News

A talk by by Anuradha Dooney of the OCHS.

In our world we see success on the X-Factor and on talent shows, we see success in industry, in banking, in sport, and in schools. But how do we measure success? Who has defined success for us? Is it to do with social acceptance? national agreement? moral standards? wealth generation, or fame? In this talk we dip into ancient texts to see if we can find different measures of success and failure to reflect on, to inspire thoughtful discussion, and even to challenge or norms.

A talk by Ramesh Pattni of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Vedanta, as one of the six orthodox systems of philosophy in Hinduism, has had a deep effect on Hindu thought for many centuries. It has been subject to a variety of interpretations of the three primary texts: the Brahmasutra, the major Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. Although the common factor in all these interpretations is the acceptance of Vedic authority, the perspectives on reality, God, the individual, and the universe are quite diverse. In this talk we explore the lives and thoughts of the great Acharyas of Vedanta.

A talk by Dr Rembert Lutjeharms of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

The Upanisads are among the most influential Hindu sacred texts. Though often cryptic, they form the foundation of Vedantic discourse, and still influence the religious imagination of countless spiritual seekers, both traditional and modern. Its 'secret' teachings are often presented through the voices of Vedic teachers, and the roles these teachers play is central to these teachings.

Focusing on the stories found in these religious texts, this talk will explore the character of the Upanisadic gurus, the roles they

A talk by Anuradha Dooney of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Despite global recession India edges closer to being one of our wealthiest nations, yet the face of poverty also continues to portray India to the world. In a country of economic and social contradictions it is easy to play one off against the other. But wealth and India are not new bedfellows, either materially or spiritually. In this talk Anuradha Dooney asks if wealth is generated by hard work or by destiny? How can debt be a blessing and not a curse? Who decides what is valuable?

A talk by Ramesh Pattni of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Yoga has become a multi-billion dollar commodity with over 30 million people in the US alone practising one form or another of Yoga. Where did all these forms arise from and are they traceable to earlier scriptures? What does Patanjali’s have to say about what has come to be known as the Classical text of Yoga called the Yogasutra? We look at Patanjali’s text in detail and trace some of the developments in Yoga philosophy and practice from ancient times.