The Taittiriya Upanishad is a profound philosophical text that forms a part of the Taittiriya school of the Yajurveda. Its origins are believed to date back to around 1st millennium BCE. Comprising three main sections - Shiksha Valli, Brahmananda Valli, and Bhrigu Valli - this Upanishad delves deep into the fundamental questions of existence, the nature of reality, and the essence of the self.

In the Shiksha Valli, the Upanishad emphasizes the importance of education, both spiritual and worldly, imparting teachings on various aspects of living a righteous life. It includes practical guidance on rituals, conduct, and ethical values, stressing the importance of humility, discipline, and service.

The Brahmananda Valli, also known as the Ananda Valli, explores the nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality, and its relationship with the individual soul (Atman). It discusses the concept of bliss (ananda) and elucidates how the realization of the true self leads to eternal happiness and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The Bhrigu Valli recounts a dialogue between the sage Bhrigu and his father Varuna, where Bhrigu learns about the nature of Brahman through a series of contemplations and realizations. This section further explores the concept of Brahman as the substratum of the universe, the source of all existence, and the underlying essence of all beings.

Throughout the Taittiriya Upanishad, profound insights into metaphysics, cosmology, and spirituality are presented. It remains one of the foundational texts of Hindu philosophy, revered for its timeless wisdom and profound teachings on the nature of reality and the self.

Our instructor, Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao, is no ordinary Sanskrit scholar. He is a shining star from Mysore, a man with a lifetime of knowledge and experience to share, and we consider it a great honour to share his knowledge with the world. With his razor sharp wit and light hearted humor, he is one of our favorite teachers. We have full confidence that this lecture series will be a profound experience for everyone who attends.

Learning from a great scholar like Dr. Rao offers a whole new perspective. When we study Indian Philosophy with someone who has a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of cross-references from other texts and traditional interpretations, the experience becomes a direct transmission of knowledge, world view, and life experience.

The great texts of India are vast, and our knowledge and perspective are limited. We often focus on what we can understand and relate to, but in doing so, we might miss many other valuable aspects. By embarking on this journey with a seasoned scholar, we open ourselves up to a broader and richer understanding that goes beyond our preconceptions. It's an opportunity for a transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on your spiritual growth and outlook on life.