Wisdom of the Sages

Modern spirituality often says yoga is all about the journey. But is that what the ancient teachings really meant? In this focused and eye-opening Q & A episode, Kaustubha explores samādhi and the true aim of yoga. Drawing from the Upanishads and Bhakti tradition, he reveals how yoga isn't aimless—it's intentional, transformational, and love-driven. You'll also hear how Krishna's call for surrender in the Bhagavad-gītā—often misunderstood as bossy—is actually rooted in compassion and transcendental clarity. What You'll Learn: •⁠  ⁠The real goal of samādhi and how yoga stays focused •⁠  ⁠Why Krishna asks for everything—and how it's not about ego •⁠  ⁠How even negative emotions can purify when directed toward God •⁠  ⁠Shishupala's surprising liberation through hatred •⁠  ⁠Why Krishna's confidence isn't arrogance—and what it means for us This isn't vague spiritualism—it's grounded wisdom for the seeker who wants clarity, depth, and a target worth aiming for. Listen now and rediscover why love—with direction—is the heart of yoga. ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108

Could ancient yogis have tapped into a science we still don't understand? Mystical experiences—like hearing divine messages within the heart—may sound like fantasy today, but 300 years ago a FaceTime call would've seemed like wizardry. Arthur C. Clarke famously said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how imagination and humility may be the keys to rediscovering spiritual truths often mistaken for myth. Highlights include: •⁠  ⁠Why Einstein called imagination more important than knowledge •⁠  ⁠Yoga maya vs. Maha maya: illusion that either binds or liberates •⁠  ⁠Why Krishna never incarnates alone—and who He brings with Him •⁠  ⁠Debunking the debunkers: why unseen doesn't mean unreal •⁠  ⁠Raghunath's mantra for spiritual openness: “Could be.” Tune in as ancient stories, modern minds, and timeless truths come together in the pages of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. SB 10.1.21-25 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108

Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the message of need to sift perspect shared in Srimad Bhagavatam.  Seeking to relive the suffering of Mother Earth, the gods and goddesses gather for an epic moment of clarity—chanting the Purusha Sukta hymn of the Vedas. What follows is a brilliant meditation on zooming out of our small dramas and plugging into the greater cosmic intelligence behind it all.   Raghunath shares a story of fatherly panic as his daughter falls ill across the ocean, while Kaustubha unpacks the deeper meaning of the universe as a unified being—rooted in the divine Purusha. Carl Sagan makes a guest appearance, reminding us from 4 billion miles away that Earth is but a speck in the void—and our self-importance might need a little deflation.   Key Highlights: • “Our imagined self-importance is challenged by this point of pale light.” – Carl Sagan • How chanting Purusha Sukta re-centers the mind and soul • A fine line between spiritual detachment and showing up for those we love • Learning to see God's hands when His face is hidden • Why the Bhagavatam is the “superfood” of spiritual literature  

From parenting struggles in spiritual life to the elusive experience of deep japa meditation – Vulnerability meets wisdom in this very real Q & A episode recorded live at the Wisdom of the Sages Retreat. Whether you're trying to inspire your kids, stay inspired yourself, or figure out what absorption in the japa meditation actually feels like, this episode has something for you.

When your spiritual ideals meet your messy, modern life—what gives? In this live Q & A episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha tackle real-world questions from sincere seekers navigating work, relationships, insecurity, and the struggle for spiritual progress. With wisdom, clarity, and plenty of humor, they explore how Bhakti yoga applies when the employees let you down, the self-doubt runs deep, and the to-do list feels longer than the Ganges. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠My contract with my employee vs my contract with the Universe •⁠  ⁠Can Bhakti heal your emotional wounds—or is that your therapist's job? •⁠  ⁠“I'm not the Spiller!”—Raghunath gets cornered by family karma •⁠  ⁠How to climb out of your own karmic hole (and invite others to your cloud) •⁠  ⁠What to prioritize in a full, chaotic life—and why India may be the next step Join the community of thousands tuning in daily for authentic, accessible yoga wisdom that meets you where you are—and points you toward where you want to go.

Raghunath and Kaustubha tackle powerful questions about surrender, purpose, and love in this live Q&A from Super Soul Farm—offering timeless bhakti wisdom on the struggles modern seekers face. What does surrender really look like in practice? How do you discover your dharma without drowning in options? Can you strive for spontaneous love of God without ruining its spontaneity? This episode brings clarity to the most misunderstood teachings of bhakti, grounding them in the lived experience of devotion. No platitudes—just real talk, deep insights, and a spiritual path that meets you where you are. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Six practical symptoms of surrender—and why they're anything but weakness •⁠  ⁠How to avoid “mission drift” in your spiritual life •⁠  ⁠Why Krishna is already loving you—and what's blocking you from feeling it •⁠  ⁠Service, identity, and the paradox of modern dharma •⁠  ⁠The difference between faking it and practicing it •⁠  ⁠Greed is good—when it's for divine love

One of the most sacred dynamics in all of yoga culture - the relationship between teacher and student—has become both feared and misunderstood as it's been transferred from India to the West. In this potent episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how spiritual truth flows not from information alone, but from affection, humility, and mutual sincerity. What unfolds is a spirited, honest, and occasionally hilarious exploration of how and why the guru-disciple model endures—even in an age where trust is hard to come by and everyone's got an “enlightenment moment” in their Instagram bio. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠“Victim mentality kills growth.” •⁠  ⁠A lesson from Mahābhārata: If you can't find someone better than you, you're probably not looking hard enough •⁠  ⁠Understanding the friendliness and familiarity with a teacher •⁠  ⁠Transmission of truth is never just intellectual—it's relational This episode is a call to seek wisdom where it's real, not just where it's trending.

