Rajanaka Newsletter October 29th 2022

 Saturday, October 29, 2022

 

Aho’Rajanaka,

 

I hope this finds you well.  Word has it a tough flu season is coming and a slew of my University students have been sick with something and missing classes (not just sick of me, well, I think. Maybe.) So please take good care.  Do all the needfuls.  

It’s Saturday morning and I should be watching cartoons.  My parents never cared how much TV I saw as a kid, which explains a lot.  I’m pretty sure I didn’t let my kids do that.  I waffle back and forth and across---Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, and the Total TV crowd.  This morning Susan and I were going over cartoon sidekicks, ‘cause everyone needs a best friend, a veritable kalyana-mitra.  Ricochet Rabbit has Deputy Droop-a-Long, Peter Potomus has So-So, and since we live out here I reminded her also of Punkin’ Puss and Mush Mouse.  But Suz did not remember Tobor the 8th Man, which was the first Japanese anime to make it to children dropped in front of television screens in the early ‘60s when “mother’s little helper” (think: Stones tune) included the need for some quiet.  Sometimes it’s not about right and wrong.  Sometimes it’s just about quiet.

Anyways, Tobor the 8th Man was a cartoon hero of mine and you shouldn’t miss this ubercoolness---Tobor (robot backwards they are happy to tell you) came before there was any Speed Racer or Gigantor.  Here’s the link to Episode 1 that tells you how this Frankenstein Meets Superman is made by Professor Genius and is cool and incorruptible all the way to his end. And yes, there was an end, an 8th Man fare thee well episode.  We should all be so lucky.  Of course, Susan is now calling me “Professor Genius” with that (Krsna-esque) look on her face, cf., Gita 2.10, “Then, O Bharata, Hrshikesa spoke as if smiling.  It’s not exactly “smiling” as you know.  Here’s 8th Man numero uno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iB2ZLvdF7U

 

Of course the greatest of all Saturday mornings involve Rocky and Bullwinkle.  I will do the voices if you like.  And then Dudley Do-Right of the Mounties (think: Renfrew) and his love interest, Nell.  As the tag line goes, “Dudley loved Nell.  Unfortunately, Nell loved Dudley’s horse.”  You just can’t make that up.  Except they did.  Think Marie Antoinette and we have a fine example of frolicsome grown-ups telling the kids about naughty things they will figure out later but will always offend their Evangelical parents.  Hehe.  Nothing like some sardonic Tantric mischief first thing in the mornin’, eh?

And now to bidd(e)dness.  Umm, business.

·      Fall and Winter Sessions: the good news is that we are almost on the original schedule.  But of course we get to do what’s best.  

TODAY, Saturday, October 29th is our final Fall Core Session on Patanjali Essentials.  We were scheduled for four sessions and this will make six total.  If you paid for four, you got six.  If you didn’t pay for any, you can have the recordings for the same deal.  And really this has been darn good and worth our time.  You might want to have these, good listening for winter nights.  Saturday Zoom link is always the same, see below the line for the link or on our FB Chitra Katha group.  HERE IS THE ARCHIVE LINK FOR ALL SESSIONS: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2qd7wc5qroiva3v/AAAaZPvnc9I2JQSrO88Iv1exa?dl=0

·       

 

·      NEW SATURDAY, EARLY WINTER CORE STARTS NOVEMBER 12TH.

“OM: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE ETERNAL SOUND”
November 12, 19, December 3, 10.  Four Sessions, tuition via PayPal or Venmo. Registration and details including Zoom are below the line.  (Keep reading, please?)

 

·      TOMORROW, Sunday the 30th.  Mahabharata as eva’.  You really can drop in any time because every Session is it’s own and a very good story.  Very. Good. Story.  None better.  Not even close.  Sunday Zoom link is same same ever ever, see below.

