STORIES FROM THE BHAGAVATAM and Their MODERN APPLICATION - September 15th, 2023

Tune in as Swami Padmanabha offers three ways to approach the Srimad Bhagavatam: literally, interpretively and esoterically. And futher draws lessons applicable to practitioners thru an interpretive approach to 3 specific lilas revealed in the Srimad Bhagavatam:

DAMODARA-LILA, from which among many lessons held there, we are able to get a glimpse into the paradox of how being tied can actually increase one's freedom, and how this, in turn, can teach us how to approach rules so that we are not bound by them, but rather experience more freedom through them. Additionally and very importantly, this lila demonstrates that unconditional love does not demand perfection. "First become perfect, and then I will love you" That is not unconditional love; that is ridiculous.

GOVARDHANA-LILA, from which we can learn, among many things, how to navigate the storms of our lives, and to be open to the shape of shelter that might differ from our expectations.

RASA-LILA, from which we can catch a glimpse of the mysterious unfolding of our own spiritual journey. The path of love is crooked, and these curves create blindspots. There are times when it appears that we are farther than ever from God, as if the Divine has just disappeared from our lives. But is that the case, or is he closer than ever?

Class given in France.

RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion.