This year I am proud to present a series of inspiring & in-depth lectures with some of Mysore’s greatest scholars, open to the public. Join us in person at Chitravana resorts, or online from anywhere in the world. Recordings of all talks will be provided for participants.
Join us in person or online for this incredible series of talks with some of Mysore’s brightest scholars!
This lecture series is being held in conjunction with the “Legends of Yoga” YTT with Guruji BNS Iyengar and Srishubha being conducted at Chitravana Resorts throughout September / October..
In terms of yogic philosophy, the brilliance of Mysore’s scholars is unparalleled in the world. I am very grateful to be able to share this wellspring of knowledge with you all!
The guest lecture schedule is as follows:
(All lectures will take place at 4:30-6pm India time, with the exception of Alwar’s lecture on Saturday)
Mon, Sept. 28 - Foundations of Pranayama with Tapan Raj
Tues, Sept. 29 - Mythology & Mudra pt. 1 with Joey Paz
Wed, Sept. 30 - Foundations of Pranayama pt. 2 with Tapan Raj
Thurs, Oct. 1 - Bhagavad Gita with Dr. Nagaraj Rao
Fri, Oct. 2 - Vedic Chanting 101 with Tapan Raj
Sat, Oct. 3 - Karma Yoga with Sri M.A. Alwar
Tues, Oct. 6 - Mythology & Mudra pt. 2 with Joey Paz
Thurs, Oct. 8 - The Nirvana Shatakam of Shankaracharya with Sri TRS Sharma
Fri, Oct. 9 - Ayurveda 101 with Sahana Murthy
All lectures will take place 4am USA Pacific time / 12pm Western Europe / 4:30 India time and run approximately 90 minutes, with time for Q&A at the end.
LECTURER BIOS:
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Dr. M. A. Alwar is a distinguished scholar in Sanskrit language and literature, systems of Indian philosophy and the Indian Knowledge systems. He holds the position of Professor of ‘Navya Nyaya’ in the Maharaja Sanskrit College, Mysore and also serves as the Honorary Director of the center for traditional knowledge of the Trans-Disciplinary University, Bangalore. Dr. Alwar’s scholarly activities extend beyond his professional responsibilities.
He has authored many books, monographs and articles and also presented papers in many international and national seminars and conferences on Indian philosophy, Sanskit literature and other trans-disciplinary topics.
His areas of expertise are Navya-Nyaya (Neo-traditional School of Indian Logic), Prachina-Nyaya (Ancient School of Indian Logic), and Comparative studies of traditional theories with modern scientific theories. He is also an expert manuscriptologist having contributed a lot to the cataloguing, preservation, and conservation of ancient palm-leaf and hand-made paper manuscripts.
Dr. Alwar’s contributions have earned him wide recognition and respect. Ramanjaneya Veda Pathshala, a renowned institution dedicated to Vedic studies has conferred on him the prestigious Shastra Ratnakara Award. He was also recently conferred the ‘Bannanje Govindacharya Award’ instituted by the ‘Bannanje Prathisthana’ in recognition of his scholarship and contribution to the dissemination of the Sanskrit language and literature. In addition, he is an active member of several professional and academic organizations, reflecting his engagement and commitment to scholarly work.
Dr. M. A. Alwar’s contributions in many fields as a scholar, researcher and teacher have had a profound impact on academic research groups and traditional Vidvat Sabhas (assemblies of learned scholars). He serves as the Managing trustee of Samskriti Foundation, also demonstrating his dedication expressed to preserving and promoting Indian culture and knowledge.
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Dr. T. R. S. Sharma hails from the heart of the Mysore Yoga Tradition. In fact, he was the boy upon whom Sri Krishnamacharya was standing in the famous picture of a yoga demonstration in the 1930s. At 98 years old, Dr. Sharma is among the few living individuals who can speak firsthand about studying asanas with Sri Krishnamacharya during his tenure at the Maharaja's Sanskrit College in Mysore.
Dr. Sharma was born in the ancient, holy village of Melkote, located about an hour away from Mysore. Melkote serves as a spiritual epicenter for Mysore. Dr. Sharma pursued education in America on a Fulbright scholarship, focusing on etymology and literature. With extensive study in both Western and Indian philosophy, he taught Shakespeare for 40 years and authored over a dozen books spanning various subjects, including Indian philosophy.
We have had the privilege of hosting Dr. Sharma for lectures at our programs multiple times. His profound understanding and original ideas are remarkable. With a deep appreciation for both Eastern and Western cultures, he bridges these worlds eloquently. His articulate discourse on human emotions directly addresses a topic widely debated in yoga communities worldwide.
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Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao, is no ordinary Sanskrit scholar. He is a shining star from Mysore, a man with a lifetime of knowledge and experience to share, and we consider it a great honor to share his knowledge with the world. With his razor-sharp wit and lighthearted humor, he is one of our favorite teachers. We have full confidence that this lecture series will be a profound experience for everyone who attends.
Vidwan H.V. Nagaraja Rao is a great scholar of Sanskrit grammar who has been trained in both traditional and modern methods of education. His specialty is Sanskrit grammar and poetics. In his early years, he was a researcher at the 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 and was invited as a fellow to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Rao guided the World Sanskrit Conference in Edinburgh, England, in 2006, where he delivered a speech in chaste Sanskrit. Dr. Rao was awarded honors for his translations by the 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 84, Dr. Rao continues his lifelong passion for teaching and sharing ancient Indian knowledge systems with people from around the world.
Professor Rao has an uncanny ability to shed new light on 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.
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Rasayana Mysore Kitchen is the brainchild of Sahana Murthy. When asked about the meaning behind this interesting name, she says it is a Sanskrit word which literally means path of essence. It is a broad spectrum science of lengthening the life span and covers many meanings. Here, we are talking about the Aahara Rasa which is the essence of nutrition. At Rasayana Mysore Kitchen, we constantly thrive to connect to the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda whilst constantly adapting this knowledge to the ever changing times. Eating right helps in balance, harmony, nourishment, good health and vitality. Cooking based on Ayurvedic principles not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the state of mind and consciousness. Cooking is a Culinary Science where various food combinations and precise cooking methods are put in use which encompasses it into a holistic way of living.
Sahana learnt most of her culinary skills from her mother and these are traditional recipes which is passed on from many generations. She conducts cooking classes at her hometown in Mysore, India which is dubbed as the Yoga Capital of the World. People from all over the world come to this little magical city to deepen their Yoga practice. Being a Yoga practitioner herself, she understands the value of wholesome food and how it enhances practice and keeps one healthy. Sahana also teaches cooking lessons online reaching out to a wider segment of people and help them with their needs.
Registration fees:
$108 / regular rate
$54 citizens of India / scholarship rate
We have a limited number of scholarships available. Please contact Joey on WhatsApp at +1 4058239919 for more details. I believe that cost should never be a barrier to anyone who sincerely wants to learn.
To join us in person at Chitravana Resort, please contact Joey at +1 4058239919 to reserve a spot.
