RAMAKRISHNA
SEMINARY

The Hindu Goddess

February 28 through May 1, 2022

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati (DMin)

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Explore the development of goddess worship in India, including its past and current expressions in the lives and practices of Her devotees throughout the world.

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Module topics include:

• The Ancient Mother: History and development of the Hindu Goddess traditions

• Sources of Knowledge: The scriptural and oral traditions of Shaktism

• Adoring the Mother: Goddess worship in popular Hinduism

• Re-membering the Goddess: Pilgrimage and the Śakti Pīṭhams

• Devī ~ Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon

• The Tantric Goddess: Yantra, mantra, & tantra in esoteric Hinduism

• The Dark Goddess: Kālī and Her symbolism

• “My Mother”: Sri Ramakrishna and the Motherhood of Go

Registration required.

Devi Mahatmyam

Self-paced online study / Open Enrollment

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati (DMin)

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The Devi-Mahatmyam or Chandi, consists of seven hundred verses from the much larger Markandeya Purana. It is considered the main scripture of the Hindu Goddess traditions.

This self-paced, home study course is based upon a series of discourses given during Navaratri (the nine-night worship of the Mother Goddess). Materials for this course are a combination of original and curated content.

This material is being offered for the personal enrichment of our students. There is no need to register. Those wishing to earn Seminary Credit for the course should contact the instructor for guidance and requirements

Available to all enrolled RKS students

Hindu Thought and Practice

Online course: Compleated

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, DMin

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In this 8 week course we will explore foundational aspects of Hinduism, such as:

• Sanatana Dharma – Hinduism and its self-understanding

• Hindu Cosmology – cycles within cycles

• Textual Traditions — the scriptures and their commentaries

• Sects and Lineages – unity and diversity

• Sad Darshana – classical schools of Indian philosophy

• Karma, Reincarnation, and our final destination

• Varna and Ashram — ancient ideals of dharma and their modern challenges

• Purushartha – the four goals of human life

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Registration required.

Devi Gita Class (Section 1)

February  28  through May 1, 2022

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati (DMin)

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In this little-known but important section of the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, The Great Goddess reveals Herself as the cause and substratum of creation; the nature of non-dual reality and Its realization; the eight-fold methods of yoga; the process of awakening kundalini; the path of devotion; and the Vedic and Tantric ways of Her worship, etc.

Swami Bhajanananda will guide students verse-by-verse, basing his interpretation on traditional commentaries, Shakta siddhanta, and classical hermeneutics.

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 Registration required.

Simple Kali Puja

Live online seminar: Completed

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, DMin

Assisted by Kamalakanta (Naren K. Schreiner) and Lopamudra Bose

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In this seminar, presented over two evenings, students will be taught the method of performing a simple ritual worship of Goddess Kali, as outlined in Simple Kali Puja published by Kali Mandir. We will focus on the meaning of the rituals, proper procedure and pronunciation of the mantras.

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Registration required.

Subtle Anatomy

Completed 

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati (DMin)

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Explore a variety of subtle anatomical considerations as understood by Eastern systems of thought and practice such as Yoga,  Tantra, focusing on the transformative dynamics of spiritual discipline.

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Topics include:

• The Tantric World: Tantra, Yoga, and Cosmic  Evolution

• Inner Landscape: Antarkarana, Koshas, Prana, and Nadis

• The Serpent Power: Kundalini and the Chakra System

• Steering Wheels of Prana: Asana, Bandha, Mudra, Pranayama, and Kriya

• Hidden in the Breath: Svara, Svara Yoga, and Yogic Therapy

• Inner Purification: Bhuta Shuddi and Tantric Ritual

• Inner Transformation: Puja, Mantra, Dharana, and Dhyana

• Visualizing the Divine: Subtle Anatomy and the Reading of Tantric Imagery and Myth  

 Registration required.

Foundations and Approach

Online course:  Compleated

Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, DMin

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In this eight week course we will explore the history, ritual standards, philosophical framework, and theological approach of Kali Mandir and Ramakrishna Seminary, that allows for a committed spiritual focus and a radical religious pluralism.

Topics include the founding and history of Kali Mandir; the Dakshineswar Kali Temple; our holy trinity: Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, & Swami Vivekananda; bhakti & the mother-child relationship; traditions & standards; lineages & influences; ritual & the language of devotion; and “All is us”- tradition beyond cult. 

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Registration required.