Vedic Study Members Enter Above
Vedic Study Circle
Awaken to Your True Self
Welcome to the Vedic Study Circle
I warmly invite you to explore the Vedic Study Circle—a sanctuary for deep spiritual learning and self-discovery. Under my guidance, this space offers a connection to the ancient wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, or nondual Vedic wisdom. Here, we delve into the teachings of Shastra (sacred texts), Sampradaya (spiritual lineage), and Parampara (timeless tradition) to foster personal transformation, self-actualization, and a deeper sense of unity with the divine. Whether you're a Western seeker, a modern yogi, or simply someone on a spiritual journey, you will find a welcoming home in our community.
This advanced study opportunity is free from contracts and fees, allowing you to join freely and stay as long as it resonates with your evolving consciousness
Why Vedic Study Circle? Why Shastra?
​In a world overflowing with eclectic spiritual practices and personality-driven teachings, the Vedic Study Circle offers a unique and profound journey into the heart of Shastra study—a timeless and authentic path to nondual wisdom. But what exactly is Shastra?
Unlike many modern teachings that revolve around individual interpretations, Shastras are ancient Vedic texts, such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Sutras, serving as ultimate guides to understanding the Self (Atma) and its oneness with Universal Consciousness (Brahman).
These texts are not bound by any single teacher's charisma or limited by the trends of the time. They are timeless wisdom that has been guiding seekers for millennia.
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In the Vedic Study Circle, we do not skim the surface or seek quick insights. Instead, we sit down and dedicate months, sometimes even years, to the careful study of a single text. This depth of study is rare and transformative, allowing us to go beyond superficial understandings and explore how the various yogic paths are interconnected, each one leading back to the Self and the Divine.
What Yoga Truly Is And It's Deep Study
The relationship between Yoga and the Vedic tradition is intrinsic and profound. The entire Vedic tradition is, at its core, geared toward Yoga—uniting the individual self (Atma) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). Yoga, in the Vedic sense, is not just a set of practices but a comprehensive path to self-realization and oneness with the divine. It encompasses various pathways that guide the seeker to transcend limitations and realize the boundless nature of their own being.
It’s essential to clarify that yoga, as understood through Shastra, is not merely physical postures or body bending. The paths of yoga encompass far more:
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Jnana Yoga: This is not just about intellectualizing or detaching. Jnana Yoga, as taught in the Shastras, is the pursuit of true knowledge—knowledge of the Self and the Universe. It involves a deep inquiry into the nature of reality, questioning our assumptions, and ultimately leading to the realization of our oneness with all existence. It is a path that opens the mind and reveals the highest truth.
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Bhakti Yoga: Far from being limited to kirtan or devotional singing, Bhakti Yoga is the path of love and devotion. It is about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with the Divine, experiencing a connection that goes beyond ritual and enters into every aspect of life. It is the awakening of the heart to the divine presence within and around us, transforming our entire being.
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Karma Yoga: Not simply about performing good deeds or ethical behavior, Karma Yoga is the path of right action, performed without attachment to the results. It teaches us how to live in harmony with the universal flow, turning every action into a form of spiritual practice. Through this path, we learn to act with wisdom and compassion, free from the ego's demands.
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Upasana Yoga: (Yogic Disciplines including but not limited to Raja Yoga) - Often misunderstood as merely meditation, Upasana encompasses a range of practices that prepare the mind, speech, body and and heart for deeper spiritual awakening. It includes meditation, yes, but also mantras, and contemplative practices that align us with the higher reality. Upasana helps us cultivate focus, discipline, and a direct experience of the Divine.
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True Shastra study integrates all these aspects of yoga, offering a holistic framework for spiritual growth. The Upanishads, as part of this sacred body of knowledge, illuminate the mind, open the heart, guide right action, and elevate the spirit. This journey leads the seeker beyond fleeting spiritual experiences to the unchanging reality.
Join me in this Vedic study circle to experience the true path of yoga and the bliss of the expansive inner Self.
Sangha: The Power of Community
This journey is not walked alone. In the Vedic Study Circle, you become part of a sangha—a community of like-minded seekers who support, inspire, and grow together. This community serves as a sacred space where the teachings are not just learned but embodied and shared, creating a ripple effect that transforms lives. Here, you are not just a student; you are part of a living tradition that honors the wisdom of the past while making it relevant for the present.
