1527 avsnitt • Längd: 55 min • Dagligen
Truths about life from the timeless wisdom of the Bhakti-yoga tradition – fun, relevant, and deep. Learn about dharma, yoga, bhakti, and how it relates to all the basic questions of life. This show is about how to live your best life, let go of the external distractions, and uncover the spiritual happiness that lies within the heart as the true nature of the soul.
Raghunath and Kaustubha’s connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90’s, to sharing their experiences in the world of yoga in the 21st century.
The podcast Wisdom of the Sages is created by Raghunath Cappo & Kaustubha Das. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Ancient wisdom and modern sustainability come together in the remarkable story of Govardhan Eco Village—an award-winning spiritual and ecological community rooted in the Bhakti tradition. In this episode, Kaustubha interviews Gauranga Das about the journey of transforming a barren landscape into a thriving, sustainable sanctuary, blending devotion, leadership, and ecological innovation.
From the challenges of relocating an entire community to the visionary leadership of Radhanath Swami, we uncover how spiritual values can drive practical solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges—climate change, rural development, and social upliftment. Whether you’re a seeker, an environmentalist, or simply curious about sustainable living, this conversation will leave you inspired.
Key Highlights: 🌿 How Govardhan Eco Village became a model for sustainability and spirituality. 🏡 Lessons in leadership: embracing change and setbacks with faith and vision. 🌏 Bridging spirituality and social impact—empowering rural communities through holistic development. 🕉️ The concept of “New Vrindavan” and its deep spiritual significance.
Join us as we explore how ancient Bhakti teachings offer timeless solutions for modern challenges, proving that a life of simplicity and devotion can change the world.
Watch now and be inspired to make a difference! 🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe for daily spiritual insights and updates.
Check out Raghunath's Punk to Monk book on Kindle at https://amzn.to/3WmvYcG
#BhaktiYoga #Sustainability #EcoVillage #SpiritualLeadership #GovardhanEcoVillage #RadhanathSwami #ISKCON #SimpleLivingHighThinking #LeadershipLessons #TempleTowns #SpiritualWisdom
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What if you could step into the birthplace of a global spiritual movement and experience the magic of its earliest days? In this inspiring episode, Raghunath and special guests Anantacharya and Yadunath explore the remarkable efforts to restore 26 Second Avenue—the original Hare Krishna temple. From Prabhupada’s humble beginnings in a Lower East Side storefront to his vision of an International Society for Krishna Consciousness, this conversation uncovers the power of faith, determination, and community.
✨ Discover how the restoration team is recreating the original look of 1966 with archival detective work. ✨ Learn why 26 Second Avenue is more than a building—it’s a living testament to Prabhupada’s legacy. ✨ Hear the untold stories of devotees who helped build this movement from the ground up.
Join us to witness how this sacred space is being transformed into a hub for education, pilgrimage, and immersive experiences for generations to come.
💥 Support the restoration of this historic spiritual landmark! Learn how you can contribute: https://gofund.me/fc9ba862
📖 Relive history. Feel the inspiration. Be part of the legacy. 🎧 Watch now! #26SecondAvenue #HareKrishnaMovement #BhaktiYoga #SrilaPrabhupada
To learn more and donate,
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From a Jesuit priest’s reflections on surviving Siberian labor camps to the ancient yoga texts telling of Bali Maharaj’s ultimate act of humility, this episode dives deep into the timeless principles of Bhakti Yoga. Hear how the key to perfect peace doesn’t lie in controlling life, but in surrendering to something higher.
Key Takeaways: ✨ The art of surrender: How letting go frees us from anxiety and tension. ✨ Bali Maharaj’s humility: A masterclass in grace under pressure. ✨ Why setbacks are often hidden blessings on the path to spiritual realization.
Discover how even life’s hardest moments can bring us closer to lasting peace and spiritual freedom. Tune in for an unforgettable exploration of trust, humility, and inner tranquility.
🌟 Watch or listen now and subscribe for daily inspiration on your spiritual journey. 🎧 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with wisdom that transforms lives. #BhaktiYoga #SpiritualFreedom #SurrenderToGod #SrimadBhagavatam
SB 8.22.1-5
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What happens when faith is tested to its limits? In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the captivating story of Bali Maharaja’s encounter with Lord Vamanadeva. Stripped of his possessions, challenged on his word, and bound by the Supreme Lord, Bali Maharaja’s apparent downfall reveals a higher truth about surrender, integrity, and spiritual liberation.
Key Insights: ✨ Why Bali’s word of honor mattered more than his kingdom or his life. ✨ The divine plan behind Bali’s “arrest” and how it became his ultimate blessing. ✨ The symbolic power of Vamanadeva’s giant steps and their impact on universal harmony.
Discover how Bali Maharaja’s unwavering devotion transforms an apparent defeat into one of the greatest triumphs of Bhakti Yoga. This story isn’t just about faith—it’s about faith under fire and the transcendental rewards of complete surrender to God’s will.
🌟 Tune in and explore this timeless lesson from the Srimad Bhagavatam! 🎧 Subscribe to join thousands worldwide on the transformative path of Bhakti.
#BaliMaharaja #VamanaAvatar #BhaktiYoga #SurrenderToGod #SpiritualJourney
Check out the new app at https://apps.apple.com/app/id6670209189
Or on Android at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wots.wisdom_of_the_sages
SB 8.21.1-34
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Modern psychology meets ancient wisdom in this thought-provoking episode of Wisdom of the Sages which asks, “Why do we cling to that which was never truly ours?” Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they dive into intriguing parallels between the Ultimatum Game—a groundbreaking behavioral economics experiment—and the timeless teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Explore how Bali Maharaja’s surrender to Lord Vāmanadeva reveals the illusory nature of territorial attachments and provides a new perspective to see a deeper truth: nothing in this world truly belongs to us.
✨ Key Takeaways: • What the Ultimatum Game teaches us about fairness, ego, and self-defeating decisions. • Bali Maharaja’s awe-inspiring vision of Lord Vishnu’s universal form. How spiritual wisdom can elevate our thinking and free us from endless conflict. Kaustubha shares about the time he and his wife were turned away at a famous Temple in South India for not being born “Hindu”.
🎧 Don’t miss this deep dive into Bhakti philosophy and its practical relevance in today’s world! Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide on the path of Bhakti.
📢 Watch now! #Territorialism #BhaktiYoga #SrimadBhagavatam #SurrenderToGod
SB 8.20.22-34
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“God is an infinite circle whose center is everywhere and circumference nowhere.” – Nicholas of Cusa
What does it mean for God to exist both within everything and beyond everything at the same time? In this riveting episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha delve into the paradoxical nature of the divine, the various Universal Forms of Vishnu and the remarkable transformation of Bali Mahārāja—a so-called demon who became a pure bhakti yogi. Witness how Bali surrendered everything, even defying his own guru, to enter the world of pure devotion.
Key Highlights: ✨ The mystery of God’s universal form: how everything is within Him, yet He is beyond it all. ✨ Bali Mahārāja’s journey from conqueror of worlds to surrendered devotee. ✨ Krishna serves as the messenger of the Pandavas and blows everyones mind ✨ What Bali’s bhakti reveals about stepping out of the world of taking into the world of giving. ✨ Why the divine plan is always unfolding—even when it feels incomprehensible.
This episode brings the teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to life, exploring the paradox of divine immanence and transcendence through Bali’s ultimate act of surrender.
🎧 Watch now and uncover the cosmic truths of Bhakti Yoga. #BhaktiYoga #UniversalForm #SurrenderToGod #WisdomOfTheSages #InfiniteCircle
SB 8.20.18-21
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What happens when individuals from all walks of life immerse themselves in the transformative power of yoga, kirtan, and spiritual philosophy? In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, hear firsthand accounts from participants of the Bhakti Yoga Teacher Training with the Wisdom of the Sages team at the Govardhan Eco Village. From overcoming substance use, embracing inner joy, and rewiring the mind, to finding deep purpose through chanting and community, these stories will leave you inspired to look within.
✨ A musician reconnects with ancient drumming and discovers his past life through sacred kirtan. ✨ A young professional trades corporate life for spiritual fulfillment, guided by the wisdom of Hanuman and the Bhagavad-gītā. ✨ A cancer survivor finds hope and light, saying, “I was learning how to die—now I’m learning how to live.” ✨ Yoga teachers and seekers embrace the playful, joyous essence of Krishna consciousness.
Discover how these individuals found clarity, connection, and courage to transform their lives, proving that Bhakti yoga is not just a philosophy—it’s a path to boundless joy and spiritual liberation.
🌟 Be part of this vibrant global community. Subscribe for daily episodes and join the transformative journey of Bhakti! 🎧 Watch now and awaken your inner wisdom. #BhaktiYoga #KirtanAcademy #YogaTeacherTraining #GovardhanEcoVillage #SpiritualAwakening
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On the occasion of Raghunath’s 59th birthday Kaustubha reflects on decades of friendship and Raghunath’s extraordinary impact on the world of Bhakti yoga. From the rebellious stages of the hardcore punk scene to leading life-changing pilgrimages to India, to the Wisdom of the Sages podcast, Kaustubha shares that Raghunath’s journey is a testament to courage, devotion, and an unshakable mission to share divine love.
Key Highlights: ✨ From punk rock to spiritual rockstar: how Raghunath fearlessly shared Bhakti with the world. ✨ The stages of the friendship of Raghunath and Kaustubha, both very different, yet sharing so much in common. ✨ The challenges of being a pioneer in bridging modern culture and ancient wisdom. ✨ Stories of transformation: inspiring thousands through yoga, kirtan, and community.
This episode is a celebration of a life lived with passion, purpose, and an unwavering dedication to service. Join us to honor a Bhakti trailblazer and reflect on what it means to leave a legacy of love.
🌟 Subscribe to Wisdom of the Sages for daily inspiration and join our global community of seekers.
🎧 Tune in now! #Raghunath #BhaktiYoga #WisdomOfTheSages #SpiritualJourney
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Prepare to challenge your perception of reality in this electrifying episode of Wisdom of the Sages. What connects Einstein’s fascination with mystery, Bali Maharaj’s unwavering surrender, and the karmic seeds we all carry? Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the profound intersections of science, spirituality, and the timeless teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.
Key Highlights: ✨ The awe-inspiring emotion of mystery – Einstein’s perspective on true art and science. ✨ Bali Maharaj’s radical dharma: surrendering everything and standing firm in truth. ✨ Decoding the “bag of karmic seeds” – understanding karma beyond blame and judgment. ✨ Trusting the sages: taking baby steps toward unraveling life’s deepest mysteries.
Discover how embracing divine mystery, surrender, and spiritual discipline can transform the way you view life and its challenges. Why not take the leap into the Bhakti experiment and witness the change?
🌟 Join us on this journey of cosmic wonder and spiritual exploration. 🎧 Watch now and subscribe! #CosmicMysteries #RadicalDharma #KarmicSeeds #BhaktiWisdom
SB 8.20.8-17
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Courage guided by dharma is the topic of this captivating episode of Wisdom of the Sages. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the the story of Bali Mahārāja, who offered the entire universe (and more!) to the divine, and uncover parallels with Jatāyu’s fearless devotion, King Shibi’s ultimate sacrifice, and the Russian bhaktas who risked it all under Soviet rule.
🔥 Key Takeaways: ✨ “Fortune favors the bold”—what this ancient mantra really means for spiritual seekers. ✨ How risking for Krishna transforms fear into spiritual fortune. ✨ “I think Krishna Saved You.” “He always does.”
🔑 Learn how the wise feel it’s better to willingly give something up for a noble cause than to lose it inevitably through time.”
🌟 Subscribe to Wisdom of the Sages for daily wisdom and join a global community of seekers embracing bold and transformative bhakti yoga.
🎧 Watch now and explore: #BoldnessInBhakti #BhaktiYogaStories #SrimadBhagavatam #SpiritualCourage #WisdomoftheSages
SB 8.20.1-7
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Embracing sacrifice and breaking out of comfort zones. In this very spontaneous episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how life will occasionally tap us on the shoulder and call us to step up - a moment which may be our life’s “finest hour”. Each of us will face pivotal moments on our spiritual path where we must rise to the challenge. Through personal stories of vulnerability and determination, they share how taking that leap can lead to profound transformation and spiritual growth.
🌟 Highlights of the Episode: ✨ Inspiring and hilarious real-life stories of stepping into the unknown, from leaving careers to committing fully to bhakti yoga. ✨ What a tragedy if that moment finds us unprepared or unwilling. ✨ The power of surrender: how Krishna tests our devotion and rewards our courage with spiritual empowerment. ✨ Breaking free from fear and ego to embrace your higher calling.
This episode is a call to action for anyone seeking a life of deeper purpose and meaning. Tune in to reflect on your own “finest hour” and the opportunities life presents to grow through courage and devotion.
🌸 Subscribe for daily inspiration and join a global community on the journey of spiritual awakening.
🎧 Watch now! #RiseToTheChallenge #SpiritualCourage #BhaktiYoga #KrishnaConsciousness #WisdomOfTheSages
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What if losing it all was the only way to gain everything? In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, we unravel the profound truths of surrendering to the divine plan, even when it seems to defy logic. Through the timeless story of Bali Mahārāja from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, we explore how honesty, sacrifice, and faith in a higher purpose lead to unimaginable spiritual wealth.
✨ Why surrendering to the divine can unlock limitless potential. ✨ The subtle dangers of dishonesty, even when it feels justified. ✨ How dissatisfaction weakens our spiritual power, while contentment fuels our inner fire.
Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they navigate the inspiring lessons of Bali Mahārāja’s unwavering faith, and uncover how embracing truth and surrender empowers a bhakti yogi’s journey to self-realization.
🎧 Watch or Listen now and awaken your spiritual insight! 🌟 Like, subscribe, and share with seekers on the path of divine truth. #BhaktiYoga #SpiritualPower #Contentment #WisdomOfTheSages #SrimadBhagavatam
SB 8.19.26-43
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In this conversation, Raghunath and Visakha Dasi explore the journey of spirituality, focusing on her transformation from atheism to devotion within the Hare Krishna movement. They discuss her early life, the impact of her upbringing, and the profound experiences that led her to embrace a spiritual path. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the power of association with enlightened individuals. This conversation explores the transformative experiences of individuals within the Hare Krishna movement, focusing on their journeys of identity, faith, and community. Visakha also reflects on her time with Prabhupada, the founder of the movement, and share insights about the cultural contrasts between Western materialism and the spiritual fulfillment found in places like Vrindavan. They discuss the challenges faced by female devotees, the legacy of Prabhupada, and the significance of living a life dedicated to spiritual practice.
Find more about Visakha Dasi and her books at https://ourspiritualjourney.com
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How to progress from a general appreciation for God’s presence in your life, to a deeply personal love with the divine, embodied as Krishna? In this profound Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explain how one opens their heart to a personal God. They also explore how skepticism toward ancient texts and personal depictions of God can be transformed when we delve beyond superficial readings, revealing that compassion is always at the essence, guiding every teaching and tradition in Bhakti-yoga.
✨ Key Highlights: • How do you put a face on God? Moving from abstract spirituality to personal devotion. • The power of faith and trust: Why a guru’s grace and authentic teachings are key. • Is Krishna’s form limiting—or liberating?
Plus, they delve into related questions on Krishna’s supremacy in a pluralistic world, focusing on the historical and theological significance behind Srila Prabhupada’s use of the term “Supreme Personality of Godhead” and why it stands as a cornerstone in understanding Krishna’s unique position in the Bhakti tradition.
This episode unfolds as anjourney into the depths of devotion and the esoteric beauty of Krishna’s pastimes. Perfect for seekers at all stages of their spiritual path.
🌟 Subscribe for daily inspiration and join thousands on this transformative journey into love and devotion.
🎧 Watch or listen now! #KrishnaConsciousness #BhaktiYoga #FallInLoveWithKrishna #WisdomOfTheSages
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🎙️Explore the challenges of living a principled life and how it all has a deeper purpose: learning how to love selflessly. Broadcasting from the Govardhan Eco Village, Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on how our experiences in this world are divinely orchestrated to help us reconnect with true love, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. Drawing on wisdom from the Srimad Bhagavatam, they offer insights on how principled actions, though challenging, lead to lasting fulfillment.
Key Topics Covered: ✨ Why life in this universe is designed to teach us how to love selflessly. ✨ Why principled actions often seem to bring loss but lead to deeper fulfillment. ✨ How happiness and distress arise uninvited, like seasons, and why chasing external happiness is futile. ✨ Lessons from Bali Maharaj: Trusting the divine plan, even when it seems to cost everything.
Highlights Include: 🔸 Raghunath’s moving story of reconciling with his stepson——a profound example of sacrifice and renewal. 🔸 How Bhakti-yoga reveals the purpose behind life’s challenges: to train us in unconditional love and devotion. 🔸 Love doesn’t expect anything in return.
🕉️ Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, deeper relationships, or a better understanding of life’s purpose, this episode offers timeless insights. Discover how Bhakti philosophy empowers us to embrace challenges as opportunities to evolve in love and consciousness.
💡 Don’t miss this life-changing discussion! Subscribe now for daily spiritual wisdom and connect with a global community of seekers.
🎧 Watch or listen now!
#WisdomOfTheSages #BhaktiYoga #LearningToLove #SrimadBhagavatam #SpiritualWisdom #HappinessWithin #GovardhanEcoVillage #ForgivenessAndHealing #KarmaAndHappiness #SelflessLove
SB 8.19.21-26
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🎙️ In this special episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the essence of contentment and how teachings on contentment originate in the ancient yoga texts and continue to echo through great thinkers over the ages. Broadcasting from the brand-new podcast studio at Govardhan Eco Village, they delve into timeless teachings from ancient scriptures and modern reflections that illuminate the path to true satisfaction.
Key Topics Covered: ✨ Is contentment achieved from acquiring externals? ✨ The Yoga Sutra’s teachings on contentment (santosha) ✨ Why external achievements often leave us feeling unfulfilled. ✨ Insights on detachment and how it leads to inner peace. ✨ The story of Lord Vāmana and the power of simplicity in spiritual life.
Highlights Include: 🔸 How great thinkers like the Stoics, Benjamin Franklin and Srila Prabhupada echo ancient wisdom. 🔸 How the Vedic texts adapt spiritual responsibilities to individual circumstances—balancing ambition, duty, and detachment. 🔸 The “anti-virus” approach to resetting our desires for 2025.
🕉️ Join us on this journey of self-realization, discovering how Bhakti-yoga empowers us to let go of what doesn’t serve us and embrace a life of true fulfillment.
💡 Don’t miss this transformative discussion! Subscribe now for daily spiritual insights and connect with a global community of seekers.
🎧 Watch or listen now! #WisdomOfTheSages #BhaktiYoga #Contentment #GovardhanEcoVillage #VedicWisdom
SB 8.19.17-21
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Happy New Year! Join Raghunath and Kaustubha in this special Wisdom of the Sages episode as they reflect on a few impactful takeaways from 2024, sharing insights on how to bring spirituality into every aspect of life. From breaking free of societal expectations to cultivating simplicity, gratitude, and devotion, this episode will inspire you to start 2025 with purpose and clarity.
Key Highlights: ✨ Why New Year’s Eve often feels empty—and how to change that. ✨ Are we products of a decadent and obscene society? ✨ Choosing higher level sound, higher level places, higher level people in 2025
Let’s leave behind what doesn’t serve us and embrace the transformative power of Bhakti-yoga. Start your New Year on the highest vibration!
🌟 Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide in the journey of self-realization. 🎧 Watch now! #BhaktiYoga #NewYearWisdom #HolyName #WisdomOfTheSages
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How do we balance human emotions with spiritual wisdom? In this heartfelt Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Mara dive deep into navigating grief, supporting loved ones through loss, and staying connected to spiritual practice amidst life’s challenges. From honoring our human experience to understanding the eternal nature of the soul, discover how Bhakti philosophy offers a grounded, compassionate approach to life’s transitions.
Key Highlights:
✨ What happens to the soul at the time of death?
✨ Balancing empathy with spiritual truth when comforting others.
✨ How Bhakti practices can bring peace and clarity during times of loss.
Join us as we explore the intersection of spiritual growth and emotional healing, embracing both our humanity and divinity.
🌟 Subscribe for daily insights and join the global community on the transformative journey of Bhakti.
🎧 Watch now! #BhaktiYoga #NavigatingGrief #WisdomOfTheSages
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Stoic philosophy meets the wisdom of the Bhakti tradition in this thought-provoking episode of Wisdom of the Sages. Tune in as Raghunath and Kaustubha explore teachings of simplicity and contentment through the lens of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. From the lessons of Lord Vāmana’s interaction with Bali Mahārāja to the words of the philosopher Seneca, discover how living simply transforms the heart and mind.
Key Highlights: ✨ “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” - Seneca ✨ Why extravagance is the cause of distresses and how simplicity creates peace. ✨A learned person accepts only what is needed, cultivating a life of virtue and mindfulness.
Join us as we uncover the spiritual significance of minimizing material desires and embracing kindness—the true mode of the yogi.
🌟 Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide on the transformative journey of Bhakti.
🎧 Watch now! #SimplicityAndKindness #BhaktiYoga #StoicismMeetsBhakti #SrimadBhagavatam
SB 8.19.1-17
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A heartfelt and thought-provoking Christmas episode of Wisdom of the Sages, where Raghunath and Kastubha explore the profound intersections between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the timeless path of Bhakti-yoga. Set against the backdrop of holiday cheer and reflection, this episode uncovers nuggets of wisdom from the New Testament that resonate with the universal principles of love, humility, and devotion.
Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✨ How Jesus’ words reflect the essence of Bhakti: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. ✨ The transformative power of surrender, humility, and service, as taught by both Jesus and Krishna. ✨ Overcoming personal struggles during the holidays through spiritual grounding and community. ✨ Reflecting on how Jesus’ teachings on faith, renunciation, and forgiveness align with the Bhagavatam’s message.
Whether you’re a Bhakti practitioner, a spiritual seeker, or simply curious about how the wisdom of different traditions converges, this episode offers a unique perspective on timeless truths that transcend culture and creed.
🎧 Tune in now for an inspiring dialogue that brings together the sacred spirit of Christmas and the devotional depth of Bhakti!
#BhaktiYoga #JesusTeachings #WisdomOfTheSages #Spirituality #Faith #LoveGod #ChristmasSpecial
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Join Raghunath and Kaustubha in this heartfelt Christmas Eve episode as they delve into Blaise Pascal’s profound insights about the “God-shaped hole” within every human being. Together, they unpack the timeless wisdom of filling this infinite abyss not with fleeting material distractions but with Divine connection.
Through vibrant discussion and references to the Srimad Bhagavatam, they explore how the Vishnu avatar, Lord Vamana’s pastimes teach us to surrender fully and embrace a lifestyle centered on spiritual evolution.
Key Takeaways: • What does it mean to “give it all” in Bhakti yoga? • Why material achievements never truly satisfy the soul. • How surrendering to Krishna transforms suffering into fulfillment.
✨ Dive into an inspiring conversation on how Bhakti yoga offers not just spiritual solace but a roadmap to profound happiness and freedom. #BhaktiYoga #SrimadBhagavatam #GodShapedHole #SpiritualFulfillment #KrishnaConsciousness
Sign up for a Sage Group now at Session 9 Sage Groups Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-53613415-session#/
SB 8.18.22-32
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In this milestone 1500th episode, Wisdom of the Sages celebrates the profound transformations sparked by the daily discussions of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Hear heartfelt testimonials from listeners around the globe—how Bhakti-yoga and the Wisdom of the Sages community have shifted lives toward gratitude, purpose, and peace.
Key Highlights: ✨ First-hand stories of sobriety, healing, and connection through bhakti. ✨ The power of hearing Bhagavatam daily to reshape habits and hearts. ✨ Getting to know the Wisdom of the Sages listeners.
This episode is a testament to the timeless relevance of Vedic wisdom in modern life. Whether you’re new to bhakti or a long-time practitioner, dive into a community rooted in spiritual growth and encouragement.
🌟 Subscribe for daily inspiration and join thousands worldwide in the transformative journey of Bhakti.
🎧 Listen now! #BhaktiYoga #SrimadBhagavatam #WisdomOfTheSages
Sign up for a Sage Group now at Session 9 Sage Groups Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-53613415-session#/
Check out Thomas Essig's documentary Something Divine at https://www.entertainmentoxygen.com
Check out Tim O'Reilly's Krishna inspired music, Rudra Principle https://share.amuse.io/cz-Fr0qZLJct
And the video for Kamsa’s Last Ride https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IPdExERlt4
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Join Raghunath in a heartfelt conversation with renowned Kirtan leader Madhava Das. This episode is filled with personal stories, and timeless lessons about the transformative power of the Kirtan.
From the scorching streets of Vrindavan to global stages, Madhava shares his journey of devotion, the wisdom of his mentor Aindra Prabhu, and how Kirtan transcends ego, connects hearts, and opens the door to divine love.
Key Highlights:
• Insights into the life and teachings of Aindra Prabhu. • How Kirtan can heal and uplift even the heaviest hearts. • Why simplicity and sincerity are the secret ingredients of Bhakti.
Whether you’re new to Bhakti or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers inspiration, laughter, and spiritual depth to transform your path.
🎧 Listen now!
#Kirtan #BhaktiYoga #AindraPrabhu #HolyName #DevotionalMusic #WisdomoftheSages
Session 9 Sage Groups Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-53613415-session#/
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Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they confront the darker corners of spiritual life. Through heartfelt questions from listeners, they explore profound truths about the battle between light and shadow within all of us.
From breaking free of addiction to understanding the very nature of evil and the demonic world view, this episode unpacks heavy topics with a balance of warmth, wisdom, and practical guidance.
Key Questions Discussed:
• What is the difference between a personal and impersonal conception of God? • How can someone struggling with addiction cultivate focus and move forward in Bhakti? • What is the purpose of “demons”?
Tune in for an inspiring and raw conversation about how Bhakti can transform even life’s most difficult challenges into stepping stones toward inner peace and divine connection.
🎧 Don’t miss this exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and spiritual awakening.
#BhaktiRecovery #YogaPhilosophy #SpiritualHealing #AddictionRecovery #BhagavadGita
Check out more about Bhakti Recovery Group at www.bhaktirecoverygroup.com
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Dive deep into the true meaning of yoga beyond the asanas, as Raghunath and Kaustubha unravel the profound connection between yoga's meditative roots and transcendental joy. Through the enchanting Lilas of Lord Vamanadev, they reveal how Krishna’s playful incarnations hold the key to understanding life’s ultimate purpose—divine love through spiritual play.
Discover how Vedic wisdom invites us to stretch our imagination and perceive truths beyond the limits of our material experience. From the sacred ceremonies of Lord Vamanadev’s birth to his charming role as a divine beggar, this episode illuminates how Bhakti Yoga harmonizes spirituality, culture, and devotion, weaving together the cosmic and the personal.
Key Topics:
• Lord Vamanadev’s birth and sacred rituals • Bhakti as the ultimate spiritual play • The intertwining of rural simplicity, spirituality, and cosmic order • Stretching the imagination to glimpse higher spiritual truths • Krishna’s captivating nature and his transformational pastimes
🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking and joyful exploration of Bhakti Yoga that combines humor, insight, and timeless wisdom. #BhaktiYoga #KrishnaLeela #VedicPhilosophy #Spirituality #WisdomOfTheSages
SB 8.18.13-21
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Join Raghunath and Kaustubha in this insightful episode as they explore the profound teachings of Bhakti Yoga through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Travel with them to the rural simplicity of India, where spirituality and community merge, and discover how Vedic wisdom shapes daily practices.
Hear about Lord Vamanadev’s awe-inspiring appearance.
And the deeper significance of Divine incarnations in Krishna’s spiritual lineage, as upheld by towering figures like Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati and Bhaktivinoda Thakur.
This episode also delves into the transformational power of Bhakti, the timeless cultural beauty it fosters, and the pure devotion that binds Krishna to His devotees. Whether you’re drawn to Hindu philosophy, fascinated by avatars, or looking to deepen your spiritual practice, this discussion offers a perfect blend of theology, storytelling, and inspiration.
Key Topics:
• The spiritual essence of Vamana Dev’s incarnation • Insights from the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam • Krishna’s playful, loving relationships with His devotees • Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati and the legacy of pure devotion • The cultural richness of rural India and its spiritual roots
🎧 Don’t miss this journey into the heart of Bhakti and its transformative potential. Subscribe for more content connecting ancient Vedic teachings with modern life!
#BhagavadGita #BhaktiYoga #Krishna #Spirituality #HinduPhilosophy
SB 8.18.12
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SB 8.17.28-8.18.11
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Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they explore the profound teachings of Bhakti Yoga through the lens of time, spirituality, and self-awareness. Discover how observing the eternal time factor as a witness can inspire living fully “in the now” while fostering spiritual growth. Drawing from Aditi and Brama’s heartfelt prayers to Lord Vishnu in the Srimad Bhagavatam, this episode delves into the power of devotion, the impermanence of the material world, and the enduring hope found in spiritual practice.
Whether you’re seeking deeper insights into life’s fleeting nature or practical wisdom for cultivating mindfulness and devotion, this episode offers transformative perspectives from the Wisdom of the Sages podcast.
Key Topics
• Eternal time factor in spirituality • Observing time and its impact on spiritual growth • Aditi’s prayers to Lord Vishnu and their timeless lessons • Srimad Bhagavatam’s teachings on devotion and impermanence • Shelter and the Punk to Monk Journey
🎧 Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that bridges ancient Vedic wisdom with modern spiritual practice.
#TimeAndEternity #VedicWisdom #BhaktiYoga #SpiritualGrowth #WisdomOfTheSages
SB 8.17.21-27
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'Properly understood and applied, (prayer) is the most potent instrument of action.' - Mahatma Gandhi / Prayer is a yogic means to cultivate inner strength, clarity, and resolve / Similarities in Dhruva and Aditi - both had devotion mixed with material objective, but both surrendered to a valid spiritual guide, both performed devotional practices with extraordinary focus and determination, both were purified through devotional acts / we don’t lose dignity when we pray / through recognition of Vishnu’s greatness one can align with the source of power and get connected, like a plug aligns with a socket / Vishnu agrees to become Aditi’s son
SB 8.17.4-20
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The holidays can be a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection—but for Bhakti-yogis, returning home to family can also present unique challenges. In this special episode of Wisdom of the Sages, we’re joined by Dhanya Rico, a mental wellness educator with advanced degrees in counselor education, and couples and family therapy. Both Dhanya and Kaustubha offer practical tools and insights for maintaining harmony when values, practices, and lifestyles differ between Bhakti practitioners and their families.
Whether it’s explaining your dietary choices, navigating awkward questions, or gracefully handling conflicting worldviews, this episode provides thoughtful guidance for turning potentially challenging moments into opportunities for deeper connection and understanding. Tune in to gain valuable wisdom for balancing your spiritual path with family dynamics this holiday season.
To join a Sage Group for Session 9, go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com/c/sagegroups/
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Our minds become one by reciting the sacred texts together / wrapping yourself in the holy name / surrendering to Vishnu in times of hardship / Krishna’s Star Wars level play for restoring cosmic order / the mantra is the weapon to take the empire back / shaking off the tamasic mindset / “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” — Bruce Lee / if we don’t feel the urgency, Krishna can turn up the heat / the story of Kailash the snake
SB 8.17.1-3
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Kaustubha Das speaks with Vaisesika Das and Malini Devi Dasi on this special Gita Jayanti episode of Wisdom of the Sages as they dive deep into the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and discuss how you can participate in the campaign to distribute 4.2 million Bhagavad-gitas.
Celebrate the day this sacred text was spoken and uncover its profound wisdom for everyday life.
#BhagavadGita #GitaJayanti #WisdomOfTheSages
To contact Malini, call or message her at +1 (669) 289-5563
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If you are going to get the mind under control you will need a strategy / Joseph Campbell on entering the myth through ritual / how Krishna’s lilas make ritual dynamic / in Bhakti the means and the end are the same / training the heart to catch up to the externals / to love and to serve is our very nature / examining all the elements of the payo-vrata ritual / Take the Power Back! (From Your Own Mind) / our desires cause us pain - a still mind brings peace / Key Differences in Western and Eastern perspectives / Finding the commonality / feed everyone
SB 8.16.56-62
Find Queen of Hearts Bhakti inspired album Drifters at
https://open.spotify.com/album/0q7du9rjrGWqObTV4w3JvX?si=9xNTQRwETBOe-LtYLohD5Q
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Morihei Ueshiba on loyalty, devotion, bravery, the spirit of self-sacrifice and trust in the power of love / find what you have full conviction in and express it boldly / Let Krishna, in your heart, carry you through the anxiety / whatever fear you experience - try to just witness that from a distance / never allow anyone to make you feel foolish for walking away from a materialistic life / Krishna is chipping away at our big ego blob / finding beauty and satisfaction in loving service / we’re not above anybody / every body is poor and in need of prasad / How Durga appears in the land of Sri Chaitanya / the beautiful culture of distributing prasad
SB 8.16.39-55
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Raghunath interviews Yadubara das about meeting the devotees and Srila Prabhupada in 1970, travelling to India and photography and filmmaking. Yadubara's most recent film is Hare Krishna! The Mantra, The Movement and The Swami Who Started It. Learn more at https://harekrishnathefilm.com
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What is the attitude that we should take when it seems that God is taking everything away from us? / How can I celebrate, and explain celebrating, Christmas to my daughter as a non-Christian?
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The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. - William James / separating ourselves from our thoughts / yoga means choosing what goes on in my mind / pushing out low level thinking with ritual / the average person has 60,000 thoughts a day 45,000 of those thoughts are negative / only love moves Krishna / the guru does not manufacture a new process / making the ritual more effective through regularity and focus / are senses are only able to pick up crummy, low level energy / there’s a whole little city going on inside a cell / Raghu’s survivalist experiments
SB 8.16.22-24
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Maya Angelou on becoming a representative / just as there are cheaters in the West - there are cheaters from the East / the big key to understand who is real - they don’t pose as an enlightened being - they present their self as a simple representative / Enlightened One red flags / guru is like a postal peon - simply making a delivery / real gurus don’t accept praise - they pass it up / the ego wants to be a guru / get educated on what a guru really is / Regardless of the level of your evolution - Bhakti is still the best remedy
SB 8.16.20-21
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Paulo Segadaes is a professional photographer and daily listener of Wisdom of the Sages. Here, he tells how he became inspired to go to Vrindavan, India, the center of the Krishna Bhakti tradition, where he broke through the culture shock, and under the guidance of an ideal guide, captured the fascinatingly beautiful portraits and photos in his new book, VRINDAVAN.
Follow Sega on Instagram @segadaes
Order his book at goodluckproducts.bigcartel.com Use discount code: wots108
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The material world is crumbling - but Bhagavatam is a fresh perspective / every jump to a higher level of energy and awareness - involves a rite of passage - Dan Millman - “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” / we should all have a strategy of where we want to be at the end of life / pass to the next stage and never look back / let the discomfort purify us / we need communities that help us climb higher / NO BACKSLIDING / The Ganga is beyond time - we sit on her banks and feel pain / life is moving - learn to flow with it / watching a body burn gives you some major closure / the need for spiritual education
SB 8.16.18-19
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“A great soul never dies.” - Maya Angelou / the 12 Great People / the spiritual master lives forever by his divine instructions and the follower lives with him / "What is this alone? Vaishnava is never alone.” / Raghu’s morning meditations / “Rādhārāṇī, kindly be merciful and tell about me to Your Kṛṣṇa. To Your Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is Yours.” / uninterrupted meditation on the instructions of the great souls / Arjuna's constant meditation on Krishna’s instructions / the great intimacy of friendship between guru and disciple / How Krishna is impartial, yet favors His Devotees
SB 8.16.11-17
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Kaustubha interviews Ineke Zondag, a leader at Food For Life Vrindavan, which is a favorite Non-profit Organization of his and Raghunath’s, which provides free education, skill training, meals and medical help to over 1500 girls in Vrindavan, India.
Find more info at https://fflv.org
Reach out to Ineke at [email protected]
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What is a Vaishnava? / Does it really make sense to pray for the benefit of another person, to an all knowing, all powerful God? / If someone gives you a lottery ticket is it still considered gambling?
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"When you truly understand karma, then you realize you are responsible for everything in your life." -Keanu Reeves / raking radical responsibility / everyone loves Keanu Reeves / the definition of gaslighting / getting caught in a gaslighting loop / being encouraged to consider whether our suffering caused by ourself may not be gaslighting - it may be torchlighting / looking into the Vedic marriage of Kasyapa and Aditi / “even an enemy comes to one’s home, one should receive him in such a way that the guest will forget that his host is an enemy.” - Bhaktivedanta Swami / are we living with integrity? / Kaustubha’s prayer for his mother
SB 8.16.1-10
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“Preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song.” Konrad von Gesner / To the degree we’re grateful we are happy and to the degree we’re entitled we’re sad / Raghunath almost dies laughing / what is a pure - still heart? / alternative views of spiritual bypassing / how to be always thankful / the whole Bhakti thing is about giving thanks / ingratitude is the worst sin / Bali got power based on the principle of service to guru / The demigods are shape-shifters! / whoever is really in control (Rothchilds?) we just need to keep chanting / the ritualistic brahmanas are more like scientists than priests
SB 8.15.29-36
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We own nothing, God owns everything / Bali Mahārāja became a disciple of Śukrācārya and with great faith, offered everything he had / devotion to a real guru can grant one great power / the empowerment of Prabhupada’s disciples / Bali gets empowered and assembles his army / The beauty of Indra’s capital / Brihaspati reveals to Indra the key to Bali’s power / “By the pleasure of the spiritual master, one can get extraordinary power, especially in spiritual advancement.”
SB 8.15.1-28
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Raghu’s redecoration is a super high meditation / Kaustubha is not judging Raghunath / our challenge: to maintain the integrity of the tradition, while expressing it’s vision in a way that responds to the needs of new situations / the Ganga Tilak Lady / the universal management teams / we’re no spring chickens / Bali will become the new Indra! / we can’t even imagine the opulence of higher planets / we’ve ruined this planet for no good reason / Krishna assumes the form of great yogis / The problem with the mode of goodness is you get a little proud
SB 8.13.1-14.11
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“Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down … a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.” - Carl Jung / "Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.” St. Vincent de Paul / pride is a costume / it hurts if you lead with your ego / pride brings anxiety / the pauper is proud of his penny / you can’t humiliate the humble / the truth will set us free / Who am I really?! / humble Lord Shiva remains unagitated and unashamed / Shiva meditates of Vishnu - beyond time and the reach of the Vedas / chanting the glories of Krishna annihilates all suffering
SB 8.12.37-47
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Can we be fully committed Vaishnavas without initiation? / Can I have a guru without the initiation process? / Is keeping long hair offensive or should we shave our heads? / How do we minimize sex life when we are married to a person who is not on board with the philosophy? / If Krishna is the 8th avatar of Vishnu, then how is He also “The Supreme Personality of Godhead”? Does that mean He’s above Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva?
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Kaustubha speaks with Recording Artist Jahnavi Harrison about her brand new record “Into the Forest” which drops today!
Find her album at
https://open.spotify.com/album/4rS61VN26x28jONi3U0UWG?si=zJDRq3UWRWyoP9yO9vtBWg
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Seeing partial truths in different spiritual traditions / we’re trying to find absolute truth with subjective lenses / knowing the one Absolute Truth as Brahman, Paramātmā or Bhagavān / as Krishna enters the wrestling arena he is seen in 10 different ways according to various rasas / how varieties of philosophers see Krishna through the lens of their philosophy / Shiva asks to see Vishnu's form of Mohini / Vishnu completely bewilders Shiva with His feminine beauty
SB 8.12.9-37
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Saint Teresa of Avila on making a garden of our heart / in the spiritual world there’s just Bhakti-yoga / we’re preparing our minds and hearts for selfless love / Lord Shiva shares a comprehensive exposition on the supremely divine status of Lord Vishnu / Vishnu as Supreme Controller / Vishnu as Supreme Inexhaustible / Shiva on the elevated purity of Vishnu’s devotees
SB 8.12.1-8
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Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called ‘Ego’. - Friedrich Nietzsche / self realization - not sense gratification - is the goal of life / the ego bonds our sense of self to the body / the the apps on the computer of the mind / the Goddess Sawaswati in Sri Chaitanya’s pastimes / Bali tells Indra that the sadhus pity him for his ignorance / bewildered by the influence of false ego we think that we are the doers / the Bhagavad-gita’s 5 factors of action / Joan of Arcs pity for the souls of the British Army / how a child thinks that he is the doer / we need to hear from a higher perspective to understand that we are not the doers / Indra Annihilates the Demons
SB: 8.11.9-48
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everyone is shining after completing their Kartik vows / 3 different vows for 3 different Bhakti-yogis - personal ways to deepen Bhakti / Kaustubha finally get’s it - Narada loves the Demons too / daily Bhagavatam reflection matures knowledge into realization / Bali lectures Indra on even-mindedness / how do devotees feel always protected? - regardless of externals, they know their constitutional well being is always preserved by Krishna / both jubilation and moroseness are bliss in Bhakti
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A Himalayan shopkeeper gives Raghu some shilas / Jatipur lassi saves Kaustubha’s stomach / visiting the little hermitage of Krishnadas Kaviraja / Raghu and Mara - hiking and listening together / more glories of Yamuna Devi / Radhanath Swami dismisses Kaustubha / appreciating Lokasaranga Swami aka Paravat Maharaja / It takes a settled mind to live in seclusion / The passing away of Sarath Jois / Kaustubha cooks mind-blowing Halava for Patabbhi Jois / Raghu is almost too Krishna Conscious / Raghu and Kaustubha both wrap up a chapter
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We’re not interested in going to higher planets / If we think we can find out everything with our limited senses- we can’t / Take what resonates and apply it/ Have reasonable faith and healthy doubt and Take a little step forward / Are our choices upgrading or degrading our life? / Refine what you let into your life / Great sages reveal the imperceptible / We need qualifications for higher planets / Even if we went to the moon, could we see anything? / Our Sadhana helps us see the world differently
SB 8.11.1-8
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Bali attacks the Deva's with illusory weapons / "When the naked carnivorous demons show up with tridents ...... well, that's kinda where I draw the line." / as the dangers of a dream cease when the dreamer awakens, simply by remembrance of Krishna one becomes free from all dangers
SB 8.10.38-57
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In this captivating interview Kaustubha speaks with Dravida Das, a Sanskrit editor and reciter of Sanskrit Bhakti poetry. Dravida Das also adapts Sanskrit verses into English poetry, and composes English Bhakti poems of his own as well.
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How to get over sadness? / How to support my friend was diagnosed with a life altering disease? / Why does Raghunath recommended chanting at least one round of japa while on pilgrimage? / Is it ok to drink tulsi tea?
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great souls hook your heart - and then tug on it / Bhakti is charming / bringing back story telling / just accept there’s things we can’t perceive / stretching the imagination / Never fight on the back of a duck / the appearance of Bali Maharaja / Demigods and the Demons battle
SB: 8.10.1-37
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Indra let’s go at Govinda Kund / Braja Roaming with Krishna’s devotees / singing about how Krishna wakes up / the girls’ excuses to see Krishna / hearts heavy with love for Krishna / “This Divine love is what life is really all about.” / This yoga is very different - it’s nothing but love / Bhagavatam’s cinematic battle scenes introduce an important character - the demon Bali Maharaja / Vishnu is an expansion of little Krishna / Krishna’s games / the gopis joyfully sing of Krishna, who had so deeply touched their hearts / I want to have a heart like that! For eternity! / How do you get that feeling? / the essence of all advice /
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Testimony from the Pūjārī from Śrī Advaita Ācārya’s house in Śāntipura, West Bengal / Prabhupada’s tears and prayers for mercy and empowerment in service / testimony from Śrīpāda Hṛdayānanda Bābājī Mahārāja “Never have I seen anyone do sādhana like he did.” / Testimony from Śrīman Kishanlal Sharma Paṇḍita - “his glance was so deep with feeling and mercy” / Please don’t worry about the scorpion. Don’t disturb. He is also a devotee / Testimony from Acharya Nirmal Chandra Goswāmī - “After getting inspiration from the Goswāmīs, he began to translate in his mind.”
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Something I struggle with is seeing Krishna in everyone, even those that have deeply wounded us with no desire to change. How can I make peace with this? / What does chanting japa do for you?
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the Sun the Moon and Rahu / experiments in Vedic astrology / do you want to be connected or amputated? / Kaustubha’s Rahu period ends / Raghu’s Rahu period ends / trying to carve out a place of comfort for me and mine vs recognizing our shared connection to the root / leaning into the Bhagavatam / When Raghu thought he was going to die / from materialistic activity, no one benefits / can we learn to operate on the eternal level?
SB 8.9.20-29
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Raghu’s “secret sadhana” / seeing the ornate, devotional, beauty of Bhakti in “bombed out” Vrindavan / the authentic Bengali Bhakti experience / knowledge of self-realization, devoid of the Divine personal love, has no beauty / winding up at Prabhupada’s feet / sometimes the world will put us through a crazy mind game / conflict is eating us up / lack of faith in the greater plan / Krishna works through His energies / sidestepping the hurricane of hate / Mohini Murti bewilders the demons
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Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss their thoughts and feels upon arriving in Vrindavan / being greeted like members of the family / connecting with the Bengali pilgrims through kirtan / moving rituals at the sacred pond, Radha Kunda / Radha Kund is messy but pure / going deep / 3 rules for a deeper experience in Vrindavan / Vrindavan has frequencies we can’t perceive / seeing past the thin material layer / we’re living in a Bhakti renaissance
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I understand that suffering is part of this material world and may be Krishna’s will but it saddens and disturbs me to see so much senseless suffering. How can I reconcile this? / Upon returning from a pilgrimage to India, how to carry this high vibe home and maintain it? / Please explain the sacred stones (shilas).
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What is the key to forgiveness, if we’re trying to forgive to move forward what’s the process? It doesn’t make the trauma go away, so how is forgiveness supposed to help you? / Why does Krsna Balaram Temple in Vrindavan sing a different song in the morning than all the other temples? / How to bring the right attitude into my morning practices? / How to help someone new to Bhakti ease into the practice without becoming overwhelmed?
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disconnected from our roots, we create a “theater of the absurd” / the eternal dharma that we all share - we’re all designed to serve with love / if you don’t feel shame when doing shameful things - something’s wrong with us / wandering up to the Himalayas to die / “Now, I’m meant to let go.” / we churn, we work, we sweat, we suffer - and then we learn that we just need to let go / Divine love prevails all trauma / we’re gonna keep hurting each other until we evolve
The Goddess Laxmi appears from the ocean of milk / Laxmi’s discernment in giving her self entirely to Visnu / Laxmi’s devotional mood brings all good fortune / the coronation of Laxmi / the female energy of God is personified good fortune / be blessed by Laxmi or deal with Durga / Laxmi chooses Vishnu / neglect of lax results in depression, bewilderment and frustration SB 8.8.9-29
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The party is in Udaipur and its ever-fresh / Raghu confirms Kaustubha’s Krishna Miracle / Unconditional love is our innate operating system / things never go as smoothly as you want- even for the devas / the Goddess of Fortune lives to be enjoyed - does that trigger us? / the idea that we exist for the pleasure of another is triggering - but LOVE REQUIRES IT! / Krishna is waiting for us to come to his level of unconditional love / What’s your peace formula, Smarty pants? / the Goddess Laxmi’s got no issues
SB 8.8.1-8
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Bhakti is caught more than taught / You just gotta ask (for Krishna prasad) / tenderness of heart towards Kṛṣṇa is bhakti - tenderness of heart towards everyone is compassion / You play the bhakti game there’s no bad luck / Krishna pleased = Shiva pleased = everyone pleased / the highest method of worshiping God, in the heart of everyone, is to accept voluntary suffering to relieve the suffering of others
SB 8.7.1-46
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Kaustubha interviews his old friend Eddie Stern, a yoga teacher, author, and researcher based in New York City. Eddie has a multi-disciplinary approach to yoga which includes studying traditional texts and combining the application of the practices contained within them to science, research, technology, and collaboration.
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What are some practical steps for finding teachers and gurus to give practical advice if one lives far from a temple / How should one prepare their mind for physical austerities on the path of Bhakti? / How can I better share Bhakti teachings in my own voice, rather than just parroting what others say?
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The effulgent, beautiful vision of Lord Vishnu melts anxiety / nothing can touch Vishnu’s hear, but devotion / Lord Brahma speaks from that higher level / when Vishnu asks you to be patient, take the high road and cooperate with your enemies / with any great service, the first thing to appear from the churning / the demons agree to a truce
SB 8.6.1-39
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“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost." - J. R. R. Tolkien / the difference between material & spiritual / spiritual endeavors come with rollover credits / Krishna is willing to meet you where you are at / Krishna is the root of all existence, and we are all the leaves / when you love Krishna you love everyone, every dog, even every cockroach / you can’t see the root, but it’s there
SB 8.5.47-50
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How should I navigate differences of opinions regarding important decisions on my Bhakti path? / How do we balance our material/human reactions & necessities with our spiritual aspirations? / Why don't we chant over the 'guru' bead?
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becoming aware and contemplative to see miracles everywhere / “when you are grateful, you are happy” - Thich Nhat Hanh / Bhaktivedanta takes spiritual gratitude to its conclusion - who are we grateful to? / I’s collide / Sri Caitanya’s teaching are so illuminating - that we are both one with, and different from, God / should we have learned Sanskrit, or would we have just become more arrogant? / Krishna works through multifarious energies, and has nothing to do (except his transcendental loving adventures) / sweet baby Krishna saved Raghu / when it comes to seeing God, we’ve got dog-eyes / what does it mean to use God’s name in vain? / karmic - people who are convinced that happiness will be found through the external things of this world / hard karmic work leads to dissatisfaction / if we find happiness through service we can always be satisfied / good times in the Philadelphia Temple
SB 8.5.44-47
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security, guidance, wisdom, and power flow from a solid, unchanging core / wherever you look, you can see examples of the rotation around a center as a healthy, harmonious model / Brahma helps the Devas get centered around Vishnu / India’s temples were architecturally designed to center our awareness / Kerala Mural art’s depictions of the universal leaders centered around Vishnu / Rasa dance as a mandala / the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra as a mandala / centering through seeing the universe as the body of Vishnu
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Brahma and the Devas goes to the ocean of milk / Raghunath’s body is a universe / don’t think slave master - think dog master / Vishnu’s omniscience / the material body resembles the wheel of a mental chariot / Brahma establishes the nature of the self in relation to Vishnu, the hub of the wheel of samsara / you are that - and at the same time different / Lila isn’t irritable bowel syndrome / the opportunity to be happy within this material world is illusion / Krishna can call off His illusory energy
SB 8.5.26-30
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scientific research has determined that people driving luxury cars are 5 times more likely to cut off other drivers / we must consider how the body that we are in is affecting our thoughts and behaviors / through Bhakti one let’s go of all upadhis (false designations) / Lord Indra - the Bhagavatam’s repeated reference to confusion and embarrassment due to pride of opulence / the zoomed-out, pure atmosphere of Brahmaloka / fear and panic is the time for a satva guna check in / Brahma’s mediation on Vishnu / why we need sankirtan in Kali Yuga / Brahma’s not groveling, he’s sharing the love and appreciation in his heart
SB 8.5.17-25
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Raghunath interviews Hrdaya Caitanya about his walking journey from France to India and his realizations along the way.
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How can I root out my feelings of unworthiness and my need for validation and sympathy, so that I can genuinely practice Bhakti? / How to apologize and how to forgive in a genuine way? / When I set boundaries, I feel guilt. Is this my codependent nature creeping in?
Dhanya Rico holds a Master’s degree in Counselor Education, and holds a Specialist’s degree in Couples and Family therapy.
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hearing from our people in Lebanon / we’re all shifting positions / Bhakti is taking our listeners beyond the ignorance of nationalism / laying out the universal staffs / our universe is like a tiny mustard sed in a huge bag of seeds / zooming out to see the Universal rulers as insignificant (and Krishna beyond them) / God comes as a Tortoise!?! / good Karma can ruin your life / Indra in the Vedas vs Indra in the Bhagavatam
SB 8.5.1-16
Check out Thomas Essig's movie Something Divine at
https://app.entertainmentoxygen.com/feed/27dec5f6-099d-470c-99e3-acf88cc994fb
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Thomas Merton on the greatest need of our time / our ritual morning trance is being set by algorithms / today’s news editors are algorithms, focused on increasing user engagement by exploiting our weakness to click on hate, greed and fear / choose healthy algorithms for your mind / re-engaging the senses in something positive and uplifting / fill your head with beautiful thoughts / the only important thing in existence is the connection between self and God and the love exchanged there / when connected to Krishna, all the details become relevant, valuable, powerful, beautiful, purifying and satisfying
SB 8.4.13-26
Check out Thomas Essig's movie Something Divine at
https://app.entertainmentoxygen.com/feed/27dec5f6-099d-470c-99e3-acf88cc994fb
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zooming out to get the past-life background stories / the nature of Krishna is that all he does is bless / fear is just the inability to see Krishna’s hand in everything / as different as we are, we all go through the same things / the crocodile is revealed as a former Gandharva / the elephant is revealed as King Indradyumna / King Indradyumna renounces the kingdom to live as a yogi / King Indradyumna receives the sages curse as a blessing
SB 8.4.1-12
Check out Thomas Essig's movie Something Divine at
https://app.entertainmentoxygen.com/feed/27dec5f6-099d-470c-99e3-acf88cc994fb
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“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.” - The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. / “I'm for truth, no matter who tells it.” - Malcolm X / spiritual knowledge is the only panacea / only those free of materialistic strategies have the bandwidth to absorb their minds in God within their hearts / home, relatives, friends, money, etc. will fail as a strategy for happiness / Tolstoy’s Father Sergius finds true spirituality in a simple housewife
SB 8.3.17-33
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I’ve been a bit concerned about the both side-ism you have maintained regarding U.S. politics. Why don’t you take a clear political stance on your podcast? / How can I root out my need for validation and sympathy, so that I can genuinely practice Bhakti?
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“Nature has her own logic, her own laws, she has no effect without cause nor invention without necessity.” / nothing makes senses until we understand that there are 2 types of energy, material and spiritual / life (consciousness) doesn’t operate according to material laws / huge atheistic speculations grounded on tiny bits of scientific research / there is a fascinating, philosophical, poetic manual to the universe and what’s beyond / a rhyming, talking, celestial elephant reveals the mystery of the universe / Vishnu as the cause of all causes - beyond time and space / material theories can never reach the origin / Vishnu reveals the spiritual realm to Brahma / reality is seen in relation to Vishnu / reality is reveal in the pure mind / losing faith in material joy
SB 8.3.15-18
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the purifying feeling of satsang / learning spirituality through studying the relationships of Vaishnavas / who am I emulating (among the characters of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita)? / accepting criticism and correction / “The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.” - Michelangelo / a false presumption among atheists - that God is attached to our worship / Why doesn’t God write “Accept Me” across the sky? / the Bhagavad-gita’s more nuanced idea of God / Krishna says “You do you” - we say “Don’t call me” / A result gives one a glimpse of its cause / what was there before the beginning of time?
SB 8.3.14
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Vishnu can not be known by the mind and senses / Vishnu is know through devotion, pure of material desire / the nondual Supreme Absolute Truth manifests as the avatars, the material energy and as the impersonal, attritubeless brahman / even our own body is not our own / the false presumption that for something to be accepted as real it must be perceivable empirically
SB 8.3.10-13
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we lock our hearts in caskets of selfishness / for the sake of love God becomes vulnerable / to practice Bhakti we need to understand who we are, who Krishna is, and the nature of the relationship / Krishna is the Purusha - the primeval, personal, animating principle / Krishna is the earth, the potter, the potter's wheel and the pot / qualifications to see the truth - vimukta-saṅgāḥ - disinfected of material conditions, bhūta-ātma-bhūtāḥ - equal to all living entities; / suhṛdaḥ - friends to everyone, aloka-vratam avraṇaṁ - flawless in carrying out spiritual vows / the foundation of spiritual knowledge / we’re just little sparks switching seats
SB 8.3.2-10
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At every crossroads on the path that leads to spiritual consciousness, the mind has placed 10,000 thoughts to guard material consciousness / confronting our comforts, pleasures and fears / don’t medicate- meditate / don’t DEflect - REflect / seeing behind the minds of others / karmic reactions, manifest and unmanifest / Gajendra fixed his mind in his heart with perfect intelligence / the revival of divine consciousness from the previous life / capsules of spiritual awareness in the subconscious mind / harmonizing the mind with the devotional nature of the self is called yoga / Raghunath chooses mangala arati
SB 8.2.32 - 8.3.1
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Raghunath and Jiva G discuss hitting rock bottom, finding your higher power, uprooting anarthas, and the importance of a 12 step program. Check out Jiva's Bhakti Recovery podcast.
Learn more at https://www.bhaktirecoverygroup.com
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As someone is not as a formal devotee, I struggle when asked to explain my spirituality. Could you offer any suggestions on how I might describe my spiritual stance to others? / If we can always pick up our spiritual life again in the next life, then what is the urgency of practicing in this lifetime? / Can you explain who is addressed as a maharaj vs a prabhu? What is a bramacari, or a sannyasi? What are the various levels of priests at the temple? Who is allowed to go on the altar?
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All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players. - William Shakespeare / infant, school boy, lover, soldier, justice, old man & infant again / we’re destined to perform a karmic role for a few days / spiritual knowledge helps one to pass through stages of life gracefully / Same substance, but More depth / appreciation sets the mind for knowledge absorption / in our battle with illusion, we need to be in a position which maintains our strength and enthusiasm / Gajendra contemplation: “It’s all coming to an end! I need to seek the real shelter”
SB 8.2.28-31
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examining surrender in various contexts: military, romantic, artistic, spiritual / surrendering the ego / Kaustubha concedes that Raghu is more of a “wood guy” - but they both have to let this identity go / actively choosing to accept our fate / Krishna lets us run til we’re materially exhausted / our real bio: I’m a tiny spirit soul here for a few days, to love / the elephant Gajendra’s alpha existence is about to turn on a dime
SB 8.2.9-27
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Manu and the Devas are the universal staff in service of Vishnu / Manu is preserving the sad-dharma over the course of his age / the 8th canto illustrates what surrender looks like through 3 narrations (Gajendra, the churning of the ocean of milk & Bali Maharaja) / lets not redefine Bhakti in order to sound inclusive / we don’t object to a person's inclination towards the non-personal energy of Krishna (brahman), but when they deny Krishna Himself, and devotion to Him - that’s when we object / a description of the heavenly planets
SB 8.1.17-8.2.8
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“Wisdom is not knowledge, it is a realization of the scheme and of one's own part in it.” - Algernon Blackwood / THE UNIVERSAL SCHEME: you are designed to enjoy divine love (but you're not ready for it until you're free of all selfishness) / we’re doing the material world wrong / the faith of Richard Dawkins / the most fantastic creation myth is that everything came from nothing / the universe is the energy, body, and property of Krishna - work in harmony with that and you never get entangled by karma / great sages get us started by working for good karma in order to connect us with the sacred texts / the same source of knowledge gives different instructions according to our level of evolution
SB 8.1.14-16
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Is it possible that both the Jnana and Bhakti paths are correct in their understanding of “enlightenment“? That some people are naturally inclined towards devotion and due to conditioning and past samskaras some are naturally inclined to the jnana path? And after the dissolution of ego some would experience universal, impersonal, infinite consciousness, and others would experience the bliss of devotion to a personal form of God?
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“Asceticism is to remain pure amidst impurities.” - Guru Nanak / the yogi’s practice of austerity is like a way of establishing controlled laboratory conditions / the Bhagavad-gita on who is a true renunciate and a true mystic (Bg. 6.1) / the Bhagavad-gita on who is a poser (Bg. 3.6) / more on spiritual communism / Krishna embodies apparently contradictory attributes / as the virtual reality programer remains beyond the encoded laws of the VR, so Krishna lies beyond the laws of the world / 2 prototypes of aging, the Sage and the Karen (sorry, people named Karen)
SB 8.1.10-13
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Has my pursuit of comfort and pleasure clouded my perception of truth? / Why should a yogi stand on one foot? / Patanjali’s Kriya-yoga = austerity + study of the self + surrender to God / “With asceticism, wisdom bears fruit.” - Ali ibn Abi Talib / yogic regulations key in on the animalistic basics of sleeping, eating and sex / Manu’s contemplation - there is a conscious intelligence behind everything, and everything is His property / spiritual communism can’t be legislated, it has to be inspired
SB 8.1.9-10
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Building up to tomorrow's festival of the appearance of Sri Radha, Raghunath and Kaustubha read from Lord Shiva’s poem, The Sri Sri Radha-Kripa-Kataksha Stava (Prayers for the Merciful Side-long Grace of Sri Radha).
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The wisdom of Srimad Bhagavatam is the medicine for our illness and pain / Entering Canto 8 / every one of us has a crocodile glommed on our leg / we need to practice spirituality from a position of strength / every one has a back story / What are the subtle bodies on the higher planets like? / the subtle is the solid / Manu walks away from kingly power to meditate on the truth
Our Goal for 2024 : At least 68,000 Srimad Bhagavatam sets around the world. We will be happy to share extra sets for those who need them. Here are 4 options:
1. They can get a set of Srimad Bhagavatam for themselves. 2. They can sponsor a set of Srimad Bhagavatam for their friends, family or fellow WOTS listeners 3. They can sponsor a set of Srimad Bhagavatam and we will find a Recipient who is eagerly waiting for a set. (Hospitals, Prisons, Remote and tribal villages in India, people in Ukraine, people in South America, etc) 4. If they want to receive a sponsored set we can ship anywhere within USA and Canada They can text/whatsapp/call Malini at this number: +1 (669) 289-5563 and we will take care of all the requests.
SB 8.1.1-8
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Raghunath talks with filmmakers Kip Anderson and Kam Waters about the making of their films - Seaspiracy, What the Health, Cowspiracy and their newest film, Christspiracy. They discuss the Dead Sea scrolls, the 'meatrix', music ministry, and the importance of eating a liberated diet.
Learn more at https://www.christspiracy.com
And connect with Kip and Kam at https://www.instagram.com/christspiracy/
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How to deal with family functions which are centered around alcohol and where all the conversations are gossip and superficial? / Is it possible to be humble, tolerant and still set boundaries?
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“The perception of beauty is a moral test.” - Henry David Thoreau / where we find beauty reveals a lot about our character / perceiving beauty from the perspective of selflessness / the immature stage of vedanta denies beauty - the mature stage sees it all in relation to Krishna / kriyādvaita: oneness in actions / dravyādvaita: oneness in objectives / In Narada’s previous life he was a Gandharva intoxicated by beauty / the blessing of losing one’s beauty / the Para Brahman lived in the home of the Pandavas
SB 7.15.64-80
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the satisfaction found in singular focus / seeing oneness in conceptions, actions and objectives lifts one’s awareness beyond the material / Krishna is horizontal and vertical cause of the cosmic manifestation / seeing this world as nothing but God’s energy / Krishna’s message to Arjuna about the highest of all yogis / How to see God everywhere / real liberation is sweet surrender
SB 7.15.62-63
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Educate through love / we are trying to hold onto something solid, in an ever-shifting world / the solid is the subtle and the subtle is the solid / God is the unchanging thread holding the changing world together / Don’t try to redecorate your hotel room- do the inner work and move on / there’s a way to carry god consciousness into your changing world / losing faith in the material world
SB 7.15.59-61
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Chandogya Upanisad tells that what we meditate on we become / Sarva khalvidam brahma - what does it mean, that everything is brahman? / Bhagavad-gita 14.27 - Krishna is the basis of brahman / Bhagavad-gita 10.12 - Krishna is the Supreme Brahman / all creation is made possible by brahman’s potential power / Brahman manifests as Krishna’s multifarious energies: parasya saktir vividaiva sruyate (Svetasvatara Upanishad 6.8) / 4 ways that Sankara’s Snake-rope metaphor fails - superimposition is impossible without – Similarities in attributes, Independent reality to both things, Prior experience of what is being superimposed, an outside entity coordinating the common superimpositions / the advaitin bliss is merely the neutral stage of relief from suffering / the opposite of being One Million Dollars in debt is not being free of debt, it’s owning one million dollars / Don’t throw Sweet Baby Krishna out with the bathwater
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“We don’t see reality. We see our reality.” - Professor Mercer from The Irrational / the Dartmouth Scar Experiment, sports, and the OJ trial all illustrate how mental impressions shape our perception / Vedanta’s classic metaphor of the snake and the rope / it is impossible to superimpose one idea unto another, if the former doesn’t exist in reality - ergo - the form variety and individual personhood of this reflected in this world must exist in reality
SB 7.15.55-58
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Kaustubha interviews S.B. Keshava Swami about his training and service as a monk, as well as some insights on America through the eyes of a monk and questions on money and careers.
To learn more about HH Keshava Swami Maharaj, go to https://www.keshavaswami.com
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What is the significance of sampradaya? / Do you see a rise in those choosing to practice Bhakti-yoga or is consumerism too strong? / Why shouldn’t one point their feet at the altar? / Why don’t we pass the guru (or Krishna) bead when we chant on a mala? / What is the signifigance of the Tulsi beads?
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“True sanity entails in one way or another the dissolution of the normal ego.” - R. D. Laing / the re-establishment of the true identity as servant of the divine / the purpose of ritual is the impression it leaves in the mind / through knowing (jnana) - one naturally lets go (vairagya) / When the senses are illuminated with knowledge ritualistic sacrifice may dissolve / offer sacrifice into the senses - the senses into the mind - the mind into mantra / attaining finer levels of bodies up to the top of the universe / the Bhagavad-gita compares all the yoga practices and, in the end, says - just surrender to Krishna
SB 7.15.52-54
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materialism has no limiting principle in a world of limitations / the yogi places a limiting principle on materialistic drives / E. F. Schumacher as a brahminical voice in a materialistic boom / the flaw of democracy (no one will vote for a limiting principle) / basking in the afterglow of Prabhupada’s appearance day festival / a guru wrings out our disqualifications for devotional service / materialistic expansion vs materialistic reduction / letdown is woven into the path of material enjoyment - it can’t deliver satisfaction / the descent from the heavens back into a human body
SB 7.15.48-51
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until we come under the tutelage of one who has mastered their senses, we remain a slave / resuming our spiritual identity / the promise of happiness through material enjoyment never delivers / the material energy is showing us that there is no hope on the path of material enjoyment / the blessing of regret
SB 7.15.45-47
Find Bali's novel at https://a.co/d/5r0MrrY
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On the anniversary of the day of his birth, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the life and contribution of Srila Prabhupada, who first brought the teachings of Bhakti to the West.
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On the occasion of Krishna's appearance, Raghunath talks with Krishna Murari Goswami about the traditions, songs and stories of Nandagram and Vrindavan.
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Learn more at http://www.edwinbryant.org
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What are your thoughts about AI created devotional art? / How are we to look at a relationship between guru and student in a healthy way? / Should we correct other devotees when reading Sanskrit?