There's a big difference between asking, “How can I change this?” and asking, “What am I meant to learn from this?” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how asking bigger, zoomed-out questions can unlock real transformation—and how Krishna's pastimes, far from being mere spiritual folklore, offer the deepest answers to the soul's most urgent needs. They discuss how these pastimes are meant to be approached not just through a religious lens, but through an ontological, metaphysical, and Vedantic one—and that's when their true power is revealed. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠How shallow questions keep us stuck, and zoomed-out questions can set us free •⁠  ⁠Why good questions aren't always comfortable—but they crack things open •⁠  ⁠How to identify life's summum bonum—and reorient everything around it •⁠  ⁠Seeing Krishna's life through a metaphysical lens—not just a religious one •⁠  ⁠The danger of a life built on speed and comfort, but no direction SB 10.1.1-8 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Hearing the right kind of content - it doesn't just inform you—it reforms you. It clears the mind, purifies the intelligence and equips you to easily withstand all sorts of changes, difficulties and discrepancies. Drawing from yogic wisdom and Bhaktivedanta Swami's piercing commentary, this episode explores how real transformation begins with sound. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Why gossip and news media ruin your day •⁠  ⁠How sacred sound rewires the mind to reject lower pleasures without repression •⁠  ⁠From anxiety to equanimity: how a shift in hearing shifts everything •⁠  ⁠Stoic meets yogi: focus on how we respond to the world •⁠  ⁠Bhaktivedanta Swami's formula for facing hardship with unwavering peace

Before there were influencers, there was the sage Vyāsa—the original content creator.  In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha stand at the threshold of Vyāsa's ultimate contribution: the telling of Krishna's pastimes in the Tenth Canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. But before Krishna enters the stage, they explore what makes these narratives far more than mythology. These aren't just quaint stories or cultural folklore—they're the ultimate object of awareness - living streams of divine sound, expertly composed to reprogram the mind, dissolve the thirst for material life and satisfy the innner self. ⸻

Misunderstood warriors, falsely accused maidens, hardhearted mystic yogis, remorseful sages, sex-addicted kings— The stories of the Ninth Canto of the Bhāgavatam reflect not just historical characters, but the shadows we all carry within. At the cusp of entering the climactic Tenth Canto, Raghunath and Kaustubha review the string of stories leading up to it. With a little help from Carl Jung, they unpack a core principle often echoed in the bhakti tradition: while the path is centered on divine light, the great bhakti-yogis never ignored the shadows in their own hearts.

What is Evil? Different tradition have different ideas. In this compelling Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the Bhakti tradition understands darkness, Satan, and the concept of evil. Is it a cosmic force? A personal being? Or simply the absence of divine light? Other questions include how to navigate workplace obligations at bars while maintaining spiritual sobriety, and what pure devotional service looks like in today's world. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Evil explained Bhakti-style: darkness isn't a rival force—it's what happens when we turn away from the light •⁠  ⁠What to do when your boss schedules meetings in a bar (spoiler: garlic-soaked pizza may also be involved) •⁠  ⁠Pure devotion demystified: how love shows up in kirtan, service, and yes, even chicken coop assignments •⁠  ⁠Lessons from Mussolini to CBGB's: the slippery slope of bad choices and the art of guarding your inner light •⁠  ⁠It's not about being judgmental—but about choosing clarity over compromise

Indian hospitality, the soft heart of a mother, and the Dog-Man of Tompkins Square Park all intersect in this powerful exploration of yoga. Drawing from the Maha Upanishad and the insight of Albert Schweitzer, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack a central bhakti truth: that genuine love of God expresses itself as compassion for all living beings—not just the ones who vote like you, think like you, or smell like you. At the heart of this episode is the unforgettable tale of King Rantideva from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam—a king whose radical acts of generosity and deep spiritual faith push us to reconsider what it really means to live a spiritual life.

Your mind is like an algorithm. Click on lust, fear, or resentment—and guess what shows up on your mental feed? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore Yoga is a way to reset the algorithm, and explore the mind as both a garden and a walled city with guarded gates. Drawing from James Allen's classic As a Man Thinketh and the final verses of King Yayāti's transformation in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they unpack how thought is causal, attention is destiny, and bhakti is the ultimate reprogramming of the heart.

From Vedic kings to aging rock stars, this episode maps the journey from pleasure to emptiness to liberation. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack why letting go of material desire—before the body gives out—is the key to spiritual freedom. Featuring: •⁠  ⁠King Yayāti, Lord Brahmā, Stephen Hawking, Billy Idol & David Lee Roth •  Addiction psychology meets Vedic wisdom •⁠  ⁠Why renunciation is the real glow-up •⁠  ⁠How material sex desire is a pale reflection of Krishna's divine love

Ancient yoga texts call it sama-darshana—equal vision. It's the ability to see the soul in every being, regardless of their body, background, or even behavior. And according to the sages, it's not just a lofty idea—it's the very foundation of a life well-lived. Here's the twist: it's not just the moral thing to do—it's the key to happiness, peace of mind, and, ultimately, a graceful exit from this world. In contrast, the pursuit of material fulfillment becomes a path of emptiness. Listen in as Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on the yogi's mindset: to live in a way that places no one else in difficulty, and to love in a way that clears the heart of all fear and resentment. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Sama-darshana—the yogic practice of seeing beyond externals •⁠  ⁠Why a life of non-harm and kindness clears the path to liberation •⁠  ⁠“My name is King Yayati, and I'm a sex addict.” •⁠  ⁠How material desire drives us to harm even those we love •⁠  ⁠How spiritual vision helps us let go—without fear or bitterness •⁠  ⁠And how chasing sense gratification will make a goat out of us.