The Teacher's Role
In this journey, the teacher serves as a conduit for the wisdom of the Shastras. The texts are the true guides, and my role as your teacher (Acharya) is to help you connect directly with this ancient wisdom. Through this study, you will be introduced to the essence of OM—your own true Being—beyond any individual interpretation or subjective experience. This is not about adopting a new belief system or following a personality. It is about uncovering the timeless wisdom that resides within you and realizing your oneness with the infinite.
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The Vedic Study Circle stands apart because it fosters a genuine, immersive study of Shastra, allowing you to explore and embody the teachings in their fullest expression. It is a journey of self-discovery and transformation, leading you to an authentic understanding of who you truly are—beyond all limitations.
What Seekers are Saying
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After attending Acharya’s Roar Like Goddess workshop series at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, I decided to do everything within my power.to study with her. Yousee, since childhood, I have been seeking to understand my place and role in the universe, and even more, to understand the nature of Life itself. It is an immense privilege for me to be able to study with Acharya Shunya, an authentic Vedic scholar and master of this ancient science of life. Studying with her changed my life as the doors to greater awareness,
empowerment and contentment open within me. One thing is to hear of and even read the ancient Vedic texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita; another blessed thing it is to have them taught to you by true wisdom holder. I am eternally grateful for this exceptional opportunity. With Acharya Shunya as my teacher, who knows what I will become? Join us-- who knows what you will become!
Dr. Susan E. Brown,
Ph.D., CNS, clinical nutritionist, medical anthropologist, writer and motivational speaker, New York
Maria Krisric
Financial Analyst, Dormitory Authority, State of New York
Acharya Shunya teaches in a deeply authentic yet modern and relatable way. I gain depth and clarity from her ability to weave together different strands of Vedic knowledge and intersperse them with contemporary examples. So many times, when I hear her teachings, I am stunned by her timing, as I have the sense that they are just what I needed to hear in those moments of my life. Vedic wisdom provides me with a more holistic, expansive, inclusive, and timeless perspective into which I can anchor so as to flow on the river of this life’s journey with greater ease, steadiness, joy, and peace. The longer I sit at her feet, hearing, contemplating upon, and striving to integrate this wisdom, I find that I am able to remember it more readily and easily. I always feel uplifted, nourished, and inspired after participating in a study circle with Shunyaji and fellow seekers.
Tuere Anderson,
LCSW, ORSCC, Director of Systems Integration at County of Alameda, Health Care Services Agency, California
When I finally arrived in Acharya Shunya’s global online spiritual classroom, it felt like the final destination after navigating through the universe for many lifetimes. The lightness, pleasant feelings and illuminating light of wisdom lifted the heavy blocks on my heart. After long years of struggle, frustration and depression, the spiritual teachings came as the ultimate gift of my life.
A compassionate teacher who cares deeply for each seeker, and in that caring, wants the best and the truth for them. She is a true human being who reveres the path of knowledge, and dedicates herself completely to the service of humanity, moving forward, carrying the life giving waters of knowledge from our timeless heritage, to those who are thirsty, that they may quench their thirst and, once rejuvenated, take on the task of walking the next mile.
Thomas Steininger
Computer Engineer, Portland, Organ
As a computer engineer, I’m trained to analyze data and find patterns. Initially, when my wife introduced me to Acharya Shunya’s teachings in 2010, I was skeptical. However, it quickly became clear that her wisdom was something beyond what I had ever encountered. Her teachings on the Vedas and yogic wisdom helped me understand the interconnectedness of life in ways that complement my logical mindset. While I had approached spirituality with hesitation, I soon realized that Acharya Shunya is not just my wife's teacher but also mine. The clarity, depth, and practicality of her teachings have transformed my personal and professional life. Acharya Shunya’s ability to bridge ancient wisdom with modern challenges has not only given me peace of mind but also a greater sense of purpose. The only downside is the challenge of integrating these profound teachings with a busy, modern lifestyle, but the rewards make the effort more than worthwhile.
Ozlem Tokman,
Children's Book Author from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
When I finally arrived in Acharya Shunya’s global online spiritual classroom, it felt like the final destination after navigating through the universe for many lifetimes. The lightness, pleasant feelings and illuminating light of wisdom lifted the heavy blocks on my heart. After long years of struggle, frustration and depression, the spiritual teachings came as the ultimate gift of my life.Studying with Acharya Shunya has been a transformational journey for me. My life has taken a turn for the better in every aspect; be it the difficult life situations, relationships or overwhelming mental distress. She taught me how to turn on my inner light even in the darkest and most stressful moments of my life. When that inner light shines through me, I feel like I am transported to an alternate universe which is illuminated by Vedic wisdom. I am forever grateful for the opportunity of receiving this life-changing knowledge from a kind-hearted, authentic and truthful teacher like Acharya Shunya.
