BAPS Better Living

 Discover timeless wisdom and find inner peace with this latest podcast episode. Join us as we uncover practical insights from ancient scriptures that inspire modern living and everlasting peace. Journey back to ancient northwest India, where Arjun faces a profound moral dilemma on the battlefield, guided by Krishna Bhagwan. Explore how their conversation illuminates the power of values and moral responsibility in navigating life's complexities.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Dive into the soulful journey of devotion, dance, and self-discovery! Join on one individuals journey unraveling the profound impact of mandirs on their life's pivotal moments. From the vibrant rhythms of traditional Indian dances to the tranquil embrace of sacred spaces, explore how these experiences shape her spiritual growth.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Explore the profound impact of daily spiritual practices in family life and personal growth as we delve into the power of Hindu traditions like the aarti, thal, and gharsabha, and how they shape resilience, faith, and success. Discover how nurturing 'internal spiritual circuitry' can be the guiding force that empowers us through life's challenges and triumphs.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Join us on a journey of empowerment and balance as we explore the concept of 'It Takes a Village to Sustain a Woman.' In this heartfelt conversation, we learn valuable lessons from personal experiences, highlighting the importance of finding your village, embracing the strength in asking for help, and leaning on your inspiration. Discover how one woman's journey becomes a powerful link connecting family, tradition, and values. Tune in for insights that resonate with every woman navigating life's challenges and triumphs.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Discover how language is more than just words; it's a bridge to understanding, empathy, and unlocking the best version of oneself.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Dive into Timelessness: Exploring Hinduism's Enduring Spirit through Art and Devotion. Join us as we journey from ancient Ellora caves to modern mandirs, discovering how art, tradition, and faith unite across generations. Feel the serenity and connection that make Hinduism truly timeless.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Journey through the captivating stories of a Hindu mandir, where worship takes on unique and heartfelt forms. Explore the essence of Bhakti - the profound love for God expressed in diverse ways by individuals of all ages. Experience the power of a sacred space where emotions are embraced, and souls are elevated. Tune in and ignite your own implicit forms of worship, finding peace, joy, and fulfillment in the presence of the divine.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Feeling panicked when life throws you a curveball? Just like a spare tire comes to your rescue when you get a flat tire, God is always there for you. But why do we only remember the divine only when we're desperate? Find out why it's essential to prioritize God and experience balance, peace of mind, and courage in your life.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Break free from the noise and distractions. Experience true connection through high connectivity. Listen with your heart and mind, and unlock the power of genuine engagement. Join us on a journey of self-discovery and meaningful relationships. Embrace high connectivity and make a difference. Listen, connect, and thrive!OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Discover the profound lessons learned from life's encounters with death. Explore the transformative journey of self-reflection and embrace the wisdom of living each day as if it were your last. Find happiness, strengthen relationships, and pursue your passions. Seize the opportunity to make every moment count and unlock the power of tomorrow.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Did you know that altering your attitude can change your life? It's true! Our attitudes are self-programmable, and through conscious effort, we can navigate towards happiness and overcome any obstacle that comes our way. "The Wonder of Positivity" will empower you to embrace positivity as the key to personal growth and success.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Explore the profound influence of mandirs, sacred Hindu places of worship, in revolutionizing lives and communities. These spiritual sanctuaries not only facilitate personal growth but also promote community service, cultivating empathy and selflessness. Discover the transformative power of a visit to a mandir, where acts of kindness and generosity are nurtured, and gain insight into their crucial role in forging a more compassionate and harmonious world for everyone.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Food is a natural communal and unifying factor in every culture, bringing unknown people together and families closer. Eating results in bonding, sharing, and connecting as some of its beautiful side effects. Listen in on how one family's tenet developed into "what we put into our bodies shapes who we become."OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

No matter how life tilts and turns, something keeps you rooted in who you are and the person you are becoming. Join this engineer on her moment of connection to her personal "quantum locking", as she takes you through a beautiful sensory experience of one of the most significant aspects of her life. Enjoy the journey!Read the full article on:Medium https://medium.com/bapsbetterliving/personal-pinnings-71a1233d6840OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Unlocking our potential requires constant tuning and adjustment. Harmony - both musical and with others - requires a keen sense of adjustment. But what is the secret formula to developing harmony? Listen to how one musician learned the value of harmony through playing the trombone.Read the full article on:Medium https://medium.com/bapsbetterliving/adjusting-my-instrument-63586d2b5bfaOTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

What brings you joy, and how can you accumulate more of it? Some people are satisfied by finite, temporary sources of joy, while others look for something more long-lasting. Listen in on how this reflective educator explores varied foundations of joy and stumbles upon her own realizations.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

