The Modern Yogi Podcast

Krishna tells Arjuna that if he lets his ego make decisions, life is going to get real messy, real quick. But if Arjuna teams up with the Divine, then he can gracefully overcome all the obstacles. Then Krishna gives Arjuna (and all of us!) free will. He drops the mic and basically tells Arjuna, ‘I've told you everything. Now it's your move, bro. Do what you wish to do.'

In this episode, we talk about embracing imperfection while staying true to your purpose. Spiritual growth is about humility, steady action, and surrender. When we offer it all to the Divine, peace naturally follows. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

In this episode, Krishna talks about different kinds of joy—and how some pleasures fade fast, while others grow over time. We also talk about how doing your own unique work (even if it's not perfect) is powerful. Your path is meant for you. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

In this episode, we break down the different styles of wisdom, courage, and happiness. The best kind of joy might start out a little slow and boring…but it ends up bringing deep peace and real strength. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

In this episode, we explore how action really works—it's not all on you! We also look at different kinds of knowledge, actions, and workers. Noticing your tendencies can help you grow with more clarity. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

In this episode, Krishna talks about how to act without getting tangled in expectations. You're not the only one doing the work—life is co-creating with you. Let go of the ego and keep showing up. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

The last chapter! WE ARE FINALLY HERE! Now we dive into the difference between giving up actions vs. giving up attachment to results. You don't have to stop doing things—you just do them with peace in your heart. It's all about letting go on the inside. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

In this episode, we explore inner practices—like speaking gently and thinking clearly. Even small, imperfect actions count when done with faith. It's your sincerity that matters most, not perfection. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

Now Krishna talks about what real spiritual practice looks like. Extreme or harsh rituals? Not the vibe. True giving, discipline, and sacrifice are done with love, kindness, and intention. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

In this episode, we chat about how everyone has their own kind of faith—peaceful, fiery, or a bit confused. The way we worship usually reflects our nature. And that faith shapes the kind of person we become. #bhagavadgita #gita #learninggita #krishna

As we wrap up Chapter 16, Krishna explains that demonic beings, driven by ego, hypocrisy, and arrogance, perform ostentatious rituals without sincerity, disregarding divine principles. He warns that those who reject the scriptures and act selfishly are doomed to ignorance and suffering, urging Arjuna to follow the guidance of the shastras to determine right and wrong, thereby attaining liberation.

Now we're going on in all the demonic qualities! Krishna describes the mindset of demonic individuals as arrogant, self-indulgent, and deluded by material desires, believing that life's purpose is sense gratification, accumulating wealth through unjust means, and thinking themselves superior while disregarding dharma, ultimately leading to self-destruction.

In this episode, Krishna explains that beings are born with either divine or demonic qualities, where the divine lead to liberation and the demonic to bondage. He lists the demonic traits such as hypocrisy, arrogance, harshness, anger, ignorance, and lack of righteousness, which drive people away from truth and spiritual progress.

In the first few verses of Chapter 16, Krishna describes the divine qualities that lead to liberation. These virtues align one with the divine path, fostering spiritual growth and freedom from bondage.

In the final verses of Chapter 15, Krishna reveals that He is the Supreme Divine, the source of light, nourishment, memory, and knowledge, sustaining all beings and guiding them beyond the perishable (material world) and the imperishable (soul). He declares that knowing Him as the Supreme Truth liberates one from illusion, making this wisdom the highest teaching of the scriptures.

Krishna explains that our eternal soul is bound by material nature and experiences pleasure and pain through the mind and senses. While the ignorant fail to perceive the soul's divine nature, the wise—through spiritual vision—recognize its transcendental presence beyond the physical body.

In this episode, Krishna describes how those who are free from pride, attachment, and delusion— go back to Him. He then reveals that His divine abode is beyond darkness, where the liberated souls go, never to return, as it is illuminated by His eternal presence rather than the sun, moon, or fire.