Medgar Marcus
Artist, Art Therapy, Florida
I don’t have the language to describe the nature of my experience in studying with Acharya Shunya... or what it truly means to me. Through her wisdom teachings and her lineage, I was able to experience the radiance I had witnessed in her other students. Acharya Shunya's teachings are a part of my day-to-day life, and what I share with my community. I am forever grateful.What I can say is that there is something unspeakable within me that is growing, by the grace of this wisdom & practice. A remembrance is rising in my heart & in my life. I am grateful to my dear teacher & to her lineage. I know there is no looking back from here.The biggest lesson that I've taken away from my studies with Acharya Shunya, is the idea that, no matter what happens, it’s going to be ok. That I am not what happens to me. I am not what I do or don’t do. That I am separate. That I simply am. That I am not at the mercy of my mind, or my emotions, or my circumstances. It’s such a simple, yet such a powerful lesson and has made the world of difference to me.
The Teacher's Roots Go Deep: Anchored in Shastra
My lineage consists of Grihastha Sadhus, or householder sages—a unique tradition of spiritual masters who lived as householders in and around the holy city of Ayodhya in North India. Unlike the common image of renunciates, these sages embraced the life of the householder, demonstrating that profound spiritual wisdom and daily worldly responsibilities can coexist.
My immediate ancestors, including my grandfather Baba Ayodhya Nath and his father Acharya Shanti Prakash and their ancestors, who were all Grihastha Sadhus and Yogis, living in the world yet not bound by it.
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I began teaching publically in my late twenties, and now, as I approach my 60's, I continue to share the wisdom passed down through my family. My teachings are deeply rooted in this lineage, which shows that spiritual realization is not confined to monastic life but is accessible to all, regardless of their life circumstances. This tradition, coupled with my own life experience, brings a unique, grounded perspective to the Vedic Study Circle.
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What sets this study opportunity apart is my unique blend of traditional training and modern sensibility. Raised within a lineage of Grihastha Sadhus and immersed in ancient wisdom, I later made the USA my home for the past 25 years. This dual perspective allows me to bridge both worlds, conveying the timeless teachings of the Vedas in a way that resonates with contemporary seekers.
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In the Vedic Study Circle, you won’t just learn Sanskrit words and chants; you'll embark on a transformative journey toward your true Self, guided by the profound insights of the seers of old. This is not merely an academic study, but a path to awakening the divine consciousness within you.
Flexible and Accessible Learning for All​
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The Vedic Study Circle offers a flexible approach, allowing you to join and leave as you wish. There are no fees to participate; however, free-will donations are warmly welcomed to help keep these transformative teachings accessible to everyone.
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This journey is more than an intellectual pursuit—it’s an enriching dive into the nature of consciousness. As we explore these ancient texts, we uncover our infinite potential, realizing that we are not limited by our circumstances but are part of a vast, transcendent reality. This study cultivates unity, inner balance, and personal empowerment, enriching both our individual lives and the world around us.​ Come, join us in this transformative exploration of your true nature and awaken to the infinite within you.
Elements of the Vedic Study Circle
Join our Vedic Study Circle and dive deep into the heart of Vedic teachings with me, Acharya Shunya.
In this circle, we will explore core texts like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, and more, along with key commentaries by Adi Shankaracharya. Our journey includes:
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Comprehensive Text Study with Me: Engage in in-depth study sessions up to three times a week, where we explore chapters and sections over several weeks. I will translate each verse and word into English, uncovering hidden meanings to make these ancient teachings both accessible and relevant. Discover how these insights can bring greater peace, clarity, and balance to your life.
Companion Study Sessions with Teachers from my Lineage: Offered more than once a month, these sessions invite you to contemplate the teachings more deeply and bring their wisdom into your everyday life. Guided by Sadhvi Aparna, Sadhvi Ishani, and other Vedic teachers from my lineage, you'll learn how to integrate these timeless principles for inner transformation and spiritual growth.
A Welcoming Community: Join a like-minded community of seekers on this journey. Share, explore, and grow together in a supportive, inclusive (private) online environment.
No Dogma, No Contracts: Pure Wisdom: The Vedic Study Circle is a self-guided yet deeply supported journey, designed for those who seek to explore and evolve on their own terms. It’s not a rigid, personality- or dogma driven program but a seeker-led and seeker-fueled exploration of wisdom. You have the flexibility to choose the sessions that resonate with you, stay or leave, allowing your spiritual growth to unfold naturally.