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it’s not so much our bad habits that are the obstacle to our spiritual growth, it’s hypocrisy / the renunciants meditate on the future state of our body / bhoga and taiga - shift back and forth between enjoyment and renunciation / bringing back the Upanishadic metaphors / the body is a chariot, the senses are the horses, the mind is the reins, the intelligence is the driver, the self is the passenger / these sacred texts are encouraging us to think about our situation, and then embrace self control based on knowledge of the self / the mantra is the bow, the self is the arrow, and the target is the Supreme Being
SB 7.15.37-44
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Tom Landry’s coaching and the guru principle / guru - the practical and mystical sides / the guru’s conviction instills faith in the disciple / all can be accomplished automatically through faith and devotion to a valid guru / like an ambassador, a guru is a representative / getting past the initial threshold in controlling the mind / controlling the mind and senses in connection to the guru
SB 7.15.23-36
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Narada’s heartfelt instructions on contentment and greed / You won’t experience emptiness when you feel God in the heart / Just one wandering sense is enough for mission drift / guru scandals stemming from lack of contentment / anger can be vented, but greed is never satisfied / approach wealth like a sage / by discussing the disadvantages of accumulating wealth one should give up greed / dealing with our inner Tuco
SB 7.15.20-22
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“Contentment makes poor men rich. Discontentment makes rich men poor”. - Benjamin Franklin / the Gītā informs us that desire is the real enemy of the embodied soul, since it is never satisfied and burns like fire (the more you feed it, the more it grows) / one only has to wear one pair of shoes—one doesn't need to cover the entire earth with leather (in other words - let me adjust myself rather than adjust the world) / the materialist is content with their internal development, the yogi is content externally, but always feeling the need to improve the quality of their internal life / we’re being driven by our senses / a warning for spiritual leaders - without contentment our education, austerity, reputation and knowledge will dwindle and disappear
SB 7.15.15-19
See Raghunath's interview on Soul Ashreya podcast at https://youtu.be/rgn4lelO_fE?si=IUr3o-kpKTZqiWsY
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William Shakespeare on the quality of mercy / seasoning justice with mercy / Bhakti is all about the softening of the heart / our fascination with the moment of awakening / for one who is satisfied in the self - there is no duty / “Vaisnava means one who is able to sit down anywhere, under any conditions, and be happy.” - Srila Prabhupada / bringing discernment into Eastern traditions
SB 7.15.9-14
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Kaustubha interviews author Kripamoya Das about his new book “Sanatana Dharma” and his realizations garnered over 50 years of presenting Bhakti in small groups.
Pre-order Kripamoya Das' book at https://a.co/d/j7ez7mA
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How can to root out our own inner hate? / How can we build faith in Krsna and His benevolence if we don't frequently experience it in this life? / How to understand the topic of chanting silently in the mind vs chanting aloud?
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once you get it, it makes so much sense / diving and surfacing in a blissful river of kirtan / unless you have knowledge the whole material world is tortuous / we’re in god’s house / George Harrison on the power of spiritual food / life is just better off when we’re appreciative / passing out prasadam in Jaipur and Govardhana / sharing love through food / the consciousness is developed through offering food to the ancestors / the highest dharma is achieved through giving up all animosity to other living beings, in body, words and mind / the test: do we participate in others' hostility?
SB 7.15.7-8
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James Baldwin on the self-destructive nature of hate / hatred negatively impacts the nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system / if you sit in (media) mud, you’re gonna get dirty / bringing bad habits into sacred circles destroys spiritual life / remedy for hate - see everyone as connected to God and feed them prasadam / replace the wafer with a gulab jamun cooked with love / we can barely handle even a tiny fraction of Krishna’s opulences / the art of reminding others who they are without condescension
SB 7.15.1-6
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the futility in external worship that lacks spiritual vision / we’re all worshiping and meditating on someone / the worshipper sees the object of their affection everywhere / seeing God in the brahmanas / Krishna worships His devotees
SB 7.14.41-42
https://venablesvalleywildfire.com
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Clarance Clemons on the calm mind and connecting with the inner self / inner connection isn’t cheap - austerity and renunciation aid contemplation and meditation / God in the heart gives intelligence to the individual soul according to his capacity for understanding / when we could no longer access God in the heart through samadhi, the sages provided temple worship / the evolution from karma to jnana to bhakti is a natural progression, widely observed in areas of spiritual evolution, but most clearly and thouroughly articulated in Srimad Bhagavatam / temple worship without respecting God in the heart of everyone, is like pouring ghee into ashes
SB 7.14.38-40
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“The end of all knowledge should be service to others.” – Cesar Chavez / our individuality is eternal / when Arjun’s illusion was dispelled he didn’t merge into Krishna / Narada anticipates the shallow approach to the ritual and recommends service to others / the formula is to come together for Kirtan and prasad / auspicious times for ceremonies / auspicious places for ceremonies / a Vaiṣṇava is a walking holy place / The key to the universe - the universe is like a tree whose root is Krishna - by serving Him you serve everyone
SB 7.14.17-37
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How to find liberation from the false ego / Transformation happens on the other side of new experiences / Find your Krishna confidence / It’s between you and God / Learn to fly your own plane and enjoy your own company / It’s you and me (baby) Krishna
Find more at https://www.radhikadas.com
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What is the meaning of “faith”? / The separation of church and state-- is God the enemy?
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"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali / how arranged marriages work / through duty, love develops / wealth should be engaged in service others to avoid the pit of entitlement / “What are all these people doing at our wedding?” / worship the Supreme Being in the core of everyone’s heart by service to others / service to the Devas / service to the saintly people / service to everyone / service to the animals and plants / serve and feed everyone
SB 7.14.15-16
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A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.- Aesop / A person who has given up all sense of proprietorship can alone attain real peace. - Bhagavad-gita 2.71 / minimize needs to minimize anxiety / Giving up the sense of proprietorship - right down to the food we eat / don’t underestimate the power of prasad / Kaustubha’s garlic misadventure / Gracias Madre - I only wan’t Krishna’s prasadam / be like the Cataka bird / Raghu’s eucharist stealing misadventure
SB 7.14.14
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the non-pretentiousness of the Bhakti-yogi / the diplomacy of the Bhakti-yogi / the simplicity of the Bhakti-yogi / the communal spirit of the Bhakti-yogi / the Bhakti-yogi conquers over lust
SB 7.14.6-13
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“the glories of our blood and state, are shadows, not substantial things” James Shirley / shadows, reflections, mirages and Virtual realities, are all derived from something real / keep hearing wisdom and some of it will stick / offering mind, body and home / Raghu on “The Hands of Time” / the “affection” of family life / the medicine of hearing Bhagavatam again and again / how to practice Bhakti in the presence of those who don’t? / will we be with loved ones after death? / Druhva’s mother follows him to the spiritual realm / expanding the family tree to all living beings / don’t worry about the jell-o!
SB 7.14.1-5
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take false ideas about what we need and false ideas about who we are, and offer them into the total material energy / bewildered by dualities arisen from attraction and repulsion / we’re not the body, we’re not the mind / taking shelter of the big bird / the simple idea that we are not the body is the beginning of living together in peace / being heroic through not letting public opinion limit us / the growth of Bhakti is facilitated by favorable conceptions, favorable sentiments and favorable lifestyle
SB 7.13.44-46
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How is Vishnu the same or different than Krishna? / How to understand self loathing and toxic shame in Kali Yuga, and how to take shelter of Radharani?
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Power portrayed as Changing fate vs Power portrayed as accepting fate / How much energy can by saved (and redirected towards life’s spiritual goal) through acceptance? / the industrious bee vs the python who accepts his fate / acceptance applied to food / acceptance applied to clothes / acceptance applied to shelter and vehicles / acceptance applied to one's feelings and reactions to other people / through acceptance the python man became the well wisher of everyone - and merged his mind and ego into the material energy / the heroism of the priests of the Titanic
SB 7.13.37-43
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simplicity is essential for the yogi’s focused mind / the root of our problems is the desire for unnecessary prestige and money / The bee is super industrious - but so distracted that it doesn’t realize that everything it is working for is taken away / the python is accepting whatever comes
SB 7.13.33-37
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The American Psychological Association discovers that the more you endorse materialistic values, the more you suffer / big house means big problems / no matter how hard we work for prosperity, we are still living in an incredible vulnerable body / we are victimized by our material desires / Bhagavatam offers an access point of samsara cakra / are you ready for the moment when everything will be taken away? / the greedy suffer from insomnia / the bee works so hard to accumulate the honey, and then it all gets taken away
SB 7.11.30-32
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Wassily Kandinsky’s thoughts on materialism / materialism as a value and materialism as an ideology / prosperity gospel as the hucksters materialism in the guise of spirituality / prosperity gospel in the realm of Bhakti / Jesus, Krishna, Buddha and the saints are on the side of self control - on the other side are the hucksters / forgetfulness (of our spiritual nature) leads to misery / you think about what you think about / running after happiness in the material world / matter grows from life / the water were searching for is Krishna
SB 7.13.28-29
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When practicing Bhakti-yoga, is it normal to become increasingly disengaged in idle talk and uninterested or disturbed by gossip? And how can I control my thoughts and emotions when spending time with the people I love and care about, but who engage that way? / Does at least part of the subtle body travel with the soul to the next body?
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the story of Shanti Devi, one of the most thoroughly documented and authenticated cases of reincarnation / a little girl in Delhi remembers her previous life in Mathura / Shanti meets her husband and son from the past life / Shanti returns to Mathura / Gandhi appoints a committee of 15 prominent parliamentarians, national leaders, and members from the media to study the case / Kaustubha isn’t real / how many children with memories of past lives will it take to convince a skeptic? / the timeless wisdom of the Bhaavad-gita is where we start to figure out what is the meaning of this life
see more at https://www.carolbowman.com/reincarnation-forum
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Observe the nature of material enjoyment to see its false promise / Expectations cause stress / attachments lead to anger / seeing the power of male/female connection beyond material enjoyment / happiness of the self is natural / the happiness born of the contact of the senses with objects is a mental concoction / Is there any happiness in a cigarette?
SB 7.13.26-27
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Lao Tzu - “When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you” / sattva guna conditions one with a sense of happiness and knowledge - raja guna is born of unlimited desires and longings / we can’t snuff out our desires, we need to refine them / “When speaking in spiritual circles, one's statements must be upheld by the scriptures. One should at once quote from scriptural authority to back up what he is saying.” A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami / seek the blessings of the Vaishnavas at important forks in the road / desires cause transmigration through the different species of life / human life is the junction - where you can break free / you don’t want to be reborn as a dove! Or a deer! Or a human for that matter!
SB 7.13.23-25
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Thoreau experiences the unearthly nature of the Vedas / Thoreau’s balance of contemplation and activism / The Vedas feel nonsectarian, because Vyasadeva isn’t trying to wrestle you into immediate submission to the highest truth - he nudges you to take the next step in your evolution / Prahlad was able to recognize the Python man as special, because Vishnu instructed him in the heart / Kaustubha goes to jail / Krishna gives instructions in the heart according to the manner of their surrender / everyone follows Krishna’s path in all respects / karmis, jnanis, yogis, and bhaktas all all on the same path at different degrees of success
SB 7.13.22
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Raghunath interviews the award winning (and his personal favorite) musical group Madhava’s Rock Band!
Find out more about Madhavas Rock Band at https://www.youtube.com/madhavasrockband
and support their girls' education initiative in Nandagao at https://www.projectkrish.com
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How can I transition from a spiritual seeker into a deeper Bhakti practitioner, and quell my doubts when reading sacred texts? / How to stay even minded and not lose relationships during a divisive election season? / How to know where to put your spiritual focus / Why do bad things happen to good people?
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becoming aware of yourself as the witness of the mind / pause and ask yourself, “where is my mind right now?” / change your thoughts, change your life / when Narayana predominates one’s heart, then their transcendental eyes are revealed / make some room for Krishna in the heart / Krishna is simultaneously eager for us to turn to him, and accommodating to our will to choose not to / The journey to reach Krishna through the layers of the cosmos / Krishna’s embrace and sweet words when we return
SB 7.13.19-22
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"There are the saints of every day, the 'hidden' saints, to which we can all belong" - Pope Francis / Tolstoy's hidden saint Pashenka / our sincerity is soiled by desire for human praise / Pralahd goes in search of the hidden saints / we shouldn't attempt to understand the pas of a Vaisnava / a saintly person may not expose himself to the vision of human society / the most humble are the most glorious
SB: 7.13.10-13
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6 things a sannyasi should avoid / even non-sannyasis can take some essential teachings from the sannyasi regulations / we need some people, with both feet in the spiritual realm, wandering around the material realm / avoid literature without spiritual benefit / avoid making a living by making a living / avoid indulging in arguments and counterarguments / Daniel Dennett's the 4 steps to arguing intelligently / Bhaktivedanta Swami's multi-faceted approaches / Sri Caitanya's method of argument / avoid alluring disciples with material benefits / avoid reading many books / avoid increasing material opulences unnecssarily
SB: 7.13.7-9
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a vow of silence can mean simply refraining from mundane talk / The power of our words, thoughts and presence / a little self-disgust can be a big breakthrough / our thoughts can move us through the universe and beyond / Raghu and Kaustubha communicate nonviolently / wherever you are, you can be in a holy place / Pilgrimage shows a world revolving around God / Arjuna asks Krishna about one whose consciousness is merged in transcendence. How does he speak? - how neither praises or criticizes the pleasant and unpleasant aspects of this world / not getting caught up in praise or criticism allows space to observe the power of time - Krishna impersonal representation
SB 7.13.5-6
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dealing with the assassination attempt - wishing well for both the shooter and the shot / appreciating the compassion of care-givers / the power of the Bhagavad-gita’s vibration / the regulations are designed to facilitate essential realizations / be like the dried coconut – embodied but detached from the body / the magic happens when we stretch out of our comfort zone / sannyasi regulations - wander every day, go naked, carry no bags / sannyasi realizations - satisfied in the self, peaceful, well-wishing friend of everyone, dependent solely on God / see God in everything and everything in God
SB 7.13.1-4
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Alexandra Tirsu is recognized as one of the leading violinists of her generation and a devoted Bhakti-yogini. Here, Kaustubha interviews her about the intersection of her two worlds, that of Bhakti-yoga and the high pressure world as a solo violinist in classical music. Topics include….
• Feeling spirituality in music • Self discipline in music & Bhakti • The power of repetition in practice • The affection between teacher and student • How Bhakti helps one to negotiate high pressure environments
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Is Good Karma Bad & Bad Karma Good? / What if I’m not attracted to Krsna for some of His qualities like wealth and fame?
Check out Bhaktivedanta Institute's inaugural summer school at https://www.youtube.com/@bihstudies/streams
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the Universal plot - consciousness trapped in ego-based self interest gradually becoming free / a better way to frame out the world / “why me?” and “it’s not fair!” are mantras of maya / these social codes and austerities prepare one to see God everywhere / codes for retirement to the forest / dissolving the body & mind by meditation / standing alone as spirit - in the body but separate from it / our bodies, senses, mind, etc. have all been loaned to us and must be returned to their owners, the Devas / perfect knowledge of the self constitutes merging of the material body into the five material elements
SB 7.12.16-31
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"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius / So why do we always try to find happiness by adjusting the externals? / what if everyone was thinking higher thoughts? / the yoga mat is just the doormat / all the regulations of the yoga culture are designed for improving the quality of our thoughts - if we forget that, we miss the point / the conception of duality, which is epitomized by the duality between man and woman / the sage sees everyone with equal vision / all the leaders need spiritual training / Mahabharata and the Puranas are validated by the Upanishads as "Panchama Veda" - the 5th Veda / Srimad Bhagavatam is the commentary of the Vedanta Sutra by the author himself / all the regulations are there to help us see how God is in everything, and not in everything
SB: 7.12.10-15
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Raghunath's early enthusiasm self-discipline / Kaustubha leaves NY behind / mind over matter and spirit over mind / understanding the high guardrails of Vedic culture / everyone loves a doting mother / Prabhupada's cultural flexibility
SB: 7.12.8-9
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there is the pain of discipline or the pain of regret / reflecting with appreciation at our training as young monks / the power of the discipline of rising early / phone discipline / the connection between rising late and depression / the tradition of begging on behalf of the guru / the thoughtfulness of the approaching sexuality in yoga culture / becoming a virtuous, well-disciplined young man / the guru's intolerance of incompetence is just what we needed / how boys think and speak about girls - with self-discipline (as a yogi) or without self-discipline (the modern West) / the 7 mothers
SB: 7.12.4-7
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the social codes found in the yoga tradition are designed to facilitate ease in self-discipline and higher thoughts / the only requirement to be in this club is an affection for Krishna / followers of the Veda claim that it is apaurusheya, "not created by any person" / in meditative trance, sages became living receptors of the vibrating knowledge of the cosmos / reading minds & controlling the minds of others - it's all real! / days-rasa - the genuine affection felt for a teacher or master / hypocrisy creates skepticism a healthy type of submission / when Western people portray a healthy form of submission they commonly look toward the East
SB: 7.12.1-3
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Acyuta Gopi is a legendary kirtan singer, writer, award winning poet, storyteller and mother. In this interview she and Kaustubha discuss her feelings of isolation as a young devotee in New York City's public schools, her growing faith in Bhakti in her teens, the profound experience of childbirth, developing inner dialogues with God, and how spiritual practice opens us up to finding "perfect moments" any time, anywhere.
Find more information from Acyuta Gopi at the following:
WEBSITE: https://www.acyutagopi.me/about
YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@acyutagopi
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How to get through heartbreak? / Is the "Ritvik" idea of disciple succession legitimate?
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"Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others" - Horace Jackson Brown Jr. / antah sukha (inner happiness) - when you understand that your happiness is not dependent on anything external you'll no longer feel that you have to impose your needs on others, or change others / sometimes God tags a person, a podcast, or a pakora / inner happiness frees up the mind and heart to care for others / the caveat - if everyone's not playing their roles it all falls apart / drops can feed a fire and a flood can extinguish it / birth in a particular family helps shape us, but doesn't confirm our qualifications
SB: 7.11.28-35
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SB: 7.11.18-27
'I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everythign else' / the faulty logic that demands empiric evidence / "Mother is all around us" / the symptoms of a brahmana / the sympoms of a warrior / the symptoms of the business leader / the symptoms of the employee / the qualities of a dharmic wife
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pure, naked spiritual encounter vs designer label spiritual fads / the real stumbling block to Bhakti is hypocrisy / dealing with the Western triggers to Eastern thought / understanding Vedic hierarchies / respect is both functional and fundamental / why is it better to do your own duty imperfectly, than another's perfectly? / the world is in a state of emergency - we need more Brahmanas
SB:7.11.15-17
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Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love...and then we return home / the quality of our questions determines the quality of our lives / when we become capable of loving we return home / are the ancient ethical codes relevant to us today? / wouldn't it be better if our leaders were trained in leadership? / all ethics and codes are meant to bring you to devotion / the Vedic solution to toxic masculinity / the spiritual leaders are meant to direct the business leaders in caring for their employees
SB:7.11.13-15
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How to share the wisdom of Bhakti with someone who is afraid of death? / How to process the experience of seeing people leave the path of Bhakti?
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Consciousness has building blocks? OK, then go ahead and build us some / Why not admit that the Bhagavad-gita's presentation on consciousness still holds up? / you can't observe spirit with material instruments / consciousness is the irreducible symptom of spirtiual energy / originally it wasn't a "caste system", it was a code of ethics and leadership training / want the power and fame? You can be number 2. Wanna be number one? You've gotta give up everything.
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The Surgeon General calls for warning labels on social media platforms / social media scrolling is like injecting stupidity straight into our veins / unsubscribe, unfollow turn it off and go outside / sattva doesn’t sell anymore / Mara is reprograming Raghu’s phone / until we regulate our senses we’re just polished animals / remaining silent and grave / contemplate whether one is the body or the soul / Give in charity if you wanna be human / contemplate that every one is part of god / hearing about the activities and instructions given by Krishna
SB 7.11.8-11
Sign up now for 5th Annual Wisdom of the Sages in Tuscany-- 30 June - 7th July, 2025.
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the pristine consciousness of the sage Narada / the best of the A list sages / 2 ways in which Krishna is the root of all dharma / the formula for satisfying the soul / Don’t end up majoring in minor things / let's not water down the meaning of ahimsa / how rendering service to saintly persons saved Raghunath & Kaustubha / we’ve been living like kids in candy stores with credit cards
SB 7.11.1-10
Ayurveda Mama: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum https://a.co/d/08GfbCnZ
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Willow’s “Symptom of Life” is bringing Vedic contemplation into Pop culture / The Bhagavad-gita’s art of work - give your full effort, and be resigned to destiny / just hear Krishna’s pastimes to understand the highest absolute truth / We’ve got everything- breathwork, shape shifting, exercise, cooking, wisdom, conspiracy theories… / pushing and peeling myself out of my disguise / pushing and peeling the layers that cover my mind / pain as the prompt to change / all you know has vanished again / transcending virtue and sin
SB 7.10.64-70
See Willow's Tiny Desk concert at
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What does it mean to belong to Radha & Krishna? / Questions around feasting and fasting in Bhakti-yoga
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astrology: mature vs superficial applications / Srimad Bhagavatam is the key to understanding all of the Vedic sacred texts / Krishna is the person behind the spiritual energy / Krishna is beyond the demigods / Shiva and the Devas saved by Krishna / The unseen power of providence can turn our agenda upside down / bypassing the logical malfunction that reality must be according to our liking / we are tiny, and dependent, but we also have a type of unlimited power
SB 7.10.50-64
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on friendship / on forgiveness / on aging / on prayer / on pain / on death
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How to understand the fate of one who has taken their own life? / How to help our children become God conscious? / Is there a place for hallucinogens in Bhakti?
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Inferring the Divine string holding everything together / 3 levels of the absolute truth / Krishna is the most attentive friend / Krishna’s not our stepping stone / We are individual, eternal sparks of the divine / Sacrifice means understanding we are not the center / Krishna is the unconditional love we’re looking for
SB 7.10.48-49
the ability to ask a question of great consequence is a power laying dormant within us / ask the BIG questions / in order to receive rewarding answers, what is important for the questioner? / marrying our purpose / enjoyment, renunciation or dedication? / what is the lesson? - an aphorism to shift from negative to positive thinking / our power is always in the present moment / full attention
How can we transcend karma? / How should someone on a spiritual path react when todl they are being passive aggressive? / Why does Krishan appeal to Arjuna on a materialistic level in the Bhagavad-gita?
Bhrigupad Das (Mans Broo) is a lecturer in Religious Studies at Abo Akademi University. He gained his PhD in 2003 with a thesis on the guru in Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
What if this isn’t THE reality? / Leo Tolstoy - “Our life is but one of the dreams of that more real life, and so it is endlessly, until the very last one, the very real life of God.” / video games are double illusion / our desire for movies, VR, and fantasy reveal that illusion doesn’t satisfy - we need to go back to reality / even the evil king Sishupala has a back story / karma - acknowledging our own responsibility in our suffering helps us heal and cultivates virtue / how to develop a spiritual body - full absorption in seeing God everywhere / there’s regular Dharma, and then there is Bhagavat Dharma / just by hearing about Krishna one is liberated / the truth will set you free
SB 7.10.40-47
a traditional yogi's appreciation of Bhakti in the West / the irony of how the claim of cultural appropriation can play into the hands of the oppressors / reincarnation in Johnathon Livingston Seagull / the fallacy of original sin / the fallacy of eternal damnation / the logical strength of reincarnation / the fallacy of reunion in heaven / Raghunath brings the Dhammapada to His Christian Club / contemplate and feel the distinction between your self, mind and body / the full evolution is love / our meditation on determines our destination
SB 7.10.36-39
“In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analyzing your self." — Martin Luther King Jr. / the worst thing you can do for your spiritual life / in the healthy state of awareness, Krishna’s name makes us cry / resentment and anger shrivels us up / cultivating gratitude - we can’t control other people, but we can control our attitudes / best to leave murders and psychopaths for professionals / shifting from the vision of bodily differences to spiritual commonality / except for the uncontrolled and misguided mind, there is no enemy within this world / We need to feel “All These people are here, but primarily, I’m always living with God in my heart.”
SB 7.10.30-35
Check out www.Kavachadesigns.com and use Coupon code wots30 for 30% off — valid for three days only !
George Harrison on the only reason we’re on this planet / we live in a virtual reality governed by the law of karma / breaking the addiction to external pleasures through addiction to internal experience / stay in the kirtan and keep the vibe high / when Raghu and Kaustubha will be like when they get old / Krishna gets personally involved in the karmic destiny of His devotees / tat kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam - do that as an offering to Me / Bhakti relieves the fever of anxiety / Guru nishta can change our karmic destiny / the automated penal system of Karma / from the germ up to Indra, they all get their karma / what if we could see the karmic course of our own past lives?
SB 7.10.27-29
“Getting distracted by trifles is the easiest thing in the world… Focus on your main duty.” - Epictetus / if you sincerely want Truth, that’s god consciousness / duty drags you back on track / western vs eastern attitudes toward duty / Too much choice makes a person miserable / duty makes the mind more peaceful / duty is prescribed specifically according to one’s mindset / the days of the employer / we’re indebted to our forefathers, the great sages, human society, etc. / one connected with the Supreme has no more debts / Brahma’s non-envious demeanor / all yogic rules and regulations serve one goal - to always remember Krishna
SB 7.10.23-26
I want to be initiated into the path of Bhakti but I struggle to chant the required 16 rounds per day, so I feel guilty - can you please share some advice? / How can I keep myself and my daughter on the path of Bhakti when we live far away from other devotees? / Can you explain the analogy from Srimad Bhagavatam - that when one’s face is decorated, the reflection of one’s face in a mirror is also decorated?
Check out our new website at www.wisdomofthesages.com
It does not matter that you are in the material world - so long as you stay connected through hearing spiritual content / St. Francis’s counterintuitive formula for life / the courage to lead a spiritual life / St. Francis gets naked / your net worth is your spirit to contribute / by bringing your awareness to the purity of a devotee's love, our own awareness is purified / decorating oneself with the qualities of patience, tolerance, and kindness, etc. / devotees purify all places
SB 7.10.13-22
Thomas Merton on climbing the ladder of success / analyze what your win is before you start the hustle / in a generation or two we will be forgotten / the Bhakti-yogi’s goal is a pure, soft heart / accepting that we are both very close and very far from the goal / “As soon as we have material desires, we lose our spiritual identity.” - Bhaktivedanta Swami / even as we live in the material world, by regularly hearing the sacred texts, our hearts and minds remain absorbed in spirit
SB 7.10.8-12
Can there be competition on the spiritual platform? / can there be fear on the spiritual platform? / “Your problem is that you are not afraid enough of maya” A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami / by contemplating the objects of the senses ……. / 2 types of perfected Bhakti Yogis - the eternally perfect and those who achieve perfection through practice / “love” desiring material benefit in exchange for their devotional service is no better than a merchant / a “master” who bestows benedictions motivated by a desire for prestigious is just as bad / filtering out all the impurities that contaminate pure love in the heart / We’re all searching for unconditional love
SB 7.10.1-7
"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." - Kahlil Gibran / if external beauty is our currency, the market is gonna crash / for the Bhakti-yogi - the primary concern is the quality of their own heart / somehow, winning the lottery doesn’t buy happiness / one can reframe life’s struggle and pain as a purification of the heart / if we lean into Bhakti (and focused on the internal work) we could solve the world’s problems / religion doesn’t cause war - but the superficial understanding of it does / you’ve gotta start working on not being a dirty old man when you’re young / the more entitled we are, the less happy / satisfy the root, all the leaves are satisfied / foreshadowing the rasa of the 10th canto
SB 7.9.52-54
It’s not ALL about the journey - there is a goal to yoga / OM is the bow; the self is the arrow; God is said to the target / Marcus Aurelius on having a purpose to direct every thought and impulse toward / when Raghu received the pretentious “Do less” instruction / Bhagavad-gita showed how to focus all of your worldly responsibilities as part of your spiritual goal / the hodgepodge lodge of spirituality / the relative value of silence, vows, study, austerities, duties, mantras, etc. / spiritual posers / all becomes revealed through love and service
SB 7.9.46-51
Where does desire reside, in the mind or in the self? / Is everything Krishna’s grace, or are there pockets of free will where His Grace doesn’t penetrate? / How to give life advice to someone who is resistant? / How to keep an elevated mind when experiencing chronic pain? / How to make my life an offering?
How can I learn tolerance and not get upset with people? / What should I keep in mind when raising my children? / How to explain my Bhakti practice to people who don’t like the fact that I have changed?
“Caught in that sensual music all neglect, Monuments of unageing intellect.” – William Butler Yeats / all the great wisdom traditions were able to recognize the inability for sense gratification to deliver happiness / the devotee has one optimistic eye and one pessimistic eye / your senses have their own agenda for you / Prahlad doesn’t want to be delivered alone / sex desire is like an itch - the more you scratch it the more it itches
SB 7.9.40-45
John Coltrane – “God breathes through us so completely, so gently we hardly feel it, yet, it is our everything.” / spirituality starts as a vague intuition there’s more / Coltrane’s symbolism of Divine love in all 12 keys / the greatest secret of the sacred text - there is a person behind everything and He can be connected to through love / Vishnu as the soul of the universe / the universe manifests as a tree grows from a seed / Brahma meditates and discovers God spread throughout his own body and senses / Little Prahlad drops the universal manual in our laps!
SB 7.9.32-38
The Nrisimha Avatara’s heart frolics with his own playful pastimes / He fascinates the great sages / He enlightens His devotees from within their hearts / although ferocious, He is very soft and kind to devotees / He is here and there and everywhere / Prahlad’s gratitude to his guru / Prahlad identifies Vishnu as the designer behind the universe’s design / the inconceivable brilliance in the design of the elm seed / we are not creators we are manipulators
SB 7.9.28-31
A Girl Can Touch The Sky continues its theatrical release following sold-out screenings with Q & A sessions in Birmingham, U.K., and Dublin, Ireland.
The NYC screening with Q & A chaired by Shikha Uberoi (India’s former No.1 professional tennis player and social entrepreneur) has been confirmed for Saturday, June 22nd, 6-8 pm as part of the Her Vision International Film Festival at Slate, Manhattan.
Tickets can be purchased at https://slate.ticketsauce.com/e/4th-annual-her-vision-international-film-festival/tickets
You can see the trailer, reviews and the link to book tickets at www.agirlcantouchthesky.com
Leo Tolstoy - “Joy can only be real if people look upon their life as a service and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” / figuring out how to use your gift as an offering / material enjoyment is junk food- service is nourishment / the unique Bhakti idea of serving the servant / the whole point is to be connected / desires for future happiness are like a mirage in the desert / the counterintuitive truth - true happiness is derived though serving other (not through being served) / Lord Vishnu is impartial
SB 7.9.24-27
all the great wisdom cultures draw our attention to our helplessness to the force of time / all your money won't another minute buy / the 3 modes of material nature - without our knowledge, external influences are working their way into your mind / basically, we’re all like defiant teenagers / ahem… um, debating Christian and atheist philosophers, the concept of karma kind of solves the whole thing / we’re being crushed by the wheel of time / Prahlad’s perspective as a witness of the destruction of a materialist at the highest level
SB 7.9.20-23
While serving in active duty as a sergeant in the US Army in war-torn Iraq, Partha-sarathi Dasa maintained his devotion and encouraged it in the hearts of others.
Why don’t you guys present a higher Vedic standard? / Why don’t you guys present a more tolerant standard? / How can I support someone who doesn't share my beliefs?
reading the world's patterns, recognizing the truths operating through them, coming to terms with those truths / the Taoist law of reverted effort - when humans try to fix things by their actions, the effect will be the exact opposite of that desired / the great paradox of our time: everything is both better and worse than ever before / material pursuit guarantees material problems / are we resisting the internal growth our problems are designed to initiate / happiness is found in the never changing, misery is found in the ever-changing
SB 7.9.17-19
"Your future, your hard dangerous path is this: to mature and to find God in yourselves.” Herman Hesse / we’ve gone from letters, to emails, to written text messages, to emojis / we’ve gone from Shakespeare, to movies, to YouTube, to scrolling reels / focus on the higher call – let go of petty annoyances / Michael Jordan’s vices and virtues / Vishnu’s nature is innately, completely satisfied / frustration through resistance to the flow of giving to Krishna / the comfort in atheism
SB 7.9.10-17
selfishness is the core of our bondage / the quality of your heart, while giving, makes a difference / world peace can’t be done? / why Bhakti is translated as devotional service / faith without works is dead / eternal love is a higher aspiration than eternal peace / Prahlad's prayer with a heart softened by love / why our material opulences can’t touch the heart of God
SB 7.9.4-9
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.” - St. Augustine / in fighting over inessential details we miss the essence / Bhagavatam is sarva-vedānta-sāraṁ - the essence of all the Vedic literature / if the inessential details aren’t bringing us to the essence, we can drop them / the mind unburdened by material concerns can appreciate the mercy of Vishnu / even anger and thievery can bring you closer to God / the paw or the claw
SB 7.8.54 - 7.9.3
“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” – origin unknown / we each perceive the world through a uniquely programed mind / Religion = regulation for the purpose of checking sin, Yoga = regulation for purpose of clear perception / one must carefully choose and maintain the files downloaded to the mind / the Nagas are concerned with wealth and sex / the yogi will voluntarily give up wealth and sex for truth perception / prayers from different planetary perspectives
SB 7.8.47-53
Where Does All the Darkness in the world come from? / How to deal with the struggle of re-integrating after returning from a spiritual pilgrimage? / Who were the 6 Goswami’s of Vrindavan and what was their role?
the burdens of hate and resentment / “Some of the worst things in my life never even happened” - Mark Twain / the attractiveness of the unburdened / Bhagavatam juxtaposes the burdened and the unburdened / Brahma expresses wonder / brahma gives credit for creation to Vishnu / Shiva gives credit for destruction to Vishnu / Indra’s prayer and lamentation of mixed devotion / Vishnu dissipates the gloom in our hearts / austerity can bring about creative power and lucid thought / The forefathers were burdened with concerned about sacrifice / The siddha yogis were concerned about their mystic abilities being restored / The Vidyādharas were concerned about the knowledge they attain through meditation
SB 7.8.40-46
“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.” - Miles Davis / Krishna gets lost in his own play / first we follow the rules until we can play spontaneously / Lila is both playful and didactic / our divine love is warped by the element of selfishness / understanding the false representations of the original rasas reflected in the material world / boiling away the ego and programing in the mind to get to the self / we’re practicing to fall in love out of this world / they had better airplanes in the past / the joyful scene of the fall of the tyrant / sages, yogis, singers, dancers, zombies, snake people, bird people - Vishnu’s Dharshan make the Met Gala seem pale in comparison
SB 7.8.32-39
Lila refers to Krishna's play, in the dramatic sense, as well as in the sense of child's play or ease / Rasa refers to the particular loving mood relished in the exchange of love with Krishna / it's not that Krishna's lila is modeled after the drama of this world, rather it's the other way around / the sages borrowed construct from the Sanskrit dramatist to explain Krishna's lilas / it's all happening to heighten the experience of love / Hiranyakasipu's horrific threat / Nrisimhadeva's rasa of anger / Nrisimhadeva's heightens the love and satisfies Pralad, Brahma, and the Devas / without the darkness of this world we would never develop the determination to let it all go
SB 7.8.24-30
“Every one who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe.” - Albert Einstein / both the believer and the skeptic are investing faith / Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.” - May Sarton / climbing the hill at Tirupati / “Is your God in this pillar?” / all varieties of Avatars spring from Krishna / Sri Nrsimhadeva appears to taste the ferocious anger of pure love / demons get the claw, devotees get the paw / when your ego collapses.
SB 7.8.11-24
“The clue to the meaning of ultimate reality is found in personality.” Dr. Martin Luther King / our understanding of our shared connection to God dissolves our divisive mentalities / denial of the Personality behind the Universe removes the element of gratitude from our thinking / Ishvara in the yoga sutras is a “special person” / the Supreme Person energizes our senses, bodies and minds / “Except for the uncontrolled and misguided mind, there is no enemy within this world.” - Sri Prahlad / the real enemies are within
SB 7.8.7-10
How do I find a Krishna a conscious way to prepare my family pet and the environment for his death? / I know we place significant importance on actually saying the mantra out loud, but is my method a legitimate way to chant? / How can one meet a guru if they live far from a temple?
If you have a question, e-mail us at [email protected]
Is self-replication the measure of life? / is there a sufficient level of intelligence for matter to become conscious? / is there an “emergent property” that creates consciousness? / is Brian Cox really “damn sure” that consciousness is physical (our could it be that it is just very subtle)? / “Because He is subtle, He is beyond the power of the material senses to see or to know.” - Bhagavad-gita 13.16 / “the living entity, even though situated in varieties of bodies, is aloof from them due to his subtle nature… therefore it is impossible to see with the material eyes … no one in science can ascertain this.” - Bhaktivedanta Swami / what is the compulsion of empiricists to deny the existence of the soul? / Prahlad converts his school / Prahlad triggers his father / just as different grades of fire all derive heat and light from the sun, we all drive our power from the same source
SB 7.8.1-7
seeing life’s problems as tests, and rising to meet them / even-mindedness when all are losing their heads / all the great saints had to respond to persecution / the impostors of Triumph and Disaster / pretentiousness as the next level of the test / always responding with positive energy / passing through the world, uncorrupted / no one is barred from Bhakti / neither charity, austerity, sacrifice, cleanliness, etc. can move Krishna - he’s waiting for pure love / the mature vision - beyond religious symbols and externals - recognizing God in everyone
SB 7.7.48-55
“Beware of over-concern for money, or position, or glory. Someday you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are.” - Rudyard Kipling / the emptiness that drives us to seek fulfillment through externals / the treasure in the heart of the sadhu / affection for others running through affection for Krishna / prema is the wealth that makes everything else appear pale / the steady engagement in releasing, accepting and stepping up one notch / the ocean of eternal happiness / “This is misery, but it gives me a laugh…. All that is left of this family life is a list of names.” - Bhaktivedanta Swami / “I gradually take away all the wealth of those upon whom I am merciful.” - Krishna / with Krishna, there’s beauty in destitution
SB 7.7.45-47
“The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.” - Friedrich Nietzsche / don’t be afraid to turn it all upside down / “It makes no material sense” / The George Costanza Approach - do the opposite / these mantras are timeless / the pessimistic eye (towards the material world) and the optimistic eye (towards the spiritual world) / 2 radically different ways of thinking about the body - (1) it’s destined to be food for the worms, (2) it belongs to others / there are 2 people in your body (and the other one created it) / Truth Blockers - Attachment, Fear & Resentment / sorry, we don’t accommodate those kind of thoughts in this mind
SB 7.7.43-45
all our conveniences are making our minds less patient / less patient minds are less happy / as soon as you endeavor for happiness it backfires / change your algorithms / you can’t be happy unless you’re satvic / break the doomscrolling cycles / a zoomed out perspective of history / a wise person develops simplicity / for small things we complicate our lives / this AI isn’t the future we hoped for
SB 7.7.40-42
Check out Raghunath on the Rich Roll podcast at https://youtu.be/BLopUQdMIGk?si=xNJMpiZ-46qqLK2c
What is your Bhakti-yoga elevator pitch? / Did Sri Chaitanya know He was Krishna? / If we are not the body, why is it important that our ashes are thrown in the Ganges river after we die?
Celebrate Episode 1300 with us as we hear testimonials from Wisdom of the Sages listeners about how the podcast, Bhakti & Srimad Bhagavatam have transformed their lives.
Check out Timothy Todd's t shirts at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Timothytoddtshirts
We don’t realize the burden that’s weighing us down (resentment, anger, fear, etc.) like a dreadlocked, homeless dog / "It's motive alone which gives character to the actions of men." - Jean de la Bruyere / Jatayu was a complete success / evolution of motive from Karma to Jnana to Bhakti / good intentions are everything / Bhakti delivers brahma-nirvāṇa / Krishna is easily accessible, being the friend in the heart of everyone / material good fortune is flickering / Krishna gives us what we need- we don’t need to save clutter / cluttered space means cluttered mind
SB 7.7.37-39
Can you kindly explain the “three principal energies?” -Internal, External and Marginal? / Can you speak on the dance between faith in guru vs. having a relationship that is overly dependent? / As a neophyte devotee, how do I get the taste for praying?
Is dancing in your home as powerful as dancing in the temple?
Raghunath’s dream instruction / definitions of humility / Kaustubha’s dream instruction / time changes everything - take care not to devalue or hurt anyone / the material world prunes our self image / Lexus today, Gremlin tomorrow / the challenge to the ego of shaving the head / advanced spirituality appearing as madness / advanced spirituality appearing as material attachment / just one wandering sense can send you completely adrift / burning the seeds of material desires to ashes / transforming matter to spirit SB 7.7.35-36
don’t just be a critic - plant a seed in the ground - do something, no matter how small! / the shame in the game of the critic / the tension, the waiting period, the resolution / focus on growth in the waiting period / Sri Caitanya’s visit to Varanasi / humility through understanding one’s blissful nature / the sannyasis of Varanasi discover the nectar of Bhakti Vedanta
SB 7.7.34
Bhagvatam’s prescription - focus the mind on Krishna, see Krishna in everyone / Yoga Sutra’s prescription - focus the mind in general, relate to others with sattvic clarity / the disinterest of the referee / comparison is the thief of joy - the dangers of social media / friendship toward those who are happy, compassion toward those in distress, joy toward those who are virtuous, equanimity toward those who are non-virtuous / the evolution from equanimity to empathy / the dissolution of one’s lower nature
SB 7.7.30-33
Kaustubha explores questions about the application of modern mental health therapies in the context of the practice of Bhakti-yoga with Relationship Counselor, Dhanya Rico and Hospital Chaplain, Kula Pradipa Das.
Find Dhanya's newest song at
https://open.spotify.com/album/17HCyp59thGRtJPUhyKAUi?si=iczTCsYTRPCefe4vvILAew
Bhakti is the confidential teachings of Vedanta / the heart needs to be opened to understand Bhakti / compassion through not asking “what is their karma?”, but instead asking “what is my dharma?” / individuality should not be suppressed / Education not indoctrination - how to think, not what to think / the role of menial service / understanding bhakti is not merely academic - it involves both inquiry (to gain information), and service (to purify the heart) / Eastern vs Western attitudes towards hierarchies
SB 7.7.29-31
the self is a flashlight; wakefulness, dreaming and deep sleep are the layers that cover its illumination / are we any less helpless in the waking state, than we are in the dream? / just as the changing body is not me, the same is true for the changing mind / anchoring our awareness in something beyond change / 2 yogas - turning consciousness away from the world and directing it to the source of the world / moving through this world as an actor with awareness of the director and the nature of the film / our fundamental identities and our functional identities / extending the duration of our moments of spiritual awareness / harmonizing our external pursuits with our internal values / moving forward with balance
SB 7.7.28-29
Kaustubha Interviews Krishna Kshetra Swami (Dr Kenneth Valpey) on the specialty of the Srimad Bhagavatam and the importance of the reoccurring theme of hospitality found in its narratives.
Find his upcoming course at
https://ochsonline.org/course/bhagavata-purana-sacred-text-tradition/
On the day of its official release, Raghunath and Kaustubha read from and discuss Raghunath's memoir From Punk to Monk, available at https://a.co/d/bqccpnS
Is it primitive to believe that the eclipse is inauspicious?
If you have questions, e-mail us at [email protected]
Its okay to be a dented can / de-mything the sacred texts / in whatever you shine in, you become an influencer / our karma gives us a recipe for future experiences / as changing aromas are evidence of the air that carries them, changing states of awareness are evidence of the soul that experiences them / just as one knows all things made of clay by knowing a piece of clay, one can know everything by knowing Krishna / our material experience is like a bad dream (unwanted and temporary)
SB 7.7.25-27
to understand “what is the meaning of life?”, we first need to understand “who am I?” / Is our happiness coming from the soul or the ego? / purifying the mind through self analysis / the self is distinct from from all things that undergo creation, maintenance and destruction / life doesn’t develop from the body - the body develops from life / what’s the real creation myth? / attachment, fear and anger block perception of the divine / Einstein’s humility
SB 7.7.24
Can you clarify the practice of japa for a relative newcomer like me? / What does it mean to "take shelter” of Krishna & Radha?
“I don't know why we are here, but I'm pretty sure that it is not in order to enjoy ourselves”? - Ludwig Wittgenstein / athāto brahma-jijñāsā - now is the time to inquire about the Absolute Truth / people get intoxicated by their good karma / the soul is the observer / a spiritually advanced person can understand how the spiritual particle exists within the body / One must find the soul by analysis, saying, “This is not it. This is not it.” / My body and mind are shape shifters / Epstein Island and the dark places we go when we are drunk on the world
SB 7.7.21-23
Follow our podcast schedule at https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaQQ4xcGehEHtihNwq1X
win the hearts of Brijbasis / there are no external disqualifications for Bhakti / hearing with faith is the key / figuring out life begins with “I’m not my body” and ends with seeing Krishna everywhere / artificial consciousness is a bluff / the empiricists have moved the goalposts / the most important questions of life lie beyond the scope of material science / if this philosophy is right, everything I know is wrong / look deeper into the Autostereogram until you see the self realization
SB 7.7.17-20
“The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy… and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation and we, (Lawyers) and scientists, don’t know how to do that.” - Gus Speth / God has empowered all of us in different ways (the politician has a role and the monk has a role) / the material world is designed to crack your shell / Narada instructs Prahlad in the womb / are women less intelligent than men? / cold-hearted, analytical Jnana vs the tender affection of Bhakti / Srimad Bhagavatam elevates the feminine disposition / Srila Prabhupada’s pride in his tradition breaking female disciples
SB 7.7.1-16
Raghunath and Kaustubha interview HD Goswami about his new translation of the Mahabharata.
On the occasion of the appearance anniversary of Sri Chaitanya, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how special and important He is, even among the avatars of Krishna.
Is it ok to have friendships with people who are not Krishna bhaktas / Is it ok to get wisdom and truths from teachers who are not Krishna bhaktas / What are your recommendations for a devotee who lives too far from a Temple?
being used for a mighty purpose vs being a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances / the power of revolving around the Divine principle / we avoid diversions such as nonconstructive criticism, gossip, and politics / the world is our reform school / the essence that lies beyond religion / Sri Caitanya’s talks with Ramananda Raya / the false expectations of love we receive from films / sage level 4 / Bhakti is understood not simply by reading books, but by receiving it from someone who embodies it / becoming endowed you with all the favors bestowed upon a gentle disciple
SB 7.6.26-30
“Every act of rebellion expresses a nostalgia for innocence and an appeal to the essence of being.” - Albert Camus / find philosophy you can live / Prahlad is pure to the core and entirely rebellious / what is the use of following the principles of religion, economic development, sense gratification and liberation? / Bhagavatam rebels against the message of the previous Vedic texts / In the Vedas Indra is the hero - in the Bhagavatam Vritrasura is the hero / the innocence of Sukadeva / the pure-hearteness of Pariksit / you’ve gotta want Krishna / liberation is like going to a water park all by yourself
SB 7.6.25
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3.16 / religion is more concerned with salvation - spirituality is more concerned with transformation / access to God is easy because 1) you are intimately related to Him 2) He is present everywhere 3) He is always aware of you / nature arranges to keep the secrets of transcendence concealed from the intrusions of mundane intelligence / the theology is that God is in everyone - the practice is to act without enmity or duality, showing mercy to all / let the mantra be the stick shift / you stalk Krishna and He will stalk you
SB 7.6.19-24
My head is in the philosophy of Krishna Bhakti, but my heart is with Jesus and the saints. Is that ok? / How can we tell the difference between satisfaction, happiness, and peace stemming from the mode of goodness, and that from actual spiritual advancement? / “With the upcoming solar eclipse could you speak a little to significance of solar eclipses in this tradition and what actions can be taken to divert any negative forces that may come with it?
Uncompromised brahmins should engage the military powers - not the other way around / Einstein as the brahmin in the film Oppenheimer (framed in nature, speaking distilled, essential thought, removed from urgent, fear-based thinking) / beware the separatist conception / Prahlad shines light on the dangers of family attachments / Prahlad as 5 year old revolutionary / we won’t be indoctrinated into separatist thinking! / revolution sans-hatred / separatist thought leads to cruelty / our rulers should be inspired and tethered by higher thinkers / if your goal is sense gratification, you’ll stay in bondage / find a roadmap to liberation / we can be both monk and revolutionary
SB 7.6.16-18
it’s what we put in our consciousness in our downtime that shapes who we are / sacred literature is ever fresh and always relevant / sometimes goodness can cheat you out of greatness / Bhagavatam is one big intervention for the material world / hear Bhagavatam on a regular basis in youth and old age, in good health and bad / our daily activities are what change us / add a sense of urgency to your spiritual life / the current of material family life can pull you down the beach / morning Sadhana is like a daily pilgrimage / let God be your God (not someone else) / where does our mind go in extreme situations? / find great souls who know how to harness the energy
SB 7.6.11-15
Prabhupada didn’t mince words / everything is meant to support our relationship with God / don’t sacrifice the whisper of the heart to the contaminant of the mind / now is the time for self reflection / taking care of a baby and putting a kid in a car seat is real tolerance / renunciation or frustration and arrogance? / material nature lops and prunes your attachments / it’s not your wife or husband- it’s the beloved of Krishna entrusted to your care / chisel off the hard edges of the ego to serve family / marriage is meant to make you holy not happy / Raghu is not a narcissist
SB 7.6.6-9
Kaustubha’s Vrindavan wanderings / Prayer is about saying what needs to be said / Vrindavan is the culture of Bhagavatam / While you’re healthy, focus on Bhakti and don’t waste any time / Train the mind to ease your suffering / “We must engage in the supreme practices of training the mind. There is no other way.” - Geshe Kelsang Gyatso / Kaustubha’s affirmation: “We don’t think like that.” / Raghu’s affirmation: “We don’t criticize.” / Discern but don’t criticize / If I don’t live that internal life, then I’m just an artificial, showbottle, so-called bhakti practitioner / Advanced Bhakti-yogis don’t waste time. / Join AA just for the affirmations!
SB 7.6.5
Meander into random temples / focus and simplicity / move the internal mountains of attachment and petty grievances / everywhere we turn someone is trying to sell us happiness / kindness saves a ton of mental baggage / simplicity saves us issues with stuff - kindness saves us from issues with people / when you become very focused on spiritual life, it affects everyone / we’re off the leash looking for distractions / Vishnu is our real soulmate / game-changer: happiness is automatically obtained without endeavor, just as we obtain distress
SB 7.6.1-5
How does puruṣārtha (the Vedic concept of 4 human pursuits) relate to Bhakti? / Is it true that one can be liberated in this life, even though you live a “normal” householder life, or do you have to become a monk? / Do you have a good book recommendation which simply outlines Bhakti in a way that is completely approachable?
Eat, sing and dance to create community / “Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before - it takes something from him.” - Louis L'Amour / anger leaves you dirty and depleted / The greater the ego the greater the rage / It’s our behavior through the day that affects japa / Chat thread arguments drain integrity and harden hearts / Hiranyakashipu’s rage against little Prahlad
SB 7.5.33-57
“These people were so hungry for love that they were accepting substitutes. They were embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back.” - Tuesdays With Morrie / everyone is starving - but not for food - for love / the highest dharma is divine love / addiction to material life leads to darkness / Yamunacharya squirrel / take the dust of the feet of the Vaishnavas / we’re just a tiny blade of grass in a huge meadow / arrogance is a truth blocker / Krishna’s presence accumulates in the heart, and we draw from that when we chant
SB 7.5.30-32
“People haven’t found meaning in their lives, so they’re running all the time looking for it. They think the next car, the next house, the next job. Then they find these things are empty too.” - Tuesdays With Morrie / we’ve gotta figure out what success looks like before we start climbing the ladder / the old musk deer analogy / externals just won’t make us happy / am I chewing the chewed? / your new car is chewing the chewed / Krishna’s name is heart deep not lip deep / Bhakti is an everlasting ever sweetening gobstopper / can we be happy with nothing? / Bhakti gets more bubblelicious as you go
SB 7.5.25-30
You get an authentic experience through an authentic lineage / “Everybody is looking for Krishna. Some don't realize that they are, but they are.” - George Harrison / Rishikesh Kirtan mela / the love is in the details / one incarnation for one devotee / just by remembering the great souls before us we get pulled in their draft / a little self disgust can be healthy / service is a natural expression of love / the Vedas have already given us a map / don’t be a Kramer to Krishna / love in the mood of service, love in the mood of a friend
SB 7.5.23-24
No more inattentive chanting / hear and chant here to prepare to hear and chant in holy places (and vice versa) / India is messy but pure / accept that our life is in Krishna’s hands and get on the Uber motorcycle / see God in the temple to practice seeing God everywhere / there has to be someone in the center of existence, to create harmony, otherwise we just battle in competition - Krishna is that center / we have to accept responsibility for the evil in the world / the devotion is in the details / It’s hard to find God in the heart, but easy to find God in the temple
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Raghu and Mara chant Yamunastakam on the banks of the river / Kaustubha says goodbye to Sri Dham Mayapur / PULL THE TRIGGER! / concentrate your thoughts like the sun’s rays through a magnifying glass / the practices of Bhakti are not mere religious rituals, they are yogic practices designed to focus the mind on the most satisfying object / “Let my mind, with attention fixed on no other object, repeatedly carry its affection to Krishna, just as the Ganga carries a full stream of water to the ocean“ - Queen Kunti / Bhagavatam is one royal calamity after another / never let go of desperation even when things are rosy / bathing in the dust of Vrindavan
the power in hearing about lives of the great saints / the sun is setting, move along / the power in eating saffron filled gulab jamuns / Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati’s vision / You cannot vibrate the holy name simply by moving the lips and tongue. The pure name of krishna is not lip deep, but heart deep / the sound descends from the transcendental world into the heart, then rises through the lips and tongue - that vibration is the holy name of Krishna / "Maintain your worldly obligations in whatever way you can, but make the eternal principle, devotion to Krishna, the true provision for your voyage through life” / we’re wasting time trying to beautify a reflection
“Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference.” - Jane Goodall / both Hanuman and the little squirrel were equal, because both were giving their all / “Krishna has some plan for you. Always think in that way, and very soon he will provide everything to your heart's desire.” - Srila Prabhupada / Kaustubha is not Taylor Swift / lose faith in the material world providing us happiness / trade your expectations for appreciation BrahmaJi! / the chanting and hearing of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam are transcendentally full of mellows / we don’t need a high birth or good karma to advance in spiritual life - just chant
SB 7.5.19-24
let resentment go to free up the mind in chanting meditation / What are the qualities of a Bhakti-yogi? They are like a rooster, a crane, salt, and you! / a rooster picks out the valuable nourishment even in the dung / salt enhances all the other flavors and yet takes no credit / the crane ignores the petty little fish and stays focused on what counts / in the end, Radha and Krishna are the only “Big Fish” / don’t let validation from others be your food / we can be the handle of the Vishnu axe / dharma, artha, kama, moksha, and beyond that is prema - the highest goal / don’t go to the jewelry store and walk out with some plastic - don’t go to the Vedas or the sadhu for material wealth
SB 7.5.15-18
Bhagavatam presents the theology of devotion in the context of the creation of the universe and the following lineages of demigods, sages and royal lines descending from the gods of the sun and moon / omniscience helps in debate / to the extent we are sectarian, we’re rowing the boat but the anchor is down / party line spirit blocks perception of the Paramatma / Krishna’s like a magnet, we’re like iron - when the rust of our illusory desires is removed we are naturally attracted / our love attracts even Krishna
SB 7.5.11-14
“If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.” - William Blake / “…when the good is a furlong off, and we with our beetle eyes can only see three inches, it takes some confidence in general principles to pull us through.” – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle / confidence in the principle of aham bramasmi / the pandit sees everyone equally / saintly persons try to emulate Prahlada’s character by practicing freedom from animosity / only devotion grants access to the greatest secrets of the Vedic wisdom / the last snare of illusion
B 7.5.6-12
Creeps are out there / what it takes to be an instrument of healing / “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” - Jesus / it’s not spoken allegiance that makes one a son of God, it's aligning one's heart with His / Kaustubha runs with the Squirrel / the innocence which can tame the spirit of the unicorn / The 1st illusion - identifying with the body; leads directly to the 2nd illusion - seeing in terms of friends and enemies / having no enemies is based on perceiving inherent spiritual equality of all life / “What did you learn in school today?” - “That any person who has accepted a temporary body and temporary household life is certainly embarrassed by anxiety because of having fallen in a dark well where there is no water but only suffering"
SB 7.4.40-7.5.5
How do you introduce higher dimensions of consciousness into your awareness? / Bhagavatam isn’t valid because it's ancient. It's ancient because it's valid. / growth means seeing your circumstances through a higher lens / the planets have a pull - so add the Krishna graha into your life / thesis: we are completely different from God - antithesis: we are one with God - synthesis: we are both one with and different from God / 3 levels of God realization: Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan / “God is my baby” - you can’t make this stuff up!
SB 7.4.37-40
"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius / temples (and ritual) are all about elevating the quality of our thoughts / clearing the head and heart of resentment, anger and bitterness / we find what we’re looking for / the Vastu Purusha / you can’t change the planets you were born under, but you can make Krishna the predominating planet that shines auspiciousness in your life / how the great devotees see Krishna everywhere / stop relying on our good karma for happiness
SB 7.4.35-37
How can we best face our own mortality? / Can you speak on the relationship between Radha and Krishna / Are there any stories of Krisna with cats?
"Humans doing the hard jobs on minimum wage, while the robots write poetry and paint, is not the future I wanted." - Karl Sharro / ya can’t beat the system / simplicity & kindness / because we remain servants of our senses, we can never be satisfied / the Devas give up food and sleep, meditating to connect with Vishnu / connection with Vishnu dissipates the fear / the qualities that facilitate spiritual experience - sense control, mind control, kindness, respect, giving shelter, deep friendship, freedom from pride
SB 7.4.18-34
Anything we have to conquer can be integrated as part of our Bhakti practice / give it your best effort and be detached from the results / mastering an even mind, equal vision and inner happiness / becoming successful emotion managers / Hiraṇyakaśipu terrorizes the universe / pass on praise or it’ll kill you / broken egos search for satellites
SB 7.4.1-17
seek employment in the field, and with the kind of people you would select if you had no need for money / religion has been stripped of the sacrifice of ones body, words and mind / do you need to erase your conscience to enjoy? / the demonic mentality can’t recognize one’s dependence on the higher power / work in harmony with the system - because you can’t cheat it
SB 7.3.17-38
Andrew C. Thornton II’s unbridled greed - how much cocaine do you need to sell to be happy? / Dr Bruce Alexander and the Rat Park Experiments / “One should accept only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and one should not accept other things, knowing well to whom they belong.” / All there is to satisfy the senses, can’t satisfy one who’s senses are uncontrolled / The demonic mentality is taking Vishnu out of the picture / the soul gives life to the body, not the other way around / Hiranyakashipu is no better than the Cocaine Bear
SB 7.3.6-16
As an adoptee, how can I understand the longing I have to meet my birth mother in the context of Bhakti-yoga? / Does a yogi just accept their ADHD, or do they try to mitigate it? / Is it too early to speak to my 5 year old about death and reincarnation? / How to process life’s curses?
How do we become normalized to suffering, however abominable it may be? / Will you please explain ISKCON’s view of the Trimurti? (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) / How important is it for us to desire to go back to Godhead?
the Vrindavan flower vendor / if daily, love infused seva became mandatory in New York City / aligning one’s heart with the heart of God / the service itself is the payment / we see God in the deity to see God in the heart of every / Raghu would use the mystic powers only for good / the great commentators speak on austerity / don’t lay out during the meteor shower
SB 7.2.58 - 7.3.5
Raghunath interviews Giridhari Das, an American who left his past behind, moved to Holy India, built his own cob house, grows his own food, and practices Bhakti-yoga.
“Sometimes a dream almost whispers.” - Steven Spielberg / are we asking for advice, or for an instruction? / we're being driven around in a rental car / you can have Krishna consciousness right now, if you really want it / if we had a psychiatrist and a guru with us in the movie theater / the message is everywhere - that we’re all gonna die / śmaśāna-vairāgya - the detachment in a cemetery
SB 7.2.45-57
“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” – Mother Teresa / there’s a lot of crazy talk in our mind / sometimes God’s plan is for Raghu to keep the stage dive money / never consider yourself to be the Ultimate cause / put in the effort, but understand there’s a greater plan / we grow by applying wisdom to misfortune, death, grief, betrayal, etc. / real truth is the medicine
SB 7.2.39-44
we’re living out the dream of Bhaktivinode Thakura / what good are my beauty products when this body burns? / isn’t it just sane to recognize and appreciate all that’s provided for me? / because we lack conviction in our spiritual nature, we focus on the differences and suffer / we follow our mind like a slave until we find truth / our thoughts and meditations are creating our next body right now
SB 7.2.22-38
How can Sri Chaitanya give the highest gift to the most unqualified? / Please explain, who are the Pancha Tattva? / Is loving God as Father a lower type of love?
“The one who plants trees knowing that he or she will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.” — Rabindranath Tagore / As pouring water on the root of a tree energizes the trunk, branches, twigs and everything else, simply worshiping the Supreme Person through Bhakti automatically satisfies the demigods / don’t cut down trees- just build around them / take special care of your initiation beads / trees are sacred and so are squirrels / we’re like straws being washed down a river
SB 7.2.13-21
one who is content enjoys transcendental happiness without endeavoring / for one who has mastered ahimsa, others become nonviolent in their presence / We need a class of pure hearted spiritualists without a material agenda / It’s simple math to see the value of a cow / There’s gotta be an adult in the room to stop all the junk mail / no good comes after 10 pm / Srila Prabhupada’s beautiful devotional audacity
SB 7.2.1-12
(may God) deliver you from externals, and bestow upon you an inward occupation, which will absorb you so that your attention is not drawn away - Rumi / Begging for the removal of envy and animosity / let your meditation be thick like honey on Krishna / may our minds go to Krishna spontaneously / our inner meditation will deliver us to our spiritual body / it’s hard to be kind when you’re a hornet / the curse of a Bhakti-yogi is ultimately a blessing / the background history of the demon Shishupal
SB 7.1.30-48
What are some of the do’s and don’ts when attending a temple? / Can you tell us about Sri Caitanya?
"If something can corrupt you, you’re corrupted already." — Bob Marley / Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. — Bob Marley / get obsessed with things that lift you up / knowledge frees one from the pain of insults / our issues all stem from our bodily concepts / enmity is a powerful meditation / Through song, ritual, music or meditation, bring your mind to Krishna
SB 7.1.22-29
Raghu’s official apology to Bob Marley / “We become what we think about most of the time, and that’s the strangest secret.” - Earl Nightingale / Only if one contemplates something continuously does it become fixed as internal consciousness and manifest as a part of one’s nature. - Sri Madhvacharya / spiritual culture makes it easy to meditate all the time / Krishna is the most purifying force / Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail / “Everything is part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa and is acting and moving by the supreme desire of Kṛṣṇa. This understanding, this consciousness, is Kṛṣṇa consciousness.” - Srila Prabhupada / Raghu would be looking for Sisupala’s head
SB 7.1.16-21
the wisdom in accepting our fate / it’s the strong person who can accepts reversals in life without complaint / we have very little control beyond our own mind / entering Sage Level 3 / Sisupala’s focused hatred of Krishna / Krishna’s cool headed tolerance of Sisupala’s insults / right in the mists of the worlds great kings and sages, Krishna effortlessly takes Sisupala’s life / how did a deamon like Sisupala receive the moksha of merging into the body of Krishna?
SB 7.1.13-15
‘Have your heart always turned towards the Divine…. It is not exterior silence that makes a monk, but silence of the heart.’ - Theodora of Alexandria / how to guard your snow globe heart / love God above all things, preserve tranquility, be meek and without malice, avoid obscenity and silliness, love non-covetousness, don’t neglect communal prayer - Theodora of Alexandria / Raghu Has Forgiven Elvis Costello & Moved On / It’s one thing to align with God externally, but it’s a life’s work to align entirely internally / Krishna is never partial / How did a demon like Sisupala get liberated?
SB 7.1.7-11
How can I clear the bad karma accumulated through activities of the past? / If one of the pillars of Bhakti is to take no offense, why does the SB speak about the danger of offending pure devotees? / What is the Bhakti viewpoint on chanting japa silently?
“In ancient India, soul-searching crisis was not concealed or imbued with shame, but viewed as an important time of transition, a deep rite of passage.” - Simon Hass / passing through the gates of soul searching crisis to the next level of spiritual advancement / sacred literature- it’s one crisis after another / Krishna is independent, but likes to be dependent on devotees / there is growing evidence that depression is linked to television watching / why not binge out on the sacred texts? / binging Krishna gives you life, binging tv gives you depression
SB 7.1.1-6
“I have tried to be impartial, though I know that a man's past always colors his views.“ - Will Durant / only the impartial can see the truth / true impartiality is found through seeing the soul within the body and behind the mind / Vishnu is both a cat and a dog person / the result of mixed devotion is fear, the result of our devotion is freedom / What is the way to get pure devotion? / because the body of the conditioned soul is infected by the three qualities of nature, dualities arise such as enmity and friendship, attachment and detachment
My question is about the difference between Shaivism and Vaishnavism? / Should we pray for others? / What advice should I give families as a hospice nurse?
when two enemies are talking, they're not fighting / if you spend five minutes with your worst enemy you will find that you both have something in common / Bhakti rituals destroy cruelty in the heart / Wanna change the world? Change yourself / Radhanath Swami's internal purity is changing the world externally / Understanding and respect leads to change / When the talking ceases the ground becomes fertile for violence / Vishnu and Laxmi are the original power couple
SB 6.18.1-6.19.28
love others and God above all / Hate the greed, tyranny and animal appetite within ourselves / Spiritual freedom is the true happiness / See ourselves with the big I identity / We’re just concocting mental turbo scenarios / Our mind creates happiness and distress in illusion / Understand we’re living within a movie / Tragedy is around the corner and nobody gets a pass / We need to fully understand this illusory world in order to navigate and transcend it / Knowledge and detachment come naturally to bhakti yogis / No one is dear or inimical, but he’s an auspicious friend to all / We need to be free of attachment to be free of hatred / Pull a Citraketu to disarm your haters / Vaishnavas don’t retaliate
SB 6.17.31-41
You can choose your destiny by who you hang out with / What can ya do when truth comes in an uncool package? / There’s magic to be had / Take advantage of spirituality and connection however you can (even in Catholic school) / Don’t be worried about world wars and corruption, acharyas are being born/ You can lose the taste for the forbidden fruit / Take radical responsibility- I got what I got, now what? / Stop blaming to find peace / Be fixed only in the service to God / Once you have a deep spiritual connection, good and bad don’t affect you so much / When you’re out of the prison, you don’t care about extra jello / Tolerate hardship in the service of Narayana / Rise above negativity and respond like Citraketu
SB 6.17.22-30
How to deal with feelings of inauthenticity when social obligations seem to get in the way of spiritual commitment? / How does my job fit in with my spiritual practice?
"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance." - Nathaniel Branden / the 5 stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance / shooting straight to acceptance / the comedy of when we can’t accept / Just because you join the Bhakti club doesn’t mean you’re liberated / As spiritual ambition rises, resentment anger and depression decreases / Am I capable of shooting straight for acceptance? / You get what you get and don’t be upset / However and wherever I can serve, please let me serve
SB 6.17.17-21
“It isn’t that they can’t see the solution. It is that they can’t see the problem” - GK Chesterton / don’t just fix the symptoms, get to the root of the disease / our problem is that we see ourselves as disconnected from the root of all existence / Citraketu gracefully accepted his curse / Pariksit gracefully accepted his curse / Prithu gracefully responded to Indra’s offenses / Indra lacked grace, and always tried to hold onto his position / the more we try to rectify reversals, the more we enter into the darkest region of materialistic thought
SB 6.17.1-16
“To love or to have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.” - Victor Hugo / Our desires drive us to pursue pleasure - but we end up getting the opposite results / pride in one's material experience brings contradictory results / a living being’s sense of identity apart from Kṛṣṇa is called māyā / having forgotten our purpose since time immemorial, we are situated in different bodies, as men, animals, demigods, etc. / when one is engaged in transcendental service one becomes at once liberated from this illusion
SB 6.16.59-65
without self knowledge we are slaves / don’t let our senses carjack us / yoga starts with understanding how our machines work / the world isn’t our paradise, it’s our university / I’m not the enjoyer, I’m the student / Vishnu to the soul “Um, both you, and the world, are produced, pervaded and supported by Me / deep sleep, dreaming and wakefulness are insubstantial phases of conditional life / “Pay now or pay later.” - Raghunath / forgetfulness of our oneness with God is the cause of transmigration / we can try to tweak tradition, but instead we blow it up
SB 6.16.52-58
Should I be attached or detached as a parent? / Where do the gunas first get mentioned? / Are the different ages in life linked to the gunas? / How can we prepare to die in relation to the gunas? / How should we interact with people who are visibly affected by the lower gunas?