This is a new series called Tales of Wisdom. Storytelling is a means to impart knowledge and wisdom. Complicated and difficult-to-understand concepts can be distilled by very simple analogies. Yogiji Maharaj, one of the Gurus of BAPS, was very fond of using stories. In today's Tale of Wisdom, we jump straight into the truth at the core of Hinduism - the importance of a Guru. OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Taking a pause and dedicating time to relax or unwind is inherently incongruent with sacrificing comforts, adjusting to unexpected outcomes, and prioritizing the sole goal of success. The discrepancy is a limitation for translating "going with the flow" into our daily schema. While these difficulties are ever present in our lives, we can either let the hindrances define our decisions or choose to take a course of action that anchors our minds to our surroundings. This narration of personal experience is a reflection in staying grounded.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

When we attempt to measure our love for others, our parents, family members, and even best friends probably rank highest on our list. But do we love them without barriers, or is there a limit to our love?  Listen to one individual as she explores what true unconditional love is and how it is helping her live a more fulfilled life.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

“With a composed mind, one should introspect every day: 'What have I come to accomplish in this world and what am I doing?' (Satsang Diksha, Verse 145)Self-care, or more specifically, spiritual self-care is often overlooked in our busy lives.  But taking time to reflect or introspect is an important part of personal growth as well as a critical component of on one's spiritual journey.  Listen how one individual has learned to incorporate introspection in her spiritual self-care regiment.---This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

“It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” — Hans Selye. Stress does not need to be an enemy. Often, just changing one's perspective can accomplish much in the way of handling an otherwise stressful situation. Listen in to a young woman's insightful reflections about how she learned to embrace stress, not fear it!

Most presents we receive quench our worldly needs and provide temporary happiness. However, is there a gift that keeps on giving? Listen in as Nidhi Patel, an occupational therapist, shares her discovery of that unexpected gift!---This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Almost everyone tries to pursue happiness in life, but most try to achieve this with materialistic objects and experiences that only last for not so long.  Follow the journey of one individual who breaks down his experience in the pursuit of true happiness.------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Compassion is the missing element in conflicts happening around the world.  Without it, humanity cannot survive.  This episode explores how Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified the epitome of compassion and how we may seek inspiration from his life.------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a time filled with fun, food, and festivities, but it is also a time to reflect on our lives and brighten our inner light to shine externally. Listen to the reflection of one individual and how they have been inspired to spread warmth and joy by serving and helping others.

Volunteering can take many forms such as helping at the local library, serving meals at a soup kitchen, or simply assisting an elderly person cross the street. However, what is important is the intent behind those efforts.  Is there a secondary motive or expectation behind those actions or is the act of kindness truly one of selfless service to others?  Learn how one individual reflects on how the intent behind such actions can increase one's joy and satisfaction from volunteering.

Transitioning to college can be simultaneously exciting and daunting for many young individuals every year.  Like a river that meets the ocean, students are expected to leave behind a more familiar, structured life to embrace new responsibilities, routines, friends, and extracurriculars.  Learn about the struggles one individual faced and how he was able to navigate the transition during his first year of college.

The parenting journey is filled with joys, doubts, excitement, fear, confidence, and confusion. One of the heaviest responsibilities of parenting is instilling values and character into young and impressionable souls. Listen in on one mother's letter to her child as she reflects on her guiding light throughout the wonderful journey of parenthood.------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

People have long been searching for ways to add to their physical, emotional, social, or spiritual self-growth. One approach is volunteering. In Hinduism, seva (selfless service) is a critical component of one's spiritual path. It is a way to serve others without regard for one's identity or recognition. Listen to how the experience of one such volunteer led to a fulfilling discovery of selfless service.------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Forgiveness can be difficult. But a quote from Jonathan Lockwood Huie goes, "Forgive Others Not Because They Deserve Forgiveness But Because You Deserve Peace." History has shown many incidents in which one can forgive in difficult circumstances. This episode provides insight into two examples from the lives of Bhagwan Shri Ram and HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj.------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

In the jungle, no two animals are the same. They vary in size, strength, and agility. However, these characteristics do not define the order of the food chain. Instead, it's their Mindset. The mind is a powerful tool, and mastering our mindset is the key to changing our perspective on how we live. Part of this is knowing who we are, understanding our true selves, and being proud of what we believe in.------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

How do you build a brick wall? One brick at a time. This analogy provides one of the most important lesson on productivity. Can this concept also apply to the spiritual realm? Find out through this inspiring episode. ------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Caste is an often-misunderstood concept attributed to Hinduism. Learn how a practicing HIndu feels about equality and dignity of all living beings through the personal experiences of Dr. Kashyap Patel, as he faced the contradictions of his own personal experiences and those taught in his middle school many years ago. 

