The Unity of all Religions & Traditions
Universal Mystics of the World
In this course we introduce you to the universal mysticism of all religions and traditions. Ashram founder Sri Swami Omkarananda held the view that underlying all the different currents is the experience of oneness and transcendence.
We discuss and compare the mysticism of the following six central currents:
- Christian mysticism: Jesus Christ & Meister Eckhart.
- Hindu Mysticism: Mira Bai
- Buddhist mysticism: Saraha
- Islamic mysticism: Jalal ad-Din Rumi
- Jewish mysticism: Kabbalah
- Sikh mysticism: Guru Nanak
Where? Omkarananda Ashram Lecture Hall, Anton-Graff Strasse 79, 8400 Winterthur
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.
Advaita Vedānta
The Wisdom of Non-duality
Advaita teaches that at the core of all beings, at the essence of all being and consciousness, there is no duality.
Our experiences as limited beings are temporary appearances of the one Being-Consciousness (Sat-Cit). This is like when many light phenomena appear on the water of a lake through the reflection of the moon.
By clear examination of our mind, we realize that our 'I' is also only a temporary appearance. As soon as we look for a permanent 'I', it disappears without a trace. What remains is pure bliss (Ānanda).
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.
Mantra Yoga
Clarity through mantra
Through mantras we connect with our divine nature, calm and focus our thoughts, and attain mental clarity. Mantra Yoga was taught by ashram founder Sri Swami Omkarananda as a central yoga to prepare the mind for inner realization.
We offer instruction in the pronunciation and application of mantras in your spiritual practice and daily life.
Where? Omkarananda Ashram at Anton-Graff Strasse 41 in Winterthur.
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.
The Observer
Silence is your true essence
In this course you will learn step by step how to observe your thoughts. Everything we experience as human beings is expressed in thoughts. Thoughts are like waves on the sea of consciousness. If we observe them constantly, we discover what is beyond the ups and downs of thought.
Thoughts and feelings are like clouds. Your true being, however, is like the sky. Clouds come and go. What always remains is the sky. Thus, your true being is the eternal observer within you.
- Swami Omkarananda
Where? Omkarananda Ashram Lecture Hall, Anton-Graff Strasse 79, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.
Sanskrit lessons
For beginners and Advanced
Sanskrit is the ancient language in which all the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Sanatana Dharma and all the mantras are written.
We offer beginners and advanced students instruction in Sanskrit grammar according to Panini's system.
When? Every 2nd Saturday at 13.00 (beginners group) and at 14.15 (advanced group).
Where? Omkarananda Ashram at Anton-Graff Strasse 41 in Winterthur.
Cost: On a donation basis.
Bhagavad-Gītā Teaching
For the good of all beings
The Bhagavad-Gītā is Kṛṣṇa's teaching to his friend Arjuna. It is the primary source of teachings on karma yoga, bhakti yoga, Jñāna yoga, and Rāja yoga.
We offer bi-weekly Gītā classes and online (upon request) following the commentaries of Śrī-Śaṅkarācārya and Śrī-Rāmānujācārya.
Where? Omkarananda Ashram Temple at Anton-Graff Strasse 41, 8400 Winterthur, or online with Zoom.
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.
Introduction to Śrīvidyā
The Nectar of Beauty
Śrīvidyā means 'Glorious Wisdom' and is the core tradition of our ashram. At the center of all reality is the supreme Divine Mother Lalitā-Śrī-Mahātripurasundarī, the 'Playing Glorious Beauty of All Worlds'. She is the ocean of pure compassion, the power of consciousness, whereby everything comes into being and passes away. She sits on the throne of Sadāśiva, the 'Eternal Resting One', the Pure Being.
We offer you an introduction to the basic principles of the Śrīvidyā tradition.
Currently, the Lalita Sahasranama is explained online via Zoom.
Vipassana
The four foundations of mindfulness
Vipassana is the method taught by Buddha for liberation from suffering. It is based on clear observation of the four foundations of mindfulness:
1. Bodily Sensations
2. Feelings
3. Mind
4. Contents of mind
We offer an introduction to the Vipassana method according to Mahasi Sayadaw (1904-1982).
A joint practice takes place once a month on the last Sunday of the month.
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.
Pūjās & Homas
At our temple or at your home
Some, of the ceremonies we offer:
- Gaṇeśa-Lakṣmī-Pūjā or Homa: worship of Gaṇeśa and Lakṣmī as Pūjā or fire ceremony.
- Gṛhapravesh: house initiation.
- Gṛhaśānti: peace in the house and in the family
- Āyuṣyahoma: fire ceremony for long life and health
- Navagrahaśānti: appeasement of the planetary influences
- Satyanārāyaṇa-Pūjā.
- and many more, on request
Cost: Voluntary Dakṣiṇā, as it is traditionally done.
Karma yoga
Mindful work
Karma Yoga is an important form of spiritual practice where you learn to work consciously and mindfully.
We offer you an introduction to the practice of Karma Yoga for your everyday life.
Furthermore, the Ashram also offers many fields of activity where you can - if you wish - engage in Karma Yoga on a regular basis.
Where? At the Omkarananda Ashram in Winterthur or at the Retreat Center in Langen near Bregenz (Austria).
When? According to your needs.
Cost: None.
Kriyā Yoga
Meditation method for purification and spiritual development
Kriyā Yoga was discovered by Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahasay, a great Yogī of the 19th century, when he happened to meet a young Yogī from the Himalayas.
The method combines concentration, mantra (OM), and breath (life force) to direct the life energy (Prāṇa) into the central channel (Suṣumnā) in the spine. This purifies the Nāḍīs, the channels in the subtle body. The ability to concentrate is gradually increased and the meditator learns to gradually become fully absorbed in the Samādhi.
Our Kriyā Yoga teacher teaches in the lineage of Panchanan Bhattacharya, one of Lahiri Mahasay's disciples.
When? On request
Cost: On a donation basis as value compensation.