Why Amanaska Yoga?
Because the Human Condition Needs It
In today’s fast-paced world, the self -centered relentless pursuit of wealth, name, fame, and status has overshadowed a fundamental connection with our deeperself, leaving us feeling distraught, lost, lonely and bereft of any real joy.
A healthy sense of self arises within us spontaneously, naturally, when self-Knowing has gone deep enough. This mature self which is the source of Intelligence, Compassion and Courage, then allows us to enjoy life with balance, and a sense of mystery and wonder. While the very same self when not observed, not understood, not calmed and silenced, can also be the source of ‘evil’ wreaking havoc, destroying relationships, and causing irreparable damage to loved ones – a sorrow so miserable that we then take extra effort to ‘show the world’ how much we are in control of our life when, in reality, we desperately clutch onto almost anything that gives us momentary gratification, momentary security, momentary happiness. Amanaska Yoga is for ending this tragedy.
This process is habitual until we reach utter frustration and fatigue from being stuck in the very rut that we have systematically and unconsciously created. Can we go on like this? When does our nagging pain come to an end? Why are we collectively feeling a void? While there is no one perfect path, Amanaska Yoga is the robust, dependable yogic and meditative process for anyone who feels stuck living a bland, lonely and lost existence. The simplistic nature of the teachings and the universal applicability of the lessons, helps anyone make the shift.
Who is Amanaska Yoga for?
If we go to a pharmacy, a drug store, or to a physician, we will see an array of medicines on the shelves, each intended for a certain specific ailment – be it cancer, anemia, diabetes, heart ailments, etc. A specific medicine obviously cannot be universally administered to all. Likewise, every teaching is like a medicine for our unhealthy and sick consciousness. Amanaska is the medicine intended for a wounded and hurt self, or for some specific kind of break-down in consciousness, loss of self-identity, loneliness, loss of meaning in life, alienation from family and society, inability to cope with ill health and fear of death etc.
While personal and inner growth cannot be age specific, the teachings find their applicability for anyone of 15 years and above. This is usually the age when children are on the cusp of self-discovery, through adolescence. This rite of passage could transform into a wholesome journey of self-discovery, beginning with the fundamental question ‘who am I and what do I want?’.
There may be certain inner and outer life-conditions for which Amanaska may be the right potent ‘medicine’, and others, such as pathological life-conditions, for which Amanaska may not work. However, garnering self-awareness through the Krishnamurtian observation is a unique and powerful leap into self-Knowing
When man becomes aware of the movement of his own thoughts, he will see the division between the thinker and thought, the observer and the observed, the experiencer and the experience. He will discover that this division is an illusion. Then only is there pure observation, which is insight without any shadow of the past, or of time. This timeless insight brings about a deep, radical mutation in the mind.
– J. Krishnamurti, 1980, Copyright, Krishnamurti Foundation Trust Ltd
A Founding Perspective
Amanaska Yoga is Sri Sankara’s unique assimilation of the lifetime teachings of The World Teacher Sri J. Krishnamurti, which happened when Sri Sankara had to face a grueling crisis in his personal life when he was only 23. He has expressed what happened to him clearly through the lens of Sanatana Dharma, hoping thereby to build an actual bridge between the Krishnamurtian world and the world of traditional religions. Sri Sankara has taken utmost care to preserve the pristine purity of the World Teacher’s teachings, while simultaneously recognizing the need for intellectual freedom to approach Krishnamurti’s works from one’s own religious, or psychological, or mythological or scientific understanding. This, he believes, is the true path for any seeker who wishes to deeply and completely assimilate Krishnamurti, while being true to himself/herself. He encourages seekers to systematically work out their own understanding of Krishnamurti. Those who wish to delve deeper into Amanaska Yoga are encouraged to enroll in the Amanaska Yoga Master Course, consisting of 120 Lessons.
Disclaimer
Our community is built on recognition of Divinity in all, on love, and acceptance, ensuring that everyone feels safe and valued for who they are. We proudly embrace an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly, and an open-minded environment, free from judgment or expectations. Amanaska Yoga’s intention is to lead people to their true identity, the Atma, beyond their troublesome self. If you have any special preferences for gender pronouns or a particular name you would like us to use, please let us know, so that we can honor your identity and make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Personal Life
Today, Sankara continues to offer astrological consultations and spiritual counselling, remaining an active figure in the global spiritual community. He lives with his wife, Prema, and daughter, Gayatri, in the suburbs of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. In his rare free time, Sankara enjoys watching documentaries on history, philosophy, world events, and health.
