a whole new perspective. When we study Indian Philosophy with someone who has a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of cross-references from other texts and traditional interpretations, the experience becomes a direct transmission of knowledge, world view, and life experience.
The great texts of India are vast, and our knowledge and perspective are limited. We often focus on what we can understand and relate to, but in doing so, we might miss many other valuable aspects. By embarking on this journey with a seasoned scholar, we open ourselves up to a broader and richer understanding that goes beyond our preconceptions. It's an opportunity for a transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on your spiritual growth and outlook on life.
MORE ABOUT DR. RAO:
Vidwan H.V. Nagaraja Rao is a great scholar of Sanskrit grammar who has been trained in both the traditional and modern methods of education. His specialty is Sanskrit grammar and poetics. In his early years he was a researcher in Oriental Research Institute in Mysore and has published many original Sanskrit works with English and Kannada translations. Dr. Rao has also lectured in many countries around the world including Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, Israel, and England. He has taught Sanskrit at the University of Chicago as a visiting professor. He was invited as a fellow to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Rao guided the World Sanskrit conference at Edinburg, England in 2006 where he delivered a speech in chaste Sanskrit. Dr Rao was awarded honors for his translations by Sahitya Academy, the highest literary body in India in 2006.
Recently, he was chosen for honor by the President of India as a noted Sanskrit scholar. He is the honorary editor of Sudharma, the only Sanskrit daily newspaper in the world. With his razor sharp wit, at the age of 80, Dr. Rao continues his lifelong passion for teaching and sharing ancient Indian knowledge systems with people from around the world.
Dr. Rao is felicitated by His Highness Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar in a beautiful ceremony at Chitravana Resorts in Mysore last month.
Dr. Rao in the front row with the other scholars who were felicitated by the King of Mysore.
Bryce Delbridge, BNS Iyengar, Andrew Eppler, Dr. Nagaraj Rao, Dr. M.A. Jayashree, Gayathri Devi, and Joey Paz at the felicitation ceremony by the Maharaja of Mysore in January.
Professor Rao has an uncanny ability to bring new light to texts such as the Gita and the Upanishads with his infectious passion and his ability to communicate in English, which is rare among Sanskrit scholars of his stature. Students leave his presentations with a feeling of liberation from the mundane and inspiration to strive for higher goals in life.
The course will proceed as follows:
March 3
March 10
March 17
March 24
March 31
April 7
April 14
April 21
All lectures will take place at 6:30AM USA Pacific Time / 2:30PM Western Europe / 7PM India time.
8 Sundays / 8 hours of lecture with Dr. Rao.
(Each lecture will be a minimum of 1 hour, with time for questions and answers at the end)
Tuition: $108 USD
(Attendees of Mysore Yoga Conference receive a 20% discount on this course. Please contact Joey on WhatsApp at +1 4058239919 or joeypazyoga@gmail.com for your discount code.)
If you cannot attend the live sessions, don’t worry! Class recordings will be provided to all participants. Recordings are yours to keep after the course is complete.
*we have a limited number of scholarships for sincere students who have difficulty to pay the full tuition. Contact Joey for details.
Indian citizens receive 50% discount rate for this course.