 

·      The ARCHIVE RECORDING for our Fall Thursdays with 1000 Names of Lalita is now available.  Tuition same as live and just as good.  This is super interesting Tantra at its best.  You should want to do this because Lalita loves her names and you love her, I’m sure. Lalita1000/Archive:https://www.dropbox.com/sh/18o5rtle7p91hz2/AADQnph8ofpPAX5mtW7mX-L4a?dl=0

 

·      EARLY WINTER THURSDAYS BEGINS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH FOR SIX SESSIONSNovember 10/17 December 1/8/15/22.  We are taking a deep dive into the Gayatri Mantra. The Course is called  “GAYATRI IN VEDA AND TANTRA”.  

Good for beginners, good for more advanced yogis, good for the soul, just good.  We will learn everything ever about Gayatri and why you should care and how to practice this ancient teaching.  Links below, but it’s always the same Thursday link.

 

NEXT WEEKEND, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5TH AND 6TH  IT’S LIVE IN NYC.  

 

We’ll be hosted by Candrakala Yoga’s Jennifer Petite at her home in lower Manhattan.  Room is limited but there’s room for you.  Why not make the trip? I promise to bring my best game.  Start spreadin’ the news.  If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.  It’s up to you.  

Rajanaka LIVE for THREE Sessions: Saturday, November 5th, 9:30am-12:30pm.  Lunch served on the premises. Saturday Afternoon, 2pm-5pm.  Then, Sunday 9:30am-12:30pm.  
Venue: The home of Jennifer Petite, 652 Broadway (between Bleecker and Bond), RING APT. 11R.

Each Session is worth your time even if you can’t make them all.
Registration: You must register in advance because space is limited!   

To Register you can either email me directly (and pay cash at the door) OR you can send tuition via Venmo or PayPal using the usual address: svcourses@gmail.com.

Tuition: $50 per Session, so $150 for all.

Our topic is Kali Before Kali: The Most Ancient Bequests of the Great Goddess.

 

&&

RAJANAKA OFFERINGS FOR FALL AND EARLY WINTER 2022

Our offerings divide into Fall and Early Winter.  ALL Sessions are on Zoom at 5pm Eastern Time, recorded and accessible at any time---if you can’t make it live.

 

ALL WEEKEND COURSES AND SESSIONS ARE ON ZOOM AT 5PM EASTERN TIME  THURSDAY COURSES BEGIN AT 7PM EASTERN.

LINKS BELOW! AND IN EVERY NEWSLETTER!! DATES ARE LISTED!!!

 

·      THURSDAY FALL COURSE (SIX SESSIONS, SEPT/OCT) 

“THE ONE THOUSAND NAMES OF GODDESS LALITA. HERE IS THE ARCHIVE LINK https://www.dropbox.com/sh/18o5rtle7p91hz2/AADQnph8ofpPAX5mtW7mX-L4a?dl=0

 

 

·      SATURDAY FALL CORE COURSE (FOUR SESSIONS, SEPT/OCT)

“THE ESSENTIAL PATANJALI YOGA”, SEE THE ARCHIVE LINK https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2qd7wc5qroiva3v/AAAaZPvnc9I2JQSrO88Iv1exa?dl=0

 

THEN,

 

·      THURSDAY EARLY WINTER COURSE (SIX SESSIONS, NOV/DEC)

“GAYATRI IN VEDA AND TANTRA”

November 10/17 December 1/8/15/22

 

 

·      SATURDAY EARLY WINTER CORE COURSE (FOUR SESSIONS, OCT/NOV)

“OM: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE ETERNAL SOUND”
November 12, 19, December 3, 10

 

AND,

·      SUNDAY MAHABHARATA THROUGH DECEMBER (15 SESSIONS)

Every Sunday beginning September 11th through December 11th

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IN BRIEF

ALL COURSES AND SESSIONS ARE ON ZOOM AT 5PM EASTERN TIME

 

Thursday Courses carry on the Rajanaka tradition of being both introductory and deep dives.  I won’t presume you know the subject but I’m aiming for rich and serious study that is informative and practical.  7PM ZOOM.

