What we’re about
This Meetup group is for anyone who'd like to study ancient Hindu spiritual texts such as Vivekachudamani, Upanishads, Tripura Rahasya, Bhagavad Gita, etc. There are multiple ongoing classes on different texts. The classes are taught by Jim Gilman on a donation basis.
Jim has taught meditation and Vedanta around the world for over 30 years. For several years he served as an acharya with the Chinmaya Mission, Swami Chinmayananda’s world-wide organization. Jim’s approach to this work is immensely practical. He has a unique gift to express these subtle and profound truths in a manner that makes them easy for Westerners to understand, even with no background in Sanskrit or Hindu thought.
In keeping with the tradition set by Swami Chinmayananda, Jim stresses that this teaching is open to all, regardless of ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or walk of life. All may come, and as the Hebrew psalmist says "taste and see the goodness of the Lord."
Classes are taught at the home of Jim Gilman, 250 Grand Ave. #10, Oakland CA 94610 (at the corner of Grand and Park View Terrace).
Call Jim at 510-220-8453 for more information.
Upcoming events
105
The Essence of Yoga Vasistha
Jim's home, 250 Grand Ave. #10 (above Bacheesos restaurant), Oakland, CA, USAn ongoing Thursday evening class studying this classic Adwaita scripture. The class will be offered in a “hybrid” format – in-person instruction or Zoom (both options are available). For Zoom, you can access the class from the classes page on the Silent Way website.
Class includes meditation, unfolding of the text, and lively discussion. All Silent Way classes are offered on a donation basis.
Attributed to the saint Valmiki, the legendary poet of the Ramayana, the Yoga Vasistha is considered one of the most important Adwaita scriptures. Chronologically, it takes place before the Ramayana, when Rama is just a young man. He leaves the palace to see the world and returns full of dejection which mystifies everyone except the court sage Vasistha. Vasistha discerns that Rama has developed true insight and dispassion and is not merely depressed. Vasistha proceeds to enlighten him. The text is a series of stories, often filled with humor, that plumb the depths of the deepest spiritual philosophy and practice.
The text we will use “Yoga Vasistha Sangraha,” is an abridgement, condensing the text from 32,000 slokas down to around 1,600. All are welcome.
Call 510-220-8453 for details
1 attendee
The Art of Meditation
Jim's home, 250 Grand Ave. #10 (above Bacheesos restaurant), Oakland, CA, USAn eight week course in meditation practice and the fundamentals of Vedanta, the ancient Hindu Science of Self Knowledge.
Introductory Class on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The class meets for eight consecutive Saturday mornings from 10:30 to 12:00pm.
Address
250 Grand Ave. #10, Oakland
(on Lake Merritt)
call 510-220-8453 or email Jim at jimgilman@thesilentway.org for details.What to expect in the class
Thorough instruction in meditation
Guidance in ongoing practice
Practical tips on living the Spiritual Life
Yoga and Vedanta PhilosophyAbout the Teacher
Jim Gilman is a direct disciple of His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. Under Swamiji's guidance, Jim has taught meditation and Vedanta around the world for over 30 years.Jim brings his thorough knowledge of the Vedantic scriptures as well as his own deep experience to his work, and expresses these subtle ideas in a way that makes them easy for all to understand.
Jim is also available for personal instruction and spiritual direction by appointment. In keeping with tradition, all classes are given on a donation basis.
For more information on Jim’s work see his website at http://www.thesilentway.org
1 attendee
Satsang on the Bhagavad Gita
Jim's home, 250 Grand Ave. #10 (above Bacheesos restaurant), Oakland, CA, USClass meets every Sunday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM at the home of Jim Gilman - 250 Grand Ave. #10, Oakland, CA 94610.
Perhaps the greatest spiritual book ever written, the Gita explores exhaustively the Path and the Goal of the spiritual life. We will begin with the first chapter and make our way through the entire text. Students may “drop in” at any time as Gita is circular in its style and one can enter at any point. Class begins with 20 minutes of silent meditation so please arrive early and be ready to begin promptly.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Jim Gilman, a direct disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, has taught Vedanta and meditation in the bay area and around the world for over 40 years. His approach to the teaching is uniquely suited to our current times and for those living here in the west.All classes are on a donation basis (guru dakshina). All are welcome
For more information see our website at thesilentway.org. for those wishing to attend via Zoom, you can enter through the Silent Way website at the “Current Classes” page.Call Jim at 510-220-8453 for details.
2 attendeesThe Essence of Yoga Vasistha
Jim's home, 250 Grand Ave. #10 (above Bacheesos restaurant), Oakland, CA, USAn ongoing Thursday evening class studying this classic Adwaita scripture. The class will be offered in a “hybrid” format – in-person instruction or Zoom (both options are available). For Zoom, you can access the class from the classes page on the Silent Way website.
Class includes meditation, unfolding of the text, and lively discussion. All Silent Way classes are offered on a donation basis.
Attributed to the saint Valmiki, the legendary poet of the Ramayana, the Yoga Vasistha is considered one of the most important Adwaita scriptures. Chronologically, it takes place before the Ramayana, when Rama is just a young man. He leaves the palace to see the world and returns full of dejection which mystifies everyone except the court sage Vasistha. Vasistha discerns that Rama has developed true insight and dispassion and is not merely depressed. Vasistha proceeds to enlighten him. The text is a series of stories, often filled with humor, that plumb the depths of the deepest spiritual philosophy and practice.
The text we will use “Yoga Vasistha Sangraha,” is an abridgement, condensing the text from 32,000 slokas down to around 1,600. All are welcome.
Call 510-220-8453 for details
1 attendee
Past events
894
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