Watch video of the classes presented at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam September 2019
Download the text

Vijñāna-Naukā – The Boat of Wisdom, also known as  Svarūpa-anusandhāna-aṣṭakam – The Eight Verses of Inquiry into the Truth of the Self, is a profound contemplative work of eight verses attributed to Ādi Śaṅkarācārya. 

This text succinctly unfolds the vision of the sages of ancient India — that I am even now what I seek to become.  This direct recognition resolves all searching into the fullness which is myself.  

It is in this recognition that freedom, peace, and fullness are discovered, a recognition that enables me to become alive to the reality of myself, the world, and the sacred, allowing me to meet life with joy, compassion and purpose.

This text presents several traditional teaching methodologies, as well as the means to gain the preparedness to transform a desire for mokṣa into an abiding wisdom.  Each verse of this powerful text is well suited to bring into the contemplative practice of nididhyāsana.

Starting Saturday, August 10th
Meditation at 8:00 AM
Class at 8:30 followed by discussion

Ātma-Ṣaṭkam, also known as Nirvāṇa-Ṣaṭkam, is a profound hymn of only six verses in which Ādi Śaṅkara leads us through an investigation into the question “कोऽहम् – Ko ‘ham –  Who am I?”

This inquiry systematically frees us from false limiting self-notions and brings an immediacy to the teachings of the sages of ancient India. Each verse brings into question our self-judgements and resolves into a vision of the truth of our inherent wholeness.

This text is a favorite of Swami Viditatmananda’s, and is a powerful tool for contemplation and gaining a firm abidance in the source of one’s natural source of joy and peace.

Click Here to Attend

Download Ātma-Ṣaṭkam Text

Download Text of Class Chants 

Listen to Ātma-Ṣaṭkam Chanting Audio

The class is free of charge.

Arsha Drishti is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, EIN 82-4269836. Donors may use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search website for company matching program verification.

You can use the Paypal button below for a one-time donation or to set up recurring donations.

“ Living in harmony with the universe is being one with God”
Swami Viditatmananda Saraswati

Listen to Swami Viditatmananda’s Southern California talks

Swami Viditatmananda Saraswati will be returning to Southern California to give three talks this year in San Diego and Orange County.

 Swami Viditatmananda is the senior ācārya (teacher) and president  of the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in the US, founded by Pujya Swami Dayananda.  Swamiji’s depth of vision and scholarship, coupled with his gentle and direct communication style enables him to clearly unfold the transformative teachings of the sages of ancient India in a manner that is immediately accessible and relevant to our daily lives.

During his discourses Swamiji leads us through an exploration of the realities of our everyday experiences, enabling us to see life through his eyes, and thereby begin to directly recognize our innate peace and joy, and our inherent non-separateness from the sacred.

Come share an evening with this Mahatma, this extraordinary soul, and discover your innate potential to meet life with purpose and joy

Talks are in English.  Admission is free.

Explore the Teachings of Swami Viditatmananda
Online Videos
Audio & Reading
USA Ashram – Arsha Vidya Gurukulam
Ahmedabad Ashram – Adhyatma Vidya Mandir

San Diego

Orange County

Beginning Sanskrit

New Session Starting January 12th , 2019

When: Saturdays 11:00 AM Pacific

Where: Online 

A painless introduction to the Sanskrit language and chanting. Classes will cover the alphabet, proper pronunciation, Devanāgarī script, grammar, vocabulary translation and reading. This class will lay the groundwork for you to begin reading and learning to chant the Bhagavad Gītā, as well as various stotras, mantras, etc.

More Information

Intermediate Sanskrit

New Session Starting February 2019

When: TBE

Where: Online 

A fast-paced class for those who have already studied some Sanskrit and are interested in a refresher and more in-depth study.  This class will require more preparation, self-study and homework than the beginning class.

More Information

Advanced Sanskrit – Ongoing

More Information

Śrī Dakṣiṇāmūrti Stotram is beautiful poem and prayer addressed to Īśvara, the source of all that is, who is presented in the form of teacher.  The author Ādi Śaṅkarācārya succinctly unfolds the vision of non-duality in ten verses, exploring the erroneous assumptions we make about ourselves and the world which lead to suffering.