 

·      The Fall Thursday focuses on the beautiful and evocative 1000 Names of Goddess Lalita, the Lalitasahasranama.  We meet for SIX SessionsRenowned for its richness, LSN is also a handbook of Goddness Tantra, especially in consideration of the historical commentaries (particularly the Saubhagyabhaskara of Bhaskararaya).  I will provide the text.  We will focus on learning the history and content of the text, its interpretations, and its practice.  Our study includes close reading, some chanting and mantra, meditations, and even mudra studies.   Our Thursday Courses offer useful teachings and practices that will take you to the heart of Rajanaka. HERE IS THE ARCHIVE AGAIN!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/18o5rtle7p91hz2/AADQnph8ofpPAX5mtW7mX-L4a?dl=0

 

 

 

Essential Learning for Yoga Traditions means to create foundations, introductions, and a chance to learn in ways that will allow you to incorporate into your own work.

 

·      Saturday Fall Core, The Essential Patanjali Yoga.  This course for students and teachers is designed to provide a true foundation for yoga studies.  We meet for FOUR Sessions. You may be well-familiar with Patanjali and the rise of Classical Yoga but this course will zero in on the most important sutras, their meaning and context, and how they relate to practice.  We will consider Patanjali in the history of yoga and as an influence on contemporary practice.  This would be very good opportunity for any student, beginner or advanced, and would be well-suited to students currently involved in teacher trainings or immersions.  Learn the basics, dive deep.  Learn how to teach this core text and tradition. HERE IS THE ARCHIVE LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2qd7wc5qroiva3v/AAAaZPvnc9I2JQSrO88Iv1exa?dl=0

 

·      The Early Winter Thursday will focus on the traditions of the Gayatri mantra in Veda and Tantra.  Gayatri becomes a focal point for the earliest Vedic traditions and then evolves into a concept of the Goddess and of mantra practice that extends into the greater pantheon of deities.  To learn Gayatri in theory and practice will enrich your understanding of every facet of the history of yoga and its evolution from Veda to Tantra.  All materials will be provided, no particular familiarity is required or necessary.  Open hearts, an honest commitment, and rich rewards. Our study includes close reading, some chanting and mantra, meditations, and even mudra studies.

 

·      Saturday Early Winter Core, OM: An Autobiography of the Eternal Sound.  Where does OM originate? What is its purpose and meaning?  How does the practice of OM evolve from Veda to Tantra?  How does one practice with OM and how can OM be further interpreted and applied to one’s life?

 

·      Sunday Mahabharata Sessions.  We are going to study the Mahabharata because there is nothing better in the whole of India grand corpus of learning.  EACH Session stands on its own.  You can come to them all or come when you can.  There is no falling behind, no catching up, there is only the desire to step into the story a few pages at a time.  Each Session carries forward Books 2 and 3 and each provides the summary and furtherance you need to enjoy the epic.  Mahabharata is epic and in fifteen weeks we can dive into its wonders.  There is an Archive of past Sessions but this is not required to enjoy any given Sunday.  Come.  This is really worth it.

 

 

 

 

REGISTRATION AND TUITION

 

THURSDAY COURSES, SIX SESSIONS.  

Six Sessions tuition is $200 (that is, $200 for Fall, $200 for Early Winter.)  All Sessions will be recorded and can be accessed at any time.  You can pay over time.  You can even pay less but you are on your honor to pay something.  Fair?

You register by paying tuition using PayPal or Venmo directly.  There is no other registration required.  Just use the Zoom link and come when you can!!  The Zoom link and the Archive will be published in every Rajanaka Newsletter.  If PayPal or Venmo don’t suit you, you can write to me and we’ll arrange a check or rupees via carrier pigeons (all the crows are busy).

USE THIS ADDRESS FOR PAYPAL OR VENMO: svcourses@gmail.com

You may also use nallapaampu@gmail.com for PayPal and douglas-brooks-8 for Venmo.

IF you register for BOTH Fall and Early Winter Thursdays tuition is $375 (save $25).