Bhagavad-gita is common sensical and profound / books change the world / Krishna was the original thought leader-influencer / what the world needs now is love via BG / just hear carefully / consult the Gita in all critical times / the Bhagavad-gita is impregnated with instructions for relieving the burning heart in all circumstances of time and space
Goal: 3.7 Million Gita’s around the world. https://livetogive.webflow.io/
To donate, text/whatsapp/call Malini at this number: +1 (669) 289-5563
"The quest for liberation from this bondage [or illusion] (of seeing ourselves as separate) is the only object of true religion." - Albert Einstein / our nature is intrinsically connected the whole / Krishna is the hub (holding everything together) and the root (nourishing everything) / “Persons who are too materialistic always see separateness.” - Srimad Bhagavatam / substantial relationships are built on spiritual truth / chant japa with attention and intention to open the safe / the key to confidential Vedanta is not renunciation, austerity or learning - it has to do the the state of our heart / Krishna reveals his love when we come correct / 2 keys to the safe - spiritual sound and form
SB 6.16.47-51
reaching out when struggling over the holidays / I can’t save my face and my butt at the same time / praying for more stuff within the prison cell / it’s not sectarianism, it’s orienting our minds to higher thinking in whatever tradition one is from / frying out the seeds of material desire / freedom from the mentalities of “you and I” and “yours and mine”
SB 6.16.36-46
response to a Stephen Hawking anti-nugget - we get it that computers don’t have an afterlife, but their users do / response to a Christopher Hitchens anti-nugget - we get it that germs cause disease, but where did the germs come from? / the forgotten past of microbiology from Sage Scientist Kanva in the Atharvaveda / nobody has a monopoly on truth / It takes a scientist, a philosopher and a theologian / If we’re just bags of chemicals, why give holiday gifts? / Sattvika-bhavas - unpremeditated, involuntary expression arising directly from the spiritually surcharged consciousness / unconquerable Krishna is conquered by love / even Brahma is a secondhand God
SB 6.16.31-35
Um, sorry Kiss, but your digital avatars don’t make you immortal / centrifugal vs centripetal force / glowworms only appear bright in the dark / the truth is we are fallible, vulnerable and dependent / finding meaning and happiness in truth, not illusion / sometimes our tragedy is just a little karma left to burn / clearing all the corrupted files in the mind
SB 6.16.21-31
Can you please clarify the difference between imperfect senses and being illusioned as described in Vedic epistemology? / Can you share your thoughts about depression and the need for a guide to study Bhagavad-gita? / Is there any scriptural advice for a situation regarding the heart hardening to those who have done us wrong? / Do you have any practical guidance on studying Bhagavad-gita?
“You have something in you more powerful and miraculous than the things that affect you and make you dance like a puppet.” – Marcus Aurelius / We are all made of the superior energy of God. / We are far more effulgent than the sun! / we can be permeated and vitalized by God’s ever-blissful spiritual rasa / Social media has us dancing like puppets / You want resurrection? We got resurrection / our senses and mind are nothing but trouble / we’re qualitatively one with god, and quantitatively different / hear the sage’s wisdom, watch the body burn, and come out of the river a different person
SB 6.16.11-20
“It’s better to conquer grief than to deceive it.” —Seneca / Citraketu conquers grief / deluded by ignorance, the living entity wanders in the forest of this material world, enjoying the happiness and distress resulting from his past deeds / let grief open you up to truth / Excuse Me Indian Gentlemen in the Back, but This is Satyam / “and this schizophrenia, we call pleasure” / we can love but we can’t possess / if I was a director I would cut to the faces of the co-wives / Krishna has a better plan / Bhagavatam solves the world’s problems
SB 6.16.7-10
the gift of the association of pure devotees / mantras change your vision / Has your lord ever manifested into a boar or a dwarf?! / to the degree you want to be closer to Krishna he comes closer to you / our children are our children for a moment / See past the temporary roles and love the soul beneath / to love an actor you need to see beyond the illusion of the roles they play / be cold to the illusion but warm to the spirit
SB 6.16.1-6
“You have no choice. You must leave your ego on the doorstep before you enter love.” ― Kamand Kojouri / Bhaktivedanta is the fullest expression of the self / To the degree there’s ego, there’s no room for intimacy / looking at our own pain with the discernment of a stone cold Vendantin and a soft heart of a Bhakti-yogi / ask the sages for knowledge during times of pain / wisdom eases the pain of grief / “All that is left of this family life is a list of names.” - Srila Prabhupada / when you’re wailing on the floor, you’ve just got a little karma to burn
SB 6.15.17-28
“Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.” - Colin Powell / I identify only as the servant of the servant of the servant of the lotus feet of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa / “The ego is like a clever monkey, which can co-opt anything, even the most spiritual practices, so as to expand itself.” ― Jean-Yves Leloup / because the individual soul has desired to act in forgetfulness of his original identity since time immemorial, he is accepting different positions in material bodies and being designated according to many divisions of nationality, community, society, species and so on / 2 two side effects of Bhakti - 1. freedom from material designations 2. and one’s senses are purified (of the drivers of desire)
SB 6.15.8-16
How to come to the point where I do everything purely the love of Krishna? / Should I be putting my chanting first before any other aspects of my Sadhana/Seva? / I have lost most access to long term memory so have a hard time maintaining a steady practice. Can you help?
“Your children are not your children. They come through you but not from you.” - Kahlil Gibran / Share what’s valuable but give them breathing room / the litmus test for what’s real - does it exist in all 3 phases in time? / We are not the body; we are spiritual beings trapped in the body / our massive problems are actually tiny / We have no independent potency to create / take this to your bosom
SB 6.15.1-7
“If we climb high enough, we will reach a height from which tragedy ceases to look tragic.” - Irvin D. Yalom / without the spiritual lens, life’s tragedies (and it’s meaninglessness) become crushing / tragedy will come- nobody gets a pass / all our hopes for material happiness come with grief as the flip side / grief is the crack where truth can enter / tragedy can break your faith in God or break your faith in false promise of happiness in illusion / Let our most tragic moments be the most transformative / seeking out discomfort for spiritual growth / You want miracles, we got em!
SB 6.14.49-61
“Tragedy is like strong acid. It dissolves away all but the very gold of truth.” - D. H. Lawrence / tragedy can kickstart our spiritual evolution / if we could only see our spiritual trajectories over the course of lifetimes / there’s real hope and beauty in material collapse / the material world always puts some sand in your sweet rice / Bhagavatam instructs as a ruler, a friend, and lover / Citraketu’s joy quickly turns to pain
SB 6.14.1-49
“People who sincerely search will find the same truth in every age and culture. The direction is always toward more love and union-in ever widening circles.” - Richard Rohr / Sanatana dharma is the ultimate in inclusivity / the soul is never warped / may our actions please lord Krishna / all the same things are happening in the celestial world / our desires got us to this miserable place / good karma can ruin your life / for a devotee there is no bad karma / Indra’s long, painful, embarrassing journey all began with neglecting to honor the noble truth speaker in his life
SB 6.13.1-23
Kirtan is magic / Krishna will crush your desire to be the center / We just gotta let go…and then it all comes / a devotee’s not interested in maintaining some position / Just when we need him most, the avatar appears / Indra recognizes that Vritrasura is a pure devotee
SB 6.12.18-35
Is our path more about supporting others or should we be focused more on our own path? / In moments when doubts and hardships were overwhelming how are you able to turn it around?
After both being sick for 5 days, Raghu and Kaustubha squirrel away for a show about their experiences and thoughts while under the weather. Topics include... • the glory of the devotees of Alachua Fl. • the soon to be released Mahabharata from HD Goswami • Jahnavi Harrisons music descending from the spiritual world • and a dream about the future for Wisdom of the Sages listeners
Check out Kaustubha's upcoming Vani course:
The Sages' Insight MASTERCLASS WITH KAUSTUBHA
https://courses.vanischool.com/sage
Check out the Jahnavi Harrison song Kaustubha mentions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2PJF3YRClw
Stay up to date on our events at www.wisdomofthesages.com
See what Raghunath is up to at www.raghunath.yoga
What does it mean to be an authentic person on a Bhakti path? / Could you share a little advice on raising a child in Bhakti? / Clicker counters vs tulsi beads for counting japa - is one method better than the other?
“the Matrix can remain our cage or it can become our chrysalis, ... To be free, you cannot change your cage. You have to change yourself.” - Neo, The Matrix Screenplay / we lose our dignity and our focus chasing pleasures in the matrix / the world is a virtual reality designed to to train us to love purely / loving purely means entirely selfless, and encompassing everyone / 'Perform your duty equipoised, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such equanimity is called yoga.' - Bhagavad-gita 2.48
SB 6.12.1-17
“What is life?… It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time.” - Crowfoot / observe nature, reflect and journal / Vritrasura starts blowing Indra’s mind! / What is the fruit of devotion mixed with material desire? Enmity, anxiety, mental agitation, pride and belligerence. / we’ve all got a Crazy Joe Davola / Vritrasura offers his body, words & mind to Vishnu / Vritrasura shares his tender, inner, feminine side / Vritrasura’s desire to serve the servants / rooting out the inner tinder swindler
SB 6.11.22-27
thoughts on kirtan / have faith the Maha-mantra will reveal everything / “Our bodies are just temporary vessels for our souls, which will go on forever. You really are an extension of the power that created the whole universe, no matter what drags you have on.” -RuPaul / we wear many drags / note what we’re leaning into to escape our pain / material focus keeps you on a rollercoaster of ups and downs / the material world is designed to humiliate us / devotees are awarded fearlessness / let the jackals eat this body
SB 6.11.6-21
we’ve gotta reject the aspects of religion that prevent us from uniting in kirtan / kirtan can lift us to the spiritual world / once you dress like a cowherd boy you’ve gotta own it / great personalities are not disturbed by insults / welcome insults as an opportunity / why should anything in this illusory world disturb our connection to Krishna? / let’s be ready to die a glorious death / duels have umpires
SB 6.10.13 - 6.11.5
Check out the Mayapur Kirtan that Kaustubha mentions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRLV7ZEMQ18
Raghunath and Kaustubha interview their longtime friend, Yogi Charu, about the importance of maintaining a daily sadhana and other practices for physical, spiritual and mental health.
Check out Charu's book, https://a.co/d/3L4z0zB
Learn more about Yogi Charu and his latest offerings at https://www.yogicharu.com/
How to explain Bhakti to a concerned spouse? / Why is religion the cause of so much war? / How to react when through serving others you feel like you are being taken advantage of? / How to explain Bhakti to skeptical family members?
you need your WHY to wake up in a good mood / Meaning comes from serving others / If you’re waking up in a bad mood most days, it’s not normal / if we’re trying to squeeze enjoyment out of sleep we’re missing the excitement of spiritual life / Engage your body as an offering for higher purpose / Prabhupada lived it / Bhagavatam is keying into the bhakti disposition / The body must be engaged for the benefit of others, or else it will be the source of tribulation and misery / Give your body give your breath give your blood
SB 6.10.1-12
“… either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.” - Martin Luther King Jr. / the lives of heros inspire us to make the most of our own / walk through your hell without spite, resentment or revenge / creating a devotional disposition / attachments cloud truth perception / Krishna is easily accessible to the pure and truthful / exclusive yogic focus on Krishna / the beautiful Bhagavatam continually turns stereotypical dharma paradigms upside-down / the world is designed to prune and prod us to become unconditional lovers
SB 6.9.45-55
we’ve been marked by great souls / 'A good disposition is a virtue in itself.' - Ovid / ignorance causes the negative cycle, knowledge breaks it / 1 weekend with devotees can recalibrate your compass / the anxiety of the Devas vs the peace of Vritrasura / the anxiety of the Devas vs the peace of Krishna / Dear Krishna, we love you but….. could you please annihilate our enemies? / Don’t ask Krishna for things, just glorify him / when the demigods are utterly helpless, they approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead in grief and with tears in their eyes / the fully evolved disposition
SB 6.9.40-44
“Time and reflection change the sight little by little 'til we come to understand.” - Paul Cezanne / with time and steady reflection for wisdom will take root / Striving For the Bhakti Tipping Point / Bhakti carries the potential to transcend all religious differences / No one has a monopoly on God / incessant transcendental bliss flows in the minds of those who taste a drop of Krishna’s glories / happiness of sense gratification is merely a reflection / how to become they the real friends of everyone / the beggars may be the experts at achieving the real goal in life
SB 6.9.38-39
'We cannot attain the presence of God. We're already totally in the presence of God. What's missing is awareness.' - David Brenner / spirituality means trying to see what’s holding it all together / the Vishnu stereogram / letting go of the externals for awareness of Krishna / Raghu and Kaustubha have documentary dreams / the polluted eagerness for knowledge / external happiness comes with a dose of external distress / God’s rage is bliss, and his bliss is bliss
SB 6.9.34-37
• How does our Bhakti practice influence the greater good in this Age of Kali (the Age of Quarrel)?
• What do the scriptures say about the duration of Kali-yuga?
• Is it just something that we must endure while staying focused on our own spiritual practice or is it possible that conflict will diminish as the tradition spreads?
as we mature, we stop fighting (and start laughing at) the ego / Give up the race- we’re destined to lose / laughing at who we’ve tried to present ourselves as / the demigods have knowledge but not wisdom / eradicating the darkness in the heart / we are all pure souls covered by our mind’s conditioning / open your eyes and just see (and be seen)
SB 6.9.26-33
“I prefer to their dogma my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers.” - Zitkala-Sa / we’re a healthy blend of pagans and theists / here’s a postulate - that there is much to see that we are not seeing / What’s standing between me and my ability to see God? / the center of the universe is everywhere / If we move through the world harming others, we become callous and blind / we are trying to be separate independent Gods / the centrifugal force in the act of sex / if you wanna enjoy the flavors of power and opulence, you’re choosing illusion / the pure devotees see in their heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of love
SB 6.9.25
Kaustubha has a high bar for Krishna miracles / Miracles can shake us out of our skepticism / Figure out your offering and go full speed ahead / Krishna doesn’t want one song- he wants every note of every song / Before reciting the Srimad Bhagavatam we must remove our tin foil hat / we think we’ve let go of the ego, but we haven’t / Krishna chops away and sands us for pure bhakti / take your problems to Ganga devi and cry / When ya got nothing, you’ve got everything
SB 6.9.23-24
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What is the objective of Karma? / Given the state of the world, the corruption, greed, and the pervasive evil that has shown itself increasingly over the past few years do you believe Krishna has returned? / If we are all just playing roles, why marry?
How to help a victim of abuse? / How to keep up with the modern world without getting entangled? / How to understand the Impersonal feature of the Absolute?
recommit to your Bhakti / everything is a distraction from the holy name / Life is short, war is everywhere -get serious about Bhagavatam // The more pain we see, the more determined we need to be to see spirit soul within / To the degree we are moved by hate we’ve lost our spiritual way / we have to learn forgiveness because we’re all fallible / positive attitude is a joke without spiritual substance / stop tripping over the same Maya
SB 6.8.12-22
Indra’s karmic proclivity leads to his next big mistake / Pure devotional service doesn’t breed fear / Krishna accepts the mood, not our expertise / one who accepts Bhakti will never blunder on his path, even while running with eyes closed, he will never trip or fall / Krishna’s not power hungry He’s love hungry / Do it as an offering!
SB 6.9.5-11
What are some ways that we can benefit the most spiritually during the month of Kartik? / How to respond to temple priests who seem like the “money changers” rejected by Jesus? / Is praying for the well being of a loved one like praying for material things?
Raghunath sits down with Krishna Murari Goswami and discusses the onset of the auspicious month of Kartik.
Chronic illness – how to know when to try to fix it or when to accept it? / If we don’t forgive we will have similar difficult relationships with family members in our next life?” / What is the connection between Bhakti-yoga and Jnana-yoga? / How to see Krishna in your dreams?
“First things first … he’s got three heads.” / material existence is riddled with envy fear and worry / Indra blows it again! / freedom comes with a price / the gradual path of letting go / big opulence leads to big bewilderment / Laxmi belongs to Vishnu, not to our Maya / attachment creates humiliation / sadhu’s gotta cut- don’t be a dirty old man / Indra is the hero of the Vedas, but the buffoon of the Bhagavatam (because Vyasa want’s to show us that mixed devotion is not the goal of life)
you surrender and then you transcend to body and are in a totally different space / don’t weaponize your opulences / anything we’re proud of will be removed / pride sets one up for competition, anxiety, fear and humiliation / Krishna doesn’t tolerate false pride / our bodies have a low ceiling for enjoyment and a high ceiling for pain / we are the enjoyed, not the enjoyer / don’t try to adjust the world to your enjoyment - adjust yourself to be harmonious with the world / your devotion is everything
there’s constant war everywhere / the jiva is at war with the time factor / now is the time to connect with spirit / Narayana kavacha is a comprehensive insurance policy / we are existing in God and God is existing in us at every moment / Be careful what you wish for / purify, refine and distill our desires / our goal is to have prema as our only desire
What does transformation look like? / How can I keep the peace I’ve been feeling pilgrimage when I return home to figure out my material life? / How to gracefully move through mental layers of cynicism, skepticism and fault-finding?
we’re missing out on a map for dharma / Visvarupa is broad minded, Indra divides on party lines / all the yoga, rituals, austerities, etc. are meant to lead to pure love / pure devotees are happy to serve in heaven or hell / Indra’s prayers remind us of Hiranyakashipu / there but for the grace of God go I / Gods mercy follows the devotees mercy
too many possessions is like carrying a lot of luggage when you travel - it just creates anxiety / Siddhartha would be no greedy hawker of incantations / “A brāhmaṇa who desires to achieve happiness by gaining wealth through professional priesthood must certainly have a very low mind.” - Visvarupa / to the degree you get into bhakti, you’re satisfied with simplicity / the sooner we realize our happiness comes from within, the sooner we’re relieved of anxiety / the Nārāyaṇa-kavaca Shield
SB 6.8.1-15
India’s timeless spiritual culture / our faces and wrinkles and abs are all about to burn / feel the presence of great souls in the holy places / add transcendental sound during downtime / “Why should I worry? Radharani knows exactly what I need" / in bhakti, if your intention is pure , mistakes don’t matter / ask Krishna to stir it up / Indra’s desires are the cause of his anxiety / Indra did not have Visvarupa’s broad-mindedness
SB 6.7.31-40
Can gratitude reinforce material attachments? / How do I surrender? / How to get the most out of a pilgrimage experience? / How do we know wether we’re sincere?
“Etiquette is the science of living. It embraces everything. It is ethics. It is honor”. - Emily Post / Can juniors bless seniors? / Bhagavatam is repeatedly encouraging us to see the divinity, dignity and spiritual potential in every living being - this is the fundamental spiritual principle / everyone should be respected as a temple of the Supreme / keep it sacred!
SB 6.7.25-30
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” – Martin Luther King Jr. / dismantling the barriers of our love / what’s so special about the cows and the Brahmanas? / by adopting a diet dependent on cruelty and petroleum based industry we are rapidly creating hell on earth / the positive alternative is an economy and diet based on simple living and a relationship of cooperation and love between humans and animals
SB 6.7.22-24
Krishna is involved in every aspect of our life / how material opulence increases enmity, anxiety, mental agitation, pride and belligerence / we go through so much endeavor to increase and maintain our possessions, and we suffers great unhappiness when we lose them / external etiquette is for the internal change
Check out Radhikesh Prabhu at www.radhikeshdas.com
SB 6.7.13-21
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” ― G. Michael Hopf / Krishna kindly dismantles all of our false identities / the arc in the life of a sadhu / the wise voluntarily accept austerity / Indra’s opulence makes him weak - and brings on the hard times
SB 6.7.12-13
Ingratitude is the frost that nips the flower even as it opens/ Don’t repay gifts with ingratitude / Do we hear the voice of Daksha in our own heart? / Good karma can be bad and bad karma can be good / material enjoyment bewilders us and covers our gratitude / Anything I’ve got, I’ve received from my teachers / everything becomes a waste of time if you don’t remember why you’re doing it
SB 6.6.1-6.7.11
How do I know if I’m choosing the right faith tradition? / If the Maha Mantra is the Yuga Dharma, were people chanting it before? / What is universal love?
Is it ok to chant while doing other things? / How to respond to manipulation in spiritual circles? / How would you explain that God can be a person too someone brand new to Bhakti?
“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” - Marcus Aurelius / yogis anticipate criticism and accept it without becoming petty / If you don’t purge your material attachment, it will get taken away anyway / material enjoyment is the cause of all unhappiness / the Bhakti equation - as love increases, detachment increases / Bhakti-yogis don’t don’t counter-curse
SB 6.5.41-44
“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” - Winston Churchill / let the world love or hate you and stay even minded / forget body positivity - go for spirit positivity / the real enemy is the mind’s negative programing and insecurity / “A perfect Vaiṣṇava’s position should be just like Nārada Muni’s, completely independent and unbiased.” - A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami / we need high caliber devotees in our life / Daksha’s half truths / knowledge and detachment arise automatically through devotion
SB 6.5.39-41
we’re born indebted / all debts are paid through Bhakti / all rules and rituals are meant to serve love - when we forget that, then religion becomes repulsive / awakening gratitude is the threshold of spiritual life / Daksha’s blindness to pure devotion / How much Daksha is inside me?
SB 6.5.36-38
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Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. — Rumi / become the person Mr. Right is looking for / What’s the barrier keeping us from receiving Divine Love? / the mantra is the third rail / if we are hearing wisdom daily then when suffering comes we’ll be able to process it and grow / everyone was getting delivered except Daksha (what was his barrier?)
SB 6.5.21-35
“Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be swept away before the tide of time.” - Mahatma Gandhi / of the unreal there is no endurance and of the real there is no change - Bhagavad-gita 2.16 / time is more than a measure, it’s a powerful force / floppy disks are a poor investment / shastra are our real father / One should not become a parent if they cannot save their dependents from the impending danger of death
SB 6.5.19-20
Can it be favorable to walk the path of Bhakti with a partner who doesn’t? / In leading a Bhagavad-gita study group, how can I be respectful to those whose faith is different than mine? / How can I reframe suffering?
this is not a pipe, this is not success, this is not happiness, this is not my child, this is not love / “To look at something as though we had never seen it before requires great courage.” — Henri Matisse / we’re living in the world of names / “Human life is simply meant for self-realization.” – A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami / this life is neither comfortable nor secure / the soul yearns for the eternal / to the degree you invest in illusion, you strengthen the illusion / spiritually - the name and the named are non-different
SB 6.5.18
when devotees come, everything becomes auspicious / “Great calm, generous detachment, selfless love, disinterested effort: these are what make for success in life.” - Rabindranath Tagore / don’t just run with the current - pause, breathe and examine / Zip it up! Our material bodies are not eternal! / to the degree of our envy, we live in illusion / don’t let a cheating intelligence drag you around / austerity and knowledge are on the edge of samsara, but they flow quickly (in the form of anger and ego)
SB 5.6.15-17
Check out Madhava's Rock Band at
anyone can draw / dismantling the blocks to creativity / identifying and processing our emotions / build a bridge of empathy / centering the intelligence around Krishna / in yoga there is a practice and a goal
SB 6.5.13-14
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Check out what she is up to at https://www.dearruksi.com/book
“False happiness is like false money... when it is brought to the touch, we find the lightness and alloy, and feel the loss.” - Alexander Pope / sattvic, rajasic and tamasic happiness / false happiness = senses contacting external objects, real happiness = internal nature of the self / what’s the use of karma endeavor for temporary happiness / the false premise upon which we build our entire lives
SB 6.5.1-12
How is it possible to perceive and love Krishna's presence, and not fall into despair, in the sick, backwards state of the world we are living in? / How should I honor an altar at home? / Which books would you recommend, Srila Prabhupada’s original editions or the current revised editions?
For a Bhakti-yogi, can it be at all helpful to incorporate other yogic practices such as kundalini, tantra, kriya, etc.? And if so, how can one practice safely while keeping Krishna in the center?
Conventional Vedanta vs Esoteric Vedanta / Vaishnava acharyas give us a glimpse of Esoteric Vedanta / centrifugal knowledge vs centripetal knowledge / Krishna works through multifarious energies / Radha is the personification of the pleasure potency - the embodiment of Divine Love / when our heart becomes softened it can receive the pleasure potency from the heart of another who has it / approaching the esoteric with reverence / dismantling the ego in the land of Radha's Love / when will Sri Radha cast Her merciful sidelong glance upon me?
http://www.harekrsna.de/Radha-kripa-kataksha-stava.htm
“We carry within us a divine spark, and if we chose to recognize it, our lives have dignity, meaning, hope.” - Dean Koontz / we aren’t selfish by nature – selfishness is an artificial imposition / yoga is all about remembering who you are / Bhakti-yogis are already liberated / how is Krishna the God of love? / the peril of offense
SB 6.4.51-54
there is no happiness equal to contentment / there is no disease like covetousness / there is no virtue like mercy / shastra calls us to be cool headed / if we purify our existence by tapasya we can do wonderful things by the grace of the Lord / austerities for the body, words, and mind / our speech should be truthful, pleasing, beneficial, non-agitating / we all come in the achyuta-gotra - the family of Krishna
SB 6.4.47-50
“We create our own unhappiness. The purpose of suffering is to help us understand we are the ones who cause it.” Willie Nelson / Woah! There’s a purpose to suffering!?! / 2 world views – the world has no design or purpose or the everything in the world is designed with purpose / we can simultaneously hold 2 ideas - that we must be compassionate to all who suffer and that we cause our own suffering / the best way to deal with our own pain is to take responsibility / the bank robbery analogy / the evidence is everywhere - the question is how you interpret it / a formula for seeing God behind everything / WOTS - a simple fun way to Vedic epistemology / we can’t remove every thorn in the world, but we can put on some shoes
SB 6.24.46
“It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of.” - Jonathan Swift / the body and mind have faults but the self is pure gold / It’s the people that come that make a place holy / see God everywhere and everywhere becomes holy / the inconceivable form of Vishnu / Daksha places the manifestations of the Divine in a hierarchy / harmony is only around Lord Vishnu, not apart from him / Vishnu is always smiling
SB 6.4.32-45
I feel unmotivated and depressed when it comes to my practice of devotion = any advice? / If our relationships in the material world are just temporary roles, what is the point of marriage?
“Those who cannot understand how to put their thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of debate.” - Nietzsche / just as fire is hidden in wood - the Paramatma is hidden in the material elements / yoga is a practice of seeing God in everything / Paramatma puts us under a spell - we forget our own identities and argue incessantly without ever reaching a conclusion / Nyaya’s 3 types of debate / Daniel Dennett’s 4 steps to arguing intelligently
SB 6.4.27-31
“Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.” - Don Herold / why am I waiting in line to buy these sneakers? / Is all our pleasure from our ego? / ultimately we are just looking for love / we are unaware of forces that engage us / there’s a firewall preventing our perception of paramatma / every aspect of our experiences is designed for our growth / the dark worldview = this world is unreal, without foundation, without a controller, and risen without cause / most live under the spell of material nature / seeing through eyes trained in knowledge / endeavoring transcendentalists can see behind the firewall / cats vs monkeys
SB 6.4.25-26
we can’t pay our spiritual debts back, but we can pay them forward / understanding our place in the levels of awareness / our experiences are being governed by unseen forces / the Supersoul is directing the workings of our senses / we own nothing / Paramatma writes the songs that make the whole world sing / If you were to find out how this entire universe works, would you expect that it all would be ordinary, or would you expect to hear things that would BLOW YOUR MIND!
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SB 6.4.24
Respect to those practicing Bhakti where it’s illegal and dangerous / imagination is more important than knowledge / Mahabharata Super Squirrel – Abhimanyu’s death, Arjuna’s vow, and Krishna’s cheating out of love / Krishna cheats out of love again when Karma is killed / love is the highest dharma!
Wisdom of the Sages is mother approved (with cautious optimism) / “Realism is not a matter of any fidelity to an empirical reality..” - John Fiske / There’s no empirical evidence that all that exists falls within the realm of empirical evidence. / there’s a firewall between us and spiritual perception / virtue is a key to knowledge / sambhanda jnana (knowledge of the nature of our relationship) / ants have eyes, but they can’t see very well / there could be a blue cowherd boy at the center of Swiss cheese universes
SB 6.4.23
Is a broken heart real or just an illusion? / How should a Bhakti-yogi apply Vedic Astrology? / Why is Rathayatra celebrated on so many different days?
anger is an acid / anger ends in shame / the 2 things one should never be angry about / anger is a wind that blows out our reasoning / the best speech you will ever regret / raging in denial of what our inner self is telling us / would Plato hang out with Raghu and Kaustubha? / how many times is anger mentioned in Bhagavad-gita / transcending anger through devotion / Pajapati Daksha comes back
Raghunath and Kaustubha share their appreciation for Srila Prabhupada on the day of the festival celebrating his appearance.
On the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmastami (the appearance of Krishna) Raghunath & Kaustubha share some of their favorite verses of devotional song and poetry.
“The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.” / Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives within you? 1 Corinthians 6:19 / carry god awareness with you everywhere / “Please abide in the temple of my heart both day and night, O Krsna Murari” - Bhaktivinode Thakura / the clash between mixed devotion & pure devotion / we all got a little daksha-like resistance to pure devotion / don’t shame people to change- inspire them / a leader is a protector / soften the heart to make fertile ground for Bhakti to grow / every body is a temple
SB 6.4.1-13
What does it mean to be self realized or God realized? / How to respond to scandals in Bhakti communities? / How do understand our indebtedness without feelings of lack of self-worth and shame?
How does one know when they should be initiated? / How can I best support my friends during times of tragedy?
The world is a mess - but what does it prove? / universal harmony through placing the Divine source in the center / trying to leave Bhakti is like being a yo-yo / Karma, Janna, and Bhakti are found throughout the world’s spiritual traditions / karmic ritualistic atonement in Buddhism / Bhagavatam is traveling throughout the universe, illustrating through a variety of dialogs, the superiority of Bhakti / you can’t get the goal (Krishna Prema) through Vedic ritualistic atonement / I wonder what the Yamaduta’s were wearing / Prabhupada got it
SB 6.3.33-35
“We are good at preparing to live, but not very good at living.” - Thich What Hanh / we’re vainly seeking happiness in the material atmosphere / we’re can be in eternity Right Now through Bhakti / Lord Brahma installed 5 features of illusion into the material world / painful life + spiritual knowledge = spiritual realization / Like honey, Bhagavatam is derived from a most beautiful source, thick, sweet and nourishing / becoming a Great Goose
SB 6.3.28-32
New York becomes Vrindavan when Radha and Krishna are the center / would Raghu pull the lever to kill 1 person in order to save 5? / “To save a family, abandon a man.” - Vidura / it’s not always easy to determine right from wrong / we like to think that we are the one pulling the lever when in fact we are all tied to the tracks / Yuddhisthira on what is the most amazing thing / Ajamila was living like he wasn’t tied to the tracks / with Bhagavat Dharma it’s the intention that counts / even Yājñavalkya and Jaimini don’t understand Bhagavat Dharma / the Yamadutas are ordered to not even go near the devotees
SB 6.3.23-27
Happy 10th birthday Little Karuna! / there’s dharma and then there is dharmaḥ paraḥ, the highest dharma, Bhagavat Dharma, Bhakti / keep the highest dharma as the main thing, and every other dharma is covered / every sage is in debt to Vyasadeva / what is “Cheating Dharma”? / the highest dharma is understood by the pure of heart / After chanting and dancing in ecstasy, one gradually sees the form, pastimes and qualities of the Lord
SB 6.3.22
Raghunath and Kasutubha speak with Crispian Mills about his life of bringing the magic of Bhakti into popular music.
Why does my devotional consciousness fluctuate? / How to respond to a mind full of negativity and self-loathing? / How do disciples approach the passing away of their guru?
Immanuel Kant’s view of morality / morality is designed to facilitate the realization of happiness / our wellbeing is determined by our willingness to flow within the universal laws / objective moral truths warrant a supernatural explanation / does morality develop out of evolutionary need? / secularists have trouble explaining why human beings have intrinsic value, rights, and moral obligations / Yamaraja explains that dharma is established by Bhagavan / to understand the confidential dharma you have to approach it through a valid lineage
SB 6.3.19-21
“When you look at the sun during your walking meditation, the mindfulness of the body helps you to see that the sun is in you” – Thich Nhat Hanh / beyond mindfulness Lies the confidential knowledge of devotion / those free of resentment, envy and hostility can understand the confidential knowledge / your good fortune may trigger someone else’s self-loathing / my issues with others may reflect my own issues with God / the devotees wander with full independence / “My Life…My Rules…..BUT / the devotees are always protected / material danger is not meant for devotees
SB 6.3.17-18
we don’t die / grounded in the reality of the timeless soul / there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge – the mature fruit of all mysticism / there’s hope in a decaying material world / all this life is about is learning what to let go of and what to hold onto / saying goodbye to everything
SB 6.3.13-16
slow down and go deep in the mantra / sadhana helps us cope with life’s curveballs / keep steady and don’t be discouraged / don’t dilly dally in the unimportant / nowhere in the weave of the universe is Krishna not present / there is the material energy, and the spiritual energy, and it all rests on Krishna, like pearls strung on a thread
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SB 6.3.1-12
“The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.” - Napoleon Bonaparte / austerity can strengthen the mind and bring peace / engaging the intellect as a rational filter / freeing up the mind to hear the direction of the Supersoul / Ajamila’s regret / Ajamila’s yogic knowledge / Ajamila sets his intention / Ajamila’s return to Vaikuntha
SB 6.2.26-49
Is God an energy, a person, or both? / Once you reach the spiritual realm… what happens? / How do the physical instructions of yoga asana lead to a quiet mind?
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“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” ― Proverbs 4:23 / spirituality can be understood as a practice of purifying our desires from the level of exploitation, to renunciation, to devotion / don’t be so harsh on people, they’re mostly good hearted / chasing our desires will take us all over the universe / Bhakti-yogis aren’t so interested in counteracting their karma - the say “let it come and let me grow through it” / there can be purification in regret
SB 6.2.12-25
“Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily.” – Yamamoto Tsunetomo / the resolution to die can add beauty and grace to life / practice saddhana like you will die tomorrow - study like you will live forever / "The mantra that is not received in a genuine lineage does not produce results.” / one must receive the instructions for how to access the power of the mantra from a qualified instructor / our conceptions, sentiments and lifestyles are important for meditation
SB 6.2.11
the relentless noise we’ve created is distracting us from the essence of life – contemplation and meditation / the Vishnudutas make their case / calling out the name Narayana, in a helpless condition, wiped out lifetimes of bad karma for Ajamila / in Kali-yuga we are all sudras / there are so many books of dharma - but Vyasadeva, the author of them, points out that in this age we shall get light from Srimad-bhagavatam / Bhagavatam promotes the chanting of Krishna’s names from the beginning to the mille to the last verse / humility, tolerance, giving respect to everyone, and freedom from the need for prestige - these open us up to absorption in mantra meditation / we don’t live by Manu Samhita, we live by Srimad Bhagavatam
SB 6.2.1-10
whatever you do, do it as an offering, and as beautifully as possible / work done as an offering is karma free / fixed in this principle of renunciation, one receives Krishna / home life can purge one of ego / Ajamila’s downfall / letting go of the concept of friends and enemies / don’t let porn into your life, even a little / the Yamadutas rest their case
"Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside wakes.” – Carl Jung / What am I, beyond the external ego presentation? / we’ve got layers to shed before we get to our authentic self / our relationship with our body is dream-like / our choices determine our next body / this is not religious dogma – it’s an invitation to think about life in a different way / the proposition that maybe “there really is no such thing as Consciousness” is completely absurd (because consciousness is required even to ask the question) / attachments cloud truth perception
SB 6.1.49-52
How can I reconcile my non-binary gender identity with Bhakti? / What can I do to help the soul of my aging dog on his spiritual journey? / Does it makes senses to pray for world peace in the Kali Yuga?
Be careful what you get involved with, 'Cause you can't support a cause but then hate the effects that it causes. - DEE 1 / go all the way with Bhakti, don’t just dabble, because this life is slipping away / getting to bed early and waking early gets you flowing with the favorable currents / make your daily japa meditation a power hour / we’re bugged- paramatma and yamaraj know everything
SB 6.1.37-49
“Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.” - William Shakespeare / “Earthly power doth then show likest God's when mercy seasons justice.”- William Shakespeare / Sage Vyasadeva sets out to crack our faith in ritualistic religious atonement / Karma? Warm, Jnana? Warmer, Bhakti? Red Hot! / turning to God once with sincere surrender trumps everything / just one of the wandering senses can drag you down a slippery slope / It’s not so much the prostitute that brought his bad karma, it’s what he did to others in order to maintain her / Ajamila calls out Narayana! And the messengers of Vishnu arrive
SB 6.1.18-36
austerity, celibacy, even-mindedness, charity, renunciation, truthfulness, cleanliness, and regulative principles - all don’t quite get to the root of material desire / Bhakti uproots the weeds of karma / the desire to enjoy this world (karma) and even the desire to become free of the sufferings of this world (jnana) are both “all about me” / Vyasa recommends Bhakti as a path free from fear - even while running with eyes closed / if your heart hasn’t softened, you haven’t understood what life is about
SB 6.1.13-17
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we all need stability, guidance, and a contribution for growth in our spiritual life / the periodic shaving of karmic stubble / atonement vs. at-one-ment / Bhagavatam highlights the conflict between mixed devotional service and pure devotional service / religion is interested in salvation, spirituality is interested in transformation / Bhakti can burn the seeds of bad karma / “Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man.” - Thomas Paine / the disciple passes the first test
SB 6.1.1-12
our habits are like seeds - they grow / Bhagavatam’s 16,000 verses has 28 about hell (and they are shared in order to frame a message of spiritual optimism) / the bad karma that results in seeing hell mostly has to do with acts of cruelty / hell is reasonable / if you are in a position of power….don’t misuse it / what if we treated sex as if it were truly sacred?
SB 5.26.1-40
My wife and I spend our free time getting high and watching TV. I want to spend time with her but also want to break these habits. What to do? / Why is the Bhagavad-gita, in particular, studied on its own, among some many sections of Mahabharata? / Krishna and Arjuna grew up together so why would Krishna’s cosmic form startle Arjuna?
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through even insignificant observable objects - we get truths about what lies beyond the observable / contemplating what’s beyond is purifying and nourishing / external virtue extends from internal life / spirituality is the key to overcoming injustice / seeing others as their fullest potential / our bodies were designed to enjoy and suffer - but there’s a silken twine of spiritual joy that runs through them / to conquer our minds and give pleasure to our hearts, Krishna appears in different incarnations and manifests many pastimes / this universe is like a tiny mustard seed / without a universal designer there is no objective morality / mystery is built into our world for a purpose
SB 5.25.9-15
the universe (Paramatma) is eavesdropping on your every desire / materialists chase desires – yogis modify desires / popular model of success = the ability to satisfy desires – yogic model of success = the ability to modify desires / a twofold strategy for dealing with desire 1. Jnanic - Reflection on the illusory nature of matter 2. Bhakti - hearing and remembering the descriptions Krishna / For those who hear about and meditate upon Krishna, He… enters the cores of their hearts, vanquishes corrupted files and cuts to pieces the hard knot within the heart
SB 5.25.6-8
we’ve been traveling the universe, from the top of the bubble to the bottom / devotees meditate upon on the presiding deity of false ego to / be purified of the false conception of I and mine / this universe is like a tiny mustard seed / all sensations originally exist in the spiritual body / how to approach sacred topics with the right attitude
SB 5.25.1-5
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don’t take the fun out of Bhakti / You don’t own your kids. Or anything else. / God shifts our life’s circumstances to make these truths come to life / In the minds of those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are bewildered by such things,- there is no samadhi / is it bad karma, or is it a blessing? / Bali zooms out / there is nothing of this material world that will satisfy me deeply
SB 5.24.22-25
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Bhagavad-gita Ch.15 / Krishna’s guided meditation – how to contemplate his sustaining presence in everything / Krishna pervades the heart of everyone / even to forget Him, we need Krishna’s help / beyond the condiitioned and liberated souls there is the Supreme Soul who enters the world and maintains it / knowing Krishna as the ultimate person, and engaging in His loving service is the most confidential secret of the Vedic literature
Raghunath and Kautstubha discuss Bhagavad-gita Ch.15 / this world is a reflection of a tree that we get entangled in / one must cut down the tree with the weapon of detachment - and then surrender to the original person - the source / the keys to transcendence / a summary of existence in illusion / those with the eye of knowledge can see what’s happening / contemplations for seeing Krishna’s presence in everything
Does the soul really have feelings or are feelings the product of the mind-ego? / What's a good morning ritual for starting a Bhakti-yoga practice? / Do the thoughts at the the moment of death really determine the next birth, and if so, isn’t that kind of Random
“At some point the entire population of the earth is gonna have to look back at the essence of spirituality.” — Sinead O'Connor / Krishna and His name are non different / spiritual practice begins with refining perspective and culminates in refined perception / the vast, timeless Vedic texts have earned my faith / kindness and simplicity are the basic yogic principles / negative sound in the head can arrest our evolution / see your experiences as tailored for your evolution / happiness doesn’t come from sense contact with externals / thank you for your sincerity, Sinéad O'Connor
SB 5.24.21
life as an exploration of living the truth / have I become comfortable projecting a lie? / living the truth, moment to moment / discarding our temporary identities / our default identity is pure spirit / 3 levels of purity in mantra meditation / the spread of Bhakti beyond the Sanskrit language into the local vernaculars / the rise of the “lowborn” Bhakti exemplars / the power of even a glimpse of the pure mantra
SB 5.24.20
“All that there is within the universe to satisfy the senses, cannot satisfy one whose senses are uncontrolled.” - Sri Vamanadeva / always look for the deeper essence / the Bhagavatam shows us dharmic reversals again and again, even the demons can be glorified more than the devas - if they have devotion
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SB 5.24.1-20
“Our life always expresses the result of our dominant thoughts.” - Soren Kierkegaard / freedom requires a concerted, disciplined effort to direct our thoughts / the thoughts of a pure Bhakti-yogi radiate into the minds of those around them / meditate on Vishnu 3x a day / bathe to refresh your mind 3x a day / don’t meditate on murder before bed / Vishnu meditation 3 times a day disintegrates the bad karma programing in the mind
SB 5.23.8-9
“This house, this car, this plane, this furniture, this bank account, so much reputation and fame, none of them are of any use to me.” - Kyrzayda Rodriguez / we’re not here to just enjoy ourselves / death as the final exam and we’ve gotta prepare for it / Bhagavatam is Vyasa's way of clarifying everything / the devas are like tax collectors / your body is a universe
SB 5.20.5-33
Who is supreme - Vishnu, Rama, or Krishna? / Can conditioned people have unconditional love? / How can care-givers grow through their challenges? / How to find and recognize good guidance when you come to the forks in the road?
If we can’t remember our past life, how does it help us grow? / Is the instruction to give up bad association a bit harsh? / What is OM all about?
“Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion.” ― Isaac Newton / sense perception and inference are valid ways of knowledge, but that can’t answer the big questions / science isn’t determined by consensus - politics is / life is not meant for sense gratification / the desire to hear grows in the heart of one who serves / Krishna purifies the mind & heart of the hearer / the result of Bhakti is happiness - and then positive scientific knowledge of the Absolute Truth / we don’t need to be a blind follower
SB 1.2.6-20
Bhagavatam holds us steady through life’s ups and downs / we choose our actions and Vishnu sends the karma / it’s ok if we can’t figure everything out / there’s a subtle layer imbued with false ego surrounding the universe / you can live on the sun with a fire body / Surya is the representative of Vishnu / we’re moths born in a bag of cashews
SB 5.20.5
normalize Vedic wisdom / a short life on earth is better than billions of years in the heavens / making the best use of this earth portal / intelligent people not take no interest in places where ,the river of Krishna’s pastimes don’t flow / Krishna will purify our desires / the subtle is the solid
SB 5.19.23-31
“and so begins their journey of awakening" - Henri Bergson / choosing knowledge over the veils of ignorance / the first day of Purushottama month / keep the practices alive and mindful / proclivities are previous life practices / devotees can activate the devotion within us / Earth is the portal to freedom
SB 5.19.19-21
“We're all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn't. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing.” ― Charles Bukowski / we are like moths / we become purified by remembering the holy rivers / we take birth according to our karma
SB 5.19.16-19
Do you have advice for people entering marriage? / Should I give up the practice of Bhakti out of frustration? / Why do you think Krsna doesn't allow us to see Him? / With leaders growing older, how can the Krishna movement keep itself relevant to the current youth?
As a Bhakti-yogi, can I acknowledge my feelings and still take no offense? / How to view the premature loss of a child through the lens of Bhakti?
“Awareness needs constant refreshing.” Rick Rubin / approaching the state of constant openness to receiving / our practices create space for awareness / Patanjali’s definition of practice / skeleton keys to the secret chambers of awareness / a good attitude goes a long way in Bhakti / respect to the seniors, kindness to juniors / accepting even the unfair criticism / humility as a way of opening up to learning lessons at every moment
The value of simplicity is to open our minds for Krishna’s inspiration / Untangle the knots of revenge and anger, and control the senses to create space for Krishna / Prepare and sincerely endeavor for connection to Krishna / The joy of life is not your family or your motorcycle / Get off the superficial level and get on the self transformational level and become fearless / We don’t care if you wear a robe or get a Krishna tattoo- understand nothing is ours / Be cynical about the body or you’ll get swept away / Make the best of a bad bargain- identify with the spiritual self / Nobody is sleeping on a bed of nails anymore / Your False security will be ripped away, take shelter of Krishna
SB 5.19.14-15
The mind is the slayer of the real / Pleasure and pain are mental experiences / Ignorance of self is the field that kleshas and attachments grow from / Identity with the body is the genesis of illusion / Yoga practice requires surrender to God or it cultivates the ego
SB 5.19.13-14
Raghunath talks with famed Sanskrit scholar Pradyumna Prabhu about Madame Blavatsky and other mystics, the early days in Calcutta, and the parallels among Baha'i, theosophy and bhakti yoga, and more.
Our creations are insignificant / How can we be proud when we don’t even know how to do anything? / Vaishnavas don’t take any credit / Real humility is truth - we are tiny and not in control / Consider your accomplishments from a zoomed out perspective / Give up the taste for prestige / Understand that we are made of God’s energy / Thank god for the Vedic framework / The leaves of the tree get their stability/connection from the roots / We’re manipulators not creators / Krishna is transcendental to our faults and aloof to attachments
SB 5.19.8-12
Raghu and Kaustubha interview Ananta Govinda about kirtan, creativity, becoming an instrument and the “Bhakti Fugue State”.
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the necessity of revealing one’s mind in confidence / duplicity is a recipe for disaster / “Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets.“ - Ludwig van Beethoven / always striving for the deeper levels of awareness / Lord Rama is a connoisseur - he only wants pure love - material qualities such as one’s birth in an aristocratic family, personal beauty, eloquence, sharp intelligence or race or nation can’t touch His heart / the price for achieving God’s favor is simply one’s sincere eagerness to have it / Krishna wants every waking moment
SB 5.19.7
What can I do to love and accept myself? / What is the essence of love? / How do we handle relationships with family, friends & loved ones that are not on this Bhakti path? / How can we be a good Bhakti friend? / How do people stay motivated in Bhakti without the fear of hitting rock bottom? / What journey does the soul take after leaving the body? / How did you decide to dedicate your whole life to the path of renunciation and to Krishna? / How to face my shortcomings without blaming myself and making the problem even bigger?
Questions from our live audience at the Wisdom of the Sages retreat in Tuscany.
How can one transform or purify subtle egoistic desires? / How do you develop compassion for someone who has hurt you? / How do you know when it’s time persevere or time to move on? / Is there an eternal place of Sri Chaitanya’s pastimes in the spiritual realm? / What are the recommended practices for Purushotama month?
Raghu Interviews Mikele, owner of Villa Casa Vecchia and Bhakti artist Vayu, about their individual paths to Bhakti and their art collaborations.
Raghunath and Kaustubha speak about love in separation and survive a Tuscan Earthquake live on the show.
SB 5.19.6
Mathurananda and his twin Velcro discuss with Raghu their hardcore backgrounds, first temple experiences, and how they bhakti-fied their careers.
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"Every now and then a man's mind is stretched by a new idea or sensation, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions." - Oliver Wendell Holmes / good qualities are measured by the character of Lord Rama / Hanuman speaks of the consciousness that facilitates perception of Lord Rama / material “happiness” is the cause of distress
SB 5.19.1-5
Krishna is naturally controlled by love / the pursuit of happiness is the pursuit of reality / self realization not sense gratification / Krishna creates this world only because the conditioned souls want to enjoy it / if life seems unfair it might just be that the scoreboard is displaying a score based on previous play (karma) / expect that things won’t go smoothly
SB 5.18.38-39
the man who preserves his selfhood, is ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence / Silence is the cornerstone of character / even mindedness is yoga / Bhagavad-gita, Native American Wisdom and the hundredth monkey effect / the quiet mind recognizes what’s happening behind the scenes
SB 5.18.37
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Does the soul feel, or is that just the mind/ego? / What happens to one who commits suicide and can we help?
Are my mystic interests at odds with Bhakti? / How to connect all of Krishna’s manifestations with Krishna of Vrindavan?
Bhagavatam is that friend that tells you the truth / the truth is simple - everything will crumble but we’re spiritual beings / simplify, be kind, and we will be able to read the messages life sends us / excavate the spiritual self / pluck me Krishna I’m yours / just as fire is concealed in wood, Vishnu is within everything / When one understands that the Lord is within the heart and sees Him everywhere, they have perfect knowledge / if we only we all had a wholehearted percentage meter
SB 5.18.36
appreciating the character of Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic / pass the praise like a Vaishnava / maintain humility because your position is temporary / we can become possessed by greed in a moment / can I appreciate it when others are praised / love is demonstrated through sacrifice / Vishnu is the generator and we are the lightbulbs / Vishnu is worshiped alongside the Goddess of Fortune and Mother Earth
SB 5.18.34-35
you can’t find the painter by evaluating the chemical composition of the paint and canvas (but you know there is one) / if Richard Dawkins’ thoughts are developed through a random and meaningless flux of the atoms, then why are they more valid than anyone else’s thoughts? / if you’ve haven’t given up your biases you are just a so-called scientist / “the speculative research work of a so-called scientist or philosopher is always interrupted when he dies, and the laws of nature go on without regard for his work.”
SB 5.18.33
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"when the moon is full, it is as if the Great Spirit were upon the whole world" — Black Elk / paramatma = the 3 Vishnus / even Lord Brahma is a tiny being / Lord Shiva sees like Black Elk / strive for Vasudeva consciousness - aware that Krishna is within everything and everything is within him / greed never satisfies / don’t let our mind degrade us / Lord Shiva sees like Black Elk
SB 5.18.32
the Rathayatra experience / Did Jesus appear at Raghunath's birth? / Black Elk’s Paramatma realization / slow down, look at nature, reflect and consider what is beneath the surface / Vishnu is within everything and everything is within Vishnu / cupcakes are a type of medicine too / “I’m not saying I’m the anointed one….but I could be.” - Raghunath
Q & A live from the Bhakti Center's Wisdom of the Sages retreat.
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss dealing with spiritual dissatisfaction and how to take the next step in spiritual life.
Kirtan mindset: don’t try to have some “experience” - just sing for Krishna’s pleasure / may the pure spiritual energy of Vrindavan be generated within our hearts / it’s our nature to love and to serve / “it's by creation's donation that you are maintained, but you'd rather turn your back” / atheistic science as intellectual bullying / can you live your philosophy? / Krishna’s prerogative isn’t whimsical, it’s all to do with the softening of the heart for divine love / inquire with deep sincerity and humility
SB 5.18.28-31
Anthony Hopkins wisens with age / softening the soul through the blows of fate / my goal is to reach the end in harmony with myself / it’s all a miracle / the sincere search for truth is God Consciousness in itself / Raghu as ant overlord / Richard Dawkins refuses to see the gardener / overcoming delusion to realize Krishna’s presence both externally and internally / knowing our place in the macro/micro hierarchy / it’s enough to know that we are tiny sparks of incredible pure spiritual energy
SB 5.18.24-27
the power of cow seva / Laxmi Devi shares Her higher perspective / Bhagavatam pokes at our idea of security / our predicament - a time spark of spiritual energy, trapped in and identifying with the body and mind, moving through a world programed with time, karma and the gunas / we’ve lost touch with our bliss and eternality / our live’s are like eggs on the spoon of a toddler / the heartbreak and lamentation of the material world / Bhagavatam goads us towards the higher choices
SB 5.18.19-23
Bhakti culture is ready to explode / Laxmi Devi’s love for Vishnu / it gives pleasure to glorify your beloved / we’re searching for perfection in reflections of the Divine / the sass of the Gopis / God is the ultimate soulmate / it takes a Scientist a Philosopher and a Theologian to understand what’s beyond the virtual reality
SB 5.18.15-18
the British scholars completely missed the beauty, sophistication and spiritual depth of the Orissan culture developed around Lord Jagannath / Raghu’s Rathayatra pastime / all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players / Shakespeare’s seven ages / play our roles as an actor, play them well, but always know that the real life is beyond the stage
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” - C.S. Lewis / earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy - only to suggest the real thing / earthly blessings are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage / when the living entity remains in contact with the all-pervading Vāsudeva, he manifests his spiritual power / we're like fish out of water / letting go of the bewilderment of materialistic “love” / the checklist of sorrows that follow materialistic life
SB 5.18.13-14
excessive criticism robs us of higher cognitive power / when we hear “family life” critiqued in sacred texts, think “affection limited to one’s own family, community or nation” / 2 issues with family attachment – A. Seeing externals as our source of happiness, B. Limiting our affection to a small group / If I’m compassionate only to members of my own family, can it be said that I am truly compassionate? / the religious focus on the faults in others, the spiritual see the good and magnify it
SB 5.18.10-12
there’s fascinating mind blowing wonders in every nook and cranny of existence / do we hear life’s wake-up calls, or do we just go on trying to find some enjoyment? / appreciate the architect - duh / “all opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark of My splendor” - Krishna / appear in our hearts and drive away our ignorance / by accepting devotional service we will think of each other’s welfare
SB 5.18.1-9
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” - Albert Einstein / what we call reality is the level of illusion that we keep coming back to / we’re searching for reality on a Hollywood set / our choice - sense gratification or self realization / Don’t spiritual bypass Vyasadev / behind all the layers of illusion is sweet Krishna / love the root and you will love every living being / nature is nothing but a machine operated by the Supreme Person
SB 5.17.21-24
Can spiritual advice be spiritual bypassing? / Do the Vedic texts support gun control? / How to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped? / How to practice Bhakti in a world where I need to “code-switch”? / What does a committed Bhakti practice look like for a career person?
“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro' narrow chinks of his cavern.” ― William Blake / the Ganges originates at the feet of Lord Vishnu / every living being can purify his mind by touching it’s water / Dhruva accepts the Ganges on his head and feels devotional ecstasy / the Santa Rishis keep the water on their heads and practice Bhakti / the water flows thru the heavens / Lord Shiva’s prayers to Vishnu
SB 5.17.1-20
“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.” – Aldous Huxley / perception is the combination of our thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and awareness / what we consume creates our filters / I am an atomic particle of consciousness - Krishna is the infinite conscious entity - this world is a house of correction meant to reform my tendency to remain absent in our relationship / wear the lens of divinity / We Are Bugs, Living Under a Desk in a Ghetto / connect and spiritualize everything / this world is our finishing school
when Krishna is pleased, everyone’s pleased / we are in debt to all those who’ve selflessly loved us / treat your guests like God / Krishna saves Draupadi / in kirtan, don’t worry about pleasing the crowd - just please Krishna and everyone is pleased automatically / close your eyes and sing to Krishna / Krishna saves Kaustubha / Krishna always saves us
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Audrey Hepburn on beauty and poise / Bhagavad-gita on poise / real inclusivity means looking to Paramatma / find the good in others and fan that flame / gratitude vs entitlement / Bhakti waters the root of the tree / tasmin tuṣṭe jagat tuṣṭam - when Krishna is pleased, everyone is pleased / Bhakti addresses all social maladies / Bhakti satisfies all the devas / Bhakti touches both the saintly and the thugs / becoming accustomed to having our mind dwell in fundamental level thought
SB 5.15.13 / BG 13.29
there will always be people who will criticize - so just do the right thing / dial into your offering / Krishna anxiety - purchase it at any price / a leader’s first responsibility is to unite / how a leader must satisfy the citizens / how a leader satisfy women / how a leader must satisfy the earth / how a leader must satisfy the wise / how a leader must satisfy other leaders
SB 5.15
How do I gain that 100% faith / What's the relationship between vijnana and bhakti? / Can our spiritual attachments degrade back to material attachments if we are not careful of our intentions?
How to keep faith when negative emotions haunt us? / How to let go of negative habits? / How does Kaustubha organize his day?
Joni Mitchell’s vision of duality / the ups and downs of lowercase L love / “I should’ve listened to the Swami.” / the Shakers didn’t lose (in their spiritual investment) / Joni brings the Jnana, Pete Seeger brings the Bhakti / we all feel melancholy till we turn and face “The Sun” / This world churns us / the power of Krishna’s flute / Krishna churns the hearts of the Gopis
Are we was so focused on achieving that we’re missing some great point about life? / Mind Experiment: We are ants in an alien ant farm. Are we learning the lessons we’re meant to learn, or just working aimlessly? / What good is speeding if you’re heading the wrong direction? / The satisfaction of devotion makes material success and liberation seem insignificant / Bharata’s last prayer as a deer / “happiness arose out of all I didn't want or need, not all I did. - Pico Iyer
SB 5.14.44-46
all material success is time bound / Bhakti is the path of Garuda, material success is the path of the flies / the depth of Bharata’s renunciation / a little devotional service rendered sincerely is a permanent asset
SB 5.14.41-43
“Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts.” - Henry David Thoreau / Srimad Bhagavatam is the commentary on Vedanta Sutra, by the author himself / creating enmity and dying without achieving life’s mission / all material success winds up in failure as long as we maintain the “I and Mine” illusion / turn down the volume of the ego and listen for Krishna’s whisper / humility like darkness reveals the heavenly lights / you don’t have to change your position, just purify your purpose
SB 5.14.40-41
if we cannot display wisdom, then we will clash like (legally blind moles) / when we are out of touch with our spiritual nature we are prone to misjudge intentions and exaggerate the dangers / at times we may have to live with an imperfect, untidy world / necessity knows no law / any sane person can understand that there’s no happiness in the prison / saintly persons, who are friends to all living entities, have a peaceful consciousness
The Avanti Schools are a family of state funded schools in the UK which draw from traditional Bhakti texts like Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to foster in their students not only educational excellence but also character formation and spiritual insight. In this episode, Kaustubha interviews Navin Krishna Das (Nitesh Gor) the Chief Executive of Avanti Schools Trust.
Can you share examples of women in Bhakti to follow - stories, authors, books, teachers, examples, etc? / How to get past self-loathing?
regard this fleeting world like this… / the 4 sights of Gautama Buddha, which led to his realization of the impermanence and the ultimate dissatisfaction of conditioned existence / sleep is eating up our time / people try to drag us down / we stay in this cage for just a little material happiness / wealth is chanchala / oh the self-loathing / the indefatigable wheel of time / pseudo svāmīs, yogīs and incarnations / we’re running around like monkeys
SB 5.14.20-33
consensual reality is significantly flawed / certainty is a mirage / security a delusion / the tyranny of the dull mind threatens / laughter is holier than piety / freedom is sweeter than fame / in the end it’s love and love alone that really matters / we can’t handle Krishna’s opulences / everything we’ve got is meant to offered back / the cheap blessings of so-called sadhus and swamis / the pain of family squabbles / the pain of putting on all the social ceremonies
SB 5.14.13-19
you can’t beat the system -the laws break you / swinging on the pendulum of material enjoyment & renunciation / Bhakti transcends selfish concerns / This world is designed more for pain than it is for pleasure / Naked we come into this world and naked we go out. In the interim we falsely claim, “This is my…” / the intense suffering of being criticized / hate ages you / don’t hate the assessor
SB 5.14.9-12
Srimad Bhagavatam is the ripened fruit of the tree of Vedic literature / “God does not float on your horizon, he sleeps in your substance. Vanity runs, love digs.” - Gustave Thibon / “If you fly away from yourself, your prison will run with you.” - Gustave Thibon / mirages and will-o’-the-wisps / we’re chasing wealth, we’re chasing sex, we’re chasing a better home, but when we get there….poof / the materialist perpetually wanders in material existence, struggling to get the necessities of life / we create “artificial necessities” / the secret of nature’s ways / I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
SB 5.14.7-8
is this world heaven or hell? / it takes two eyes to see the truth of this world - material cynicism is one eye, spiritual optimism the other / when stereoscopic depth perception kicks in we understand what we’re doing here / this world isn’t meant to be a paradise, it’s a university / try on the Bhagavatam’s philosophy / human being on earth - it’s a great opportunity / uncontrolled senses are plunderers / family members can be like Jackals / chasing the mirage / “at last, my love has come along” / our life is an egg tottering on the spoon of a toddler
Do you have any tools for bridging the gap between being aware and actually taking control of the mind and senses? / What is the meaning of this world’s emotional rollercoaster? / Why do the deva's desire the human form of life? / What was Raghunath’s hope behind his band Shelter?
the need to root out pride and cultural chauvinism / the devotion of Ida Straus / our mantras are a lifeline We’re living on hopes piled on hopes / materially pessimistic, spiritually optimistic / neglect thoughts of being offended / what does lotus feet mean? / humbly serve the instructions of the great souls to see Krishna
SB 5.13.21-26
On the occasion of the festival celebrating the appearance of Sri Nrisimhadeva the Lion like Avatara of Vishnu, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the stories and teaching of Nrisimhadeva and his boy devotee Sri Prahlada.
https://youtu.be/R4xKn0w3WMM
a formula for producing pure thoughts / japa and kirtan are real silence / Jada Bharata reveals his true identity / there is no good investment in this material world / material enjoyment will break your heart / the sword of knowledge
SB 5.12.14-16
“We've all got to stop just following our own little mouse trail…. People are out there doing bad things to each other… they've been dehumanized. It's time to take the humanity back... Without people you're nothing.” - Joe Strummer / let’s put spiritual knowledge back in the center / greed is going nowhere / you have to discipline yourself to find truth / the deepest spirituality is shared heart to heart / the transformative power of listening respectfully / let your heart go out to the worms / Am I dehumanized?
SB 5.12.13
“In the great teaching of the Vedas, there is no touch of sectarianism. It is of all ages, climbs, and nationalities and is the royal road for the attainment of the Great Knowledge.” - Henry David Thoreau / no dogmatism - rather, question from all angles / step back and see how Vyasadeva is framing his message / Understand the progression in Vedic thought through hardcore - Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, Sick of it All, Shelter / Give your heart to a deeply realized soul
SB 5.12.12
Chaitanya Charan, a prolific author and speaker on Bhakti and Bhagavad-gita speaks with Kaustubha on two ends of a spectrum in spiritual practice - immersive/world-rejecting on one end, and inclusive/world affirming on the other, and the need to find the right balance.
How to explain Bhakti to Orthodox Jews? / Where does a queer man find a Bhakti community?
" the true joy in life: being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one – instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy" - George Bernard Shaw / we need a purpose to wake up for everyday / the Bhakti framework – we all share an eternal dharma of divine love - and we embrace and later let go of a series of temporary dharma’s designed to uncover the eternal / This is how we explain God - one, nondual source, pervading everything and everyone (inside and out) - but known intimately as a person / is belief in a personal God something we’ve evolved beyond? / perfect seers know that the three features of the one Absolute Truth are different perspective views / the perspective needed to understand that the earth is a goddess
SB 5.12.11
Check out www.wisdomofthesages.com and www.raghunath.yoga for more info on events
Bob Dylan on how we are bombarded by insulting and humiliating “wonder bread” music / are we insulting our true self? / although the universe may temporarily appear to be the truth, it ultimately has no real existence / nondual knowledge is the ultimate truth / nondual knowledge as Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan
SB 5.12.9-11
spiritual knowledge well applied facilitates social justice (rather than bypassing / seeing the world as illusion (spiritual perspective) grants relief from suffering / the world’s a mess - water the root, not every leaf / this life is just a blip / our bodily existence is as unreal as the physical manifestation of any dream in the brains neurotransmitters / by understanding the original cause of different varieties, one can understand everything
SB 5.12.7-8
“Most people see what they expect to see, what they want to see, what they've been told to see, what conventional wisdom tells them to see - not what is right in front of them in its pristine condition.” Vincent Bugliosi / don’t just think you’re not your body, know it / the true self has nothing to do with our worldly dealings / control the senses by eating prasadam / Bhakti takes spirituality to the next level
SB 5.12.4-6
to ask is to break the spell / "Blind belief and passive consumption can be broken through the simple act of asking questions." - Neil Postman / the yoga culture’s acclaim for thoughtful questioning / we presume we will be happier if we are materially successful - and never ask the right questions / question from all different angles / Bhakti is experience based - not just faith based / we don’t need to just conform- we need to transform / knowledge is revealed to the virtuous / “We need new tools in science.” - Do we? / you don’t “create” clean water / you don’t “create” life in a laboratory / a guru is pleased with the student when they inquire with sincerity
Family therapist/Bhakti-yogini Dhanya Rico joins Wisdom of the Sages to address some difficult questions.
• How to deal with a difficult person who is permanently in your life? • In dealing with someone who has emotional problems, how does one release judgment and show compassion and yet keep your heart at a distance so you don’t get hurt?
never sniff glue! / the compelling, confronting, fascinating birth to death time-lapse diorama / we have to shift our perception in order to understand what we are doing here / the most amazing thing in the universe - we think we won’t die / “Don't become a mere recorder of facts, but try to penetrate the mystery of their origin." - Ivan Pavlov / when we dissociate anything from it’s origin we are in illusion / yogis see everything in it’s relation to Krishna / the discovery of Brahma Samhita Ch. 5 / don’t bust into the Grantha Samadhi / the beautiful sages - 6 Goswamis of Vrindavan / Kaustubha’s Vrindavan pilgrimage / preparing the mind for Vrindavan / understanding Krishna is the master key
anxiety for your children never ends / the mind can be an unruly, unappeasable 5 year old / sometimes the best option is to ignore the mind / the mind and senses are meant to work for us, not the other way around / when one’s mind is absorbed in the material conception, one thinks that they belong to a particular nation, family, country or creed / upādhis - false designations we adopt, disguises of the spirit / a gift of aging is understanding the cycles of the world / our false intimacy with the body - it’s going to walk away, and it won’t call back / conquer this mind by the weapon of service
SB 5.11.15-17
“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” Oscar Wilde / we’re zeros desperately searching for 1 / the variables that generate our unique blend of thoughts - the physical elements, nature, the original cause, culture, destiny, time / stepping back to see ourselves separate from our desires /developing a strategy to respond to the challenge of the minds programing / Vasudeva - everyone dwells in Him, and He dwells within everyone / If we don’t realize that the soul of the universe is within our own bodies, that is very sad
SB 5.11.11-14
we have 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day, 80% are negative, 95% are repetitive / Bhagavatam predicted Kali-yuga minds would be always disturbed - the National Science Foundation confirms it / technology has created a bizarre world, and it’s driving us mad / yogis are in the business of retraining our thoughts / the senses are channels to the mind / we can consciously design our mind’s programming / the mind can be the cause bondage or liberation / we need a game plan, otherwise the team of the mind and senses are going to crush us / swipe right for Krishna
SB 5.11.8-10
“We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.” - John Naisbitt / do we have the cognitive ability to distill information into wisdom? / we’re not asking all the most important questions / mental stability through knowledge of matter and spirit / the materialistic mind covering the living entity’s soul carries it to different species of life / we’re trying to find our tribe at a costume party / wrapping our heads around the idea that we could take birth as an animal / Prabhupada’s distinction between Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma / your mind is a pond and your emotions are the fish / Mara’s mind stretch
SB 5.11.6-7
Why is there conflicting information about the practices and regulations in Bhakti-yoga? / How to root out “false Bhakti” in oneself?
