This 12-Part Journey’s Tools and Practices
Read below to find out about Awaken Your Inner Freedom With Raja Choudhury
Bring the Wisdom of America’s First Guru Into Your Life With the Purchase of This 12-Part Video Study Guide
Now that America's First Guru introduced you to spiritual visionary Swami Vivekananda, we’re excited to offer you a unique opportunity to deepen your experience of his life and teachings.
Raja Choudhury’s empowering 12-part video series serves as a study guide for integrating the unconditional love and soul-nourishing wisdom of Vivekananda’s timeless teachings into your daily life.
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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 journey invites you to answer Swami Vivekananda’s enduring call for spiritual transformation.
If you haven’t seen the film America’s First Guru yet, don’t worry! You’ll receive exclusive 12-month access to stream it any time through your Shift homepage.
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 12-part on-demand video series, you’ll:
- Delve into the core principles of Vedanta, the ancient Indian philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of all existence
- Explore your true nature as Raja offers guidance through 12 sessions of inquiry and reflection
- Uncover the transformative power of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action
- Study Vivekananda’s interpretation of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga, including ethical principles, physical postures, breath control, and concentration techniques
- Open your heart to the divine through Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion
- Explore the ancient practice of Raja Yoga, the yoga of self-control, breathwork, and meditation
- Focus on the inherent divinity within you as you explore Vivekananda's concept of freedom
- Discover Vivekananda’s vision for a universal religion that transcends dogma and embraces the unity of all faiths and the divinity of all souls
- Critically analyze Vivekananda's ideas in the context of today’s challenges as you receive a call to action
- And much more…
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.
Here’s What You’ll Receive
Exclusive Access to Streaming the Film America’s First Guru
Enjoy 12 months of streaming access to Raja’s documentary 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.
12 On-Demand Video Recordings
Each video will be available for you to stream in a high-quality format and you can watch anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
12 Audio Recordings
The audio version of each video will also be available for you to stream so you can listen anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
12 Transcripts of Videos
You’ll receive the entire transcript after each session is completed. You can then review, print, and highlight the insights and information you found most impactful.
Online Community
Our exclusive Facebook online community is the perfect place to continue your discovery process after each video session. Here, you can discuss the session content and interact with others to take your exploration to an even deeper level.
Your Video Journey Details
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
The Awaken Your Inner Freedom Bonus Offering
In addition to Raja’s 12 transformative videos, you’ll receive 12 months of streaming access to America’s First Guru, the acclaimed documentary film that inspired this video series.
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 Graduates of Raja Choudhury’s Courses Are Saying…
I had a basic understanding of Kundalini energy, but this course greatly exceeded my expectations. It’s awakened a much higher interest in working with the material than I could have EVER imagined. Raja’s presentation of material and style is masterful to a level I have never experienced before.
Cape Coral, Florida
Raja gives everything of himself; I have never seen such dedication to students. The information and daily practices are life-changing. I learned a form of meditation that makes me want to set time aside and practice — it’’s deep and beautiful and exciting! Wow!
Worcester, Massachusetts
Raja is a teacher who wants to help others find the bliss that he himself has found, and his enthusiasm is genuine and infectious. I appreciate his involvement with the students and the level of support he has given us, with his availability to answer questions and have discussions. I have enrolled in the advanced course and I am very much looking forward to intensifying my practice.
It is my fortune to have found Raja as my teacher, who ever so lucidly explains the philosophy and the practice, one step at a time. What set it apart was his deep engagement with the students, from patiently solving our custom queries to lovingly coaching, connecting, and reassuring us. Truly said, when a student is ready, the master arrives. The journey has just begun. I feel fortunate and safe being taught and lovingly guided by Raja.
I am 83, and was very physically weak and discouraged from several serious illnesses when I began the course, and had come close to leaving my body. My deceased beloved, who has been a spiritual advisor to me, recommended I take the course with Raja to help bring Spirit back into my body, as there were a few things that felt important to me to do before leaving this plane of reality. Raja’s teachings have helped me begin to do that, and I am deeply grateful! I will continue to work with the wealth of teachings he has shared in the course, and expect to be able to progress further as I do.
San Diego, California
Join the Global Community
Join an international community of seekers who are also answering Swami Vivekananda’s enduring call for spiritual transformation depicted in the film America’s First Guru.
Your Satisfaction Is 100% Guaranteed!
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 within 2 weeks of your date of purchase and we’ll happily issue a refund.
More Praise for Raja Choudhury
Having a trusted and knowledgeable spiritual teacher like Raja is essential when delving deeply into esoteric teachings, especially when there is an abundance of material to learn and practice. Raja’s joyful and easy demeanor makes learning fun, and reminds us that the spiritual path doesn't have to be staid and serious. The live sessions were visually stimulating and the guided practices were eye-opening (pun intended). This course was truly a pleasure.
This course — and teacher Raja — is for serious seekers, with no games, hidden agendas, or any secrets. Today I’m standing and knocking on the door of heaven with higher vibration, frequency, and energy with the wisdom and absolutely divine knowledge of Raja.
Seattle, Washington
My intuition has become stronger, especially in understanding other people from their perspectives. Also I feel more peaceful, hopeful, and life seems to be better overall. Raja is a wonderful, honest, and generous teacher.
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Raja Choudhury
Raja Choudhury is a National Film Award (India) and Webby Award-winning filmmaker, speaker, and spiritual teacher who has been creating acclaimed documentary films, online programs, and major events in the U.S., UK, and India since 1993.
Trained as an architect at London's prestigious Architectural Association, he entered the world of digital media by creating the highly acclaimed VID Zone music video kiosk network in 1993.
His filmography includes celebrated works such as I Believe about Dr. Karan Singh, Spirituality in the Modern World featuring Ken Wilber, and The Modern Mystic about Sri M of Madanapalle. He also directed The Quantum Indians, an exploration of the lives of Saha, Bose, and Raman that won the National Film Award of India in 2014.
Raja’s other notable films include Guruji Amritananda and Yoga Harmony with Nature, India's official film for the first International Day of Yoga. His most recent acclaimed film, America's First Guru, is currently showing on PBS in America and will soon be seen internationally.
Raja is a TED speaker on “Indian Wisdom for Today's World” and a TEDx speaker on “Yoga 3.0.” Since 2018, he has taught over 4,000 students through The Shift Network in courses covering Kundalini Shakti, the Third Eye, Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra.