What we’re about
This is a group for anyone interested in the study of Vedanta - a spiritual philosophy designed for the pursuit of happiness through the logical and systemic exposition of eternal truths, promoting material and spiritual wellbeing. It is a technique for living which combines dynamic action with mental peace, and instils the higher values of service to provide prosperity and peace to the individual and the community. This ancient Indian philosophy answers the fundamental questions of life, and will put you on the path to right living.
Vedanta - An ancient wisdom for our modern times
Vedanta is derived from two words Veda – Knowledge and Anta – End. Vedanta means the end of knowledge. This ancient philosophy of India, which is derived from the Vedas, presents the eternal principles of life and a practical technique of living. It programmes a life of mental peace combined with dynamic action in the world, and it equips one with the clarity of intellect to deal appropriately with the challenges of life. Above all, it is a philosophy which leads one along the path towards the ultimate goal of Self Realisation.
The Founder of the Vedanta Academy
Swami Parthasarathy is a pre-eminent philosopher who founded the Vedanta Academy in 1988, although he has been a lifelong exponent of Vedanta and has made an exceptional contribution to the propagation of the philosophy through a life of selfless service over six decades. One of Swamiji’s special gifts has been his ability to translate the subtle philosophical themes of Vedanta into a practical technique of living, which has made the philosophy accessible to very many people around the world.
Swamiji has written eleven books presenting this timeless philosophy of life in contemporary thought and language. His works include:
• The Vedanta Treatise: The Eternities
• Bhagavad Gita (with Swamiji’s commentary)
• The Fall of the Human Intellect
• Governing Business & Relationships
• Select English Poems – key philosophical concepts through the study of English poetry; the ancient wisdom of the Himalayas meets the English classics
It is the aim of this meet-up group to study the philosophy of Vedanta using some of Swamiji’s key texts.
The Vedanta Academy, founded by Swamiji in 1988, is located southeast of Mumbai, India, nestled in the serene Malavli hills. Further information about the Vedanta Academy is available through this link: https://www.vedantaworld.org/
Vedanta classes in London with Parul
The aim of this meet-up group is to propagate the study of Vedanta through classes run in Central London by Parul Jani. Parul is a senior disciple of Swami Parthasarathy, and is a graduate of the three-year residential course at the Vedanta Academy. Parul is also a graduate of St Martin’s School of Art and holds a postgraduate degree in Education. She has dedicated over 20 years to sharing and propagating the understanding of Vedanta in the UK.
Parul runs classes primarily at Middle Temple (part of the Inns of Court near Temple tube station) and South Molton Street (near Bond Street tube station), to which all are welcome. Additional details of class times and venues are set out in the individual meet-ups below. Parul is always open to starting new classes at new times and venues, so feel free to approach her to express your interest if the current groups and times/venues do not suit, or you would be interested in starting a new class. Everyone is very welcome to these classes and no prior knowledge or exposure to the philosophy is required.
The classes are supported by voluntary contributions and donations are welcome from all those who attend.