Politics shift, bodies age, relationships break—we see the surface, the temporary illusion. Yogis look deeper to see the eternal reality behind it all. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how sacred texts—the Bhagavad Gītā, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the Rig Veda, and the New Testament—urge us to fix our vision on the eternal. From pearls resting on a hidden thread to the saints' constant gaze toward the divine, these traditions all point to the same truth: what's real can't always be seen with the eyes - so look deeper though the eyes of knowledge.  Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Pearls and clouds—what the sages say about what really holds life together •⁠  ⁠The world is a stereogram - keep staring into it and eventually the vision pops •⁠  ⁠Kaustubha's near bike-lane road rage (he almost lost it.) •⁠  ⁠How bhakti can awaken even in a materially entangled life (yes, there's hope for all of us)

With humor, vulnerability, and sharp philosophical insight, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the gritty reality of spiritual growth: that it sometimes begins with a period of loss, confusion, or even melancholy—but on the other side is joy, clarity, and freedom. This Q & A episode tackles big, relatable questions from listeners on the spiritual path:  •⁠  ⁠How do I live a life of dharma—seeing the good in everyone—without letting people take advantage of me or drain my energy?  •⁠  ⁠How do I practice detachment without becoming emotionally distant from the people I love? •⁠  ⁠Does devotion to Krishna mean not exploring other spiritual traditions? Discover how the simple mantra “Adjust. Tolerate. Focus.” can become a compass when life feels chaotic and the heart is pulled in too many directions. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Adjusting your circumstances vs. tolerating them—and how to know which to do •⁠  ⁠Why Krishna's blessings can feel like lemon in milk—and why that's a good thing •⁠  ⁠The difference between real detachment and just shutting down emotionally •⁠  ⁠A perspective-shifting metaphor about butter that'll stick with you forever •⁠  ⁠Why kirtan and philosophy together are like spiritual ayahuasca (minus the vomiting) Whether you're navigating toxic coworkers or simply trying to love your family without losing yourself, this episode will give you both tools and comfort for the inner work that really matters.

Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into the comical yet piercingly honest downfall of King Yayāti and explore how the ancient Vedic culture didn't just shame desire—it organized it, regulated it, and ultimately helped one transcended it. Drawing from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, we uncover how real evolution begins not by denying our lower nature, but by accepting the guidance of wisdom tradition that helps us see through it. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Why the world makes you foolish when you chase desire The brilliance of varṇāśrama: not a box, but a ladder Why trying to be Krishna never works •⁠  ⁠Young Puru's ultimate mic drop moment of detachment and devotion •⁠  ⁠Plus: How a hardcore cookbook made its way onto the show (Walk-On Wednesday… on a Friday) •⁠  ⁠And, Raghunath's high school brawl over a mustached senior (seriously)

Gatorade-stained beard? Check. All-night emergency room visit? Check. Spiritual wake-up call in aisle 12? Double check. But behind Raghunath's dizzy spell and collapse on the floor of Home Depot lies a far more universal theme: our desperate urge to avoid silence, stillness, and the terrifying weight of our own inner emptiness. Drawing from Blaise Pascal's haunting insight—that “all of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone”—Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how distraction and diversion keep us from doing the inner work that leads to peace, purpose, and awakening. Also: a peaceful garden walk devolves into a warrior princess throw-down. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Is that spiritual ecstasy… or dangerously low blood sugar? •⁠  ⁠Why we flee silence—and how it sabotages our spiritual evolution •⁠  ⁠Pascal meets the Bhāgavatam: diversion as the disease of our age •⁠  ⁠When status, envy, and petty revenge collide—ancient wisdom, high-school drama •⁠  ⁠Level up before the universe has to shove you down

When something looks so promising—so beautiful, so exciting—you think, this has to be it… but in the end, it leaves you empty. That's what it means to live in the shadows - the imitations we chase: reflections that mimic the real thing, but have no substance.  In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha  conclude the wild and painfully relatable story of King Purūravā and Urvaśī from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and share a bit about their own heartbreaks too.  From noble warrior to emotional wreck, Purūravā's obsession leads him to whimper before goddesses, trying to win back a woman who ghosted him in the most cosmic way.  Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Reflections, shadows, and AI girlfriends: welcome to Purūravā's downward spiral •⁠  ⁠When spiritual practice becomes just another form of escapism •⁠  ⁠Kaustubha, Raghunath, and Mara share their heartbreak stories

When the object of our desire becomes the center of our universe, and our dignity becomes the cost of the chase. In this brutally honest and strangely hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha dissect the story of King Pururava and Urvashi—a psychological case study from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam that shows what happens when infatuation clouds the intelligence and the fantasy of love eclipses reality. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠“Desire is never far from despair” •⁠  ⁠When romance becomes a shortcut to self-worth, things get weird… fast. •⁠  ⁠Toxic masculinity? For sure. But let's talk toxic femininity too. •⁠  ⁠The ancient Vedas meet Youth of Today lyrics and Bob Dylan—because of course they do. •⁠  ⁠“Romance keeps us in Maya”—and other unsexy truths we all need to hear •⁠  ⁠And yes, Raghunath actually has a “house axe” for intruders. Don't ask. This episode hits the theme head-on: that heartbreak, that confusion, that desperation we feel when we lose ourselves in the fantasy of love—and how the Bhakti path calls us to something real.

