Rajanaka Newsletter November 19 2022
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Aho’Rajanaka,
Can it really be the weekend before next weekend already? What just happened? Hey, Time? Where y’a been and where are you going? I think I feel this way a lot these days. But the news this week is always the weather, inside and out. Out There it has finally snowed and that will happen like Rajanaka, little by little again and again until a lot of it happens all at once. How are many things but one thing? Is one thing really many things? Even the weather is metaphysical when you think about it.
I want to list some good things that happened but the outcome of the election felt more like Dunkirk than VD Day and the retaking of Kherson (a very good thing for Ukraine) will certainly reveal inexcusable Russian villainy and criminality. And what’s the world going to do with that? I think an honest spiritual life needs to be loud and quiet, angry and soothing, funny and dead serious. Not a day goes by when I don’t feel raging sorrow and ineffable wonder, surprise, and celebration. I feel clear and confused, vivid with memories and sometimes murky about what I’ve forgotten.
I’m an advocate for living at the limits of what is possible and also trying our best to understand how the conditions and limitations of our humanity are features of the gifts we’ve been given. There is frustration with how the world is not, not only with how it is---are we still really having to argue for women’s choices in the 21st century? But I am not going to give up, not even a little bit when there is much yet to learn, to change, to imagine, and create. Rajanaka is a community that reminds us that yoga is an invitation, not an obligation. That doesn’t mean we don’t have obligations. Rather it means that we must take not only accept our invitations but offer what we can to others too. It’s not easy trying to be humane in a world in which humans can be so human. Let us not give up on our aspirations because the world might yet out live us.
This past Thursday we had our second Gayatri Session. We meet at 7pm on Zoom and you are invited. You are always invited and you are never behind or late, much less too late. You won’t need to catch up and each session has its own value. If you have time, join us. Learning together is fun, it’s downright good for the soul. If you can’t make the time, the Archive is available right now and anytime. Details are below the line: all the links, all the info. If need help with tuition, just write to me. Operators are waiting. That would be Sadie the Pup looking for a treat too. This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving and we will be taking the day off. Eat pie. Enjoy yourself. (Eat pie, I repeat. Pie is good.) Our next Gayatri Session will be Thursday, December 1st, 7pm, zoomyzoom in. The Archive Recordings for Gayatri Sessions are listed below the line.
Today, Saturday November 19th is second Session of OM: The Autobiography. 5pm on Zoom, links below. Come OM. It’s warm inside and I promise to not set the house on fire (literally), at least not for a while. At least not till February. (I mean not to make it Valentine’s Day tradition but you never know.) We are just getting started with OM, really, and this is course coupled with Gayatri really truly makes for a feast of the heart and soul. You may learn stuff too.
NEXT Saturday November 26th is Thanksgiving weekend and we will not be having a OM Session, so you won’t miss it if you couldn’t make it. BUT we WILL have an OPEN Session, Saturday November 26th at 5pm, use the same ZOOM link for all Saturdays. And we will talk about stuff. You can ask me anything. I will tell at least one really good story about Appa, who always warrants love and respect ‘cause he was that sort of good person, and we will spend an hour shooting the zoom-breeze. Whaddya’ say?
Sunday Mahabharata this week too, that’d be tomorrow. 5pm, Zoom, links etc. below. We are in the first few (let’s say 10 pages) of the 3rd Book. If that makes you feel lost, you’re not. Every few pages is its own world when it comes to the epic. And being “lost” is part of the joy of wandering into this forest of feelings and characters and storylines. Besides I know the way in and out pretty well, I’ve got breadcrumbs to toss just in case. So join us. Please? You will dig it. I love this so much.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE HERE à A REALLY IMPORTANT NEXT THINGà
As you know, we’re not able to make the India pilgrimage this winter. We ARE planning for Dec-Jan 2023/24. To help Babu, Bharathi, and Rajanaka India we’re going to offer a
SPECIAL WEEKEND ZOOM FOR INDIA,
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3rd and 4th.
Our subject is THE HEROINE SHAKUNTALA. We will embark on a close reading of Kalidasa’s greatest work of theatre as the gateway to the study of the Heroine. This is a great chance to study not only one of the masterpieces of Sanskrit literature but the complex story of one of India’s most revealing, powerful, and important heroines. The Heroine is a subject filled with invaluable insights for our own lives. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO INDIA. TUITION IS $150. If you can’t make the Course think about contributing to our good friends in India. They have worked and supported us and our work for years and years. I mean to do everything I can to help them. You can register for this Special Weekend by paying tuition (or making a contribution in any amount) to this PayPal address: nallapaampu@gmail.com. If you want to use Venmo, then use douglas-brooks-8 (or svcourses@gmail.com).
