You’re still trying to define who we are through these experiences instead of realizing that these experiences are the expression of the brilliance of who we are and the invitation is to get deeper within the truth of self. There’s nothing more powerful than that. – Anand Mehrotra.

In all this lockdown mayhem I have been making discerning use of my time on-line. It seems that the whole world stepped up for on-line learning and on-line connecting. I don’t like too much screen time. But I must admit, as the quality of teachings from some of the great respected spiritual leaders gets stronger and deeper, I am more and more a convert of having a retreat at home. It actually aligns with many of my core values: shop locally, lessen my carbon footprint, use my car less, spend more time alone or in silence, cook more nutritionally dense meals, spend more time with family and pets, and keep growing and learning etc. I often say, ‘The only way out is in!’ And now I get a chance to really test this theory.

With the many more hours in my day, and more importantly a relaxed state of mind, I feel more inclined to retreat to my Living Room University. For my first semester, I have enrolled in the companion course to the fascinating, profound and wildly entertaining spiritual DocuSeries, The Road To Dharma. The first three episodes and lessons are free. You can find them here. I am so impressed with how jam-packed this course is: the teachings, the dharma talks, the contemplation of the chapters/lessons correlating to the series, mediations, mantra… There’s a lot in this. And you get to go at your own pace.

First, you’ll watch the episode, knowing what the general topic of the chapter is, and you’ll see the lesson on freedom jump out at you. Then you’ll read the Chapter where you explore the wisdom of freedom in real, down-to-earth language and detail. Then the wisdom is explored into bullet points for your easy reference. Next, you look at how the characters in the show embody that wisdom by seeing video clips and discussing the virtues/character strengths they exhibit. By watching and relating to them, you can cultivate these virtues for your own freedom.

You can go on your own journey and experience the transformational teachings for yourself. Image: The Road To Dharma

The course then takes you deep into the journey in the Himalayas again, with the unseen bonus footage filmed during The Road To Dharma. These deep discussions are with master yogi Anand Mehrotra. As you can imagine, only pieces can make it into a show, but now you get to see the whole thing as if you were right there on a journey. And then finally there’s an audio meditation practice that combines pranayama, kriya, and mantra. The goal of these powerful yet compact practices is for you to feel and shift your energy to embody this aspect of freedom, and to realize you can do so in a matter of twenty to thirty minutes.

You may binge-watch the whole series at once and then come back and read the chapters. That’s fine. Get into it. Take the journey. Then, when you come back and read a chapter, watch the episode again. You’ll experience the episode in a very different manner. The teaching will deepen. And the power of watching a real journey is that you feel emotions, the mind actually has neurons firing like you are there, you empathize, and you receive the experience.

And so, if you are watching with the wisdom in mind, then you are translating the experience into deep understanding even quicker. Maybe you’re ready now, ready to take that huge leap and let go of identifying with your story! That’s a great start and intro into Quantum Leaps.

Here’s a breakdown of the first three lessons in The Road to Dharma companion course.

Lesson 1: Freedom Takes Quantum Leaps

Episode 1 – Watch the beginning of the Journey: Unforeseen Challenges in Rishikesh
Chapter 1 – Reading / Contemplating the theme. ‘Bursting the Bubble.’
Meditation Intro – Listen to the introduction to the meditation series.
Meditation 1 – Listen to ‘Cosmic Breaths 1, 2 and Expanding Our Energy.’
Dharma Talks from Anand – Watch ‘More Love than Fear.’
Dharma Talks from Anand – Watch ‘Making the Quantum Leap.’

Lesson 2: Freedom from the Stories that Bind Us

Episode 2 – Watch ‘A Treacherous Night to End the Story.’
Chapter 2 – Reading / Contemplating the theme. ‘Time to Leave Home.’
Meditation 2 – Listen to ‘Breath of Light and Beyond – Bringing in the Light.’
Dharma Talks from Anand – Watch ‘Pilgrimage Puja, See It as It Happens.’

Lesson 3: Freedom from the Ego

Episode 3 – Watch ‘Death of the Ego at Kedarnath.’
Chapter 2 – Reading / Contemplating the theme. ‘Overcoming Craving and Aversion.’
Meditation 3 Intro – Listen to this before meditation 3.
Meditation 3 – Listen to ‘Breaths for Strength Amidst Difficulty – Mantra T, Transcend.’
Dharma Talks from Anand – Watch ‘Talk at Kedarnath.’ (Full Length 45 mins)

As you can see, there’s a lot here. The generosity in this offering is truly beautiful. If you want to go in because you can’t get out, then this is a deeply transformative way to start. Give yourself the gift and take your own road to dharma: join your own university at home.

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We are hearing so much appreciative feedback in comments and emails. Please share your love for this life-changing gift to humanity. We will always see you on the road to dharma and share all we have with you. Travel in and share out!

Much love and many, many blessings.

Paul and Team UPLIFT

To watch the first three episodes and access the accompanying course lessons free, click here.