Introduction

The Basics of Vedanta Online Course is primarily based on the teachings of our teachers: James Swartz (Ramji), Swami Dayananda Saraswati and Swami Paramarthananda. It is designed for people who are new to the spiritual path but have a strong desire for Self-Realization or freedom.

This course is also equally suited to someone who has a long history of spiritual seeking, and has become tired of going from one Guru to another, chasing an ever-elusive enlightenment experience, and has never come across a traditional exposition of Vedanta on enlightenment with its unique capacity to give knowledge of the Self. Because only knowledge can give the deep understanding that everyone is already free and complete.

Main Purposes of this course

1. To provide the reader with a proper understanding of traditional Vedanta, a means of Self-Knowledge in the form of words and sentences, which has been tried and tested over the centuries. 2. To introduce the Vedantic method of Self-Inquiry through which one can discover the real meaning of the word “I”, while fully accepting the need for preparing a qualified mind in which the Universal values have been assimilated. 3. To explain the practical Vedantic tools which help spur a student’s spiritual growth leading to a higher degree of assimilation of Self-Knowledge.

The Structure

The Basics of Vedanta Course is presented in modular units and consists of a logical sequence of 8 modules. Every module is organized around a well-defined topic; for e.g. “What is Enlightenment”, and includes many sub-modules.

Each sub-module is a self-contained, independent unit consisting of an introductory description of the main goal of the text, the main text, graphical images, summary, and in some cases practical exercises and videos.

We strongly recommend that you start your studies from the 1st module, and move sequentially from module to module. It is advisable not to skip modules or sub-modules, and move forward only after full understanding and comprehension of the current module.

While reading the text you will encounter some Sanskrit words. Sanskrit cannot be avoided in any Vedantic text because sometimes there is no accurate translation of the word in English. We are planning to provide a small glossary of various Sanskrit words in the near future.

Personal Guidance

As you study this course many questions and doubts may arise. Some questions will be answered as you read on, but some may remain unanswered. At such a stage you require a teacher. Since we are not qualified Vedanta teachers, we cannot perform the role of a Vedanta teacher for the readers of this course.

However we can help the readers in the following ways:

1. We can answer technical questions related to the Vedantic terms, graphical images etc. used in the course. 2. We can direct readers to external websites, audio talks, videos or books where their questions may be answered. 3. We can provide information on upcoming seminars or retreats of other Vedanta teachers.