Bhuta Bhavana Das (Ed Anobah) graduated in Philosophy and Economics at the London School of Economics and is currently responsible to training 47,000 leaders in a global financial organization. He’s also been practicing Bhakti-yoga for over 25 years. In this episode he discusses parallels in leadership from both modern and Vedic sources, especially regarding the importance for leaders in developing unity while honoring diversity. Ed Anobah Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ed-anobah-podcast/id1520006462 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edanobah/
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius / “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald / our minds have been corrupted (made unreliable by alterations) / how the 3 gunas corrupt the mind / Without yoga, we’re helpless / Don’t get pulled into a bird body
SB 5.11.4-5
“In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” - Anne Frank / this world moves in cycles / the remedy for hate is spiritual insight / material awareness is like a dream - when we realize that material happiness is insufficient we begin to wake up
SB 5.11.1-3
release the ego and sing with the devotees / functional identity vs fundamental Identity / we’ve got to simultaneously hold both the conventional perspective and the transcendental perspective / seeing the world through the perspective of what we hear from Bhagavatam / Bhagavad-gita’s formula for receiving spiritual insight / spiritual insight = seeing all living beings as part of the Supreme
IG: keshava_rgm
SB 5.10.23-25
"Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” - Walt Whitman / “Kṛṣṇa is compared to sunshine, and māyā is compared to darkness.” - Sri Caitanya / “Whatever appears to be of any value, if it is without relation to Me, has no reality. Know it as My illusory energy, that reflection which appears to be in darkness.” Sri Krishna / seeing everything (family, money, property, responsibility) through it’s relationship to Krishna is the key to the code / seeking clarity between alternating conventional and transcendental contexts / material attachments lead to material suffering
SB 5.10.19-22
“The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you.” —David Foster Wallace / do we point the truth only at others, or can we point it at ourselves? / Jada Bharata accepts karmic responsibility for his own circumstances / “Is everything going well in your endeavor to conquer the repetition of birth and death?” / King Rahugana bows down / Rahugana’s only fear, offending a truth speaker
SB 5.10.14-18
Raghunath and Kaustubha ask each other…..
• When did you know that you had to commit your life to Bhakti? • What were your biggest doubts in the beginning? • What are your biggest doubts now?
What’s the difference between love and Love? / Should we sing mantras glorifying the demigods? / What is the importance of studying verses in Sanskrit?
"Men are not punished for their sins, but by them.” - Elbert Hubbard / karma is a natural law designed to foster a disposition of kindness, compassion and generosity / karma helps us own the consequences of our choices and actions / a little suffering can be healthy for our evolution / our desire for stability is indicative of our eternal nature / lust is nothing but love transformed / a real friend walks hand in hand with you toward divinity / we’re not naughty by nature
SB 5.10.13
I Love Mayapur / our material positions are merely conventional / externally operating according to material convention, internally thinking on the spiritual level / king today, dog tomorrow / for some time we play as master or servant, as actors play / do extraordinary things for an extraordinary life / stage dive into reality
SB 5.10.11-12
https://www.youtube.com/@IloveMayapur
“Affirm the spirit, the Eternal I” - Ella Wheeler Wilcox / children can break your attachment and the knot in the heart / externally - operate according to convention, internally - think beyond convention / we are gathered together like straws floating in the waves of an ocean… inevitably separated by the laws of the waves / every living being can be a channel of love /the reflection of the spiritual real shows itself when the turbulence of the mind is quieted / the ant’s soul is important too / the keys exist even if they aren’t under the lamppost / the soul is never tired / austerity and penance is meant for seeing the distinctions between body and soul / you’re not ripped! You’re not this body.
“We are very good lawyers for our own mistakes but very good judges for the mistakes of others.” Anonymous / Raghunath is not the spiller! / yoga creates space between stimulus and response / condemn activities, not people / don’t forget your principles, even when times are tough / ants are people too / distinction between rajo-guṇa and sattva-guṇa
SB 5.10.1-8
In the Western world there is no equivalent to texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata, which are universally loved, from childhood till death, and chock-full of wisdom on many levels. Dr. Shubha Vilas was raised in the tradition of the Ramayana and in this interview he shares this ancient text’s relevance and how it can best be understood.
Learn more at http://www.shubhavilas.com/
How to understand dementia in a Bhakti context? / Is Krishna real?
Radha is the para-shakti, the origin of all the shakti’s including Laxmi, Durga, Kali, etc. / Krishna protects those who - never identify with the body, are liberated from the knot in the heart, always engaged in welfare activities for all living entities, and never contemplate harming anyone / mental discipline in the morning / what does Krishna mean when He says “My devotee never perishes“ / the protection of Jatayu the vulture
SB 5.9.20
For episode 1,000, Radhanath Swami shares his thoughts on friendship, aging, money, forgiveness, raising children, prayer and bhakti.
when we keep our minds simple, it all starts to click / religion can be a distraction from spirituality / Narada’s confession to the hunter Mrgari- “If you must kill, then please…..” / Vaisnava’s respect Kali and worship Radha / Kali protected Krishna’s devotee, and killed her own
SB 5.9.12-20
we all have the potential to achieve the goal of yoga, in this lifetime / what’s the real measure of success? / fight the demons within - “Not Today Satan!” / make your life mission to uncover and experience your true spiritual nature / doing small things with great love is a perfect success / Jada Bharata was beyond the dualities of happiness and distressed caused by respect or disrespect - we can’t imitate it, but we can draw principles from it / good & bad are mental speculations (this is not about ethics - it’s about the relativity of material pleasure) / our minds are programed to see some things as attractive and others as repulsive - this programing can be changed
SB 5.9.7-11
“Spirituality is about awakening the eyes, the ears, the heart, so that you can see what’s always happening right in front of you.” / the external life of the brahmana / the internal life of the Bhakti-yogi / we can’t let ourselves be distracted by external prestige or material blessings / we may forget death, but death never forgets us
SB 5.9.1-6
• What is your favorite chapter or passage the sacred texts? • Who is your favorite kirtan leader? • Share a story of a memorable kirtan • What is your favorite temple?
Is there any kind of basic ritual I could perform to offer food? / How to respond to a narcissist's criticisms? / How to understand Bhagavad-gita 12.18? / What are the death rites for Bhakti-yogis?
“Discipline yourself, and others won't need to.” - John Wooden / to the extent we don’t discipline ourselves, life will discipline us / observe nature and follow the clues / an important part of any wisdom culture is how it helps us to voluntarily accept what nature will otherwise force us to accept involuntarily / “You have practiced how to bark in the legislative assembly. Now become a dog and go on barking.” - Srila Prabhupada / repentance precedes reconciliation / if we slip from our yogic discipline we may wake up with hooves!
SB 5.8.28-31
Narayanam namaskryta
Naram caiva narottamam
Devim saraswatim vyasam
Tato jayam udirayet
Before reciting this Srimad-Bhagavatam, which is the very means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead, Narayana, unto Nara-narayana Rishi, the supermost human being, unto Mother Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, and unto Srila Vyasadeva, the author.
nasta-prayesv abhadresu
nityam bhagavata-sevaya
bhagavaty uttama-sloke
bhaktir bhavati naisthiki
By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering of service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact.
oḿ ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaḿ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” - Julie Andrews / Better to pay now than pay later with compound interest / yoga means gaining ground in the battle of the mental algorithms / we can consciously choose our mind’s direction and direct your own destiny / keep chanting and it will get sweeter / Bharata takes his next birth as a deer
SB 5.8.26-27
struggles are an opportunity to walk the walk / rationalizing your illusion is a bad look / justice and mercy / this world will make you cry / we’re all gonna fall in love and get killed / stimulus for spiritual feelings / this world is an upside down reflection / our spiritual friendships are so important
Check out Dani's art at www.stillwatercraftco.com
SB 5.8.20-25
Attachment is the great fabricator of illusions; reality can be attained only by someone who is detached. - Simone Weil / we are just here to love without caveats / we’re so attached to the jello that we’re unwilling to leave our jail cell / love every living being the way you love your dog / Shankara’s 5 Stanzas on the Loin Cloth / every material attachment will be pruned / our wrinkles are okay / you’re not the most anything / wisdom cuts out our big fat ego
SB 5.8.15-19
“Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.”- Marcus Aurelius / improving the world and improving oneself are not diametrically opposed to each other / seek the commonality, not the difference / Although Bharata's compassion seemed noble, it was really all about him / the Vedic cultures stages of life / rationalization is intelligence in service of the false ego / the Bhagavatam is right again!
SB 5.8.9-14
How to teach yoga to a primarily Judeo Christian population without offending? / How to overcome fear of death? / What’s a simple “Bhakti pitch” to a Christian? / Should we risk our spiritual bank account for material security?
genuine intimacy is based on truth, not illusion / is my intimacy with others facilitating my remembrance or my forgetfulness of God’s presence behind everything? / In my roles of maintaining others do I act in the awareness of being a representative of The Supreme Maintainer, or as an artificial maintainer? / What was it, about the form of the fawn, that drew the attention of Bharata?
happiness comes simply / animals are people too / we crave service for meaning in life / Vishnu is in the sun / all of our heat and light can be traced back to the sun, and the sun can be traced back to Krishna - the cause of all causes / Everything is in Krishna, and Krishna is within everything
SB 5.7.13-14
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller / Bhakti is about preparing the heart to melt / what if we were all taught from childhood that God is within the heart of every living being? / peace of mind comes from giving not taking / the devotees have Krishna always etched within their hearts / the progression in Bhakti-yoga - faith, association with advanced practitioners, purification through regular practice, freedom from unwinding things in the heart, becoming firmly fixed, gaining taste, addiction to the taste, the sprout of pure love, pure love
SB 5.7.8-12
mundane world views based on the limited perception of our senses / messengers exist to wake us up and reveal the wonder that lies beyond our perception / life is meant for self discovery and everything happening in the universe can be interpreted and applied in that context / compassion and love lie at the heart of the self discovery / Can there be spiritual form? / the difference between matter & spirit / we’re getting caught in the laundry cycle of the mundane / am I perpetually annoyed? / self-discovery and empathy emerge together / ethics open the door to perceiving truth
SB 5.7.7
In this interview Brighupada shares some fascinating insights on the role of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan and how they presented innovative ideas and practices of Bhakti within the context of an ancient tradition.
Brighupada Dasa (Dr Måns Broo), is a senior lecturer at the Department of Comparative Religion, Åbo Akademi University, Finland. His recent publication “Haribhaktivilāsa of Sanātana Gosvāmin” describes the normative ritual life of a Krishna devotee.
https://brill.com/edcollbook-oa/title/63760?fbclid=IwAR1kkEziqOu8fhXIEexTcLv_1QOrt7_WKynUoLoqxibIh-KLfPe8gzki5rc
How do we make amends when we have wronged someone? / Is there a problem with the impersonal conception of God?
sometimes we need a loving nudge / gratitude liberates us from the prison of self–preoccupation / the less we are preoccupied with ourselves, the happier we are / if you don’t feel loved or cared about, start loving & caring for others / in witnessing the cruelty of others, and feeling the hopelessness in it, the cruelty in yourself is diminished / speak your blessings and gratitude / gratitude is being fixed in reality / thank you death / Vedic rituals were communal expressions of gratitude / the maturation of gratitude
SB 5.7.1-6
our respects to HH Kadamba Kanana Swami / "the last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.” - Victor Frankl / we all should become self-sufficient / the bodily conception creates unnecessary demands / what success looks like - freedom from hankering and lamenting / Satisfaction through self-realization is called svarūpānanda / to become happy by making material adjustments is impossible / the whack-a-mole principle / our remedies are often worse than our miseries / Chairman Mao’s whack-a-mole policies / our material solutions need to be in the context of self-realization / the 4 noble truths
SB 5.6.19
“What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson / letting go of hankering for things in the future, and lamenting things of the past / there’s always going to be some sand in the sweet rice / Be Here Now (with Krishna) / to become happy by making material adjustments is impossible / Goddess Saraswati can revoke our intelligence at any time / Death holds a mirror before us / the best master is the best servant
SB 5.6.18
Is My Ladder Leaning Against the Wrong Wall? “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.” ― Stephen R. Covey / the Bhakti-yogi has no interest in the mystic magic tricks / liberation personified waits at the door of the Bhakti-yogi with folded hands
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Sri Caitanya, the Krishna Avatar, in terms of his internal and external purposes of appearing, along with calling out danger of personality cults and false claims of being an avatar.
Why do we have to experience loss in this world … the loss of loved ones, and will we ever be reunited? / How to make one’s life an offering to God? / How to improve at japa meditation?
authentic practice allows for individuality, imitation limits it / imitating the great saints doesn’t help anyone / hippies were imitating Rsabhadeva / adjusting tradition, maintaining the compassionate purpose / it makes perfect sense to worship stones!
SB 5.6.9 - 14
the inevitable global influence of Bhakti / thinking about death can clarify your life / cemeteries are full of indispensable people / Yogamaya - Krishna voluntarily becomes influenced by illusion for play / What was Rsabdeva trying to avoid by living as an avaduta? (And how can it be applied in our lives?) 1. Prajalpa (gossip and unhelpful talk), 2. Entanglement in the regular material affairs, 3. Ego related thought, 4. Being seen as a saint
SB 5.6.6-8
Don’t preach, be the example / We’re being sold a false identity / Our identity is a divine spark of God and we’re meant to reconnect with it / Let go of the excess baggage and scrub the window of the soul / Be cautious trusting the mind & following your instinct / don’t offend devotees if you want to control the mind / mind your own business & Control your own senses & mind / Give love, inspire and assist others on their spiritual path / there’s always a greater plan / Perfect randomness is part of a divine tapestry / Sometimes purification comes by fire
SB 5.6.3-6
Maya is a black out curtain / Call in the light and watch magic happen / What is my conditioning and what is real? / find your authentic self before Madison Ave sold you your looks / our vehicles have nothing to do with us / The world is a maze / Pruning enhances our growth / Cultivate knowledge to help understand tragedy / Weave knowledge in daily to cultivate wisdom / How can there be anything wrong when I’ve got Krishna? / We’ve been practicing anxiety for lifetimes / Krishna has dropped a bell over us for protection
SB 5.6.1-3
Nick Cave on the death in 2015 of his teenage son, Arthur / understanding of our vulnerability / step beyond the full force of the grief and experience a kind of joy that is entirely new / grief can enlarge the heart heart / in bhakti, not only do you survive, you thrive / better not to judge - you never know who you’re dealing with / yogic practices of extreme renunciation / if this world is unreal, then in one sense there is no good and bad
SB 5.5.29-35
What is the Importance of Initiation / Is the desire for peer association in Bhakti due to ego or is it my true soul wanting to connect? / Any advice for the spiritually vacant? /
Raghunath interviews Draupadi and Vaishnava about Plenitud Farm, PR. They discuss water harvesting, SuperAdobe huts, permaculture, and more. For more info, check out https://www.plenitudpr.org/welcome
" The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi / Get out of the bathtub! / even self reflection needs guidance / Mickey Mouse costumes won’t satisfy us / don’t hate the warden, take responsibility for your crimes / don’t attach your worth to a false designation (upadhi) / engage your senses for the master of the senses / the senses are like apps, someone is maintaining their functioning / meditating on your own death
SB 5.5.27-28
The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn / When I start to hate, I’m off my spiritual path / Put the microscope on me / Bhakti Yoga means rooting out one’s animosity / I don’t have to be the lawyer, judge and jury - I can be the mailman / What pleases Vishnu - is not so much about sacrifices or offerings to Him - it’s 2 things – 1. honoring and learning from virtuous people, 2. respecting the spiritual equality in all living beings / The quality of the Vaisnava Brahmin - akiñcanānām mayi bhakti-bhājām - they do not want to possess anything. They simply engage in devotional service.
SB 5.5.25-26
applying spiritual principles to times of tragedy / Bhakti is devotion & service / handling the rough waves on the surface, while being situated in the deep calm / rituals need substance / the qualities of a brahmana / Bhakti-yogis take no offense and harbor no resentment / We can all become the personified Vedas
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SB 5.5.23-24
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss memories and instructions they received from Kaustubha’s guru, Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami, on the 21st anniversary of his passing from this world.
Thanks Hare Krishna Movement (for helping promote animal rights) / leverage your influence for good / the entire cosmos is a cooperative / finding the social balance thru inspiration rather than legislation / finding happiness in truth, not in things / be guided by the wise and self controlled / Jatayu the vulture of the Ramayana, probably history’s most popular bird / recognize the hierarchy on the level of bodies, and the equality on the level of the soul
SB 5.5.20-22
Raghunath and Radhikesh Prabhu discuss planetary influences, being possessed by ghosts, our roadmap of karma, yajnas, gemstones and more.
Find out more about Radhikesh at https://www.radhikeshdas.com/
Any advice for a recovering Atheist? / How can we bring up teenage kids who are more empathetic, understanding and caring? / If God has a plan, are we still free to choose? / How to deal with feelings of comparison to others?
Pity me not, your nose will grow too / teach your kids the law of karma / opt out of a society of envy / I dont wanna be in a pack of dogs / we’ve been addicted to Maya for lifetimes / Align your heart with the heart of God
SB 5.5.15-19
Mayapur is buzzing with devotional energy / Radha embodies the ecstatic energy of love / through cultivating a relationship with the Deities you can incur magic / Krishna Lila - Its not a Warner brothers cartoon! / immerse yourself in Vrindavan with proper focus & perspective and never have downtime / Krishna Lila draws you in, purifies and refines you / Bhakti is trickling down from great souls - immerse yourself in the flow / May auspiciousness reign!
the only disqualification is hypocrisy / there’s a power of honesty and vulnerability / Don’t doubt that Bhakti can change the world / having a healthy self-disgust / be a religious virtuoso (you’re not a fanatic) / thoughtful enthusiasm and patience is a necessity for spiritual advancement / Bhakti yoga- the means and the end are the same
If Krishna is the creator, is He responsible for creating the issues that plague humanity? / How to see all living entities without distinction, and still make important distinctions? / How can the soul be both eternally separate and never separated from God? / Is reincarnation always sequential? / How to “come out” as a Bhakti-yogi to a catholic family?
Raghunath and Kaustubha share from their recent visits to the temples of Srinathji in Rajasthan and Sri Padmanabhaswamy in Kerala, and explain how these ancient masterpieces of science and art were designed to create harmony by bringing our awareness to essential spiritual truths.
The words that come out of our mouth attract people or repel people / Hear and chant about Vrindavan to gain entry / Prioritize romancing Krishna / May we all grow and change / We’ve got good people in our life
Reading from Ananda Vrindavan Campu
the universe is working for our evolution / our bodies are like bowling shoes - we have to give them back / the attraction between male and female is the basic principle of material existence / masculine - feminine dichotomy plays out in homosexual relationships as well / the door to our cage is wide open, but we're attached to the food inside / knowledge slackens the knot in the heart / jnana via The Twilight Zone / shoot the robot of illusion
SB 5.5.7-9
Service to the great souls opens the doors to liberation / the temptation to exploit women’s bodies is the dark door in life / Let service to great souls be your austerity / great souls see everyone in a relation to their spiritual identity, are very peaceful, and satisfied, are without anger, are well-wishers of everyone / lock the dark door of porn / The living entity is not really connected with this material world / the excitement of desire robs us of peace / the desire for sense gratification is never fulfilled / we’re just test driving different vehicles until we evolve to the point of love / get back in the water
SB 5.5.2-6
Vishnu descends to recalibrate and enliven / birth as a human is a rare opportunity to learn and be liberated / we all have an eternal spiritual nature - don’t settle for temporary happiness / formula for human life - divine austerity, to purify the heart, leading to liberation / car culture has gotta collapse / Bright Door: Service to the great souls opens the doors to liberation / Dark Door: exploitation of women for sex / when it come to porn, everyone has to draw a hard line and not cross it / speaking about women as sex objects - yogis don’t talk like that!
SB 5.5.1-2
Can we make adaptations for Senior Citizen Bhakti-yogis? / Why do materialist sometimes seem happier than spiritualists? / How to explain the yamas and niyamas to a new audience?
the return of the Varkala Jellyfish / Sri Nityananada - God manifests in unlimited ways for enjoyment / Krishna is behind everything / respecting the Devas in the context of Krishna / how the seers of the truth define what is real
SB 5.4.16-19
it’s inevitable that Bhakti will spread / keeping the message of the Bhagavatam as the main thing / respond to the darkness but see the light / Vyasadeva was is a beautiful sage / wanna be a chosen person- become qualified / he crow of old age and death is coming / “Serves him right” is a red flag that you’re in maya / Kaustubha reveals his evil to the world / filter out animosity
SB 5.4.11-15
tuning into the power of ancient sacred places / mental stability through timeless rituals vs mental instability through 15 second videos which disappear forever in 24 hours / celibate student life as preparation for a successful marriage / what do you do when you drop your baby in the hundi? / why pop n lock when you can play mridanga?
SB 5.4.6 - 10
Kaustubha’s birthday reflections / let the religious part of me die and the spiritual part of me rise / aspiring to develop real yogic vision / cultivate Feelings of gratitude daily / accepting austerity expertly & joyfully / depend on Krishna and hear his whisper / 8 symptoms of a liberated soul from Chandogya Upanishad
SB 5.4.1-5
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss with the charming and learned monk Nityananda Das about his youth in South India practicing in the ancient Bhakti lineage of the great teacher Sri Ramanuja and how he eventually came to the lineage of Sri Caitanaya.
the names of Rama & Krishna have been resounding from the hills in India for longer than we can calculate / the humility of parents who can learn from their children / What is the next step on my path? What could I let go of, or what could I embrace that will make a real difference in the awakening of my own self realization / material energy is a glue trap / there are higher goals in life than getting stuff / the need for truth tellers who can’t be bought
Raghunath and Kaustubha interview more of the guests from their retreat at the Govardhan Eco Village in India.
Janeshwar Das, Raghunath's assistant on his India pilgrimages, shares his inspiring story of being born and raised in the slums in Bombay and his courageous and fascinating path to Bhakti.
In this emotional and touching episode, Raghunath & Kaustubha bring their friend Sri Govinda onto the show to discuss the loss of his young son, the sprouting of his faith in Krishna, meeting his fiancé, and taking up services as a successful financial consultant coming to the path of Bhakti.
Raghunath & Kaustubha speak with Dhanya Rico, a professional Relationship Counselor and Bhakti-yogini, about the importance of honesty and revealing our minds to people we can trust.
I look at my dogs life with envy, why are some births considered lower? / If you’re born on a higher planet and you still have a mind, what about it would be an improvement over the planet we’re already on? / Who judges or decides our next births?
Raghunath and Kaustubha share their thoughts on Victoria’s Vedic wedding, and interview some of the guests from their retreat at the Govardhan Eco Village in India.
Will we learn to live in harmony with nature, or will we run off the edge of a cliff? / the cow and bull provide everything we need / Ella’s Story - I Won't Be Groomed for Cruelty
Krishna is not interested in wealth, He just wants only our devotion / the story of Kolavecha Sridhar / Make a little time for a sincere sadhana and it can transform everything else / strive for the next level of awakening / all our desires and fantasies are prayers - and Paramatma is the heart monitor
SB 5.3.4-13
Priests can be bigots and cops can be saints / it’s not your intelligence position that counts, it’s the quality of your heart / how did marriage get so complicated? / sometimes you go with the wild card / keeping the consciousness pure and uncontaminated before rituals / the beauty of the vision of Lord Vishnu
SB 5.3.1-3
How do we learn from karma? / How can we bring yoga into our everyday life while still being in line with the people around us instead of maybe scaring them off by religious or spiritual theories? / Where to start if you’re new to Bhakti and a little overwhelmed by all the resources? / What happens to the souls of those who achieve impersonal liberation?
In a moment we’ll be gobbled by the frog of death / “As soon as the heart is pure, all truths sparkle in it in a minute; all truth in the universe will manifest in your heart if you are pure enough.” - unknown / it’s reasonable I can’t perceive everything / we’re all untouchables but there’s hope / don’t let your mind be a broken record / let your heart become a place of pastimes for Krishna
SB 5.1.30-41
planning for our (birthday) enjoyment can bring great distress / 1 person with a sincere focus on service can change the world / work externally, but always think of Krishna internally / the soul of the universe is within each of our hearts / yogis see the world as moving specifically for the purpose of their enlightenment / looking at the universe from a different angle
SB 5.1.22-29
Resentment blocks the flow of grace / evolve or repeat / devotion shrinks the ocean of the material world down to the amount of water in a calf’s footprint / To do the right thing, when it is difficult, is a sign of goodness. To do it without resentment is a sign of greatness. / Lord Rama had no resentment / Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions.
SB 5.1.19-21
“The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.” - Napoleon Bonaparte / Yogis recode their experience through the filter of intelligence / bolstering the intellect by daily hearing the truth / It’s a war on Maya out there / Self control is the secret of being in the world but not of the world / We have to work on our mind wherever we are / how family life can be yoga / there’s a noble way to age
SB 5.1.17-18
• What’s the root of intention? • Is Krishna immoral? • If we reincarnate as an animal, how do we get back to human birth? • Is there sin and repentance in Bhakti?
SB 5.1.13-16
Can one really be in the world but not of the world? / Lord Brahma descends on a swam / the highly qualified language of the yogis / don’t flatter, but set your mind right with appreciation / we don’t need to isolate, we need to insulate / find a community to help us evolve / seeking blessings before our endeavors / God is coming back in vogue
SB 5.1.8-12
learning to live in harmony with nature / power comes from austerity / stop manufacturing what we can’t throw away / the reality is we’re about to die / know your why / Bhagavatam clarifies everything / the sage expands their affection from My family, to everyone
SB 5.1.1-7
Raghunath and Kaustubha speak about their own lives in 2022 and how hearing Srimad Bhagavatam every day made a difference.
Advice for an Intensive Care Unit Nurse. - How to give your patients what they need but also save some energy for yourself. - Prayers to offer to patients when they are sick or actively dying.
Advice for parents cooking for picky eaters
convenience and comfort breed complaints and intolerance / downgrading from the tour bus to the van / you’re about to lose everything (superficial) / reach out, but don’t tip and fall / indulgence is miserable / a yogi is satisfied somehow or other / Maitreya concludes the 4th Canto with a description of the God of Love / although Krishna is self-sufficient, He becomes dependent on His devotees
SB 4.31.19-31
wash your brain and think for yourself / joy is the default of the spirit soul / being is more fulfilling than having or doing the most / don’t blame God / we are not this earth suit / we’re all going through the same things / Krishna is accelerating our karma / have faith in the bhagavatam and fall in love with Krishna / choose enthusiasm and associate with enthusiastic people / keep spirit at the forefront of our consciousness / purify your mental contamination / focus on the inner reformation / Make Krishna your Number 1
SB 4.31.17-20
" Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein / existential clues are found in nature / devotion makes up for all external shortcomings / lack of devotion leaves any strengths or achievements hollow of true, lasting meaning / the primary lesson taught through the functioning of this world is the need to reestablish our connection with our source / our identity is in relation to, and granted by, our source / don’t just accept this as religious dogma - look deep into nature / by watering the root, the entire tree is satisfied / everything emanates from Krishna, and in due course of time everything enters into Him again
SB 4.31.11-16
All that counts in life is intention.” - Andrea Bocelli / evolved souls look past the externals and understand, sympathize, and appreciate the person underneath - and it’s palpable / our past doesn’t equal our future / a perfect Vaiṣṇava should be completely independent and unbiased / put the people before the regulations / the devotee is the great reminder / external imperfection becomes perfect when one's purpose is selfless / external perfection becomes imperfect when one’s intentions are selfish / Krishna is Bhava Grahi Janardana - He accepts one’s mood and intention / say his name!
SB 4.31.3-10
Are there any Krishna consciousness nonprofits that work to provide food for the hungry, help children in need, or other charitable works? / Can we trust healing mediums?
Make a donation to
“The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” - Confucius / step out of your comfort zone for growth / real growth comes from taking responsibility and releasing resentment / growth = growing pains / the message of Bhagavatam comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable / the comforts of home reinforce limited perspective / cultivating expansion of perspective from love for my small circle, to love for every living being
SB 4.31.1-2
“I’ll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you’ll come to understand that you’re connected with everything.” — Alan Watts / forests are the lungs of our land / who has priority—humans or nature? / dharmic leadership brings about the Earth’s flourishing / a shortage of natural resources indicates the lack of dharmic leadership / Bhagavatam gives trees agency and voice in its narrative / human and nonhuman - parts of the same whole / responsible leadership plays a central role in averting ecological crises
you never know what Krishna is going to use to bring you back / don’t mistake the flute for the player of the flute / don’t get too comfortable- this isn’t your home / the whole material world is a sad story / offer what you got / material desire breeds ignorance / trees are people too / see every body as a temple - by such vision you will satisfy the Lord / one who desires self-realization and thus subdues his powerful anger
SB 4.30.39-51
our little mouths can create so much suffering / our speaking apparatus is an amazing faculty - very effective in either binding us or releasing us / Yoga is a process of cleaning the window for the sunlight to come in / we can create the spiritual world in the material world by vibrating transcendental words / pure words - relieve material hankerings, and remove envy and fear / Krishna is present where His devotees discuss Him / superficial spirituality sees God in the Temple only - deeper spirituality sees God in people
SB 4.30.35-38
For the Live to Give campaign of Bhagavad Gita distribution, text/whatsapp/call Malini at: +1 (669) 289-5563
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. - Matthew 5.8 / what does the heart need to be purified of? / "In monasteries, seminaries, retreats and synagogues, they fear hell and seek paradise. Those who know the mysteries of God never let that seed be planted in their souls.” - Omar Khayyam / a moment of interfaith harmony / destitution is a prodding for Krishna / the yogis ask for their benediction - to be around those who speak of Vishnu, birth after birth / Find people who lift you higher and keep them close / hearing about Krishna relieves anxiety
Madan Mohan is an old friends of Raghunath & Kaustubha going back to their teens. A deep thinker and poet, he shares his thoughts and experiences as a youth that led him to the practice of Bhakti, where he’s at today, and some of his poems.
Spirituality or Spiritual Bypassing? / If Bhaktivedanta Swami were alive today do you believe he would restrict the internet? / Can y'all recommend some slokas (or mantras) that are good to memorize?
that love should be transitory is intolerable / love leaps over the massive of our selfishness / love makes desire itself altruistic / love plants the interests of another in the center of our being / loving one (well used) prepares us to love all / bhakti yogis meditate on name, qualities, form and pastimes / let’s god’s satisfaction be our benediction / the Absolute Truth is realized in three features / one has to approach the Supreme Person through the impersonal Brahman / liberation is just the neutral point
SB 4.30.26-30
“To find love I must enter into the sanctuary where it is hidden, which is the mystery of God.” - Thomas Merton / there’s a secret love with capital L / lowercase love stinks / the reflection appears just like the reflected source, but it’s backwards / our mind and words can’t capture the Supreme / Krishna outsources creation, maintenance and destruction / knowing Krishna makes the world of duality seem meaningless / Wisdom of the Sages came overcome malefic planets / Krishna’s lotus feet are captivating
SB 4.30.14 - 20
when the intention is selfless, work becomes yoga / “one who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender” - Bhagavad-gita 3.6 / a sincere sweeper in the street is far better than the charlatan meditator / the devotee does not feel hackneyed or stereotyped / in the heart of the devotee the Paramatma reveals Himself as ever-increasingly new
SB 4.30.14-20
am I a criminal or a victim? / Alexander the Great could have been content (right now) / satva guna = contentment, raja guna = discontentment / get off the treadmill / even the #1 materialist is in anxiety / striking the balance between competition & cooperation / the material model vs the spiritual model / there’s room for competition in the spiritual realm
SB 4.30.13
“One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything.” - Georg C. Lichtenberg / the need to question our sacred cows / the maturity needed to question our sacred cows / there’s always time for questions in discussions of Santana dharma / the danger of giving up independent thought / question - boil away what’s not real - and then place your faith on a more stable foundation / the need to question the sacred texts / the need to let others question
In today's show we hear from the participants of The Wisdom of the Sages Sage Groups, a way of connecting weekly online, in a small group setting, to learn, question and share, about practicing Bhakti-yoga.
Raghunath speaks with Bhanu-Nandini about connecting with God as a child while escaping a war torn country, and with Krishna Murari Goswami about the origins of Holi and growing up as a 14th generation Goswami in Nandagram.
40% of Divya’s MasterClass at https://divyas.com/?ref=6799 and 15% off your first purchase with code Wisdomofthesages15
10% off Happy Girl Kitchen with coupon code WISDOM
Chasing Rhinos 3 book set at www.chasingrhinos.com
I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery / thank God I am not my mind! / if our body is forced to age, are we really free? / try a mantra mind experiment / Lord Vishnu appears / Lord Vishnu appreciates the friendship of the Pracetas / the mind can be trained out of lust, greed and envy
SB 4.30.1-13
40% of Divya’s MasterClass at http://divyas.com/?ref=6799 and 15% off your first purchase with code Wisdomofthesages15
10% off Happy Girl Kitchen at www.happygirlkitchen.com with coupon code WISDOM
“There are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” - Ann Landers / we are just playing our roles then we give them up / life will go on without us - they’ll be telling jokes at our funeral / spiritual maturity lies in managing polarities / we want eternal life in a temporary world - it doesn’t work / everything within time is a dream
SB 4.29.80-85
dreams as evidence of previous lives / “Because consequential things in our present experience turn inconsequential with the passage of time, as they do in a dream, we can be said to be in a dream.” - Spiritual Scientist / The mind of the living entity continues to exist in various gross bodies / our old neighborhoods are like a dream / we’re passing through bodies even during our sleep / shrinking the karmic stockpile / losing identification with the body during deep sleep, fainting, shock, death, fever / understand the purpose of the virtual reality
Get 10% off Happy Girl Kitchen products with coupon code WISDOM https://happygirlkitchen.com/
4.29.66-79
Lensa AI - a dream within a dream / when I want you, all I have to do is dream / we are constantly choosing the blue pill / we take on new bodies based on our desire and our punya (karmic merit) / working out, plastic surgery, makeup, hair styles, Lensa AI - all different ways of trying to taste the fantasy / Bring your warm and fuzzy to Vrindavan / the old want to look young, the young want to look old - we’re never happy with what we’ve got / Yogis decide “I want reality”, and the promise is that reality is way better than the fantasy
SB 4.29.62-65
Raghu Dreamt of Prabhupada - Kaustubha dreamt of Ringo / 3 apps operating on the computer of the mind - manas, ahankara and buddhi / consciously reprograming the mind / recreate the samskara / transformation starts with one good choice / trap, cotton candy and other forms of junk food / in dreams, do we go somewhere else? - are we somewhere else right now? / Positive habits lead to positive desires
SB 4.29.61
How to practice humility and tolerance? / How to prepare for pilgrimage? / Can you explain the 36 Tattvas (from Shaivism) in the context of bhakti? / Are there rituals to be performed before Japa meditation?
40% off Divya's Masterclass with link https://divyas.com/?ref=6799
Should we be detached from our family? / Are tattoos motivated purely by ego? / What does it mean to practice bhakti “without deviation?
For Episode 900, Raghunath and Kaustubha hear from their listeners about their favorite verses from Bhagavad-gita.
Prestige is a slippery slope / sometimes you have to make a change and don’t look back / hyper-inclusivism vs hierarchal-inclusivism / Look for lessons everywhere
SB 4.29.55-62
we’re here to love, not to control / our deepest attachments are our deepest vulnerabilities / we are trying to taste the rasa that Krishna enjoys / we can’t protect someone from their destiny / Bhagavad-gita’s formula = being complete dutiful, and completely detached / the love formula - two souls, holding hands, walking towards Divinity / Don’t you get it - we’re all about to die?! / At any moment your woohoo could end with a bonk / Get the hell out of the garden!
SB 4.29.52-54
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“the river laughs both at me and at you” / to what path, to what deeds, to what sufferings have we been called? / “even if you died 10 times for him, you would not succeed in relieving him of even the smallest fraction of his destiny.” / “this pain is of the sort that is tempting to laugh about” / Siddhartha lives his past again and comes back to OM / the novice sees materialists with disgust, the master sees them with love / “everything returned again, that had not been fully suffered and resolved; it was always the same sorrows being suffered again and again.”
getting over our pretense / Mara’s a good hearted woman in love with a good-timin’ man / we’re just wandering spirits looking for a way out / the Supersoul is provided remembrance, knowledge & forgetfulness / the Supersoul knows our desires like Amazon Prime / take shelter of the root for all good fortune in the heart / Siddhartha’s letting go
SB 4.29.50-51
How to deal with guilt, shame and regret on the Bhakti path? / How can women navigate the effects of menstruation on their daily sadhana?
algorithms are distorting our perception of reality - we need to be meeting with people in person more / dance unabashedly / all the sages draw from the teachings of Vyasa / how do we know that Bhakti is not just a concession, rather than the goal? / this is not our real home
SB 4.29.45-49
Thanks to the Wisdom of the Sages family! / Its ok to recreate family / appreciate people and spread gratitude / zoom out and be thankful / choose serving the devotees over serving the senses / Narada has the cure for our material disease / the secret of success is hearing from the right person / receiving Bhakti through a heart to heart transfer / Hee Haw will not endure
SB 4.29.38-45
Bhagavatam is the thread holding it all together — Essential, relevant, and practical / time comes along and ruins the illusion / There is no material solution / have courage and take shelter / all of our suffering is due to illusion / the only real solutions lie in spiritual principals / we have to laugh at ourselves and our own attachments / Postulate 7 - Evolve or Repeat
SB 4.29.34-37
“Every solution to every problem is simple. It's the distance between the two where the mystery lies.” ― Derek Landy / my attachments stand in the way of the simple solution / kindness & simplicity are always the solution / lean into spiritual life / the wise can find great joy with nothing / sometimes you’ve gotta get the mafia involved / the sacred cow vs the tractor / a meat-based diet and economy dependent on cruelty, machinery and fossil fuels vs simple living and loving cooperation between humans and cows
SB 4.29.32-33
How can one apply Bhakti wisdom to the grief of the loss of a loved one?
The influences of the gunas are woven into the tapestry every object w encounter, and every circumstance we experience / a wise person learns how to make the gunas work for them / only when one is content, can they focus inward
SB 4.29.26-32
careful what you look for- you’ll find it / attachment clouds truth perception / who am I in this story - wise Narada or the attached king? / peeling away the layers of attachment / the humility of Akinchana Krishna das Babaji / am I in control or am I being controlled?
SB 4.29.1-27
the need for material success, popularity, and power stem from self-rejection / "Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of our existence.” Henri J.M. Nouwen / don’t get triggered out of the treasure / the only satisfying identity is I am spirit / the soul is a person and an enjoyer in reality / non-binary gender identification mentioned in Srimad-Bhagavatam / our factual position - both one with and different from God / every Starbucks should have a swan
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SB 4.28.55-65
What do you do when your guru gives you an instruction but your heart and intuition say something else? / Was Srila Prabhupada a saint?
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Guru Questions
Can one love, without loving themselves first? / What can I do for Krishna? Is intention enough? / Any advice for bringing kids on pilgrimage? / How does a swami become a swami?
“A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep.” - Saul Bellow / How deep is my need for illusion? / Our home is the spiritual world / Plato’s allegory - Life as we know it, is like being chained in a cave and forced to watch shadows of reality projected on a stone wall / Who am I, among Plato’s cave dwellers? / things in the physical world are flawed reflection of the ideal forms in the spiritual world / Is there a source of light that will reveal the falsity in even our most basic assumptions? / physicists speak of a real world behind the world of perception and change / when the living entity wants to enjoy himself, he falls down into the material world / how we both fall and never fall, from the spiritual world / you should try to realize the meaning of what I have said through cit-samadhi, spiritual meditation
SB 4.28.54
how to relieve the world’s suffering / spiritual knowledge as a way of checking the imbalance of values in life, and achieving real unity and peace / “The more directly one aims to maximize pleasure and avoid pain, the more likely one is to produce instead a life bereft of depth, meaning and community.” - Emily Esfahani Smith / the Supersoul isn’t a judge, He’s a friend / how many burials or funeral pyres of our loved ones have we witnessed in our many lifetimes? / funeral pyre renunciation / how many times have we heard that voice and ignored it? / desiring earthly enjoyments, we’ve become attached / we’re allowed to unfollow whoever we want
in life’s most difficult moments, when one feels most alone, we may hear the voice of God within / we have an eternal friend in the heart / we’re still far away from our original home / we’ve been traveling in different forms throughout this material world / we’ve forgotten our spiritual life and have been placed in various miserable conditions / our sense of identity shifts from one body to another / we’re in the process of remembering what we are / formula to hear God - follow the instructions of a master - and then God will instruct you in the heart / just because there’s lots of fool’s gold doesn’t mean there isn’t any real gold
perceiving the spiritual world in the material world / whatever our view of reality is, it’s going to be far out, and require faith / taking a picture in the heart / when our interests merge with those of the Supersoul / the practice of the disciple - serving with love and affection, giving up sensual enjoyments, renunciation, austerity, peace and steadiness / the disciple cries when the guru leaves / the disciple and guru are live together eternally through the instructions
What’s happening in the Spiritual World? / Are feelings of unworthiness on the Bhakti path common? / What is Hare Krishna 2.0?
Broken Pickers - We’re attracted to the Causes of Our Suffering
Krishna disguises himself as a boatman / Krishna disguises himself as a snake doctor / Are we attracted to things that are causing suffering? / the meaning of life is as simple as fixing our broken picker / the king develops attraction to Krishna through austere yoga / dharma is meant for developing attraction to Krishna - SB. 2.2.8 / the distinction between the soul and the Supersoul / we are the witness in the body - doing nothing / don’t trust your instincts
old death-defying India vs new materially developed India / how the king became fixed in spirit - austerity, learning, regulative principles, self-control / practical ways to include austerity in our lives / Sri Chaitanya gave the highest spiritual sentiments to the most dented cans / Krishna is everything.” Bhagavad-gita 7.19 / “For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome.” Bhagavad-gita 12.5
the biggest cause of my distress is planning for happiness / beware of being the enjoyer in Vrindavan / if you come in a mood of service it’s like you’re already liberated / material indulgence always ends in indigestion / me first mentality is like Lord of the Flies / happiness through service is the peace formula / all there is within the universe for satisfying one’s senses cannot satisfy a person who’s senses are uncontrolled / if your happiness is from your ego, prepare for pain / contentment opens you up to deeper spirituality / association is everything
Pustulate 4 - let Krishna be the attractive one (because we can’t handle the fame, power, beauty, wealth, etc.) / Krishna is the original addiction, the one that never gets old / the guru gives birth to attraction to Krishna - and the practices of Bhakti / the practices give birth to the varieties of devotion expressed though the authentic Bhakti lineages / the mind unites with attraction to Krishna and gives birth to detachment to external pleasures / a real disciple carries firewood / a real guru is expert in understanding the Vedic conclusion and always fixed in spirit / Bhakti is without selfish motive, and directed to Krishna, the root of all existence
Kaustubha interviews Shara McGlinn about growing up in Bhakti, and her journey through professional modeling, acting, recovery and back.
• How does a Bhakti-yogi face workplace challenges? • Can a Buddhist Love Krishna? • How can I be responsible for being misled by the heart and mind Krishna gave me?
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of his Tirobhava (passing from this world) Raghunath and Kaustubha share their appreciation for Bhaktivedanta Swami by reading a short bio and hearing from Allen Ginsburg, George Harrison, Thomas Merton, and scholars Harvey Cox and Stillson Judah.
the mood needed to enter a holy place / we suffer for our over-indulgence / we move toward who we meditate on / a devotee has no vision other than Krishna / don’t criticize but discern / charlatans exist in the East too / pseudo-avatāras,-svāmīs,-yogīs and others
letting go of resentments for Diwali / the loneliness of death / remembering the inner friend and well-wisher / open your home in loving service / starting the conversation with God in your heart / through control of the sex-drive, power is attained / in the presence of one who is established in nonviolence, enmity is abandoned
Kaustubha discusses with Professor Ravi Gupta about the unique role of Srimad Bhagavatam in the broader yoga tradition, and how it presents “Dharmic Reversals” where common religious, social hierarchies (in terms of gender, age, caste and even species) are turned upside-down. Dr. Ravi M. Gupta (Radhika Ramana dasa) is the Charles Redd Professor of Religious Studies and Department Head for History, Religious Studies, and Classics at Utah State University. He is the author or editor of four books, including an abridged translation of the Srimad Bhagavatam (with Kenneth Valpey), published in 2017 by Columbia University Press. Ravi has received four teaching awards, a National Endowment for the Humanities summer fellowship, three research fellowships, and a book award. He is a Permanent Research Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and a past president of the Society for Hindu Christian Studies. He speaks around the world on topics related to Chaitanya Vaishnavism, Vedanta philosophy, and Krishna bhakti traditions.
Any advice for people coming to Bhakti later in life? / Am I practicing detachment or avoiding responsibility? / If God is singular, how can we all be God?
“But fate ordains that dearest friends must part.” – Edward Young / there’s only one friend that we don’t part with / starting the conversation with God in the heart / the wise voluntarily renounce what time will take away involuntarily / the spirit soul is the principal factor within the body / our schools need to engage us with spiritual knowledge / spiritual knowledge can heal us socially and psychologically
SB 4.28.23-25
we try to keep death under wraps / Pompeii can happen at any moment / fear, dread and resignation at the moment of death / fear for our loved ones in the future / regret about how we treated loved ones in the past / life will go on without us / they’ll be eating chips and dip, and laughing at your funeral / the iceberg of death is coming, destroying love and romance / only spiritual knowledge will save us from the pain of separation / our miserly intelligence limits our love
SB 4.28.18-22
“… our concern must be to live while we're alive - to release our inner selves from the spiritual death that comes with living behind a facade designed to conform to external definitions of who and what we are.” - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross / we’re here for self realization / there’s a bigger ROI on your spiritual life / yoga wisdom could save yoga asana / Postulate 4 - My body is a vehicle for devotional service / sexual attraction is the basic principle of material existence, and leads to thinking in terms of I and mine / who is the real sannyasi?
SB 4.28.14-17
“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.”- Haruki Murakami / the terror of death without spiritual knowledge / “Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.” Jean de La Fontaine / death can be a gift to put your life in perspective / our deep affections for family should be based on truth / the chains of habit are too light to be felt until they’re too heavy to be broken
40% off Divya’s MasterClass at https://divyas.com/?ref=6799
15% off your first purchase with code WISDOMOFTHESAGES15
SB 4.28.1-13
Divya Alter discusses her new cookbook, how to incorporate ayurveda in your daily life, the importance of prana and pranic foods, and more.
For Divya's Masterclass use our referral link for 40% off! https://divyas.com/?ref=6799
And for 15% off your first purchase at www.divyas.com, use code WISDOMOFTHESAGES15
How to explain your new interest in Bhakti to loved ones? / Can you pinpoint the reasons why you both got into Bhakti?
know that Krishna listens to the voice of your chanting / share the spiritual messages that strike you with others / remain clear that we are staying only a short time in the guesthouse of planet earth / do I treasure things that aren’t so valuable? / are my thoughts giving me energy? / finding the small spark in the heart and acting out of love
https://www.urbandevi.com/the-inspiration-list/
dying as a spiritually aware person / time is creeping up on us / Time gives birth to Old Age, who teams up with Fever & Disease to attack our body / Vaishnavas are immune the anxiety and suffering of old age and disease / even curses can be blessings / old age can be an impetus for our spiritual life / separating ourselves from our external reality through Bhakti / yoga leads to boundless happiness, truth, and steadiness through life’s greatest challenges
Bhakti Tirtha Swami's last kirtan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0B8vOZJ3WY
SB 4.27.21-30
we’re here to observe, learn, grow, love and then return home / you don’t need to decorate your hotel room / Postulate 14 - let Krishna be the attractive one / we can’t handle fame, wealth, beauty, etc. / both materialistic piety and decadence lie on the other side of truth / Krishna comes in the form of time and forces us to surrender / our life airs are being attacked by time, along with the days and nights / every time the sun sets we can reflect that my body is losing a battle / for those who identify with the body, time brings anxiety / time brings disease
SB 4.27.5-20
what is normal now is really abnormal / the blind pursuit of materialism is a hamster wheel of debt / making sense of an upside world through Bhakti / stay where you are but cultivate wisdom / Bhagavatam juxtaposes spirituality, not only with moral decadence, but with materialistic piety as well / material enjoyment is just a thin veneer over suffering / material happiness will shoot you in the groin / disease and time are creeping up on us / what’s your pillow, that helps you sleep through life’s important messages?
SB 4.27.1-4
the desires of the guru are always in the heart of the disciple / “What is sacred is considered to be ordinary & what is ordinary is considered to be so important.” - Radhanath Swami / Clear out the junk in your mind to make space for the extraordinary / let your Inner archaeologist dig deep / Krishna’s Lila as the ultimate focal point / It’s not just cleaning and emptying the house, it’s filling the house with love / the higher consciousness is inaccessible through the material senses / meditation on Krishna’s Lila arises in the consciousness, reveals itself and summons the eternal, blissful participation of those who meditate upon it / Krishna’s dance is the churned essence of all the Vedic literature
How to associate with “wonderful” non devotees? / How to find joy again after the loss of my daughter? / Can you share 1 everyday practice for people who don’t live in an ashram? / How to gracefully receive worship, praise, validation & love?
clutter smothers, simplicity breathes / the results that arise from weakness of heart / what unsteady spiritual practice looks like - (1) enthusiasm based on over-confidence, which is thus feeble and short-lived, (2) irresolute, sporadic, endeavors, (3) indecisiveness and doubts constantly assailing one’s resolve, (4) the battle with desire for worldly sense objects, (5) the inability to uphold vows, (6) delighting in the mundane benefits afforded by bhakti
once we neglect it, dharmic intelligence does not come back so easily / a mind without devotion and dharma endowed intelligence is like an empty home / worse than the tangible karmic reaction is the deepening of adharmic disposition which steals our freedom / reestablishing dharmic intelligence through giving up false ego and respecting the Bhakti-yogis / battling the voices of adharma in the mind / we are both tiny and significant / our subordination to insignificant objects / in weakness we buy into false arguments
SB 4.26.14-26
“No man was ever wise by chance.” – Seneca / the lifelong attempt to acquire wisdom / I want your body, but not the emotions that come with it / the mind’s power over us is eroded by hearing (śravana), reflecting (manana), and meditating (nididhyāsana) / working the renunciation muscles / resetting the algorithms in the Mind / what do we need to “unfollow” / coming back to our dharmic intelligence
SB 4.26.10-13
“Remember that pain has this most excellent quality. If prolonged it cannot be severe, and if severe it cannot be prolonged.” - Seneca / “There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall.”- Gandhi / there is something to learn from our pain / “Apart from separation from the devotee of Kṛṣṇa, I know of no unbearable unhappiness.” - Ramananda Raya / cynical German hippies / we’re all spirit souls, treat everyone with dignity / animals are not dead stone, but the killers of animals are stonehearted / attachment covers truth perception
SB 4.26.5-9
"Let us train our minds to desire what the situation demands." - Seneca / lust is the beginning of misogyny / we’ve got a quiver of unlimited desires / a womanizer can’t be kind / cruel reactions follow cruel behavior / global pandemics, climate change related disasters, and war are all tied to the cruelty of factory farming
SB 4.26.1-4
How to practice humility free of shame & unworthiness? / Am I callous or wise? / How to study with devotion? / What is compassion in a Bhakti context?
How to explain Krishna to my child? / Is it wrong to put down a pet? / Why does the Vedic Literature teach in a progression to Bhakti?
“When 'happiness' eludes us - as, eventually, it always will - we have the invitation to examine our programmed responses and to exercise our power to choose again.” - Richard Rohr / do we feel invited to resent, complain, feel self-pity…..or examine our mind? / the 9 gates of the body / expanding the space between stimulus and response / the bikini cardboard cut-out seen through the lens of reason / there’s no reward for dancing dogs
SB 4.25.24-62
“Contemplation is an alternative consciousness that refuses to identify with or feed what are only passing shows. It is the absolute opposite of addiction, consumerism or any egoic consciousness.” - Richard Rohr / contemplation is freedom / pause for thought / the mind should be our employee / “sattvic scrolling” / if we could only monitor the mind / Jagrat (waking state), Svapna (dreaming state), Sushupti (deep sleep state) / in the waking state the mind experiences outward impressions - in the dreaming state, it creates its own impressions developed from the materials of the waking hours / Japa locks you into the sacred sound / “From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the Self.” Bhagavad-gita 6.26
Egoic consciousness is the one we all normally operate with, until we are told there is something else! – Richard Rohr / identifying our common central reference point is the key to “checking the imbalance of values” and “achieving real unity and peace in the world” / my body is deteriorating while I’m in it / there’s no even playing field in the material world / egoic consciousness = seeing everything in the context of the enjoyment of our senses - rather than in the context of the Source that it stems from / when 2 people strike a deal - thinking that the other will satisfy them - they are setting up for conflict / ego consciousness does not necessarily mean David Lee Roth
SB 4.25.40-43
“Faith is not for overcoming obstacles; it is for experiencing them—all the way through!” - Richard Rohr / read 5 Bhagavad-gita versus today / this isn’t bypassing, it’s facing the obstacles with wisdom - so we can grow / giving up on figuring out the meaning of life is bypassing / before the truth sets you free, it makes you miserable / the dream within the dream / positive role models lift us up / what is prana?
SB 4.25.34-39
Idolatry & Bhakti - what’s the deal? / What is pure devotion pure of?
“Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.” ― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet / postulate 31 - upper and lower case love / We should have a mad pursuit for growth (not happiness) / understanding the “demoniac” mentality / Kaustubha’s Satanic friend / the idea that there is no moral foundation to the world doesn’t hold up / selfishness leads to pain and anxiety / time is running out - Now is the time to inquire into the absolute truth
SB 4.25.29-33
How to have better inter-sangha relations? / How to become more sincere? / How to get over feelings of insecurity? / Is there a motive in Bhakti?
“The timeless in you is aware of life's timelessness.” - Khalil Gibran, The Prophet / that which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within timelessness / spiritual energy means beyond time / why Raghunath hangs out in graveyards / how much of my time is spent in timelessness? / great cultures were built on contemplation of life’s most important questions / three apps operating on the computer of the mind - manas, ahankara, and buddhi / freedom is most effectively taken away by giving the illusion of freedom
SB 4.25.27-32
E-mail [email protected] and put WoS giveaway and your city in the subject line
“Accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields. And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.” – Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet / Bhagavad-gita 2.14-15 / becoming the inner witness by disengaging from identification with our thoughts and emotions and just observing them / by embracing the delusion of dualities it becomes impossible to acquire self realization / without self realization there’s no God realization / human life is meant for asking the important questions
“Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.” ― Khalil Gibran, The Prophet / austerity feels difficult at first, and liberating in the end / the mind is a computer, the senses are the plug in devices, the soul is the user (and the battery) / our senses are servants of the mind, each with hundreds of desires / attachment and aversion are two sides of the same coin
How does one know when they are ready to make a commitment to seek a guru and initiation? / How does one chant mantras on beads? / How to let go of resentment?
“Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe / we need to sing together / how the results of yoga practice become firmly rooted through culture / Raghu’s recent parenting wins / Brooklyn Radha Govinda Temple back in the 80’s / India is lame (but with spiritual assets), the West is Blind (but with material assets) / blinded by the glitter of material opulence
“None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe / are we free or are we following the programing in the mind? / shrimp scampi or cockroach scampi - what’s the difference / naked man and the box revisited / yoga is aimed at uncovering the true self, underneath the mental programing / we are all the king of our bodies, wandering with an unknown friend - the paramatma / for one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached - Bhagavad-gita 6.7 / we can’t find satisfaction through the body
SB 4.25.7-12
who is Narada? / don't be fooled by the highlight reels of peoples life / don’t work on decorating your prison cell, work on your reformation / never forget the reason behind the rule (divine love) / we’ve been wandering through different bodies and planets / everyone has dormant kṛṣṇa-bhakti — love for Kṛṣṇa — and in the association of good devotees, that love is revealed
SB 4.25.6
“It is not doing the thing we like to do, but liking the thing we have to do, that makes life blessed.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe / the impulsive part of the mind is programed to believe externals bring happiness - the reflective part of the mind can reprogram it / “I acted and behold, service was joy.” - Rabindranath Tagore / what are “fruitive activities”? / material enjoyment comes with suffering - no way around it / even Michael Jordan’s not happy / when we try to take Krishna’s role we crash
SB 4.25.1-5
Gurudas and Raghunath discuss the early days with Prabhupada, the Beatles, and his new book, The Swami who Rocked the Worlds, as well as his nonprofit organization The Vedic Care Charitable Trust. More info here https://vediccarecharity.org
Why do we have to suffer so much? / Is it wrong for a yogi to drink coffee & tea? / Could you share a good morning ritual for someone with PTSD?
“Be like water, making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.” - Bruce Lee / the universe is designed to assist us - so don’t be so rigid / the balance of knowing when to be soft like grass and when to be rigid like a tree / instead of sizing up the whole world find the good qualities / you won’t find self worth through others’ shortcomings / to serve the universe - start by meditating on it’s source
SB 4.24.71-79
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Bruce Lee / starve your distractions, feed your focus / find God in your heart and meditate on Him continuously / One who sees the Supersoul equally present everywhere, in every living being, does not degrade themself by their mind / Kaustubha’s prema breath work / Haridas Thakura become the Namacharya / keep digging into the mantra / keep digging into your heart
SB 4.24.70
The medicine for my suffering I had within me from the very beginning but I did not take it.” - Bruce Lee / don’t empower the triggers / materialists look without, spiritualists look within / hack away at the unessential - distill the mind / triggers direct you toward your self work / here’s the key - human life is meant for inquiry of Absolute truth / 3 features of the Absolute Truth - Brahman, Paramatma, Bhagavan / you can’t understand a sage by the externals / the formula - staying situated in you social position, purify internally through chanting, and carry out your social duties
SB 4.24.68-69
“You don’t ask God to give you things, you depend on God for your inner theme.” - Bruce Lee / worship ≠ self-deprecation / focus all our good qualities to Krishna / worship = the development of deep respect and love for every living being / will we run our life away on the hamster wheel, or focus on learning life’s lessons? / we have 2 options: evolve or repeat / the rarity of human birth / 9 symptoms of an advanced devotee
SB 4.24.67
Srimad bhagavatam - the great reminder / We aren’t selling you a religion, we’re waking up your true identity / excavate your spiritual identity / Bhakti is all inclusive / Let everyone sweep their own door and the whole world will be clean / Check ourselves on giving unsolicited advice / its hard to heal in isolation / friends don’t cosign friends’ nonsense / world peace can’t be done, but there can be peace in our consciousness / fame exacerbates pain / even chickens are greedy / we are not the centre, we are satellites of the centre
4.24.64-66
Vaisesika Dasa and Kaustubha discuss the Srimad Bhagavatam's presentation of beauty & love on the spiritual plane and how this world is a reflection of that.
Radhastami Special: How to understand Radha’s suffering in separation from Krishna?
the secret of human life lies in the surrender to and awareness of Krishna / the Gita fuses worship, action and contemplation in a fulfillment of daily duty that transcends all three through becoming an instrument of a transcendent will / the Gita remains utterly vital / Swami Bhaktivedanta brings to the West a salutary reminder that we lack the inner depth of an authentic metaphysical consciousness / without illuminated consciousness, we live life with tragic seriousness / the absence of violence in the Gita’s content, context and consequence / our future fantasies become a repugnant present / “In obedience to that inner truth we are at last free.” - Thomas Merton
Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name.” - Thomas Merton / The Big Flip-flop = selfishness leads to suffering, selflessness leads to happiness / don’t be a Cosmic Player hater / real romance = holding hands and walk together toward Divinity / living a life both more serious and less serious than the one who does not sense the inner cosmic dynamism / capital e Enjoyer vs lower case enjoyers / Am I just a child and is my entire life just playing with a toy imitation?
SB 4.24.62-63
internal, external and marginal energies / we’re the marginal engird trying to enjoy the external energy / it’s reasonable to infer that someone is holding everything together / past, present and future are natural for the soul / it’s hard for us to conceive of existence without time / our desire to enjoy in competition with krishna is the cause of our material existence
https://www.mandala.org/upcoming-events/chantcamp2022
SB 4.24.61
“Reason is in fact the path to faith, and faith takes over when reason can say no more.” - Thomas Merton / atheism is a type of faith / spirituality is about respecting all other spirits / Raghu says Choose! / the external, internal and marginal energies / the body is planned obsolescence / if there’s a corrupt guru in your kitchen, practice Bhakti in the garage / my inner Dr. Evil, is battling my inner Thomas Merton / we’re all are being maintained - grow up and acknowledge it
SB 4.24.61
“to be a saint means to be myself” Thomas Merton / sainthood is within us - chip it away / if I’m not being a saint, I’m not being myself / Western salvation vs Eastern self-realization / tat tvam asi - you are that (but not like that) / We are God’s energy yet we are individual / the personal conception makes everything click / Sri Caitanya schools the monist sannyasis / Arjuna - “how can one transcend the material energy?” - Krishna - “through Bhakti-yoga” / Krishna is the basis of brahaman / three manifestations of the Absolute Truth - Brahman, Paramatma & Bhagavan
SB 4.24.60
How do you navigate loneliness on the path of Bhakti? / How to keep Bhakti alive while living in the ordinary world? / How to share Bhakti with my kids? / How to describe Bhakti to someone new to it?
Can we trust our intuition? / How to get through spiritual puberty? / What’s so special about me, that I found the path of Bhakti? / What to do if you feel your spiritual teacher’s advice is wrong?
"Neither the past nor the future exists.” - Yoda / A key for meditation – what distracts our mind most is thoughts of the past and thoughts of the future / the past is not for enjoying through reminiscing or wallowing in lamentation and the future is not for yearning or fantasy, they are both for upgrading the present / the past can enrich the present through knowledge gained by experience / envisioning the future can bring direction to the present / bhakti is transferred from the heart of a devotee / live to be corrected / putting a positive spin on the 10 offenses
SB 4.24.59
drop the mysteries of the universe on someone’s lap / Bhagavatam makes your home sacred / Bhagavatam untangles all difficulty / one moment’s association with a devotee can shift your trajectory / we’re out of our real element / a devotee can trigger the dormant devotion in the heart of another / devotional service IS our thing, we just forgot / getting past the triggers
SB 4.24.58
Yoda gets it - we’re not these bodies / hear the gong of God for a paradigm shift / we go through many bodies, even in this one life / the force of the false ego causes the eternal self to identify with the temporary body / now (while you’re in a human body) is the time to inquire into the Absolute Truth / happiness is the natural situation of the living entity / the Bhakti-yogi can transcend the influence of time / death is a symptom of material infection / resist the flow of mundane material life - confront your own dark force
SB 4.24.56-57
Yoda speaks to the reflection of his own evil / rejecting our inner evil through patience and training / light up your life with transcendental practices / hearing and reflecting on truth provides our foundation for life / Bhakti-yoga is all about refining and directing emotions / everyone loves Shiva / its easier to cry / Indra wants Bhakti - the monists need Bhakti / why Bhakti is easier / love alone satisfies Krishna
SB 4.24.53-55
“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” — Yoda / Dig in and examine your fears to cultivate detachment / through reflection we fear less / though Bhakti we transfer attachment and fear / Bhagavatam dissipates the darkness of the heart / Fearfulness is the result of material involvement / a real yogi is focussed on ridding their heart of darkness / you light up my life Sri Krishna
SB 4.24.52
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the Bhakti Recovery Group with Jiva G and other participants about how principles from 12 step recovery can be applied in the context of Bhakti-yoga, and how it’s not just for hardcore drug addicts, but can help address a very wide range of addictive behaviors.
More info at https://www.bhaktirecoverygroup.com
Where do you draw the line between a medicine and an intoxicant? / Is it ever ok for me to serve meat to an elderly, disabled relative? / Why does Krishna give us free will when we are so prone to misuse it?
Krishna tags people to touch our lives / seek the spiritual essence, beyond the external stereotypes / humility is the conduit for Krishna’s mercy / sweet Krishna places liberation in the hands of the devotees / let Krishna shine within our hearts! / the infinite love and beauty of Krishna’s eyes / Krishna cannot check the rising tide of love He feels for his devotees / Lord Shiva Glorifies the beauty of Krishna’s form
SB 4.24.45-52
Jane Goodall on balancing the clever brain and the human heart / if we dare to look into those eyes, then we shall feel their suffering in our hearts / “If the factory farm does indeed unravel – and it must – then there is hope that we can, gradually, reverse the environmental damage it has caused.” Jane Goodall / magic happens when you start to romance Krishna / imagine Lord Shiva coming up to you and telling you what he meditates on! / Shiva’s meditative focus on the form of Krishna / Call Krishna and he will come
SB 4.24.44
Bhakti culture develops the sentiments favorable for yoga transformation / prune the vestigial limbs that don’t serve us / Shiva appeals to Krishna to purify his body and mind / change our choices to expand our free will / our bad choices make us miserable / Am I triggered by Krishna’s central role? / If my pleasure brought pleasure to everyone else, then I would be the supreme enjoyer / cultivate the spirit of Vrindavan within / Bhakti - its a formula that works / declare your real identity to check your ego (I’m a pure spirit soul)
SB 4.24.41-43
Jane Goodall’s unannounced moments of true awareness / don’t freak out, freak in / stepping out of the current of time to experience moments of true awareness / the Universe is the body of Vishnu - are we healthy cells, or a virus? / don’t fight the flow - fight the anti-flow / the Vedas are an instruction manual for this human body / “It is the duty of every living being to perform welfare activities for the benefit of others with his life, wealth, intelligence and words.” / Sage Engage - we all need to serve / settle into your relationship, career, service and teachers / everything is revealed through spiritual sound
SB 4.24.36-40
Jane Goodall is playing the role of a Brahmin / feeling spirituality in nature / the benefits of ashram life / pure and auspicious mantras make our minds pure and auspicious / happiness through loving service is our nature / false ideas impressed within our minds are the cause of our losing touch with our true nature and seeking happiness externally / mantras should be transcendental, pure and auspicious / mantras should be received carefully and attentively / getting into Anjali Mudra / the disciple must be respectful and the guru must be kind-hearted / Jane Goodall gets it - there must be a Master of Integration behind everything
SB 4.24.31-35
How do you practice Bhakti sincerely without holding back and at the same time, not lose relationships? / What’s the difference between chanting japa and kirtan? / Does Krishna love everyone?
“All Creatures exist for a purpose. Even an ant knows what that purpose is--not with its brain, but somehow it knows. Only human beings have come to a point where they no longer know why they exist.” ― Lame Deer / when you set the ego aside you can feel love in your heart / Others are real / ants don’t need to find themselves / even the appendix has a purpose / Naimittika-dharma (temporary) & Nitya-dharma (eternal) / our passion needs purpose / we need to tie our temporary purpose to our eternal purpose
“To see the universal and all-pervading Spirit of Truth face to face one must be able to love the meanest of creation as oneself.” - Gandhi / how loving a 3 legged pitbull can light you up / ego and arrogance block our understanding of God / we are tiny insignificant specks - part of something greater / a gentle person is self satisfied; sensitive and concerned for others / interpretation of the Indian head bobble is an art / Lord Shiva’s cinematic entrance / the Bhagavad-gita’s hierarchal inclusivism solves the Rubik’s Cube of Vedic thought
SB 4.24.21-30
meeting a great soul on pilgrimage can change your life / when we chant with great care and attention, our spiritual life takes off / meeting Lord Shiva is very rare / Kali and Durga are serious women / the mind of a great soul is calm and quiet / our minds are always disturbed / the disciples of a great soul become very calm and quiet in mind / becoming pleased with whatever Krishna wants
SB 4.24.1-20
Heal so that you can hear what is being said without the filter of your wounds.” - Dr. Thema / truth is truth / another person’s behavior towards oneself = a reflection of their relationship with themselves / the only answer - “take it to the soul” / truth gives us a framework for tragedy / the rarity of human birth / this is a tough world, but it is not our true home / would you enter the fire?
