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About Sadhvi Aparna
Aparna has journeyed deeply into the teachings of her Guru, Acharya Shunya, and over the past 15 years, she has evolved into a symbol of transformation on the Vedic path. Her dedication to these teachings has brought about a deep, lasting change in every aspect of her life. As the former Dean of Acharya Shunya’s Vedic Studies Program at Vedika Global from 2014 to 2019, Aparna played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding countless Sadasyas, offering them wisdom, encouragement, and steadfast support.
In recognition of her unwavering commitment, spiritual depth, and embodiment of Vedic principles, Aparna has been honored with the title of 'Sadhvi' by Acharya Shunya. This esteemed title not only marks her as an advanced seeker within the lineage but also recognizes her capacity to lead and share the teachings with others. As a Sadhvi, Aparna is now entrusted with the sacred responsibility of guiding others on their spiritual journeys, sharing her rich experiences and deep wisdom.
Beyond her formal roles, Aparna has consistently been a reliable confidante and a pillar of strength within Acharya Shunya’s lineage. Together with her partner, who is also a dedicated Sadasya, she lives the Vedic wisdom every day, becoming a source of inspiration, compassion, and guidance for others. Today, Aparna continues to offer her heartfelt teachings and guidance to a global audience through online spiritual coaching and teaching sessions, embodying the transformative power of the Vedic path she so deeply treasures.
Study with Sadhvi Aparna
Svadhyaya is a sanskrit term meaning “Self study” and refers to the practice of deepening one’s understanding of Vedic and Yogic texts through introspection, contemplation, review and recitation. Led by Vedic Teacher Aparna Amy Lewis, these guided sessions feature practices, contemplations, and group discussions to help deepen your Self study. For students participating in Acharya Shunya’s text study programs, these Svadhyaya sessions are a wonderful companion study opportunity to support your journey. Join Aparna starting February 2025 for twice monthly Svadhyaya sessions, beginning with Acharya Shunya’s teachings on Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam.
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Bhaja Govindam, also known as Moha Mudgara, is a popular devotional composition by Adi Shankaracharya. It emphasizes the importance of devotion to God as a means to attain spiritual liberation. Each verse is a call to forsake material illusions and realize the ultimate truth. In this series, we will explore the meaning and relevance of these verses in contemporary life.
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Session dates:
2nd and 4th Saturdays at 8:00 AM (PST) starting February 8, 2025
Final Series Session on 1st Saturday of May at 8:00 AM (PST)
(2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22, 4/12, 4/26, 5/3)
Time Zone Conversions:
Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST): 5:00 AM
East Coast Time (EST): 11:00 AM
Central European Time (CET): 3:00 PM
India Standard Time (IST): 8:00 PM
Singapore Time (SGT): 11:00 PM
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 1:00 AM (next day)
Gulf Standard Time (GST, Dubai): 12:00 AM (midnight, next day)​
Zoom Meeting Details:
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Join Zoom Meeting Link
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82536924171?pwd=45rjNzkvNDa5ttlVXV3ilhRggoIamV.1
Meeting ID: 825 3692 4171
Passcode: 739493​​
A Letter of Welcome from Aparna
Jai Maa! My name is Aparna Amy Lewis, and I am delighted to explore these Vedic teachings with you.
For thousands of years, through a profound tradition of education called the guru shishya parampara, Advaita Vedanta and other Vedic sciences have been faithfully transmitted to future generations. From teacher to student, when the “worthy vessel” is able to hold the knowledge completely, they are able to carry the wisdom forward. Three stages of learning transform the student from an information seeker to an embodied wisdom holder - shravanam (concentrated listening to the words of the teacher with our inner witness), mananam (deep contemplation and inquiry of what we have heard), and nidi dhyasanam (internalizing the teachings with active practice).
Acharya Shunya has been carefully pouring knowledge into me for the last 15 years. I have delved into Vedanta, Yoga, Ayurveda and other Vedic teachings, both from the oral tradition and with systematic study of Vedic source texts. I have been blessed to have been able to receive live word-for-word text commentaries on many texts from Adi Shankaracharya (including the Bhaja Govindam, Nirvana Shatakam, Atmabodha, Tattva Bodha, Viveka Chudamani, Bhagavad Gita (commentary), Sadhana Panchakam) and other seminal works of Ayurveda, Goddess teachings, Vedas, Upanishads, and Yoga philosophy.
Continued churning and contemplation of these teachings has actively changed my consciousness. Rigorous self contemplative practices have helped me to mold my mind and ego to be a worthy vessel for this knowledge. My ego is more purified, body more cleansed, mind more resilient, and heart more open. Every part of my life has been enriched by this wisdom, and the truth of Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedanta, and Goddess bhakti teachings, lights my path back to Self. I have been, and continue to be, transformed!
As a shishya, or devoted student, of this tradition, it is my pleasure and duty to offer heartfelt seva to both teacher and lineage, by carrying this wisdom forward. In 2025, I invite you to join me for a monthly contemplation session on the Bhaja Govindam. Together, we will dive into guided practices, meditations, and key themes, and share what emerges from our focused mananam. Let us see what a year of sacred Self-study will bring to our thoughts and experience!
I look forward to deeply contemplating and embodying the wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaji Govindam by Acharya Shunya, with you, in this series.
