Classes at the Vedanta Society are based on scripture, biography, commentary, philosophical works. Scriptural texts include the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads. An emphasis is placed on The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna as well as the works of Swami Vivekananda and Shankaracharya.
A typical class includes reading passages or verses together with commentary by the monk or nun leading the class. There is always an opportunity for questions and discussions. Copies of the texts may be purchased at our bookshops; however, not having a copy is not an impediment to learning or enjoying the classes.
Weekly classes are offered in Hollywood, San Diego, and Trabuco. Santa Barbara classes are conducted once a month. In addition to checking location calendar for class dates and times, look for additional classes and talks by visiting swamis.
All classes are free, open-ended and do not require registration. All are welcome.
Hollywood Classes
Check the Hollywood calendar for dates and times.
Narada’s Way of Divine Love – The Bhakti Sutras
Swami Sarvadevananda has been meeting with seekers on Tuesday afternoons for 25 years to study Vedanta scriptures. The current text is Narada’s Way of Divine Love – The Bhakti Sutras. All are welcome to join him in the Green House living room at 4:30 pm. The class is live-streamed on YouTube; past classes are archived there.
Nectar of Supreme Knowledge
Swami Sarvadevananda leads a class on the Nectar of Supreme Knowledge on select Tuesday evenings.
Katha Upanishad
Swami Satyamayananda meets with seekers on Wednesday and Friday mornings to study scripture. The class meest for one hour at 10:30 am in the library. All are welcome. The class is live-streamed on YouTube; past classes are archived there.
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
Every Wednesday evening we have a class on The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, a record of Sri Ramakrishna’s life and teachings. The class is usually led by Swami Sarvadevananda.
Bhagavad Gita
Swami Satyamayananda leads a class on The Bhagavad Gita on Thursday evenings.
Teachings of Ramakrishna’s Disciples
Swamis Atmavidyananda and Atamatattwananda (Shiva) lead this informal reading and discussion class on Friday evenings in the Green House living room.
Chanting for Beginners
Pravrajika Dayaprana teaches Sanskrit vedic chanting on select Saturday afternoons in the Green House living room.
Sanskrit
Sukirtha Alagarswamy teaches Sanskrit language class. Beginners are welcome. Class meets in the library on Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 10:30 am.
Vida Espiritual Según Escrituras Hindúes
Swami Dhyanayogananda, a native Spanish speaker, leads this scripture class in Spanish on Sunday afternoons.
Santa Barbara Classes
Please check the Santa Barbara calendar for dates and times.
Nectar of Supreme Knowledge
Swami Sarvadevananda teaches a class one Saturday afternoon a month on this book.
San Diego Class
Tuesday Evening Study Circle
This is an informal class to understand and reflect on the principles and practices of Advaita Vedanta. If you are interested in joining, you may sign up at the monastery or talk with Swami Harinamananda. The class meets at 6:15 pm. Classes are suspended from July through mid-September.
Trabuco Class
Scripture Class
The resident swamis take turns leading a class on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm on The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, The Baghadvad Gita, and other texts.