SB 4.23.15-39
“God instructs the heart, not by ideas, but by pains and contradictions.” –18th century French Mystic Jean Pierre De Caussade / It’s gonna be so great when we finally see God in everyone’s heart / when the mind is conquered, the Supersoul is already reached / Dr. Pain makes house calls for our growth / mysticism (yoga) & detachment (from Jnana) are meant to bring us to the lotus feet of Krishna / to the degree that we let go of resentment and anxiety and practice bhakti, it lightens the load / the point of Jnana & yoga is to remember Narayana at the end / we’re the double dropped dented cans
SB 4.23.13-14
Kaustubha speaks with Bhaktimarga Swami a monk who has crossed the continent of North America five times on foot. The Walking Monk shares why he does it, the joy of meeting people, the value of being alone, and of feeling small.
Why am I moved by simple kirtan and turned off by commercialized kirtan? / Can one attain Krishna Bhakti in just one lifetime, or does it take many? / Should a Bhakti-yogi refrain from wearing gold and jewels / Is the 'evil eye’ real?
this place is a dream….you wake up laughing at what you thought was your grief / look at our suffering from different angles / we know too much to be able to enjoy the material world / Krishna 2.0 is accessible to everyone! / we need a release valve from the pressure cooker of the material world / transcendental sound is the power washer of Kali Yuga / add wisdom to your practice / this podcast will end your material life
SB 4.23.6-12
You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in the “download years” of your childhood, but you are 100% responsible for installing the upgrades. - (source unknown) / the mind is a computer / don’t forget to install the Buddhi app / take radical responsibility for upgrading your programming / examine if it’s real pleasure or just your ego / who was Rupa Goswami? / the termites that eat away at our spiritual foundation
we’re burning through time quick / it’s not the what’s that make a difference, it’s the who’s / Happy Birthday Mara! / our souls and minds are starving (for spiritual conversation) / beware the termites of spiritual life
SB 4.23.1-5
Kaustubha & Jahnavi discuss her upcoming tour, her experience of bringing kirtan to the stage, her recent wedding, her father’s influence and practicing Bhakti as a newly married woman.
Find out more about her upcoming tour at https://jahnavimusic.com
How to process disappointing experiences in holy places? / How to view people from different faiths equally when there are long histories of violence and oppression? / How to respond to beggars from a Bhakti perspective?
metalheads are people too / I’m not okay, you’re not okay and that’s okay / we shouldn’t sacrifice long term growth by settling for cheap, temporary positivity / more on Karma-yoga / my child has their own higher power / rituals for conception / Raghu draws the line / burn like the sun / when we are inwardly content, we can move gently and with grace
SB 4.22.52-63
there’s a Bhakti Tsunami coming / great souls are taking birth / Bhakti recovery group is going to change the world / Karma-yoga 1st requirement - Phalaṁ brahmaṇi sannyasya : giving the fruits of activity to the Supreme / trying to take what’s not ours screws everything up / we’re just secondhand creators / This consciousness is called nirmama, or “nothing is mine.”
SB 4.22.51
Raghunath and Paramananda broadcast live from Poland
His Holiness Sacinandana Swami answers live questions from our listeners at the Wisdom of the Sages retreat at Villa Vrindavan
Raghunath and Kaustubha answer live questions from the retreat participants at Villa Vrindavan.
"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." - Marcus Tullius Cicero / education steers our choices - our choices become us / we think we are independent, but we’ve been divinely cared for / Krishna has an eye on you / Bhagavatam teaches us to Zoom out even more / the material world is a fading dream / how many lifetimes have I been through? / let go of the cactus / in bhakti it’s all good / spiritual knowledge is the perfect benediction / the sages share the knowledge to develop the conviction to break the cycle
4.22.41-47
4.22.38
What really makes you believe Krishna is real? / What does it mean to surrender to Krishna?
the sublime mixed emotions of Mary in Michelangelo’s Piete / Bhakti provides coping mechanisms for the glue traps and tragedies of material world / art is creativity engaged in highlighting and preserving something sacred / "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark" Michelangelo / setting the bar high - Bhagavad-gita 6.20-23 / Krishna predominates with love / what is actual spiritual culture? / tat tvam asi - you’re not exactly that
SB 4.22.37
with death comes sobriety / Gopal was simple and selfless / don’t miss the opportunities and lessons for growth that life is sending / the key to life: humility + tolerance + showing respect to others, not expecting respect for oneself = deep, constant spiritual absorption / the model of a mother’s love for her child / Raghu renames the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel / Raphael’s appreciation of Michelangelo / Vaisnavas die to live
accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the one you’re with, with all your heart / treat everyone with the same quality of love that you treat those you love the most / the body is a universe, the universe is a body / Vishnu is the soul of the universe / awareness of the Supersoul in every nook and cranny is uplifting
SB 4.22.37
keeping Krishna at the the center of our life of wacky hijinks / do we pick up exactly where we left off in the previous life? / those who understand life, let go of judgment / we have no clue where people are at /stepping out of automated karma / with every choice, we’re choosing a new body / dharma, artha, kama & moksha / we don’t have to go cold turkey / higher life and lower states of life exist only in relation to the interchange of the modes of material nature
SB 4.22.34-36
Raghunath and Kaustubha talk with Gopi Gita about parenting, teaching, bhakti practices, and her new book Leadership Parenting. More info at www.gopigita.com
How do we practically put Krsna first in our pursuits? / Is personality a superficial aspect of the mind or do we have a transcendental personality? / how can one practice Ekadashi? / What do I do if I just can't connect with the Maha Mantra?
“I neither enjoy the idea of command nor am I frightened of it. It simply exists, and I will do whatever logically needs to be done.” - Mr. Spock / make Krishna the end game / detached work leads to liberation / practice letting go / Gopal Chandra’s detachment / self realization not sense gratification / receiving the blessing of departing yogis / let go of the material world one more notch
SB 4.22.32-33
“Pain is a thing of the mind. The mind can be controlled.” - Mr. Spock / being human is an inconvenience, but it is manageable / separating suffering from pain / Vulcans never self-loathe / when we turn fruitive activities into acts of devotion we can understand that we are not different from anyone else, regardless of the form / our real consciousness is getting sucked up / pornography - draw the line and don’t flirt with it / all the activities of the lost soul are performed on a false basis
SB 4.22.29-31
faith develops in small increments / don’t be a shooting star be a rising moon / "I'm frequently appalled by the low regard you Earthmen have for life." - Mr. Spock / treat every little being with dignity / transcending distinctions between external and internal / upadhis - false designations / our false designations are unstable / functional and fundamental identities / the perfect conception of oneness
SB 4.22.27-28
Let go of your past and future, it’s just you and Krishna / Burning is learning / There’s a healthy bitterness in the transition of death / surrender is going to come anyway, best to do it voluntarily with a smile / "In critical moments, men sometimes see exactly what they wish to see” - Mr. Spock / Our perception can be clouded by attachment & fear / become detached through devotion / burning away the material body through devotion
SB 4.22.25-26
Raghunath and Kaustubha answer live questions from the audience at Supersoul Farm
Vegan or Vegetarian? / How to Deal with Chronic Pain
get off the mental platform and start identifying as a soul! / he who can control the mind is in charge / Mr. Spock - “we can control the mind, therefore we can control the pain” / “To give free rein to the senses is to shackle the soul.” ― Theoleptos / “The ignorant man passes through the world dead to all pleasures, save those of the senses.” - “Sammy” Smiles / kindness and simplicity! / the great yogis understood that ahimsa requires a vegetarian diet / yoga means following, not making it up / elevate the mind by remembering Krishna’s character and pastimes / follow the yoga regulations without criticizing others / reprograming the mind through tolerating the dualities
SB 4.22.24
human beings are sensation-receiving machines / people have little access to the possible world existing beyond their sensations - or do they? / after the indulgence - how do you feel? / there’s bitter sweetness in self-disgust / the mind is living in the glue trap of desire / material pleasure is chewing the chewed - spiritual pleasure has newer and newer flavors / Yamunacarya’s devotion is reignited / I’m better than this! / trade in small L love for big L Love / I don’t want to live in a hope to enjoy life- I want to enjoy life / the cotton candy of material enjoyment leads to nausea / the satisfaction of serving
SB 4.22.22-23
Bhakti is a practice of inviting God to reside in the temple of the mind or heart / have faith in the process / always feel encouraged to go deeper / after one handles the bad habits, next comes the subtle desires / progress not perfection
CC Madhya 12.135
https://sanskritsense.thinkific.com/courses Code- wisdom25off
I’m born, I forget my true identity, I get caught up in the drama, I expire before I learn my lessons, I’m born / our nature is to be attracted, it’s just a question of what we’re attracted to / the ultimate goal for the welfare of human society is detachment from the bodily concept of life and increased and steadfast attachment for Krishna / Krishna is a magnet, we are the iron, our false designations are the rust
SB 4.22.18 - 22
it’s degrading for a brave, intelligent creature to waste time arguing with an ass / pointless argument is a disqualification for Vrindavan consciousness / if we knew how precarious our situation was we’d do something / good karma can be bad, bad karma can be good / our speech should be meaningful, appropriate, concise and sweet / the quality of Hunuman’s speech / society has lost appreciation for quality speech
SB 4.22.15-17
Raghunath & Kaustubha discuss Philology (the study of language in oral and written historical sources) with Sanskrit expert Jeffrey Armstrong.
Learn more at https://jeffreyarmstrong.com or https://gitacomesalive.com
Can you bridge the gap between Bhakti and other spiritual stuff? / What would be your advice or perspective on beginners growing pains in finding meaningful relationships in Bhakti?
gratitude - start with thanking the sun / if you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled / the ungrateful are getting owned by the world / a grateful mind is a great mind / gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder / freedom comes from simplicity / good & bad are concoctions of the mind / resetting the impulsive mind with the intellect / what is woo for one is woe for the other
SB 4.22.14
the Sanskrit Vedic sciences have passed the test of time / let's sing meaningful songs, tell meaningful stories / get out of the meta verse and grow vegetables / the appearance of the child sages / receive a guest with humility and hospitality / every week is gratitude week for Maharaja Prthu
SB 4.21.50-4.22.14
https://theayurvedaexperiment.com
“Forget injuries, never forget kindness.” - Confucius / getting even with those who have helped you / regulating practices of gratitude / Bhagavatam asks us to mature from ritualistic consciousness, to the level of seeing God in others / clarity of vision is maintained through faith, austerity, scriptural conclusions, full sense and mind control, and meditation / the Vedas are compared to a mirror because they reveal everything about the world / may good behavior be my wealth / honoring the masters
SB 4.21.41-49
the root of joy is gratefulness / the root of sadness is entitlement / learning to be grateful before you unwrap the gift / the need to grant status to the wise / tolerance, penance, knowledge and education are the qualities of the brahmanas / Krishna serves the brahmanas / dharma isn’t black and white / making it a mission to serve great souls
SB 4.21.38-40
Can Bhakti yogis gain truth through other traditions?
See people for their potential / We aren’t cutting things out, we’re adding spirit / our work should be aligned with our liberation / Sacrifice foolish speech for transcendental sound / Woo world Wednesday / Our lives are teetering- you might forget death, but death hasn’t forgotten you / This body is a rented vehicle / Offending a vaishnava is losing at Kerplunk / Discern but don’t condemn
4.21.33-37
the spiritual purity of Madhava Prabhu’s kirtan / Bhagavatam brings fire under the feet and bliss in the heart / pull Krishna back into your heart / the mystery of the universe revealed - Krishna is the root, we are the leaves / Donkey perspective - are they fanning me or are they fanning Jesus?
SB 4.21.32
On the occasion of Ganga Puja, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the glories of the river and goddess with Sacinanadana Swami
SB 4.21.30-31
catching echos of the cosmic dance / cultivating pure vision / trade in your iPad for a creek (careful about staring into fire) / the natural opulences /the Vedas are a manual for how to live in harmony with God and Nature / truth of dharmic principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person
SB 4.21.1-29
“What is serious to men is often trivial in the sight of God” - Thomas Merton / “If we could let go of our own obsession with what we think is the meaning of it all, we might be able to hear His call and follow Him in His mysterious, cosmic dance” - Thomas Merton / seeing the good fortune in God’s plan / we are the bird in the kitchen / the esoteric side of Bhakti-yoga - the varieties of divine love / Krishna is calling us to dance
SB 4.20.33-38
How to help someone who feels they can have no compassion or empathy? / Can you please explain the flow of wealth and power within the Varnasrama system, and how it is different from historical and modern feudalism? / Is food offered by Sikhs to the Guru Granth Sahib considered prasad by Krishna bhaktas? / Have we been planets, gods and goddesses at some point in our journeys?
“For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories.” – Plato / the 6 enemies - lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, envy / 6 more “enemies” to be conquered - the 5 senses and the mind / through devotion one can see heaven, hell and liberation with an equal mind / don’t blame, reframe / the mysteries of the world have fallen on our lap / getting beyond the triggers
SB 4.20.31-32
SB 4.20.30
SB 4.20.27-29
Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul – Democritus / Dr. Pain comes to Raghunath (reminding him that none of this is ours) / the beauty and simplicity of Krishna’s devotees / the awakening voice comes through the mouth of a pure devotee / let Krishna reclaim you / never break a devotee relationship
SB 4.20.25-26
SB 4.20.19-25
How does yoga “clean the mirror of the heart”? / When trying to fix a relationship, can we intentionally resolve the quarrel or it all comes down to Krishna's mercy? / How are we to know when we are dealing with a Perfected Being, and what is the difference between a Perfected Being and an incarnation of Krishna? / What is the Mantra at the beginning of the song “Message of the Bhagavat”?
SB 4.20.17-18
SB 4.20.15-15
SB 4.20.12-14
instagram link: @bhakti_kids_sangha facebook link: Bhakti_kids_sangha | Facebook youtube link: Bhakti_kids_sangha - YouTube
we’re walking right past clues to the magic of the universe / the stars admonish us for our pettiness / the recipe for inner satisfaction - tying your functional dharma to your fundamental dharma / Bhagavatam ties all sorts of theistic worship into one excellent principle - Bhakti / knowledge of calculus doesn’t diminish addition and subtraction / duty, performed for any reason but love, is a waste of time
SB 4.20.10-11
SB 4.20.1-9
the gravity of Indra’s transgression / all that glitters is not gold (there are plenty of phony holy men out there) / Prthu prepares to kill Indra / the Brahmanas prepare to kill Indra / Brahma overlooks Indra’s behavior / deontological ethics vs consequentialism / the stories of Balaka, Kaushika and Mrigari the hunter / ya can’t reduce dharma to a list of rules / sometimes it’s better to speak a lie than to speak the truth
SB 4.19.13-32
we’re not buying into the false dichotomy – that other-worldly thought is opposed to worldly good / feeling vitalized by plugging into Bhakti / use the thorn to remove the thorn / Bhagavavad-gita on fake sannyasa vs real sannyasa / cultivating internal renunciation while embracing one’s external duties
SB 4.19.10-12
the reality of death can quickly deepen our spiritual insight / when it’s bad it’s good / ritual is meant to re-mind us / the perennial danger of 'religion' / seeing God in fire, the sun, water and other elements, in the heart of the guest, and in one’s own heart / when Indra embarrasses himself it’s in front of everyone! / real prosperity is accepting the gifts of the cows, earth, rivers, trees, and oceans
SB 4.19.3-9
SB 4.19.1-2
SB 4.18.22
SB 4.18.19-22
SB 4.18.8-18
all your money won’t another minute buy / if I can only walk with sufficient carelessness I am sure to be filled / nature is constantly speaking to us / life is a riddle / there’s truth in many paths, but some go further / hierarchical inclusivism / Bhagavatam presents a relentless focus on Bhakti causing dharmic reversals in terms of age, gender, caste and status / a learned person takes the essence of knowledge from all places / the laws of dharma are meant to bring out the best in us / when we ignore the sages we end up with Jerry Springer Show
SB 4.18.1-7
Vedasara speaks of his journey as a 5 year old, lost in India, wandering with his 8 year old brother, how they grew up in a bhakti-yoga ashram, and of his services today in Atlanta, Georgia, serving the unhoused, and sharing Bhakti from heart to heart.
How to handle negative energy in the workplace? / Can I just choose a mantra? / Can I practice Krishna Bhakti and still believe in Jesus too? / Why are there so many paths, philosophies and religions to begin with?
everything is right / Bhaktivedantins see this world as a reflection of the spiritual world / am I a toiler? / for money, for little pleasures, for being slightly honored, we scold & insult each other / austerity is the wealth of the brahmanas / we need a thick skin and a thin skin / memories of Navidwipa Mandala Parikrama / the Earth surrenders / fate is the language of God
SB 4.17.27-36
don’t starve your inner Buddha / all sin already carries the divine forgiveness in itself / perceived danger when spirituality is seen through the lens of social justice / a deeper, more genuine compassion born of spirituality / spiritual vision cuts through division / in deep meditation, there is the possibility to see everything is good, everything is perfect, everything thing is Brahman / everything only requires my consent to be good for me / all of us are in rehab but only a few consent to it / all facilities are given to us to realize the Complete Whole / all forms of incompleteness are experienced due to incomplete knowledge / the illusory representation of completeness cannot fully satisfy us
“my goal is this: always to put myself in the place in which I am best able to serve, wherever my gifts and qualities find the best soil to grow” / turning your ambition over to Krishna / aligning the heart with the great souls / being bigger than the pettiness of the material world / the most genuine compassion is grown out of deep introspection / you might be the jerk / the universal system of order is designed to foster gratitude in the hearts of humans / non-binary mentions in Bhagavatam
SB 4.17.1-26
the material world is pruning everything away - you can get bitter or grow / I had to experience despair in order to experience grace / humility is the conduit for grace / sharing Bhagavatam pleases the great devotees / foreshadowing of Prithu’s pastimes / anything started on this day will grow without diminishing / start something auspicious today / Vaishnavas spiritualize everything / the day we say “Krishna, I am Yours!” is the day the magic begins
SB 4.23-27
allowing one's mind & heart to be shaped by the stories of the Bhakti tradition / a tsunami of Bhakti inundates NY / the beauty of kirtan masters inspiring devotion / government has both liberal & conservatives concerns / does absolute power corrupt absolutely? / when there’s no trust, there’s a need for transparency / government can’t play favorites / the common portrayals of the relationship between rulers and sages / the ruler should be a philosopher / respect for women / the King’s duty is to inspire piety for he bears the karma of the people
4.16.9-22
Raghunath & Kaustubha answer questions about mantra meditation. Is there a way I can clear my mind before chanting? / Is it considered disrespectful to not keep your beads in a bag when you chant? / Is chanting while multi-tasking disrespectful? / Is it OK to silently chant the mantra? / Is it acceptable to chant while practicing yoga asana?
wisdom is ripened knowledge / you can give knowledge but you can’t give wisdom / daily sadhana cuts away ego, fear, anger, arrogance & resentment / seeing value in both liberal & conservative viewpoints / the trainings of sages is the safeguard against tyranny / the greatest burden on Mother Earth is a liar / I’ll lose my own happiness if I don’t learn tolerance / I’ll compromise my own well being if I’m not kind / no one gets a pass on forgiveness / the ornaments of a sadhu / sacred texts are our GPS
SB 4.16.6-8
wedding excitement! / Kaustubha’s apology / my spiritual director said it’s ok if I pray while I smoke / spiritual regulations are prescribed differently to different people / renunciation isn’t the goal of spirituality - devotion is / arrogance is a greater sin than weakness / humility is fertile ground for spiritual growth / wisdom has to do with understanding how things grow / better to be with a prostitute thinking of God, than in the church thinking about a prostitute / the old lady who climbed on the Sannyasi
"we do not belong to the material world that science constructs for us” Schrodinger / quantum physics = science catching up to the past / modern science finds echoes of it’s theories in the Upanishads / one can use hallucinogens to expand perspective, or one can read Bhagavatam / what am I not perceiving? / why do I scoff at perception beyond my imagination? / deep down we know we are all tiny specks / the taste for being glorified vs the taste for glorifying others / guru, sadhu & shastra / the yogi controls body, words & mind / what if we filtered out all of speech that had no value? / the Bhagavad-gita’s austerity of speech
SB 4.16.1-5
How do you know when to take charge or when to let go? / How can we understand and appreciate Christ’s sacrifice on the cross from a Bhakti perspective? / What can we really do to stop the mind from suffering issues of self esteem? / Is it wrong to cut ties with family who were never really there to begin with?
what you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others / the depth of our spirituality is shown through our relationship with others / a sincere broadminded person should be able to suspend their skepticism / science requires objectivity and admitting what you don’t know / whatever good qualities we possess have been gifted to us by others / bowing the body to the parents & the mind to the teachers
SB 4.15.1-26
2 formulas - work for material prosperity vs cultivate spiritual principles / reluctantly, the sages enthrone Vena / arrogant Vena outlaws dharma / it’s our common connection to the root that connects us to each other / the sages kill Vena with sound / the sages churn the body of Vena
SB 4.14.1-46
think of your mind like a pond and your feelings as fish / Bhagavad-gita begins with - you’re not your body, you’re not your mind / tolerating the feelings without being disturbed / Vedic genetics /your watermelon seed can’t become a cantaloupe / free speech, but with respect / the Devas boycott Anga’s ritual / evil Vena / if you can’t change the circumstance, change how you view them / Anga cuts out
SB 4.13.19-49
“Those who crusade not for God in themselves, but against the devil in others, never succeed in making the world better” / first, seek to understand / work on getting rid of your personal hate / back to sage level 1 / pāñcarātrika-vidhi vs bhāgavata-mārga / Utkala’s apparent madness / bhajanānandī vs goṣṭhy-ānandī / stories of the devas coming in disguise / we’ll all be tested on the depth of our sama darshana / seeing the soul in the beggar / where is your heart and mind when you’re dealing with “crazies”?
SB 4.13.1-18
Did Sri Chaitanya have a favorite kirtan melody? / When can one become a teacher? / I can’t stop feeing bodily ecstasies in relation to Bhakti - Is this some amazing mercy or is there something potentially wrong or wrong with me?
he who kisses the joy as it flies, lives in eternity's sunrise / one undisturbed by happiness & distress & who is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation / the nature of spiritual happiness is that it is always increasing / Dhruva steps on the head of death / we’re here to learn that this life is for giving and not taking / we catch Krishna with love / be friendly to all, but be careful who you let in your heart / seeing everything in connection with God / Raghu was a closet Rush fan
SB 4.12.29-52
noticing sensation without giving it meaning / Emily Dickinson - Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church / instead of getting to Heaven, at last – I’m going, all along / temple ritual can be empty - or it can give one eyes to see God beyond the temple / the depth of concentration required for Astanga-yoga / samadhi as trance - samadhi as incessant directed thought / in Bhakti, the means and the end are the same
SB 4.12.17-28
what does it mean, that we are living in an illusion? / time reveals this world as illusion / when we realize it’s a dream, we’re about to wake up / reflections are both real and illusory / a reflection always indicates the existence of the substance it reflects / reflections appear exactly like the substance they reflect, and yet are the exact opposite / the qualities we need to perceive reality / from within, keep your mind aloof, externally execute the material duties perfectly
SB 4.12.15-16
is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream? / are our dreams less real than “reality”? / there’s always anxiety when we’re in disguise / we’re tiny and fragile & the world doesn’t revolve around us / how Dhruva lived - engaged in sacrifice, seeing God in everyone, respectful & kind / a devotee is not interested in enjoyment or affected by distress / Dhruva hands off his relative power so he can engage his mind more fully in the absolute / divine or demoniac qualities / use the dream to escape the dream
SB 4.12.10-15
we own nothing / when we think of ourselves as the owner, we’re placing ourselves at odds with nature / the test is how to love everything around us, but not try to possess it / going deeper means understanding that even our bodies, words and minds belong to Krishna / with or without merit, we cling to our justification tightly / do not remove, but improve / if we aren’t feeling the connection between us, we’re in illusion / we’re here to learn tolerance and humility / a repeating theme in Bhagavatam - what benediction to choose
SB 4.11.30-4.12.9
Raghunath & Kaustubha interview their longtime friend Harley Flanagan, founder of New York hardcore band Cro-Mags and the person that introduced them to Bhakti in their youth.
Follow Harley on IG @harleyfflanagan
Is it my duty to care for my parents? / How to bring the mind to Krishna in meditation, when the mind always goes toward business? / How we can do our best to not judge others? / How much importance is placed on chanting 16 rounds of daily japa meditation? / Krishna book or Bhagavad-gita, which should I start with? / Is there a proper “grace” prayer that Bhakti-yogis can offer prior to eating a meal?
there's the cause & there’s the cause of all causes / God’s behind everything but not responsible for anything / not all yakshas are bad / when we face God from the absolute position we’ll find the relative problems to be merely flickering / ways to cultivate the absolute vision on a daily basis / my absolute identity is the servant of the servant of the lover of the gopis
SB 4.11.22-29
two babies in the womb ask “is there life after delivery?” / mother is all around us- sometimes when you’re in silence you can hear her / how we relate with others can lead to brahma-nivanam (spiritual bliss) / thinking on 2 levels of awareness / Manu & the Sages ask Dhruva to zoom the hell out / will we always be so polarized? / polarity in Bhakti communities / Krishna is responsible for everything and nothing / Krishna is moving the wheel, but you’re shaping the clay
SB 4.11.15-21
the 2 things we should never be angry about / the greatest remedy for anger is delay / Manu leads Dhruva’s intervention / anger is born of frustration / controlling anger is elementary, controlling frustration is more advanced / I can try to remove every thorn and pebble on my path - or I can just put on a pair of shoes / the more difficult worship is seeing God in everyone / the 3 levels of Bhakti-yogis
SB 4.11.1-14
the Wise Woman’s Stone / Dhruva fights the Yakshas / life can throw a lot of crap at you / hearing & chanting the names of Vishnu cuts through all the illusory crap / face life’s problems boldly, chant the names of Vishnu & He will light bright lamps on your path
SB 4.10.1-30
Bhakti = high caliber partying / the only true law is that which leads to freedom / hanging onto the principle & adjusting the details / coming back a different person / ya gotta respect the elders / letting go of their pettiness & cruelty / however you’re treated, let go of animosity in your heart - it will only bring pain
SB 4.9.37-67
One of the original disciples of Srila Prabhupada in the West, Malati Devi Dasi was part of a dynamic group who assisted Srila Prabhupada in bringing Bhakti to San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury scene in 1967, to the Beatles in London, and later throughout India.
Am I the doer? Is God? Or is the material Energy? / How to navigate feelings of fear, anxiety, insecurity & discomfort when seeing your partner engaged in maya? / Mindless, soulless jobs - Is it dharmic to stay in them, or to leave them?
Tibetan Book of the Dead - “Recognize what it is that you truly need! It is a sacred teaching!” / the moments of our past disappear like a dream / the past is always perfect, depending on how we perceive it / a living entity must have desires; that is the symptom of life / devotees should always remain satisfied with the standard of comforts offered by the Lord / motherhood can foster selflessness / duty is the first step in mastering the mind / the story of Father Sergius
SB 4.9.35-36
repeating baleful patterns without recognizing it is a tragedy / recognizing the patterns but feeling helpless in breaking them is a trial / to transcend the fear that undergirds the patterns is a triumph / the fear of sitting alone with the mind / sitting alone with Lord Vishnu in the heart / how could Dhruva feel unfortunate? / don’t waste your austerities on useless things / Krishna Bhakti is a pure soul theology / realization of the Supersoul transcends all negative patterns in one shot / relinquish hate — respond with kindness & tolerance
SB 4.9.34
Sacinandana Swami explains the Global Puja for Ukraine / don’t underestimate the power of group prayer / spread the wave of auspiciousness / Bhagavatam tools help diffuse road rage / hearing Bhagavatam daily aligns mind & behavior with the soul’s nature / the material situation is always shifting and spiritual reality stays the same / how to understand the concept in Vedanta that good & bad are all unreal / happiness has nothing to do with externals / enemies are a concoction / never walk your dog around a candala
SB 4.9.33
it’s ok not to have convictions on everything / Bhagavatam delivers on its promises / truth of dharma is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated, self-realized person / faith comes in small increments / any endeavor other than Bhakti isn’t worthy of your soul / it’s not our expertise, self discipline, learning or detachment - it’s the purity of our intention that is everything / I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood, I crossed the ocean for a heart of gold / don’t treat God like Amazon Prime / where we disagree with Sadhguru - love is an existential reality / Krishna, all I want is you
SB 4.9.25-32
even in honoring others we can’t help from insulting others / our events & entertainment should uplift / spiritual separation is union / spiritual lamentation gets you higher / feeling of separation from Vrindavan & great souls is pure medicine / Divine love flows between the embankments of union & separation / all our expertise may be a ladder up against the wrong wall / we give it our full effort, and the results are up to God
How to make the workspace a sacred space? / How to offer food to Krishna in a restaurant? / Is there room for healthy cynicism in Bhakti? / Which should one prioritize studying - lilas, siddhanta, or sambhandha? / How can one best explain their Bhakti practice in their day-to-day interactions? / What should I consider when it comes to maintaining my business & practicing a spiritual life?
spirituality is about seeing the spirit soul in the body glove / the sword of time cuts away everything material / we are black belts at consumption - big deal! / the material bucket list doesn’t fulfill the heart / the fish doesn’t want skittles it wants water / don’t try and beat the system- Krishna has a plan / a moment’s association with a great soul can change the trajectory of your life / add spiritual knowledge to your opulences / free will is the space between stimulus and response / to the degree that we are dominated by rajas and tamas, we don’t have much free will / mukti is already within bhakti
SB 4.9.9-24
Live from the Himalayas, Raghunath answers questions from his ‘live live’ group of trekkers
Why is being born into material wealth considered good karma? / What advice to you have for someone who loves bhakti but doesn’t plan to seek initiation? / How do I keep this connection after I get home when I don’t have a community? / How can I bake bhakti into my hatha yoga studio? / How can I stay in the holy Dham? / How do I integrate my experience from here when I arrive home and explain it to my family and friends? / How do you know when the right time to make a big career shift? / Let’s talk about sex
Janeshwar's story / gurus have unlocked a treasure trove of spiritual goodies / we have a great toolbox, community and culture / we become empowered by practicing Bhakti / grab on to the feet of teachers and humbly serve to receive the trickle down of wisdom / change your lenses and smear your eyes with the salve of love / we waste our life chasing other skin bags / don’t fall in love with a glove / fill up at the transcendental gas station
4.8.80-4.9.9
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our sadhana trains us to call for Krishna during the rapids and turbulences of life / we’re all in training for the moment of death / you need a regulated committed practice to see results / a little bit of Bhakti is wonderful to add to your life. so is a bathtub. or a swimming pool of bhakti / God is non different from the mantra / invite Krishna in—call him / follow the notes and directions of previous travelers on the path / our whole life is a spiritual experience / get addicted to things that serve us
SB 4.8.57-80
our lives are Buddhist sand mandalas that are about to blow away / the soul is meant to give love / our minds screw us up from our innate desire to serve & love / let the mud of the mind settle so you can see Krishna / cultivate an attitude of being satisfied simply / calling the sacred rivers / doing worship in the mind / grinding sandalwood in Guruvayor / Krishna appears in a dream to Andal’s father / Krishna comes in a dream to Madhavendra Puri / Krishna talks a priest in his dream about Madhavendra puri
SB 4.8.55-58
How do we ascertain the right dose of yoga wisdom to share with others, without coming across like a God-botherer and putting them off? / How do I make sense of my increasing desire to disentangle from the material world while not yet being established in faith of Krishna’s love? / How does one know when they are qualified to identify themselves as a devotee? / What are the connections and history between Bhakti Yoga, Hinduism and the western Hare Krishna movement?
you don’t need to take a selfie of devotional service / meditate on the Lord’s features / Vishnu is the king of givers / samadhi rids the mind of material contaminants / concentration on Vishnu relieves one of resentment, anxiety, anger, depression / focus of the mind gives energy & strength / Guru prescribes when to sacrifice details for principles, and adjust for time, place and circumstances
SB 4.8.47-54
Raghu’s morning wandering in Vrindavan / only our bodies are vulnerable – the soul is eternal / as we realize our eternality we become joyful / your miniMe is a trick of maya / looking into the eyes of animals / don’t look monkeys in the eyes unless you’re a sadhu / we all have to surrender to a superior, so choose carefully / we all have beautiful Lord Vishnu in our hearts / Lord Vishnu’s form isn’t imaginary - Narada’s seen it
SB 4.8.46
there’s a sweetness in Bhakti melancholy / the effect of seeing a sadhu / feeling a call from within the deep caverns of their selves / flip the American dream / there’s nothing of this material world that will satisfy my heart / there’s a deeper steady happiness that’s achievable if you devote yourself / Vishnu’s never mopey / there’s a face behind the shine / we’ve all got hang ups / the beautiful form of Lord Vishnu
SB 4.8.45-46
In preparation for his upcoming trip to India, Raghunath shares stories of Vrindavan and answers questions about what makes Vrindavan so sacred, why Govardhan Hill is shrinking, and how to enter the holy dham and mentally prepare for a pilgrimage
Is my occasional frustration directed at God helpful in developing our relationship? / How can I see Krishna in everyone, even those who frustrate me? / What is the reason for different ways to spell Krishna and different ways of referring to Bhagavad-gita? / Should I respond to arguments that “African Yoga” predates “Indian Yoga”?
align body & mind with the nature of the soul / make your whole life an offering / Narada’s advice - don’t be affected by honor & dishonor - learn to by satisfied with whatever comes by destiny - try to adopt the right attitude toward everyone - no animosity for anyone - in this way you will be unaffected by the miseries of this world / we have a treasure trunk of tools to heal the mind / meditating on emptiness is harder - it’s not us saying this, it’s Krishna / empty the mind of turbo scenarios, revenge and espionage (material consciousness) & fill it with sweet Krishna
SB 4.8.39-44
It may be news to many, but there is a large scale, vibrant community of Krishna Bhakti in Ukraine. Niranjana Swami is ISKCON’s Governing Body Commissioner for Ukraine. In this interview Raghunath and Kaustubha ask him about the history of Bhakti in the former Soviet Union, and what it was like serving there undercover during Soviet times. Niranjana Swami also shares his personal experiences witnessing the character of the Ukrainian devotees serving under the pressures of military conflict in 2014, and updates us on what is happening on the ground right now. if you would like to helping the devotees in Ukraine or devotees serving Ukrainian refugees please follow this link - https://iskconnews.org/verified-donations-for-ukraine/ or send via PayPal to [email protected]
be compassionate to those less qualified, make friends with equals, be pleased with those who are more qualified / this isn’t random etiquette or social restrictions designed to keep us down, it’s a formula for happiness / Rama’s response vs Dhruva’s response / when you expect accolades, you set yourself up for disappointment / what’s my next step toward self realization? / smooth out the dance between soul & ego
SB 4.8.34-38
https://outofthisworldstudios.org
approaching Lord Shiva to enter Vrindavan / the material world will always fall short / You can’t blame your way to a better future / material life plays out as a combination of good & bad karma / accepting all reversals as a gift / when a guru doesn’t test a disciple's sincerity - red flag / sincerity is the key / there's no need to endeavoring for happiness -it comes automatically, just like distress
the more authentic you are, the less authentic the world seems / seers of the truth know what's real (the eternal) & what’s unreal (the temporary) / the lotus eyed lord mitigates distress / remembering the lotus eyed lord makes everything pure / Krishna gives hope to the dented cans of the world / the guru appears when one gets serious / we’re wandering around the universe, lifetime after lifetime / our dissatisfaction is another feature of the illusory energy
SB 4.8.23-28
Raghunath and Drew dive into cosmic compatibility, traveling soul groups, karma from previous lives, and personal stories. Drew is a renowned author, consultant, speaker, visionary and Sanskrit scholar. Learn more at https://www.drewlawrence.com or contact him at [email protected]
How to deal with Neurodivergent disorders, like Asperger’s, which make it difficult to socialize, in Bhakti communities, which are so social by nature? / As a practitioner, does weakness of heart, like lust, bar us from the association of Divinity? / If the soul travels from body to body, how come we can't speak when we're born? / If the mind travels with the soul, what knowledge stays in it? / What is "good" and "bad" karma? / What are some practices I can cultivate to deepen my devotion besides just chanting? / Is there a form of esoteric Krishna Bhakti to study?
character & competence / Bhakti is transmitted from one heart to another / there’s every good reason to be angry, anxious & depressed – but Bhagavatam is our anchor / the bittersweetness in destitution / grief tastes bitter but it's meant to lead to intimacy of surrender, which is sweet / hold on to the chains of Bhakti / when we inflict pains on others, we suffer pain ourselves / truth is truth wherever it comes from / stir it around! / Godhead means Godness / bringing the awareness to God in the heart
SB 4.8.17-22
wise souls see even the shoebill stork with the inner eye of wisdom / the soul is of the same nature regardless of its body / It’s the mind that’s warped, not the soul / true equality is based on principles of truth, not on a material conception / false equality, based on the body, doesn’t bring peace / you need the inner eye of wisdom to be an instrument of peace in the world / don’t let shoebill storks in the delivery room! / a wise person knows what to accept and what to change / wishing inauspicious for others brings inauspiciousness to yourself
SB 4.8.5-17
remain in your position and just add bhakti / we can get over our own issues by getting lost in service to others / is my harsh speech justified, or is it born from anger, greed, envy, and adharma? / our own harsh speech and anger should be red flags / we can replace lifetimes of negative programming by contemplating truth / don’t be a supercar fail, you silly goose! / the shoebill stork is the creepiest creature of all time!
https://outofthisworldstudios.org/#/ IG @mukunda_maharaja
SB 4.8.1-4
if you don’t accept an insult it stays with the one who spoke it / don’t accept an insult by granting it an emotional reaction/ Lord Vishnu is the root / nothing is independent of Krishna - that is oneness / food with love and devotion brings no karma / all of our thoughts and duties can be an offering to God / we’re not interested in good or bad karma (we want akarma) / turn back to Krishna to break out of the system / hats off to Daksha
SB 4.7.55-61
every thing has a purpose & every person has their dharma / our unique, temporary dharma connects us to our shared, eternal dharma / we’re perfect & pure, we are just covered / see everything in connection to Vishnu to see peace / you can’t win the competition in the material world / Krishna isn’t Judge Judy shaming us, he’s the supreme benevolent friend / we all benefit when we offer to the root / pain and conflict are designed to turn us toward truth
SB 4.7.54 & BG 5.29
on India / on pilgrimage / on mentors / on beauty / on food / on the body / on family / on love
Why and how are certain verses selected as invocations before classes in the Bhakti tradition? / The term “plenary portion” is used throughout the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam commentaries. What exactly does this term mean? / Can you suggest a good book about Krishna’s childhood days? / How important is the observance of Ekadashi in one’s Bhakti-yoga practice?
Daksha's new beginnings / get off the Hate Express / don’t cheat yourself out of growth and evolution by solidifying your partial truth / what do we do when we make a mistake? learn and accept full responsibility / we’re here to evolve, not to extend our prison sentence
SB 4.7.45-53
What's more important, the precision of our ritual or our mood in performing it? In this episode Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss recent reports of how the Catholic Church deemed invalid twenty years of Baptisms preformed by a priest who unintentionally changed one word in administering the sacrament. In some Vedic paths the precision of ritual and mantra chanting is emphasized. But as the paths rise to the level of Bhakti it’s the intention that is all important. The conversation spans important sources of wisdom including the Vedas, Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and The Brady Bunch.
http://bhakticenter.org/join-our-team-3/
hearing Bhagavad-gita & Srimad Bhagavatam is the easy way to get out of illusion / even the powerful & strong are vulnerable to suffering & fear / the 4 paths of yoga conclude with hearing (Bhagavad-gita 13.26) / hearing is the nectar which delivers one from death / sthāne sthitāḥ - (fixed in your position) we don’t need to give up anything, just add bhakti / deep love is higher than peace
https://outofthisworldstudios.org/#/
SB 4.7.41-44
the materialistic dream has failed / we need an adult in the room / every object is radiating 1 of 3 influences / letting go of destructive habits / we’ve got a false sense of freedom / Bhakti is the formula for freedom from the modes of material nature / understanding the gunas is the first step to transcending them / get some shlokas in your head / what does it look like to be free from the gunas? / Divine love is where it all goes
SB 4.7.39-40
On the 31st anniversary of their initiation ceremony in Vrindavan, Raghunath and Kaustubha reminisce about the day, discuss the meaning of initiation into a Bhakti lineage, samskaras, and the power and purpose of Bhakti-yoga culture.
on friendship / on aging / on marriage / on being a good man / on prayer / on forgiveness / on love
In this special Q & A episode Raghunath & Kaustubha answer four questions from Karuna, an 8 year old girl, and daily Wisdom of the Sages listener from Lebanon. Why did Krishna show us an example of doing his duty when he could just tell us to do it? / When I was reading Srimad Bhagavatam I thought that was how many humans are on this Earth, but are there always more coming? / In Narada-Bhakti-Sutra it said that Krishna dislikes the proud but likes the humble - so does Krishna like everyone except the proud or does He like everyone? / Yesterday i was talking with my mom about what worship you do in each yuga, so she was telling me that in the Satya yuga they do austerity to please Krishna etc. So do they please Krishna, or Krishna is only pleased when we chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra?
extract spiritual substance from the mundane / move straight like a bullet train with your service, detached from the results / we must go on struggling to be sadhus - recognize & resist the urge towards animosity & anger / the more we think that we are in control the less able we are at recognizing who is / Kaustubha’s confession / mindfulness & peace with a purpose / the Hare Krishna’s didn’t make this stuff up, it’s been around for millennia / Krishna is inclined to his devotees
SB 4.7.38
what will we shove in the hole of our loneliness? / secrets & duplicity in ashramas / it’s ok to be vulnerable / Daksha’s wife shares a joke! / pramanas - ways of gaining knowledge / this knowledge is descending / direct perception has it’s limitations / Bhagavatam is giving us windows into another dimension / discipline of the senses expands our insights / those who see God in everyone are very, very dear to God
SB 4.7.36-39
SB 4.7.32-35
Was the goddess Sati in illusion when she took her own life? / How important is sangha --even if it is only online sangha? / How to set up an altar in one's home?
trade in expectations for appreciations / Ben Franklin nugget / saragrahi = essence seeker / spiritual reality lies beyond the scope of the material senses / we don’t know what we don’t know / who was Sankaracharya? / “just worship Govinda you fools” / reality is revealed through devotion - the problem is we want the purple pill / spiritual greed / the power of love is more powerful than God
SB 4.7.31
If your path of self-improvement is making you hate, you’re doing something wrong / don’t focus on religious rituals and throw away God / we’re gonna trip up on our spiritual path - pick yourself up and keep going / time is a snake, the world is full of ditches & the fire of lamentation is blazing / our material happiness is in a very precarious position / Raghu is thinking like Lord Shiva again / our materialistic life is nothing but hankering for the future and lamenting the past / Bhakti is living in the eternal present / knowledge of what lies beyond the senses descends - you don’t climb up to it
SB 4.7.28-30
a David Bowie birthday nugget for Kaustubha / aging brings either horror or wisdom / aging is working for our spiritual life, if we don’t identify with body / the trauma of aging can make us humble / letting go of the facade / we are trying to be controllers of the material world- just be tolerant / the prison warden analogy / Raghu is thinking like Prabhupada again / it’s not us - Krishna said all these things! / don’t get stuck in Scranton
SB 4.7.25-27
what do we mean by spiritual not religious? / ritualism, intolerance & dogmatism / Krishna didn’t demand Arjuna’s obedience, he asked for his deep deliberation / focused on differences vs focused on commonality / regulation is success vs regulation is the means / motive of salvation vs motive of transformation / spirituality as a state of mind, spirituality as a state of reality, spirituality as a path / spiritual manifestations in nature / does my spiritual experience lead to the stage of spiritual reality? / is my aversion to religion genuine or based on my aversion to regulating myself? / Spirituality transcends religion in Bhagavad-gita & Srimad Bhagavatam / only spirituality leads to complete satisfaction of the soul
Marcus Aurelius zooms the hell out / cleaning out the spam folder of the mind / the Yoga system is meant to get the soul back on track / false ideas impressed within our minds are the cause of our losing touch with our true nature and seeking happiness externally / hitting the warning bumps in the material world / asking the “big why” in life / Daksha had the right lifestyle, but the wrong sentiments / niyamāgrahaḥ - following all the rules without knowing their purpose / the smile of Vishnu / yoga starts with controlling the tongue
SB 4.7.17-24
sing your death song & die like a hero going home / what will it take in our life to die nobly? / burning is learning / no longer blaming the world for your shortcomings is the dawn of liberation / my gluetraps are my blessings / does my speech pass the hot mic test? / honor every being (they could be a deva in disguise) / the stumbling blocks are tests of our sincerity / Bhagavad-gita is anti cancel culture / this book is alive!
SB 4.7.12-16
we all can be death doulas / Srimad Bhagavatam is one long death doula session / No Raghunath - you’re not a death Doula / Who do I need to say “thank you”, “I love you” and “I’m sorry” to today? / the brain is just hardware - consciousness is generated from the soul / Daksha’s goat-headed remorse / Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam purifies the heart like autumnal rains upon pools of muddy water / God is perceived in the repentant heart / we’ve been battling the force of time & material energy - time to surrender and embrace God
SB 4.7.7-11
if equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me / selflessness doesn’t deny the need for adherence to dharmic principles / Sri Chaitanya’s unconditional love / there will never be enough validation from others to make me feel whole / Xenotransplantation - is it possible to transplant a goat’s head to a human? / is it possible that past civilizations were more advanced? / we’ve got to throw out our material attachments to receive the more valuable treasures
SB 4.7.1-6
no blame, no reasoning no argument, just understanding / rewire & recalibrate the vehicle by hearing wisdom daily / we’re doing time in the material world & hopefully learning lessons / tread with care with everyone you meet / taking offense is the first domino / the beauty of a tapasvi is forgiveness / we’re all strapped a time bomb that’s about to blow / you can’t use the energy unless you know how to handle the energy / do all of my activities please God? / There is no real happiness without connecting to the roots / saranagati!
SB 4.6.48-53
born into Bhakti / being schooled in ashrams / freeing the Soviet Krishna devotees / traveling the world with Indradyumna Swami / becoming a professor / Leadership Lessons From the Bhagavad-gita
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SB 4.6.36-47
don’t let the birds of sorrow build a nest in your mind / Louisa May Alcott sounds like a yogi / wisdom & austerity purify the senses / material desire leads to frustration and anger / material desire destroys knowledge & wisdom / regulate the senses to loosen the noose of addiction / austerity without devotion can harden the heart / if you identify with that which can be broken you will eventually feel broken / don’t scratch the itch of material existence
SB 4.6.35
a good attitude goes a long way / you can’t bring the ‘me first and the gimmes gimmes’ into your spiritual life / before you dismiss it glibly, you need to examine it / Lord Shiva is 48 miles tall? / we’ve lost our potency - we’re domesticated dogs / space, as described in Bhagavatam, involves unlimited scales & dimensions / our experience is very tiny & limited / divine love is the highest pursuit / Srimad Bhagavatam clarifies everything
SB 4.6.31-35
The tubes of life float you down the river together just for a moment / Life is a series of repeating lessons designed to help us face the fact that there are forces more powerful than us / bow down mister / Apologize whole heartedly with complete conviction / Brahma didn’t say “Not my circus, not my monkeys” / We think we’re advanced…..not even close / the iPhone, the Giraffe & the Zebra all teach us to accept that unbelievable things are possible
SB 4.6.6-31
the unexamined life is not worth living / examining the mind’s desires / Raghu slows down / what good is your religion if you’re offending great souls? / Daksha loses his head / Lord Brahma - the adult in the room, the voice of reason / be quick to apologize / apologize without mental reservations
4.5.20- 4.6.6
Arjuna’s focus / gaining insights though practicing austerities / combining introspection with austerities / the fasting of Maharaja Pariksit and the sages / how can people less adept apply practices of austerity? / Krishna is in the Earth, in the food & in the fire of digestion / 4 quadrants of desire - needs, cravings, aspirations & yearnings / Prabhupada gave us so many ways to focus on Krishna
Learn more at http://www.yogicharu.com or http://bhakticenter.org.
How can we bridge the gap between the truth that I am not the body & the practical reality that I need to take care of the body? / Are we karmically responsible for our thoughts & our dreams? / If I drink a glass of wine at dinner, would that make me less fit for Krishna consciousness? / How do I keep myself from feelings of envy & dejection when I hear of my peers out-achieving me? / Was Arjuna on psychedelics & was Krishna his guru in the use of psychedelics? / Can you please discuss how to interpret traditional yogic recommendations to sleep less in relation to modern recommendations for sleep?
Zuckerberg doublespeak / metaverse the next big thing that won’t make us happy / the dream within the dream within the dream / all this technology is making us weak / there are no adults in the room / Prabhupada’s vision of Bhakti in cooperation with earth & animals / persons who have lost their vision due to the dense darkness of ignorance shall get light from Srimad Bhagavatam / it’s about internal devotion, not the externals / Daksa’s chickens come home to roost / don’t mess with Lord Shiva / all hell breaks loose
4.4.31-4.5.19
the wise waste neither men nor words / even four harnessed horses cannot bring imprudent words back into the mouth / pray for the blessing to lose interest in village talk / the path of enjoyment & the path of renunciation / there’s nothing of this world that will satisfy my heart / all the rules are meant to lead to Bhakti / dharma - from brahmacarya to gṛhastha to vānaprastha to sannyāsa / Sati sets off the spontaneous human combustion
4.4.20-30
focus on progress not perfection / the message of the Bhagavatam is that love (not religion) is the highest pursuit / if one’s not careful their religion can foster envy & animosity / the spiritualist sees beyond the surface / the great souls magnify the good in others / if someones shares gossip with me - then what is wrong with me? / hearing criticism of great souls kills spiritual life / great souls transcend religious rules
4.4.11-19
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practice charity, austerity & sacrifice (on your birthday) / the Shiva -Shakti element of Shiva & Sati’s dialog / Bhagavatam is meant to end our cycles of bad karma / getting over the triggers to hear the real message / deluded by the feminine nature - deluded by the masculine nature / Sati’s posse go to the event / the women receive Sati warmly & the men cold / when anger becomes justified / Sati speaks truth to power / don’t take offense, don’t make offense / great souls overlook the faults in others and magnify what good they see
SB 4.3.23-4.4.12
what’s in your cup will spill out when you’re rattled / the wise let go of opportunities for enjoyment & embrace opportunities for service / false ego leads to distress leads to envy / the real namaste is to see the presence of God in everyone / Raghu is thinking like Prabhupada again! / when you see the soul & Supersoul in everyone the mind never becomes degraded / if the body is a temple, then who is the deity in the temple? / the guru is a postal peon
4.3.18-22
Sadhaka Leela Vilasini discusses moving from Kazakhstan to Vrindavan, the potency of Vrindavan and of the Brijbasis. She dives into Govardhan Lila, where the heart of Vrindavan is uncovered, ordinary talks are not ordinary and Krishna is in the center. Can you handle committing to Krishna?
How to avoid the post death results of bad karma? / How can we think of karma in an individual way when we are so interrelated and affected by the effects of karma? / What do the scriptures say about the mantra Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram as compared to the maha mantra and is it ok to focus my mediation on both Rama & Krishna? / How to understand the Bhagavad-gita’s instruction that worship of the demigods is less intelligent?
to be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it (and other wisdom by Confucius / resentment is a distraction from spiritual progress / pride makes your third eye blind / all of our good qualities are ruined by a little bit of arrogance / material exhaustion advantageous / put the supreme One in front of your zeros
SB 4.3.11-17
what will I be holding on to when everything falls apart? / Krishna is controlled by the power of love / Krishna is not Judge Judy / evolved people are morally diverse / Shiva de-escalates the conflict / Daksha’s pride / utsaha-mayi - puffed up with enthusiasm / Raghu loses it in the Delhi Airport / Sati’s ominous desire to attend Daksha’s ceremony
SB 4.2.33-4.3.10
Todays Walk-On Wednesday segment spontaneously turned into a full hour interview because we had to hear the whole story of Ana’s near death experience. Ana Syro is a 29 year old mother in Cali, Colombia who listens to Wisdom of the Sages every day. In the past year she has dealt with the premature birth of her daughter, the collapse of her business, her husband leaving her, leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, hospitalization due to covid, and a mysterious lung ailment that brought her to the precipice of death. At the very moment that her heart stopped her connection to Bhakti came to the forefront in an amazing way.
the secret of change / a mere denouncer is the enemy of progress & Nature / criticism and complaining exhaust us / Ned Flanders (neophyte brahmanas) vs Sideshow Bob (neophyte Shaivites) / the material field is so unsteady that even great personalities become infected by the atmosphere of anger / the curse on the brahmanas is still alive today / the curse on the Shaivites is still alive today / who is Brghu?
SB 4.2.27-32
the mind is always searching for a network to join / the good qualities of Lord Shiva / the deep need for prestige / when our mental turbo scenarios are spoken out loud / self importance is the biggest trip line / am I Shiva or am I Daksha? / spiritual life requires introspection
4.1.1-4.2.26
Radhikesh Sharma shares form his own unique life challenges how knowledge from Srimad Bhagavatam & Vedic Astrology can help one understand, face and grow through life’s greatest tests.
https://radhikeshdas.com/radhikesh-das/ E-mail [email protected]
Is it ok to kill garden pests? / How to be a good father, husband and still render service and be detached? / How do Bhakti-yogis get over feelings of distrust of the “outside" world? / Is Paramatma in my heart, or is Krishna in my heart?
Devahuti’s prayers to her son Kapiladeva / spiritual status is based on merit not birth / the Vedic teachings conclude in the chanting of the Holy Name & one who chants the Name is glorious / Kapiladeva’s final instructions / Devahuti achives samadhi / the conclusion of Canto 3 - one who speaks or hears this achieves devotion to Bhagavan
3.33.1-37
our material enjoyments are so low grade / all the yoga paths cultivate detachment, each in their own way / attachments cloud truth perception / “my truth” & “your truth” / perceiving different features of the absolute like different features of an elephant / say goodbye to Hollywood (the desire to be the star, the attractor, Krishna) either willingly, or by the force of time / all the paths are meant to lead to Krishna / the disqualifications for Krishna perception / the qualifications for Krishna perception / make Krishna the most dear
SB 3.32.27-43
Bhakti-yogis are Karma-yogis and more, because they directly cultivate love for Krsna / sakama vs niskama (attached workers vs detached workers) / karma-yoga can purify the consciousness of all the false narratives / the time factor extends to the heavens of this universe / why people honor the forefathers and why Bhakti-yogis don’t need to
SB 3.32.1-26
the stages of the embryo’s development / the sufferings in the womb / the prayers within the womb / losing memory during birth / the sufferings of childhood / buying into the false narrative again, that happiness will be found through externals / losing all our good qualities / becoming a dancing dog in the hands of maya / balancing healthy material pessimism with healthy spiritual optimism
3.31.1-48
time is blowing us around like a cloud in the sky / even the hog in the sewage gutter thinks “life is good” / our deep rooted attachments / anxiety due to attachments / the bad karma we create due to attachments / then it all goes to hell / if you look closely you’ll see hell all around you / it’s all a wake up call
3.30.1-34
How can I answer my 5 year old when he asks “Why did God make me sick on the day of the Christmas play?” / Are Krishna and Christ the same? / Was Jesus a shaktyavesa-avatara? / Is resurrection considered possible in the yoga tradition? / Did Prabhupada ever comment on ‘the missing years’ of Jesus in India? / Why would the teachings of Bhagavad-gita be considered higher than the teachings of the Bible? / Does Lord Jesus Christ appear in the spiritual sky with the body he manifested on the earth? / Do Indian Vaisnavs address Krishna as Krsta?
the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome / learning the beauty of generosity & tasting the happiness of giving / knowledge is the understanding that my material attachment brings pain & my material detachment brings relief / time is the cause of change in matter / Krishna codes, downloads & installs time into the material world / if I know the benevolent coder the program gives inspiration, if not it gives fear / spiritual world = no time & no fear, material world (the reflection) = time & fear
3.29.36-45
Carl Jung on fear & wonder / don’t throw the Brahmana out with the bathwater / Steven Covey as a contemporary Brahmana / Recognizing and applying the true Varnashram Dharma / offer respect and dignity to every living / even the most dented can can transform with association of a pure devotee
3.29.31-35
getting through the pain of divorce / Zoom out - look at decades not days / life’s struggles can foster intimacy with God / why the talk of hierarchy? / see spiritual equality & discern the material hierarchy / societies are divided into four / brahmana (leadership counsel, educating, religious ministering) / ksatriya (establishing & enforcing law & justice, protecting) / vaishya (job Creators, employers, entrepreneurs / sudras (employees) / the deeply spiritual transcend the hierarchy
3.29.31-32
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doing small things with great love / the need for nuance / every castle we build will turn to sand / we do your dharma as best you can with selflessness & detachment / Manipur’s only thrash band - Phoenix / more need for nuance - we are all both equal & unequal / what is true equality? / treat everyone with dignity - it’s basic math like the ABCs / what’s the criteria to determine one place as better than another?
SB 3.29.27-30
superficial religion is simply imitation / superficial religion is like offering oblations into ashes / superficial religion deprives one of peace of mind / superficial religion never pleases Krishna / superficial religion causes fear / spirituality = seeing God everywhere, in the heart of everyone & in one's own heart / spirituality through kindness to everyone / how spiritually infused ritual cuts the knot of false ego / how to cultivate the vision of God within fire, the sun, water, the heart of the guest & in one’s own heart
3.29.20-27
What is meant by Krishna’s internal, external & marginal energies? / If we are incarnated as a dog, or an insect, or as a blade of grass, how is our next incarnation determined? / Just how entangling is the law of karma – do we have to come back to accept the charity that we gave in the past? / Is coffee evil?
friendship with the wicked is like a clay pot, easily broken and impossible to mend / friendship with the wise is like a gold pot, difficult to break yet easy to mend / bad company / yogis are straightforward / 2 fundamental practices of Bhakti - hearing & chanting / the point of all the practices is they lead to attraction to Krishna / even if you pronounce Krishna wrong, He knows what you mean / the difference between religion & spirituality / don’t stay a wannabe Vaishnava
3.29.18-21
focus on your dreams, not your nightmares / just as the name of a medicine cannot cure a disease, knowledge of scripture bears no fruit if not applied in times of adversity / the need to be dutiful - while committing as little violence as possible / the purpose of temple worship / mundane tasks become sacred when you put God in the center / what it means to see everyone as spiritual / showing respect to seniors / showing compassion to juniors / cultivating friendship with equals
SB 3.29.15-17
is my daily contemplation my highest spiritual potential? / cultivate an attitude of friendship toward those who are happy / cultivate an attitude of compassion toward those in distress / cultivate an attitude of joy toward those who are virtuous / cultivate an attitude of equanimity toward those who are nonvirtuous / our attitudes towards others are clouding our mind / the inclination for enlightenment is natural to the pure sāttvic mind / are we free or are we just puppets of the modes of nature?
SB 3.29.14
On the occasion of the anniversary of the speaking of the Bhagavad-gita, and World Gita Day, Kaustubha and Paramananda discuss how the Gita entered their lives, favorite verses, how the Gita can be consulted in all critical times for solace from all kinds of mental agonies and how it helps one find their way out of great entanglements which may embarrass one in some critical hour.
https://livetogive.webflow.io Malini 1 669 289 5563
broadcasting spiritual knowledge in order to check the imbalance of values and to achieve real unity and peace / Bhagavad-gita summarizes all the Vedic teachings / Bhagavad-gita transcends & synthesizes religiosity & spiritual escapism / Bhagavad-gita finally demonstrates how to be in the world but not of it / two energies - material and spiritual / the senses the mind and the intelligence / the 3 modalities that are radiating from all material objects / simplifying everything through focus & surrender to our divine source
https://livetogive.webflow.io Malini 1 669 289 5563
In this interview Shyamasundar Das discusses his recently released Volume 3 of “Chasing Rhinos with the Swami” as well as his time with the Beatles and his cameo appearance in the new Beatles film “Get Back”.
www.chasingrhinos.com [email protected]
A small piece of me screams a bit when I think about humility and quieting my ego. For women, and other marginalized groups, is it possible that we need to get bigger and take up a bit more space before we relinquish a power we've never really even had? / Are Krishna bhakti kirtan and Shiva bhakti kirtan the same? / How can we understand the presence of child abuse within religious and spiritual organizations and how should justice be pursued? / Could you recommend a type of “Hindu for Dummies” book to me?
If you’re interested in contributing to the ISKCON efforts in child protection, please visit https://www.iskconchildprotection.org/ or https://www.safetemple.org/
For the 600th episode Raghunath is granted free rein into the paranormal as he & Kaustubha discuss Dr. Ian Stevenson’s research into past life memories, and we hear stories from the podcast audience.
bhakti as an emotion / bhakti as a state of consciousness / bhakti as a yoga practice / bhakti as a school of thought / bhakti as an historic spiritual movement / pure love vs sleazy proposals / we’re in an historic era of bhakti / thoughts on sleazy gurus / look for teachers that point up the ladder / little Karuna chants the shikshastakam / bhaki-yogis don’t even ask for liberation
SB 3.29.13
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knowledge is the best wealth because it can’t be stolen, is priceless & it’s imperishable / unadulterated bhakti is when there is no motive getting in the way of the love flow between God & us / bhakti works if you work it, & you're worth it, so work it / purifying the heart so Krishna will enter / habits are just the first layer of muck to cut through - then come the hidden motives / our nature is to be attracted to Krishna / what is raga-bhakti?
SB 3.29.11-12
the UK figures out that octopuses, crabs, and lobsters are “sentient beings” / why didn’t we ever discuss “what is life” in school? / when people bring their envy, pride & anger into spiritual circles should it affect our faith? / 4 types of children analogy - the vikarmi, karmi, jnani & bhakta
SB 3.29.8-10
Kaustubha interviews Keli about crafting his recently released EP, Falling Upwards, available here https://keliwoods.hearnow.com/falling-upwards Follow Keli on IG @keli__woods
Is it possible that we can be reincarnated in the past ? / How do we, practically, take pleasure in the Self? / Is there anything that you think I should consider before approaching a guru for initiation? / Why is it important not to take offense?
spiritual optimism & material pessimism / I don’t mean to minimize your suffering - but you should / materialism causes fatigue, spiritual energy is refreshing / knowledge is the greatest gift / tamasic influence on bhakti practice - proud, violent & angry yogis / don’t give up critical thought - just give up criticism
SB 3.29.3-8
what is a pure devotee? / why saying “bhakti is the ultimate” is not sectarian - because there is nothing greater than love / the liberation found through jnana-yoga is just the neutral stage / do the laws of nature disprove or prove that God exists? / who says that human life is accidental? / the universe was spontaneously created out of nothing, according to the laws of science? / the Church of Satan & is there really good & bad?
SB 3.29.1-2
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Bruce Springsteen on what happens when we die / our individuality is not dependent on the body / we are sparks of the eternal fire / we exist in a realm pervaded by selfishness / we’re diseased with the desire to be God / will we know our loved ones after we die? / sambhanda, abhideya & prayojana / our dharma is to serve the whole
SB 3.28.39-44
How an I explain karma to someone who has a deep emotional resistance to it? / How can karma, free will & Krishna being the controller all exist simultaneously? / How can I maintain sobriety & a strong spiritual practice when traveling on the road? / I know as devotees we are supposed to have our minds fixed on Krishna at all times, but how can we make sure to do that if we leave our body suddenly in a tragic, un-peaceful way?
place of surrender - the Sanskrit origin of serendipity / give all of your fruits to Krishna / how pleasure & pain are a symptom of ignorance / material happiness is like the happiness of a madman / material happiness is temporary & pales in comparison to spiritual happiness / it can be either very enlightening or very depressing to think deep / how karma plays out for the liberated yogi / examining the experience of having a finger cut off in virtual reality / wanna be used by Krishna
SB 3.28.36-38
the virtue of gratitude is essential to Bhakti / ingratitude is the greatest crime / set aside time to count your blessings / contentment lives only in the hearts of those who are grateful / when we bring the meditation to Vishnu we find the relief we been searching for / what good is a still mind & a dirty heart? / the vision of the Vishnu’s face charms even Cupid & benefits the sages / when the mind is illuminated with spiritual energy SB 3.28.26-36
where are we going with the stillness of the mind? / double team mind & troubled heart by hearing & visualizing / keeping our conceptualization personal / we need spiritual strategies to deepen our practice / maximize the early morning hours / give an entire day to seva / meditation on Krishna dispels the gloom of the heart / meditation on Krishna is a thunderbolt that shatters the mountain of inauspiciousness in the mind
SB 3.28.19-25
what do we need to accept (or let go of) / where’s the tip of the nose? / the description of God begins with His smile / fear of a personal God / if Krishna was on the Dating Game / the Kaustubha jewel / Krishna coming home with the cows ins the original parade / seeing God within one's own heart
SB 3.28.12-18
get, then give the gift of bhakti / if we are conscious, there must be a source / invest in the eternal - Bhakti for the Big Day / start with a desire, find a crew, gotta get a guru / hang out with God in sound form / Bhakti won’t work in a hard heart—put down the grudges
Find Madhu at [email protected] or on IG @madhu.life
Should I try to find love in the material world or should I just keep turning towards Krishna, eventually my heart and mind will fully settle into bhakti? / Tilak - who wears it, why & when? / How does someone in a long term relationship or a non-Vedic marriage balance the physical and emotional needs of their partner with their own desire to serve Krishna in an appropriate state, and will I ever be able to take initiation if my partner or spouse is not a devotee?
carving out a little sadhana routine / yoga is reclaiming our freedom from the mind / material sound is exhausting / push through the flavorless period to develop taste for sadhana / withdrawing the senses / make the mind a friend / transcending the modes of nature through meditation on Krishna / put up a roadblock on the path of revenge / the universe is held together by forgiveness / forgiveness is a quiet mind / forgiveness is the highest virtue
3.28.11
we all need a road map / focusing on the present moment though concentration on the breath / still your body to focus and energize the mind / Kaustubha’s meditation classes / breaking away from the turbo scenarios in the mind / carve out a little time & commit to a sadhana / climbing the ladder to samadhi / inhale, hold, exhale / we’re Cycle of Sin from Dayton , Ohio!
SB 3.28.5-11
in the name of convenience we throw out everything good / “As long as you think the problem is out there, that very thought is the problem” / “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” / Your thought is the first domino / Prabhupada isn’t raising the bar, he’s showing us where the bar is / yoga tradition is based on parampara, not charisma / what if our business leaders, from an early age, were taught the ethic that “The more you help others is your glory? / Spiritual communism
SB 3.28.4
aligning the mind & heart - wisdom from White Buffalo Calf Woman / the Power Of The Universe (Paramatma) will come to your assistance / the hurt of one is the hurt of all & the honor of one is the honor of all / we’re shooting arrows into our circle of concern with no effect / work on your circle of influence and it will expand to your circle of concern / sva-dharma-ācaraṇam — executing one’s prescribed duties / santoṣaḥ — contentment / ātmavic-caraṇārcanam - worship the lotus feet of a knower of the soul / namaste = not me, you / grāmya-dharma-nivṛttiś - letting go of conventional religion / mita-medhyādanaṁ - eating frugally / vivikta-kṣema-sevanam - dwelling in a secluded place
SB 3.28.1-3
coming to art in childhood / discovery Bhakti at New York’s School of Art & Design / the BBT Art Department in LA / the privilege of painting for Srila Prabhupada / Prabhupada’s vision for Realism in Bhakti art / perspective as an aid to entering into the pastimes / absorbing the mind through creating art / become a transparent via medium / mastering the rules before breaking them / we can all be artists
You can find Dhrti Dasi’s artworks at:
FaceBook & Instagram: @sosacredart & online at:
to obtain wisdom requires independent, serious effort / knowledge vs wisdom / I may know how to build a car, but do I know where to drive it? / Ātmārāma means “one who rejoices in the self,” / a materialist tries to satisfy himself in relation to his body – a devotee tries to satisfy the Superself / it’s not the activity, its the state of mind in which one performs the activity / would we be attracted to the enjoyment on the heavenly planets? / what about mystic powers?
