Raja Choudhury
Immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom and revolutionary teachings of Swami Vivekananda, the dynamic Indian monk and spiritual trailblazer whose message of universal acceptance and interfaith unity reshaped the West and continues to inspire the world today.
Beyond the inspiring story beautifully captured in the film America’s First Guru, this study guide invites you to answer Swami Vivekananda’s enduring call for spiritual transformation.
Swami Vivekananda’s groundbreaking address at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions introduced Vedanta and yoga to the West, inspiring a new path to spiritual awareness and mindfulness.
His teachings challenged the traditionally restrictive views on women in spiritual life, emphasized self-realization and inner divinity, and promoted service as worship, interfaith unity, and universal acceptance — shaping the foundation for the spiritual diversity we cherish today.
You’re invited to take the next step in your own spiritual journey by applying Vivekananda’s wisdom to your life in a very real and tangible way. Join the film’s director, Raja Choudhury — a spiritual teacher, award-winning filmmaker, and beloved Shift faculty — for this 12-part video program offering a practical roadmap for integrating Vivekananda's teachings on self-realization, inner peace, and social action.
With these 12 videos, you’ll dive deeply into Vivekananda’s teachings, embodying his practices to cultivate inner peace, a deeper connection to your divinity, and a compassionate, loving outlook on life and service.
Guided by Raja Choudhury’s teachings and reflections, this transformative program weaves together practical wisdom, reflective teachings, and useful insights and inspiration from interviews with renowned spiritual leaders — including Samrat Chakrabarti, Swami Sarvapriyananda, Swami Saravadevananda, Ruth Harris, and others.
Along with exclusive film clips and inspiring conversations, you’ll uncover a clear path toward liberation, purpose, and spiritual awakening, empowering you to live his timeless teachings every day.
During this experiential course, you’ll:
Create Your Own Learning Experience
Video Sessions Available On-Demand to Watch at Your Convenience
Access the interviews, teachings, and film clips through streaming video via any connected device.
Dive deeply into these 12 videos all at once or savor the journey over 12 days — you can tailor your learning experience to whatever works for you.
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, these pre-recorded videos are available to you 24/7 so you can create an experience that fits your schedule — as you create your own transformative journey.
SPECIAL BONUS OFFER
In addition to Rajada’s transformative -module course, you’ll receive this special bonus offering to complement the course and take your understanding and practice to an even deeper level.
Video #1: Beyond the Biography — Apply Swami Vivekananda’s Teachings to Your Life to Continue His Legacy
As this journey begins, Raja will take you on a deeper dive into the world of Swami Vivekananda.
Having witnessed his incredible journey in America’s First Guru, you’ll now move beyond the biographical details to explore the heart of his teachings and their profound relevance to your life today.
In this video, you’ll:
- Learn about the existence of his teachings in Vedanta and yoga that transformed American spirituality
- Discover what Swami Vivekananda’s impact was on America as he introduced Vedanta and yoga into popular conversation
- Explore how the next 11 videos could change your life
Video #2: Embark on Your Path to Self-Realization & Liberation via the Core Principles of Vedanta
Delve into the core principles of Vedanta, the ancient Universal Hindu philosophy that teaches us that all human beings are potentially divine, and it is our destiny to awaken and discover our own divinity.
You’ll also learn how the Four Paths of Yoga contribute to fully realizing this philosophy.
In this video, you’ll:
- Explore key concepts like Brahman, Atman, Maya, and the idea of Tat Tvam Asi (“You Are That”)
- Discover the principles of Vedanta and their relevance to your spiritual journey offering a universal path to self-realization and liberation — beyond religious, cultural, and ethnic boundaries
- Discover how practicing the Four Paths of Yoga can awaken the teachings of Vedanta in every aspect of your life
Video #3: Carry Out Your Responsibilities With Both Dedication and Detachment From the Outcome With the Principles of Karma Yoga
Uncover the transformative power of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Karma means work or action, and this yoga teaches us how to act in our everyday lives in a more attuned way to our higher selves and divine potential.
