VISION
To present and preserve Vedic knowledge, traditions, and teachings as practiced and taught in ancient India.
We aspire to offer humanity at large a Vedic spiritual alternative through education, experience, and practice. We are non-secular and invite anyone and everyone to appreciate the richness of wisdom Vedas have to offer.
- We create awareness of Vedic traditions and teachings among the public by conducting programs, conferences, seminars, workshops, symposiums, lectures.
- We are encouraging the development of systematic Vedic knowledge and practice of Vedic teachings by printing, publishing, exhibiting, and circulating books, journals, newsletters, periodicals, bulletins, brochures, websites, social media, and other such publications.
- We teach Vedic cooking and distribution of such food to the public promoting a healthy lifestyle and nutrition.
- We promote programs to impart moral and cultural values, develop cooperation, build a strong society through Vedic stories, dramas, and cultural representation.
The Vedic Connections International (VCI) is started in the August of 2021 and is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including but not limited to the following:
OUR EDUCATION
The Vedas are likened to a tree that fulfills a variety of needs through its roots, trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, flowers, and fruits. There is something for everyone to take and benefit from!
We want the American public to learn from a time-tested and ancient culture from India commonly named Vedic Culture or Wisdom that is a way of life that connected the nature and humans in harmony.
We live in a digital world and the current world is a spectrum of divide and rule. We believe in connect and elevate mantras. We strive to create initiatives to transform Vedic wisdom from ancient India into the digital era. We believe in a paradigm that is in alignment with an environmental, social, and cultural aspect that resonates with modern people connecting with ancient teachings.
We live in a digital world and the current world is a spectrum of divide and rule. We believe in connect and elevate mantras. We strive to create initiatives to transform Vedic wisdom from ancient India into the digital era. We believe in a paradigm that is in alignment with an environmental, social, and cultural aspect that resonates with modern people connecting with ancient teachings.
Education
The Digital era is real and is already here. We ought to utilize digital technologies to bridge the divides. The apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Teams, FB, Insta, and others are deeply imbibed in our current environment or society. We use these to educate, connect, and communicate the ancient Vedic traditions to modern students.
Our classes and seminars should foster an innovation, growth mindset, and connected nature of human existence.
Some of our practitioners of Vedic teachings have spearheaded the creation of numerous Vedic educational organizations. These students’ groups in reputed institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Penn State University, Tufts University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M, and others have come to fill the gap left by our modern educational systems and are transforming the lives of many. These student groups truly serve as oases for inquisitive minds. Through an attractive combination of food, music, yoga, and festivals, these groups have successfully attracted intellectuals from various cultures and backgrounds to the Vedic cultural experiences.
Our classes and seminars should foster an innovation, growth mindset, and connected nature of human existence.
Some of our practitioners of Vedic teachings have spearheaded the creation of numerous Vedic educational organizations. These students’ groups in reputed institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Penn State University, Tufts University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M, and others have come to fill the gap left by our modern educational systems and are transforming the lives of many. These student groups truly serve as oases for inquisitive minds. Through an attractive combination of food, music, yoga, and festivals, these groups have successfully attracted intellectuals from various cultures and backgrounds to the Vedic cultural experiences.
EXPERIENCE
India has many thousands of ancient sites that are marvelous architectural, heritage, cultural, and spiritual oases. The ancient history, traditions, and engineering marvels of Vedic times are unparallel bestowing unique experiences to visitors. AYātrā (Sanskrit: यात्रा, or Expedition) generally means visiting such places such as confluences of sacred rivers, sacred mountains, places associated with Vedic epics such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and others. Experience of visiting such a Vedic or ancient place is believed to purify the self and bring one closer to nature. The calmer effect of such visitations is a lifelong memory that changes our perspective about ourselves and our surroundings. It enables one to connect with one’s inner self for peace, tranquility, and serenity. The journey itself is as important as the destination and we believe this is a supernatural Vedic Experience.
Since, the late 1990s, we have conducted several such Vedic Experiences to Vedic sites in India such as Himalayas, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and TamilNadu on yearly basis.
We plan on resuming such an experience when the covid19 pandemic situation for travel improves. Our goal is to take as many students as possible with reasonable expenses and moderate facilities.
