Journey from Ignorance to Self-Knowledge
Every human being is naturally seeking peace, security, and lasting happiness. Whether consciously or not, each of us is on a journey shaped by this search. Many religious traditions promise a better life in distant realms, attained through righteous (dharmic) action. Yet with the human mind’s unique capacity for enquiry, we are naturally drawn to explore our inner purpose, our relationship with the world, and the intelligence that pervades all experience.
With sincere enquiry begins the movement from ignorance to knowledge. Advaita Vedānta — revealed in the Upaniṣads — offers a clear and transformative vision for this journey: a discovery of fullness, peace, and acceptance here and now, independent of time, place, or action. This website shares insights from these teachings, offering accessible explanations, extracts, and links to full texts and talks.
Important Pages/sub pages to explore
Discover – Foundational teachings, and essential enquiries,
Clarify – Resolve doubts, and refine subtle points
Contemplation – Steady reflection and Living the Knowledge
Acharyas – Explore the Teachers and their talks
Resources – Talks, Docs, Websites, Books, Chants etc
This blog site relates the spiritual journey
The path to Self‑knowledge unfolds through acquiring understanding, clearing doubts, and contemplative assimilation. The journey began with J. Krishnamurti’s teachings on the “observer and observed,” witnessing the conditioned mind, and living responsibly with clarity. Later, the Art of Living principles — relationships, yoga, pranayama, seva, and introductory Vedānta study — brought balance and a deeper yearning for truth during family life.
In recent years, with dedicated study within the Arsha Vidya Parampara has provided the depth, clarity, and assimilation that traditional Vedānta uniquely offers.
Gurus Guiding the Spiritual Journey
I am deeply grateful to the Gurus and Swamis whose teachings have shaped this path. Their guidance is highlighted here so that others may benefit from their clarity and compassion. Swami Tattvavidananda with his direct, pure and deep insights has made significant personal transformations in my life. His 7-9 week courses at AVG has been in unique opportunity for in-depth immersion in the study, and personal transformation for me. More youtube videos are becoming available. See this page for more information and links. Swamiji’s emphasis on being a “dhirah” to pursue this journey diligently, has been the key driving force in my life. Swamiji has written many insightful books and article. See this recent article: Self Inquiry – Swami TV, 2020 Video talk on Sarvatmabhava and Vivekabhava Swami Paramarthananda has unfolded the major spiritual texts with utmost clarity and depth. He has provided thorough and complete teachings in audio and written form available via multiple websites, and these are part of my daily study. His exposition of Ashtavakra Gita brings out the special joy of the enlightened person. See this page. Swami Sarvapriyananda has a wonderful style of expressing the essence of the Advaita Vedanta teachings in light of his up to date interactions with current scientists, philosophers and in depth interfaith studies at universities. This approach gives so much more solid foundation to Advaita Vedanta and I am grateful for its availability via youtube. See this page for more details. Sri Vijay Kapoorji’s dedicated weekly classes provide opportunity to students for general Vedanta knowledge in SF Bay area. We have grown from his teachings and are grateful for the seva opportunities provided by the Arsha Vidya Center, hosting visiting Swamis Talks and related events. See this page. Swamini Svatmavidyananda brings a clear, fresh and lively style to the teachings which appeal to broader audiences. She is widely recognized as a scholar of Advaita Vedanta and lectures at GTU Berkeley. She is technology smart and up to date with current thinking and approaches to teaching. Students find her compassionate and approachable for guidance. See this page. Swami Viditatmananda with his calmness, personifies the essence of the teachings. See this page. Having understanding of Advaita Vedanta, Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi’s direct path of focusing/dwelling on “who am I” beyond the ahankara (ego) thought is very important key for ongoing spiritual life. See a Jnani’s life and teachings, at this page . From very early days J. Krishnamurti’s message of recognizing “the conditioned mind” of the individual, resonated well with me. Even today keeping the constant “observer” principle in mind helps me be aware of the behaviors and reactions that stem from previous conditioning, and thus alleviate getting too “caught up” in over-reactions. See this page for more details. We learnt the wonderful practices of daily pranayama, yoga, the art of volunteering / seva and glimpse of Vedanta thru the Art of Living org. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s meditations and discourses still resonate well. See this page for more details.
Vedanta Meditation, Mantra and Chanting
Shanti Mantras;
Meditative Chants
Meditations
Om chanting
Mantras
Sri Rudram and Text;
Contact: satvichara@gmail.com