Not all sorrow is a step backwards—sometimes, it's the signal that real growth has begun. In this powerful Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive deep into what one listener calls “the sorrow of losing joy in the material world.” What unfolds is a raw, insightful conversation on threshold sorrow—the strange pain of shedding old pleasures that no longer satisfy, and crossing into the unknown terrain of spiritual depth.

Prince Hamlet collides with Śrīmad Bhāgavatam in this mind-bending episode on the illusion of “good and bad.” Raghunath and Kaustubha explore Bhakti Yoga, mental programming, and the transformative power of staying steady amid life's chaos. They unpack a verse that flips the spiritual script: liberation doesn't require a cave—it requires clarity. With vegan cheesecake hangovers, Tom Sawyer tricks, and a dose of Shakespearean angst, this episode reveals how kings lived as yogis—and how your own messy, modern life can become sacred ground for spiritual evolution. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” — Hamlet (and basically the Bhāgavatam too) •⁠  ⁠Why your mind is a meaning-making machine—and how that distorts reality •⁠  ⁠Eastern philosophy says good and bad are illusions—here's what that really means •⁠  ⁠The Bhagavad-gītā's bold message: you can transcend duality without renouncing your responsibilities •⁠  ⁠How tolerance is the first quality of a true sadhu or yogi •⁠  ⁠Why red isn't good, blue isn't bad, and Denmark is just a mindset

This episode blends sacred aesthetics, urban design, dharmic leadership, and bhakti wisdom into one compelling conversation. A perfect listen for seekers, city dwellers, and anyone wondering why the world feels off—and how to realign it. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a luminous vision of divine-centered living from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam—where elephants spray perfume, love flows between citizens and leaders, and the architecture reflects a sacred inner life. But this isn't just some mythic utopia. It's a blueprint. Key Highlights: * Simone Weil's insight: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.” * What Ayodhya, Delhi and the Cross Bronx Expressway tell us about spiritual disconnection * The loop of degradation—and how to break it * Lessons from Christian cathedrals, Hindu temples

Resentment isn't just a feeling—it's a spiritual disease? In this power-packed episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss one of Bhakti-yoga's most liberating teachings: the more we hear about the life and character of Lord Rāma, the more the disease of envy is cleansed from our hearts. This is a real look at the subtle ways hostility creeps into even spiritual communities… and how to root it out before it festers into full-blown inner plague. Key Highlights: * “No hostility in the heart of a yogi”—what this really means and why it's non-negotiable * The mind always finds a way to rationalize animosity (and what to do about it) * The ‘hot coal' analogy that might change how you handle resentment forever * Sauerkraut, ego death, and learning to see others through Rāma's eyes * Why spiritual life means no selective love — even for that one person Drop the hostility. Pick up the stories of Lord Rāma. And let the heart realign with the divine.

In our existence in this world, we carry the burdens of duty, judgment, and anger—and then we project them onto God. But reality? He's just playing His flute, dancing, and inviting us back into a life of divine play (lila). In today's Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha reveal a revolutionary truth rooted in the Upanishads, the Vedānta Sūtra, and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam: the Absolute Truth isn't weighed down by judgment or duty—the Absolute's only “business” is joyful līlā, or divine play. So why all the suffering and conflict in this world? We break down why Advaita Vedanta struggles to answer this—and how Bhakti Vedanta offers a beautiful, clear vision: the spiritual world is pure play, and the material world exists to help us remember how to “play nice” again. Key Highlights: * Why Ram, even when fighting Ravana, was just playing with His friends (yes, the monkeys

It's said that in the absolute reality, there are varieties of feeling—but all of them are of the same quality of transcendental bliss. How can what looks like heartbreak actually be an entry to the deepest spiritual joy? In today's episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha examine the profound teachings behind Lord Ram's separation from Sita, explore why material “love” is often the cause of fear, and reveal how the illusory love relationships of this world can be aligned with the spiritual reality. Forget the Hollywood endings—the Vedic sages offer a powerful upgrade in understanding the ways of love. Key Highlights: * Ram's heartbreak: a cosmic love story  * In union, the Beloved is seen in one place; in separation… everywhere. * Why material “love” comes with a side of fear * The oneness and the duality of the spiritual realm * You don't need a “you complete me” moment… you need a Supersoulmate. ✨ Jump into a discussion where ancient wisdom meets everyday neuroses — and discover why true love means learning to be blissful, even when life kicks you right in the shins.

Why do some of life's deepest lessons come at 4 a.m.—and others from your own children? Dive into a rich, soulful conversation where Raghunath sits down with Julie Piatt: entrepreneur, artist, and yes, a self-declared “unparentable” rebel yogi. From raising kids as gurus instead of projects, to healing herself with what can only be described as magical swamp water, Srimati shares how devotion, discipline, and a touch of cosmic mischief weave into everyday life. Key Highlights: * Why real magic happens at 4 a.m. * Parenting without losing your mind—or your faith * How a golf-ball-sized cyst led to a total life transformation (and a kitchen evacuation) * Why sadness might actually be your superpower * The secret sauce behind creativity, devotion, and vegan cheese * Waking up early: better than a rock concert, cheaper than therapy Whether you're navigating spiritual life, parenting, creativity—or just trying to survive New York City—this episode offers a fresh reminder: the journey back home starts from within.