Exclusive Member Benefits
While some of my teachings and companion study sessions will eventually be available on YouTube to support the widest possible dissemination of Vedic wisdom, certain sessions are exclusive to members. This exclusivity is designed to foster a more intimate and focused environment for the evolution of your consciousness.
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Ä€tma Dance Sessions
Monthly sessions combining mudra, breathwork, and movement, designed to help you connect deeply with your inner self. These practices support emotional balance, physical vitality, and a sense of groundedness, fostering holistic well-being.
Kula Meet Sessions
Quarterly relaxed community gatherings with me and other teachers, creating a space to connect, share, and learn. These sessions are perfect for building a sense of belonging, offering support, and nurturing a shared spiritual journey.
Access to Video Library
Enjoy an exclusive library of unpublished videos, offering deeper insights into various Vedic teachings. These videos allow you to revisit and explore topics at your own pace, deepening your understanding and helping you apply the teachings in daily life.
Study and Sadhana Aids
Access a rich collection of mantras, text uploads, and other study aids tailored to support your personal journey. These tools are designed to help you integrate Vedic wisdom into your everyday routine, enhancing your spiritual practice and inner growth.
Community Forum - Private Sangha
Engage with fellow seekers in a private community forum, where you can share experiences, ask questions, and receive support on your path. This supportive network fosters a sense of community, helping you feel connected and inspired as you walk this path of self-discovery.
Each benefit is designed to bring the teachings to life, helping you cultivate inner peace, clarity, and empowerment while being part of a vibrant, supportive community.
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Two Ways to Receive the Gift of These Teachings
Indirect study allows many to benefit from the teachings, while direct study offers a deeper, more personalized journey for those ready to settle into a focused path.
Indirect Study
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow the Vedic Study Circle Playlists for a comprehensive library of teachings on various texts. You can watch weekly satsang videos and engage with the current text at your own pace.
Direct Study
Join this donation-supported member community for live Zoom sessions with me, delving into the current text each week. Members receive a more immersive experience, with access to exclusive content, direct guidance, and a supportive community.
Benefits of Joining My Membership Community
This Vedic Study Circle, is designed for those truly committed to their spiritual growth. By joining the Vedic Study Circle, you become part of a supportive community dedicated to awakening the deepest knowledge of our sovereign nature. Embrace your boundless inner freedom, joy, and sovereignty with us.
Immerse yourself in a sacred journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth with Acharya Shunya's Vedic Study Circle. Our community offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern accessibility, ensuring you receive the highest quality teachings in an enriching and supportive environment.
Direct Access to Timeless Wisdom
Experience the best knowledge directly from source texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Our teachings preserve the purity and profundity of these ancient scriptures, free from dilution and simplification.
Special Member Portal
Enjoy the convenience of a dedicated student portal, where you can easily access Zoom links for live sessions, as well as links to unpublished video teachings. This portal ensures you have all the resources you need at your fingertips, enhancing your learning experience.
Complimentary Study Aid & Sadhana Sessions
Benefit from additional support sessions led by respected Vedic teachers from Acharya Shunya's lineage. These sessions help you review, internalize, and deepen your understanding of the teachings.
Holistic Spiritual Enrichment
Beyond the teachings, immerse yourself in a holistic spiritual experience that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Engage in practices that connect you to the divine essence within and around you.
Live Zoom Sessions with Acharya Shunya
Access live wisdom transmissions with Acharya Shunya each week and have the opportunity to submit your questions for consideration.
Community of Like-minded Souls
Connect with a private community of dedicated seekers who share your passion for spiritual growth. Forge meaningful relationships and find support among fellow travelers on the path to enlightenment.
Flexibility and Freedom
Join and leave the Vedic Study Circle at your own will, with no questions asked. Enjoy the freedom to participate as your schedule and heart dictate, without any pressure or obligation.
Heart Based Donations
There is no fee requirement to be part of our community. We believe in the spirit of generosity and support. Free-will, heart-based donations are welcomed and appreciated, allowing you to contribute according to your own time and ability.
Important Information About the Vedic Study Circle’s
Organization and Funding
Please note that the Vedic Study Circle is organized by Vedika Global, Inc., a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Acharya Shunya serving as the ecclesiastical head. For convenience, information about this program is displayed on Acharya Shunya's website, acharyashunya.com. All donations to the Vedic Study Circle are directed to Vedika Global, Inc. and are used exclusively for this program.
