Vedanta of the Upanishads

With Swami Ramaswarupananda

"The Updanishads contain the essence of the Vedas. They are the source of Vedanta philosophy. Profound, original, lofty and sublime thought arise in every verse. They contain the direct spiritual revelations of seers or sages, the Rishis. They are products of the highest wisdom, supreme divine knowledge. Hence, they stir the hearts of people and inspire them."---H.H. Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj

Upanishad literally means "sitting at the feet of a Master." During his lecture series in the Bay Area last year, Swami Ramaswarupanandaji explained what the Upanishads are and how they are traditionally taught---by sitting at the feet of a master and learning the essence from him over many years. Swamiji jokingly remarked that in a few evenings we can't even begin to fathom what one Upanishad has to offer! Over the course of the lecture series, Swamiji elaborated on the first few slokas of the Isavasya Upanishad, explaining that the scripture goes from general or subtle points to more specific or elaborate points; one who understands the earlier ones fully will not need to hear the rest.

Through association with the master, one slowly assimilates the essence of the scriptures. Swamiji has done just that. For nearly thirty years, Swami Ramaswarupanandaji was the personal secretary of Swami Chidanandaji, the president of the Divine Life Society, who was a very close disciple of one of India's greatest saints, H.H. Swami Sivananda Maharaj. While untiringly attending to his Guru's (Swami Chidananda's) every need, Swami Ramaswarupanandaji had the unique opportunity to observe all the aspects of this great saint's life---how he acts in public and in private, greets each day, reacts to each difficulty, connects with each person, and how he is an embodiment of love and wisdom. Although Swami Ramaswarupananda was busy almost beyond human capacity, he helped countless devotees from around the globe to connect with Swami Chidanandaji.

Swami Ramaswarupanandaji now lives in a small kutir by the Ganga in the Himalayas and travels extensively, sharing his wisdom and love with one and all. Although rooted in a very traditional background, his visits to all parts of the globe have exposed him to many cultures and modes of thinking and have made his teachings and vision both practical and universal. He inspires and moves freely with everyone, regardless of age or background. He offers practical advice to the teenager, a ray of hope to the elderly, and new light on the subtleties of the scriptures to the pundit. He remains unruffled and personal whether addressing large crowds or small ones, and friendly and nonjudgmental when speaking with an individual.

This year, Swamiji will comment on the deep meaning of the Ishavasya Upanishad and how this philosophy offers direction to our lives. The Vedas are the most ancient scriptures known to mankind, and their fourth and final portion is known as the Upanishads. These authoritative texts expound on Vedanta, one of the six philosophical systems of Indian mysticism. Vedanta claims that there is one consciousness underlying all of creation, known as Brahman, which is the same in every being in the universe. Thus, in essence we are all one. But owing to ignorance, attachments, and desires, we are unaware of this universal truth. This Ishavasya is one of the principal and most concise Upanishads. It opens with the awe-inspiring mantra "Ishavasyamidam sarvam"---this whole world is indwelt or pervaded by God.