I apologize that the website is not up to date but the courses and links are all working fine. I try to make sure that all you might want to know out current offerings (and plenty past) is here.
What are you listening to?
I’m on a Miles bender of late but also more sonorous tones from Ben Webster, Lee Morgan, Lester Young, and always Bill Evans. I spent a good bit of my misspent youth in the dundgeon of The Village Vanguard and while jazz is over my paygrade (as a player, I’m just a rock n’ roller), I love listening to genius. I may never get to much 21st century music but I’m curious what you love. You can always start a thread on the Facebook Chitra Katha page even if FB does not like my Newsletters there. So it flows. Grace on, Rajanaka.
Talk to me soon. Send me an email. Show me a picture of your pup or even your cat or if you have a pet python (but only if his name is Reggie). Sure do love ya’.
Saprema, Douglas
&& Below the Line Starts HERE:
In NYC we had a grand time exploring some of the most ancient sources of Kali and Warrior Traditions. The Archive for NYC KALI is available for the taking. Tuition is $150 for the entire recordings. You register by dropping your rupees in the PayPal or Venmo accounts and downloading from Dropbox. (Remember that you must download to receive the full recording. If you listen from Dropbox you only get the first hour!)
NYC 2022 The Origins of Kali, here’s the Archive Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w17dt9vy2gybc8ki2kwql/h?dl=0&rlkey=0cm12uhygsfij9ftku8eqdn39
RAJANAKA OFFERINGS FOR FALL AND EARLY WINTER 2022
Our offerings divide into Fall and Early Winter. ALL WEEKEND Sessions are on Zoom at 5pm Eastern Time, recorded and accessible at any time---if you can’t make it live. THURSDAY Sessions are at 7pm Eastern.
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”
September 15/22/29, October 6/13/20
· SATURDAY FALL CORE COURSE (FOUR SESSIONS, SEPT/OCT)
“THE ESSENTIAL PATANJALI YOGA”
September 17/24 October 1/8
THEN,
· THURSDAY EARLY WINTER COURSE (SIX SESSIONS, NOV/DEC)
“GAYATRI IN VEDA AND TANTRA”
November 3/10/17 December 1/8/15
· SATURDAY EARLY WINTER CORE COURSE (FOUR SESSIONS, OCT/NOV)
“OM: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE ETERNAL SOUND”
October 29 November 5/12/19
AND,
· SUNDAY MAHABHARATA THROUGH DECEMBER (15 SESSIONS)
ALMOST Every Sunday beginning September 11th through December 11th except October 16th, CHECK THE NEWSLETTER FOR DETAILS , PLEASE.
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 Sessions. Renowned 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 RECORED ARCHIVE: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 RECORDED ARCHIVE: 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.
HERE IS THE RECORDED ARCHIVE: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/r58rwnp3ryxgi6a6y8yme/h?dl=0&rlkey=59kbd7hjdrl8n809zv8becmdi
· 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?
HERE IS THE RECORDED ARCHIVE: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/11jd30d14ibjjtv3wauaj/h?dl=0&rlkey=1wugbag9m7myo1c50gt6qoa6d
· 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.
HERE IS THE RECORDED ARCHIVE: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bfqt15y3n0uglir/AAAB_89LiCOob0hJI1w8BK7_a?dl=0
· FREE Saturdays are now a tradition and I mean to show up, offer a story, a few good laughs and insights, whatever it takes to the highway jammed with broken heroes. I’ll love you with all the madness in my soul. HERE IS THE ARCHIVE FOR 2022 SATURDAYS: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bfqt15y3n0uglir/AAAB_89LiCOob0hJI1w8BK7_a?dl=0
AND HERE IS THE ARCHIVE FOR HUNDREDS MORE FROM 2020 AND 2021 ALL ARE FREE: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/m8dqip14rtb9677/AABuIF3G8S6WrQ99sjQIUX-ua?dl=0
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.
**
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 Camp: https://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 Sessions: https://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
NYC 2022 The Origins of Kali
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w17dt9vy2gybc8ki2kwql/h?dl=0&rlkey=0cm12uhygsfij9ftku8eqdn39
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