Centre of Adhyatma Yoga and Advaita Vedanta

Shanti Sadan is a centre of the Yoga of Self-Knowledge, Adhyatma Yoga.

This Yoga is based on the philosophy of non-duality, Advaita Vedanta, which is taught in the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita as interpreted by Shri Shankara.

The Upanishads declare that the true Self of each individual is not in essence different from the universal Self, called God or the Absolute. Direct realization of this identity is the highest goal of life, and brings the complete cessation of all limitations and suffering.

Adhyatma Yoga is a traditional path to Self-Realization, through ethical living, devotion to truth, study, service and learning meditation.

The teaching is universal and is free from sectarianism and political or nationalistic bias. It encourages a love of wisdom and true spirituality, whatever its source.

picture of OM There are articles on Adhyatma Yoga, and Advaita Vedanta among the key Yoga teachings from Self-Knowledge Journal

The Wisdom of the Katha Upanishad

The Katha Upanishad is full of practical wisdom and inspiration for spiritual enquirers. Timeless teachings on the good and the pleasant, the vision of unity, and Self-realization, are given in it. Here is a recording of a recent talk by the Warden of Shanti Sadan on this classic text. (Depending on your settings, the file may play immediately or you may be asked to download it.)

Self-Knowledge Journal On-line

Self-Knowledge Journal is now available on-line.

All the articles in each printed issue can now be read in full by subscribers.

A growing archive of past issues is also available on-line, including all issues published in 2011 and 2012.

You can see the contents of the current issue here and past issues in the archive.

The Divine is, as it were, the great Self of all—the Self of the entire universe. It has produced the multiplicity of creatures as a kind of illusory projection or emanation from itself. Therefore we are not really separate from the Divine, and never have been. But like the prince, we have forgotten our true nature, and need to be awakened to it. When this happens, all error falls away, and we know that the spiritual centre of our being is one with the supreme..."
From The Living Heart of the Upanishads in the Spring 2012 issue of Self-Knowledge.

The secret of security is to find that realm of pure Being within ourselves that is ever secure, ever free from all disturbance and threat and is of the nature of peace and bliss. Yoga is the method through which we bring this about..."
From The Supreme Security in the Winter 2012 issue of Self-Knowledge.

"For enlightenment is indescribable. 'Those who speak do not know. Those who know do not speak,' says Lao Tzu. The point is, we are dealing with the realm of the infinite, the ultimate, which transcends altogether the reach of thought. Nonetheless, there are things that can be said about enlightenment to guide us in the right direction..."
From Enlightenment—The Crown of Life in the Autumn 2011 issue of Self-Knowledge.

"Alongside the stream of thoughts, there is a level of awareness that stays constant, to which the many kinds of mental activity and movement appear objectively. This changeless principle is not composite, like the mind. It cannot be grasped by thought, any more than the eye can see itself. But experience cannot do without it. The Scriptures supplement this 'clue' to self-knowledge by declaring its infinitude and absolute nature, and the fact that it can be realized as our true being through following a path of self-training and transformation..."
From One Self in All in the Summer 2011 issue of Self-Knowledge.

"Socrates was a saintly soul in his practical life, which makes the nearest approach to that of Jesus of Nazareth. In theoretical wisdom he was conversant with the philosophy of the day. He devoted his life to the practice of purity and tried to serve the people by teaching them how to live a spiritual life. He was sure of the immortality of the soul and he attached the greatest value to the life of restraint and tranquillity. ..."
From How to Talk to the People in the Summer 2011 issue of Self-Knowledge.