Are we interpreting politics through the lens of spiritual teachings - or are we interpreting spiritual teachings through the lens of our politics? How to respond when personal political opinions get imposed upon the spiritual discussions the we go to for enlightenment?  In this dynamic Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha respond to pressing questions about navigating touchy topics in bhakti communities. They unpack the real meaning of seva when service feels more like a chore list, and dive into a fascinating discussion on the parallels between the Vedic Paramatma and the Christian Holy Ghost. Key Highlights: * How politics can sneak into spiritual discussions—and how to respond * Are we viewing sacred texts through a clean lens—or a political filter? * The art of doing real temple service (even when it's scrubbing pots) * Seeing Krishna in the messy, humble work that nobody else wants to do * mapping the parallels & distinctions between Paramatma & Holy Ghost In a world drowning in division, discover how true spiritual life calls us beyond party lines—into something deeper, sweeter, and eternal.

What does it means to lead without ego, serve without exploitation, and rule with spiritual detachment? In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into the extraordinary standard set by Lord Ramachandra, whose rule began not with conquest but with renunciation.  The conversation also takes a deeper look at the controversial episode of Sita's banishment though the eyes of the sages (as opposed  to the lens of ones's own painful divorce). When seen with spiritual clarity, the pain of separation transforms into an expression of divine love, where Ram and Sita's apparent distance reveals the depth of their unbreakable connection. Key Highlights: * How Ram's leadership flips modern politics on its head * Sages with melted hearts receive the supreme gift - inner illumination * Sita's banishment—and why comparing it to your messy breakup doesn't quite work * What Jay Shetty, and Douglas Adams and Socrates have to do with karma yoga * Abraham Lincolns touching letter about losing a loved one * Bhakti as the “Platinum Package” of yoga paths (yes, karma and jñāna are included) * How Sita Sings the Blues delights, but disappoints 

Think a better system will fix everything?  In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha encourage us to think again by exploring the idea that until we transform the mind and purify the heart, no political structure will truly work. We chase reforms, write new laws, and elect new leaders, but if we're not addressing the root within, the same problems resurface. Different system, same chaos. Drawing wisdom from Plato, Bhaktivedanta Swami, and Radhanath Swami, we explore how inner clarity is the foundation of any truly functional society. Also: what does Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya—and his eventual heartbreaking separation from Sita—teach us about the deepest currents of love? Key Highlights: * “The city is what it is because the citizens are what they are.” —Plato * Why policy without purification is just window dressing * What Radhanath Swami told a government official about cleaning rivers * Love in separation: the most esoteric (and confusing) part of bhakti * A tiny chicken, a brutal pecking order, and the quest for a tribe

How do decades of spiritual practice shape your heart when death comes knocking? In this powerful episode, we hear from our longtime friend Yasso who, after forty years of devotion, is now facing terminal illness with stunning clarity and peace. What makes this conversation especially moving is how Yasso's fearless, attitude of gratitude so closely mirrors the timeless wisdom of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, where the dying King Parīkṣit embraces his final days with devotion, humility, and total absorption in the divine. Also in this episode: the epic homecoming of Lord Ram and the tear-jerking reunion with his brother Bharat, whose 14 years of radical simplicity (cow urine barley, anyone?) reflect the deepest brotherly devotion—zero envy, all love. And we also explore how devotional art can lift consciousness, using a vivid verse from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam as our canvas. This one goes deep—real life, real death, and real bhakti. Key Highlights: * A rare window into how a bhakti yogi prepares to leave this world * Lord Ram returns to Ayodhya—no one has ever waved a chadar with more love * No envy, no ego—just love: the bond between Ram and Bharat * Why Krishna art > overpriced splatter art * Chant Hare Krishna and don't criticize. Boom. That's it.

Have you ever wondered whether the modern narrative of empowerment is missing something essential? We live in a world where empowerment is often defined as the independent freedom to do as we please. But in this thought-provoking episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a radically different idea—drawn from the bhakti-yoga tradition—that deep commitment can be a source of supernatural strength. Sītā, whose unwavering integrity and loyalty ultimately crushed the might of Ravana, is more than a mythological figure—she's a spiritual archetype. This episode challenges the assumption that power comes from autonomy, and offers a vision of strength rooted in devotion, integrity, and focus. Whether it's to a person, a principle, or the Divine, commitment—according to the Bhakti tradition—isn't weakness. It's where real empowerment begins. Key Highlights: * The Bhagavatam doesn't just expose Ravana—it holds up a mirror to our modern cravings * Why unexamined desire can lead to destruction—even when you “have it all” * “Attractive, but not what I need”—the mantra that builds inner strength * The supernatural force of Sītā's chastity and the deeper meaning of loyalty * A masculine path to power that isn't about suppression, but sacred focus * Speaking truth to power—without hostility or ego * Raghu & Kaustubha imagine what it would it be like seeing Hanuman flying in the first class cabin