 

SATURDAY CORE COURSES, FOUR SESSIONS

Four Sessions tuition is $125 (that is, $125 for Fall, $125 for Early Winter).  Archive recordings available forever, etc.

USE THIS ADDRESS FOR PAYPAL OR VENMO: svcourses@gmail.com

You may also use nallapaampu@gmail.com for PayPal and douglas-brooks-8 for Venmo.

IF you register for both Fall and Early Winter Saturday Cores tuition is $225 (save $25).

 

IF you want ALL FALL AND EARLY WINTER THURSDAY COURSES AND SATURDAY CORE tuition is $625.

 

SUNDAY MAHABHARATA if you purchase all 15 weeks in advance is $250 (or $20 per Session.)

 

I hope you find tuition reasonable.  We are trying to keep things afloat here and in India.

 

ZOOM LINK FOR ALL THURSDAYS: 

 https://rochester.zoom.us/j/98183733328

 

ZOOM LINK FOR ALL SATURDAYS (SAME FOR CORE AND FREE CONVERSATIONS):

 https://rochester.zoom.us/j/95057662268

 

ZOOM LINK FOR ALL SUNDAY MAHABHARATA SESSIONS:

 https://rochester.zoom.us/j/314987250

 

 

 &&


The ZOOM link for ALL Rajanaka Saturday Conversations, 5pm Eastern:

https://rochester.zoom.us/j/95057662268

ALSO, I have made a special archive forSaturdays so that you can revisit these special sessions whenever you’re feeling special.  Look here for the Dropbox Archive: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fjvboe5foaxn078/AACyqOHasI8HirTP2gu6g60xa?dl=0

It’ll do ya’ a world of good to come and hang out with us.  Hundreds of Sessions are here for free!

ALL PAST free Saturday Conversations are available HERE:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/m8dqip14rtb9677/AABuIF3G8S6WrQ99sjQIUX-ua?dl=0

 

MAHABHARATA SUNDAYS will happen--you guessed it---Sunday at 5pm.  Drop a rupee in the PayPalVenmo plate---use svcourses@gmail.com to get to PayPal or Venmo, join us if you can.

Zoom  link is here:  https://rochester.zoom.us/j/314987250

Archive INCLUDING the free Audio book is here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bfqt15y3n0uglir/AAAB_89LiCOob0hJI1w8BK7_a?dl=0

 

 

There is also so much in The Rajanaka Archive.  All of the Archive are now $200, drop a dime, and download from Dropbox.  Be honest.  Look below here for some of the offerings and ask if you have any questions or interests.  Don’t forget the Courses at rajanaka.com---there is so much available.  Honestly, it’s a lifetime of learning that will take you several lifetimes.  Remember that all of the past Saturday Conversations are free and there are nearly 100 Sessions.  Also, tuition helps support our causes in India.

 

**

THE NEW ARCHIVE FOR 1000 LALITAS: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/18o5rtle7p91hz2/AADQnph8ofpPAX5mtW7mX-L4a?dl=0

 

THE ARCHIVE LINK FOR ESSENTIAL PATANJALI: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2qd7wc5qroiva3v/AAAaZPvnc9I2JQSrO88Iv1exa?dl=0

 

 

ALL PAST Gita Sessions and AsanaColab yoga classes are available HERE:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/calr250puxcgy0w/AAAfVWagH9fTU03a8IjqEtPia?dl=0

 

ARCHIVED COURSES:

TUITION FOR EACH COURSE IS $200 OR it is yours if you have paid the original tuition.