SB 3.27.24-30
yin deficiencies & yangaholics / self-care vs self-pampering / FOMO / the guru is the cloud who extinguishes the blazing fire of material existence / for the yogi, nothing needs to be happening / tamasic times & self-destruction / the faultiness in our thinking which prevents us from standing in our glory SB: 3.27.23-24
even while trapped within the body & mind, the yogi is free / like a piano key , we have an individual identity intrinsically tied to a larger whole / reading to find a gem / reading as an act of worship / reading out loud / our feeling of being lost is illusory / are purusha & prakriti inextricable? / the method to break free - hear about Krishna (for a long time) & be dutiful / how to receive perfect knowledge & transcendental vision
SB 3.27.14-22
the greatest duty of every Bhakti-yogi is to live & speak without hypocrisy / people who try to force circumstances become the slaves of their circumstances / superficial objections to spirituality from right & left perspectives / spiritual insights on acceptance are neither teachings promoting lack of personal ambition (right), or tools of social oppression (left) / we gotta clean up our own act before we can clean up the Earth
SB 3.27.8-13
the need for trust in bhakti / #doubtyourdoubts / bhakti is spread from one heart to another / let’s start with - what do I know? / as a doctor prescribes medicine as well as diet & lifestyle - a guru prescribes an object of meditation along with lifestyle practices to facilitate absorption / kindness & simplicity / insulate don’t isolate / “if your dharma allows”
SB 3.27.6-8
is installing the Bhagavatam recommended or necessary? / how do I serve my yoga students by not freaking them or tiptoeing around God? / are offenses during Kartik also multiplied by 1000? / how is Krishna’s teasing endearing? / can the concept of ahimsa ever be broadened to allow for killing of animals for a community’s survival? / how do I care for my tulsi mala? / if you could redo your brahmacharya training, what would you add and remove?
pride will ruin your spiritual path / beware of egocentric red flag mantras like “how dare you?!”, “who do you think you are?!” / when things don’t go your way, you get bitter or better / gratitude for our humbling experiences / let the exchanges of love transform our hearts / see yourself in Indra / transform negative thought loops with japa and sacred literature / get off your elephant & bow down
Watch Raghunath's Ted talk here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjTWz4WKusU
happy Diwali - time to let go of our resentments / our minds are like the Gowanus Canal / the more we engage in the matrix, the more we forget our nature / practicing bhakti-yoga with intensity is the way out / friendship is encouraging you to raise the bar / Visvamitra & Menaka / Raghu loses it at the airport / our conditioned nature can be engaged in yoga
SB 3.27.5
our desire + the reactions to our deeds (karma) = our next body in the matrix / the law of karma is cosmic sensitivity training / the whole material world is hope, desire & fear / mystic perfections as matrix transcendence / bending spoons & dodging bullets? when we’re ready we won’t have to / Bhakti-yogis aren’t interested in mystic perfection (except for Raghunath) / channel your excellence towards God / when we realize that Krishna is the friend of everyone we transcend the matrix
SB 3.27.1-4
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by nature we are unchanging - but we identify with the body & mind, which by nature are always changing / we all have our lady in the red dress / our attachments are causing our fears / we are shifting from body to body in the matrix due to our “faulty actions” / when you act on behalf of the higher power you transcend the laws / every object has it’s nature / like water that has become solid - we can regain our true nature
SB 3.27.1-3
the material elements expand telescopically / Bhagavatam language can be both literal & metaphorical / characteristics of intelligence - from doubt, to misapprehension, to correct apprehension / the intelligence of knowing when to withdraw / sound is the primeval form of energy / matter is activated by the inner presence of the Divine – He is also in you – now meditate on Him
My father suffers from schizophrenia & his violent behavior traumatized me in my youth. He’s recently been institutionalised & doctors have contacted me as his next closest relative to make decisions with regard to his treatment. Is it ok to turn my back on him or should I find something inside of me and try to help him by visiting and rekindling a relationship? / Is there a part of us that currently exists in the spiritual world, perhaps in a dormant state, like sleeping, and we haven't really left the spiritual world at all? / How do books like Bhagavad-gita & Srimad Bhagavatam address the environment? / I know we are here to serve Krishna, but in what ways are we here on an individual level?
matter is eternal, but it’s transformations are temporary / time as a concept / what does time teach us? time is the transformer / material existence is a rom com that turns into a horror film / 24 Sankhya, a Buddhist perspective / 25 Sankhya, a Monist perspective / 26 Sankhya, a Bhakti perspective / Western science analyzes matter, Vedic science also analyzes the experiencer of matter, the purusha
www.thespiritualscientist.com www.gitadaily.com
fantasies are our dreams within the dream / Raghu’s failed kindergarten romance / the spiritual origin of teasing & flirting / rationalization as the intelligence in service of the false ego / better to be a jalopy moving forward than a Ferrari moving backwards / defining yoga / the 5 fluctuating states of mind / it’s not sectarian to say it all leads to Krishna / Krishna’s description of the sage of steady mind
universal creation & destruction comes in cycles / God the Father & Mother Nature / the manas (mind) is the sitting place of desire - it corrupts the senses & the intellect / strengthening the intellect though hearing wisdom daily
Bhisma’s 9 deathbed instructions / the external bath & the internal bath / in the material realm, nothing is more powerful than time / we can chose whether to listen to the Supersoul, but we have to listen to time / our default setting is enjoyment / hang out with people that light you up / we need purification to tune into the Supersoul / sadhana + regulation of the senses is the formula for yoga / GET THE HELL OF THE ALTAR!
SB 3.26.17-18
the wise don’t delight in material pleasures / the enjoyment ceiling gets lower with age / the materialist seeks external pleasure, the yogi seeks pleasure within / death comes to the devotee like a cat to a kitten / time ends our film of life & moves us to the next theater / false ego is the darkness in the theater / how we respond to the film determines our next movie (life) / zoom out to see the multiplex Maya & broader reality
SB 3.26.15-16
how can one work and still not be attached to the fruits of labor? / how does falling in love with Krishna before falling in love help us? / Brahman, the universal form, Vishnu & Krishna - who should we meditate on? / can you recommend any books that are written in a simplified form to help me understand bhakti-yoga? / how to understand Arjuna’s unique marriages in the Mahabharata?
material hype vs spiritual hope / as a city has department heads our senses have devas in charge / there’s no room for arrogance when you accept the Vedic paradigm / there’s purusha and then there is Purushotama / we can be both active & reflective / how to remember the 24 material elements / the elements are the batter & time is the mixing element / time is alien to our true nature
SB 3.26.9-15
who is responsible for my suffering? / does karma necessitate callousness to the suffering of others? / great personalities accept voluntary suffering to relieve the sufferings of others / the kidnapped kings accepted radical responsibility / there are no passes on forgiveness, even in a dungeon / getting past superficial spirituality requires radical responsibility / Brahma’s verse about radical responsibility / #ideservemuchworse / respond to the karma of others with compassion - respond to our own karma with radical responsibility
every tree has a back story / God is calling us to dance / Divine love is the most powerful influence in the universe / the power month is magical & may lead to Krishn-addiction / meditate on Krishna’s baby cheeks / what more can I describe than this?
www.sanskritsense.com
sambhanda jnana - God, the self & nature, & how they are related / God transcends material nature / because His awareness pervades all of nature, it is His / we live peacefully when we accept our quota and no more / don’t fight over virtual mangos / although we do nothing, we are responsible for our own happiness & distress / the shift in consciousness from the material to Krishna / recognizing that everything is created by our well wishing friend
prayers for the devotees of Bangladesh / spiritual knowledge counters religious hatred / The Matrix is real & we need a Morpheus to get out! / Raghu observes his emotions through Covid recovery / the need for patience / transcend the matrix & become an instrument of compassion / our desires bind us in the Matrix / “guru” red flags
SB 3.26.1-2
Life as a young man in the ashrams of Vrindavan, India / the 3 laws Laws of Perception / the ancient teachings for kings and queens / the 4 principles of the Dharma Code - Truth, Purity, Non-violence, and Discipline / how do we actually practically apply the Dharma Code in our everyday life? / dharma protects one who protects dharma
how does martial arts nestle with the Bhakti Yogi's path? / how to respond to people who, due to emotional scars, are averse to understanding God as a person? / what is the best way to show appreciation to bhakti-yogis? / does Krishna choose sides? / is it bad to chant in my head during meetings?
the real enemies are within / a sun-ray of love for Krsna / bhakti causes the heart to be softened by various tastes / the eternal propensity for love in all living entities is always searching for a place to reside / might as well face it you’re addicted to God / to the degree we take shelter of Krishna our fear dissipates / choose fear or choose Bhakti
SB 3.25.38-44
Bhagavatam cuts through the social fluff / 5 potent practices of Bhakti - nama, dhama, Bhagavatam, deities, devotees / Kaustubha’s favorite temples / how Bhakti works / false ideas impressed within our minds are the cause of our losing touch with our true nature & seeking happiness externally / the transformative practices of Bhakti-yoga are designed to purify the mind through contact with powerful sources of spiritual energy / you’ve gotta throw away the magical stone to receive something higher
SB 3.25.36-37
beautiful destitution / turn your prison into a temple / beginning the journey of awakening / Bhakti dissolves the false programing in the mind /the 4 objects of human pursuit / the 5th object of human pursuit / liberation is just the neutral position on the way to love / finding meditative focus in a temple
SB 3.25.33-34
avoiding the material glue traps / step back & think about how we are situated in the body & the universe / approaching like a fool / the evidence that we need help is our suffering / our senses are being monitored / the Vedic teachings are the guidebook to how to use the equipment of the body / visiting the holy place in the mind
SB 3.25.31-32
Bhagavatam is a support through all situations / the naval is the magic spot / Krishna can eat with his eyes / bhakti makes the pursuit of knowledge effective / yoga is an eternal practice / in bhakti, one need not kill their tender emotions / service should never be impeded due to external considerations (sex, gender, race, etc.)
SB 3.25.27-30
How many Bhakti lineages are there, where do they stem from & what are the differences between them? / What is the difference between Bhakti for Vishnu & Bhakti for Krishna? / Are we supposed to always think about other people's comfort and forget about our own? / Isn’t it wrong for God to lie, cheat or steal?
the most instructive question in approaching a texts is not “what does it say?” but, “what am I looking for?” / what is the path? it’s hidden in the heart an unadulterated, self-realized person / aligning one’s heart with the heart of a pure devotee / what do I need to let go of to open myself to truth? / welcome the breakdowns that lead to the breakthroughs / hearing Krishna’s pastimes makes yoga easy / Kunti’s prayer and Arjuna’s material exhaustion
devotional treasures within the heart / approach a sadhu without guile or duplicity /there’s hypocrisy on the Eastern paths too / the psychological effect of bowing / deep inquiry is informed by a recognition of our necessity & the absence of awareness of how to fulfill it / Maya’s remedy for insincerity is suffering / in the right context and association, stories & pastimes transform / the progression from faith, associating with pure devotees, execution of the regulative principles of devotion, giving up of what has no value, being fixed, taste, attachment, affection, pure love / different things grow in different ways
SB 3.25.23-25
evolution of inquiry precedes evolution of being / the basic dimension of the material world is death / sadhus are both beacon & burden for the conventional psyche / renounce what dilutes your attachment to God / spiritual wisdom leads to fearlessness / bhakti broadens affection to the wider family / absorption in divinity leads to forgetting material miseries / have faith in Krishna’s eagerness to overlook our shortcomings / give up suffering & follow your bliss / prison in Vrndavan is better than ‘freedom’ in maya!
SB 3.25.22-23
going deeper into the practices we repeat / little Karuna knows her Gita shlokas! / the peace formula / growing through the challenges / the story of Ajamil - Krishna is so kind / paka vs sucka / we recognize a sadhu by their character, not the externals / don’t return the hate / practicing tolerance can make the entire day a yoga practice / once I get resentful, I’m off my spiritual path / we come in a lineage of mercy / every reaction is either a manifestation of love or a cry for love / decorating ourselves with the ornaments of a sadhu
SB 3.25.21
these stories not only educate - they satisfy the soul / the mind is the pivot / Vyasadeva’s despondency / Vyasadeva clarifies all the Vedic teachings through Srimad Bhagavatam / all the other yoga paths find complete auspiciousness through Bhakti / understand devotion through “spirituality” not “religion” / attachment, when applied to sadhus, opens the door of liberation / the devotional yoga of old Indian ladies / Krishna has a heart!
SB 3.25.18-20
lesson 1 - material happiness does not come without material distress – this is the law of the material world / lesson 2 - when we let go of false identification of the body as “I” & bodily possessions as “mine,” - we transcend material happiness and distress / we’re conditioned to believe that happiness is external / the soul is like God (transcendental to material existence & self-effulgent) & different from God (infinitesimal, not temporarily fragmented)
SB 3.25.12-17
Raghunath & Kaustubha speak with Porcell & Sammy Siegler from Youth of Today to discuss the juncture of Hardcore Punk, Straight Edge, Vegetarianism & Krishna Bhakti.
Do you guys have any advice to lonesome devotees, in distant places? / How can I appropriately stand up for my beliefs and be a voice for those experiencing injustice while coming from a place of loving service and compassion? / What are the rules for visiting a temple? / Can you please explain what makes a certain (spiritual) path a sect (or cult) and why Krishna Consciousness isn't one?
we’re so easily bewildered - we need to keep good association / material exhaustion & total disgust creates a fertile ground for spiritual knowledge & sprouts the seed of devotion in the heart / maya covers you with blankets and slaps you around / the banyan tree metaphor / Purusha & Prakriti / the 1% suffer too / no such thing as healthy corn chips after 10 PM / we are all watching the same crap
SB 3.25.1-11
crisis can lead to our spiritual growth / can I grow from my humiliation, or do I dig my heels in? / look very carefully at your endeavors for material enjoyment to see where it causes pain to others / compassion for every living being is a platform for self realization / if you go deep, you won’t be rocked by the waves on the surface / the jewel of Krishna Prema can be found in the deep and calm waters of an undisturbed mind
SB 3.24.44-47
what people think of as spirituality - crystals, dream catchers, burning sage / spirituality from the sacred texts - recognizing and respecting the soul & Supersoul within every living being and becoming free of fear & lamentation / spirituality is the awareness that we're all in the network of God’s energy / yoga means focus - sadhana is the practice, sadhya is the goal / the principles of spiritual practice are simple but the application involves nuance / practices of fasting & silence / solitude creates an opportunity to connect to God within / clear the mind so it can focus on service to Krishna / Bhakti is about what we hold as sacred in the heart & mind
SB 3.24.40-44
Bhakti is kid friendly / think of Krishna in your heart as you pass through your jungle & your lamentations & fears will recede / we’re entangled in unnecessary material desires / Srila Prabhupada’s contribution / focus your happiness internally & you will find Krishna in your heart /worry is a poor investment of time / fear of a personal God / attachments & fears cloud our judgment / doubt your mental loops & turbo scenarios / how explicit does Krishna have to be for us to get the message?
SB 3.24.34-39
soochi vs moochi / all this sense pleasure is just a mental concoction / Raghu’s movie analogy / how the mind gets programmed / shrimp are the cockroaches of the sea / meditation is on light at the least & form at the most / defining time / we get owned by the gunas / seek the blessings of the sages and move forward
SB 3.24.28-34
1. What’s my purpose? / 2. How can I be of service? / 3. What is the lesson? / 4. Where am I investing my attention right now?
Email to contact [email protected] https://www.bhadracampaign.com https://vaisesikadasa.com/en/home/
How do you know when it is time to take on a guru and begin the initiation process? / As you become more detached from the things of this world, is it wrong to be callous towards those who don’t get it yet? / How to understand dementia through the teachings of yoga? / What are some ways that I can recognize and appreciate the loving relationships that I already have in life and how can I earn the love of others on a Bhakti path?
embrace opportunity in adversity / we create our own suffering - stop blaming / emotional & rational thought / taking radical responsibility for our own misdeeds / staying away materialist mantras (why me? who do you think you are? its not fair) / let go of the material and grab hold of the spiritual / Divine love completes all of the paths of yoga / internal renunciation develops effortlessly in bhakti / don't get stuck in Scranton
SB 3.24.26-28
make time to share our hearts with Bhakti yogis / contemplate our misidentification with the body / when the external self moves in harmony with the internal self / our nature is to love / train the mind to operate in harmony with the self / knowledge has to be applied / like a pen’s purpose is to write, the soul’s purpose is to love / we’re in a divinity centered universe not a me centered universe / arranged marriage Tuesday for the A-list sages
SB 3.24.18-25
great souls make any place great / Kardama’s yoga instructions - sensory control, dharmic observances, austerities & gifts of charity / external rituals have internal effect / matter & spirit are knotted by false ego / truck stripes won’t destroy your spiritual life / spiritual knowledge vanquishes the knot in the heart / Bhakti brings detachment without even trying for it / don't FedEx your kids / we own nothing / be like the bank teller— put it in the vault for Krishna / joy in Bhakti is effortless
SB 3.24.1-17
simplicity facilitates meditation / our needs (for food, clothing & shelter) get hijacked by our wants / Bhakti-yoga grants fearlessness / material existence is always fearful and full of anxiety / everyone is deeply longing for a (re)connection with God/ sharing Bhakti with your kids is the ultimate parent win / everything we do influences everyone around us
SB 3.23.28-57
practical humility and how to let things go from St. Francis / if you’re going through hell, you should understand its because you’re sincere / recurring honeymoons with Krishna / don’t underestimate the power of Maya, or the speed of evolution from hearing the Bhagavatam daily / by serving the devotee, you serve Krishna / zoom out don't focus on the fault / we don't want what everyone wants
SB 3.23.1-27
Bhakti is intergalactic / surround yourself with good practices and good community and you can be in it and not of it / you don’t have to give up sense enjoyment, just regulate it / work toward self realization daily to approach death fearlessly / with Bhakti, you’re never bored / real yogis never waste time / as flies are to us, we are to others / a little something from St. Clare of Assisi
SB 3.22.34-39
Should I speak with an abusive father who is nearing death? / Why must God have a gender & why must it be male?
simple living is joyful / we’re leaving a legacy of leftover crap / Stop eating bars- cook with love / transcending the material miseries / Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the antiseptic of the material world / you die & people ask “whats for lunch?” / Srimad Bhagavatam is eternal, nothing on Netflix compares / partying every day at the Radha Govinda Temple in Jaipur!
SB 3.22.22-33
born into devotion / the master’s instruction to bring Bhakti to the west / the treacherous sea journey / setting up on New York’s skid row / blowing up in the Summer of Love / fulfilling the vision that was separated only by time / writing all the books / Allen Ginsberg’s appreciation / George Harrison’s appreciation / Thomas Merton’s appreciation / reaching everyone, from the scholars to the street kids
Cintamani - a guru among the prostitutes / how much time, energy & resources are we giving to Maya? / the power of Krishna’s flute / Krishna outsources all the work so He can engage full time in adventures of love / let Krishna shine within the heart / how is Krishna the only enjoyer & the only source of enjoyment? / we’re leaving scars all over the place / greed for the poisonous meat of sense objects
how can we explain to children, without traumatizing them, about why we should not hurt animals or any living beings? / how to better understand why we have to endure lasting pain in life? / is it appropriate to pursue a material goal while on the path of bhakti? / how do we choose who to help when we can't help everyone?
envy / growing up Vedic / spiritual life - if it's not fun, you're doing it wrong / austerity brings clarity / if it isn't extraordinary, you aren't really there
more info at https://madhu.life
we’re unlearning the material world / everyone has a role to play / you can’t buy off a brahmana / the wise are meant to temper the strong / training the brahminical mind / snuggle a monk today / good karma isn’t necessarily good / the smile of the devotee / thoughts of God are the natural default of the mind
SB 3.22.1-21
D8KRSNA1ST / where’s my next step going Krishna? / the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium / karma, jnana & bhakti / economic development vs service as a paradigm of success / the mutual respect between the ruler & the yogi / train our teachers, leaders and business owners in ethics & dharma / control the senses, and some hearing & then Krishna steps in
SB 3.21.48-56
they never sink under misfortunes whose understandings are guided by the the sacred texts / the morning rituals of the yogi / happiness in goodness & happiness in passion / the real yoga glow doesn’t come cheap / the real yoga certificate / Raghu’s sex education / the sadhu on the bus / when, through controlling the senses, the mind becomes reprogramed to be harmonious with the nature of the self, we call that yoga
SB 3.21.45-47
what is the role of humor in Bhakti? / how to understand & speak to people about karma? / how to respond when the atmosphere I live in is fueling my addictions? / who is your favorite Mahabharata character and why? / is a true yogi someone who hears the voice of God within, and if so, how do I get there myself amidst the cacophony of everyday life?
Ishvara Pranidhana - completely surrendering to God / for one who gives everything there is no frustration / the relationship between self realization, seeing everything in Good & God in everything, and compassion for all living beings / be the bee (not the fly) / even the jerks are pure spirit souls, have compassion / Shiva fixes his mind on Vishnu and feels compassion for the haters / Raghu likes rap / let Krishna be the attractive one (it’s too exhausting for us)
SB 3.21.22-44
spiritual fandom / why do we love this swing festival so much? / our senses are dragging us around with the hope to enjoy / the tremendous velocity of the wheel of time / if Kaustubha created a virtual reality for Raghu he would program it with time & karma, so that he would come back out / Vishnu expands & withdraws his energies like a spider and its web / enjoyment or enlightenment? what’s the universe designed for?
SB 3.21.17-21
Mara’s leap of faith / we live in a world of hype / expectations make us suffer repeatedly / you’re at the Coliseum, now what?! / every moment of the day, we get a fork in the road & can choose Krishna / Krishna is the root of everything / as Divine consciousness rises within us the externals become less significant / we’re being dragged around like a bull with a ring in its nose / fearlessness through seeing God in everyone
SB 3.21.13-16
death doulas / saris are long / advice from sage Narada - waste no time with indecisive debate – put aside material happiness, distress, desire & false gain – cultivate nonviolence, truthfulness, cleanliness, compassion & faith – constantly worship the Krishna with all of your heart / by nature the heart is full of love / the vision of the yogi – God is in everyone & everyone is in God /Bhagavad-gita is not a convo between Arjuna & a candle
SB 3.21.7-12
the yogi Kardama Muni lived how long? / Kaustubha’s trip to the waterfall / this podcast is NOT sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts / Prabhupada’s disbelief at what Americans are willing to buy into / turn your entire day into yoga / is love an illusion? / love is intrinsic to the soul & is awakened through Bhakti-yoga / all the yoga paths are meant to go to the same place - but Bhakti goes there directly
SB 3.21.5-7
advancement in yoga is tapping into the frequency of God in the heart / GiGo principle - good in, good out, garbage in, garbage out / reduce the noise to hear the whisper within / God is our internal engineer dropping pebbles on our helmet as reversals in life / Srimad Bhagavatam teaches us to make lemonade of the lemons and offer it to God
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChkQ7Q6cEBQenwKugPjOVjA
How can material things mean nothing when Krishna's energy is in all material things down to the atom? / If the material world means nothing and is an illusion, why wouldn't we just stay in the spiritual realm from the beginning? / Why is chanting talked about as 'the only way' in this age? / Am I worthy of owning the Bhagavatam without being a full time Bhakti-yogi? / Karmically, how responsible am I for these people who are under my care as a business owner? / How to respond to someone who tells you that you aren’t putting into practice ‘everything you read in your books’ during a disagreement/argument?
we all need a spiritual mission / we’re born to contribute / reprograming the mind through shloka memorization / drop your phone and hold the mind steady / you need a peaceful lifestyle for a peaceful mind / self knowledge frees one from body negativity & anxiety / smash your mirrors / phones are sickly addictive… turn it off! / climbing the 8 limbs of yoga
SB 3.21.4
if I have an enemy, I have a problem / accepting illusion as truth in the material world / higher beings, lower being, snakes, angels, mystics, sages, demigods, demons, ghosts, fiends, sages & the father of mankind / the problem with counteracting bad karma - you don’t get to the root of the problem / it was The Clash Raghu, The Clash, (not the Jam) / the Srimad Bhagavatam family tree
SB 3.20.1-21.3
continuous practice reframes all of life's challenges / 2 ways to see the world - it’s meant for me to enjoy - it’s meant for me to learn from / Kaustubha met a wild boar! / our bodies are unreal / what about stillness Raghu? / doubt your doubts / even alpha-male elephants need to cry for help sometimes / 5 potent practices
SB 3.19.20-38
What to do when you catch your 15 year old smoking Marijuana in the house? / Is there a place for women renunciants in the Bhakti tradition? / Do the Bhagavatam or other Vedic scripture provide any direct insight on parenting or the development of the child in the first weeks and months?
happy birthday Mara! / create ripple effects of love / zoom the hell out - its over in a moment / worry is a lousy investment / you can love your enemies when you zoom the hell out / God is to us as the root is to the tree, or as the stomach is to all the limbs of the body / Raghu’s Christian outreach method / when it comes to personalization - make that circle big / Vishnu’s battle with Hiranyaksha
SB 3.18.1-3.19.18
1. don’t let hate make you hate / 2. don’t let revenge, resentment or spite enter your heart / 3. step back and zoom out - its just a tiny moment in time / 4. we’ve got karma to burn / Bhagavatam works! / the words of the shaman / Krishna always saves us / we’ll all be severely tested so that we can break the cycle of birth & death / by Krishna’s grace we can pass over all life’s obstacles / building up to the big fight - Hiraṇyākṣa vs Vishnu!
SB 3.17.1-31
checking in with the 3rd generation / listening to the Bhagavatam just makes my day better / I may have been a chicken in my last life / the appeal of Bhagavatam at all stages of life / Krishna’s forgetfulness is part of his perfection / Krishna gets lost in play to taste love / when you displease great souls, you lose your beauty & luster / Krishna, looking like a puppet made of butter, gets lost in playing as Krishna getting lost in play (It’s a Fibonacci Spiral!)
SB 3.16.27-37
Bhakti helps you deal with the pain of material existence / uproot & let go of the hurt / don’t be petty back / Kaustubha’s dentist chair prayers / Vishnu steals your victim card / taking radical responsibility / Guna, Purusha, Yuga, Shakyavesa & Lila Avataras
SB 3.16.24-26
from the gangsters of Chicago to the Goswamis of Vrindavan / the renunciation of Raghunath dasa Goswami / family responsibility as exemplified by Gopal Bhatta Goswami / the loving dealings of Sanantana Goswami / madhukari - collecting one’s meals like the bee / the vast contribution of Rupa Goswami / Jiva Goswami’s humility /the tomb of esoteric books / Srila Prabhupada presented the teachings of the Goswami’s in a way that even we can understand and apply / the confrontational debate consciousness bans us from entering the meditation of Vrindavan / Jahnava Devi - the female saint and head of the bhakti community / Gangamata Goswamini - the princess turned saint
https://chaturatmadasa.com
can you recommend any strategies for me to use to help bring my mind to higher things and away from these carnal thoughts? / why are we given a number of rounds to chant, rather than a length of time? / beating ourselves up can lead to unnecessary amounts of guilt and shame, but so-called self-acceptance can lead to remaining attached to things that are holding us back - how can we continue making progress in bhakti without being overly hard on ourselves? / how does Bhakti, although highly specialized, avoid the pitfalls of other forms of specialization & points of view that are prevalent today?
Celebrate Episode 500 with us as we hear testimonials from Wisdom of the Sages listeners about how the podcast, bhakti & Srimad Bhagavatam have transformed their lives.
reading wise things won’t make us wise- we need to apply it / Vishnu is exceedingly attached to his devotees / 3 principles of spiritual culture - cleanliness, austerity and mercy / our nonsense got us here, we need wise people to lead us out / the need to honor the speakers of truth / live simply to be happy / frogs are dying / what’s the news - everybody is burning / dharma is hidden in the hearts of the great souls
SB 3.16.19-23
Sherri’s kirtan adventure / to be aloof from public opinion / Vishnu asks a favor / being bound by love / knowing the mind of the master / getting beyond religious superficiality / the most confidential knowledge is when God reveals His heart / the 4 Kumara’s try to make sense out of Vishnu’s love / Sanatana dharma - there is an eternal standard for what is good / Kaustubha’s satanic friend
SB 3.16.12-18
the importance of routine / even people of the lowest behavior are purified by their interest in hearing about Vishnu / interest in Vishnu obliges Vishnu personally / Vishnu is glorious because he honors the Brahmanas / good fortune is always with Vishnu because he serves such devotees / Vishnu is more pleased by service to devotees than by ritual offered to him directly / ritual becomes void if you can’t treat others with respect & love / how we treat the vulnerable is how we treat God
3.16.6-11
when there’s no ego the heart dances / Sherri’s kirtan adventure / there’s more happiness in serving than in being served / nothing can harm you as much as your own thoughts unguarded / a brahmana is known by their qualities, not by their birth / God takes radical responsibility and apologizes / Vishnu is sacred because He serves his devotees / how social justice is woven into bhakti culture / how ideas of cultural appropriation can be misapplied to yoga culture
SB 3.16.1-7
How does the bhakti community view the LGBT community? / Does hearing Raghunath and Kaustubha on a podcast recommending “chant the maha mantra” count as receiving the mantra from guru & does it make a difference if I haven’t been personally directed by a teacher to set aside time each day to chant? / In this modern age of internet association, how can someone develop a real relationship with a teacher & how do you actually ask the teacher to be your guru? / Is Krishna present in full, in all things?
kirtan at the Bhakti Center / our egos get in the way of everything / Krishna is like the sun, and I'm a stinky t-shirt / 3 approaches – karma, jnana & bhakti / engaging the mind, words and body / the devotee is fearless - heaven & hell are the same to them - externals don’t matter / Krishna is my inner engineer
SB 3.15.49-50
eagerness is everything / rapture / Dhruva / spiritual form /The Absolute Truth can be understood in three features — impersonal Brahman, localized Paramātmā, and Bhagavān / the personal feature is the last word in understanding the Absolute Truth / untie the knot in the heart / becoming materially exhausted / nothing in the material world will satisfy your heart / its what can I give, not what can I get
SB 3.15.46-48
the Bhakti-yogi is like salt / the Bhagavatam perspective shift / #BhaktiGoesNiceWithAge / even the 1% is dying / Bhakti is superior to mukti - example 1. Sukadeva, example 2. the four Kumaras / the supreme dharma is Bhakti / Paramatma in the heart of everyone & in every atom / as our consciousness spreads though our body, Paramatma’s consciousness spreads through the entire universe / as we have a right of proprietorship over our bodies, Paramatma is the proprietor of the universe
SB 3.15.44-45
the mad elephant offense / smiling Lord Vishnu melts the heart / so called pleasure is just a cessation of pain / have faith that happiness lies in service / #dontbeasuckerbeaserver / the Bhakti-yogis don’t try for liberation, but liberation herself stands with folded hands waiting to serve them / everyone has a backstory / the fact that the atmaramas take pleasure in the form of Krishna is proof that His form is spiritual
SB 3.15.39-43
our attractions & aversions are randomly programed into our minds / the illusion of duality / Raghunath’s exercise / happiness is an inside job / purification through the fire of knowledge / see the Divine orchestration in everything / we accept the curse, but may we not forget Vishnu / we aren’t asking for peace, we are stepping in the fire / high level meditation on the form of Vishnu / the appearance of Lord Vishnu / seeing God in the skunk
SB 3.15.34-38
we’re either grateful or entitled / gratitude leads to spiritual awakening / the myth of the more choices the better / regulation gives rise to beauty / finding value in the tough times / parampara - from one to another / being endowed with billions of years of tradition / life is a game of frogger / people have shown me kindness that was otherworldly / the catharsis of gratitude
Can departed family members send us signals, and how can their souls stay with us and simultaneously take on a new body? / How can Bhakti help me to manage expectations of others and how can I manage expectations of others on me? / In the sacred texts we hear about how humiliation can stimulate spiritual growth, but also how Krishna uses fear of humiliation as an encouragement for Arjuna’s growth. How would you connect the two? / Do you have any suggestions for ashrams in India to visit or stay at?
taking radical responsibility / Srimad Bhagavatam every day! / when the mind is out of harmony with the soul, we experience discord - anxiety, fear, boredom, depression, etc./ train the body to dance with the soul / as you become more spiritual you become aware of discordance within / religion = allegiance to a church; spirituality = developing the qualities of God / harmony of the body & mind with the true self is yoga / a positive spin on subordination
SB 3.15.32-33
relinquish the burden of resentment / squash it quick! - be quick to apologize and quick to forgive / the pain derived from humbling oneself is less than the pain derived from offending someone / the qualification and disqualification for freedom from anxiety / Vaikuntha Man / the verse we wear around our necks / Krishna is sending us people for our evolution / superficial peace crumbles when it’s challenged / the boy sages approach the gates of the spiritual world / anger is the younger brother of desire / the anger of the liberated person is different
SB 3.15.26-31
sound is transformative / “the darkest region of ignorance” like those football hooligans / to change your life wipe out Blame & criticism / how we open the gate to fear, anxiety & depression / the rare opportunity of earthly human life provides just enough pleasure & pain for one to decide to transcend / you can’t step into reality with a hard heart / 5 steps to getting blown up in a spiritual land mine
SB 3.15.23-25
Madhava’s Rock Band is saving Raghunath from the Brahma Complex / the Brahma Complex = don’t you know who I am – who do you think you are? / you don’t punk Krishna, Krishna punks you / we get bitter or we get better / seeing the inner child of the football hooligan / their desires are fulfilled by rendering transcendental loving service / the residents of Vaikuṇṭha have a better standard of pleasure / bringing the principles of the spiritual world into the material world = spiritual activism
SB 3.15.20-22
Ouch! Wisdom of the Sages gets rejected by Madhava’s Rock Band (we love them anyway) / Diti puts a pause on her pregnancy (we’re beyond uniformitarianism over here) / we can fight the law - but the law always wins / the first description of the spiritual world / the metaphor of the upside-down banyan tree / illusion follows desire / the metaphor of the reflection in the window / it’s not that dogs & vegan doughnuts don’t exist - it’s just that we are trying to enjoy their reflections
SB 3.15.1-19
rational, ethical & metaphysical challenges to the sacred texts / 3 levels of thought - literal, rational, transcendental / burden carriers vs essence seekers /the folly of uniformitarianism / 3 challenges to miracles / just because something happens routinely doesn't make it any less extraordinary / the mathematical complexity of digestion / rationality is a call for open-mindedness / sci-fi - why is attraction to the supernatural so natural? / what we call reality depends on the scale of our perception / celestial perspective vs human perspective / how we devalue scripture & how we devalue science / humility facilitates open-mindedness
How can I share wisdom with people going through a death in the family? / How do I stop lying to myself? / What does it mean that Krishna is the most renounced? / Do you or the bhakti lineages find any use in vipassana style meditation?
Paramatma speaks when we have no separate desires / how to set off a ripple effect of divine energy / uniformitarianism: the assumption that the same laws that we witness apply everywhere in the universe / our desires compromise our objectivity / applicational spirituality / faithful & faithless Cro-Mags / letting go of the separate agenda / cultivating freedom from animosity / when Krishna is satisfied, the entire universe is satisfied
SB 3.14.47-51
the poetry of Candi Das / the poetry of Rupa Goswami / cultivating humility, tolerance & respect / Kasyapa bows to his fate / inauspicousness follows the abandonment of dharma / bad news & good news for Diti / the saints emulate Prahlad by practicing freedom from animosity / like fire in different shapes of wood - we are all pure underneath / serving with knowledge & detachment is yoga / advanced yogi = seeing stones & gold as the same, more advanced yogi = seeing “friends” & “enemies” as thee same / the process of getting unscrewed
SB 3.14.30-46
align with faith or with fear / the dark parts of Bhagavatam prepare us for the dark periods in life / hear, reflect, repeat, realize / Kasyapa’s practices have given rise to a sensitivity or awareness of subtle influences / every-thing becomes an offering of love - our body, words, mind, time, energy, wealth, food, sex / If you’re out after 10, watch out / everything becomes pure and auspicious when its connected to Krishna / Krishna preserves what we have & carries what we lack
SB 3.14.19-29
https://www.supersoulyoga.com/yin
material miseries are superfluous to the soul / Bhagavatam spreads light in the dark age / Bhagavatam uproots misery / we mistake lack of self-control for freedom / self-control brings auspiciousness / Bhagavatam stands the test of time / I will either control my senses or be controlled by my senses / There’s the pain of discipline or the pain of regret / Diti’s 3 reasons for abandoning dharma - my lust, my jealousy, my desire for prestige / the folly of tossing out the Ikea manual
SB 3.14.1-18
what is your favorite Aindra Prahbu tracks & what are some of your favorite kirtans to listen to? / is Krishna the abusive lover who punishes over and over & demands that we keep giving more and more? / how to behave in the presence of people who act as if they are some kind of God? / How can I see the spiritual energy & is that even important for me to see?
Isabel’s 1st kirtan / 1st we appreciate the devotees, then we see the faults, then the faults become insignificant / verses from Bilvamangala / drop the quick fixes and turn to Bhagavatam / our lulls in bhakti aren’t bhakti’s fault / a little Gita everyday will change your life / the Earth is our mother / we’ve got no respect / a little ritual to cultivate the right consciousness / hearing with the right attitude pleases God in the heart / Krishna gets personally involved with anyone trying to surrender / 4 paths to realize God in the heart / train the mind to see the soul, not the externals
SB 3.13.40-50
in this age our minds are always disturbed / replace the sounds that don’t serve us / the earth laughed, “just see how these kings, who are actually playthings in the hands of death, are desiring to conquer me” / we’re not possessors - as soon as we get it, peace comes / sacrifice is giving back with love / the ultimate end of all sacrifice is to attain bhakti / the Kaustubha-gita - chant, seeing every living being as your friend / dorking around for God
SB 3.13.34-39
Bhakta Louie is one big heart / a charging boar can wipe out your ego trip real quick / God manifests in different categories of incarnations / you can’t have joy or intelligence without sense control / the sages of the higher planets have a high grade of meditation - we’ve got reality television & porn / whatever we think deeply about is our meditation practice & it shapes our minds / ritual is designed by sages to reshape our dented mind / yoga is the harmony between our mind and ourself
SB 3.13.27-34
confidential servitors are sometimes perplexed but never discouraged / Srila Prabhupada’s clout / finding your own way to connect / we all need a get together / let go of resentments / the Purusha Avatars take care of business - the Lila Avatars have fun / the desire to play originates in God / Brahma’s nose isn’t like our’s - Vishnu appears from his breath / nature is providing clues about what we are doing here / human paradigm, that's asinine / with a broad mind I'm sure we'll find different realities
SB 3.13.14-27
corrupted by our skeevy desires / sitting alone - sitting with God /brahmacārīs sacrifice the senses in the fire of mental control, regulated householders sacrifice the objects of the senses in the fire of the senses / Manu & Satarupa sacrifice the objects of the senses in the fire of the senses / the essence of leadership is protection of the people / the nature of the guru/disciple relationship / one who doesn’t satisfy Vishnu neglects their own interests, for He is the Ultimate Self / senses
Srimad Bhagavatam is the heart of bhakti-yoga / Bhagavatam is uncompromising / Vyasadeva's vision in samadhi / Bhagavatam reasons it’s way to spirituality / the pathology of materialism / equality only exists metaphysically / Sanskrit in the Bhagavatam / Vedic parallels / ultimately spirituality is about devotion / Shankara’s forced interrelation / the Gita’s personalism / how far did Vedic culture travel? / a new novel “Justin Davis”
https://hdgoswami.com
how do we find a guru? / could you please elaborate on how to properly prostrate when meeting elevated souls such as Swamis and could you please shed some light on taking Darshan for me? / if you work for something "bad", but you create "good" impacts out of it, what are the karma implications? / “Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, "I AM THAT" approach, how does that sit with Bhakti...?”
Bhakta Justin’s bottle cap miracle / Mara’s Mumbai miracle / Raghu’s apartment miracle / Vijaya’s 5 in 1 proof of God miracle / Andrea’s Krishna painting revelation miracle / Liam’s mantra miracle / Chakri’s ghee lamp miracle / the Joe Rogan Wisdom of the Sages miracle / Laura Marco’s double hurricane miracle / Joe Cantamessa’s freedom miracle / Anonymous’ prostitute pub double miracle / Raghu’s temptation miracle / Vin’s Radharamana miracle / Kateri’s Willie Nelson miracle
lose yourself & find yourself in service / dasya bhava - the mood of service / service is joy / the stories we tell shape our attitudes / serve wholeheartedly / to not accept that there are others more qualified, wise, respectable is insane / Mara embodies dasya bhava / the flavor of dasya rasa is sweet / dasya bhava is a thread that runs through all the flavors of love / we’ve cheapened everything in this world / we each have a unique path
SB 3.13.6-11
Raghu drops the ball on the parent talk / until we understand that we are not the machine we remain a slave to the machine / use the pain to go deeper / advancing in yoga starts with seeing God in everyone / every body is a temple / root out the hate in the heart
SB 3.13.1-7
find the friend within / act as if you’re in control, but deeply understand you aren’t in control / knowledge & detachment transform work into yoga / especially at the forks in the road, take shelter of Bhagavatam & sages / A.J.’s coming out / our minute independence can be engaged in disconnection or reconnection / Bhaghavatam asks us to expand our minds / where religion goes wrong is when it’s used to judge others rather than improving oneself
SB 3.12.49-57
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” Pablo Picasso / a person who is materially detached and knows happiness comes from within can speak the truth / every social order has a particular psychology to purify / it’s how much you make, not how much you give that counts / solving the caste system problem - it’s your qualities and behavior, not your birth / Vedic culture was designed to create impressions in the mind that allow one to learn, relate, communicate toward self realization / We’re in desperate need of true brahmins
SB 3.12.34-47
guru means heavy / guru in the mind, guru in the heart, guru externally / the logic of the half chicken / the weakness of mantra without tapas / the reprehensible delusions of guruship / guru is a transparent via medium / a happy fathers day message
what is the Bhakti-yoga perspective on depression, trauma and managing through continuous difficulties in life? / could you share some practical tools for replacing the negative mantras in my mind when I struggle with criticizing and tolerating other people? / is good relative or universal, is forgiveness always good, and can hate be healthy?
after years of meditation Brahma provides the manual for life in the material world / Vedic culture cultivates self realization / the upaveda sciences / how Bhakta Justin outgrew drag culture / the goal is Krishna Prema - how much of the culture we adopt is according to the individual
when the lulls come, take the next step / break-up advice - resentment, anger, fear or revenge - like Rama leaving Ayodhya / embrace the humiliation / we know too much / through our respect & love for our teacher comes the empowerment to carry out their instructions / in Bhakti the future is always bright / the lessons keep coming til you learn them / creating sage minds / expect to get challenged because you are loved / we want freedom not structure - but at what cost?
SB 3.12.34-38
Bhakta Justin doesn’t need psychedelics / practicing bhakti is like living in a music video / the koshas / letting go of prestige / humiliation can be a breakthrough / the asuric mentality -I AM THE CONTROLLER - I AM THE ENJOYER / giving up everything by force / before the body dies let the false self die / letting the false self die through ritual
SB 3.12.33
it’s a good time to wake up / we swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter / accepting radical responsibility / Brahma’s humiliation / Vedic literature teaches like a king, like a friend & like a lover / once you think you’re above Maya, you’re in Maya! / draw a line in the sand with porn / we’re all just a click away from big maya / what we mean by a healthy fear of maya / our embarrassing failure to imitate Krishna’s Rasa Dance / porn & its connection to misogyny / Raghu’s teenage realizations on lust
SB 3.12.27-32
gratitude is the symbol of one’s spiritual advancement / the fuse is lit! / the material world is gonna get kooky / Bhakti Louie’s gratitude / religion can lead to arrogance / Daksha’s arrogance / truth is food for the soul / give up desires that are destructive to spiritual values / bhakti gets you through tough times / through bhakti one immediately acquires knowledge & detachment / notice your curmudgeonliness / accept your suffering & stay connected / we don’t need the “spiritual” trappings
SB 3.12.23-26
why did God make creatures that hurt us, like mosquitoes and snakes? / what is it ok to pray to Krishna for? / how to understand the eternal Vedic teachings to the manifold questions related to homosexuality, transgender, gender and sex, equal rights, and how does morality relate to diverse sexual and gender identity issues? / do you have to live it to give it?
may Lord Jagannatha be the object of my vision / anger quotes from Emerson, Ingersoll, Plato, Twain, Thomas A Kempis, Marcus Aurelius & Horace / Srimad-Bhagavatam family tree / all Indians can trace back the family linage? / Sati’s spontaneous human combustion / a joke from the Bhagavatam
SB 3.12.12-22
http://www.harekrsna.de/jagannathastakam-e.htm http://vedadev.ru/images/SB%20Family%20Tree03.jpg
it's what you do with your stuff that counts / don’t lose your spiritual credit in the slot machine of offenses / arrogance makes us suffer / can I be spiritual and still eat meat / lust is the beginning of misogyny / I squirm too / whatever happens to me, I take no offense / nobody can hurt you, unless you allow them / the devotee is in the heart of Krishna & He knows nothing but them
Ben & Esther's Vegetarian Jewish Deli / Krishna has a crazy recipe for all of us / contemplation of the objects of the senses leads to attachment, desire, anger, delusion, bewilderment of memory, loss of intelligence & fall down into the material pool / maya is knocking / the birth of Shiva / anger by nature is destructive / if I realize that the world doesn’t revolve around me, it’s much easier to control anger / Durvasa Muni’s anger
SB 3.12.7-11
welcome to the world Kian Arjuna Murphy / Raghu learned everything from Davy and Goliath / Narayana-parayana / we have debts to our forefathers / the Jain girl sannyasi / water the root and your debt to the leaf is paid / Brahma checks his anger / let’s hurry up & have some more babies!
SB 3.12.5-6
is the point to of shavasana to completely clear your mind and not think of anything? / at the moment of death, what exactly migrates to the next body & when we say that each soul is separate and distinct, is each soul otherwise identical, or does each one have its own characteristics or, for lack of a better word, personality? / can you please help with book recommendations? / how does a devotee deal with the burnout of life & still continue to execute their sacred duties with the right mindset?
busy doing nothing / Raghu ran a surf school in Costa Rica!?! / Brahma’s job dissatisfaction / why the executioner wears a mask / glue trap of material existence / the remedy for job dissatisfaction / Brahma creates the 4 Kumaras / 4 principles of knowledge: sāṅkhya, yoga, vairāgya & tapas / the 4 bhakti lineages / fun at the Bankebihari Temple / Tatiyastan
SB 3.12.3-4
who is Tulasi Devi? / Bhakti-yogis don’t renounce things, they purify them / materialism breeds anxiety & suffering / Indra - the top level materialist, Brahma top level intelligence / zoom in & zoom out / only pure devotion delivers happiness / 5 types of ignorance - the sense of death, anger upon frustration, the sense of false ownership, illusory bodily conception, forgetfulness of one’s real identity / knowledge breeds detachment / give the gift of knowledge
tulasimala.com IG: silver_tulasi_mala IG: simha_mc
repetition is the mother of mastery / I am 100% responsible for creating my experience / perspective from the Handmaid’s Tale / living with both perspectives - zoomed in & zoomed out / you need perspective to map out your destination / Brahma’s entire life is one breath for Vishnu / time can control only those who are body conscious / everything is gonna change - that’s a given / who’s the controller behind the veil? Sweet baby Krishna!
SB 3.11.36-42
we don’t need to rearrange our personality / Mara needs an attitude adjustment / on a cosmic scale we have a very short life span / on a cosmic scale the ups & downs of our lives are very insignificant / it’s all macro-micro! / our minds should be blown on a regular basis! / the residents of the higher planets don’t need acid / yoga is eternal
SB 3.11.16-35
what is a Bhakti Yogi's relationship with morality? / does a Bhakti yoga path suggest indifference towards political issues or can it coincide with an interest in political causes and speaking up against systemic inequities? / as much as I want to practically denounce the material world, don't we need some material things? / do one's rounds become easier after they take shelter of a guru? and how do I repay the enormous debt to my spiritual master & all the influential devotees in my life? / is it ok to be gay for Krishna?
the optimists creed / don’t bring bad habits into sacred circles / get out of your own head by serving others / life is short, what do I want to contribute? / time & space are correlative terms / measuring time from 8/13,500ths of a second up to the 100 year lifespan / just a moment of time with a sadhu can give all perfection / the sun diminishes our duration of life in order to release us from the illusion of material attachment
SB 3.11.1-15
“this yoga really works” - spiritual knowledge counters body dysmorphia / material detachment fosters spiritual attachment / zooming out for the troubled mind / I’m tiny, but ... / real humility is our reality / spiritual knowledge is the panacea for all the negative loops / does Raghu have to do everything around here? / geocentric & heliocentric models of the universe / purify the consciousness first - then make decisions / Buddhist sand mandalas
SB 3.11.1
animal agriculture is destroying the planet / the Bhagavatam map shows us - YOU ARE HERE! / detachment through deconstruction / contemplating cycles of destruction / now is the time for inquiry into spirit! / puncturing the romance / Raghu would have dinner with a siddha
SB 3.10.18-30
not all yogis are good / everyone has a back story / hurt people hurt people / earth is a ghetto / when you ain’t got nothin you’ve got nothin to lose / wisdom doesn’t mean collecting a lot of stuff / the internet is a great place to see hate / where’s God?! / don’t shame them, don’t hate them, don’t cancel them…pray for them / there’s a benevolent force behind everything
you ain’t got nothin / striking for the gentle, striking for the kind, striking for the guardians & protectors of the mind / 3 types of destruction / 6 types of primary creation / 4 types of secondary creation / getting the blueprint of the universe
SB 3.10.1-17
How to deal with deep-rooted feelings of inadequacy? / I live in a foreign country and don’t have any close relationships here. Should I use this discomforting situation to grow despite the lack of support from the community or is it important to find a supportive community? / I'm an empath and I can't help but absorb and be overwhelmed with sadness. What can I turn to for comfort? / How do I continue to serve and have compassion for someone when they don’t seem to be trying to heal? / I am a working mother of two kids and it seems that there aren't enough hours to fit in my spiritual practices. How do you do it?
our community floats us / we’ve been sold a false identity / accept your fate & love with all your heart / Brahma is like us with a better gig / no more complaining / mosquitos don’t bump into each other / zooming out / material qualification don’t qualify us / lack of material qualifications don’t disqualify us / the lightbulb telling the generator why do we all have to connect with you?
SB 3.9.36-42
meditation on the name, form, qualities & pastimes of Krishna are the ultimate gunabusters / Bhagavad-gita 14.26 - how to transcend the gunas / how ashtanga-yoga clears the false programing in the mind / insulation not isolation / bhuddhi-yoga and refining our discernment for who we allow to influence us
SB 3.9.34 & 35
I’m fake! / shedding our skin / Raghunath’s mental appreciation list / appreciating Yamuna Devi /service is love, not an imposition / no one is the master in the material world / you’ve gotta serve somebody / happiness comes through service
SB 3.9.33
don’t focus on the bad, just add the good / the beginning of the breakthrough is the desire for the breakthrough / zoom out for freedom from depression & anxiety / changing the body can be easy / Jivan Mukta liberated in this body by serving with body, words & mind /in bhakti the means & the end are the same
SB 3.9.33
either we control our senses, or our senses control us / we choose illusion all the time / connection through bhakti leads to the vision of Krishna in everything & everything in Krishna / how is Krishna in everything? / how is everything in Krishna? / adorable Krishna lies all the time / seeing the equality in all living entities like fire in wood / nonviolent communication
SB 3.9.31 & 32 / SB 10.8.41
is astrology fortune telling? / the human element in astrological readings / capitalizing on our strengths & challenges / Kaustubha's sannyasa yoga & exalted moon! / Raghu has moksha yoga! / past, present & future karma / what Raghu, Madonna & Michael Jackson have in common / marriage considerations / gemology & crown jewels / we need all the help we can get
Find more at www.drewlawrence.com
Why doesn't God listen to the prayers of so many, and allow good people to suffer & die? / How to avoid obsessing about the evil & corruption in the world? / Who came first Krishna or Vishnu? / If God’s mercy is causeless, how can there be a formula to get it?
Raghu arrives in Cali / Vishnu’s remedy for anxiety & depression / austerity + knowledge = inner direction / the combination of effort & grace / the effort to serve with love results in the grace of inner direction / brainy vs intelligent / what tapas looks like (Bhagavad-gita 17.14-17) what vidya looks like (Bhagavad-gita 15.7-11)
SB 3.9.30
Texas memories / sage levels 1, 2, 3 & 4 / the first & most intelligent person struggles with anxiety & depression / Vishnu’s deep, thoughtful words dispel illusion / the existential struggle with our smallness / 3 levels of work - survival, fulfillment, that with which we’ve been entrusted / ambidextrous Arjuna / the healthy result of work is self realization / our value is not in our accomplishments - it’s in who & what we are - the accomplishment is in realizing it
SB 3.9.27-29
the aim of argument should not be victory, but progress / 4 Steps for arguing intelligently / connection through high quality vibration / Vishnu’s eyes / spiritual direction cures dejection / we're missing the big “WHY” / bogus gut feelings / penance, prayers & mental concentration reveal God in the heart / to the degree of the intensity of our desire for truth, Paramatma will reveal truth in the heart / what it means to be a friend
SB 3.9.24-26
for those who love, time is not / “it’s my life” not / those arrogant music store people / those arrogant bike messengers / we have to be able to laugh at ourselves / the 1st prayer in the universe / bewildered by false ego, we think “I am the doer” / the impressions of the soul filter through the medium of the physical body in proportion to the purity of the mind / our value isn’t in our accomplishments - it’s in who and what we are. the accomplishment is in realizing it / relinquishing the credit
SB 3.9.19-24
evolution of inquiry precedes evolution of being / Bhagavatam’s got head & heart / love is the spiritual foundation of reality / love lacking completion / sour grapes of impersonalism / Sukadeva’s teenage otherworldliness / the essence of the Bhagavatam / the synthesizing principle of the Bhagavatam / sin means missing the mark
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What is meant by the term “Krishna’s mercy” and how does it manifest in your lives? / Bhagavad-gita states that the soul is changeless in one verse, and that the soul can be degraded in another. How to understand this apparent contradiction? / I’m a mother of two young children, I’m isolated from other Bhakti-yogis, and I have a history of unsteadiness in my practice - please help! / Is Krishna’s form concrete or abstract? / could you please share some tips for how to cut the tama-guna (lower, darker mode of existence) out of my life?
metamorphosis / the Gita started flowing out of my mouth / Vishnu is the root of the universe / Vishnu is the force of time / the boy sage speaks truth to power / chewing the chewed / the consciousness of “friends & enemies” counteracts yoga
SB 3.9.17-18
Bhakti Recovery Group is saving lives / making an offering of all you do / where did you hear that story? / religion vs spirituality - don’t miss the point / purifying our spiritual intention / maturing knowledge into wisdom / Jim Carrey uvāca / the world is like a reflection - both real and illusory
SB 3.9.13-16
the beautiful character of Pankajanghri das / living for others is the rule of nature / the gravity of the passing of a great soul creates a space for growth in those that knew or even heard of them / Krishna is not pleased by pompous worship / the sweet love of the wives of the priests / the arrogance of the priests / “to hell with our rituals & erudite learning” / meditation through drama / a life well lived
SB 3.9.12
we can carry God in the heart / hearing sacred texts as a path of yoga / it happens in a “short time” / hearing can rid the mind of lust, anger and hankering, “like autumnal rains upon pools of muddy water” / then you get hooked / God becomes pliable to the love of a devotee / esoteric bhakti involves cultivating a certain type of love, following in the footsteps of the great devotees / progressing from faith to love / casual devotion & pseudo devotion won’t cut it
SB 3.9.11
Often I know what my ideal choices are in life, yet for some reason I am impelled to the contrary. How can we stay motivated despite our sometimes blatantly stupid decisions? / My worst qualities come out when I am in a committed relationship. Why, with the one person I am trying to build a life with, do my worst qualities come out? / If our bodies are truly meant for service, why does it seem that they are designed for material enjoyment? / Anxiety & fear of loneliness can be debilitating - how does a yogi deal with it?
killing 3 billion animals everyday is killing the health of our collective psyche / looking towards our own actions as the cause of our unhappiness / life is like a movie / the rules of Sanskrit drama / the movie is unreal, but the emotions are real / Paramananda’s lives through a horror film / established thus one never departs from the truth…in such a position, one is never shaken / in one sense our suffering is comical
SB 3.9.9
Raghunath was spoon-fed bhakti / when the disciple is ready the guru appears / pulling back the bowstring is the hard part / Raghu & Kaustubha always end up on the cutting room floor / the body is a vehicle for service / the old God-shaped hole analogy / lasting happiness comes through service / the pressure on women regarding their bodies has reached a bizarre level / I don’t care if you see me as a 1 or a 10 - my body is sacred & it’s purpose is service / it’s fun when Kaustubha goes off track
SB 3.9.7-9
Gaura Vani sings The Moods of Kirtan / Bhagavatam highlights the problems with disconnected life / embarrassed on an existential level / anxiety related with protecting wealth, body, etc. / we don’t need to give any thing up, we just need to adjust our attitude / what can we create compared with Brahma - and still we become proud / that sage of steady mind is free of attachment, fear and anger / freedom from attachment, fear & anger facilitates divine love
SB 3.9.6
letting thoughts nest in our minds / the thought is the first domino (Bhagavad-Gita 2.62-63) / Brahma’s build-up to his prayers / form can be spiritual / spiritual means unbound by time / the form of Vishnu is auspicious to meditate on / calming the mind is not the end - it’s the means to focus on spiritual content / spiritual content = name, form, qualities & pastimes of Krishna
SB 3.9.1-5
mutual love is the major law of our existence / the vision of Vishnu in the heart of Brahma / Vishnu’s smile vanquishes distress / the competition between the Lord & His devotees / the worship of the Radharamana temple / the soul exists for God to feel his own blissful nature through the soul’s love / we’ve all cried an ocean of tears / Krishna is happy, just waiting for us to reconnect / Arjuna’s illusion dispelled
SB 3.8.27
if there was one single verse that you would recommend to commit to memory, what would it be? / what does it mean to be a vanaprastha (retired person) in the modern context? / what should I do about the envy within me? / why don’t yogis taste food while they are cooking it, or eat garlic, onions or mushrooms? / I’m finding Bhagavad-gita to be difficult to grasp, is this normal or should I just keep reading and going over it until something clicks?
what is normal? / Brahma searches for his source externally & fails / Brahma searches internally & succeeds / realizations at the burning ghat / the qualification to understand life’s greatest mysteries involves the quality of one’s attitudes & character / observational bias – “the drunkard’s search principle” or the “streetlight effect” / no one can understand Kṛṣṇa by the blunt material senses / love is the equipment / when the fog clears you see what’s been there all along
SB 3.8.16-22
Arjuna’s confusion / antah sukha (inner happiness) / samadarshina (equal vision) / samatvam (even-mindedness) / the sage of steady mind / freedom from attachment fear & anger / maturing knowledge into wisdom through reflection on what we’ve heard from the yoga texts / media & politics are clouding our minds / distilling the consciousness
Raghu’s spiritual morning makes no material sense / Kaustubha’s special day / the story of Gajendra the elephant / we need to be situated in our element to fight / the value of memorizing verses / the story of Vibhishana & Rama’s forgiveness / the story of Jatayu - even failure is success / give your life & trust
the higher power via tattva / the higher power via rasa / shuddering at the thought of eternal service / Krishna is naturally controlled by love / Krishna wants to be seen as the servant of Arjuna / yoga-sutra’s recommendation to give ones life to “the controller” / the love of the Gopis defeats Krishna / a young lover’s mind is the highest yoga / Krishna makes yoga easy for the one with love
how can awareness of a higher power be useful for us? / “We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” / the bird & the higher power / the child & the higher power / recognizing karma & time as the influences of the Higher Power / Bhagavad-gita Ch. 13 - an exposition on the Higher Power
how can someone be tolerant, still come across with a strong voice? / gossip, negativity & intrigues have been exhausting me & making me do and say things that I regret afterwards - what to do? / is it an offense to touch someone's feet? / if yogis aspire to see things equally, why make any quality judgements at all? / how to endure disappointing behavior from those who are supposed to be setting good examples?
born into a bhakti community / finding bhakti on one’s own / learning the offering of Ayurveda / learning from a bhakti-yoga master / leading by caring for each individual person / the constant need for clear communication / what comes next
www.thesisterscience.com
it actually is all good / the celestial Ganges river as a universal highway / the season, or cycles of the universe / the universe unfolds from Vishnu’s lotus / if a woman can create a human in her abdomen, is it really so impossible for Vishnu to create the universal Lotus from His? / cultivating spiritual vision - seeing equality on the spiritual level
SB 3.8.3-15
Does God have to be a person? / What are some good practices for spiritual contemplation while walking in public? / I want to follow traditional fasts as part of the yoga culture but I work construction which is very physically demanding - what to do? / How do you trust “spiritual people” after you’ve been hurt, lied to, tricked, used, and manipulated by someone you looked up to?
devoting exclusive time for spiritual practice / a focused commitment to change / first life clue - the death of Raghunath’s cat / spiritual knowledge grants immunity to material miseries / these books aren’t just for philosophizing - they’re life instructions! / seeing the museum piece with devotional eyes / the book Bhagavatam & the person Bhagavat / our entangled lives & the solution in one verse & commentary
SB 3.7.39 - 3.8.2
the blind men & the elephant / Hinduism & Buddhism in Nepal / Krishna’s beauty is absolute / puncturing the romance of the material world / human life is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth / Brahma Vishnu & Siva / dharma disconnected from prema (divine love) is useless / God doesn’t want us to be Ned Flanders / the material world bubble is gonna pop
live from Kathmandu! / self-realization not sense gratification / burning is learning / the potato chip shloka / spiritual addiction is healthy / all there is within the universe for satisfying one's senses cannot satisfy a person whose senses are uncontrolled / be detached & serve with love / training the mind to be always thinking of doing good for others / the more we think of sense enjoyment, the more the mind becomes dissatisfied / diverting the mind to the Vedic literature
BG 17.16
secret thoughts come out in our words & actions / austerity of speech means speaking words that are – truthful, pleasing, beneficial, not agitating to others, & regularly reciting Vedic literature / validation hounds / no junk food no junk speech / being a kind friend of every living entity
BG 17.15 & 12.14 & 15
What exactly is a guru? / How should one correctly go about self criticism and introspection? How can I be honest with myself without evoking self hate? Moreover, once I identify my shortcomings how do I turn them from being a hindrance to a means for spiritual growth? / Is there a custom or even a ritual/prayer to be performed before starting with the Maha Mantra? / How can I stay true to my spiritual path when my family members aren’t practicing along with me?
the gunas for children / if our capacity for austerity is meager, serve mahatmas / a human has to consider how they eat, sacrifice, perform austerity, give charity / once you take a picture of it, it’s not yoga / austerity of the body - respecting great souls, cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy, nonviolence / it all boils down to kindness & simplicity
SB 3.7.20 & BG 17.14
our value isn’t based on the body / our disturbances have no other basis than the movement of the external energy / the fool is happy & one with transcendental intelligence is happy / when it’s bad it’s good & when it’s good it’s bad / service is the way out / Krishna is called Madhusudana because he slays our doubts and slays the false ego
SB 3.7.15-19
our miseries are due to a misconception of self-identity / the counterintuitive key - human life is not meant for sense gratification, it is meant for self-realization / we’re chasing a mirage that draws us deeper & deeper into the desert / controlling our senses means freedom / Bhagavad-gītā (2.59) - the higher taste / consciousness is active by nature
SB 3.7.12-14
Welcome back Mara! / a pandit is born / Raghu’s son transcends misery through the wisdom of the Gita / if the soul is unchangeable, and if God is always in our heart, then why do our activities result in misfortune and misery? Or, how do we lose touch with our spiritual nature? / analogy 1 - seeing your own head cut off - the sense of loss is illusory / analogy 2 - the quivering reflection of the moon - the self is steady, the reflection of the self in the mind is unsteady / the 4 paths of yoga
SB 3.7.10-11
How do you go deal with direct hate against you for no apparent reason? / I’m struggling with depression and my bhakti practices can't seem to shake it. Is there something I'm missing? / How does goodness (sattva guna) have a grip on us? / Are the spiritual teaching I read about before coming to Bhakti relevant? Is there any “one true path” for spiritual guidance or do they all contain nuggets of wisdom that correlate? / How can I become more aloof to public opinion?
miracles are everywhere / the cobbler & the brahmin / Bhagavatam is the magic 8 ball - always answering our questions / our disposition can either reveal or repeal knowledge / Raghu’s relationship with geese / is my toothache God’s lila (divine play)? / if God is situated in our hearts, then why do our activities result in misfortune and misery?
2 monks - “you’ve been carrying her in your mind all day" / Raghunath’s country klatch / miracles are everywhere / lawless Krishna of Mathura is also the universal juggler / the miracle of the banyan tree / the miracle of the whistler thorn / the miracle of the neem tree / everything we need literally grows on trees! / humans always screw it up!
Bhakta Louie practicing seeing God everywhere / find your service / engaging the speech & the ear / the body is a temple - how to keep it sacred / offer the senses to the master of the senses / engaging the body, words & mind / the chataka, which will drink only rain water / the chakora bird, which subsists of the moonbeams / simply by hearing the writings of the great sages one becomes perfectly self-realized
SB 3.6.35-37
we all get tested / the senses & corresponding devas (equipment for our avatars) / the 3 planetary systems (3 levels of the video game) / the varnas (categories of the avataras we can choose from in the video game) / each varna has it’s strengths and weaknesses / false mastership is the basic disease of the conditioned soul / who am I? the servant of the servant
save the flower for Krishna / we’ve got to recognize what’s truly valuable / the same consciousness in different bodies / we’ve all been man, woman, plant, animal, saint, sinner / the ten airs that move our body / we become one with the supreme consciousness though dovetailing our desires with the supreme
SB 3.6.1-7
Raghunath & Kaustubha speak with filmmaker Ravinol Chambers about women’s roles and education in India and the need to reexamine the application of tradition.
www.roadtovrindavan.com
does it matter if I pray for God to let [my husband] get strong again if it’s already decided? / how do you detach from being seen according to your race? / what is the point of rebirth, and aren’t we already part of God from the beginning? / when does that tolerance become a hindrance to our spiritual or material growth? / how can we lovingly and sincerely offer anything to Krishna when we are out and about and only going to offer it so that we can immediately eat it?
Homer Simpson’s awkward moral inventory / kill the fake self with humor / Krishna isn’t Judge Judy / Kaustubha watched transcendental knowledge prevail in Episode 6 of Surviving Death / why Raghu & Kaustubha are not demigods / even Indra becomes a fool / Raghu’s ego shredded by a monkey / things get ghastly when they’re disconnected / watering the root serves every leaf / to “water the root” only makes a difference in the world when we get beyond the superficial & become a friend to everyone
SB 3.5.48-51
count your blessings / anxiety is born from our love of the temporary / the seers of the truth say if it’s temporary it’s unreal / we need to reprioritize / the stereotypical idea of spirituality / the grandma vs the renunciate / Arjuna’s 2 fundamental questions - 1. should I engage with the world or walk away? 2. should I conceive of God as an energy or as a person?