An avid reader, he relishes a strong vegan coffee, dry fruits, and a good croissant! His mornings begin with a brisk walk along the beach with his wife, Prema, followed by an hour of Yoga and Pranayama. His wholesome, disciplined, and sattvic lifestyle has served him well. Most of his time is spent in his office, which has more books than the local library!
Dr. Prema is a consultant in paediatrics, holding an M.D. and D.C.H. from Madras Medical College. She ran a successful private practice for nearly 35 years before retiring in early 2020. Now enjoying a relaxed life, she has played a vital role in supporting Amanaska Yoga, contributing voiceovers for numerous videos, editing content, and coordinating national and international events for the organisation.
Authored Books
Sri Sankara Bhagavadpada blends his scientific acumen with profound spiritual 
insights, authoring several transformative books. Among his notable works is Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Moksha, a highly regarded book that provides a unique, academic perspective on the role of planetary alignments, the birth chart, and, above all, the influence of fate in shaping Ramana Maharshi’s life and realization. Sankaraji’s insightful approach illuminates the spiritual journey from a scientific and cosmic vantage point.
Another key work, self -Realization Through self-Knowing , has garnered significant respect in the field of Vedic astrology, earning Sankara the honorary title of Jyotish Ratan. Beginning with J. Krishnamurti’s principles of self-Knowing, Sankara systematically unveils a meditative process by defining foundational concepts such as the “self” and “what is.” He guides the reader through themes of identification, observation, and understanding of the self, leading to “the calming and silencing of the self.” At a certain point, Sankara diverges from Krishnamurti’s exposition, asserting that the Atma cannot be ignored, and thereby leading readers to the Advaitic insight of Tat Tvam Asi. This profound work reassures the perceptive reader that self-Knowing is essential and that true self-realization rests upon this vital foundation.
UPCOMING WORK – “Water Does Not Know What Water Is” is currently in progress, with a release expected in late 2026. Sankara delves into the mystery of the incarnation of the World Teacher. He throws the light of Vedic Astrology and Tantra sastra in the decipherment of the mystery of understanding Who is Krishnamurti?
Testimonial for the Courses offered by Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada:I. Atmajnana and II. Vedic Astrology
Working together with Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada has definitely been a life changing transitional event for me and radically changed the way of how I am approaching life. He constantly inspired me to think and experience for myself and not just to believe and take things as given.
After having been traveling throughout around 60 countries, climbing 6,000 meter-high mountains and diving down to 40 meters into the ocean in search for new experiences, through the help of Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada I came to an understanding that happiness and contentment is something we can not find outside in the external world, but only deeply within ourselves trough knowing of who we really are.
Sri. Daniel Eckenfels(Santiago, Chile) 
Feedback from Ms. Uma Ranganathan Ryan, CA, US:
“I have been consulting with Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada for many years now.
“For a novice like me, initially, it was quite challenging to understand the astrological details that Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada provided, such as what the different houses stand for, & the impact of different Planets on each of them, etc. Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada was very patient with me in explaining & clarifying various questions and details. I truly appreciate the additional reading material he provided to me, so I can better understand his astrological predictions.
“The astrological insights helped me to understand how the various Planets & Energies influence my life & my relationships with my family, my work-life, and my health for the current period – Varshaphal. ‘Divine Conspiracy, ‘the Wrath of the Divine’’ are the terms that Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada uses when malefic things happen at a certain time since certain events are meant to happen at a certain time period due to the mentioned astrological significance of the ‘Divine Conspiracy’.
