with SWAMI RAMASWARUPANANDA
and MASTER JIAN HU

Wednesday July 16, 7:30 - 9 PM

“The paths are many, but the truth is one” -- Swami Sivananda

"Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudachyate"
"That infinite is whole, this manifest world is whole, from that wholeness this wholeness is manifest." -- The Upanishads

"Form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form"
--The Heart of the Prajna Paramita Sutra

Spiritual paths all lead us to the same destination. The practices may differ; the philosophies may differ; the explanation of the goal of the practices may differ. But when reaching the acme, all is one, all is the same. The Buddha once said that his teachings are similar to a finger pointing to the moon, they are instruments for perceiving the truth, not the truth itself.

To better our understanding of the path and the goal, we've invited two senior monks from two different traditions, Swami Ramaswarupananda of the Sivananda Order from the Himalayas and Venerable Master Jian Hu, Abbot of the Chyung Tai Zen Center in Sunnyvale. They will share their perspectives on spirituality and shed light on the parallels and differences between Vedanta and Buddhist Chan philosophies.

Free and open to all.

“The Upanishads contain the essence of the Vedas. They are the source of Vedanta philosophy. Profound, original, lofty and sublime thought arise in every verse. They contain the direct spiritual or revelations of seers or sages, the Rishis. They are products of the highest wisdom, supreme divine knowledge. Hence, they stir the hearts of people and inspire them.”

-- H.H. Swami Sivananda Maharaj

Swami Ramaswarupananda served as the personal secretary of Swami Chidananda, president of the Divine Life Society and a very close disciple of Swami Sivananda, for nearly thirty years. He now lives in a small hut in the Himalayas by the Ganga river and travels around the world sharing his wisdom and love with one and all.

The Vedas are the most ancient scriptures known to mankind, and their fourth and final portion is known as the Upanishads. These authoritative texts expound on Vedanta, one of the six philosophical systems of Indian mysticism. Vedanta claims that there is one consciousness underlying all of creation, known as the Brahman, which is the same in every being in the universe. Thus, in essence we are all one. But owing to ignorance, attachments, and desires, we are unaware of this universal truth. 

Lecture series on the Katha Upanishad, a discussion between a young and sincere seeker, Nachiketas, and Yama, the Lord of Death. Nachiketas wants to know the truths about the eternality of the soul. Yama in turn tempts him with all possible enjoyments and powers. Nachiketas, who is adamant about finding the truth, brushes these temptations aside and requests to be taught about the supreme reality. Yama, extremely delighted to have a rare, true seeker in front of him, expounds on the subtle truths of Vedanta. 

Suggested Donation: $10 - $15 per evening.

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