Sravana Borkataky-Varma Speaks

Join me this spring for Four Religions From the Indian Subcontinent to learn about the origins, ideas, and practices of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. This short, non-credit course is open to the public and delivered online with Rice University. For more details, click on the course link below.

Course Fostering diversity and an intellectual environment, Rice University is a comprehensive research university located on a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas. Rice produces the next generation of leaders and advances tomorrow’s thinking.

Pencil box with eraser, sharpener, & compass from my past. Also used by my daughter (now 20 yrs) when she would visit.

Feeding my soul!

Eric Killelea beautifully captures Hindu diaspora in Houston, TX

How Houston celebrates the Hindu festival of Diwali The Hindu festival of lights is celebrated by thousands of South Asians in America's most diverse city.

Another reason why I lead public public workshops on Ta**ra. Misrepresenting ta**ra is NOT funny.

Kimmel in his show at about (9.02) says “Like we are experimenting with ta***ic government or something…”

George Santos Hit with Scathing Ethics Report & Trump Media Group DEMANDS an Apology from Jimmy Jimmy woke up to a letter from the Trump Media and Technology Group demanding an apology for a statement we made on the show about his struggling social medi...

Keith E. Cantú and I are returning to Esalen with our Ta**ra workshop. 2024 will be our third year of co-leading and co-teaching Ta**ra. Come join us in the journey of deep transformation.

When conventional academic writing and publishing wisdom does not work for you, you create your own path.

With two co-edited volume on the shelf, very excited to see the complete manuscript co-written with Anya Foxen, The Serpent’s Tale: Kundalini and The History of an Experience.

Esalen Setting up for an exciting week on Altered States: Pathways to Expansion

Just a friendly reminder that next week is Altered States: Pathways to Expansion at Esalen. This week-long workshop that I am leading alongside Lucia Horan, Xochitl Ashe, East Forest, and Marisa Radha Weppner will incorporate dance, meditation, yoga, and more as we explore the ways in which one can alter their consciousness.

Registration is still available using the link below https://www.esalen.org/workshops/altered-states-pathways-to-expansion-090423

For those who did not see earlier this month, my latest book "Religious Responses to Pandemics and Crises" is now available through Routledge!

This book explores the intersection of personal responses, communal responses, and state-mandated policies related to the recent pandemic, and outlines different strategies to cope with similar crises in the future.

You can visit my website to learn more and order your copy of the book: https://sravana.me/

Over the past 18 months, I have led 10 workshops at Esalen. These experiences have been fulfilling, rewarding, and enlightening. As I reflect fondly on these memories, I look forward to returning to Esalen for more workshops in the future!

Up next:
September 4-8, 2023
Altered States: Pathways to Expansion

Registrations is available now at https://www.esalen.org/workshops/altered-states-pathways-to-expansion-090423

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My next visit to Esalen is only a couple weeks away! From September 4-8, 2023 I will be taking part in the Altered States: Pathways to Expansion workshop alongside Lucia Horan, Xochitl Ashe, East Forest, and Marisa Radha Weppner. Join us for a week of exploration and experiences that relate to altered states of consciousness.

If you would like to take part, you can register now at https://www.esalen.org/workshops/altered-states-pathways-to-expansion-090423

A life update from me as summer winds down

After a couple of years focused on research, writing, editing, and conducting various workshops, I will be returning to the classroom this fall at the University of Houston! I am very much looking forward to making my return to teaching at the university level.

When you hear "digital religion", what does that mean to you? Let's get even more specific: What about "digital ta**ra"?

I would love to hear what you think and start a discussion about this emerging field. I will share my own thoughts on digital Ta**ra and its importance in a post later this month.

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Each month, I send a newsletter out that includes everything from my recent written works to recaps of podcast appearances to ta**ra education.

I encourage you if you are interested in any of these topics, to join my mailing list: https://sravana.me/

In just a few days, my new book will be out! "Religious Responses to Pandemics and Crises: Isolation, Survival, and " explores the interrelation between the individual, community, and religion during pandemics and similar crises.

You can join my email list for an exclusive 20% off discount, and pre-order the book now at https://www.routledge.com/Religious-Responses-to-Pandemics-and-Crises-Isolation-Survival-and-Covidchaos/Borkataky-Varma-Eberhart-Kartzow/p/book/9781032281223

This multi-disciplinary book will be of particular interest to scholars of religion, theology, anthropology, social sciences, ritual theory, s*x and gender studies, and contemporary medical science.

"While digital Ta**ra is just beginning to emerge as a research theme, one defining characteristic is visible at this point already. In line with the vast complexity of what Ta**ra may mean, represent, and encompass to varying audiences, digital Ta**ra naturally must be understood as referring to all Ta***ic traditions, in all world regions, and as related to all digital platforms."

This excerpt from my article "Digital Ta**ra: Introducing a New Research Field" which I co-authored with Xenia Zeiler, perfectly captures how complex and wide-ranging of a field digital Ta**ra is. And yet, not nearly enough research exists that focuses on it. I will be aiming over the next few months to demystify digital Ta**ra as an academic field, and share my expertise on the matter in a way that is interesting and easy to understand

You can read more about Digital Ta**ra athttps://sravana.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Digital-Ta**ra-Introducing-a-New-Research-Field-Published.pdf

I was lucky enough to spend time at Esalen over the past few weeks leading 2 different workshops, along with a visit to Berkeley for a workshop with Berkeley Alembic. Here is a peek into my time at both places, shared through some photos I captured

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A fun update from across the pond

I am currently in France for the Symposium on Wisdom & Pedagogy starting tomorrow in Guainville. I will be a panelist on the Dharmic Perspectives On Wisdom panel on Saturday. This will be a wonderful opportunity to cultivate, discuss, and evoke wisdom. I am very much looking forward to the experience, and sharing more about it with you all!

This wonderful symposium is a collaboration between CSWR, Wonderstruck, and Five Books.

What is digital Ta**ra? With the growth of the internet and digital religious transmission over the past 20 years, digital religion has become a major area of study. Digital Ta**ra does not only refer to the way Ta**ra is performed and articulated online, but also to the way digital media spaces are shaping and being shaped by ta***ic practices.

You can read more about Digital Ta**ra as a research field here: https://sravana.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Digital-Ta**ra-Introducing-a-New-Research-Field-Published.pdf

It's hard to believe that it's been over a month since my latest book, Living Folk Religions, was released. Have any of you had the chance to read it? I would love to hear your thoughts and engage in a discussion in the comments!

If you have not yet had a chance to purchase but would like to, you can get the book at this link: https://www.routledge.com/Living-Folk-Religions/Borkataky-Varma-Ullrey/p/book/9781032190419

My monthly newsletter includes ta**ra education, updates on my latest projects and workshops, thought pieces I have recently written, and much more.

You can join the list on my website: https://sravana.me/