SATI CHMELAR
Metaphysical Roadmaps
From Buddhism to Yoga and Beyond
flexible home study + private online tutoring
Take a philosophical adventure into Hindu and Buddhist philosophies and traditions
This introductory course provides a birds-eye-view of several religious and philosophical movements birthed within the Indian subcontinent. Become acquainted with the foundational principles of Buddhism and study the six orthodox schools of Hinduism (including Yoga). Learn more about the spiritual and cultural heritage of these dynamic, complex traditions. This journey studies the foundational pieces of each tradition with a focus on metaphysical underpinnings. The program also includes self-reflective exercises so you can deepen your own spiritual life and self-understanding. You can personalize your learning in a way that means the most for you.
Metaphysical Roadmaps is suitable for beginners and students with some pre-existing knowledge. If you are a yoga practitioner, or have completed a yoga teacher training program and want to take your studies further, this is a great option! To learn more, you can download the program objectives here and the program delivery components here.
Choose a 3 or 6
month study pathway
Start anytime!
Book your one-on-one video calls each month!
Monthly Program Layout
Module One - Setting the Stage for Inquiry
The Beauty of Religious Pluralism
What is religion vs. spirituality? How are they defined? What are the strengths and weaknesses of analyzing spiritual traditions through various “insider” and “outsider” vantage points? What is religious pluralism? These questions and more will start to be addressed in this module.
Module Two - Indian Philosophy & Orthodox "Hindu" Traditions
Part I: Ancient Roots and Vedanta
This section will focus on a general introduction to Hinduism and then quickly move into a focus on philosophy. We cover Pūrva-Mīmāṃsā, Brahmanism, and Vedānta (Uttara-Mīmāṃsā). Some reading on cultural trends within Hinduism is covered.
Module Three - Indian Philosophy & Orthodox "Hindu" Traditions
Part II: Diving Deeper into Vedanta
In this module, we will unpack the differences between the various schools within Vedānta: Advaita Vedānta, Dvaita, and Viśiṣṭādvaita. Some reading and media on cultural trends within Hinduism is covered.
Module Four - Indian Philosophy & Orthodox "Hindu" Traditions
Part III: Exploring Patañjali’s Yoga, Sankhya, and Vaisheshika
In this module, we will explore the foundational views of Yoga, Sāṃkhya, and Nyāya-Vaiśeṣıka. Some reading and media on cultural trends within Hinduism is covered.
Module Five - Buddhism
Part I: Introduction to the Origin and Foundations
Here we begin our general overview of Buddhism. We learn about the life of the historical Buddha, the fundamental building blocks of the tradition, and Buddhism's prescription for humanity.
Module Six - Buddhism
Part II: Investigating Primary Schools and Textual Traditions
This session reviews a diversity of textual and practice traditions. We learn more about the Sūtrānta and Abhidharma textual lineages. We also explore the primary characteristics of the Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions
Maximum flexibilty
Designed for the busy working adult
Part-time studies
BY THE NUMBERS
90+
page study kit
6
month program
4
books
75
minute video calls
TESTIMONIALS
COURSE INCLUDES
study kit
Beautiful full color PDF study kit
video calls
One-on-one video calls for study support
book love
Curated university level reading list
writing
Writing prompts that feed the heart and the mind
study pathways
Choose between four study pathways to fit your needs, learning style & budget
wellness
Wellness tips, reflective exercises, and program breaks
digital support
Private student portal, booking and account access via mobile app, FB community group
media
Supplement your reading with recommended podcasts and videos
NO STRESS BONUS FEATURES!
NO pressure
No exams or papers are required for this course. If you don't finish the monthly questions, don't worry! We cover the material together in our video check-in.
program pause
Pause your program for four continuous weeks for any reason! Just email us and the program dates will be adjusted. You receive one program pause per course.
grace period
From the day you register, you receive a 7-day grace period before your official start date so you have time to order your books. Your program start and end dates are listed in your welcome letter.
EXTRA CALLS
You can book an unlimited number of extra video calls for a special discounted rate during your program. Choose between 20, 40, or 75 minute calls.
STUDY KITS
Your Study Kit
What's inside?
full color pdf
syllabus
worksheets
reflective prompts
study questions
links to study material
inspiration pages
study planners
bibliography
special coupons
Your study journey includes a beautifully designed study kit that holds the entire course layout and supporting materials to make your learning journey an organized, thoughtful, and inspiring experience.
