What we’re about
The Art of Meditation
taught by Jim Gilman
An eight week course in meditation practice and the fundamentals of Vedanta,
the ancient Hindu Science of Self Knowledge.
Introductory Class, Monday, March 7, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
250 Grand Ave. #10, Oakland
(on Lake Merritt)
call 510-220-8453 or email Jim at [email protected] for details.
For more information on Jim’s work see his website at http://www.thesilentway.org
The class includes:
Thorough instruction in meditation
Guidance in ongoing practice
Practical tips on living the Spiritual Life
Yoga and Vedanta Philosophy
The class meets for eight consecutive Monday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00
About the Teacher
Jim Gilman is a direct disciple of His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. Under Swamiji's guidance, Jim has taught meditation and Vedanta around the world for over 30 years. Jim brings his thorough knowledge of the Vedantic scriptures as well as his own deep experience to his work, and expresses these subtle ideas in a way that makes them easy for all to understand. Jim is also available for personal instruction and spiritual direction by appointment. In keeping with tradition, all classes are given on a donation basis.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Aitareya UpanishadJim Gilman's home, Oakland, CA
Aitareya Upanishad is one of the 10 principal Upanishads and is considered one of the most important. It is found in the Rig Veda and discusses the Atman (Universal Self) and how the world and human beings are created by Atman.
The ongoing class will be offered in person at Jim's home, 250 Grand Ave. #10, Oakland CA 94610 and also on Zoom in a “hybrid” format. If you plan on attending on Zoom, here is the link. All are welcome.
Class is offered on a donation basis (Guru Dakshina) basis.
We will use the translation by the teacher's guru, Swami Chinmayananda.Texts will be available at cost in person and is also available in a Kindle format through Amazon.com.
Call 510-220-8453 for further information.
Jim's teaching methodology and details about other ongoing offerings at the Silent Way website.
- Satsang on the Bhagavad GitaJim Gilman's home, Oakland, CA
Class meets every Sunday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM at the home of Jim Gilman - 250 Grand Ave. #10, Oakland, CA 94610.
Perhaps the greatest spiritual book ever written, the Gita explores exhaustively the Path and the Goal of the spiritual life. We will begin with the first chapter and make our way through the entire text. Students may “drop in” at any time as Gita is circular in its style and one can enter at any point. Class begins with 20 minutes of silent meditation so please arrive early and be ready to begin promptly.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
Jim Gilman, a direct disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, has taught Vedanta and meditation in the bay area and around the world for over 40 years. His approach to the teaching is uniquely suited to our current times and for those living here in the west.All classes are on a donation basis (guru dakshina). All are welcome
For more information see our website at thesilentway.org. for those wishing to attend via Zoom, you can enter through the Silent Way website at the “Current Classes” page.Call Jim at 510-220-8453 for details.
- Vidyaranya's Panchadasi - An Advaita Vedanta ClassicJim Gilman's home, Oakland, CA
We will be studying Vidyaranya's Panchadashi - a classic text on Advaita Vedanta.
Vidyaranya is a 14th century saint who is considered one of the most influential authors post Adi Shankara. He served as the Shankaracharya of the Sringiri Math in the 1380s.
The text is divided into 3 sections of 5 chapters each. Each section corresponds to the statement “Sat Chit Ananda” from the Upanishads, used to describe the Ultimate Reality.
Class will meet every Monday evening from 7:30-9:00 PM in Jim Gilman's home and will be “hybrid” with a Zoom component as well. The Zoom link will be on the Silent Way website.
Texts will be available at the first class and a Kindle version is available on Amazon for those Zooming in.
Call Jim at 510-220-8453 if you have any questions.
- The Essence of Yoga VasisthaJim Gilman's home, Oakland, CA
An ongoing Monday evening class studying this classic Adwaita scripture. The class will be offered in a “hybrid” format – in-person instruction or Zoom (both options are available). For Zoom, you can access the class from the classes page on the Silent Way website.
Class includes meditation, unfolding of the text, and lively discussion. All Silent Way classes are offered on a donation basis.
Attributed to the saint Valmiki, the legendary poet of the Ramayana, the Yoga Vasistha is considered one of the most important Adwaita scriptures. Chronologically, it takes place before the Ramayana, when Rama is just a young man. He leaves the palace to see the world and returns full of dejection which mystifies everyone except the court sage Vasistha. Vasistha discerns that Rama has developed true insight and dispassion and is not merely depressed. Vasistha proceeds to enlighten him. The text is a series of stories, often filled with humor, that plumb the depths of the deepest spiritual philosophy and practice.
The text we will use “Yoga Vasistha Sangraha,” is an abridgement, condensing the text from 32,000 slokas down to around 1,600. All are welcome.
Call 510-220-8453 for details
