Vedanta: Ancient Wisdom for Life

In the last episode of this series Swamiji explains verses 71 and 72 of Chapter II of the Bhagavad Gita. The verses summarise the definition of human perfection, the state of spiritual englightenment. A state of absolute and everlasting fulfilment.

Episode 12 of 'The Perfect Human Being' series expounds verses 69 and 70 of Chapter II of the Bhagavad Gita. The verses highlight the staggering difference between the limited and restricted life of ordinary beings vis-a-vis the absolute liberation and bliss of an englightened soul.

In this episode, Swamiji presents Krishna's logically derived conclusion in verse 68 of Chapter II of the Bhagavad Gita that spiritual wisdom is measured by one's mastery over and not denial of sense objects.

This episode is based on Verse 67 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. The verse illustrates a striking metaphor to convey that in the absence of intellectual governance and direction, the mind is swept away by the senses and eventually destroys the individual.

Episode 9 of the series on 'The Perfect Human Being' expounds verse 66 of chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. Swamiji helps one understand that unless one exercises self-control and pursues a higher ideal in life, one cannot find lasting peace and happiness.

In Episode 8 Swamiji highlights the dangers of allowing likes and dislikes to directly determine one's actions in life. In a world of contradictions, chances are that what one likes to do is not beneficial for one in the long-term and vice-versa. To overcome this challenge, one needs to build a strong intellect.

In this episode, Swamiji defines and explains the mechanism of self-control as presented in verses 64 and 65 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. By practicing self-control one cultivates a tranquil mind. Such a mind allows the intellect to establish itself resulting in a productive and prosperous life.

Episode 6 of the series presents two powerful verses from the Bhagavad Gita which expound the “Ladder of Fall”. The verses detail the devastating impact of ungoverned thoughts. How they go through negative modifications and eventually destroy the individual.

Based on verses 60 and 61 of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, this episode highlights the power of the senses and how they can be destructive to even those who are knowledgeable. Swamiji impresses upon the vital need to develop the intellect to be able to control the senses. A fundamental human requirement which is hardly known much less addressed in the world today. When one has achieved perfect control over the senses, only then is one qualified to meditate.

In this episode Swamiji reveals the Gita's secret to gaining mastery over sense objects. The Gita explains that by merely abstaining one cannot overcome one's desires for sense contact. Instead one must learn the art of dealing with sense objects culminating in complete suzerainty over them.

In this third episode of the series on 'The Perfect Human Being' from the Bhagavad Gita, Swamiji explains Lord Krishna's answers on how an Enlightened person conducts himself in the world and the impact of the world on him. Such a person bristles with dynamism and cheer but never gets attached to anything. He experiences the fluctuations of the world but never loses his mental equanimity.

In episode 2 of ‘The Perfect Human Being' series from the Bhagavad Gita, the great warrior Arjuna asks Lord Kṛṣṇa to define the nature of an Enlightened person. How does such a person express himself in the world, what happens within him and how does he react to external environments and events. In response Lord Kṛṣṇa begins his famed definition of a perfect person. Swamiji's deft explanation of the verses helps one grasp the depth of the philosophy being imparted.

This series is based on a portion of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita wherein Lord Kṛṣṇa describes the nature and characteristics of an Enlightened soul, known as Sthitaprajña in Sanskrit. It is considered a masterpiece in scriptural literature. In this episode Swamiji explains the meaning of spiritual Enlightenment, the state of Self-Realisation.

The Bhagavad Gita expounds the three fundamental yogas spiritual disciplines of karma action, bhakti devotion and gnana knowledge. These disciplines enable one to lead a productive and harmonious life whilst evolving spiritually. Yet tragically the Gita is considered a post retirement pastime. 

The two fundamental motivations that drive human action are acquisition and enjoyment. In this episode, Swamiji explains that while there is no taboo to acquisition, one's present happiness should not be dependent on future acquisition. Also, to keep enjoyment alive in life one needs to moderate their contact.  

One of the fundamental teachings of the Gita is objectivity in action. Episode 2 of the four-part series on the ‘Message of the Gita' defines objectivity. Objectivity enables one to face any challenge in life. Moreover, it is the essence of spiritual development.    

The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Indian philosophical text that is considered a manual for living.  In this four-part podcast series, Swami A. Parthasarathy provides a few insights into the Gita's fundamental teachings and their practical application in life. The first episode reveals the technique of combining dynamic action with mental peace. 

What defines richness or poverty? Is it merely quantum of wealth or is there something more to it? Renowned philosopher Swami A. Parthasarathy investigates and analyses the true meaning of richness and poverty.

The entire world is caught up in a mania for acquisition. Is there an end to the pursuit? How does one find lasting satisfaction and contentment in life? Swami A. Parthasarathy provides the answer.

Who is a leader? In his inimitable style Swami A. Parthasarathy reveals the characteristics and abilities of a leader. Get inspired to step up and lead the way.

Stress is not an external phenomenon. By investigating and eliminating the root cause of stress within oneself one can achieve lasting success and peace in life.

A. Parthasarathy derives the formula for an ideal action. Such an action not only generates energy but also avoids dissipation of energy in unproductive channels. One is then able to sustain productivity in any field of activity.

The common belief is that one finds peace, relaxation by getting away from action. By analysing and improving one's temperament, one learns the elusive art of finding peace in action.

A. Parthasarathy expounds the three fundamental principles to achieve success: Concentration, Consistency and Cooperation.

To have emotions is a virtue. But indiscriminate and uncontrolled emotions can prove to be detrimental and destructive to oneself and others. The podcast explains the vital role of the intellect in governing one's emotions and expanding one's circle of identification. Such intellectual guidance transforms frail, depressing emotion into a pillar of strength and joy.

Hardly anyone in the world today can claim to have learnt the art and skill of right parenting. In this podcast A. Parthasarathy guides parents to understand and apply fundamental principles of parenting so as to inspire their children towards a brighter and better future.

This podcast describes three main principles to manage and improve your relationships, be it personal or professional: Assessing each person, distinguishing between duty versus right and learning to give. Applying these principles one can make their relationships harmonious and fulfilling in life. 

A. Parthasarathy dispels the widely held myth that selecting the right partner would guarantee a happy marriage or perfect relationship. If that is not the case then what determines success in relationships? To build and maintain harmony in relationships one needs to understand the fundamental difference between love and attachment. Love binds, attachment repels. Love leads to lasting fondness and affection, attachment descends into bitterness, ending in separation.