We welcome you to join us in heartfelt exploration of the context in which Indian wisdom traditions like Ayurveda & yoga exist, in Satsangam’s signature offering: Vedic Threads, Satsangam’s membership-based course, co-facilitated by Drs. Welch & Ramkumar. Here’s a list of the special guests, topics and events we’re planning as part of the membership, between September and December, 2024:

1. Unveiling the Mandapam: A Journey Through Tamil Nadu’s Hidden Heritage We are joined by Amar Ramesh, a dedicated photographer, traveler, and speaker committed to preserving the near-forgotten arts of South India. Amar transitioned from a software career to pursue his passion for photography, and his work now extends to writing, history, books, and short films. In this session, he will focus on the mandapams of Tamil Nadu, discussing their cultural and historical significance. Mandapams are pillared outdoor halls or pavilions used for religious and ceremonial purposes, commonly found in temples across South India. They play a vital role in religious ceremonies, cultural and social functions, and serve as community centers for gatherings and celebrations.Amar will share his extensive research and documentation of these structures, with a special focus on the Pudhu Mandapam in Madurai. He will highlight their architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance, delving into the historical importance of mandapams, which often feature intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. With a new book on the horizon, Amar will provide detailed insights into the Pudhu Mandapam, exploring its role in society and the stories it holds. Join us to learn from Amar Ramesh’s efforts to keep the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu alive through his diverse mediums and dedicated research.
2. 2 -year anniversary celebration: 

   This session will be open to all. We plan to celebrate two years of an incredibly dedicated, thoughtful and sincere community, with cameo appearances from Dr. Robert Svoboda, Dr. Shubham Kulkarni as well as our technical champion, Rajeevnathji, who will share some of the highlights of the last year. And maybe a few other special things… You will be able to invite your family, friends and community to have a taste of what we’re doing here. Contact us if you would like to attend.

3. Dharma within Sanātana Dharma: Eternal Duty in Service and Life with Hanuman DassIn this session, we welcome Hanuman Dass, founder of Go Dharmic, a non-profit organization engaged in humanitarian and environmental initiatives. We will explore the concept of dharma within Sanātana Dharma, focusing on its role as a guiding principle for ethical conduct and service. Go Dharmic’s activities, such as establishing school libraries and computer labs in India and Nepal, distributing meals globally, and environmental conservation efforts like planting mangroves in the Sundarbans, provide practical contexts for discussing how dharma influences personal and communal responsibilities. This discussion aims to enhance understanding of dharma’s impact on individual actions and societal welfare.Key Points:
   • Defining dharma as a cosmic law and personal duty.
   • The role of dharma in guiding ethical and moral choices.
   • Discussion of real-world applications of dharma in service and community support, illustrated by Go Dharmic’s projects.
   • The relationship between individual actions and the broader community under the framework of Sanātana Dharma.

   Background: Hanuman Dass has led Go Dharmic for 13 years, focusing on education, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation. His work has been recognized with several awards, including the Points of Light Award and the CharityTimes CEO of the Year.

   This session is designed for those interested in the practical applications of ancient wisdom in modern contexts, providing a clear view of how traditional concepts like dharma can guide contemporary life and service.

4. Abhinivagupta & Lal Ded with Rose BaudinAbhinavagupta was a living example of the value of the study of multiple disciplines, as he studied the schools of philosophy and art of his time under the guidance of as many as fifteen (or more) teachers and gurus. He authored seminal works on poetry and drama as well as extraordinarily profound and influential philosophical works.Lal Ded was a mystic poet in the Kashmir Shaivism tradition and are said to be the earliest compositions in the Kashmiri language.Rose Baudin shares her love of these two luminaries and how their works and spirits have influenced her life and yoga practice of over 50 years.
5. Reflection & Integration with Drs. Ramkumar & Claudia: As usual, we need time to connect and integrate, so we have sessions dedicated to this.

For 35 USD/month you have access to  Vedic Threads‘ library of more than 65 hours of content from previous sessions, two live 1.5-hour sessions/month with Drs. Ramkumar, Welch, world-class guest instructors, and dedicated participants from all over the world. Schedule details available on your class page after registration.