Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam

The vidya that reduces the samsāra ocean to but a notion here is called Bhūmā vidya. It is described as Brahman -the cause of the manifest universe and as the truth of oneself which is free of name, form, attributes and any adjectives.

Bhūmā - a new word is introduced in this episode. A synonym to Ātma, the meaning of bhūmā  is explained in this verses as sukha -infinite happiness born not of viṣayānanda but of Brahmānanda. The similarities and crucial difference between sleep and mokṣa is also explained.

The same level of happiness enjoyed by manuṣya to hiraṇyagarbha is enjoyed by a brahmanistha who is akāmahata - not not hijacked by desires. Sankaracharya points out that as vairagya increases akāmahata also increases which leads to Brahmānanda (ananda of the Self).

Free from being enslaved to the happiness derived from the objects of desire, a jñānī is ever contented being established in his/her svarūpa.

Not satisfied with mere meditation on names as Brahman, Narada wants to know if there is anything greater than names. To this Sanatkumara gives an elaborate explanation. listen to find out more.

The whole jagat is nothing but a series of cognition of word and its meaning, and not knowing the content of it gives rise to suffering. Sanatkumara advises Narada to meditate upon the name as Brahman so as to resolve duality and be free from suffering. listen to learn more.

Nārada presents to Sanatkumāra an exhaustive list of everything he has studied, but despite of it, he says, he still does not know the Self.  He has heard great persons say 'tarati śokamātmavit'- only those who know the Self are able to overcome sorrow, however, he still suffers.

In this episode, Swaminiji expounds in detail the meaning behind the two Shanti mantras associated with this upanishad. We are then introduced to Narada, who despite being erudite in the shastras seeks and approaches  Sanatkumara, the teacher.

Listen to this 10 part episode from Chandogya Upanishad chapter 7, where Swaminiji explains the meaning of Shokam Taratyatmavit. Narada says to Sanatkumāra  ‘True, I have learned much, but I know only the word meaning. I do not know the Self. Sir, I have heard from great persons like you that only those who know the Self are able to overcome sorrow. I am suffering from sorrow. Please take me across the ocean of sorrow.' 

Listen to Swamini's New Years blessings for everyone. 

The final qualification in the six pack of Samadi Shatka Sampatti is Samādhānam, which is the other component of Śrāddha.    

Why is Śrāddha one of the most important qualification without which self knowledge cannot be gained? Listen to find out!

Uparama and Titiksha, the next qualifications in the six pack of Samadi Shatka Sampatti is explained in this episode.  

Dama, the second qualification in the six pack of Samadi Shatka Sampatti is explained beautifully as being appropriate responses in different situations.

The third qualification called Samadi Shatka Sampatti is a pack of six qualifications, the first qualification Śama is explained in this episode.

In this episode, Swaminiji expounds on one of the most important qualification Mumukṣutvam- a desire for freedom from saṃsāra, for the study of Vedanta Shastra.

Continuing with the fourfold qualification, sādhana-catuṣṭayam required for gaining self-knowledge, this episode expounds on the meaning and importance of vairāgya.

In this series Swaminiji will be expounding on the fourfold qualification, sādhana-catuṣṭayam required for gaining self-knowledge. This episode talks about the need for Vivēka - discernment between what is real (nitya) and unreal (anitya).

This last verse is the phala sruti. It has been made clear that Lord Dakshinamurti is the truth of everything, the manifested and the manifest is one and the same and this takes a form of Sarvātmābhāva whichi s the hallmark of a Jnani. Lord Dakishinamurti is the last frontier of duality that resolves into Sarvātmābhāva.

The one who sees the world as cause and effect is the same 'I' that shines in and through all the states. The logic that the 'I' never comes to an end is in keeping with the Śruti, which says there is no difference between Īśvara and jiva other than añjanaṃ. When it is removed the person sees everything as one. The purpose of the teaching therefore, is the removal of removal of añjanaṃ or añjanaṃ nivṛtiḥ.

The teaching pedagogy of anvayavyatireka, invariable concomitance is talked about in verse 7. The invariable being the constant, unchanging aham, 'I' alone which makes all the variables come to light. The knowledge of which is taught by the compassionate Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti.

This knowledge in the form of Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti frees one from all limiting and disempowering notions and contentions. That light which is all knowledge, that Ātmā cognized in the mind 'as though' comes under the spell of maya.This covering is expounded on beautifully and all contentions are dismissed.

Mantra 4 talks about jñāpti svarūpa, that undifferentiated consciousness which is the indweller of this body-mind -sense complex which obtains as "I", and is Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti himself. Mantra 5, gets into the finer points of the different schools of philosophies for deeper clarity.          

That sphuraṇaṃ, consciousness manifests as the whole world, lending its sentiency to all, making the insentient (asat) appear sentient (sat). To understand this, Swaminiji explains the manifest chaitanya in three ways as the adhiṣṭhāna-chaitanya, vrtti-gata-chaitanya, and sākṣī-gata-chaitanya. The truth of the chaitanya, being non-dually one.

