Upadesa Sara

The expression ‘upadesha’ means teaching and ‘sara’ implies essence. The title, thus, means the ‘essence of the teaching’ (of Vedanta). This lucid composition by Sri Ramana Maharshi in thirty profound verses expounds the crux of the four paths to Realisation – karma-yoga, bhakti-yoga, ashtanga-yoga and jnana-yoga.

Upadesa Sara is presented as a teaching of Lord Siva addressed to the yogins blindly following the path of purva-mimamsa. These teachings are relevant to every seeker for gaining clarity on the ultimate Goal of Realisaion and the path to be walked. The unique and direct method of self-enquiry into “Who am I?”, as expounded by Sri Ramana Maharshi, is the highlight of the text.

A total of 21 video lectures by Swami Advayananda, divided into 15 lessons are made available to the registered students.

What You will Learn

• The different paths to Liberation and where they culminate in
• Self-enquiry as the direct path for Liberation
• The nature of the mind and the ego
• The methodology of self-enquiry
• Vision of the Lord as the vision of the Selfy

Why should I do this Course?

In just 15 lessons the entire spiritual path and the knowledge of Vedanta are presented. Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi shares his own anubhava, which is the theme of all the Upanishads and other treatises of Vedanta. Most importantly, the various paths and their role in preparing the seeker in the journey to the ultimate Truth is thoroughly yet succinctly detailed. The text concludes with the glory of Self-realisation and inspires every seeker to put their best. All who study this text and practise the teachings are sure to be blessed by Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi.

Course Details and Duration

• The course comprises 21 lectures and 15 lessons.
• The recommended duration for completion of the course is 3 months.

Course Access, Query Resolution Process, Grading and Certification

• Students can access the course following the User Guideline document that is also sent to registered students to their email address.
• Students have to attempt the lessons sequentially. For each lesson the student should watch the audio or video file and then attempt the questionnaire.
• All questionnaires are objective based and on completion of each Lesson/ questionnaire the marks and grade for that lesson will be displayed to the student on the dashboard.
• Students can download the answer key on completion of a questionnaire.
• In case of queries or doubts on the subject matter students are encouraged to use the discussion forum. Details of the same will be sent to students on registration. A detailed query resolution process guideline will also be provided.
• The Course is deemed complete on completion of all lessons /questionnaires, and a final grade will be awarded.
• Grading system for certification.
• 80% and above ‘O’ Grade
• 60% and above ‘A+’ Grade
• 50% and above ‘A’ Grade
• Below 50% ‘B’ Grade

• Those who successfully complete the course will be given a ‘Course Completion Certificate’ of merit signed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, Head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide. The digital copy of the same will be sent to your registered email ID.

How do I purchase the Text?

Students are recommended to purchase a copy of Upadesa Sara published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT).

You may purchase a copy of the text by clicking the following links:

Upadesa Sara (Chinmaya Vani E-shop)

Upadesa Sara (On Amazon)

Or

Contact: Sri M. Jayaraman Nair
In-charge, Chinmaya Vani, Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) 
Ph: +91 92077 11138
WhatsApp: +91 92073 98313
Email id: cifpublications@chinfo.org

Requirements

• Keenness to gain clarity about the spiritual path
• Knowledge of Sanskrit is not necessary
• Good internet connection

Course Content

The course on Upadesa Sara comprises 15 lessons.
A detailed description of the topics covered in each lesson is provided below.
Lesson 1: Introduction 
Lesson 2: Role of Karma (Verses 1–2)
Lesson 3: The Means to Liberation (Verse 3)
Lesson 4: Pūjā – Practice of Worship (Verses 4–5)

Click here for further details

Course Contributors

Sri Anant Sarma
Sri Arvind Kannan
Br. Ved Chaitanya

Home Study Course Scholarship Initiative

Envisioned to be a platform to impart knowledge, CIF has always made it a point to make the courses accessible to all the sincere seekers. Students, who are keen to pursue a particular course but have difficulty affording the course fee, can send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org stating the same. They will be given financial assistance to enrol for the course based on the genuineness of request, keenness to study and eligibility.

One can also be a part of this noble venture by contributing to the Home Study Course Scholarship Fund. To know more, send an email to the homestudycourses@chinfo.org.

For Queries

The Administrator – Home Study Courses
Chinmaya International Foundation, Adi Sankara Nilayam
Veliyanad, Ernakulam District, Pin – 682313, Kerala, India
Mob: +91 9207711140
(Mon–Sat, 9 AM to 5 PM IST)
E-mail: svadhyaya@chinfo.org