: Every Sunday, 18:30 to 20:00, On going since March 2008

: Ekkamai sub soi 21, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

: Neema Majmudar

: Verse by verse study of Bhagavad Gita, at present chapter 2

Comments of participants :

'I started my pursuit with Neema from 1999 onwards where she took me through Vedanta which left a deep impression on me. As she moved back to India in 2002, my studies were interrupted. But what I learnt from her stayed with me and I found it truly relevant for facing situations in my daily life. I am now happy to pick up the thread again and continue to study Bhagavad Gita with her in Bangkok.'

: Every Friday, 19:15 to 20:15, On going since April 2008

: Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok

: Surya Tahora

: Progressive initiation into traditional Vedantic meditations

: Every Wednesday, , 19:15 to 20:30, April-May 2008

: Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok

: Neema Majmudar

: Katha Upanishad chapter 1

Comments of participants :

'...wonderfully articulated, very insightful and inspiring series of lectures rendered by Neema on the teachings imparted by Lord Yama to the young boy Nachiketa on the 'mystery of death and the meaning of life'.
...we have been blessed with this incredible opportunity to analyse, investigate and realise Vedanta - this philosophy which leads one to the ultimate state of peace and joy. The brilliant team of Neema and Surya have taken it upon themselves to propagate this knowledge with immense clarity and depth.'

: Every Monday & Thursday, 19:15 to 20:30, April-May 2008

: Ekkamai Sub Soi 2, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

: Surya Tahora

: Series of 10 Talks on the Vision of Vedanta according to Upanishads
  and Gita

Comments of participants :

'What made the difference for me was Surya's ability to weave in elements and examples of contemporary life in order to make the messages of these teachings come alive for us. It made it easy to relate to what he was saying. I also appreciated the secular tone of the conversation, one that was underscored by a spiritual rather than religious approach.'

'Surya's instructional technique, if I may call it that, was a process in which each of us could immediately perceive ourselves in a particular setting and then go through a process of logical and realistic self-discovery. What appealed to me was that the links to Vedanta were established through simple and lucid explanations. They did pose challenges to the intellect and dared the individual to explore unfamiliar lines of thought and conceptual reasoning. It speaks volumes for the experience and knowledge base of Neema and Surya that they are able to initiate the layperson into the wisdom of Vedanta through such a relaxed and stress-free approach.'

: Every Monday & Thursday, 19:15 to 20:30, March-April 2008

: Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok

: Neema Majmudar

: Series of 10 Talks on the Vision of Vedanta according to Upanishads
  and Gita

Comments of participants :

‘I grew up as a child who rebelled against all the traditions that were taught to me.
I set out searching and sometimes found answers but not as clearly as Neema explained it...
Thank you Neema and Surya for these very enlightening sessions and for making me realize that all I required in life was one simple prayer "Give me clarity of thought".....how true - as this short and simple prayer applies to every aspect of our life. Thank you for touching all of us so deeply.’

‘Well, listening to Neema meant, as she put it, a paradigm shift...
Obviously, we need to make a choice between continuing in our old ways or try to grasp and navigate our lives through the new thoughts and ideas that have occurred...
I appreciated Neema's approach, which was more of sharing than laying down precepts. It was very refreshing to see this attitude from a person who had studied the shastras (Upanishads) and had learnt sanskrit. There was humility and joy.’

: 05-15 Jan (French) & Jan 23-02 Feb 2008 (English)

: Residential retreat in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu, Swami Dayananda Ashram

: Surya Tahora & Neema Majmudar for Vedanta – Keshin for Yoga

: Study of Tattva Bodha, the knowledge of the truth & chapter 2 of
  the Gita; guided meditations; evening discussions; Yoga classes

Comments of participants :

‘I attended their introductory Vedanta course in Anaikatti... It was a ten day capsule in the true Gurukulam style where the guru and the student are together from morning to night. The sessions were interspersed with yoga, meditation, walks and Q&A. The way the teachings of the Vedas were unfolded to us was brilliant. It was systematic, logical and came from a deep knowledge of the texts. Besides knowing the texts backwards, Surya and Neema are living examples of the Vedantic way of life.’

‘Before my trip to India for this intensive retreat, people were asking me ‘what are you going there for?’ My reply, coming from the depth of my heart was: ‘I want to know what all this is about, what is the mystery behind this universe’. The answer came to me, clearly, thanks to Surya, who an evident mastery over the subject matter of Vedanta. He has been able to keep us captivated during all these 10 days...These were truly great and unforgettable moments.’

'The ashram of Swami Dayananda is a very conducive place for exchanges and inquiry. People were very warm (and the cook outstanding), I keep excellent memories of the overall atmosphere of the place. The diversity of the background of participants gave rise to great sharing of experiences. I thank you infinitely for the teaching you gave me. I consider myself as blessed to have been able to meet you this year. My infinite thanks for your contribution to the world and you ability to keep alive the most ancient spiritual tradition with so much joy, passion and commitment.'