Sri. Uma Ranganathan Ryan(Plano, TX, USA) 
Vedic Astrology Course Assessment:
Absolutely loved and miss having the weekly Vedic Astrology classes with Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada and the intelligent, cognizant cohort of participants that took the class with me (80 free Zoom lessons in 2019-2020). What is and was of most value to me is Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada’s truly spiritual approach to Vedic Astrology. This is the reason why I chose to study Vedic Astrology with him. It all stems from the Divine, the mood of the Divine reflected in the areas where grace is provided in the life of an individual or where it is not provided, as challenges. I was also engaged by his view of using astrology as a self- knowing tool. It is a profound discipline of learning and self-Knowing and to help others in their self-Knowing process. Dr. Bhagavadpada has a unique and special approach to make each of the articipants think and discover the truth for themselves in order to make it their truth.
Sri. Sandra Morfin(Mexico City) 
Feedback on the Jyotish Course from the learning scholar Sri. Samarth Chidanand.
I have had a very keen interest in Vedic astrology research. I am a ‘Systems Approach’ [SA] astrologer- mentored by the renowned founder of the Systems Approach to Vedic astrology [SA], namely, the Vedic
astrologer, Prof. V. K Choudhry, Gurgaon, India. I consider Prof. V. K. Choudhry as ‘Maharshi Parasara’, in our modern times. I have participated in various SA International Conferences. There, I met Dr. Sankara and was amazed by his deep understanding of DCs(Divisional Charts), dharma, moksha and various other mystical and tough-to- understand dimensions, which may take decades to understand, if one is lucky enough.
Sri. Samarth Chidanand(Bangalore, India) 
Feedback on: A Modern Course in Vedic Astrology
The Course with Dr. Sankara Bhagavadpada has been extraordinary for me. After 19 years of spiritual life, by helping a spiritual movement to spread worldwide, my understanding and spiritual experiences, allowed me to access different parts and pieces of a puzzle, the puzzle of life and God. However, the big picture and being able to structure the puzzle in one piece only came to me through this Course in Vedic Astrology offered by Dr. Bhagavadpada. Through the Course I understood the core and ‘spinal cord’ of Vedic knowledge, from where the thousands of Gods that are worshipped in Hinduism came from, from where the various aspects of God manifested, and how all this has a counter part in the stars and planets of our Universe.
Sri. Ricardo Bravo(Santiago, Chile)
From Sri Madhu Sai Deevanapalli, Kamloops, Canada.
“I am eternally grateful to Guruji for the incredible classes he taught on: Brihat Parashara Hora Sastra Astrology. After learning the dependable and predictive principles of the Systems Approach[SA], Vedic astrology sutras gave me a completely new perspective. It was refreshing to learn Guruji’s descriptions of various principles and understanding of the planetary movements in each chart and how they impact us. The Vedic perspective of chart analysis are unique and empowering.
“In every class, Guruji made us think and interpret the charts. After each class I always walk away feeling that I understand the chart of myself and others better than before. My chart reading on my health issues using the Vedic principles was very insightful. It gave me clarity and deeper understanding into what I was going through and set intention and mind in the right direction to my healing.
Sri. Madhu Sai Deevanapalli(Kamloops, BC, Canada) 
Jyotisha Course Assessment from Sri Krishnaraj Balasubramanian
Dear Guruji,
Namaste. Here is the Jyotish course assessment from me. I wasn’t sure if I should expand on details like Systems Approach[SA] and Traditional Vedic Astrology [VA]. I felt these details might be confusing, and so, I used a generic expression ‘different sampradayas.’ Hope it is ok, Guruji.
As for my qualifications, I am not sure what I should state. Is this good enough? Please feel free to represent me as you deem suitable Guruji.
Sri. Krishnaraj Balasubramanian(Coimbatore, India)
Feedback on the Course:
My passion for Vedic astrology began during 1985. I vividly remember that pleasant day when I met Guruji at Somangalam during 1991.Guruji, at that time was conducting spiritual retreats. Later my spiritual journey started with Guruji’s guidance from 1993 onwards. Fortunately, God blessed me to travel
with Guruji in the path of Vedic astrology from 22nd Feb 2010.
I would like to share my feedback with respect to this amazing Course:
Before this course, my journey in Vedic astrology was very tough and was a bit uncomfortable. I had to look for alternate methods (my intuition, palmistry, numerology) for predictions, to compensate my lack of knowledge in astrology. Now, after this Course, I feel at ease with chart reading.
Sri. Balaji Balasubramanian(Chennai, India)