Weekly Study Class Guidelines
Vedanta Philosophy
Vedanta is a manual of life and living. The origins of Vedanta is the ancient texts knowns as the Upanishads contained in the Vedas. These texts have been simplified by Swami Parthasarathy and provided to humanity through various publications as covered in the weekly classes.
The Syllabus
Each class is based on the text in the following order.
Text: The Fall of the Human Intellect
Level: Initiate
Course duration: 5 months
Text: Governing Business & Relationships
Level: Beginner
Course duration: 5 months
Text: The Holocaust of Attachment
Level: Intermediate
Course duration: 3 months
Text: Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities
Level: Advanced
Course duration: 18 months
Text: Bhagavad Gita
Level: Advanced
Course duration: Ongoing
Purpose of the Syllabus
The syllabus is designed to guide you gradually from fundamental principles of life and living to the subtler aspects of philosophy.
The Fall of the Human Intellect – Introduces you to your intellect
Governing Business and Relationships – Practical Application of the Intellect
The Holocaust of Attachment – The cause of stress and strain and the solution
Vedanta Treatise-The Eternities – Entire Vedanta philosophy for the layperson
Bhagavad Gita – 18 Chapters of chaste philosophy guiding one to the highest state of Perfection
Methodology
The study of Vedanta helps you develop your intellect. With a developed intellect you gain clarity of thought. Through clarity of thought you are able to control your mind and handle the challenges of the world while fulfilling your mission in life.
Duration
Class on the respective text is once a week.
Each class is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Entire syllabus of the first four books is approximately 31 months.
*subject to change.
Choose a Class
Preferably one may start with The Fall of the Human Intellect.
However, you may choose any class based on your preference and time available.
Concepts are repeated at all levels. Eg: Classes at intermediate levels will cover concepts discussed at beginner and initiate levels.
You will not miss out on concepts even if you have not gone through previous levels.
Conducted by
All classes are conducted by alumni of the three year residential course at the Vedanta Academy, India.
Class Format
Audio book is read out.
Each paragraph is explained by Teacher.
Questions and discussions are encouraged.
Worksheet is uploaded every week after class.
One question and answer session every month.
3 + 1 Monthly Class Structure
Three lectures plus one question and answer session every month.
Three consecutive weekly lectures.
The fourth week is dedicated to questions by students which will be addressed by Teacher.
Breaks
All classes continue as normal through out the year.
Depending on class consensus, exception can be made for certain public and year end holidays.
Class may be cancelled or postponed on discretion of Teacher. Students will be notified beforehand.
Weekly Class Fee
Classes are free of charge.
We follow a tradition called Guru Dakshina. Guru Dakshina is a contribution made by the student as a way of showing appreciation for the knowledge imparted.
Teachings
Vedanta Centre Kuala Lumpur follows the syllabus and text provided by Swami Parthasarathy.
Teachings focuses solely on higher values and self-development.
We refrain from bringing in other schools of thought outside the syllabus provided.
The guidelines recommended are to help the student gain a better understanding of the subject.
If you are having any difficulty in adhering to the guidelines below, please contact us. We will advise accordingly.
Weekly attendance is essential.
Punctuality is essential.
Participation in weekly worksheet.
Course material on enrolled class is mandatory.
Attendance and participation in fourth week Q&A.
Zoom Decorum
Video must be turned on.
Student is required to be at their desk during class.
Avoid other activities during class.
Avoid eating and drinking during class.
Dress code – semi formal.
Commitment
The approach to Vedanta requires one to be committed towards the weekly classes.
Students are encouraged to follow the classes closely and to spend time during the week to review and prepare the topic(s) discussed.
Students who enroll are required to attend both the lectures and Q&A session of the month.
FAQ
A knowledge of life and living. The word Vedanta is a combination two Sanskrit words, Veda, knowledge and anta, end.
Vedanta focuses on self-development. Helps you gain clarity of thought through the development of the intellect. With clarity of thought one develops higher values to control the mind.
Every human being searches for peace and happiness. The home of true peace and happiness lies within. The knowledge of Vedanta facilitates a spirit of self-enquiry and guides you in the rehabilitation of your inner personality. It teaches the art of relating to the world around you. Once you learn and practice the techniques enunciated in Vedanta you infuse peace and happiness in your life and create harmony with the world.
Vedanta is a philosophy. A subject to be learnt and practiced in daily life.
Studying means thinking of concepts covered in the books. To read and familiarize oneself with the concepts.
Classes are conducted in English and are open to all. No prior reading or understanding of Vedanta is necessary. Please reach out register for the class on the Weekly Classes page so that we know that you will be attending. .
Only through studying can one develop the intellect.
We recommend that you interact with the teacher in the class. Through questioning and interaction one will start to understand the concepts better.
Vedanta has a universal appeal. It equips you to make the right choices in life, in all fields, at all times. It also provides the technique of right action which can be applied everywhere. Vedanta trains you to think, reflect and understand the fundamental truths of life.
The business world lacking self-management is afflicted with worry, anxiety and stress. This leads to loss of efficiency and productivity. The knowledge of Vedanta provides the technique of self-management which enables one to gain the elusive combination of efficiency at work and peace within. After decades of intense research Swami Parthasarathy has pioneered practical methods of self-management which increase productivity, reduce stress, and develop essential components of leadership.
Under the guidance of Swami Parthasarathy, facilitators have graduated with a minimum of three years at the Vedanta Academy in India. Upon completion graduates are awarded a diploma in Vedantic philosophy. Some graduates have also pursued and completed post-graduate studies at the Academy.
Swami = Continuous giver,
“ji” – suffix. A term of respect.