A curveball is something that catches you off guard.  Life is full of twists and turns, and we often face challenging circumstances and situations.  How do we manage in such times? This episode will provide insights to better enable us to deal with the curveballs of life.---This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Just for a moment, pause and think about your mental health and well-being. How are you doing, really? Mental health has long been the elephant in the room, and it requires our time and attention now more than ever. The same steps we would take to revive a wilted sunflower can remind us that our mental health is essential and equally deserving of revival.Learn from two insightful women how to maintain positive mental health and well-being by incorporating just a few simple practices into your daily life.---OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

During our most difficult times, where do we find the strength to persevere?  Meet Niki and Manan, a couple from New Jersey who relied on each other, their family, their friends, their spirituality, their guru, and God during an unimaginably stressful time.  Here is their story.---OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

"Taka dhimi, taka dhimi" is one of the many dance rhythms, or taals, of Bharatanatyam, the oldest classical dance tradition in India. Expressed as a living form of art, Bharatanatyam has a deep devotional component that pervades the artist beyond just the dance. Mastering this art form can be very demanding, both mentally and physically, and takes years of dedication and discipline, but ultimately, the journey is very rewarding. Learn how this art form influenced the life of one such individual.Mahima Dave, Student in Public HealthChicago, IL

Parents often see themselves as entrusted with the singular responsibility of raising perfect children. Anything less is a mere reflection of the flaws in the parent or a reflection of their inabilities. This mindset often leads to discomfort, anxiety and exhaustion. So how can parents cope with the pressures and paradoxes of parenting? Learn through the insights of a  school principal and parent, and through the guidance of an individual who was not a parent. ------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Selfies have been around since 2010, just as smartphones with cameras began catching fire. The word "selfie", however, wasn't recognized by the Oxford dictionary until 2013. But the word grew in such prominence in a short period of time, that 2014 was declared "The Year of the Selfie."At the end of the day, selfies are about the "Self". What I look like. Where I am. Where I've been. Who I'm with. What I'm doing. Selfies often do not show what life is really like, but rather show an illusion and a filtered, edited reality. Social media for many is a mask and and a way to show a more perfect "you".Humility is the opposite of selfies. It aims to put others before us. Learn how humility can help us become an even better person through the example of a person who has never focused on 'selfies.'------This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

In one small gesture, one small mudra, one small asana, one seemingly mundane action, we can give another person (while simultaneously reminding ourselves) a very important message. Discover how the Anjali Mudra can help ourselves and our relationships. This series is dedicated to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

"The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance," said Albert Einstein. Seeming counter-intuitive to many, great leaders are humble. Discover the power of humility through the example of two great leaders of different kinds. This series is dedication to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose centennial in 2022 gives  an occasion to celebrate and share the life of a person who will inspire generations towards faith, goodness, and harmony.OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

It's easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and forget that our actions affect everything around us. How are our actions affecting the Earth? The values of preservation and avoiding waste, caring for plants, animals and other human beings are more essential than ever. Which small lifestyle changes can we make to begin our go green journey? Find out through this insightful talk.  

Stress and anxiety can be all-consuming. These partners in crime can make bad situations worse. They affect our judgment and lead us to see things and think about things in ways that just are not productive. Rakesh Patel, an attorney by profession, reveals a moment of insight and a 'flash of clarity' that "disentangled [him] from questions, worries, fears and anxieties that had inflicted despair and distress for as long as [he could] remember."

Surgeons do the same thing everyday in the operating room.  We do the same thing every year when Diwali arrives. In both scenarios there is a focus on the importance of “light”.  What does light really do that makes it so important? Dr Jamin Brahmbhatt, Urologist and Robotic Surgeon, from Orlando, FL shares a unique comparison between the light he adjusts daily in surgery to the internal light within us we need to continue focusing on past the week of Diwali. 

We have heard of 'lunchtime' and 'showtime'. But how about 'Me Time'? Why is it even necessary, and how can it be done? Siddharth Dubal, J.D., a Legal Recruiter, shares his experiences and insights. 

The memory of many months of distancing and near solitude due to COVID-19, coupled with returning to  spiritual life at a mandir, can remind us that we often take what we have for granted. Rakesh Patel, an attorney by profession, shares his experiences and insights. 

What can the COVID19 teach us about science and faith? Dr. Kashyap Patel, a cardiologist by profession, elaborates on his insights and experiences with returning to normalcy. 

Even more important than leading consciously is leading super-consciously. What makes leading super-consciously so important and how can humanity benefit? How can we become bigger than our individual selves? (Part 2 of 2)OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

The greatest leaders of history did the same things we do every day. They worked hard; so do we. They made decisions; so do we. They had courage; so do we. They strived to make their dreams come true; so do we.Every day, every individual on this earth makes an effort to fulfill his or her desires. What makes them so special? How can we all become great leaders?  (Part 1 of 2)OTHER PLATFORMS:INSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/baps_betterlivingMEDIUMhttps://medium.com/bapsbetterliving

Ever got angry at a slow driver in a fast lane? Dr. Kashyap Patel, a cardiologist by profession, describes the profound insights he gained from an routine ordeal on a highway.