WEDNESDAY COURSE: EVERYDAY RAJANAKA DROPBOX ARCHIVE IS HERE:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/809o2mm27q0gx20/AABteLdMH3wzAIt6jeAaaq5Aa?dl=0

 

The archive link for WEDNESDAY COURSE: SRIVIDYA: LALITA is here

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/03ezf8d4hroo0yi/AABoirNRJgGz_3P5AQDHZPRpa?dl=0

 

The archive line for WEDNESDAY COURSE: NATARAJAR:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/eyvec7v53p8gasl/AAC0J_tvJaYir6fIXgADqD41a?dl=0

 

 

The archive link for JULY 2021 SUMMER CAMP: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/aj6k67zeyyq7f13/AACrNAQjnoVxBvxJo-5iExWfa?dl=0

 

The archive link for AUGUST 2021 SUMMER CAMP:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6e7py7gzta6e8zz/AAD5DEgeyTHYlA_A5kvG5hxoa?dl=0

 

The archive link for Wednesday 2021 Fall Hanuman, Sundarakanda: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ctqccnvf441jt1v/AAC49ygwuzJIWshh8O0mpOB5a?dl=0

 

The archive link for the Rajanaka Practicum on Ganapati Mulamantra:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ifx99en4710fmrz/AAD3TOpzAYiD2sqbq8ppoAG9a?dl=0

 

 

FOR SIVAKAMI ARCHIVE, it’s $200 to PayPal or Venmo and you can find it here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ifddb0hglwrm5hx/AABGyYYfSJ9B_KHhU1LgdsT3a?dl=0

 

If you access offer tuition using PayPal (svcourses@gmail.com or Venmo douglas-brooks-8)

Tuition for the complete Śiva-Kāmī Sessions will be $200.  Individual Sessions are $25.

 

AND,

 

 

The  AVAILABLE ON COURSES ARCHIVE.

Please use svcourses@gmail.com for Venmo or PayPal, or nallapaampu@gmail.com for PayPal. If PayPal or Venmo doesn’t work for you, write to me: douglas@rajanaka.com.  Tuition for all of these courses is $200.  Goes to good causes.  Of course, if you paid tuition when you took the courses, they are yours for no further cost.

 

 

If you missed TK Practicum, in whole or in part, please avail yourself of the recordings and pay the tuition using Venmo (douglas-brooks-8) or PayPal (svcourses@gmail.com or nallapaampu@gmail.com.) If you’d like to send a check, that’s cool too, just drop me a line.  Tuition for the complete Archive is $200.  If you’ve already paid, we’re good, okay?  I always want things to feel fair, accessible, because I think this learning belongs to the community.  Here is the link to the recorded Tillai Kali Practicum Dropbox Archive:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/92i9dynnw78wcc7/AACHEbQ_1BMf7-qPGw7UQVpDa?dl=0

 

 

 

The Sivakamasundari Practicum was amazing.  Tuition is the same $200 to PayPal or Venmo.  The link is HERE: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ifddb0hglwrm5hx/AABGyYYfSJ9B_KHhU1LgdsT3a?dl=0

 

2022 Rajanaka Camphttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/kam31oxsq2bce45/AADr7p6rY6Rk7x8gQ1g_xUyLa?dl=0

 

HERE’S A FREEBEEEEE, a college class on the Tao De Ching: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0dfkocr0kx58xvc/AACQeJVhoSk5bXugltMxANlqa?dl=0

 

Dancer of the Forest 2021 Sessionshttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/eyvec7v53p8gasl/AAC0J_tvJaYir6fIXgADqD41a?dl=0

 

Hanuman in the Sundarakanda 2021: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ctqccnvf441jt1v/AAC49ygwuzJIWshh8O0mpOB5a?dl=0

 

Wednesdays in December 2021:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ilne88o3qemckki/AAC27yuvIb7m_m70NETAMAzCa?dl=0

 

Srividya Goddesses 2021: 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/03ezf8d4hroo0yi/AABoirNRJgGz_3P5AQDHZPRpa?dl=0

 

Everyday Rajanaka 2021:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/809o2mm27q0gx20/AABteLdMH3wzAIt6jeAaaq5Aa?dl=0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






 

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Rajanaka Newsletter January 10 2023

January 25th, 2024 UPDATE: Rajanaka Winter Sessions, Summer Camp, and a Free Session This Saturday

Rajanaka Winter Sessions 2024