The ancients teach that Soma, the elixir of immortality, is churned from the cosmic oceans by the demons and the gods. What does this mean for your own search for Soma?
This profound myth has long captivated audiences, and with good reason: it richly encodes the mechanics of spiritual evolution. This course decodes ‘the search for soma’ to apply its insights to modern spiritual life.
This online course integrates philosophical teachings, captivating storytelling, and embodied esoteric insight to teach you how to unlock the power of this myth cycle for your own spiritual growth.
Captivating elements of this myth cycle include:
- The gods tricking the demons to procure the elixir – is this moral?
- Śiva neutralizing poison in the throat – can you do the same? Or do you generally ‘spew’ or ‘swallow ‘toxicity?
- Fruits of the churning including Indra’s elephant mount, jewels, a wish-fulfilling tree, divine weapons, the wish-fulfilling cow – what blessings have you received? What blessings do you yet seek?
- The power of disguise: the demon Rahu donning the garb of the gods to be spotted by the Sun and Moon and decapitated by Viṣṇu; Viṣṇu donning feminine garb to seduce the demons – how well can you spot disguises?
- The emergence of the goddess Lakṣmī, representative of light, abundance, relationships, sustenance, domestic bliss – what is your relationship to Lakṣmī like?
- The emergence of Sage Dhanvantari, father of Ayurveda, carrying the elixir of immortality – what does ‘attaining soma’ look like to you?
This course will help you:
- Learn about the story of the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk, representations of Soma in Vedic hymns, and myths of Soma from the Sanskrit Epics and Purāṇas
- Gain insight into symbology of Soma as the means of immortality
- Exploresymbology of key elements of this myth cycle, especially Śiva neutralizing poison, fruits of the churning, the power of guises, and the birth of Lakṣmī
- Learn how to apply the insights in this myth cycle for your own spiritual evolution.
- Honor tradition by learning from a member of an ancient Indian living wisdom lineage
This 4-part on-demand online course is taught by scholar of Indian mythology and The Stories Behind the Poses author Dr. Raj Balkaran.
Course Structure
Module 1: Neutralizing the Poisons of Life
Module 2: Dealing with Demons, Inner and Outer
Module 3: Blessings of the Quest
Module 4: Attaining Immortality
6+ Hours of Video Lessons
Valuable for the simply curious, longtime yogis, expert practitioners and everyone in between
Downloadable Notes
Easily follow along with and refer back to the class slides
Access Anytime, Anywhere
Whether day or night, wherever you are, you have forever access to this on-demand course
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Applications
Learn mantra and other techniques to apply teachings to your life
Join The Indian Wisdom School
Become a part of our community and gain access to exclusive events and lessons
Yoga Alliance Credit
This course counts as 12 hours of YA Continuing Education Credit
"I first came across Dr. Balkaran through his work with the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and have since taken a number of courses with him, all of which have been fabulous. Dr. Balkaran has a gift for synthesizing complex information and teaches with a storytelling style that supports comprehension."
Natalie Rousseau
Yoga Educator
"Dr. Balkaran is a teacher who understands the needs and quests of today’s spiritual seekers and practitioners and his School is a unique and a much-awaited opportunity for any interested-minded students to access the complex realm of the Indian philosophy and mythology explained in an approachable and engaging manner."
Aijan Kenenbaeva
Yoga Practitioner and Hinduism Student
"As a graduate student in the blossoming field of Yoga Studies, I cannot express the proper gratitude for Dr. Raj and his method of mystical swagger. He has tremendously assisted my personal understanding of inherently foreign concepts embedded within Indian wisdom and myth."
Dustin Nicholas Holmes
Naropa University, Wisdom Traditions
M.A. Yoga Studies
"I have greatly enjoyed taking Dr. Balkaran’s online classes! His style of presenting content is a rich synthesis of rigorous academic scholarship and his own experiential insights which add depth, humor and clarity to the often misconstrued concepts of Indian mythology."
Srinalini Sankar
French Teacher and Lifelong Student
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Raj Balkaran is the founder of The Indian Wisdom School, scholar, and author, including for the popular book this course is based on, The Stories Behind the Poses. He teaches a number of courses through the Indian Wisdom School, the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Yogic Studies, and Embodied Philosophy. He also hosts the New Books in Indian Religions podcast.
Before becoming a scholar, Dr. Balkaran was initiated into Indian Wisdom Traditions by multiple lineal teachers and apprenticed with a renowned Indian spiritual master for twelve years. For the past two decades, he has been immersed in daily spiritual practice and study, cultivating a deep understanding of these traditions.