Learn how to perform your duties with dedication and skill while remaining detached from the results. Raja will guide you toward finding fulfillment in action without ego attachment, helping you live a life of purpose and inner peace.
In this video, you’ll:
- Learn how acting in a detached and sacred manner reduces your karmic footprint on the world
- Discover the techniques Swami Vivekananda taught to reduce our bad karma and increase our good in all of our actions, words, and even thoughts
- Explore how service to those around you and to all humankind can be a meditation in itself. Treat your efforts in life as an offering to the divine
Video #4: Cultivate Love & Surrender to a Higher Power With Bhakti Yoga’s Path of Devotion
Raja will invite you to open your heart to the divine through Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion. According to Swami Vivekananda, when you open your heart through devotion to a divine ideal, all your efforts are guided by a higher power.
Explore practices like chanting mantras, prayer, devotion to a chosen deity or saint, and selfless service, all aimed at cultivating love and surrender to a higher power. You’ll discover how devotion can deepen your spiritual connection and transform your life.
In this video, you’ll:
- Learn to turn your heart towards a divine ideal through prayer, chanting, and devotion
- Discover the grace and magic of the heart chakra as the center of all devotional efforts
- Deepen your spiritual life by engaging in regular devotional rituals and practices
Video #5: Master Your Body & Mind as You Achieve Higher States of Consciousness With Raja Yoga
Explore the ancient practice of Raja Yoga, the yoga of self-control, breathwork, and meditation.
Delve into Swami Vivekananda’s interpretation of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga, including ethical principles, physical postures, breath control, and concentration techniques.
In this video, you’ll:
- Learn a framework for mastering your body and mind and achieving higher states of consciousness
- Explore how Raja Yoga includes all the yoga practices outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, including Asanas, Pranayama, Dhyana and Samadhi
Video #6: Begin the Lifelong Quest for Ultimate Self-Knowledge & Self-Discovery With Jnana Yoga
Vedanta considers that Jnana Yoga is the highest ideal for realizing Brahman. Knowing your Self is the key to self-knowledge and realizing your divine nature. The path of Jnana Yoga takes you on a contemplative journey of study, learning, contemplation, and realization.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery through the yoga of self-knowledge. Raja will guide you through inquiry and reflection to realize your true nature.
Examine the role of scriptures, teachers, and self-effort in your quest for liberation.
In this video, you’ll:
- Discover the 3 deeper aspects of Jnana Yoga — Shravana, Manana, and Nididhyasana or Study, Contemplation, and Realization
- Learn to use your mind as a tool for realizing your deepest core truth beyond the body, energy body, mind, and intuitive mind
- Realize the great teachings of Vedanta though the concept of Tat Tvam Asi — “You Are That” which you seek — and how understanding this brings joy and bliss into your life
Video #7: Explore Swami Vivekananda’s Concept of Freedom to Uncover the Inherent Divinity Within You
Explore Swami Vivekananda’s concept of freedom, focusing on the inherent divinity within you and the liberation that comes from realizing this truth.
As you begin to practice the Four Paths of Yoga in your life, you will experience a new sense of freedom and lightness that will transform your existence. You’ll find an inner spark inside you that is the source of all divine wisdom.
Learn how true freedom transcends social, political, and psychological limitations, leading to a state of self-mastery and inner peace.
In this video, you’ll:
- Learn to uncover your inner divine spark and the true nature of your being — a free soul traveling in this body at this time on Earth
- Discover how this realization teaches you a new way to live in the world, acting in a limitless and transcendent way
- Walk in the world with newfound lightness, inner light, and freedom that you have never felt before
Video #8: Answer Swami Vivekananda’s Call for Spiritual Awakening
Swami Vivekananda envisioned a universal religion that transcends dogma and embraces the unity of all faiths and the divinity of all souls. What does it feel like to have an inner wisdom that transcends all religions, dogmas, creeds, and ethnic or gender identities?