SB 3.5.46-47
Bhakti Recovery with Jiva / bewilderment through material objects is the first level of illusion - denial of the personal form is the second / the goals of yoga (a peaceful mind, no more material desires, love for every living being, etc) are not beyond us if we can engage with detachment & devotion / Arjuna's admitted inability to practice a yoga of renunciation / yoga of devotional service is sukham (easy, happy)
SB 3.5.45
Baader–Meinhof frequency illusion / crippling activities / offenders or aparadhis / who can’t reconnect? / autostereograms - keep staring until you see it / family attachment isn’t evil, but it’s limiting / can we be with loved ones after death? / 1st, 2nd & 3rd class intelligence / the preliminary stage of spiritual insight means looking for God everywhere & in everyone / betraying the voice in the heart / seeing through the eyes of knowledge
SB 3.5.44
Surviving Death & the need to talk about consciousness / Thomas Merton on defending the imaginary self / the creation of the meat suits / Kaustubha meets Lou Ferrigno / the Devas have the best meat suits, but they’re humble / taking shelter of Vishnu grants freedom from the meat suit miseries / crossing over the miseries by grace
SB 3.5.38-43
Bhagavatam cuts through the material romance / bioluminescence and the 4 animal propensities / as the material enjoyment sets spiritual happiness rises / the production of the fake-God suits / the gods come together to pray / the advantages of cooperative spiritual practice (sankirtan) / we’re here to get our ego dismantled
SB 3.5.27-38
Vishnu & Shiva - like milk & yogurt / great souls voluntary accept suffering to help others / religious pretension blinds one / false ego makes us intolerant to the happiness of others (sick in the head) / offering respect to God in the heart of everyone / the pretentious see the faults in others - the spiritual see whatever little good there is, and magnify it / mean-minded people are already dead (no need to campaign against them)
Road to Vrindavan - examining the importance of education for girls in India & the insight needed for tradition be applied in ways that uplift rather than oppress / normalization of prison existence / avatars, jivas & Krishna the Fountainhead / the Purusha Avataras / Mother Nature can’t produce life on her own / waking up in prison / we are foreign to matter / whole Vedic process is to remind us of our life outside the prison
https://slofilmfest.org/events/road-to-vrindavan/
https://www.roadtovrindavan.com
SB 3.5.26
it’s sick in the head that we want others to be miserable / vulnerability opens the door to deeper revelation / Kaustubha busts out the scientific journals / awakening experiences as described in the Gita / Krishna defines the highest yogi / one who sees the Supersoul everywhere, in every living being, does not degrade themself / paramatma realization as the cure to social ills / the goggles of knowledge / yoga of the Supreme Person
wisdom means seeing the macro & the micro (and the mini-micro) / Vishnu’s awareness is spread everywhere / consciousness is produced by our brains? / mismatches between consciousness & brain activity / consciousness is fundamental & irreducible / “new” “alternative” views about consciousness have been around forever / the brain doesn’t produce consciousness, it acts as a receiver / “awakening experiences” of the oneness all over the Bhagavad-gita & Srimad Bhagavatam / knowledge of consciousness is the raising tide that lifts all boats
SB 3.5.25
punk & monk worlds colliding / ajnata sukriti / no happiness in material success / in a Berlin bathroom, Jonny Rotten asks Paramananda a secret question / the illusion of fame / Steve Jones is lost like the rest of us / straight edge = what you don’t do – bhakti = what you do / given some rope to do our thing in Philly / recharging in Vrindavan
what does Raghunath admire in Kaustubha & vice versa? / how does one truly know & how to know that I haven’t just deluded myself? / can I incorporate my hip hop beat-making skillz in bhakti? / is it possible to hear too much? / how do I know I’m not just believing this out of fear?
the world mirrors your heart / the great teacher Sri Ramanuja / our existence flows from from God's perfection & fullness that demand communication / we are complete / this world is complete - and if we don’t get that then our understanding is incomplete / wisdom is to see the completeness / complaining means we don’t get it / we feel incomplete until we reconnect with the complete
not accepting another’s hostility / the old man, the boy & the donkey / is God lonely for us? / when the universes shakes us it’s so that we can wake up and enjoy / dance with Krishna or dance with illusion / Rasa dance is the culmination of all the yoga teachings
SB 3.5.23-24
pros & cons of being raised in an ashram / the trepidation of retelling the Ramayana / Ramayana - why did it have to end that way? / rediscovering the character of Rama / through shoka comes shloka / challenges of parenting / cutting some slack for Mantara (the hunchback) / Sita’s special powers
www.sitasfire.com
what can you tell those of us that physically, mentally and emotionally suffer on a daily basis to help us keep going day after day, or sometimes minute after minute? / how to deal with cruel-hearted criticism? / what’s the difference between self indulgent whining vs identifying and examining an emotion so that it can be purified? / is the concept of the retribution of God inconsistent with bhakti philosophy?
Yamaraja is cursed to become Vidura / kids are free from karma thanks to Mandavya Muni / speaking truth to power (& allowing power to save face) / tolerating insults / making the best of bad situations / forgiving / what is wisdom? from Bhagavad-gita / not looking for happiness through externals / a peaceful mind through life’s miseries / not complaining / controlled senses
SB 3.4.15-22 (& BG 2.55-58)
Krishna = sweetness / Sri Chaitanya is Krishna when he is most compassionate / Balaram (Nityananda) is the embodiment of the mood of service - & thus the original guru / one’s disqualifications aren’t considered / joking chanting / killing the demoniac within / we connect with God through serving His people
a warm home in the heart / you spoke my language…and it worked / singing in the streets / happiness through contributing / what is pitiable by the pitied / the law of karma is coded into the virtual reality of the universe / the cycle of karma / manifest & unmanifest karma / the negative disposition of karma / ripping bad karma out at the roots
IG: hannibalstore SB 3.5.14
don’t think of monkeys / wide love - breaking the limitations of family affection / seeing the same sacred life in all living beings - namaste / breaking the bonds of the expectations of family and friends to follow a calling in the heart / Krishna-katha makes one indifferent to mundane subjects / Krishna-katha vanquishes miseries without delay / the sincere reader of Bhagavad-gita vs the mundane wrangler
SB 3.5.11-13
when I chant the mantra I feel no fear / Lord Vishnu lies down on His own heart spread in the form of the sky / Kaustubha’s teenage barstool philosophizing / we’re all just fighting for resources / brahmins can’t be purchased / simplicity & kindness is the way of the yogi / Brother Sun Sister Moon / Radhanath Swami talks St. Francis stories with Mike D
SB 3.5.5-10
what you meditate on - that you become / surrender & the language of love / young Raghu questions an old person / why we shudder at the thought of service / subordinate to truth / fine-tuning ourselves to the Divine / God revealed from within / the terms karma, jnana & yoga in context - juxtaposed with bhakti / For those whose minds are attached to the impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome
SB 3.5.3-4
3 types of happiness from Bhagavad-gita / qualifications for transmission of spiritual knowledge - the potent speaker and the fertile hearer / Vidura was gentle & content / God will send you sacred relationships - keep them sacred / yoga is a culture of descending knowledge / Shanti mantras - let there be no animosity amongst us / a healthy dose of material pessimism / we don’t need to endeavor for material happiness / Kaustubha witnesses crushed dreams for happiness at Yankee Stadium
SB 3.4.32-3.5.2
can I chant my mental health issues away? / do we really want to be normal? / self care as regulating the nervous system / overstimulation / trying to convert our spouses / my lifestyle determines my death style / when is it ok to quit a marriage? / understanding boundaries
Contact Dhanya at [email protected]
how to navigate the different types of relationships with God? / what does it mean to surrender to God? / can the great teachers of the past hear our prayers?
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am I a puddle or a pond? / the spiritual separation paradox - like dry ice / the double perception of simultaneous separation and meeting / the order of the Lord and the Lord Himself are identical / knowing about the modes of nature is helpful, whether you believe in God or not / the yogi is the only one that’s free / snipping the strings of our puppeteers / our worldly struggles are the exact recipe for our rectification - we just need to realize it
SB 3.4.27-31 (& BG 14.21-26)
Momma Cappo’s attitude of gratitude / Uddhava gets ready to depart to the Himalayas / maryādā-vyatikrama - crossing the line of etiquette / the following of etiquette can serve as a yogic practice that not only demonstrates, but also cultivates a deeper awareness or sensitivity towards the hearts of others / one should not be eager to become a spiritual master cheaply for the sake of profit & fame / how to see fallen gurus / kindness towards juniors and respect towards seniors serves as the conduit for the flow of transcendental knowledge
SB 3.4.16-26
Adrian Eagle putting out positive soul / cultivating a burning desire for pure bhakti - leaving behind the minutiae / fanning the spark / Raghu’s dream of Vrindavan - you just have to want it / sitting in New York but being in Vrindavan / the blessing of kind souls who share their desire / the greed for pure devotion / dharma, artha, kama, moksha / 3 reasons why materialism always fails / prema pumartho mahan / no amount of wealth, romance or followers can fill our God-shaped hole / back to our friend Francois de La Rochefoucauld
that disgusting liquid beauty story / based on beauty, love soon dies / Raghu’s experimentations in meditation on the non-cartoon Krishna / Maitreya enters the scene / depersonalization precedes abuse / man proposes God disposes / super consciousness vs partial consciousness / “Before we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy they are, who already possess it.” / refining our desires vs curbing our desires / our material desire is but a spark of Krishna’s splendor
SB 3.4.1-11
writing people off / mind your own business / Jara the hunter returns to the spiritual world / even to date there are many prostitutes in great cities of India who are sincere devotees of the Lord / tricks of chance / why are we so judgmental? / the dangers of chardhama yatra / a heart is completely devoid of the propensity to criticize others / Krishna is a thief! / this is what I am
vigilance to deepen spiritual life / the love that can transform any circumstance / seeing my karma as my responsibility and yours with compassion / the ease of the master / being at ease in the stretch zone / money & art / shifting during COVID / the highest dharma / racism & our shared responsibility / expressing our internal practice externally
how to make sense of stories that appear to makes God’s grace random / how do you train yourself to not get offended? / I want to contribute service to the world but circumstances are making it difficult - does good character count as contribution? / how do you enter your day in the mood of service and maintain that, keeping coming back to the place of trusting that what you're doing is beneficial to the bigger picture and that it's not going to ultimately drain you at the end of the day?
fly like an eagle & don’t kill skunks - how a yogi handles annoying people / serve those you envy / by hearing and chanting Krishna’s glories, conditioned souls born in the future would cross beyond the darkness of ignorance / the sages share a risqué analogy / never diss the a-list sages / it was “turned into” an iron club Raghu / 3 principles of civilization: protecting cows, maintaining the brahminical culture, becoming a pure devotee / gotta curb the tendency to be judgmental - Jara the hunter was a great soul
why should I worry? / WWE wrestling is a warped reflection of Krsna killing Kamsa / every Bollywood movie is a warped reflection of Krishna rescuing Rukmini / you can be a sassy yogi / platypuses are unreal / Gandhari's mystic powers can’t thwart Krishna’s plan / Krishna cheats for the higher principle of love / Duryodhana’s childishness / feed the inner Yudhisthira - starve the inner Duryodhana
SB 3.3.1-13
King of Hearts walks on the show / Krishna’s pastimes facilitate the exchange of devotional love / is the desire for love something alien to my true self that needs to be identified and eliminated - or part of my nature, that has become warped through contact with something foreign to it, and simply needs to be purified? / love transformed into lust / material means selfish - spiritual means selfless / fraternal love, parental love, romantic love in the spiritual context
Follow Bob on IG @thebeardedbhakta SB 3.2.30-34
happy birthday Kaustubha / definition of kitsch / key for understanding the stories of Krishna’s pastimes - it’s all about facilitating the exchange of devotional love / Krishna & his mother’s love / the 6 Goswamis of Vrindavan / Kaustubha’s flower plucking - miracle or devotional internal clock / these cowherd boys were great ṛṣis and yogīs in their previous births
SB 3.2.24-29
please explain the Shelter song “Message of the Bhagavat” / what is the highest being one can reincarnate as, and what kind of life should one lead in order to gain the privilege? / is it cultural appropriation for a westerner to wear Indian clothes? / some orthodox teachers of bhakti make me feel discouraged - is there room for me?
Krishna worships Draupadi / Krishna becomes Arjuna’s driver / all the details are in the comic books / wisdom & old age go well together / Krishna begs forgiveness of his parents / Krishna acts like a subject of Ugrasena / Krishna tolerates 100 insults and then liberates Sishupal / Krishna grants the highest liberation to the shapeshifter - sharp sword in a soft sheath - namely Putana / Pundarik Vidyaniddhi - you can’t judge a book by its cover
SB 3.2.16-23
Shyamasundari and the Syama Ashrama / how to understand the yoga traditions worship of form / 3 features of the Divine / Krishna’s unexcelled beauty / the gods are watching us at every moment / why are we afraid of a personal God? / Krishna - the God of love
SB 3.2.7-15
Raghu’s spiritual bucket list / the baby that fell in the donation box / the orphanage at the Chowpatty temple / 9 stages of bhakti / anartha nivrtti: decreasing of unwanted attachments / 4 types of anarthas / 5 kleshas (causes of suffering) / even good karma can be bad / corrupted files in the mind / the heart is a garden - the heart is a temple
feed your focus - starve your distractions / Kaustubha’s Krishna miracle / Uddhava displays sattvika-bhavas - involuntary expressions arising directly from the spiritually surcharged consciousness / shadow attachment / living with the body in the material world & the mind in the spiritual world / cultivating the seed of bhakti / who we associate with makes all the difference
SB 3.2.1-6
writing devotional sounds / meeting Willow Smith / The need for Western devotional music / Rise - a progression toward the promise of one’s true nature / a record born through the COVID crisis / recording in Conway Studios / introversion as a musician / Patreon - a new model for supporting the devotional arts / GOVINDA! - drops on Friday
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Sri T. Krishnamacharya - the father of modern yoga / 3 levels of asana according to one’s faith / surviving death / why worship the demigods? / either grow or repeat / Krishna’s lila - taking the divine adventures of love to a town near you / a more essential understanding of what it means to be in the presence of God / spiritual community can transform any place into a holy place
SB 3.1.44-45
we must end this uncivil war / profoundly do we understand the spiritual nature that unites us all? / Krishna’s lila is both playful & didactic / true objectivity requires expanding the mind / when did God get cut out of meditation? / Vedic teachings is the Alice’s Restaurant of spirituality / why do we do asana? - 3 levels of faith / Bhakti is a yoga path that makes up for our weakness through attraction to its beauty
SB 3.1.44
kirtan is the outlet - Sri Govinda’s story about losing his child / Mother Earth can’t carry the burden of prideful leaders / dealing with all of our shortcomings in one fell swoop / Raghu’s Radha Kunda parikrama - an exercise in humility / 3 types of false pride - wealth, education & followers / the simple formula for happiness - offer everything (body, words, mind, wealth, education, followers, etc.)
SB 3.1.43
why do we shout in anger? / consuming anger vs anger evoked / Kaustubha gets schooled by a junior monk about anger / the winds of the material energy create friction that brings out our ugly side / when did newscasters start screaming at each other? / being informed vs being consumed by the news / Vidura meets Uddhava / the divine & demoniac qualities listed in Bhagavad-gita / Vidura’s fearlessness
SB 3.1.20-42
why is gambling so bad? / what can one do if childhood trauma is disrupting their present day relationships? / does it matter if my motive to do the right thing is based merely on bodily concerns? / did I ask to be here? / why did Buddha reject the Vedas?
too much concern for external appearance brings inattention to the soul’s inner function / keep the morning sacred / the value in being alone / applying the principles of fasting and vows of silence / shedding old costumes / how vows work / repetition is the mother of mastery / scary morning walks around Vrindavan / the machines of the body and mind have taken control / weakening the power of the body and mind through repetition
SB 3.1.19
plan on getting hurt - it’s the material world after all / the pure places - where there is nothing for the materialist / what is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage / Vidura’s conduct on pilgrimage - purely motivated & exclusive, independent - no compromises, always sanctified, lying on the ground & dressing like a mendicant
SB 3.1.17-19
Vidura speaks truth to power / the banishment of Vidura / leaving his bow at the door, Vidura embrace a new dharma / Vidura's response to insult - both emotional & rational / if you see 3 jerks a day - you might be the jerk / let go of resentment & forgive / enemies become our meditation
SB 3.1.10-16
Raghu wakes up to the exorcist / 3 ways the blind king failed / our taste for spiritual content is tied to our lifestyle / a yogi has to be straight forward & honest / turn your moral microscope on yourself / Gandhari’s words of wisdom / seeing through a spiritual lens / Kunti’s message to the Pandavas
SB 3.1.9
happy birthday Raghunath! / deflect the credit - give appreciation / we are made of the mercy of other people / the king, the snake & the dead brahmin / the most advanced yogi has a heart completely devoid of the propensity to criticize others / the 12 mahajanas - “great persons” / Vidura & the blind king / we should feel that we have no enemies / cliffhanger - why is gambling so bad?
SB 2.10.48 - 3.1.8
how can one prepare their mind for entering an ashrama as a monk? / can you please speak on the feeling of intimidation? / at what age does karma kick in - are children held responsible? / as a new Bhakti practitioner how do I navigate a potential partnership with someone who doesn’t share all of the same values?
American instability vs spiritual stability / we are consuming junk food yet we’re surprised when the symptoms of disease appear / seeing adharma as dharma under the spell of illusion / material pessimism & spiritual optimism / we’re tottering like a drop of water on a lotus petal / seeing God in nature, in the heart & as a person / the enlightened person should endeavor only for the minimum necessities of life / bhakti- life is wasted if we don’t take to it
Ayurveda Mama with Dhyana Masla / raising undented cans / teenage mystics startin trouble / we all have a debt / we’re all going to die / Raghu, Kaustubha & Mara’s previous lives / the appearance of Sukadeva Goswami / everyone is meditating, everyone is worshiping / 1st Canto cliffhanger - what should we hear, chant, remember & worship?
https://www.thesisterscience.com/ayurveda-mama-book
breaking bad habits / whatever you meditate on you get / watering the root is nonsectarian / small increments of faith / taking out the trash in our thoughts / cow dung stories / love & respect for the cow & the bull
what is Nyaya? / coming to Bhakti / studying philosophy can foster faith / influences in Indian & Greek philosophy / the mailman sadhu - truth is truth / 3 components to Karma-yoga / the Bhagavad-gita’s 4 reasons to act / raising a family as a Karma-yogi
Matthew R. Dasti is Professor of Philosophy at Bridgewater State University
is there a such thing as “a healthy dose of illusion”? / I can’t deal very well with Christmas time – how do I change the lenses I’m using to see it? / why do we choose to do things that are unhealthy for us? / would you please discuss the concept of expectations from a wide vantage point? / what is the difference between idolatry and deity worship?
upgrading in 2021 / everyone is struggling / Kunti’s prayers / Bhisma’s instructions / samadhi / festive culture as yoga / Vidura comes back and the blind king “quits home” /taking sanyasa / to voluntarily accept what nature will ultimately force us to accept involuntarily
Srimad Bhagavatam - lifeline for 2020 / 2020 taught us that we suffer together when we don’t see all life and the earth as sacred / you get what you look for / the news / thanks to all the listeners / WotS in 2021 / questions by the sages / 3 manifestations of God / Krishna is the fountainhead / Vyasa’s dissatisfaction / Narada’s instructions to compose Srimad Bhagavatam / Narada’s past life / Arjuna’s dilemma / Kunti’s prayers
we crave eternality / why we should clean our apartments / creation, maintenance & destruction / time is meant for our education / there has to be a shift / time is Krishna / Shelter “Hands of Time” lyrics / cooking coconuts / saintly Vidura / God is using people and situations to take me to higher places / “I’m spiritual. Now screw you!!!”
SB 2.10.41-51
some of the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam / it’s not sectarian, it’s just describing different levels of knowledge / become happier by becoming a better person / happiness comes through a sattvic life / how to answer questions about karma / a long list of ancient aliens
SB 2.10.33-41
why does Raghunath want to go to the Grand Canyon? / the 3 Purusha Avatars - Mahavishnu, Garbhodakshayi Vishnu, Ksirodakshayi Vishnu / the soul, the devas, the body, and the supreme shelter which they all depend on / lamp is powerhouse as the soul is to God / the creation of senses, and sense objects in the virtual realm / our bodies are fake-God suits / climbing levels in the video game are preventing us from finding real happiness within
SB 2.10.3-31
Aindra’s desire to touch people’s hearts / 24 hour kirtan / utilizing material things for a spiritual purpose / incarnation through sound / the passing away of Aindra / there is nowhere I would rather be than right here right now / 3 types of Brijabasis / dying in Vrindavan / Aindra’s kirtan skills / kirtan integrity / advice for kirtan leaders
if you had only 30 days to live, what scripture would you want to hear? from whom would you want to hear from? where would you want to be? what would you give up? is there something you would want to tell the world? / how to work out sexual issues in a relationship where only one partner is practicing bhakti? / which is most important, grace or effort? / which books should I focus on for learning the basics of bhakti? / what is the difference between imitating & following?
the greatest commandment - to love God & your neighbor / caring for others is more important than empty ritual / “you are not far from the kingdom of God” / though our bodies are dying our spirits are being renewed every day / we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen / the “sins” to be condemned - pride, hypocrisy, favoritism & slander / consider your troubles as an opportunity for great joy / don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you? / nothing done in bhakti is ever useless / a prayer that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace
Raghunath likes parameters / the formula - strict with oneself - lenient with others / there are no self-made men / Salieri’s sin of envy was greater than Mozart’s sin of hedonism / pride correlates with illusion / humility correlates with truth / God will break our pride / Bhagavatam prepares us for both success & failure / the 4 sampradayas
SB 2.9.37-46
the earnestness of the dented cans / technology vs spirituality / we are products, not prisoners, of our past / the auto-prompt conditioning in the mind / increasing & decreasing free will / self-improvement between the surging urges / the power of affirmative resolutions / addiction is like a snowball / we are possessors of programmable machines / spiritual actors / guilt, self-loathing & loneliness on the spiritual path
https://www.thespiritualscientist.com http://bhakticenter.org/yoga-of-writing/
how to stay focused, minimize anxiety, and trust in God's plan while going through tragedy? / is is cultural appropriation for a westerner to practice bhakti-yoga? / how does one be happy in this material life while embodying a spiritual life? / how to adjust when God feels distant? / is it good for my spiritual practice to go to the forest for years alone?
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the personal feature of the absolute / a few thoughts on advaita vedanta / Prabhupada saved our butts / what’s so special about humans? / using our higher capacity in lower directions / eating, sleeping, mating & defending / our advancement of knowledge is being misused / placing the ladder against the right wall
SB 2.9.36
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offer what you love to do / Bhagavatam shares knowledge of both the Greatness & Sweetness of God / God is within & without / conceptual tools for meditating n the greatness of God 1. the universal form, 2. theistic sankhya, 3. Vedic cosmology / the thin glove of material beauty / eyes anointed with the salve of love / the spiritual world televised in the heart of the yogi
www.souldancewithchampaka.com SB 2.9.35
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intent over skill / cultural train wrecks / #protectthecreeper / illusion lies in disconnection from God / illusory perception vs illusory conception / Ravana’s misconception / bhakti puts a positive spin on the material energy / the proverbial rope & snake / the magic wand talk
SB 2.9.34
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the power of a living example / find great souls & keep their company / sambandha, abhidheya & prayojana / mean God presentations / Achintya-bhedabheda-tattva – we are both one with & different from God / Abrahamic religions stress the difference, eastern spiritual paths often stress the oneness / envy of our source / Kirtan misconceptions / the cause of all causes
SB 2.9.34
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how long have humans existed? / why is certain archaeology forbidden? / shifting paradigms / the California gold digs / bigfoot, yetis & vanaras / flat Earth? / aliens and vimanas
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how can I be in partnership to a Bhakti yogi while my life is more secular? Is such a partnership even possible? Will I stand in her way? / Any suggestions for better reading, especially comprehending and retaining it? / Do you think it's possible that psychedelics had any influence on Vedic teachings? Could it be possible that there is a correlation between religious teachings spreading the message of LOVE, and the similar experience that one has under a psychedelic? / I have been forcing myself to chant. Will there be a time when one looks forward to chanting or it's like this lifelong?
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my octopus teacher / like us, Krishna reveals Himself to those who love Him / Arjuna could understand Bhagavad-gita because he was Krishna’s devotee & friend / viddhi-bhakti / 5 especially potent practices of Bhakti--nama, dhama / Bhagavatam, deity & devotees / making our mind & heart a holy place / giving up hope in material happiness / the right conceptions, the right sentiments, the right lifestyle
SB 2.9.31-32
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Srimad Bhagavatam gives light in these times of darkness / a crack in samsara / the brahminical qualities / the Indian extended family / Indian food / Prabhupada’s purports always lead to the conclusion / the deepest mysteries of yoga are understood only through Bhakti / devotion is the attitude of reality / accepting the chastisement / devotion is rahasyam (confidential)
SB 2.9.31
what’s so special about Sanskrit? / our propensity to becoming proud over anything is pitiful / the perfect analogy of the spider & it’s web / by nature we are instruments / temporary dharma & eternal dharma / the first prayer in the universe - in carrying out my dharma, may I not develop pride / pride ruins our connection to dharma
Check out more from Nityananda at www.sanskritsense.com
SB 2.9.26-30
the witness in the heart / desires have been planted in our minds / Indra takes birth as a hog / the “hoochie” outfit / cigar aficionados / what if we stopped identifying our desires as our own and saw them as viruses hacked into the computer of our minds? / building a firewall for the mind / no one can banish desires altogether because desiring is the living symptom / the perfection of desire / building a firewall for the mind /sattvic homework
SB 2.9.25
keep it desperate / when that spiritual instruction is all you have / yoga is refining one's choices / the test of the guru / the character of the guru / austerity is Krishna is the spiritual energy / losing the superiority complex / pride in asana is pitiful / material detachment arises automatically out of spiritual attachment / renunciation without devotion can manifest as a hardening of the heart
SB 2.9.22-24
what is your advice for a young man starting out on the Bhakti path? / what does daily spiritual practice look like for each of you today? how has that changed/evolved/grown over the last few decades? how have you dealt with those times when you have been compelled to leave either your particular spiritual path, or spirituality altogether? / what is the difference between evaluating, discerning, discriminating (in the positive sense) and fault-finding? / what practical methods can you suggest for realization of when and how we are encouraging I and Mine consciousness?
Bhaktivedanta Hospital / when your senses own you there’s no free will / we find meaning through service / the pseudo mystics / Prabhupada boiled down the whole Eastern Mysticism in a way that we could understand what was important / zooming out to see Brahman, Paramatma & Bhagavavan / it’s not austerity, learning, renunciation, etc. - but when our motive is pure we may become impregnated with insight
SB 2.9.14-21
can I just choose a mantra? / Brahma’s vision of the spiritual world / to understand spirituality one will have to expand the range of possibilities in the mind / just because it’s spiritual doesn’t mean that there is no form or variety / one should not carry the ideas of imperfection from this world to the transcendental world / spiritual bodies don’t have a soul, they are one big soul / we are made of God’s spiritual energy & all of our spiritual attributes manifest when we reconnect
SB 2.9.11-13 (Brahma Samhita 5.32)
Brahma, born into darkness, disconnected from his source & confused about his mission, reconnects through initiation into mantra / mundane austerity vs spiritual austerity / hankering & lamenting / exactly how is this world an illusion? / experiencing timelessness though bhakti / fearlessness by becoming a Vaikuntha man (person) / the formula for Vaikuntha - we are all centered around the root of all existence
SB 2.9.6-10
wake up from the dream / Brahma - in the dark both literally & figuratively / representing the lineage / how to distill one’s motive? / two factors in spiritual progress - our endeavor & grace / the cats and the monkeys / karmic motive (worldly enjoyment) - jnanic motive (escaping from worldly suffering) - bhakti motive (pure devotion) / it’s not sectarian - karma, jnana & bhakti are found throughout the world’s spiritual traditions
SB 2.9.4-8
progressive resentment vs destructive resentment / managing resentment / what is good? / the will for the other to grow / commitment is the grease
how do you set healthy boundaries, or know if it’s pushing your limits when it come to serving others? / how does one become fearless? / how do you balance being an householder and a devotee? / How does one go about constructively managing grief and sorrow, and learn to grow from them after one has already intellectually accepted yoga principles? / who is Jesus? / please explain to me in detail about the subtle body, mind, consciousness and paramatma in dual perspective and how to understand the various manifestations of Lord Vishnu?
this perspective changes everything / the knowledge lights up everything - like the sun / when the lights go on in the movie theater we wake up to reality / truth is the balm / enjoyment on the transcendental level / we go through many bodies even in this one life / the karmī thinks of this world as “mine,” and the jñānī thinks “I am” everything
SB 2.9.2 - 3
the service mindset is the key to happiness / be careful what you label yourself as / remembrance, knowledge & forgetfulness are provided by God in the heart / confirmation bias / Vyasadeva’s meditation / remember Y2K? / the comedy of a phony king / imitating Krishna’s cool / reconnecting / the child’s desire for the moon
SB 2.9.1
finding spirituality as a young teen / nirodhana through kirtan / hardcore as trying for bhakti / being a double dropout / wanting a guru as a child / meeting Edwin Bryant / 108 - “Art Nerd” Krishnacore band / room to be myself in the band
I deal with a chronic debilitating illness - how can I adjust my mindset to continue progressing spiritually? / as a single father who has just gone through a separation, how do i support two children, while being a good example to them? / how to face homophobic statements in a spiritual community? / what was the most peaceful day of your life? / if Krishna is the creator of everything, why does his energy manifest in negative ways? / please explain about offering food
faith / life is just a series of questions & answers / respect for teachers / mental speculation / you teach what you know & don’t fake it / yoga epistemology - sense perception, inference, and hearing / training for the service attitude
SB 2.8.25-29
how knowledge is received / in a sattvic (lucid) mind it is natural for the right questions to arise/ questions - with the right attitude - asked of the right person - constitute the proper combination for spiritual understanding / the posture of the hearer counts too / bad attitudes for learning / the relationship with the guru / what’s the value of etiquette / shanti mantras / knowing the entire universe in Krishna’s mouth
SB 2.8.7-24
hearing & feeling it / ET phone home / expect obstacles on the path / connecting to the root / Srila Prabhupada’s journey to the West / Downtown Swami living uptown / I am never alone / such difficulties are very gladly suffered by the devotees / he lives forever by his divine instructions and the follower lives with him
SB 2.8.6
yoga is about where you place your mind / hearing Bhagavatam regularly & sincerely has a quick effect / Bhagavatam is the sound incarnation of Krishna / Krishna sits in the heart and acts as a powerful fungicide / positive & negative sound / mantra>breath>asana / seeing God in ones own heart / the goggles of love
SB 2.8.1 - 6
if bhakti yoga is the end result of yogic systems, why bother with asana practice? / I want to love all beings, but how can I deal with catcallers? / how to share Bhakti with a suicidal relative? / what does it mean to be humble - what does it mean to have self esteem - & how can you remain humble while maintaining your own self esteem? / is it possible to be initiated in Bhakti while also accepting Christ as Lord?
apologies for our inappropriateness / the path is easy - if we can avoid offending others / we’ve been raised snarky / gotta get sick of it all / why is Krishna killing everything? / serious students are interested in both internal & external energies / what is a fanatic? / what is Niyamagraha? / what is a sahajiya / ending on a creepy note
SB 2.7.49-53
wasted years become a wealth of experience when viewed through the lens of Bhakti / Bhakti-yogis need other methods like Indra needs to dig a well / Bhakti makes everything auspicious / Bhakti delivers knowledge and detachment without extra effort / knowing God within everything or within the heart vs knowing God in the temple / nothing is higher than love / Bhakti is both the means & the end / is it sectarian to see one path as superior? / Bhakti is the fruit of all endeavor
SB 2.7.47-48
woman? no problem. mountaineer? no problem. Siberian? no problem. / we are spirits in the material world / surrendering oneself is in one’s own hand / even though imperfectly composed Srimad Bhagavatam brings about a revolution / antiquated language / we are concerned with the techniques and not with the language / Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan / Bhagavan is the summum bonum
SB 2.7.46 - 47
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Mama was the first guru / Leela goes to Vrindavan / the natural affection found in Vrindavan / Bhakti isn’t an austerity / Brahma visits Vrindavan / you can’t by a ticket to Vrindavan / the spiritual reality is the ultimate psychedelic experience / Krishna's pastimes are playful / the desire to go to another world / the golden age has begun / the story of Radha’s lake
how do we maintain spiritual practices and disciplines with integrity, yet not become rigid and spiritually prideful? / to teach or not to teach ?/ what about all the religions out there? / how to see everyone as equal & is it ethical to kill sharks for a vaccine? / is there a particular form of Bhakti seated meditation? / could you give me some useful tips about daily routine for someone with little time to spare?
regular practice makes the difference / you can’t take good advice when you’re in illusion / I’ve made some crazy choices - but from this moment on I am yours / favorites from the Srimad Bhagavatam family tree / as many people as many paths? / one can know God proportionately with the advance of one’s surrender / nothing compares to the sweetness of Bhakti / different spiritual processes are different degrees of success on the same path
SB 2.7.43 - 45 (& BG 4.11)
the subtle thread that ties everything together / surrender / that dead body will be me / the metric for deeper understanding is our connection with divinity & how we treat people / reaching the top of a ladder that is leaning against the wrong wall / pick up the phone
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SB 2.7.39-42
higher and lower planets / shifting sands of time / a 1 in 26.2 million Krishna miracle / the Brahminical qualities / in Kali-yuga everyone is low born (dented cans) / leading with character / the role of the spiritual leaders / the role of the political administrators / the role of the business people / Raghu's teachers' lounge trauma / Bhaktivedanta Hospital as a microcosm of a spiritual society / our position in life is unstable / passing though unstable times with a spiritual foundation / let’s change what we can
SB 2.7.38 & BG 18.42
Yuga cycles / Buddha’s mission to teach nonviolence / giving up meat / is it possible to see the past and future? / Einstein - “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.” / is there a 4th dimension? / are there multiple universes? / Kaustubha says skeptics should marinate - Raghu says “why not!”
SB 2.7.33 - 37
dealing with illness / taking the role of the observer / when Raghu met the Swami / offering even just a little lamp / contacting Vrindavan in the mind / the attitude of a pilgrim / how not to be a pilgrim / the deities of Bhakti want you to excel / simple steps for observing Kartika / the spiritual train never leaves one behind
Daily 5-Minute podcast Kartik Inspirations can be found at www.facebook.com/sacinandana.swami. Learn more and check out books at http://www.sacinandanaswami.com
is it wrong to say that there is no true love in this world? / I’m struggling with following a yogic lifestyle - can you advise me? / is sense enjoyment bad - is it just a question of moderation? / are the Devas aware of their own mortality? / why did Krishna never return to his loved ones? / can we have bhakti for anyone and everything or is bhakti only directed to the Absolute truth Krsna?
how to approach a holy place / dhamas & tirthas / walking holy places / sound transforms space / sound is the key to a spiritual home / spiritual sound loops / kirtan changes everything / yogis consumes differently / mantra trumps the negative mind loops / spiritual PMA / who should live & who should die / it’a all Bhagavatam Poppa Tony!
bhakti philosophy - it’s simple, but there is a lot behind it / just admit it, we are all dependent / Dr. Frog / the Lila of the lifting of Govardhana Hill / the steeped arrogance of materialism / Indra - the most successful materialist / pleasure from ego brings pain / the purpose of sacrifice / the key to understanding the Krishna stories - it’s all about creating the setting for deepening the exchange of rasa (varieties of divine love)
SB 2.7.32
decoding the layers of meaning in the sacred spaces / finding meaning without giving everything up / another miracle / samadhi / by places Krishna in the center material life becomes saturated with spiritual potency / Kaustubha’s mafia story / longing for kirtan can be as good as kirtan itself / motive is everything - when you risk for service you are protected, when you risk out of selfishness you enter a world of anxiety / attempt is anxiety / Kartik is coming
SB 2.7.31-32
the shape-shifter demon / fake gurus / can a Bhakti-yogi appear like Liberace? / a noble person accepts the good qualities of a person of doubtful character / no hate allowed for yogis / when you get to the very source of all existence - it is the most beautiful, most kind, most merciful / Raghu’s embarrassing story / beautiful desperation / the layers of meaning in Krishna’s pastimes
SB 2.7.27 - 30
when it’s ok to reject the guru / uncontrolled senses can never be satisfied / swan avatar / ayurveda avatar / taking down bad leaders avatar / Lord Rama! / esoteric & exoteric faith / both learning & character are important in a teacher / Vishnu-tattva & jiva-tattva
SB 2.7.17 - 26
childhood India fascination / yoga grows out of the Upanishads / asana - 1% of the yoga sutras, prepares the body to sit for meditation / recognizing that life is frustrating is the 1st sign of wisdom / 2 kinds of yoga / Patanjali in the morning - Gita 9-5 / become conscious of Bhagavan / japa / the special place of the Bhagavatam / Beauty of power / 10th Canto of the Bhagavatam is transrational / contemplation of death is not depressing / think of Krishna all day!
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there are so many books that are to be read, where to start? / what other projects have you thought about? / monism & dualism, can you speak about this? / how to introduce a friend with cancer to bhakti? / mercy vs justice - can you share some clarity on the subject? / how can I deepen my practice during this crazy time that is COVID?
when leaders don’t take good advice / the Brahminical qualities / Raghu's Jada-yogi friend / the purpose of yoga, under any heading, is to control the mind & senses and prepare one for self-realization / we become what we hear & repeat - our current social need for hearing the stories of the Bhagavatam / Krishna incarnates for our instruction, for His own adventure, and to captivate our minds / the devotee crocodile of Kerala / being in our element
SB 2.7.9 - 16
captivated by spiritual pastimes or by creepy pastimes / remain satisfied under any condition / 3 ways to interact with 3 types of people / 5 ways to recognize a senior / Raghu and his prepubescent seniors / going to a holy place / pranayama as a means to fixing the mind on Vishnu / worshiping God in the heart through mantra / the deity is an access point / meditation on the pastimes of the avatars / 4 types of people approach Krishna / Dhruva’s desires are transformed though bhakti
SB 2.7.8
Krisangi of adventure - turning a curse into a blessing / Krishna of adventure - appearing in far-out ways for the sake of His own adventure, maintenance of the material world, and to captivate our minds / 5 varieties of devotional relationships / Raghu receives messages from false avatars / sincerity is the key / 6 types of avatars
SB 2.7.1-6
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the transcendental Q-tip / resisting the clickbait of mundane sound / the one part of the body to focus on for a deeper yoga practice - the ear / mantra > pranayama > asana / if we don’t consciously swim against the tide we go downstream fast / the iPhone - a little box of “foul matter” / yoga sutras on how practice becomes firmly rooted
SB 2.6.46
we are only seeing what we see / a universal line-up of characters / getting to the root of it all / the opulences of the absolute / Raghu aces the 10th Chapter game / ant colonies and intuition / know that all opulent, beautiful and glorious creations spring from but a spark of Krishna’s splendor
SB 2.6.43-45 (& BG Chapter 10)
owls are dangerous / our desires get in the way of our making sense of the universe / pure soul theory - we’re not born sinful / the spiritual metaphor of Dogface208's viral video / Bhagavad-gita 18.63 - deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do / the attraction of Krishna’s detachment / romance - micro & macro / the metaphor of the musk deer / Bhagavatam drops the pin in the material GPS
SB 2.6.42
don’t waste your time / our desires get in the way of making sense of the universe / you need a peaceful mind to perceive truth / peace comes from selflessness / misconceptions of “there is no Mara” - “we are all Mara” / no mantras, no gurus, no chanting...no yoga / Srimad Bhagavatam is the spotless Purana / to those who are attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, “no samadhi for you!” / Bhagavad-gita 2.44
SB 2.6.39-41
go right for the essence / if you’re broken, you’re qualified / Instagram’s measure of success / establishing cosmic order / creating with the mind - the iPhone is a looking glass / empirically, I can see that people wrongly limit their idea of what is possible / all-auspiciousness / Raghu’s experiments in nature / qualifications to hear & know / spirituality isn’t joining a club, it’s a practice of gradually, step by step advancement / qualifications for perception beyond the senses is devotion / we’re making ourselves vessels for truth
SB 2.6.29-38
two paths - red pill - knowledge, blue pill - ignorance / ignorance of the principle of sacrifice results in clash & frustration / sacrifice means to make something sacred by reconnecting it / Bhagavad-gita shows how to make one’s entire life a sacrifice / ritual is designed to bring the mind back to reality / it’s all God’s anyway / we find peace though sacrificing for Krishna, the dearest friend / one way or another we sacrifice / divorce from source is the disconnection / recreate & offer
SB 2.6.21-28
everyone has their spiritual awakening / the hardest lessons are the ones best learned / the light of knowledge / the planting of the seed of bhakti / why become a monk? / the proof is in the higher taste / take risks! / how faith increases / my home is the world, the people of the world are my family / I’ve been taught to see the soul / raising saints / so much hard endeavor in the material world / every word of Bhagavatam is an inspiration / chanting is the main process / I am the servant of a glorious master
is there a certain way a yogi should act around non-yogis? / do I have a dharmic responsibility to vote? / where is the line between free will, my endeavor, and what God has planned? / what is life for the monks who don't greatly achieve? / how to present important spiritual values (such as humility and not criticizing) in a way that the possible negative material manifestations of them found in our society don't turn people away from them / how to handle family who are inimical to our path
The Purusha Shukta describes the totality of creation as 1/4 illusion & 3/4 spiritual reality / our choice the red pill or the blue pill / the fine print on the material blue pill - “users may experience death, fear and old age” / some gastrointestinal advice from Raghu / materialism is the blue pill - jnana is the red / bhakti synthesizes everything - you can maintain your material life while still moving from illusion to reality
SB 2.6.17 - 20
the mantras of the Vedas are echoed & expanded on in Srimad Bhagavatam / what do we pray for? / virtual reality is generated out of reality / the universe didn’t appear by chance, it is designed to facilitate our desires / we are given the virtual equipment (senses & sense objects) to experiment with separate enjoyment / Bhakti Yoga means we reconnect the senses to their original source
SB 2.6.1-16
our depression, anger, etc. are not us, they are equipment not functioning well / pleasure of the ego always leads to pain / Sankhya - counting the material elements and knowing that I am something else / sattvic happiness turns from poison into nectar, rajasic happiness turns from nectar into poison / monk life strips away everything you’ve got / our little bit of freedom / sattvic living loosens the noose of the material energy / Vishnu is the soul of the universe
SB 2.5.32 - 42
wisdom means making the micro - macro connections / universal creation is like baking bread / adding the elements of time, karma, and individual nature to the dough / the world is moving for our purification / Groundhog Day / our life is one thin page / Lord Vishnu on 3 levels / the ingredient of false ego facilitates the illusion we desire / earth, water, fire, air & ether / the 11 senses / for every “thou shalt not” we should have a good reason
SB 2.5.21-31
Raghu’s tamari almond binge & subsequent 90’s girl band binge / there’s either the pain of discipline or the pain of regret / behind the world we perceive is a director we don’t perceive / studying the psychic effects of thinking, feeling and willing / God is never covered - we are / the bird and the hole in the wall / the false premise that everything real can be perceived empirically / ultimately, everything is revealed through love
SB 2.5.17-20
a hollowness inside myself / India - an atmosphere of faith / inspiration from the widows of Vrindavan / getting past the immaturity of early followers / understanding Srila Prabhupada’s intention / quaint, gleeful Vrindavan / the realization that I’m meant to serve with love / the journey from immature to mature spirituality
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who is your favorite character from Mahabharata & why? / how do Kaustubha and Raghu practice japa? / how to not become discouraged when our progress seems slow? / how to find community when isolated in a lonely part of the world? / how does one become initiated in a bhakti lineage? / how can we start letting go of these habits like pornography and masturbation?
illusory I & Mine conceptions of the self in the center / Brahma’s clarification - everything is seen in relation to Narayana / to say “there is no Absolute Truth” is an absolute statement / with no spiritual foundation there is no basis for ethics / Kaustubha’s Satanic friend / the understanding that consciousness in non-material leads to recognizing that all life is sacred / yoga & tapas are meant for connecting to Narayana / the beautiful verses of the Bhagavad-gita
SB 2.5.14-16
levels 1,2 & 3 of the Bhagavatam / where is the school that studies the nature of the soul? / I’m not God - my significance comes from my contribution / we are made up of mercy / if Brahma is God why does he perform austerities? / sampradaya - lineage / a good question is as important as a good answer / “gurus” who let their followers think they are God / I meditate on Vasudeva / the illusion of I & mine
SB 2.5.1 - 13
respects to Vyasadeva who compiled the Vedic teachings / one becomes enlivened through spiritual sound / drawing from the works of the previous teachers / exoteric and esoteric understandings / Krishna pastimes are transcendental, and so we meditate on them / Rasalila>10th Canto>Srimad Bhagavatam>Vedic literature / the words of the gopis at the Rasalila is the pinnacle of all the yoga teachings / the gopis are empowered in all the arts because they are pure / Vyāsadeva compiled the Vedic literatures to revive our lost memory
SB 2.4.24 - 25
spiritual knowledge is a lamp lit from within / the lamp requires the right attitude & the right process / gimme a straight answer! / service attitude / the GPS is inside of us / spiritual knowledge is handed down in a chain - otherwise it’s fruitless / the teacher has to be firmly devoted to the Absolute Truth - the student has to come carrying wood / nothing grows beautiful without the spiritual touch / God is the soul of the universe / Sukadeva’s prayer
SB 2.4.21 - 23
purifying the mind before speaking / receiving the spiritual download / intelligence engaged in enjoying prison life vs intelligence engaged in becoming free / 'I live to be corrected' / Krishna from within the heart gives intelligence / the manas and the buddhi / Raghu’s mindset on Joe Rogan / Kumbakarna forgets everything / Keshava Kasmiri and the Goddess Sarwaswati
SB 2.4.19 - 20
our attention is our one greatest asset / the human body is a lab for experimentation / impressions we allow in our minds become the mold of our future / develop a service mindset / the attitude “I live to be corrected” is pivotal / application - make incremental improvements- mini habits / the wedge / Bhagavatam understands us
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how to understand & respond when discontent, bitterness, envy & resentfulness arise / what does spiritual maturity look like? / I’m isolated and my spiritual life is sliding downhill - what to do? / why does the soul need to keep reincarnating to find what it already is? / do you have tips for someone with ADHD? / how to pluck the weeds that grow alongside the bhakti creeper? / how can I get past feelings of resentment after heartbreak?
elevation through reconnection / the complete whole is within everyone / Krishna is the attractor / no matter how dented our can is, remembering Krishna elevates us / reconnection liberates us from distress / reconnection purifies our bad karma / reconnection frees us of attachment to good karma / our good qualities only have value when we reconnect / cultural appropriation and who it applies to - bhakti purifies anyone who reconnects / Radhanath Swami & the King of Puri / Kaustubha gets 86ed from the temple / it not about our birth, it’s about our character
SB 2.4.12 - 18
bhakti satisfies the simple & complex / there’s our faith & there’s what our faith is based on / Vedic culture never broke / essentially, we have one big choice - to disconnect and live in service to the mind & senses or to connect and live in service to the root of all existence / is our body really ours? / the 4 defects of the conditioned soul / backing up what we say / the beautiful freedom of the connected soul
SB 2.4.11
Dillinger Escape Plan’s Liam Wilson - why a lot of musicians get into bhakti / the culture of respect facilitates truth perception / where one is at determines how much they can hear / we’ve got a culture of disrespect / the mood for learning / to one person it’s a statue - to another it’s Lord Vishnu / guru is the therapist - mantra is the medicine / Krishna creates, maintains & withdraws his energy back into himself like a spider
SB 2.4.5 - 10
the yogi & the mouse fable / dovetailing material energy with the spiritual / the value of destitution / letting go of anxiety / letting go of possessiveness, not responsibility / a verse about connecting to the root / a verse about freedom from the need for validation / a verse about offering oneself completely to the supreme friend / 2 striking verses about unconditional love
SB 2.3.25 - 2.4.4
Makeover Monday / Raghu dreams of Krishna / rules facilitate freedom / the change in heart / the balance between not changing the teachings, and explaining them in our own words / a mantra must be received in the lineage in order to be effective – the rational and transrational understanding / 10 important considerations in the meditation on the maha mantra
SB 2.3.24
Peace Corps in India / meeting Prabhupada and inquiring / shifting from an observer to a practitioner / the secret - who we reveal our minds and listen to - who we trust / details vs principles / the Bhaktivedanta Institute - studying science & Vedanta / in order to really understand consciousness, we need to raise our consciousness
how should we view spiritual teachers who don't offer the "full picture" of the yoga tradition – is it unjust to dismiss them without respect? / how can we combat the mindset of low self worth? / if reincarnation exists then where is the urgency - would a Vedantin say to Hitler “Don't worry about this life, you’ll get to try again next time around"? / if our identity is illusionary what gets reincarnated? / why does man forget his relationship with God? / how can I better understand the overlap of our spiritual qualities with their material analogues?
shape shifting lizard / keep the great souls close / more miracles / you gotta follow / becoming an educated consumer spiritually - don’t get conned by a seedy used car salesman / 1. Happiness through loving service is our true nature. 2. False ideas impressed within our minds are the cause of our losing touch with our true nature and seeking happiness externally. 3. The transformative practices of Bhakti-yoga are designed to purify the mind through contact with powerful sources of spiritual energy. 4. The steady flow of the transformative energy requires the right conceptions, the right sentiments and the right lifestyle / important Considerations in the Meditation on the Maha Mantra - translated
SB 2.3.24
Krishna miracles / purushottam month / ya can’t bypass humans on the path to God / God is the property of the devotee / heart to heart transferral / psychic surgery / lack of appreciation of others is the death knell of spiritual growth / the servant of the servant of the servant / happiness comes through service / Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the tenderhearted feminine energy of God
SB 2.3.23
the soul is there - walk on with Jamuna Jaya / don’t bring your bad habits into sacred circles / you can’t bypass humans on the road to love of God / you can’t get bhakti through austerity, worshiping the devas, renunciation, being dutiful, or Vedic chanting - you only get it from someone who has got it / letting go / Bharata’s obsession with the tender little fawn / Bharata’s birth as a deer / Bharata’s birth as Jada Bharata / you never know who you are talking to - treat everyone with dignity / the six enemies lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride, envy
SB 2.3.23 (& SB 5.11.4)
snakes & frogs / don’t croak / is wearing jewelry problematic? / to have freedom you have to regulate the senses / how temples can infuse the mundane mind with spiritual inspiration / pilgrimage vs wanderlust / earn with integrity - spend with compassion / don’t go wide - go deep / the need to be guided on pilgrimage
SB 2.3.20 - 22
relishing Mahabharata / the chicken of death / the rare opportunity of human birth / we gotta dance / polished animal life - eating, sleeping, mating & defending / dogs, hogs, camels & asses / who do we celebrate - and is it based on their technique or their character? / we go begging for a master like dogs / if we’ll eat anything we’re not a yogi
SB 2.3.17 - 19
on music / on friendship / on being a good man / on children / on pain / on teaching / on religion / on prayer / on death / on marriage / on the Bhagavad-Gita
why does it feel like that bad guys always win (when does the karma kick in)? / how to practice meditation the right way? / how to understand attachment & detachment when it comes to one’s family? / please advise me about chanting mantras in relation to bhakti? / is my intense longing a healthy spiritual desire ?
the levels of conversation in the Bhagavatam / the eagerness to hear spiritual talks / Bhagavatam is mind medicine in candy / dreams with the dream / Raghunath’s androgynous avatar / we’re meant to tire of the material world / spiritual experience is the gateway drug to God / we got stuck in the virtual realty because we desired to play the role of God / bhakti is like the mafia - once you’re in you can’t get out / once we realize this is a virtual reality we are free
SB 2.3.13 - 17
truth can be a big pill to swallow / ya can’t just say stuff / when our rust is removed we will be attracted like a magnet / the 4 nutshell verses of the Bhagavad-gita / keeping on track / kaivalya / the liberated soul loses interest in worldly affairs / the liberated person can spiritualize world affairs
SB 2.3.12 (& BG 10.8 - 11)
Krishna’s got a special plan for you / devotion is attained by the association of devotees / ratiḥ (attraction) / acalo bhāvo (unflinching spontaneous attraction / pure bhakti has 6 characteristics / the inauspiciousness of leaving the association of the Bhakti-yogis / progressing through 3 stages - unaware of the faults of devotees, engrossed in the faults of devotees, less concerned about the faults of devotees / the all attractive is attracted to the one who has pure devotion
SB 2.3.10 - 11
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we are the children, the devas are the house servants, Krishna is the parent / Raghu shares a little Socrates / impregnated desires vs those from within / ya can’t reach Bombay with a ticket for Baroda / pure devotional service means without any tinge of material desires / bhakti is for Krishna / the show of bhakti vs true love / we all have to throw something in the Ganges / Krishna fulfilled Raghu’s desire but gave him the tools / “serve God not be God”
SB 2.3.1 - 10
shifting the hearing process / Lord Brahma’s triple scrutinization concludes that attraction (rati) to Krishna is the perfection of dharma) / regularly hearing Vedic literature is fundamental to bhakti-yoga / focus on the similarities rather than the differences / nature has provided everything we need - so keep it simple / pursuing artificial needs for comforts is like a whack-a-mole / Parjanya Maharaja’s Patel Motel / Raghu’s inspiration verse
SB 2.2.36 & 37
lawless NY and the Broome St. Temple / differences of yoga in India & in the west / Kaustubha does yoga like an Indian / sense of devotion vs self improvement / contrasting Eastern & Western mindsets / self-care via the Upanishads / seeing the mother, father teacher & guest as God / every object has it’s nature / thoughts on cultural appropriation / kriya yoga / the kleshas / identity beyond survival function
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what is your favorite bhajan or hymn? / what is the purpose of living in an ashram or temple? / how can we tell if we are on the right spiritual path or just hiding from the real work we need to do? / can ashtanga yoga be combined with bhakti? / can we offer food that we don’t prepare ourselves as part of bhakti ritual? / what advice would you give to someone who wants to maintain and develop this faith that God is kind but struggles when seeing the suffering people go through? / how to deal with vague, fluffy “spiritualists”? / what is the relation between Vishnu and Krishna?
baby sea turtles prompted from within / instinct as the Divine whisper / yoga’s 3 means of knowledge - pratyakṣa (perception), anumāna (inference), Śabda (hearing or testimony) / dealing with dogma / applying perception and inference to what we’ve heard / as the sun illuminates the universe, the soul illuminates the body by consciousness / beyond the paramatma is the divine person / beyond hearing is grace / the Upanishads’ 2 birds in the tree / 2 world views - either the world has meaning or it doesn’t
SB 2.2.35 (& BG 13.34-35 & 10.42)
one who has conquered the mind reaches the internal guide / layers of conditioning distort internal guidance / the yogi is promoted from within and confirms it from without / guru, sadhu & sastra / practical samadhi / you can’t make consciousness in a laboratory / the false premise that everything can be explained empirically / how are the little turtles prompted to run? / Our freedom consists in orienting our desire from illusion toward truth / the last snare of illusion
SB 2.2.35 (& BG 6.7 & 18.58)
Mara’s story / Brahma - the universal engineer / intelligent design / in defense of reality / we are here to evolve / we are all tied to a time bomb / perceiving God within through reasoning / the seer & the seen / the act of & objects of perception have been supplied to us / that we are dissatisfied with matter indicates that we are spirit / the religious belief that consciousness develops out of matter
SB 2.2.34 - 35
bhoga - tyaga / cultivate the growth of the seed of bhakti in the heart / when we realize that everyone is pure underneath, there is no room for hate / pure love of God is eternally in the heart / I Can’t Get No Satisfaction / peace comes with freedom for the separate desires / the discipline succession / jnana-yoga and ashtanga-yoga find completion in bhakti - bhakti-yoga is independent / practicing bhakti is like a child learning to walk
SB 2.2.31-33
revisiting perfect yoga alignment / no other life in the universe? - give me a break! / you don’t need to be smarter / how the yogi exits the body and exits the universe - micro & macro / bhakti-yoga is the viable path to the spiritual realm in the current age / the seed of bhakti in the heart / watering the seed by hearing & chanting / building a protective fence by being respectful / pulling out the weeds / Haridasa Thakur - the namacharya / Haridasa’s bliss in chanting
SB 2.2.18 - 30
on friendship / on marriage / on being a good man / on prayer / on listening / on religion / on when to separate / on how to face death / on mental illness / on forgiveness / on teaching / on money / on love
http://krsnanandini.com
how to raise children in a scary world? / how to be a good yogi mother under difficult circumstances? / are there practical steps to take for one who’s faith and spiritual practices suffer during bouts of depression? / why does it seem like the heart is so much quieter than the mind? / how to preserve spiritual progress made during COVID as we step back into our normal routines? / how to get my heart and mind back on track to serve others when my heart is aching from all the hate in the world? / are there Vedic teachings we can use to reboot the modern business leaders mindset?
sthiraṁ sukhaṁ āsanam - the purpose of yoga asana / the bhakta doesn’t need to worry about the perfect time or place to die / freedom though controlling the senses / Goswami vs godasa / perfect yoga alignment (senses - mind - intelligence - atma - paramatma) / the junk food poison of praise & prestige / the bitter health food of wisdom & humility / rooting out the turbo scenarios in the mind
SB 2.2.15-18
Bhakta Louie (old school New York hardcore) / real modern day yogis / keeping it simple / meditation on the personal form of Vishnu / Vishnu in the heart is smiling and happy / the material bizarro world / the overseer, permitter, supreme enjoyer, paramatma / consciousness spreads through the body via the blood / by knowing God in the heart & His presence everywhere & in everyone, one sees the truth and does not degrade himself by the mind / connect with that happy form in the heart and be happy too
SB 2.2.6 - 14 (& BG 13.23-29)
yoga is an eternal practice / karma, Jnana, bhakti/ the universe moves in cycles / having more can bring more anxiety / bhoga-tyaga / in this world, time separates the form from it’s name / all that is left of this family life is a list of names / everyone is our brother / keep life simple so you can find God in the heart / fearlessness through connection to God in the heart / Raghu’s night japa / shortening the turbo scenarios in the mind
SB 2.2.1 - 2.2.6
everyone is searching for love / all love has it’s origin in Radha & Krishna’s love / Radha is the compassionate, forgiving energy of God / why the Brijbasi’s say Jai Radhe! / Krishna wants to be controlled by love / Radha in the Maha Mantra / the people of Varsana / Radha - the total fulfillment of ultimate grace / being in Varsana is a state of mind / Radha’s pastimes are confidential because we tend to take things cheaply / Rasa-lila / the story of Radha’s appearance / you can only see God through love in the heart / be grateful today
The summer of love / the abundance of post war America / Howl / expecting magic to happen / spirituality without laughter is not the real thing / I was a drug dealer too / meet the Beatles / planting the seed of Bhakti behind the iron curtain / simultaneous oneness & difference / look around & you will see magic everywhere / George's love of Prabhupada / the new Bhakti Renaissance
chasingrhinos.com
if you had the opportunity to ask Srila Prabhuapda one question what would it be? / why do puja - why not? / Does Krishna accept service, even if it is not completely pure? / is it proper for a modern Sadhu to take up the practice of jogging? / do I need to forgive - even an abuser? / how is it possible for God's energy to be impersonal?
the dirt in the mind - our animosity towards other living beings / lust is a killer of love / the 3 modes of nature & how they condition us / life is a chance to learn lessons - not just to have fun / connecting everything with it’s personal divine source / all the planets and luminaries have a person behind them / hate & anxiety are cured by seeing the divine in everything
SB 2.1.20 - 39
settle the mind to find the self / seeing the universe as the form of God / desire can not be killed / meditation on OM - a way of changing the habit of the mind / what makes on mentally deranged? / Raghu’s broken samadhi / temples - spiritual centers of meditation on the transcendental limbs of the body of Viṣṇu / rajas & tamas destroy meditation
SB 2.1.16 - 20
good luck yogi / the path to perfection is kirtan / it’s the quality of life that matters, not the quantity / earth advantages / the agitated mind can’t realize God in the heart / hankering for the future, lamenting the past / no snooze movement / yoga success stories / the identity is not lost at the end of this present body, which is nothing but an outward dress only
SB 2.1.11 - 15 (& 9.9.43 - 49)
See more at goodluckyogi.com
what to hear, what to chant, what to remember / all the paths of yoga culminate in remembrance of God at the end of life / the topmost transcendentalists are attracted to bhakti / the fearless path / the pure devotee's finishing touch / it’s not received exactly intellectually, but by submissive inquiries and a service attitude
SB 2.1.5 - 2.1.10 (& 11.2.35)
fasting from the audio junk food / overview of the 1st canto / preview of the 2nd canto / samsiddhim - what is the path of perfection - what should one hear, chant, remember, worship - and what should one not do? / I’m a transcendentalist & I approve of this subject matter / 2 types of householders - transcendental & envious / none of this is mine
SB 2.1.1 - 2.1.4
how to respond when your manhood is challenged? / is it possible to live a life of spiritual purity in the age of Kali? / is choosing not to engage or really educate myself in the world's negativity ok? / as yogis we try not to see faults in others, but what if that fault is part of a consistent pattern that has negative impacts on other people or a community? / I’m trying to follow the teachings of Krsna, but why do I find myself so attracted to Shiva? / do I need to be tougher in the workplace?/ what to do if you disagree with a spiritual teacher's thoughts or ideas?
Shyamali’s message / the duration of life is immaterial / bhakti is fun for children / death is like a cat - perceived differently by the mouse and the kitten / karma, jnana & bhakti - three levels of approach in all spiritual traditions / Sukadeva Goswami appears - disinterested in externals & satisfied in himself / know how much one can share / the completion of the first canto!
SB 1.19.23 - 1.19.40
purifying desire, rather than killing desire / friendly relations with all living beings / being always a force of goodness / the sages words are sweet to hear, full of meaning & perfectly true / if a spiritual teacher has deep realization, then they can control the urge to speak, the mind’s demands, anger, and the urges of the tongue, belly and genitals / the yogi’s austerity in terms of body, words & mind / austerity of speech means speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, not agitating to others, & regularly reciting Vedic literature / flipping it - if someone tries to engage me in gossip, then what is wrong with me, for them to think I would be interested?
SB 1.19.16 - 1.19.22 (and BG 17.14 - 17.16)
in the age of Kali, dharma will be found in Srimad Bhagavatam / receiving the order to bring Bhakti to the West / a lifetime in preparation / translating the first canto in Vrindavana & boarding a cargo ship to New York / “if you want, make me dance” / years of deep meditation, writing and prayer / seeing God in the heart of every being, including the scorpion
50 years ago the journey home begins / a gentle loving confirmation / in Vrindavan God’s greatness harmonizes with His sweetness like two rivers merging / the feminine aspect of God becomes the crescendo of his spiritual search / not trying to enjoy Krishna, letting Him enjoy you / Krishna’s “birth” - the original lockdown / Krsna appears in the mind & heart / it all leads to “may all beings be happy” / diversity in oneness / the greatest bliss is to connect with Krishna / when Kaustubha met Radhanath Swami / Krishna’s beauty is an expression of his love / little Krishna reveals his heart - “I don’t know what a stranger is” / Krishna tastes & shares the fruits of love / Prabhupada shares the fruits / Krishna is present in His names / in every situation look for the opportunity to be happy with Krishna
the auspicious passing away of Syamali Dasi / “you radiated joy and contentment, and it was impossible to feel down or unmotivated around you” / doing small things with great love / the great sages come at the time of death / bowing the head / the transcendentalist knows that this beautiful material world is nothing but a shadowy reflection of the reality / renouncing the idea that I am superior to others / we’ve had millions of fathers / “accept me as completely surrendered” / fearlessly facing death / to have friendly relations with all living beings
SB 1.19.7 - 1.19.16
the suicide of a friend sparks a spiritual journey / becoming servant of the servant / the early days of the Chowpatty Temple / spiritual principle in community building - music, storytelling, ritual, pilgrimage, serving each other / real renunciation is to simply ask “how can I serve” / Renouncing the idea that I am better than others / cooperation of monks & families in spiritual communities / all our talents are wasted if we don’t understand the value of service / a leader must not be afraid to dream
what can we do “in the moment” to control emotions & “get a grip”? / what are practical ways to give back to your teachers on the regular - can giving also be considered just being better than who you were the day before? / what advice would you give to someone who is a few steps down this spiritual path, but in a relationship with someone who is not? / how does the absolute nature of God reconcile with the relative nature of language—the flawed medium through which we hear spiritual truth? / how do we know when the best action is to bear the insult or to stand up and say something?
