
Student Portal to Seminary Courses

Simple Kali Puja
Live online seminar: April 22 and 23
Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, DMin
Assisted by Kamalakanta (Naren K. Schreiner) and Lopamudra Bose
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.
Registration required.
Subtle Anatomy
January 18 through March 14
Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati (DMin)
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.
Topics include:
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The Tantric World: Tantra, Yoga, and Cosmic Evolution
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Inner Landscape: Antarkarana, Koshas, Prana, and Nadis
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The Serpent Power: Kundalini and the Chakra System
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Steering Wheels of Prana: Asana, Bandha, Mudra, Pranayama, and Kriya
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Hidden in the Breath: Svara, Svara Yoga, and Yogic Therapy
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Inner Purification: Bhuta Shuddi and Tantric Ritual
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Inner Transformation: Puja, Mantra, Dharana, and Dhyana
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Visualizing the Divine: Subtle Anatomy and the Reading of Tantric Imagery and Myth
Registration required.

Foundations and Approach
Online course: April 27 through June 21
Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, DMin
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.
Registration required.
Devi Mahatmyam
Open Enrollment
Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati (DMin)
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
Registration required.

Hindu Thought and Practice
Online course: August 17
through September 27
Instructor: Swami Bhajanananda Saraswati, DMin
In this 8 week course we will explore foundational aspects of Hinduism, such as:
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Sanatana Dharma – Hinduism and its self-understanding
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Hindu Cosmology – cycles within cycles
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Textual Traditions — the scriptures and their commentaries
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Sects and Lineages – unity and diversity
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Sad Darshana – classical schools of Indian philosophy
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Karma, Reincarnation, and our final destination
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Varna and Ashram — ancient ideals of dharma and their modern challenges
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Purushartha – the four goals of human life
Registration required.