Welcome to Chapter 15! Krishna describes the material world as an impermanent upside-down tree, with roots in the spiritual realm and branches representing the material creation. To transcend this entangling tree, one must cultivate detachment and seek the supreme abode by understanding the eternal nature of the self. How fun! #bhagavadgita #gita

In this episode, Krishna explains that by transcending the three modes through devotion and spiritual wisdom, one can become free from birth, death, and suffering, attaining liberation. A person who sees the Divine as the ultimate source of creation, beyond the modes, achieves an eternal connection with the Supreme. That's the whole point, right? #bhagavadgita #gita

Tell me more about the modes of material nature, you say? Actions in goodness bring purity and wisdom, those in passion lead to suffering and attachment, while actions in ignorance result in ignorance and delusion. By understanding the influence of these modes and transcending them through spiritual realization, one can achieve liberation and rise above the dualities of material existence. Yay! #bhagavadgita #gita

Krishna explains how the dominant mode manifests in a person's behavior and destiny. When goodness prevails, one experiences clarity, knowledge, and purity, leading to higher spiritual realms after death. When passion dominates, greed, and restless desires prevail, binding the soul to action and rebirth in worldly conditions, whereas ignorance, characterized by ignorance and inactivity, leads to degradation and lower states of existence. #bhagavadgita #gita

Did someone say modes of material nature? Krishna sure did! In this episode, He elaborates on the influences of these three modes. Rajas (passion) arises from desire and attachment, leading to action and restlessness, while tamas (ignorance) brings laziness, and delusion. These modes continuously dominate and replace one another within the mind and body, binding the soul to the cycle of birth and death. #bhagavadgita #gita

Welcome to Chapter 14! In this episode, Krishna describes the knowledge of the three gunas (modes of nature)—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance)—that bind the soul to material existence. By transcending these modes through spiritual wisdom and devotion, one can achieve liberation and attain the ultimate goal of union with the Divine. #bhagavadgita #gita

In this final episode of Chapter 13, Krishna explains that the soul is eternal, unaffected by the actions of the body or material nature, and remains the uninvolved observer. Realizing the unity of the soul within all beings and distinguishing it from the ever-changing body leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. #bhagavadgita #gita

Hearing is one of the most important things you can do in Bhakti yoga. In this verse, Krishna describes how some people, though unfamiliar with spiritual knowledge, come to worship the Supreme simply by hearing about Him from others. Their sincere willingness to listen to authoritative teachings enables them to transcend the cycle of birth and death, reaching liberation.

In this episode, Krishna explains that the Supersoul within the body acts as the witness and guide, leading the soul toward liberation. Those who understand this truth through meditation, knowledge, or devotion can attain liberation. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

Like to sleep all day? You may be a hibernating bear in your next life. Wild, right? Krishna explains that Prakriti (nature) is the cause of actions and experiences, while Purusha (the soul) enjoys or suffers based on attachment to these actions. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

In this episode, Krishna explains that both Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (the soul) are eternal, and everything in the world arises from their union. The ladies then chat about the challenges that can arise from getting caught up in the struggles of the material world. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

The Supersoul. The Krishna inside all of us! What is it? Krishna describes the nature of the Supreme Being, which is beyond the senses and formless, yet present everywhere as the source of all existence. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

In this episode, Krishna highlights the importance of seeking the truth through detachment from worldly pleasures and a single-minded focus on the Self. He explains that true knowledge involves recognizing the Supreme Truth and striving for liberation. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

Krishna describes the components of the field (the body), including the senses, mind, ego, and elements like earth and water, as well as qualities like desire and aversion. He emphasizes the cultivation of virtues such as humility, non-attachment, and devotion to knowledge as essential for self-realization. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

Krishna explains that the soul is present in all bodies, and He Himself is the supreme Knower in all fields. He also introduces the concept of knowledge and its components, which include the understanding of the field, the knower, and the ultimate purpose of life, as elaborated by various sages and scriptures. #bhagavadgita #gita #krishna

Welcome to Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita! In these beginning verses, Krishna describes the body as the “field” and the soul as the “knower of the field,” emphasizing that true knowledge comes from understanding the difference between these two.

In the final episode of Chapter 12, Krishna describes the qualities of a devotee who is equally disposed to friends and enemies, free from honor and dishonor, heat and cold, happiness and distress. Those who possess these qualities and faithfully follow the path of devotion are especially dear to Krishna.