Place your cursor on the image to see what's inside.
VIDEO CALLS
Video Calls
What do we discuss?
answers to study core questions
study reflections
upcoming module
module reading
well-being check-in
Our video calls offer you additional support. We'll explore how your studies are unfolding, generate new ideas together, review your answers to various study questions, and have a well-being check-in.
Place your cursor on the image to see more.
Start your journey
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Choose your study pathway below
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Complete registration
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Download your PDF study kit and set up your student account
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Review your welcome email that will arrive within 48 hours of registration!
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Order your texts, download your resources, and gather all needed materials
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Dive into your studies and schedule in your video calls along the way!
enroll now!
Choose a study pathway that fits your lifestyle and budget
"I'm all in!"
Includes:
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Full 6-month program + all features
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Six 75 minute private study support video calls
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Unlimited extra video calls for discounted rate
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90+ page full-color study kit
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Biggest savings per month!
Join the email list and immediately get
a code for 10% off!
“A few touchstones of support will keep me on track”
Includes:
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Full 6-month program + all features
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Four 75 minute private study support video calls
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Unlimited extra video calls for discounted rate
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Video calls after modules 1, 2, 4, 6
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90+ page full-color study kit
Join the email list and immediately get
a code for 10% off!
"A three month study journey feels good to me right now"
Includes:
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Modules 1-3 + all program features
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Three 75 minute study support video calls
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Video calls for modules 1-3
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Partial, 3 module full-color study kit
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Unlimited extra video calls for discounted rate
Join the email list and immediately get
a code for 10% off!
"A three month study journey feels good to me right now"
Includes:
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Modules 4-6 + all program features
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Three 75 minute private study support video calls
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Video calls for modules 4-6
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Partial, 3 module full-color study kit
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Unlimited extra video calls for discounted rate
Join the email list and immediately get
a code for 10% off!
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What are the minimum hours a week I need to study to complete the program?A minimum of 2-3 hours per week is recommended to feel confident in the basic "study core" elements each month. However, the reading and additional media assignments are generous enough so that you can easily study 15 + hours a week. These programs are meant to be extremely flexible and customizable to your needs.
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Are there registration deadlines for the bespoke programs? Is admission rolling?Admission all the bespoke education programs is rolling until a maximum number of students for all the programs is reached. When this occurs, you can place your name on the waiting list. You will be contacted once a spot opens.
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What kind of writing assignments are there?Every program has two sets of writing prompts: "study core" review questions and end of module "study reflections." The study core review questions help anchor your study around a few essential areas of focus. This helps prioritize your research and makes sure you imbibe the essential points. The study reflection questions nurture self-reflective moments to help you examine your own experience in relation to the materials. These are more personal, values-focused questions. Both sets of writing prompts offer you a balance between learning objective "facts" and tending to your subjective "experience" in relation to your education.
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What happens during our Skype sessions?We will open our sessions casually and dig into any questions or general observations you wish to share about how your studies went the previous month. Then we will review both sets of writing prompts—"study core" review questions and "study reflection" questions—as a way to generate a vibrant, engaging discussion.
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What happens after I register?Once you complete registration, you will immediately have access to your PDF download study kit. Review the kit and order your books for the 1st module (if they are required). Then set up your first 20-minute welcome consult Skype appointment!
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Do I have to print the entire study kit?No. You are free to keep the study kit as a digital file, print just a few pages, or print the entire kit. Some students like place it in a binder or even bind it into a notebook! This is entirely at your discretion.
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I want to take this course with a friend. Can we merge our Skype sessions with you?Yes! You and your study buddy can enhance your educational journey by merging any or all of your montly Skype sessions into a single 2 hour group discussion with me.
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I have a busy month coming up. Can I pause my program?Yes! At any point during the six month program, you can take a 4-week "program pause" and resume your studies and Skype sessions thereafter.
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Are there any additional costs in addition to the program fee?The only additional cost is for books. No program will require more than 8 books (max). No book will cost more than $35.00, but the vast majority of the texts will be in the $9-$20.00 range. Cheaper options can usually be found via used copies or as e-books. Of course, you can always discover which books are available for loan at your local library as well. Some articles and chapter selections will be available for free via a password protected portal on my website.