This stotra is an important work within the advaita tradition, presenting a number of the essential prakriyā-s or teaching approaches which guide a student to clarity regarding his or her innate wholeness and non-separateness from the sacred.

See details HERE

Nandalala – A Dance Drama

October 5th, 2018
San Diego, California

The All India Movement (AIM) for Seva (Service) is an integrated community development program founded by Pujya Swami Dayananda reaching out to rural and tribal children across India.

The 2018 goal for the San Diego AIM for Seva chapter is to support 135 children at the hostels listed below.  For only $450($1.25/day) per year, these children are provided with: education, accommodation, food & clothing, after-school academic support, extracurricular activities and health check-ups.

• 40 Students-Boys Hostel-Rothak, Harayana
• 35 Students-Girls Hostel-Kheda, Gujarat
• 20 Students-Girls Hostel-Bodidara, Gujarat
• 40 Students-Girls Hostel-Thennampattu, Tamil Nadu

When: 7:00 PM, Friday October 5th, 2018
Where: Garfield Theatre, Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
Address: 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 Map it.
Social Hour / Will Call – 6:00-7:00 (Food available for purchase, proceeds to be donated to AIM for Seva).

Read More and Share on Facebook

Watch a Sneak Preview 1,   Preview 2

Reserve Your Seat Now

For more information contact Kavita Rajaratnan kvraj64@gmail.com, (858)880-8609

“ Living in harmony with the universe is being one with God”
Swami Viditatmananda

Swami Viditatmananda Saraswati returned to Southern California June 2018 to give four talks this year in Encinitas, Mira Mesa, Anaheim, and Irvine.

Listen to Swami Viditatmananda’s Southern California talks HERE

 Swami Viditatmananda is the senior ācārya (teacher) and president  of the Arsha Vidya Pitham in the US, founded by Pujya Swami Dayananda.  Swamiji’s depth of vision and scholarship, coupled with his gentle and direct communication style enables him to clearly unfold the transformative teachings of the sages of ancient India in a manner that is immediately accessible and relevant to our daily lives.

During his discourses Swamiji leads us through an exploration of the realities of our everyday experiences, enabling us to see life through his eyes, and thereby begin to directly recognize our innate peace and joy, and our inherent non-separateness from the sacred.

Come share an evening with this Mahatma, this extraordinary soul, and discover your innate potential to meet life with purpose and joy

Talks are in English.  Admission is free.

Explore the Teachings of Swami Viditatmananda
Online Videos
Audio & Reading
USA Ashram – Arsha Vidya Gurukulam
Ahmedabad Ashram – Adhyatma Vidya Mandir

San Diego

Orange County

“ Living in harmony with the universe is being one with God”
Swami Viditatmananda

Listen to Swami Viditatmananda’s Southern California talks HERE

Swami Viditatmananda Saraswati will be returning to Southern California to give four talks this year in Encinitas, Mira Mesa, Anaheim, and Irvine.

 Swami Viditatmananda is the senior ācārya (teacher) and president  of the Arsha Vidya Pitham in the US, founded by Pujya Swami Dayananda.  Swamiji’s depth of vision and scholarship, coupled with his gentle and direct communication style enables him to clearly unfold the transformative teachings of the sages of ancient India in a manner that is immediately accessible and relevant to our daily lives.

During his discourses Swamiji leads us through an exploration of the realities of our everyday experiences, enabling us to see life through his eyes, and thereby begin to directly recognize our innate peace and joy, and our inherent non-separateness from the sacred.

Come share an evening with this Mahatma, this extraordinary soul, and discover your innate potential to meet life with purpose and joy

Talks are in English.  Admission is free.

Explore the Teachings of Swami Viditatmananda
Online Videos
Audio & Reading
USA Ashram – Arsha Vidya Gurukulam
Ahmedabad Ashram – Adhyatma Vidya Mandir

San Diego

Orange County