Explore his belief in religious harmony, his critique of sectarianism, and his call for a spiritual awakening that unites humanity through shared values and common goals.
In this video, you’ll:
- Begin to understand your nature as a truly universal soul that cannot be limited in any way
- Learn how Swami Vivekananda taught us to live in this free and universal way in a world filled with hate and division
- Practice appreciating the religions of all of humanity and learn to accept that all souls are divine and all paths lead towards the one truth: God
Video #9: Embody Vedanta & Yoga’s Power to Create Positive Social Change
Dive into Swami Vivekananda’s passionate call for social justice and his vision for a spiritually awakened society.
Consider questions such as Can I bring justice to an apparently unjust world?
Examine his critique of inequality, his emphasis on education and women’s empowerment, and his belief in the transformative powers of Vedanta and yoga to create positive social change.
In this video, you’ll:
- Question your own beliefs and prejudices, discovering what it means to walk in another’s shoes and live with compassion and equality
- Discover how Swami Vivekananda’s life was a living example of this ideal in every aspect of life
- Learn how to bring wisdom and balance to the environment, gender issues, politics, racial divisions, and inequalities of every kind
Video #10: The Role of Women in Human Progress
Swami Vivekananda recognized the crucial role of women in society and passionately advocated for their education and empowerment. He truly believed that women need to run civic society. His inspiration guides us even more today when we still see so much inequity and discrimination.
Raja will invite you to explore these progressive views on gender equality, his critique of social practices that limited women’s potential, and his vision for a society where women are empowered to do anything and everything in all spheres of life.
In this video, you’ll:
- Learn how Swami Vivekananda’s trailblazing views on gender and social practices are still so relevant today
- Discover how you can use his example to act as a change-maker and catalyst in the revolution to educate and empower women, and to balance our lives with nature
- Develop skills to become a champion of liberation as well as a light in a world with so much darkness looming
Video #11: Critical Reflections & Contemporary Relevance — Promote Social Justice & Embody Personal Growth
Raja will encourage you to critically analyze Swami Vivekananda’s ideas in the context of today’s challenges. What lessons can we learn from this pioneer and revolutionary thinker from over a century ago? What battles did he fight that still resonate with us today?
Examine his legacy through diverse perspectives, address potential limitations or controversies, and reflect on the continued relevance of his teachings for promoting social justice and personal growth.
In this video, you’ll:
- Be asked to reflect on Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and work and how it can guide you to becoming a light in the world yourself
- Explore how you can promote justice, be compassionate, act in karmically beneficial ways, and still pursue your own enlightenment and spiritual awakening
- Craft a roadmap for your own journey towards freedom inspired by Vivekananda’s footsteps
Video #12: Continuing the Journey — Take Inspired Action Going Forward
As this journey comes to a close, you’ll synthesize key takeaways and receive a call to action. Learning to work with the Four Paths of Yoga to explore your own inherent divinity will be the key to your success. As Swami Vievakananda promised, you can be free in this life.
Raja will guide you in reflecting on how you can apply Vivekananda’s ideas to your life and continue exploring his teachings.
In this video, you’ll:
- Let Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom help you craft a roadmap for your quest for freedom, liberation, and spiritual awakening
- Review and further explore how using the Four Paths of Yoga and Vedanata can help you find your true freedom and purpose in this life
- Discover how to arise and awaken, bringing your deepest soul to the work at hand — and what to do in a world that so desperately needs your light
America's First Guru
Documentary Film Directed by Raja Choudhury
What if one speech could change the spiritual landscape of a nation — and even the world? Enjoy 12 months of streaming access to Raja Choudhury’s film and experience the remarkable story of the Indian monk who first brought Vedanta, yoga, and meditation to the West in 1893, delivering a hopeful message of connection and transcendence that’s even more relevant today. This movie is a must-watch for anyone and everyone pursuing, or interested in pursuing, personal transformation, mindfulness, and inclusivity in spiritual exploration.
