Testimonials

"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. I am thrilled that he has opened up an online school that will make his teaching accessible to those that are looking for learning that is grounded in academic study. This is a real gift and I look forward to continuing my studies with him." 

Natalie Rousseau
Yoga Educator

"Dr. Raj Balkaran has the profound ability to present a mythological narrative in a context that relates to modern human existence; masterful storytelling. This ability permeates an audience through an obvious depth of knowledge and cultivation for his craft. Many words come to mind with the attempt to define his style, one word shines among the rest: candor. 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. If you fancy a deeper conception of the meaning of life, Philosophy, Mythology or Spirituality, Dr. Raj Balkaran and his School of Indian Wisdom offer a sturdy platform."

Dustin Nicholas Holmes
Naropa University, Wisdom Traditions
M.A. Yoga Studies

"Raj Balkaran is a charismatic teacher sharing his knowledge of Indian religion and bringing ancient wisdom into modern life. His teaching style is infectious and offers a rare combination of personal practice, deep learning of the ancient texts and academic brilliance. Raj Balkaran’s skilful delivery of the courses and the ability to speak in a modern and accessible manner about the most inconceivable and controversial topics within Hindu tradition are truly wonderful and allow students to integrate various ideas from the rich tradition of the Indian philosophy and mythology into their personal practices. 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 

"I have had the pleasure of having Dr. Raj Balkaran teach me on numerous occasions. He is one of the kindest and most thoughtful teacher any student could have. He cares very much about his students and would go out of his way to ensure that any one with a thirst for spiritual knowledge would get the resources and understanding to satisfy that desire. He is innovative in the way he uses technology to deliver his content and is proficient in the subjects he teaches with a unique approach in the way he does them, such as using metaphors to describe "the Hindu Jungle". He is able to describe complex philosophical knowledge in terms that is both satisfactory to the rigid academic and the spiritual practitioner. I will always be indebted to the knowledge and resources he has imparted on my journey in ancient Indian wisdom."

Pasha Hanifa
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Student
University of Melbourne

"Over the past 5 months I have had the pleasure to study with Dr. Raj Balkaran on a number of different platforms, and have thoroughly enjoyed each class. Dr. Raj presents challenging topics and information in an approachable manner, welcoming all students, no matter where they are on their life path. Ideas that I have been trying to grasp in my yoga studies for years have been illuminated in new ways through these courses and discussion sessions. What sets Dr. Raj apart from others teaching on similar subjects is that he shares his teachings from a very unique perspective of one who has both extensive experience living in the yogic and tantric traditions, and deep academic study into these fields. His scholarship, experience, and instinctual wisdom shine through in his courses. I will forever be a student of Dr. Raj."

Lauren Brown
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
Hawaii, USA

"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. He eloquently weaves in intricate concepts of Indian mysticism effortlessly, and I have gained deep insight about the interconnectedness of different systems of knowledge as practiced by the ancient Indian civilization. Dr. Balkaran is undoubtedly a gifted narrator. His passion and genuine quest to teach and transform lives is remarkable. Beyond his enthusiasm and compassion to teach and transform some erroneous conceptions of the Vedic practices, it is his candor and his engaging style that encourages deep reflection. He often draws from his personal experiences to drive home a point that can resonate more readily with others struggling to land certain abstract constructs. Aside from supplemental reading materials, he offers ample opportunities for Q&A and feedback through a platform to exchange different points of view. Besides, by facilitating conversations of the content he delivers, he actually helps us to both reflect and to aspire to develop our own spiritual perfection. Kudos, Dr. Balkaran for helping us refine our beliefs and practices and helping us to get a glimpse of our latent potential. Wishing you a very bright and successful future in your work of enriching and enlightening truth seekers!"

Srinalini Sankar
French Teacher and Lifelong Student

"Dr. Raj Balkaran is one of the most charismatic and talented teachers I’ve met in my life. His dedication to Hindu Studies is truly impressive and so is the level of his qualification in this subject. Dr. Balkaran knows how to explain extremely complicated concepts and phenomena in simple words. He often combines the academic style of teaching with deep and inspired storytelling, and it is what makes his approach especially unique. Raj Balkaran is a scholar with an outstanding academic reputation, but he is also a very deep and interesting personality. This combination of broad knowledge, unique aura, and high emotional intelligence is what makes a perfect guru.  For me, it was both a great pleasure and honor to be Dr. Raj Balkaran’s student and I am planning to take more courses with him in the future."

Alisa Lozhkina
Ukrainian Contemporary Art Curator and Writer 
San Francisco Bay Area

"These courses are delivered with the gifts of creativity, wisdom and lineage. Professor Raj Balkaran brings more than just the delivery of dates and historical facts to our attention ... Dr Raj is the embodiment of his teachings; breathing life into every vision of the Gods and Goddesses; the soft resonance into each and every syllable of the Mantras. It is a humble joy to sit at the foot of the Guru and enjoy every moment in presence."

Paula Kimberley
Yoga Teacher