Rajanaka Newsletter: December 3rd 2022

 Saturday, December 3, 2022


Aho’ Rajanaka,


I hope this finds you well.  Sadie the pup loves winter.  Nothing suits her furry-self more than romps, even naps in the snow.  This is also the time of year when India really aches in my bones.  It’s pilgrimage season in south India.  Yes, that is a thing.  Right before harvest and the Tamil new year when cooler temperatures arrive, the rains have abated, crops are still in the fields, pilgrims take to the roads.  So do we.  Well, usually.

This will be the third year since Covid that we’ve not seen it safe enough to return as a group.  We mean to change that for 2023.  If you have thought about going on pilgrimage with us, now is the time to plan to December/January 2023-24.  You’ll receive a formal invitation in a coming-February newsletter.  You can also write to me now if you’re in.  Logistics, including costs, the usual things will be need some real reckoning, of course.  We’ll always do what we can to keep things as reasonable as possible.


But our absence in India this time of the year also has some impact.  Twenty years of pilgrimage has created important relationships and opportunities to do some good.  We’ve had a hand in building schools, educating village children, supporting temples and priests who have become good friends.  Our Rajanaka India team, principally Jaganath Babu and Bharathi, will again not have us on board.  We’d like to try to sustain things that matter, especially helping our friends.


Today and tomorrow, Saturday December 3rd and Sunday December 4th, 5pm Eastern I’ll be offering a Special Sessions.  All proceeds to India.  Our topic is the Heroine Shakuntala.  Our pleasure will be to read together the magnificent play of the greatest Sanskrit playwright Kalidasa.  Tuition for both Sessions and/or access to the recordings in Archive is $150.  But if that is more than you can afford then consider a donation because any donation will entitle you to the recordings.  That’s right, Archive recordings for any donation made before Monday morning.  I mean to get our pledges into the hands of our friends as soon as possible.  Zoom links are the same we use for all Saturdays and Sundays.  

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

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

Archive for Shakuntala: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/osx5n6i9vrz5vi5ek9vch/h?dl=0&rlkey=pa7akqysgrauu07mw9te61yb1


In Rajanaka tradition we mean to offer things of value, opportunities for a lifetime of learning, good company, conversation worth having, time well-spent.  There are no promises of enlightenment, no secret decoder rings, no snake-oil promises that what we do will lead to supernal awakening or “divine” recognition.   What we do promise is that we’ll show up to help each other live lives of gratitude with integrity and appreciation for our shared humanity and friendships.  Join us if you can today.  And if you can’t know how much I appreciate your company and conversation.  Our good friends in India feel likewise.   Take care.  That’s all for today. 

saprema, with affection,

Douglas



&&&

Below the Line is a Trove of Information and Opportunity

GOING ON NOWADAYS, THREE LIVE COURSES:


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 SESSIONS including all Mahabharata:

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


  • Gayatri Sessions, continue, Thursdays at 7pm.  There are three more, you’re never late much less too late.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.

ZOOM link for all Thursdays:  https://rochester.zoom.us/j/98183733328

HERE is the Gayatri 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.  

SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER: December 10th and 17th.  (Saturday, December 3rd is for Shakuntala!)

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?

ZOOM link for all Saturdays (same for core and free conversations): https://rochester.zoom.us/j/95057662268

HERE is the Saturday recorded archive: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/11jd30d14ibjjtv3wauaj/h?dl=0&rlkey=1wugbag9m7myo1c50gt6qoa6d

Tuition: Four Session 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.comYou 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 need help with tuition, please write to me.



  • SUNDAY MAHABHARATA resumes for two more Sessions in December, the 11th and the 18th. Dozens of Sessions. Tuition: $20 per Session or $15 if you buy a lot of them. Your call. Complete ArchiveINCLUDING a free Audio book is here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bfqt15y3n0uglir/AAAB_89LiCOob0hJI1w8BK7_a?dl=0  

Zoom Link is the same for all Sundays: 

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


We’ll surely do something fun for Christmas week and through the New Year.  I’ll have a schedule with new Winter Spring Sessions that will begin in January.  I have Practicum and other studies coming.  Come when you can.  It’s a lifetime of learning together.


HERE ARE LINKS TO PREVIOUS COURSES ALL OF WHICH ARE ACCESSIBLE VIA OUR DROPBOX ARCHIVES.  You register by downloading the Archive.  There are no special codes, you’re on your honor.  To get the full recording you must download.  If you listen from Dropbox you will only hear the first hour.  (I answer this question at least twice a week.)


  • NYC 2022 The Origins of Kali, here’s the Archive Link:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w17dt9vy2gybc8ki2kwql/h?dl=0&rlkey=0cm12uhygsfij9ftku8eqdn39

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 (svcourses@gmail) and downloading from Dropbox.  Tuition: $125.


  • The 1000 Names of Goddess Lalita, the Lalitasahasranama.  We met for more than the scheduled 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.  PayPal or Venmo (svcourses@gmail.com).  Tuition: $200.
    Here is the recorded archive:    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/18o5rtle7p91hz2/AADQnph8ofpPAX5mtW7mX-L4a?dl=0


  • Essential Patanjali Yoga, A Saturday Core Course.  This course for students and teachers is designed to provide a true foundation for yoga studies.  We met for more than the scheduled 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. PayPal or Venmo (svcourses@gmail.com). Tuition: $125.

Here is the recorded archive: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2qd7wc5qroiva3v/AAAaZPvnc9I2JQSrO88Iv1exa?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

There is also so much in The Rajanaka Archive.  All of the Archive are now $200 or close to it so 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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