What People Are Saying About Raja Choudhury…
Cape Coral, Florida
Worcester, Massachusetts
San Diego, California
Here’s What You’ll Receive
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Seven Video Recordings of Class Sessions
After each class, the video will be available for you to stream in a high-quality format. You’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can watch anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Seven Audio Recordings of Class Sessions
After each class, the audio will be available for you to stream. You’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can listen anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Seven Transcripts of Class Sessions
You’ll also receive the entire class transcription after each session is completed. You can then review, print, and highlight the most important insights and practices you were given.
Interactive Exercises and Questions for Each Lesson
Between class sessions, you’ll have the option of completing related exercises, practicing new tools, and answering questions to accelerate your learning and integrate each week’s lesson.
An Unprecedented Opportunity to Join the Online Course, Awaken Your Inner Freedom
Your Satisfaction Is 100% Guaranteed!
If you don’t absolutely LOVE Awaken Your Inner Freedom — or don’t feel that it meets your needs — please submit your refund request form 14 days from your date of purchase and we’ll happily issue qualifying customers a refund.
More Praise for Raja Choudhury
Seattle, Washington
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Rajada (Raja Choudhury)
Rajada (Raja Choudhury), a spiritual teacher, award-winning documentary filmmaker, and TED speaker, aims to disrupt human consciousness and awaken each of us to our true evolutionary potential using his deep knowledge of Kundalini Shakti, Tantra, and Indian wisdom seen through the lens of neuroscience and modern psychology.
In the past five years, he has emerged as one of The Shift Network’s most popular teachers, initiating and guiding more than 4,400 students into the mysteries of Kundalini Shakti, Shiva-Shakti Tantra, Karma, and the third eye. Rajada’s own shift occurred in 2006 when, while a creative director in New York, he underwent a life-changing Kundalini awakening that rewired his system and opened up a new Universe for him.
Rajada started his professional life as an architect after graduating from the acclaimed Architectural Association School in London, then went on to become a Webby-winning digital creative director in New York, where his awakening occurred. Since then, Rajada has created numerous documentary films on wisdom and consciousness, including Spirituality in the Modern World with Ken Wilber and Traleg Rinpoche... Yoga: Harmony with Nature (the official international film for the first International Day of Yoga)... The Quantum Indians (winner of the 2014 National Film Award of India)... The Modern Mystic... and Guruji Amritananda.
Rajada gave a TED talk in Bangalore on “Indian Wisdom for Today’s World” in 2012 and a TEDx talk in 2015 on yoga. His videos on Shakti, Mantras, Kundalini, Shiva, the third eye, and meditation are popular on YouTube. In his own spiritual quest, he was initiated first into Kriya Yoga in 1998, and went on to take deep initiations into Raja Yoga, advanced Kriya Yoga, and then finally, Sri Vidya and Maha Vidya Tantra.
Rajada is also a student of Trika, Qigong, sacred geometry, neuroscience, history, esoteric traditions, and the mind. His teachings are a syncretic blend of Eastern and Western philosophies and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there scholarships available for this training?
Unfortunately, all scholarship awards for this course have been fully allocated, and we are no longer accepting scholarship applications.
What is your refund policy?
The refund deadline for this course was two weeks. Refund requests are not accepted after the deadline or for courses purchased with scholarship awards. We’d also love the opportunity to address and resolve your concerns directly. If we can assist with anything, please contact us at [email protected] — we’re here to help!
How can I reach Customer Support?
Please visit our Customer Support Center, where you should be able to find the answer to your question or the solution to your problem. And if you can’t, you can submit an online request form and we’ll get right back to you.
This course was pre-recorded. Is the content still relevant?
While this is a pre-recorded course, the teachings remain as relevant and impactful today as when they were first offered. We’ve selected these programs because their wisdom, tools, and practices continue to resonate deeply with our global community.
How long will I have access to my Course Homepage and materials?
Your purchase includes 24/7 ongoing access to your course content — online via your Homepage — unless refunded or otherwise specified. We currently don’t have an expiration date for our online materials. This will allow you time to review the materials at your own pace and integration.