The most bountiful branches bend low / gorgeous dead ends / Pariksit accepts the curse as a blessing and prepares to die / is it sectarian to recognize different levels of practice? / the sages ask Suta to share the essence of yoga teaches that give complete satisfaction to the soul / Suta shares that Bhakti is the highest dharma / Bhagavad-Gita’s instruction to abandon all dharma but the highest
SB 1.19.4 - 1.19.7 (& S.B 1.2.6)
wise people can see curses as blessings / wise people recognize that even good people sometimes act out of character, and are inclined overlook another’s faults / wise people acknowledge their own misbehavior and feel a purifying sense of repentance / wise people are inclined to acknowledge their own offense towards another & disinclined to accept another’s offense towards themself / dvija-deva-gobhyaḥ - the care for the culture of wisdom, God consciousness and the cows
SB 1.19.1 - 1.19.3
be like a swan / when arrogance & false prestige replace humility / banning the influence of quarrel & hypocrisy from the mind & heart / upstart incarnations / Bhakti-yogis are never inclined to avenge themselves / the mantra that grants perfection - to show respect to all and demand it from none
SB 1.18.31 - 1.18.50
as birds fly in the sky as far as their capacity, the devoted describe Krishna as far as their realization allows / hunting was allowed for a few, but always discouraged / life’s difficulties can be seen as favorable / sometimes good people act out of character - the influence of the age of quarrel makes us see only the bad / the yoga culture turns the microscope on oneself / repentance comes in the mind of a good soul as soon as they do something wrong
SB 1.18.23 - 31
wisdom of the Bhagavatam is what is dear to the Bhakti-yogis / hearing Bhagavatam elevates one beyond any unfortunate background / it’s the qualities that make the teacher, not the birth / yogis are self controlled - not controlled by the body or mind / real freedom is freedom from the control of the body and mind / from darkness lead me to the light / by bhakti-yoga one automatically achieves the pleasure of devotion, perception of God, and detachment from material things
SB 1.18.17 - 1.18.22 (and 7.5.30, 11.2.42)
yogis simplify / coming together in nature / the power of the fortune cookie / graffiti writing vandal days / 3 jewels that inspired change - Siddhartha, Bodhisattva Vow & his father's yoga practice / how one’s presence can be more influential than one’s words / take off your shoes & enter the temple / fame is an illusion - the remedy is marriage, family & menial service
I thought the spiritual path was meant to be walked alone - what is the spiritual purpose of marriage / what does the bhakti-yoga tradition say about repentance? / how to live a simple, brahminical life in a modern, capitalistic world / are big city life and spirituality compatible? / if we live in the city, how can we be more in tune with the earth?
the theological depth of the swing festival / the sages feel the effect of hearing Bhagavatam / the sages glorify the association of Bhakti-yogis / the sages outline the qualification of the speaker (learned & purely motivated) & the hearer (eager) / Sukadeva, the quintessential transcendent yogi, walks onto the scene naked /Sukadeva & all varieties of ātmārāmas, are attracted to hearing Bhagavatam because it is transcendental
SB 1.18.16 (and SB 1.7.1 - 1.7.10)
the controversy - in the end, does the supreme truth include form, qualities, personality, relationships, etc. or all they all illusion / the person is the source of the divine light / isn’t form, by definition, limiting? / what is the opposite of being $1 million in debt? / 3rd class religion turns people off / Sukadeva Goswami’s transformation from impersonalism to personalism / the love & service of the material world is a mere reflection of the truth
SB 1.18.16 and SB 3.9.33
once you’ve tasted bhakti it never lets you go / nothing can compare to the value of the right association / find fault in others or deal with our issues - which path will we take out of the dark night of the soul / bhakti-yoga is like gardening - it works, but the conditions have to be right / speakers' qualification - Bhagavan is their life / hearers' qualification - eagerness to receive the message / two types of Vedantins - impersonalists & personalists
SB 1.18.12 - 1.18.16
would you like to know when you are going to die? / Sukadeva, the son of Vyasa / the value of being submissive / spiritual knowledge is handed down from a seer to one with a humble disposition / the sages feel the nourishment of hearing Bhagavatam / religious ritual is at best a stepping stone to true spirituality (bhakti) / the simple wives of the Brahmanas surpass their learned husbands in spiritual knowledge
SB 1.18.3 - 1.18.12
snake-birds and flying foxes / nārāyaṇa-parāyaṇa - those surrendered to God - are fearless / Citraketu accepts the curse of Goddess Parvati / material world resembles the waves of a constantly flowing river / real happiness comes through service / our conceptions of happiness & distress are just programing in the mind / Krishna is the soul of the soul of all living beings / Bhakti-yogis are always peaceful & equal to everyone
SB 1.18.1 - SB 1.18.2
how Raghu & Kaustubha met / Tompkins Square Park - a hub of both Hardcore and Bhakti scenes / Kaustubha learns Bhakti from street kids / appreciation for Prabhupada’s books / a street fight changes his course / meeting his guru and committing / going back into the world from being a monk / love & appreciation for his wife Gitapriya / Kaustubha’s history of the Bhakti Center / trying to make a contribution
responding to a mid-life crisis / is the understanding that the material energy is real but temporary really important? / is the pony tail required for a shaved head? / through eating meat, are we just doing our part to liberate the soul and send it along its path to its next body? / is there any formal training that someone can go through once they've already reached a householders life? / could you please elaborate on Dharma in today's context?
in one sense, the perp & the accuser are on the same level / seeing the divine working through both the benefactor & the mischief-monger / 3 ugly brothers - blaming, complaining, criticizing / all the saints were persecuted / Kaustubha has nice feet / Kali personified seems to be living in Vegas / leaders need to steer clear of the symptoms of Kali
SB 1.17.22 - 1.17.45
truth is subtle and nuanced / the causes of suffering - superficial & unseen / different philosophers emphasize a number of causes - daivam (the planets/gods/God), karma (the laws of action), ātma (the self), svabhāvam (material nature) / paramātmā (God in the heart) grants knowledge, remembrance & forgetfulness / a yogi acts dharmically, without being overly anxious for rewards / everyone is engaged in His service / the complainer is equal to the perp
SB 1.17.19 - 1.17.22
Mayapuris have a new single for Walk-on Wednesday / the prime duty of government is to subdue the sufferings of those who suffer / the 6 classical schools of Indian philosophy / an all encompassing understanding of truth must be both practical and deep / searching out the direct cause & the indirect causes of suffering / going beyond the superficial causes opens the door to transformative thought / bypassing blaming, complaining & criticizing
SB 1.17.10 - 1.17.20
www.mayapuris.com
Krishna multiplies and adapts to reciprocate with everyone's love / the Earth feels separation from Krishna / what it means to be twice born / in the age of Kali a system of service to others (Varnashrama-dharma) gets warped into a system of oppression (the caste system) / meat-based, industrialized model of existence vs one of cooperation between humans & animals / meat-based industry has led us to climate change, ecological destruction & a culture of violence / cow & bull protection provides all of societies' needs in a pure & simple way
SB 1.16.34 - 1.17.9
dharma brings genuine happiness / spiritual life for today - not just the afterlife / make every place a holy place with spiritual sound / man-made planning doesn’t enhance the beauty & opulence of the world - reconnecting it to it’s source does / the marks on Krishna’s feet / the 4 nutshell verses of Srimad Bhagavatam / yoga-māyā, the energy of union vs mahā-māyā, energy seen as detached from it’s source / dovetailing everything in relationship with God
SB 1.16.24 - 1.16.33
memories of the New York Hardcore scene / Raghu & Mike’s special moment on stage / Beastie Boys see Raghu’s Tai chi practice? / finding the hard to find - Broome Street Temple / Mike finds yoga with Eddie / Mike’s first trip to Vrindavan / Eddie’s first trip to Vrindavan / Shyam Das - bhakti scholar / Mike’s bhakti practice / beautiful times at the Broome St. Temple / Mike doesn’t remember the special moment :-)
shouldn’t there be a more efficient method for spiritual advancement than suffering? / how to avoid getting overwhelmed with the harsh realities of this material world? / when to be passive & when to be active / how do you stop comparing yourself to others and bring yourself to the present moment ? / I’m getting lost in the stories and characters - is there a recommended order for what books to read / how to fall in love with Krishna? / who are the mayavadis?
for lifetimes we’ve been programmed by Illusion / more from Vamanadeva on being satisfied simply / the 4 legs of Dharma - austerity, purity, compassion & truthfulness / initiation into a Bhakti lineage / vows of vegetarianism, continence, sobriety & honesty / yoga teachings provide spiritual context for religious rules / liberation is the last snare of illusion / Bhagavatam puts liberation in perspective by comparing them with both material anxiety & divine love
SB 1.16.21 - 1.16.23
why is the Earth suffering? / because dharma is barely standing on one leg? / because she’s being exploited?/ the unspeakable cruelty of factory farming / recognizing higher beings behind nature / Black Elk speaks - the great spirit within & without - peace first within & then without / Sitting Bull speaks - if America was twice as big, it would still not be enough / Sri Vamandeva speaks - for uncontrolled senses, there is never enough / spiritual context for “religious” restraint
SB 1.16.20
with “mystic eyes” Maharaja Pariksit witnesses the conversation between Dharma & the Earth / simple principle: when dharma and the Earth are respected people live happily / the qualities of brahminical culture - even-mindedness, self-control, simple living, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness / lacking a wisdom culture, America has lost it’s morale
SB 1.16.17 - 1.16.19
our disconnect has us pleading for validation / dharma personified as an injured bull speaks to the Earth personified as a suffering cow / Kali appears, the personification of corrupt leadership / Maharaja Pariksit sees the dialog with mystical vision / out of love, the devotee bends to the will of God and God bends to the will of the devotee / the supreme brahman is crawling in Nanda Maharaja’s courtyard like a helpless child
SB 1.16.1 - 1.16.16
positive meditation with a devotional attitude / fixing the intelligence on transcendence / flying your own airplane / higher than worshiping Shiva's instructions to Parvati on the highest worship / smarana (remembrance of or meditation on) wisdom brings relief to the burning heart
SB 1.15.47 - 1.15.51
the origins of Bharatanatyam Dance / Bharata Muni & the Natya Shastras / bha = bhava (feelings, emotions), ra = raga (melody, framework for musical notes), ta = tala (rhythm) / rigidity vs feeling / beginning dance at the age of 3 / the handing down of sacred tradition from teacher to student / leading the audience to bhava / expressing prayer through movement / method acting in the context of India’s classic texts of Bhakti / Srimad Bhagavatam is alive - it is Krishna
total disregard for the external world / ego shedding / meditating on God within the heart / chanting for God in the heart / all yoga practices are aimed at facilitating meditation on the Supreme / ignorance sets up the karma cycle - seed desire - action - unmanifest reaction - manifest reaction - disposition to act again - seed desire - etc. / Bhakti burns The whole cycle of karma
SB 1.15.43 - 1.15.46
empowered by the tradition / not in the game anymore / dawn of freedom (mukti) / Yuddhisthira reverses the sequence of material attachment / we allow our minds to be tortured by identifying with the body / adjusting the material conditioning vs transcending material conditioning / realizing oneself as pure spirit / relating with others on the spiritual level / the jīvan-mukta stage, liberated even in the material world / one who only thinks himself Brahman is an impersonalist & one who acts like Brahman is the pure devotee
SB 1.15.41 - 1.15.42
bhakti is handed down from one yogi to the next / meditation on what we will be remembered for at our funeral / collecting spiritual assets / hearing in the disciplic succession is the right medicine for the conditioned soul / a community based on spirit / study like you will live forever - practice sadhana like you will die tomorrow / bhajan or deeper spiritual connection is reached when we let go of our material designations
SB 1.15.39 - 1.15.40
growing up in Bhakti / her moment of surrender / Aindra Das Prabhu / bhakti is handed down heart to heart / mantra addiction / keep the morning sacred / bhakti Partridge Family / Ludhiana Ratha Yatra / chanting brings happiness / chanting is a superior high / feeling the presence of God through chanting / Mahamantra is meditation on uniting Radha & Krishna
how does a newly spiritual person deal with criticism, estrangement, and lack of understanding in their close relationships? / what words or strategies are best for explaining one's spiritual practices to those who will find them difficult to accept? / how to apply the principles of yoga wisdom to help a sex worker and her family? / any words of wisdom a woman newly divorced and raising children without help? / the announcement of the passing away of HH Bhakti Charu Swami
a yogic perspective of “sin” – forgetfulness of your true Nature / whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail Bg 8.6 / the mind is a computer - the current thought is what’s on the screen - bhakti-yoga is the practice of editing every file in relation to God / we get what we get - and then there is also mercy / Ajamila calls for Narayana / Krishna’s compassionate nature
SB 1.15.29
morning digital detox / treasuring a prescribed number of rounds of japa / meditating on truth & friendship with God pacifies the mind / eternal dharma & temporary dharma / living on two levels - Vyāvahārika (Relevant to the immediate material dealings) & Pāramārthika (Relevant to the highest spiritual truth) / mental hygiene / transcending the gunas / guru is the real magician
SB 1.15.28 - 1.15.35
walk-on with Keli-Kanana Das / finding solace through truth / Bhagavad-gita is the essence of Vedic wisdom / 5 subjects of the Bhagavad-gita /jagat, jiva & Jagadisha / time and karma are the agents of transformation in the material world - time is involuntary but karma can be influenced by our decisions / the thin line of practicing yoga within society / 4 paths of yoga / the yoga which embraces our social roles is easier & quicker / using a thorn to remove a thorn / we are one with & different from God
SB 1.15.27
keep the mornings sacred / respect for the great souls / arrogance is destructive / karma rewards behavior consistent with our true nature & punishes behavior inconsistent with it / survival of the kindest / how to become dear to God / the peace formula / saranagati
SB 1.15.22 - 1.15.26
we’re all acting entitled / how little free will we have when we are in illusion / freedom from the slavery of the mind and senses / everything is provided for us / under the influence of false ego we think “I am the doer” / the gods & goddesses are like the butlers / the Bhaktivedantas reveal the complete picture
SB 1.15.20 - 1.15.21
facing death gets your attention / I can learn a lesson from anybody / 5 stages of grieving / catching another’s enthusiasm / our spiritual practice is our prayer for mercy / gratitude / how you live will determine how you die / bring the holy name to the forefront of our consciousness
do our relationships continue after the death of the body? / after the temporary happiness of the material world no longer appeals where does one find joy? / how does one just give up SEX!!! / isn’t it hard to find a guru? / what are the qualifications of a Vasinava or devotee? / how to pray?
seeing everyone as a pure spiritual soul / the 10 names of Arjuna / Arjuna & Krishna pass through all obstacles together / Krishna relishes reproaches of friends, parents or fiancees more than the Vedic hymns offered to Him by great learned scholars and religionists / the highest gift has been offered to the most needy people by Sri Caitanya’s grace
SB 1.15.14 - 1.15.19
Bhakta Ed’s experiences with the deprogrammers / Arjuna comes out of exile / Duryodhana’s bad decisions come back to haunt him in the form of anxiety as Arjuna approaches / “Fire burns silently and silently does the sun shine.” / Arjuna sends respect to his elders in the form of arrows at their feet
Draupadi turns to Krishna / when God is satisfied we all feel satisfied / have I been following a false formula? / the comedy of our material endeavors / the loss of material power is a calling to rediscover our spiritual power / walking around with a boot / cliffhanger
SB 1.15.11 - 1.15.14
Draupadi’s complete surrender / insulting a great soul ruins everything / how a yogi relates to people - friendship toward the happy, compassion toward the distressed, joy toward the virtuous, and equanimity toward the non-virtuous / cleansing the heart with tenacity of things like faultfinding, desire for prestige, envy of other, desire for popularity / teaching by example
SB 1.15.10
ashram life high in the Himalayas / yoga cleanses / the need to learn from a qualified teacher / environment / the nature of dreams / this world is just a long dream / a yogi’s view of racial tensions / love is a force / air, earth, sun, moon are all God's love / our planet is a spaceship / urban yoga requires deep respect for all varieties of people / bhakti practices are powerful forms of dharana (mind concentration) / Srimad Bhagavatam is the churned wisdom of the greatest yogis and sages
Find out more about Yogi Charu at www.omchandra.com.
how to puncture the material romance, and how to grieve? / how to navigate relationships with family, friends who have lived through the 60's and witnessed the dark side of The Hare Krishna movement? / swearing, are we born with a personality & should I change to a more reverent person or is this who I was born to be? / how do you know that Krishna is for real? / was there ever a time, or will there be a time when all creatures live in peace? / Is there always good in everyone and everything? / could you speak on the Vedic hierarchy of animals, animal consciousness, interspecies cooperation, symbiosis, etc?
Bhakti makes the inauspicious auspicious / the secret to all of these stories is that their deepest meaning has to do with the love between God and the devotee / the killing of Jarasandha / civil warfare / Duryodhana is embarrassed / until we let go of our material attachments our lives will be a comedy / the alchemy of a yogi is a shift in perspective of their own suffering
SB 1.15.8 - 1.15.9
this wisdom is timeless / spiritual lamentation deepens the feelings of divine love / this world is a reflection - it looks the same as the spiritual reality, but is the exact opposite / Krishna's greatest pleasure is to serve his devotees with love / Krishna is the soul of the universes / Arjuna wins the hand of Draupadi / Arjuna, Krishna and the Khandava forest
SB 1.15.3 - 1.15.8
tune into the messengers / spiritual life involves cultivating fearlessness / what are the causes of despondency? / material life is the disconnection from our best friend / the greatest pain for a Bhakti-yogi / we know too much to ever enjoy materially again / let our pain bring us back to Krishna / the mystery of how spiritual pain is the deepest bliss / our rightful claim to liberation
SB 1.14.37 - 1.15.3
Śrī Balarāma is the mercy incarnation / Sri Caitanya made spirituality easy / Nityananda delivers the gangsters / just stop causing harm to others, be humble, grateful & chant / coercion vs attraction / truthfulness, equanimity, sense control, forbearance, simplicity, general knowledge, transcendental knowledge, firm faith / brahminical qualities vs false prestige / 3 manifestations of Lord Vishnu
SB 1.14.19 - 1.14.36
Kaustubha’s manasa Rathayatra / sadhu sanga / bhakti makes the inauspicious auspicious / learn to love those who are not like you & who don’t like you / break down the walls / we are a moment away from being despicable / crusading for God within / let’s pass through this inauspicious time & make it auspicious
SB 1.14.1 - 1.14.18
chanting keeps you young / spiritual communism / glories of Sri Caitanya / sweet baby Krishna / Bhagavatam nectar / the song of Krishna’s flute / Govinda Virudavali / what’s so special about Sanskrit / the holy name of Sri Hari is surely all that be / Mahamantra explanation / Krishna cares / Dharma takes shelter in the Bhagavatam / what real society looks like / who is Radha? / servant of the servant
how to handle relatives with different (terrible) political views / how to keep my teaching sacred in a secular environment + does practicing bhakti-yoga mean I need to give up Jiu Jitsu? / I’m black and I want my sangha back / how to counsel friends during the time of mourning / I like the protests but not the violence /
our life can change in an instant / the power of setting an intention - sankalpa / refusing to let go / what if everyone could see our minds? / the yogis never feel alone - they feel God in the heart / Sati’s spontaneous human combustion / Dhritarastra’s spontaneous human combustion / Gandhari enters the fire / resentment blocks Dhritarastra’s advancement / letting go of criticism
SB 1.13.56 - 1.13.60
ok, lets’s give golfers a break :-) / Q: what do you have to give up for bhakti? A: suffering / asana & pranayama are for helping to transcending the gunas and bring the mind to God / satva guna is also a trap / goodness is illuminating - frees one from all malady & conditions one by a sense of happiness and knowledge - Bg. 14.6 / passion is all about desires & longings - conditions one to feel the need to work for a material result - Bg. 14.7 / Ignorance is the delusion of all embodied living entities -It conditions one by a sense of madness, laziness & sleep - Bg. 14.8 / the predicament of the soul / spontaneous human combustion
SB 1.13.54 - 1.13.55
Jahnavi Harrison drops in to discuss “Surrender” / 2 mindsets - worldly & other-worldly / no need to lament on what’s beyond our circle of influence / the internal, external & marginal energies / we (the marginal) can become lost in the ephemeral external energy / the regular current of spiritual energy - within & without / we are one with God in quality, but still different / God can appear to you as a person or in the form of time / Dhritarasta begins his yoga practice / Yoga begins with controlling the tongue
SB 1.13.48 - 1.13.53
always seeing the good / we can’t control the world / time takes it all away / the rare opportunity of human life / “how will they exist without me” / time, karma & the gunas are the software installed in the virtual reality of this world
SB 1.13.33 - 1.13.47
the God shaped hole / the emotional bank account / the need to be able to hear good advice / that which is unreal has no endurance - that which is real has no change / real detachment vs false detachment / you gotta have a good morning program
SB 1.13.29 - 1.13.32
discovering bhakti behind the iron curtain / translating Srimad Bhagavatam / the mystical goal of Ayurveda - discovering God in the heart / the 3 doshas / mysteries of the pulse / hospitality is even more important than food / masalas / lifestyle tips / Sanskrit poetry
do I need to dress in rags to be spiritual? / how to deal with losing my cool? / how does Bhakti as a movement respond to racism in a relevant, critical, active, & dynamic way? / can I care and do things that are helpful, without being overwhelmed by all the pain I’m seeing constantly? / can one have romance, sex, and the warmth of family life on the bhakti path?
the value of never complaining / rise early / the relative difference between detachment & devotion / “family life” in it’s cultural context / Srimad Bhagavatam clarifies all the previous teachings on yoga / temptations of the heavenly planets / connecting to God within the heart
SB 1.13.27 - 1.13.28
Vidura’s presence makes Dhritarastra ripe to hear / Indian Culture / Sadhus don’t flatter / the world is magic when we are connected spiritually / we are that egg on a spoon / hours, days, months, years - exclusively devoted to spiritual life / retirement with wisdom / spiritual knowledge is like the mafia - once you are in you can’t get out
SB 1.13.23 - 1.13.26
ekadashi is the mother of devotion / grow food, sacrifice, be happy, & go back home / Vidura’s tough love / the grim reaper is coming for the king / samadhi through the waves of life / show bottle sadhus just flatter - real sadhus cut / Raghu’s chastisement
SB 1.13.15 - 1.13.17
a statement about racial inequality in the United States / no problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it / there is a dire need at hand to live as dedicated instruments of God’s love / the insurmountable force of time / the value of the rare human life and the need to make the most of each moment / learning from the tree / one day we’ll pack up our lives in a box / young Kaustubha watches a man die
SB 1.13.15 - 1.13.17
Vidura’s compassion / omnipresence through diverse potencies / a guru cuts / giving up the ego is both painful and a relief / preparing for the change of body / Radha & Krishna enshrined in the heart / renunciation ≠ spiritual advancement / alien yogis / great souls are like surgeons
SB 1.13.10 - 1.13.14
music is spiritual / doing the gritty work of the 12 steps / doing a fearless moral inventory / coming to terms with the ego / being a good listener / beautiful desperation / carrying forward the idealism of punk / hate born of frustration & fear / how much of my world view is informed by a screen? / be an activist in all that you do / the challenge of keeping hate out of our activism
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how to respond to inexperienced influences? / how do spiritual communities deal with racial injustice? / I’m new to this - what’s next? / how did Kaustubha become a monk? / to whom and how should I properly offer obeisances and what does that mean? / do you think God Is trying tell us something? / how to overcome the discomfort with the idea of a personal God? / how to build a personal relationship with God? / how does friendship give each other new light & inspiration? / if we are spirit, why do we have exclusive gatherings based on gender?
12 steps and it’s parallels with bhakti / more background on the blind king Dritarashtra / in the material world we fight with each other - in the spiritual world we fight to serve one another / hospitality is conducive for bhakti / uncle Vidura comes home
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.13.1 - 1.13.10
“horse rejuvenation ceremony” / what is sacrifice? / Kali Yuga - the age of dented cans / kirtan - the dharma for dented cans / hunting always causes problems / the story of Pandu / the story of Kunti / Dritarashtra was such an enabler / Vidura’s wake up call
healthy addictions/ the impressions left in childhood / bhakti is kid friendly / Prabhupada’s childhood bhakti / Oh! Calcutta! / most yoga paths are a means to an end - in bhakti the means & the end are the same / 4 yoga paths are meant to lead to bhakti / is asana necessary for bhakti-yoga / bhakti harmonizes the mind with the self
how yogis respond to being wronged / Raghu’s mystic friend / forgiveness is the key to bliss / God is using this person to bring out my own greatness / death doesn’t care about your plans / Kaustubha gets what Joe Rogan missed / today is an OK day to die / the world can go on without Mara / just say it - “what I did was wrong”
the qualities of a brahmana - Bhagavad-gita 18.42 / peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness / brahmana is not based on birth, it’s based on qualities / the futures glories of Maharaja Pariksit / material attachment & surrender go ill together / the story of Pariksit’s curse / transcending death through hearing Bhagavatam
the world of New York Hardcore Punk / a second wave of bhakti in the West / how Porcell & Ray were introduced to bhakti / Youth of Today brings straight edge and vegetarianism to the hardcore scene/ Ray leaves the band to become a monk / Mark blows away the anti-cult people / Porcell takes to Bhakti / Ray & Porcell reunite in Shelter / living as a monk & touring in a hardcore band
should I switch mantras? / how to navigate lust as a yogi in today's world? / does the soul die or does it become so purified that it transcends? / what does it mean to “give your life to your guru”? / what does the Bhagavad-Gita mean when it says that one should work in Krishna consciousness? / how to deal with spiritual friends that let us down / do we have any say on how we take our next birth? / how do I deal with the regret over lost years?
meditating on the smile of God / the role of the rites of passage - samskaras / bhakti-yoga on 3 levels / difference between religion and spirituality / spirituality is when we see God everywhere and in everyone / the state of our democracy - administrators quarreling √ party selfishness √ exploitation of state resources √ corruption √ intrigue √ hypocrisy √ / we need spiritual revolution
character & dharma / understanding astrology, karma & predestiny - our previous choices either expand or contract or liberate / crossing over the 3 modes - Bhagavad-gita 7.14 / for the reconnected yogi the karma winds down like an unplugged fan / when we reconnect all the karma becomes auspicious / sex with spiritual consciousness - calling elevated souls / the disposition for liberation Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.8
Srimad Bhagavatam gives perspective on all yoga literature / life in the womb / Krishna is in every atom in the universes, and every universe is in him / Krishna appears in the Deity form because we are incapable of perceiving Him everywhere / meditative absorption comes with wisdom / wisdom involves being steady minded through shifting externals and seeing God everywhere / we are qualitatively one with God & quantitatively different / realizing our eternality
how to embody joy / rewiring oneself / dead practice vs living practice / aligning body, mind & emotions / Western yoga’s need to go deeper / the sadhu in the storm / traveling the path of absorption / the mantra is imbued with spiritual potencies / Philosophy, People, Practice / the prayer of Vritrasura
it’s not about joining a religion, it’s about self transformation / you have to walk into the lab / the sages bring it back to the original topic / transfer of spiritual knowledge through hearing / cheap imitations come in all traditions / ya can’t cheat the system / the process is simple, but only the sincere achieve the result / we are servants by nature / slaves to the senses / the hunger is for the spiritual atmosphere
how to balance motherhood with spiritual practice? / why are we fascinated with evil ? / any inspiration to help endure life’s trolls / how to trust in guru when trust has been broken / is having children selfish? / why did Krishna create illusion / is illusion only seen as negative
tongue scraping & where culture should lead / there is a bhakti explosion brewing / we're over “stuff” and are looking for something more meaningful / understanding Prabhupada’s commentaries in context / yoga paths either forbid or regulate sexuality / sexual attraction is the primary motivator in materialistic life / sexual attachment expands to include children, home, society, nation and the need to acquire wealth / what are we falling in love with? / yogamaya - illusion which facilitates intimate divine love
samadhi & being free of happiness & distress / birth as a fruit fly hearing Bhagavatam / japa advice - bathe in the mantra / Cupid & Kandarpa / Krishna’s senses can not be agitated but He is captivated by devotion / material enjoyment is like fake food / think it through / 1st 9 Cantos prepare our hearts for the 10th / Krishna is unaffected by matter & so are his devotees / yogamaya
We’re like moths - our ability to understand through our senses or inference is limited / spiritual truth is not ascending, it’s descending / Nara-narayana Rishi’s oneness & difference / srivatsan on Krishna’s chest / Laxmi, wish fulfilling trees, stones & cows / Krishna’s beauty / broken connections result in a sad experience / perfect manifestations of internal energy
knowledge matures into wisdom through reflection / practicing for the moment of death / birth, death old age & disease / Haridas Thakura & material blessings / the deity is an access point / Raghu & Kaustubha’s first temple experiences / imperialism & the aryan invasion theory / Krishna’s beauty never gets old / the law of satiation
brainwashing, youthful enthusiasm & magic / Krishna reciprocates according to how we approach / impersonal energy - in the heart - as a person / as master - friend - child - lover / do we practice our role in the spiritual realm / all the details are revealed through the mantra / finding a guru / guru is that through which spiritual knowledge descends / guru’s qualifications / we are not asked to give up our common sense
which face of the goddess do we want to see? / masculine & feminine energies / knowledge is foundational but the goal is Love / the gentle men of Srimad Bhagavatam / upending the pyramids of power / Srimad Bhagavatam uplifts the humble & simple – brings down the proud / the brahmins & their wives / the role of masculine energy / flowing around misogyny
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you have to give your heart over / dealing with anger / is playing video games tamasic / what does it mean to first establish yourself in yoga, then act - Bhagavad-gita 2:48 / the fine line between service & abuse / how to preach without coming off as a judgmental jerk
we should die with hearts saturated with affection / the devotion of Dwaraka’s prostitutes / we may end up in compromising positions but it is our state of heart that matters / Cintamani - the prostitute guru / Govinda Damodara Madhava / the citta vritti nirodha of Vrindavan / Freudian slips / on the bhakti path the means and the end are the same
verses for the appearance of the Divine within and the destruction of the inner darkness / the story of the half-man half-lion avatar / Nrisimhadeva miracles / closing blessing
kali-yuga minds are always disturbed / hearing Bhagavatam as mental hygiene / perfection of human civilization is made possible by utilizing the gifts of nature / industry deteriorates the finer instincts of the human being / ugra-karma / civilization means caring for the earth & animals / the Mayapur elephant parade / shifting the current of our loving offering / a culture of love
pronoia - eradicate the victim mentality / what exists internally manifests externally / commentaries by the previous masters / Brahma’s envy of the “dirty little cowherd boy” / getting centered around the whorl / what is the most painful thing? / value the association of devotees / the Mickey Mouse outfit we all wear
kirtan & pilgrimage as a child / devotee dog / seeing Shelter as a kid / the intimate devotion of Vrindavan / so many ways of expressing devotion / kumbha Mela at 17 / music is an offering, meditation, joyful expression / advice for kirtan leaders - develop a relationship with the mantra / Divine power is the true protection
bhakti as meditation & as service / I move for the enjoyment of my source & I enjoy naturally as a result of the connection / asana is a condiment of yoga - the meal is the offering we make / meditation of the formless is always troublesome / pure bhakti demands pure intention (as opposed to activity) / clarifying yoga terminology / there is power in commitment / we’ve been waking up early
Arne’s letter / remembrances of Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama / Kripamoya Prabhu’s unforgettable kirtan / Krishna reels you back in / so many things are vying for our attention / Srila Gaura Govinda Swami / the embankment of union & the embankment of separation / transformation by spiritual contact/ Sita’s separation / Krishna is atmarama - self-satisfied
let go of what we can’t control / leave room for magic / Sanatana Goswami’s Bhagavatam glorification / Bhagavatam is the churned nectar / mad elephant offense / respect flows up - affection flows down / except for the uncontrolled, misguided mind, there is no enemy / the 6 enemies
the more we exploit nature and animals, the more we become entrapped by the reactions / spread the message from a place of love / don’t use it as a vehicle for our lower nature / rituals are designed to restore our original nature / the 5 primary rasa - flavors of love for God / Yoga is a practice which empowers one to overcome the obstacle of the mind for the purpose of the self experiencing its own true nature / take a vow not to criticize
to be truly true it has to be true in all 3 phases of time /social justice has to be taken to the spiritual level / all life is sacred / Svarupa - our original form / we are not our outer Mickey Mouse outfit / yoga-pitha - where the spiritual and material worlds meet / panchanga bhakti - 5 most potent spiritual practices / the right people can reveal the spiritual nature of the holy places
makeover Monday / purifying the mind & senses / Vishvamitra muni loses control / artificial sense control vs spontaneous attraction / positive engagement for the senses / Hiranyakashipu’s yoga vs Prahlad’s / jnana yoga ends in surrendering to God in everything - bhakti-yoga begins there / a human goes beyond polished eating, sleeping, mating & defending
is there a universal message in the bhakti tradition? / is there a message to share about how to see this crisis / advice for maintaining mental well being & relationships through the crisis / a message for the essential health care providers / how to avoid dogmatic exclusivism in spiritual circles? / why is the Bhagavatam so powerfully transformational? / who is Nara-Narayana Rishi?
we need to have like minded devotees in our life / Bhagavatam refines our love / let go of expectations / Krishna’s mission is to enjoy divine love / breaking ties with a yogi / don’t try to understand the spiritual world through the material, understand the material through the spiritual / we receive a form suited to our consciousness / we forget the trauma of past lives / when we act on behalf of the higher power there is no reaction
all the -isms are the culmination of the illusion / Gita & Bhagavatam are the access point to reality / jnana-yoga = renounce the virtual world / bhakti-yoga = see the virtual world in connection to the programmer & connect with Him / the programmer wants us to wake up & enjoy with Him / miseries of this world are a way the programmer helps wake us up
our habits become us / dedicating hours, days, months and years / the Purusha shuktam hymn of the Vedas / Brahma’s life is calculated to help us with perspective shift / minimizing fears and concerns through perspective shift / little fish & big fish / a bhakti-yogi is like a rooster, salt, a crane & you / wisdom though time perspective / nostalgia vs perspective shift / wisdom punctures the romance of past experience / perspective shift via psychedelics vs via Bhagavatam
happiness through the senses followed by misery / Bhagavatam brings auspiciousness into life / rock bottom can be a blessing / musk deer tattoo / plastic vs natural ingredients / things just keep getting crummier / the earth kicks back / the Absolute Truth can have form and qualities / materialism is the thesis - renunciation is the antithesis - divine love is the synthesis / the simple talk of devoted ladies is beyond the hymn of the Vedas
past bad decisions become valuable realizations through bhakti / when doubts set in, pull yourself back / think it through / in separation the love goes deeper into the core of the heart / on the spiritual platform love is not determined by physical proximity / Srimad Bhagavatam trains us to the stage of perfection / melting the heart / how to we know it’s real - because it still works
locked down with the Bhagavatam / collective karma / leadership with ethics / consumer culture tells us we’ll be happy by getting things and we’re successful when we are consuming more / simple living - high thinking / those ridiculous leaf blowers / What have we done! / the earth kicks back / we’ve become sociopaths/ Vaishnava etiquette is for cultivating a disposition of respect and affection
chip away at illusion / progression of Vedic literature leads to divine love / shedding the exoskeleton / if I merge I can’t serve / hearing is most important / working with detachment is true mysticism / stereotypical yogi vs karma-yogi / karma-yoga - according to one’s nature, with detachment, as an offering / you gotta serve somebody / re-integrate
my external is draggin down my internal / the morality of Krishna & his girlfriends / there’s a driving force constantly saying upgrade your life / knowledge matures to wisdom through reflection / when we are free from attachment, fear & anger we can absorb the mind in meditation / it’s not about converting, it’s about remembering our identity / spiritual vision makes us happier / fish out of water / food for the soul / what’s the definition of good / jaundice analogy
seeing the working of the Divine Hand in hindsight / Bhishma’s perfect death scene / the motions and smiles of the Gopis / the progression of Vyasadeva’s spiritual literature up to the Rasa Dance / the glory of the Gopis’ love / mukti / aversion to service / 5 types of liberation / the “equal footing” of the Gopis
the final moment / attaining our original form (sva-rupa) / mechanical mystic yoga vs spontaneous devotional yoga / Wilson in Cast Away - why do impersonalists fall from the divine light - they get lonely / getting your head dunked under water - material pleasure is just relief from suffering / should we pray for health / compassion for body, mind & soul / Raghu’s death plan / you can’t cheat the system
prayers for Hana / civilized warfare / Arjuna’s pure intelligence / Bhishma’s love for Bhagavad-gita / Bhishma’s melting heart / love is the highest principle / Krishna’s absorption in divine play / Krishna’s “enemies” / understanding that Lila is beyond mythology by understanding rasa
everything is trying to kill something - minimize it & make your life an offering / fear snowballs in the mind / in bhakti, it’s all good / the body is a gift - it’s not even ours / Krishna is all-attractive / the perfect beautiful vision of Bhishma / the lover's bite is welcome / the esoteric side of bhakti / love in the heart brings out service / Krishna makes it all good
letter from Vrajabhumi! / self sacrifice + sadhana is a good spiritual formula / as a people, we have lost our ability to think critically / getting lost in politics & conspiracy theories/ work now samadhi later / life’s purpose isn’t to find a comfortable or enjoyable situation / if our politics or theories are driving us to be bitter, harsh, or hateful, seeing others as enemies - then we’ve been tricked
getting deeply rooted / Ghanashyam’s journey to bhakti / becoming comfortable with what’s uncomfortable / greatest spiritual meditation is Krishna - greatest material meditation is death / death can tighten our focus / Krishna comes as his devoteee / NDE’s - seeing messengers of darkness & messengers of light / have faith in suffering / why is coronavirus happening - to ask the questions we haven’t asked before / seize the opportunity / how can this change me?
what I learned as a monk - find happiness with nothing / intention makes all the difference / ultimately only the devotee is peaceful / Radhanath Swami’s books - a good place to start / how I relate with others is important / God is in everyone's heart / no pride / see the good & magnify it / share what you have by example / doubt my doubts / contemplate again and again - there is no true or lasting security or happiness in anything material / cultivation of selflessness though family / what’s beyond the gunas?
Krishna comes to us at the time of death / the vision of Bhisma on his bed of arrows / questions about caste / taking a good look in the mirror - our society is broken economically, politically, ecologically, etc. / the modern day caste system is a warped version of varnashrama dharma / varnashrama dharma is about laying out clear responsibilities for societies leaders / carefully apply ancient wisdom in a modern context / dust off your gift and use it
Srimati’s lesson - we’re just being tested / our whole life is a test - how will we respond / Bhagavatam - it’s all special / who is Nara-Narayana Rsi / evolution by our own strength / give your heart to Krishna & he will take you by the hand / the wives of the Brahmanas / cultural appropriation / samadhi as action in steady God consciousness / shifting our desires
tribulations imposed upon the devotees constitute an exchange bhāva / medicating with food, sex, media, etc. / tuning into Paramatma, tuning out the noise / prayer for constant connection / letting it all go / love bomb the bombers
quiet the mind and listen / western yoga world is missing a strong tradition of guru recognition / am I hearing the inner guru or the mind & senses / guru qualifications / guru red flags / verses illustrating how a disciple follows a guru
is the world waking up? / becoming instruments of positive change in a shifting world / my own spiritual consciousness affects others / spiritual pioneers have left a map/ Vedic epistemology/ sense perception (pratyakshya), inference (anumana), hearing (shabda) / building faith gradually / the telephone game / a guru doesn’t make it up, they represent / the guru must be potent and the disciple must be fertile / the disposition for receiving spiritual knowledge
the I experiences the mind / the mind is a computer / checklist for dealing with depression & anxiety / is religion the opiate of the masses? / the depth & sophistication of the Vedic tradition / to be a recluse or an activist, and where do I fall on the long line in between / setting parameters guiding how we associate / insulate not isolate / the deeper we go into the essence of one spiritual tradition, the more we recognize the same essence in other traditions / guru & gurus
Ram’s name is the bridge over samsara / forgiveness & compassion of Ram’s name / saguna & nirguna brahman / engagements for the day - bhajan, reading, fasting, puja / wake up in sattvic time and meditate / Manthara’s fear is like a virus / Raghu’s turbo scenarios / Rama’s equanimity / transformation of character though hearing Vedic lore / gratitude of the boatman / the loving sacrifice of Jatayu
words from Bhakta Louie / Raghunath walks in cemeteries / graveyards, burning ghats, Pompeii, catacombs - meditating on death / Raghunath collects skulls / time’s influence on everything material / no grudges, no complaining / you cover all your bases & accept time’s influence / Shelter - the Hands of Time lyrics / why wrap up my identity with stuff / the mother in-law teaches the daughter in-law through the daughter
I have to change me - butterfly / hearing & chanting is the cocoon / joy comes from our contribution / reclaiming our inherent purity / spiritual form / God is everywhere, God is in me, God is the person behind it all / Horton Hears a Who / Krishna is God on Saturday / the story of Pandu / hone in on what our contribution is and stick to it no matter how the dogs bark / mentors & well-wishers
Monday makeover / a wave is coming - the gravity of a spiritualist / the 12 mahajanas / you can’t cram gardening / transformation through regular hearing / train ourselves to see the good & overlook the shortcomings / yoga etiquette / etiquette is the ornament of the bhakti yogi / the purpose behind every aspect of ritual or etiquette lies in how it effects our mind / the cat in the basket
apocalyptic New York & Krishna’s invitation to dance above it / responsible in this world & conscious of what’s beyond / Bhishma stories / finding the blessing in misfortune / 3 levels of wisdom / no complaining allowed / “untimely” deaths of spiritual people / use the dream to wake up from the dream / keep going 1 level deeper in our realization / bhakti dreams / Krishna’s joy in respecting an elder /
grihasta vs grihamedhi / making the home an ashram / kirtan is the sacrifice for this age / simple & connected make for a good kirtan leader / kirtan brings people together / Tolstoy’s definition of art / centuries of devotion invested in India’s temples / how temples should bring out the best in us / the sacrifice of japa / Bhagavad-gita’s austerity of speech truthful, pleasing, beneficial, not agitating - Bg. 17.15 / personal charisma vs spiritual substance / Krishna’s pastimes make you fall in love
respect to “essential personnel” / there’s always a storm coming up / cows, brahmins & devotees / sarvatra sama darshina - seeing God everywhere / elephants! / living with animals & Gus living up to his potential / Yuddhisthira’s mindset / we’re not playing the victim anymore / self care vs self sacrifice /my body is meant for the service of others / rationalization is the intelligence serving the false ego / Duryodhana couldn't find anyone more qualified - Yuddhisthira couldn’t find anyone less qualified
raghu for mayor / fall in love with Krishna / keep a standard for those you get close to / yoga culture is designed to influence the mind / the gods will be just fine / note if what we are consuming brings up our lower nature / religious practices mix of scriptural tenets with human interpretation & application / religion - take the good and improve it vs reject it / focus on spiritual purpose being happiness & meaning / does the power of mantra lie in pronunciation or in intention / karma’s complicated - make the best with what you’ve got
the gift of being a dented can / pointing the finger ourselves / the yogi is dealing with two worlds / loving without possessing / a sadhu is childlike / living internal & external at the same time / our inner orientation is I am the servant of God / we don’t destroy our desire, we purify it / serving to God and the devotee is identical / create a love triangle by bringing in the Paramatma / bhutta suddhi - purifying ourselves from material misidentification
something is shaking us up - what’s the lesson / beachfront property - made of sand / Srila Prabhupada’s mission wasn’t religious conversion, it was sharing essential knowledge / natural gifts vs industrial enterprises / our diseases are commonly tied to the meat industry / ugra karma - horrible works / enough for our need but not for our greed / life's simple pleasures
Wisdom of the Sages in New York City Schools / coping with destitution / HELP ME! - we’re drowning / the ocean teaches us how small and dependent we are / a little virus is meant to wake us up / the strength of knowing our weakness / Krishna is the soul of the universe / bhakti is kid friendly / Krishna gives life & beauty to everything / nature provides us with plenty, but then we break nature's laws /
lockdown in a holy place / life comes from life / wherever our mind goes is meditation / bhakti fundamentals - hearing leads to remembering / lesson 1. we’re made to serve / lesson 2. by serving the root of all existence we connect with every living being / happiness & meaning are found through giving - not taking / Krishna appears in different ways, according to the state of our heart
livin’ under lockdown / it can be hard to sit alone with the mind / regulate news consumption / lets come out the other side better people / media is our mind’s food / the separation between you & what you present as you / dharma / battling with the demon inside / good dog bad dog / priest vs cop - who more embodies the spiritual essence
bhakti’s not fear based / purifying our spiritual intention / gradations of prayer / Day by Day - Raghu’s into Godspell / the wild devotion of the Banke Bihari Temple / understanding Krishna’s fear / intimate love surpasses awe and veneration
there’s no stability in the material world / “offensive chanting” / understanding the demigods in relation to Krishna / bhakti means love without material motive / anxiety + Bhagavatam wisdom is a great recipe for progress / money mantras / manasa puja - worship in the mind / make God your soulmate / you have incredible value so don’t sell yourself short /
learning discernment through the Bhagavatam / universe is the impersonal way of saying Krishna / yoga is for connecting with the “Higher Power” / love requires more than one / Krishna is the root / devotees own Krishna & Krishna owns them / fear of a person / the material world is a warped reflection / pure bhakti is free from the desire to exploit, or escape, the material world / whatever it is, there’s always a person behind it / the esoteric vs the exoteric
wisdom keeps us steady / at the point of boredom we start to grow / the problem of evil / good comes from suffering / we cause our own suffering / misapplying karma theory increases ignorance & suffering / properly applying karma theory fosters compassion / accepting suffering to relieve that of others is the highest worship / karma & reincarnation snaps everything into place / why me? / when we are sick of it all we can chant with feeling
maybe we could use a day of rest / what I will and will not allow myself to worry about / avoiding the negative loop / control vs hysteria / another perspective from Sri Isopanisad - everything is perfect & complete (except perhaps our understanding) / Siddharta’s enlightenment - ॐ perfection / the good and the bad seen as one from a higher perspective / we will all be challenged to stand tall - to be raised
crucial times / seeing through the lens of love / seeing a benevolent hand behind everything / the privileged suffer too / The BIG VERSE - SB 1.8.25 - Kunti prays for more calamities / the duty of the sane person is to be undisturbed by worldly calamities / suffering in the dream world / when we know we are dreaming it changes the experience / we create our own suffering BG 13.21 / manifested and unmanifested karma / we can’t judge based on manifest karma / the rain and the seeds / Krishangi’s story of growth through suffering
the power of the Beatles / illusions that create the space between us / the Person beyond the oneness / qualitatively we are one - quantitatively we’re not / relationships make life worth living / the soul is a person / George's shift / George’s love for Srila Prabhupada / karma is intricate / viewing karma from a different perspective / always coming from a place of compassion
love will not be cancelled today / bhakti is contagious / it’s futile to worry about things beyond my control / within you without you / love isn’t a headlock - it’s our choice / It’s Krishna that is within and without you / Bhagavad-gita 6.29-30 / seeing divinity in people who aren’t acting divine - yoga off the mat looks like that / can we glimpse the truth before it's far too late when we pass away?
what is forgiveness? / Prithu forgives Indra / we are off our spiritual path if we hold on to resentment / Buddhaghoṣa on holding onto anger / forgiveness means I let go of it all / to what degree should renunciation be part of my practice? / renunciation is a medicine applied differently to different people / establish your level of renunciation & adjust with time / the main thing is to make the main thing the main thing / is good karma good - is bad karma bad / good and bad karma have to do with how we enjoy the material world - Bhakti means going beyond that / a Bhakti-yogi sees the Lord’s benediction at every step / better not to get too caught up in astrology - but if it may help us serve we may use it / what is the goal of a Krishna devotee at the time of death? / ante narayana smriti - remember God at the end / release from the cycle of birth & death is good - connection with God through love is the finishing touch
judging people based on externals / the misuse of our gifts / where are they now? / Krishna’s opulences are hard to handle / the 1st prayer in the universe - may I not become proud / the universe humbles us / we are a spark of divinity / when the mind is conquered the Supersoul is already reached / seeing the Supersoul in everyone through hearing / this is a process of surrendering the ego
memories of last night - Minna’s dreamy song, Kaustubha was the jerk / the value of festivals / spiritual communities sing, dance, tell stories & eat together / the guru tests the disciple before sharing knowledge / Bhagavad-gita 4.34 / humility is the fertile ground for the seed of transcendental knowledge / a culture of submissive hearing / prayer for protection / the sudarshan disc / Krishna’s morality in the Mahabharata - he is willing to lie, break the rules out of love / love is the highest principle
special episode for Sri Caitanya’s appearance / it’s not about conversion, it’s about waking up / reasons for Sri Caitanya's descent / bhakti - practical & esoteric / kirtan is the yoga for this age / the bhakti explosion / krishna = sweetness, Caitanya = compassion / Caitanya gives bhakti freely to the dented cans - the highest to the lowest / the 8 instructions of Sri Caitanya - Shikshastakam / relative vs absolute / tolerance, humility & respect
gripping vs. letting go / Uttara’s history / Mahabharata stories / what do you take shelter of when you feel stress? / transcendental knowledge is the balm to soothe stress / let go of fear & need to manipulate - find shelter in Gita & Bhagavatam / you come to a guru to serve, not to be served / gurus' presence is an inspiration for self reflection and improvement / vani - instruction vs vapu - personal presence / shiksha guru - instructor vs diksha - initiator / get formal training before becoming Picasso
inauspicious choices lead to a ripple effect of inauspicious results, 1 camp - the spiritual camp, bhagavad-gita helps us face life’s challenges with transcendental knowledge / we are totally dependent / Sri Brahma Samhita 5.1 - cause of all causes / 6 symptoms of surrender / Krishna is my protector / in the jaws of death, will we be the mouse or the kitten
we all need loving critics / we protect what we value - brahmanas, cows, women, children, elders / a voluntary vow of poverty / we need to revive wisdom in society / a loving integration with humans & animals / does society need a collapse? / valuing the unique contributions of women / providing love, values and protection to children / garbhādhāna-saṁskāra - meditation prior to conception /the value of elders / early training, married life & spiritual retirement in yoga culture
is it ok to enjoy the material world? / different paths of yoga / jnana cultivates detachment / bhakti connects the world with God / are there different types of love? / the esoteric side of bhakti / the happiness of the abode of love is in the happiness of the object of love/ God exists to enjoy varieties of love - raso vai saha / Krishna accommodates all varieties of love / bronzing baby shoes / Bhagavad-gita & Buddhism / soulmates & money mantras / we don’t argue with the divine plan / pure bhakti
a yogi has no enemies / animosity clouds the mind with ignorance / bhakti yogis decorate themselves with the ornaments of tolerance, mercy, friendliness to all, having no enemies, peacefulness, & abidance to sacred texts / Andal, the mystic poet girl who decorated herself for the pleasure of Vishnu / 2 dharmas - temporary & eternal / Yuddhistira vs Bhima - we all have different natures that can be offered / refining our lower nature / tolerance & intolerance in bhakti / Raghu drives the swami / Kaustubha tries to give up anger
we’ve created so much hate / great people can differ in opinion / sage Kunti’s most courageous prayer - let the calamaties continue / preparation for meditation at the time of death / wherever we bring our mind is meditation and the results stay with us / bhakti yogis meditate on the name, form, qualities and pastimes of Krishna / rituals are designed to leave lasting impressions in the mind / the Ganges River flows through the universal body / the material world is programmed with the elements of time and karma, which bring suffering / we are not trying to avoid suffering by changing the circumstance, we are trying to restore the consciousness the allows us to transcend no matter the circumstances / consciousness of Krishna helps us pass over life's obstacles Bhagavad-gita 18.58 / great souls soothe suffering through sharing truth, not illusion
binge on the Bhagavatam / Chutes and Ladders is Vedic / leaders need wise counselors / resurrecting a spiritual class of people / Krishna changes his mind / our egos get wrapped up in our opinions / justice vs mercy - dharma can be challenging to determine / let our aim be to come to truth, not to conquer our opponent / wise and pure hearted people may disagree / respect the intention / Arjun finds a we to satisfy both sides
yoga wisdom is not summer reading, we have to hear it and apply it daily / dharma means doing what’s right rather than trying to change the circumstances to our favor / learning Sanskrit prayers to aid meditation / Arjuna's red hot copper eyes - Krishna’s lotus eyes
shaming doesn’t work / hearts don’t change through humiliation / seek first to understand / don’t leave Raghu a voicemail / everything is fear-based these days / take shelter of the decoder / Bhagavad-Gita 7.14 / no time to tinker anymore / first thing in the morning - fix my mind right / transcendental knowledge melts away fear / BNN Bhakti News Network / don’t let mundane sound into your morning
kirtan is what the whole world needs / kirtan without ego / dancing without ego / we become what we consume / kirtan is the yoga for this age / Bhagavatam is an eternal conversation / yoga is eternal / the Earth is crying / the devas approach Lord Vishnu together / Krishna wants to serve / devotion is more important than scholarship
start with gratitude / yogis discern but don’t hate / the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing / kindness, simplicity, tolerance, love / Bhakta Louie hates hate / the atmarama verse / the opposite of being $1,000,000 in debt / liberation into the oneness is just the neutral stage / liberated souls are attracted to spiritual form, qualities, and relationships / Vishnu instructs Brahma about spiritual vision / our negative experience of service in this world create a fear of transcendental loving service
resurrecting our natural identity / Bhagavatam background - Suta, Sukadeva & King Pariksit / bhakti mitigates material miseries / cats & monkeys / Krishna’s energies - internal, external & marginal / we are like the beach, sometimes covered and sometimes uncovered / living in the moment / savant syndrome - underneath it all, nothing can touch the soul / true social justice requires equal vision - Bhagavad-gita 5.18 / Joan of Arc is Bhagavatam
sages hits #1 / Krishna takes everything away / Jesus didn’t even have a watch / thanks to the listeners! / just a matter of time before our world gets shaken / transcending good & bad / Drona - Arjuna’s guru / Vyasadeva’s ashram high in the Himalayas / Krishna, God, Higher Power, Divine Source - let’s not get caught up in the semantics / Vyasa’s meditation / the 3 gunas / sattva guna expands the space between stimulus & response / our fundamental problem - misidentification with the mind & body / analogy of the moon’s reflection on water
choose your addictions carefully / loving every living being - beyond externals / what is the duty of one about to die (all of us) / perspective - our senses are so limited / karma & free will / free will expands & contracts according to the choices we make / bhakti releases one from past karma / yoga as an access point out of samsara / you get what you get & don’t be upset / Maya (illusion) keeps out the riffraff / religious language vs yogic language - sin = bad karma / Astrology as a form of metaphysical materialism / we think we’re free, even when we are completely controlled
Raghu makes bhakti history on Joe Rogan / speaking with genuine conviction can be as strong as a well developed argument / summary - what is Srimad Bhagavatam / we are here to grow / Narada’s meditation experience / even-mindedness through shifting externals is called yoga (Bhagavad-Gita 2.48) / fundamental misconception - happiness is found through external things / a peaceful mind is not the end goal - it is the platform for connecting with spiritual sound
what’s next God? / time is short - we gotta get focused / gravity / the material world gets boring / we’ve got too much love to give to just one person / the 50’s / bhakti accumulates / petty material things are like shadows / Narada’s character, instructions, meditation & results / the interconnectedness of trees / how do you know it’s a myth? / what do we build our faith on / it all can’t come from nothing
Raghu’s in Cali / everything we have is a gift from someone / Narada’s perfection in meditation / the bhakti path - 9 steps from faith to divine love / be steady and do the basics / we’re chasing forms that don’t satisfy / flash melts / bhakti is a descending (not ascending) path
it’s not about joining a club / focus on kindness & simplicity - drop the pettiness / you’ve been tricked to hate / simplicity means finding pleasure in the simple things / bhakti means transforming our desires - not our name or our clothes / this world is a jungle and we have to see God in the heart of all the creatures / Krishna appears in the heart of little Narada / Paramatma as the object of meditation / the value of initiation / there is a qualification to receive mantras - it’s not done by whim / guru stuff vs guru fluff / study Srimad Bhagavatam to understand what is a real guru / guru, sadhu & shastra / some final words from bhakti Louis
retraction: the Council of Nicea / gulab jamuns for increasing church attendance / we are made up of the mercy of other people’s love / spiritual form / sharing knowledge is the ultimate act of welfare / seeing all reversals as blessings / taking “Why is this happening to me!?” out of our rotation / Raghu’s Scottish divine messenger / wandering alone as a spiritual practice / warning: never chase female owls / sadhus see God in the hearts of the dangerous animals / we need to walk more / we can also just sit & hear
little tweaks / get rid of your enemies / hurt people hurt people / I wanna know what love is / based on beauty, love soon dies / the power of commitment / sense control can overcome depression / radical self-change / bhakti delivers knowledge as a concomitant factor / good intelligence - I may only be going 40mph, but it’s in the right direction / transcendental sound delivers knowledge, spiritual opulences & love / faith comes in increments / the sound in your world determines the sound in your mind
Raghu's first, weird temple experience /what is Deity worship all about? / controlling body, words & mind / how to wake up in the morning / Aindra Das’ intense devotion / “it’s not for me first” / duty is the first step in mastering the mind / St. Valentine / can dented cans become undented? / dedicating all our activities / tiny brains / putting oneself in the center leads to suffering / Krishna saves Raghu from choking on a lozenge / the secret to success / making the material world spiritual
who am I? why am I here? what is my offering? /Announcement! - We’re Launching an Online Community on Patreon for the Wisdom of the Sages Family / naked man & the box - shedding our programing / aghoris / Narada’s example of how to practice bhakti / regulating the senses & support groups / Bhagavad-gita 2.59 getting a higher taste / Krishna’s 3 energies - spiritual, material, and marginal / Public personas & hidden identities in ashrams / the material energy is not suitable food for the soul / taking shelter of the spiritual energy
reconciling Christianity & bhakti / fundamentalism of the ego - my way is better / saragrahi Vaishnava, one who understands the essence / only spirit is eternal - there is no kennel in the sky / Raghu's Netflix fall down / yesterday’s cliff hanger revealed - it's foot water! / the test for spiritual advancement - our desire to hear / we become what we call ourself / the lilas of Krishna attract the mind out of tamas and rajas / bhakti is dormant in the heart - hearing with the right attitude, from the right people, lets it flow / truth is the food for the soul / how I treat other people is the barometer of my spiritual life / infusing the water with mantra / there is an original me before the programing
the shape of the hole in my heart / it’s ok to die today / we don’t eradicate our lower self - we transform it / stealing prasadam is bona fide / this world is a reflection / Poe’s dream within a dream / if you want to engage me in gossip, then there must be something wrong with me / Stages of Spiritual Development – From Faith to Pure Divine Love – 1. sraddha: faith 2. sadhu-sanga: association with devotees 3. bhajana-kriya: performance of devotional service 4. anartha nivrtti: decreasing of unwanted attachments 5. nistha: steadiness 6. ruci: taste 7. asakti: attachment 8. bhava: love 9. prema: pure love for Krsna
criticism – destructive & constructive / the 1st step in changing the world is changing oneself / pettiness can rob me of finding my inner happiness / honesty with oneself / bhakti etiquette / the detached can speak the truth / the true blessing is when we feel “I want to be like that” (the transcendentalist)
trade in your expectations for appreciations / the 8 instructions of Sri Chaitanya / what’s real punk rock / not caring about the opinions of the masses / Maya used to taste great :-( / material pleasure is just the cessation of pain / all the Vedic & yogic sciences are meant to lead to our divine source - Vishnu (Krishna)
the power of karma / our endeavor is only one factor in any action / the bhakti path is direct - karma & are steps that one can get lost on / bhakti is successful even if you fail - materialism is a failure even if you succeed / monism vs. dualism / the responsibility of human life (and sea turtles save lives)
fasting from mental junk food / changing our thoughts is real yoga / back in the states / refining our lens / bikini pics ≠ yoga insight / the false hope of the new India / Bhakti is all about becoming receptive to spiritual energy / Vyasadeva's yoga insight / Narada instructs Vyasadeva on the superiority of Bhakti over karma & jnana / apply yogic truths and feel free / a good teacher is qualified by their character
we are not the mind / material pleasure is a hope to enjoy created in the mind / mystic siddhis / mindfulness is a platform for approaching divine love / #connectthedots / spiritual regulations are designed to break the attachments that warp truth perception / the soul craves relationship by nature / we have the choice - to be a crow or a swan - lets stop consuming deep-fried twinkies
transforming attachments rather than breaking attachments / discontent should move us towards truth / knowing I'm eternal makes everything meaningful / cat in the basket - how rituals lose meaning / good teachers are rooted in the sacred text - not just making it up
spiritual ecstasy of Jaipur mornings / singing & dancing is the goal of the yoga system / unity through connecting the universal source / Srimad Bhagavatam lifts the mind above hankering & lamentation / there’s no equality on the bodily platform / Mahabharata brought yoga wisdom to the masses / spiritual knowledge is the only solution to our material problems / treat everyone with dignity
legend of Jaipur deities / no lasting happiness in the higher or lower planets / only spirituality can satisfy the soul / dreams of playing with the Ghouls / giving up on fulfilling material desires / nobody cares! (About Mara’s knitting, or anyone from Pompeii)/ Vyasadeva’s vision of Kali Yuga / what have we done to / the Earth? / divisions of the Vedas / how one’s occupation can be purified
Raghu meets his first Krishna guy who’s not a gang member (Yogeshvara / Joshua Green) / Yogeshvara meets & records with the Beatles / the relationships we yearn for in this world are a reflection of those in the spiritual world / Yogeshvara witnesses Srila Prabhupada translating Srimad Bhagavatam / in departing, the guru enters the hearts of his disciples / the ecstasy of spiritual pain
spiritual experience isn’t cheap - we need a lifetime plan / evolved people are the most humble / spiritual radar / Raghu chooses Bhakti over Shakti / a sage is recognized not by seeing, but by hearing / a guru is a postal peon / the qualities of a real sadhu / haters gonna hate / love is the way to change people’s hearts
a brief history of Gaura’s mother, Rukmini Devi / the cooperation of earth, animals and humanity / we’ve made the earth a ghetto / you can’t force bhakti / kindness is practical / the sages ask about Sukadeva Goswami - the naked sadhu speaker of the Srimad Bhagavatam / the oneness, the divine light, is just one aspect of the Absolute Truth / the birth of Vyasadeva / ladies have a creep radar / Raghu’s meditation broken by monkey love / crazy wisdom is crazy / suppressing the senses vs engaging the senses
It’s all one – but it’s different too / our objective and subjective faith / Krishna comes as Chaitanya to understand the love of the Gopis / Hunuman’s incarnation in Chaitanya’s pastimes / spiritual knowledge descends - you don’t climb up to it / positive peer pressure in spiritual community / real friends share our values and lift us up / dating advice from Raghunath / Bhagavatam is not just a book, it’s a person / letting go of bad habits one step at a time / Don’t be a frog in the well - broaden your mind / Vyasadeva spoke Bhagavatam to Sukadeva who spoke it to Maharaja Pariksit - Suta Goswami overheard it and spoke it to the sages in the forest called Naimisarana / Bhagavatm is the cream or ripened fruit of all the Vedic literature / bogus Bhagavatam reciters / Mahabharata - the best story you will ever read! / parampara - chain of discipline succession / Srimad Bhagavatam is a brilliant as the sun /
creating a framework for raising our kids with bhakti-yoga / offerings with both skill and devotion / carrying kirtan-tattva – delivering the Shakti in the holy names / ISKCON’s 2nd generation of kirtan leaders are crushing it! / if Raghu & Kaustubha wrestled who would win? - the power of the brahmin / devotion, not learning or even piety, is the qualification for understanding God / Bhakti isn’t sectarian - devotion is the qualification in all traditions / who cares what you know! / the material world as a refugee camp or a house of mirrors / devotional nicknames / Krishna’s joke with Rukmini / the contrast between material & spiritual vision / prayer to the Sacred Heart Bhakti in the Christian tradition / Krishna breaks His word for love
yoga is not so much about moving beautifully, it’s about thinking beautifully / The mind is like a computer / the impulsive mind (manas) false ego (ahankara) and intellect (buddhi) / the nature of the self is sat (eternal) chit (fixed in truth) ananda (bliss) / break down the walls! (of labels that divide us) / I love you - eat a cricket! / have some cockroach scampi / there’s no truth to the programing in the mind / we totally identify with a body that we pass through for just a quick blip in time / asana is to get the systems in the body flowing smooth so that the mind can think better / work out the buddhi (reflective mind) by immersing it in sacred literature / blind faith collapses like a tree without roots / if this is Jeopardy I’m not choosing the Upanishads! / you can’t hear the yoga basics enough / yogis focus on kindness and simplicity, so they can absorb the mind / don’t read a sentence without understanding what you just read / the Lord within the heart is discovered not through learning, but through devotion / meditation on the pastimes of Krishna is the most convenient and palatable way to meditate on Brahman
our Indian wedding / connection on the spiritual level / nihilism / in Bhakti-yoga we can be both a monk and an activist / the sacredness of all life / which came first (from the prajapatis) - the chicken or the egg? / sweet baby Krishna is the source of all the avatars / answering the calling in the heart / insights arise in a peaceful, even mind / Thoreau & Emerson appreciate the Bhagavad-gita / bathing our minds in the morning & evening / seeing God in nature / to see the ocean destroys bad karma / what are dreams?
Raghu's crash and how he reconnected with Radhanath Swami / further mystical stories from Raghu's life / It's all real! / Kaustaubha defeats mundane scholars with a Beatles analogy / in spiritual life it's not you got it's what you do with what you've got / the story of Jatayu from Ramayana/ the story of the squirrels from Ramayana
Who is Radhanath Swami? / the process of yoga is to purity the heart - it’s not always easy - it takes determination and patience / as we churn our hearts, so many things will come out - don’t be afraid, attached or distracted / reversals open doors to great benedictions / the material nature brings out the conflict in us / the greatest spiritual progress comes when through the sincerity of our will, God is pleased / the greatest way to please the Lord is to accept suffering in order to bring others happiness - compassion is the ultimate service / we all need a compass to keep us focused on moving in the direction of divine love /Radhanath Swami shares the vision of the Govardhan Eco Village
Samkhya philosophy - braking down the world’s material ingredients / the churning of the milk ocean / faith comes in small increments / the good in bad within us - which will win? / All that there is within the universe to satisfy one’s senses cannot satisfy a person whose senses are uncontrolled / the glories of Mother Ganga / the comic book pundits / makara sankranti / our technology is making us dumber
Raghunath & Kaustubha takes questions in this episode / Is Kaustubha a prepper? / drawing essential elements from yoga culture and applying them in the circumstances we live in now / Bhakti renaissances through history / Can you reach pure Bhakti following Lord Jesus? / esoteric revelations for meditation in the Srimad Bhagavatam / the key to enter spirituality is deep humility / it’s not the uniform that makes one spiritual, but it may help / Bilvamangala, the saint who’s life was changed by the words of a prostitute / being born with bad karma can be a blessing / nothing is random in life - you get what you need to grow / we’re asked to have divine vision / seeing saints and devas in disguise in the streets / try to see every living being with a soft heart
spiritual life means facing one’s own mortality / we don’t own nothin / cutting away false identities / if I start from the false premise that I am my body then all my ideas for happiness, groundedness, peace, fun and deep-rooted pleasure are actually all askew / we call each other prabhu (master) / angels, ouija boards, magic 8 balls, and Paramanda's exorcism / the yuga cycles are always turning / Krishna’s just having fun loving interludes - the purusha avatars and the guna avatars take care of business / the 4 kumaras, Narada, Nara Narayana Rishi, and is Vyasadeva still alive?
purusha & prakriti / I’m a tiny speck but I have worth through dharma / the bad odor of religion / reading regularly chips away at our bad thinking / the arrogance of thinking there is nothing beyond us / seeing the divine though nature / creation stories - where do we place our faith / when we approach the Bhagavatam with a pure motive Krishna captures our heart / the Supersoul is giving advice within / heaven and hell on earth / Brahma is born from the navel of Vishnu and the Devas are empowered with universal responsibility / Krishna’s only concern is sweet loving adventures / an enlightened being is free of attachment, fear and anger / Srimad Bhagavatam is the commentary of the Vedanta Sutra by the author himself / and other topics with Raghunath & Kaustubha
as long as I’m complaining I’ll never be able to go within / what good is philosophy if it has no practical application? / tolerance is a key to meditation - big deal if you can do lotus / what is real surrender / #radicalresponsability / don’t go wide, go deep / don’t try to see God - but act in such a way where God will see you / Raghunath, why are you yelling at God? / the entire yoga system can be seen as a way of purifying our intention / yoga, the Vedas, knowledge, dharma, etc. are meant for realizing Vasudeva / and other discussions with Raghunath Cappo & Kaustubha Das
My kids should change! / harmonizing the ego with the self through karma-yoga / different types of liberation / every object is radiating the influence of one of the three gunas (modes of nature) / passion sandwich - keeping the mornings and evenings sattvic / connect with Laxmi or Radha - #dontsacrificegoats and other topics with Raghunath Cappo and Kaustubha Das
The material world is fools gold / willingly limiting oneself / knowledge is born of sattva / Loosening the knot in the heart which forces us to identify with the body / bring the unsteady mind back under the control of the self / the richness of Indian-Vedic Culture / beauty is skin deep / what is Vishnu tattva / Vishnu is the soul of the universe
Discussion regarding curing abnormal tendencies towards Illusion through hearing truth, genuine radical responsibility, the real blessings on the yoga path, the Paramatama, the cleansing of the heart step by step thorough Bhakti Yoga beginning with faith and ending in Divine love, on the spiritual level the form is less important than the substance, getting connected to the electric charge of spiritual power, doing kirtan in public, and the value of serving great souls and other fun with Raghunath & Kaustubha.
Raghunath & Kaustubha discuss the answer to the big question by the sages, "How can people find complete satisfaction of the self?" The answer is pure devotion. They also discuss that human life is meant for inquiry into the absolute truth, that knowledge and detachment come automatically with bhakti, that much of the yoga (asana) in the West, as well as America in general, could benefit from some sattva guna, the slippery slope into tamas, and recalibrating on Mondays.
Raghunath & Kaustubha discuss how the mind is going to get addicted to something - so choose the addictions that lead to getting grounded, connected, and liberated, through Bhakti Yoga. Plus the appearance of the young sage Sukadeva Goswami the six symptoms of the soul found in all life (humans, animals and plants), equality and difference in human beings, and how life is a series of questions and answers but certain questions can lead to atma suprasidati (complete satisfaction of the soul).
Raghunath Cappo & Kaustubha Das discuss transcendental sound, true happiness as an internal experience, the material world as a warped reflection, expanding the space between stimulus and response through sattvic yoga lifestyle, and Raghu's fat head. (Covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.12-1.1.19)
"Yoga is a practice which empowers one to overcome the obstacle of the mind, for the purpose of the self experiencing it's own true nature." The sages of the Srimad Bhagavatam place their questions to the learned and saintly Suta Goswami, including how the people of our difficult age can find atma suprasidati, complete satisfaction of the self. (covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.4-1.1.11)
The ancient texts of yoga wisdom share that, in one sense, The world we live in is an illusion or like a dream. When we are having a bad or fearful dream, there is no point in trying to correct our situation within the dream. Rather the solution is to wake up! The wisdom of the sages of the Srimad Bhagavatam is the way to do it. (covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1-1.1.3)
An introduction to the essential bhakti-yoga text Srimad Bhagavatam highlighting how to transform our lives through the hearing and contemplation of timeless yoga wisdom.
An introduction to the essential bhakti-yoga text Srimad Bhagavatam highlighting how to transform our lives through the hearing and contemplation of timeless yoga wisdom.
An introduction to the essential bhakti-yoga text Srimad Bhagavatam highlighting how to transform our lives through the hearing and contemplation of timeless yoga wisdom.
An introduction to the essential bhakti-yoga text Srimad Bhagavatam highlighting how to transform our lives through the hearing and contemplation of timeless yoga wisdom.
Raghunath & Kaustubha discuss how true happiness is an internal experience, as the nature of the soul is spiritual happiness, and when we seek happiness through externals we enter into a disappointing competition for limited resources.
Raghunath & Kaustubha discuss Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 24, and how our conception of attraction and repulsion exist entirely in the mind, and how yogis transcend the fluctuations of the mind.
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Srimad Bhagavatam 4th Canto Chapter 25 and the need to learn to surf (adapt to the constantly changing waves of life).
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.