The Ramayana doesn't just tell an ancient story—it reveals eternal truths. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore one of the most profound contrasts in the epic: how Ravana and Hanuman each approach Sita. What unfolds is not just mythological drama—it's a powerful spiritual teaching. Sita is the personification of good fortune herself. In bhakti wisdom, how we approach her—whether with reverence and devotion or with a mood of exploitation—determines the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness that flows though our lives. This isn't just about Sita and Ravana. It's about all of us and the world around us.  And yes, the Pope gets a shout-out. So do monkeys with torches. Key Highlights: * Ravana, Hanuman, and the spiritual do's and don'ts of divine energy * Why auspiciousness isn't random—it's relational * The Pope, Easter, and holy humility * Monkeys vs. modern weapons: Why the jungle army wins * The arc of the moral universe is long—but don't worry, zoom out * Why Sita's curse beat Ravana's black magic

Is trying to understand spiritual truth a futile task? Is it all beyond words and beyond the logical understanding of the human mind? In this Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Kaustubha Das, with guest host Kishori Gopi, takes on one of the deepest questions of spiritual life—whether the ultimate reality can be known, described, or even spoken of. Drawing from the ancient dialectic between Advaita Vedanta and Bhakti Vedanta, they explore how the Absolute is perceived across different schools of Indian philosophy, and whether Krishna's teachings are meant to be understood—or simply surrendered to. Then, things get bold and existential: If we're not the body or the mind… why not just commit suicide? This intense question opens the door to a profound discussion on karma, the soul's journey, and why trying to “opt out” is ill advised. Morgan Freeman shows up. So does Groundhog Day. Somehow it all makes sense. Key Highlights * The Bhakti perspective: Krishna can be understood—and described—in rich detail * How Shankara's “neti neti” approach led to the idea of the indescribable Absolute * Karma as a cosmic reformatory system * Why suicide doesn't break the cycle—just moves it like a whack-a-mole * What Newton might say about karma (and why we're not totally convinced) * “They muddy the waters to make them seem deep.” — Nietzsche, and also Kaustubha

Loss comes for everyone—but the Bhakti yogi faces it not with fear, but with training, trust, and transcendence. In this powerful episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how the wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam prepares us for the moments that shake our identity, strip our attachments, and invite us into deeper surrender. From philosophical insight to real-life stories, they reveal how detachment isn't cold or passive—it's the soul's doorway to freedom. Key Highlights: * “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” — Yoda (Bhakti approves.) * Why loss is not punishment—but a spiritual upgrade in disguise. * Chest-waxing and ego-stripping: a painful but necessary metaphor for spiritual growth. * The man who thought his wealth could buy him a free pass at the barber shop—and what that reveals about false identity. * What it means to live as if nothing is yours, and love as if everything is. * The yogi's mindset: clarity in chaos, faith in the face of death.

In this deep-dive Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Kaustuba Das and guest co-host Kishori Gopi explore one of life's most profound questions: What is my purpose? Drawing from the teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the writings of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, and the ancient tradition of Vedānta, they unpack the layered meaning of dharma—from temporary duties to the soul's eternal calling. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a yoga teacher, a parent, or simply navigating life's changing roles, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and clarify your inner compass. Discover how your svadharma (individual calling) fits into a larger journey of evolution toward bhakti—the soul's natural expression of love. Key Highlights: * The difference between temporary dharma and eternal dharma * Why success in life isn't about achievement, but alignment * The secret purpose behind your everyday responsibilities * What the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam reveals about the highest truth

This Q&A episode offers a bold reminder: a deep and transformational spiritual experience isn't reserved for mystics in the mountains—it's available to you right now, anywhere. Kaustubha and guest Co-host Kishori Gopi unpack the Bhagavad-gītā's ancient key to overcoming seasonal depression, emotional heaviness, and the constant ups and downs of modern life: detachment from the shifting mind, and connection to the ever-radiant soul within. Learn how simply observing your thoughts and emotions—rather than identifying with them—is not just mindfulness, but a moment of true spiritual awakening. Also in this episode: * What the Gītā says about seasonal sadness and inner stability * The profound power of stepping back from the mind and witnessing the soul * How weather, darkness, and emotional struggle can become fuel for real growth * How to raise God-connected kids in challenging circumstances * Navigating Catholicism, Krishna bhakti  Whether your long winter is literal or emotional—this episode will help you rediscover your luminosity and find clarity on how to guide others, especially your children, toward the same.

Every life holds a hidden epic. In this stirring episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unlock the timeless teachings of the Ramayana and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to reveal how Lord Ram's divine story is far more than mythology—it's a living guide for our own transformation. Alongside the insights of Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, the sages explore what it truly means to conquer inner demons and rise to the occasion of your own sacred adventure. But this episode goes deeper than just inspiration. It offers a bold clarification of what līlā truly is—and what it's not. It's a common spiritual misstep to view the pain, confusion, and trauma of material life as brahman engaged in “divine play,” mistaking our suffering for the līlā of the Supreme. Raghunath and Kaustubha draw a clear line: true līlā is not the fractured experience of conditioned life, but the ecstatic, conscious, and love-saturated interactions of Krishna with His eternal energies—Ram and Sita, Radha and Krishna, Lakshman, Hanuman, and the gopīs, etc. To conflate the two is to miss the sweetness of bhakti, to remain trapped in illusion, and to miss the opportunity to enter into eternal līlā—the highest potential of the self. Key Highlights: * Why the Ramayana is more than story—it's a training ground for the soul * The crucial difference between true līlā and conditioned suffering * Why Lord Ram left without resentment—and how we can too * How to starve the inner Ravana and awaken your inner Hanuman * What it really means to return from the forest with “boons” for the world Join us and rediscover your highest potential—not by pretending to be the hero, but by walking the sacred path of one who's learning how to love.

