ŚRĪ  TAITTIRĪYA-UPANIṢAD | Ongoing studies from Jan 2026 | by invitation only

The Taittirīya Upaniṣad is one of the most treasured scriptures of the Vedic tradition, and for Yoga students, its study offers a profound doorway into the deeper foundations of practice. Far beyond techniques and postures, this Upaniṣad reveals the layered nature of the human being — from the physical to the subtle and ultimately the blissful — guiding seekers toward an experiential understanding of Yoga’s highest aims. Learning this text helps practitioners appreciate Yoga not merely as a discipline of the body or mind, but as a sacred journey toward self-knowledge.

A vital dimension of this study is learning to chant the Upaniṣad in the traditional manner. Vedic chanting is not merely recitation; it is a spiritual practice that requires precision, humility, and reverence. Receiving proper permissions from one’s Ācārya and learning under guidance ensures the integrity of both the transmission and the student’s own inner growth. Correct chanting aligns the practitioner with an unbroken lineage of seekers and preserves the sanctity of the sound-based wisdom embodied by the Vedas.

Equally important is studying not only the word-for-word meanings but also the spiritual significance behind these sacred passages. The Taittirīya Upaniṣad provides insights into dharma, nourishment, gratitude, and the nature of the Self. Exploring these layers offers Yoga students a richer, more holistic understanding of their practice.

Learning this Upaniṣad with Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, who is widely regarded as part of a respected ancient lineage and has received the permissions necessary to teach these teachings, offers an exceptional opportunity. Studying within such a lineage is traditionally believed to bring karmic merit, as it honours the sacred method of passing knowledge from teacher to student with clarity and devotion.

Students who join will benefit not only intellectually but also spiritually, entering a stream of transmission that has guided seekers for centuries.

The classes will commence in January 2026, with two classes per month. You will not only learn to chant the sacred text in the traditional manner, but also explore the meaning of this very precious Upaniṣad. Class timings will be set each month to correspond to the travel schedule. Each class will be around 45-50 minutes long. All sessions are audio-recorded and made available in our resource centre.

Please note that these classes are not open to all! It is open to those willing to commit to the Niyamas required for such a study.

A suggested donation of €60 per month is requested from each participating student. Donation in other currencies are British £ (£55) | Australian $ (A$100) | New Zealand $ (NZ$115) | Singapore $ (S$90)

All those willing to begin these classes must practice the following Niyama-s.

1) Śākabhakṣatā-saṁkalpa - Lifelong Commitment to consuming only a Vegetarian diet (No Meat, No Bird No Seafood, No egg). Dairy products are allowed.

2) Madya-varjana-saṁkalpa - Lifelong Commitment to not drink any alcoholic drinks or engage in recreational drugs of any kind.

3) Nitya-snāna - Daily bathing/washing body, once in the morning before beginning daily dharma and once after completing daily dharma.

4) Nitya-prārthanā - Lighting of lamp/candle/incense in the altar (after snāna) and offering a prayer/gratitude

5) Mantra-sādhana - if initiated, the daily practice of mantra-japa as per appropriate Vidhi

6) Satya-vrata - the vow to align feelings, words and actions everyday.

7) Āstikya - belief and devotion to the Divine

8) Svādhyāya - regular mentoring with your Ācārya

If you are willing to follow these eight limbs and embark on this project, kindly fill in the registration form. Your application will be reviewed, and if accepted, you will be contacted with further details about the class times. If you have any questions before you join, please feel free to contact us.

Please note that you are welcome to learn these chants with other teachers as well.

Hello friends

As many of you know, I had always refrained from teaching Vedic chanting for many years. A variety of reasons have made me take this decision. However, in 2024, I graciously received permission from my Ācārya, His Holiness Śrī Abhinava Vāgīṣa Brahmatantra Svatantra Parakāla Svāmi Mahā Deśika, to begin teaching Śrī Viṣṇu Sahasranama, and have followed his command.

In 2025, I received permission to teach Vedic Chanting, and for this reason I have begun with this offering of Śrī Taittirīya Upaniṣad, one of the first teachings I received from my own father when I was a young boy. Under the command and permission of my Ācārya, I am grateful to offer this teaching to those who are committed to following the required Niyama-s (personal disciplines) required of such learning.

These disciplines are not meant to be discriminatory. Instead, they will only help you benefit more from this practice. Also, it is only under these conditions that I am authorised to teach and, hence, I diligently follow my Ācārya's command.

Namaste 🙏

REGISTER HERE