The meaning of Maya Shakti was explained in the previous episode. Continuing, Swaminiji beautifully elucidates why the nature of this Jagat is māyākalpita, akin to a magician conjuring up an elaborate trick.

The waking world depends upon the waker. The first two mantras discussed in this episode are mahāpratijñā- encapsulates and sets the ground for what is to come. The first mantra explains the svarūpalakṣaṇan and the second mantra explains the taṭasthalakṣaṇa of Brahman.

As we begin the stotram, one is immediately introduced to the essence of Vedanta. The meaning of viśvaṃ is expounded upon beautifully whereby, the world is shown to be nothing but a product of one's 'I cognition'. Everything here is consciousness alone and seeing this as outside of oneself is the cause of sorrow and suffering.

Who is this Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti who teaches in silence? The following verses continue in praise of Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti who is the embodiment of all knowledge, who is pure, calm, who is the meaning of Praṇava (Om) and who is the healer for the removal of the disease of saṃsāra.  

Another name for Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti is Aṣṭamūrti - eight aspected deity.  These aspects are described in detail here. Further, we move onto the second verse where Swaminiji uncovers the symbolism behind the banyan tree. Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti is seated under the banyan tree which represent samsara, telling us that as long as there is saṃsāra Dakṣiṇāmūrti is there to teach this knowledge. Listen to learn more!

Beautifully expounding on the juxtaposition of the Apasmāra under the foot of Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti which represent one's inner child and the four Rṣis seated around him which represent the emotionally mature adults ready for the knowledge, this episode continues to explain the dhyana sloka. The meaning of cin-mudrā along with why the first and foremost Adi Guru sports a gentle smile and revels in the self is explained brilliantly.

This episode beautifully explains the maunavyākhyā. Lord Dakshinamurty teaches us about that Self, the truth of our selves - the subject which cannot be objectified. The Self being formless and nameless, the Adi Guru teaches through the ingenious pedagogy of negation and the indicatory words to talk about that which is impossible to be described using words.  

Dakshinamurthy Stotram is a famous set of verses attributed to Adi Śaṅkara. Stotram is a hymn in praise of the Lord and when recited gives protection. The verses talk about the truth of oneself which is directed to the Bhagavan, manifest in the form of the Ādi Guru, the first teacher -Śrī Dakṣiṇāmūrti.

In this last episode Swaminiji expounds on chapters 13 to 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, whose subject matter is the inquiry into the word 'Asi'- what you are, despite the ignorance.

Bhagavad Gita talks about the nature of reality, of what is. Chapter 7-12 explains this beautifully cultivating a deep acceptance of oneself and everyone around us.  

A must listen interview with Swamini Svatmavidyanandaji about what the shastras say regarding women teachers and monastics and how Advaita Vedanta empowers all humanity.

Continuing with the series, this episode beautifully summarizes on how the vision of Bhagavad Gita as described in Chapter 2 can be gained through two paths of karma yoga or sannyāsa.  The 5th chapter then goes on to expound on how one should meditate.  

This episode is part of a series that gives the total vision of the Bhagavad Gita in a capsule form. Bhagavad Gita reveals the primary message of the Upanishads hence, for the one desirous of mokṣā, a thorough study of the Bhagavad Gita is said to be enough. 

Values such as āchāryopāsanaṁ- surrendering to the teacher, śhauchaṁ- cleanliness in the mind and body, sthairyam- being steady in the pursuit of mokṣā, ātma-vinigrahaḥ- growing to a place where one is bigger than one's problems. indriyārtheṣhu vairāgyam- dispassion with regards to the sense organs and anahankāra- be able to suspend the need of the I notion, are talked about in detail in this insightful episode.

In this episode, Swaminiji expounds on additional three values to the previously seen values of amānitvam and adambhitvam required for the one to grow spiritually. The values explained here are ahiṃsā- non-violence, kṣhānti- accommodation, and ārjavam- truthfulness. Listen to learn more!

This episode explains the two attitudes or values given in the 13th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, needed by the one who wants to be a Kṣhetrajña - knower of the Kṣhetra. The values are amānitvam and adambhitvam, not seeking recognition or approval. 

What is tat and what is tvam? How are they one? How do I understand my oneness with Bhagavan? and what is the process by which I can assimilate this knowledge? All this is eclucidated in the 13th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.

In this series, 'Growing Spiritually', Swaminiji expounds on the 20 crucial qualities delineated precisely in the 13th Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. These qualities when cultivated, not only leads to a better life, but is extremely beneficial and needed for the one who wants to grow spiritually. 

One has to be able to surrender this ahaṅkārā, for self knowledge. One's habitual notions regarding the 'I' has to be surrendered and the ability to do this is śhraddhā.

Allowing the Upaniṣad to operate upon oneself and excise this tumor of saṃsāra completely is śhraddhā. Listen to part two from this series.

We saw in the previous episode how śhraddhā is the most important prerequisite to gaining self knowledge but how does one discover it? Listen to this series to find out.