“You Won't Rise to the Occasion—You'll Default to Your Training”. In this episode we explore how ancient yogic wisdom aligns with the discipline of elite athletes, soldiers, and spiritual seekers. Learn how the mind, when trained in remembrance and devotion, naturally turns toward the Divine—even at the moment of death. This episode is a clarion call to train your heart, shape your consciousness, and live with purpose so that when the test comes, you're not grasping for last-minute wisdom—you're simply doing what you've always done: remembering who you've been meditating on all along. Drawing from the timeless teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Kaustubha, and special guest Kishori Gopi dive deep into the life of King Katvanga, a warrior-king who turned his final moment into his finest moment—not by chance, but by a lifetime of conscious preparation. Key Highlights: * “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail”—why your daily practice shapes your destiny * What King Katvanga teaches us about detachment, clarity, and the power of a single moment * How to build your spiritual default setting through consistent sādhanā * The Bhagavad-gītā's teaching on death, remembrance, and ultimate transformation * Why even the devas admired a king who asked for no boon but truth

The sacred isn't far away, or locked away in a temple, a ritual, or some otherworldly realm. The sacred is the invisible thread running through the entire tapestry of life—right here, right now. In this deeply reflective episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the Vedic concept of otam-protam—the warp and weft of reality—revealing how divinity is interwoven through every moment, every element, every being. From the descent of the sacred Ganges to the subtle presence of God in all things, this episode invites you to shift your lens and recognize the divine fabric behind the visible world. Also featured is a moving tribute to Al Barile of SSD—a hardcore punk pioneer whose unexpected connection to the Bhāgavatam is a reminder that even the toughest exteriors can carry a sincere spiritual search within. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠What “warp and weft” teaches us about the nature of reality •⁠  ⁠C.S. Lewis on the God who walks everywhere incognito •⁠  ⁠Why seeing God in everything is the highest yoga •⁠  ⁠How the Ganga purifies not just bodies, but the mind and heart •⁠  ⁠Al Barile's surprising connection to bhakti and the search for truth Whether you're walking through a city street, sitting in nature, or standing in a mosh pit—the thread of the sacred is already there. Learn to see it.

Can you practice deep spiritual life without walking away from your worldly responsibilities? Or is renunciation—of family, career, and social ties—a necessary cost of devotion? In this essential Q&A edition of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha address one of the most pressing questions for modern spiritual seekers: can the path of bhakti be lived fully without uprooting your life? What unfolds is a powerful conversation about clarity, compassion, and the dangers of spiritual misunderstanding. This episode dives into three thought-provoking questions: •⁠  ⁠Is bhakti really free from the strict renunciations of other yogic paths—or is that just a myth? •⁠  ⁠How do we trust Krishna's plan without falling into inertia or passivity? •⁠  ⁠How should we respond to skepticism around the bhakti tradition, especially in light of scandal and misrepresentation? Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Why external renunciation is not the essence of bhakti—and how reorienting our vision of family, work, and social life is often the real path forward. •⁠  ⁠The subtle but vital difference between walking away from the world and seeing it through a new lens of service. •⁠  ⁠What it truly means to “accept what's favorable and reject what's unfavorable” for spiritual growth. •⁠  ⁠How to stay steady in your practice even when exposed to harmful or fanatical representations of bhakti. •⁠  ⁠Why spiritual life is about progress, not perfection—and how to build a path that is sustainable, sincere, and real.

More than sacred—this is about cosmic justice, karmic cleansing, and the mysterious flow of divine grace. In this provocative conclusion to our two-part deep dive, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack why the Ganges is revered as the purifier of sins and how its sanctity is upheld—not just by myth or ritual, but through the living presence of Krishna and His devotees. What makes a river more than water? How does mercy override karma? And how can we become a river of grace ourselves? Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠The Ganges as a portal of divine compassion—from Vaikuntha to Earth. •⁠  ⁠How saintly souls become walking places of pilgrimage. •⁠  ⁠Grace vs. karma: why fairness isn't the highest principle in the universe. •⁠  ⁠The mystical relationship between Krishna's feet, the holy river, and the pure-hearted. •⁠  ⁠Why Bhagiratha's mission wasn't just personal—it was a multi-generational act of love. Whether you've dipped in her waters or just dreamed of the Himalayas, this episode will change the way you see rivers, saints, and the subtle forces that shape our destiny.

Can water actually wash away your karma? For thousands of years, pilgrims have journeyed to the Ganges River with unwavering faith that her sacred waters can liberate the soul. But where does that power come from? And why is it believed that even the most sinful acts can be purified through a simple bath in her current? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the profound story of King Bhagirath and the descent of the Ganga, as told in the pages of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Together, they unpack ancient insights into how grace flows through sacred elements, and how divine consciousness transforms even the physical elements of this world. Key Highlights: • Why Bhagirath's mission to bring down the Ganges spanned generations • The deep Vedic symbolism of “lotus feet” and approaching the divine from the ground up • Ganga's own doubts—can she handle the sins of the world? • What makes something sacred in bhakti: form, faith, or transcendental connection? Get ready to rethink what it means to be purified, and how spiritual energy can travel through water, sound, and intention to change the destiny of a soul.