Since, the late 1990s, we have conducted several such Vedic Experiences to Vedic sites in India such as Himalayas, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and TamilNadu on yearly basis.
We plan on resuming such an experience when the covid19 pandemic situation for travel improves. Our goal is to take as many students as possible with reasonable expenses and moderate facilities.
PRACTICE
We believe in practical spirituality, else it might be “all talk and no walk.” We are reminded of Saint Francis of Assissi who is quoted as saying, “Preach all day, and when necessary speak a few words.” Therefore, without practice of such spirituality, the head wouldn’t connect with the heart.
A genuine spiritualist is not in the journey just for himself or herself. They are in it to assist others as well. We aspire to help others practice these Vedic teachings in at least two ways:
A genuine spiritualist is not in the journey just for himself or herself. They are in it to assist others as well. We aspire to help others practice these Vedic teachings in at least two ways:
1. Living in harmony with nature:
A cornerstone principle of vedic lifestyle is in the aphorism, “Let all living beings be happy.” This translates into living a life that leaves a negligible “karmic” footprint. One such way is in following a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle that respects the right to life for all beings. We aspire to encourage such a balanced vegetarian lifestyle through cooking classes and instructions.
2. Finding peace and joy within:
We believe that happiness lies within each one of us, rather than “out there” in things and possessions. While things and possessions are necessary to live one’s life, they are not sufficient for making one happy. We want to offer people the alternative to be wealthy within with qualities of peace, non-violence, tolerance, respecting diversity of all kinds, and genuine humility in relation to the divine. We offer a variety of modalities toward these objectives, such as empathic communication for improving one’s relationships by becoming authentic and kind toward oneself and others. Further, we offer meditation classes, workshops and one-on-one mentorship for becoming spiritually grounded.
Through cultural exchanges or Vedic Practices, we can easily connect with others’ hearts and minds. Also, the cultural events and activities give us a tool to teach younger generations values and history.
The VCI plans to teach Vedic cooking methods and promoting a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. We strongly endorse vegetarianism and compassion for all living beings through cultural events and demonstrations.
We plan on starting various programs to impart moral and cultural values, develop cooperation, build a strong society through Vedic stories, dramas, and cultural representation in various universities, schools, and community events.
The VCI being a new organization is at its infancy stage and covid19 has dampened our plans, but we are already planning many such cultural symposiums or events in many parts of the country. Please stay tuned for updates.
We plan on starting various programs to impart moral and cultural values, develop cooperation, build a strong society through Vedic stories, dramas, and cultural representation in various universities, schools, and community events.
The VCI being a new organization is at its infancy stage and covid19 has dampened our plans, but we are already planning many such cultural symposiums or events in many parts of the country. Please stay tuned for updates.
OUR VISION
To present the science of bhakti yoga to the TAMU community and help individuals experience and achieve a higher-level of consciousness, knowledge, well being, and happiness.
Who are we
TAMU Club
We are a club at Texas A&M’s College Station campus. Our club has been instrumental in bringing to Texas A&M community, the Science of holistic Yoga process. Yoga in the western world is typically known as a physical workout leading to flexibility and muscle tone. However Bhakti yoga is the highest and true form of yoga that caters to not just the body but also to mind, intellect and the soul. The word ‘Bhakti’ itself is a word that means ‘loving devotional service’ and our club is devoted to help s connect with the divine within and experience the true happiness and bliss on a spiritual platform.
OUR ACTIVITIES
A holistic yoga system would involve considerations of all aspects of existence without discounting any one so that the net effect produced is towards the intended goal of the process. Hence, our activities includes:
Philosophy of Yoga
Learning the philosphy of yoga helps us understand our identity as distinct from the body, mind and intellect.
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It helps us understand the goal and reason for existence.
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Spiritual Talks
We also invite experienced yogis, travelling monks and distinguished speakers to discuss on various aspects of our existence such as Ecology,
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Cosmology, Economics, Yoga Ladder, Relationships, Satisfaction, developing spiritual qualities etc. Our focus is to bring about a transformation, inside-out, and working on the ecology of the heart. Thus this holistic process of Bhakti yoga helps not just to integrate your body, mind and soul but also to integrate your existence !