Krishna continues to outline the characteristics of a devotee who is dear to Him. Such a person does not disturb others, remains unaffected by external circumstances, and is free envy, fear, and anxiety.

What kind of person is very dear to Krishna? Well, God himself, lets us know! This devotee is free from malice, friendly, compassionate, and without ego or possessiveness. They remain calm in both pain and pleasure, are forgiving, and steadfast in their devotion to God.

Loophole Alert: Krishna provides a hierarchy of devotional practices. He first advises Arjuna to fix his mind and intellect on Him to attain unity with the Divine. If that is too difficult, Krishna suggests practicing regular meditation on Him, and if meditation is too challenging, performing selfless actions dedicated to Him. For those who find even this difficult, Krishna recommends acts of charity and service, assuring that any sincere effort in devotion leads to spiritual growth. What a flexible God!

Krishna explains that worshiping the formless aspect of the Divine is difficult and fraught with challenges because it involves intense discipline and abstract meditation. He assures Arjuna that those who worship His personal form with unwavering devotion and surrender, focusing their minds on Him, are rescued swiftly from the ocean of birth and death aka the rat race of life after life!

Welcome to Chapter 12! Arjuna inquires about the better path: worshiping the formless Brahman or the personal form of Krishna. Which one is better? Krishna responds that those who focus their minds on His personal form with steadfast devotion are considered most perfect.

As we close out this chapter, Krishna emphasizes that those who engage in pure devotion, free from selfish motives, and perform their duties with love, faith, and dedication can attain Him.

Krishna reassures a trembling Arjuna, who is overwhelmed by the divine vision of Krishna's universal form. Krishna encourages Arjuna to be free from fear and confusion, and instead, return to a state of composure, seeing His more familiar, human-like form.

It's been a whirlwind for Arjuna! Arjuna, overwhelmed by the divine vision of Krishna's universal form, humbly bows down and seeks forgiveness for any offenses he may have committed in ignorance. He acknowledges Krishna's supreme, infinite nature and requests to see his familiar, more approachable human form.

Despite his initial fear and confusion, Arjuna surrenders himself completely to Krishna, seeking refuge. He addresses Krishna as the Supreme Creator and sustainer of the universe, acknowledging his limitless power and glory. He admits his inability to fully comprehend or understand Krishna's divine manifestations and asks for forgiveness.

Krishna helps Arjuna realize that all beings (except the Pandavas) are already destined for destruction by His will. Arjuna seeks refuge in Krishna's mercy and guidance, feeling humbled and overwhelmed by the revelation of Krishna's universal form!

Arjuna sees the grandeur and vastness of the universal form of Krishna, filled with divine radiance and adorned with countless divine weapons. Feeling a bit bewildered, Arjuna seeks reassurance and guidance from Krishna, recognizing him as the Supreme Lord of the universe.

This chapter keeps getting better and better! These verses vividly depict the majestic vision of Krishna's universal form that Arjuna witnesses, highlighting the boundless and all-encompassing nature of the Supreme Being, which leaves Arjuna in a state of profound awe and reverence.

Our old friend Sanjaya comes back for this episode! He describes the reaction of Arjuna upon witnessing Krishna's universal form…and the goosebumps that arise!

Arjuna requests and then is granted the divine vision to see Krishna's universal form. HOLY COW! Krishna responds to Arjuna, inviting him to behold His hundreds and thousands of divine forms, varied in their expressions and grandeur!

Welcome to Chapter 11, we made it! In this episode, Arjuna expresses his gratitude to Krishna for enlightening him with profound spiritual truths, especially regarding the supreme mystery of the Self. This knowledge has dispelled his delusions and helped with his initial meltdown!

As we conclude Chapter 10, we see that Krishna has given us a plethora of opportunities to remember Him — in various forms and in various situations. What is YOUR favorite way to remember the beauty and magnanimity of God?

How can God be associated with gambling? Of the four seasons, which one represents Krishna? And what does Krishna mean when He says He is silence?! All will be revealed in this episode!