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Mantra or Kirtan Yoga
Mantra is a Sanskrit derivation of two words – “man”, meaning the mind, and “tra”, meaning deliverance.mantra means delivering the mind.
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From what you might ask? From the attachments of the mind. Only when the mind is not distracted can one remain steady in the yoga (linking) process.
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Yoga for Body
Yoga for Body or Hatha yoga can help you recognize your hidden physical and mental potentials.
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Through the continued practice of asanas, you will gain flexibility, strength and derive health benefits.
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Yoga of the Soul
Yoga of the Soul involves operating from the level of spiritual consciousness.
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The yoga of the soul permeates into activities involving the body, mind and intellect, giving them spiritual substance. More importantly, this process helps develop a feeling ofananda i.e. happiness, contentment or satisfaction.
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Yoga of Food
This forms a core of the yoga system because it provides appropriate nourishment conducive for the sublime yoga process.
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A diet that is conducive for the body, mind, intellect and the soul. We conduct veg/vegan cooking classes and serve vegetarian /vegan food at our sessions.
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Our Motto
‘Integrate body, mind and soul. Integrate your existence’
We are passionate about the integrated approach to the practice of this ancient science of yoga and look forward to sharing it with the Texas A&M community.
REGISTRATION
Register here for membership and weekly events
MEET THE TEAM
We are a team of dedicated who have always volunteered to dedicate our club to help Aggies hone their physical and spiritual yoga skills.
Naresh Bhatt
President – SeattleNaresh owns many businesses and lives in a Seattle area for 29 years doing many volunteering activities. He has a degree in computer science and business. He worked with many large corporations before venturing into business. His notable achievement is the construction of the Vedic Cultural Center in Sammamish WA where he was a leader of the efforts for fundraising, permits, and construction.
Anjan Chakraborty
Vice President – Seattle areaAnjan moved to Seattle area in 1998 as consultant in Information Technology. Since then He is serving various industries especially Health care, in managing their business solutions. Anjan has a Masters degree in Computer Science and Technology. He is active member of Vedic Cultural Center and conducted several seminars, teach yoga, teach cooking and managing events and activities.
Saravanan Thulasingam
Treasurer – Austin, TXSarvaThulasingam is the founding member of The Board, and serves as Chairman of Infiswift Technologies Inc. He is the CEO of Infiswift Technologies, with more than 25 years of experience building large-scale distributed software systems that run on billions of devices. He is the President and member of the board of trustees for Austin based non-profit organization, which is dedicated to making the greater Austin area a stronger and more vibrant community for all.
PHOTO GALLERY
- All Photos
- 2020-21
FOOD PHILOSOPHY
Just like when you fall sick, you take prescribed medicines and rest to regain health, and you avoid certain things. Similarly, in practice of bhakti yoga (any yoga or practice for that matter) there are some do’s and don’ts that are prescribed. According to yoga texts (Ayurvedic texts, Yogasutras, Bhagavad Gita), foods are classified into sattva (goodness), rajas (passion) and tamas (ignorance) and we try to eat only foods in goodness (like grains, vegetables, fruits, milk). We avoid foods that include meat, fish, eggs, mushrooms, coffee, tea and chocolate (due to caffeine). One may ask Why do we do that? The simple answer is – to quieten our mind in order to access the spiritual or higher consciouness nature within.
VEGAN COOKING CLASS
We conduct Vegetarian Vegan cooking class for the s of Texas A&M University and residents of Bryan – College Station as a part of the TAMU BHAKTI YOGA CLUB. Our goal is not just to promote vegetarianism but bring back the culture of eating – moving from an impersonal super market based, mass-produced things that looks like food, made by a disgruntled under-paid employee, to something that you participate in, share with and get nourishment from. Our theme is to keep things simple, practical and healthy. Our groups are typically small (<20) to enable easy hands on cooking experience and personal interaction. The pay back for us is the relationships we built on the way, greater appreciation for different cultures and the satisfaction that we could positively contribute to heathy wellbeing of an individual and our planet.
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CONTACT US
Contact Info
- 23515 NE Novelty Hill Rd Ste B221-5, Redmond, WA 98053
- vedicconnections@gmail.com
- www.vedisconnections.org