Discover how modern psychology's insights into motivated reasoning and confirmation bias align with ancient yogic teachings on how desire and attachment distort our perception of truth. In this eye-opening episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how both science and the Bhakti tradition describe the mind's tendency to protect its illusions rather than seek reality. Drawing from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they unpack why truth feels so elusive, how even scholars and scientist can be blinded by comfort zones, and why the Bhāgavatam's vision of Krishna as the personal Absolute is the ultimate disruption to the ego's false narratives.

Our perception of truth is rarely objective—it's colored by what we crave and what we fear. In this eye-opening episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack a powerful quote from Carl Jung: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” Paired with deep wisdom from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they explore how our internal programming—our icchā (desires) and dveṣa (aversions)—create filters that distort our understanding of the world, ourselves, and God. The episode takes a fascinating turn as the hosts recount the story of King Sagara's sons, whose perception was so warped by anger and false assumptions that it led to their destruction. In contrast, a single grandson approaches with humility and clarity, revealing how higher consciousness means learning to see clearly—beyond the lens of the ego. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠How unconscious preferences distort spiritual understanding •⁠  ⁠Krishna's words on icchā and dveṣa in the Bhagavad-gītā (7.27) •⁠  ⁠Why seeing the divine requires transcending the “box” we've built for truth •⁠  ⁠The difference between living under illusion and recognizing Krishna's hand in all things •⁠  ⁠A reflection on how saints, mystics, and avatars may be walking among us unnoticed This episode isn't just theory—it's a call to courageously examine the filters we carry and begin the inner work of uncovering truth as it is.

Life's most painful moments often carry the seeds of our deepest transformation. In this powerful episode, author and scholar Simon Haas joins Wisdom of the Sages to illuminate how the Bhagavad Gita frames personal crisis—not as a detour from the spiritual path, but as an integral part of it. Known as Vishad Yoga, the yoga of crisis, this ancient wisdom reveals how despair can become a gateway to awakening. Through the lens of Arjuna's breakdown on the battlefield, Simon explains the four universal symptoms of a dark night of the soul: •⁠  ⁠Intense suffering tied to time—fear of the future, lamentation for the past, and confusion in the present •⁠  ⁠A powerful urge to withdraw from life or even give up •⁠  ⁠Confrontation with parts of ourselves we'd rather not see •⁠  ⁠A feeling of complete helplessness, where even our best tools no longer work Rather than avoiding these moments, Simon shows us how to recognize them as sacred rites of passage—times when the soul is being reshaped by divine design. Learn how to navigate the inner battlefield with the guidance of yoga philosophy, and why the teachings of Krishna to Arjuna offer a timeless blueprint for turning breakdown into breakthrough. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Why suffering often precedes spiritual evolution •⁠  ⁠How to listen, surrender, and evolve when everything falls apart •⁠  ⁠Why the world's greatest spiritual texts were born from suffering •⁠  ⁠Practical tools from the Gita for navigating emotional crisis This episode is a profound companion for anyone going through grief, loss, disillusionment, or inner change. Let the Gita be your guide through the shadows.

For some of us, it seems like the mind will never let us go. In this raw and deeply insightful Q&A episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha confront the complex intersection of trauma, depression, and the spiritual path. They unpack how the Bhakti tradition doesn't promise a quick fix for erasing psychological suffering—but it radically reframes it. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gītā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they explain how the soul carries the subtle mind into the next life, how karma shapes mental struggles, and how deep devotional practice can burn through even the heaviest mental burdens. Bhakti offers a transformative lens—a way to see the mind not as the self, but as an apparatus we carry on the soul's long journey. For anyone dealing with mental health challenges, or supporting those who are, this episode offers real spiritual tools to face it, live with it, and grow beyond it. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠Why Bhakti might not quickly “fix” depression—but it can transform how we live with it •⁠  ⁠How trauma and psychological pain may carry over from previous lifetimes •⁠  ⁠The yogic technique that instantly reveals you are not your mind •⁠  ⁠Raghunath shares candid reflections on fatherhood, heartbreak, and spiritual surrender

60,000 angry men attack a saint—and get reduced to ashes by their own ignorance – this epic tale from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam becomes the backdrop for a powerful conversation on radical forgiveness, spiritual transformation, and the illusiory nature of enemies. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack ancient wisdom through the lens of Lao Tzu, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela to reveal one unshakable truth: real sages see no enemies, only souls. From corrupt olive oil empires to broken relationships, from ego battles to misused power—even from within religious life—this episode goes deep into how spiritual maturity always means rising above.

Anxiety, envy, fantasy, or gratitude—whatever you feed in the mind will take root and expand. That's not just yogic philosophy, it's neuroscience.  The wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the story of Śaubhari Muni reveal how subtle desires, left unchecked, can grow into powerful distractions that completely reroute the course of life. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how our thoughts shape our inner algorithm, and how Bhakti offers a path back to clarity, intention, and true spiritual direction. Key Highlights: •⁠  ⁠“The seed you water is the seed that will grow.” – Thích Nhất Hạnh •⁠  ⁠How to retrain your mental algorithm like a spiritual social media feed •⁠  ⁠Why material desires don't die out—they intensify •⁠  ⁠Bhakti is the addiction that liberates •⁠  ⁠The path back from confusion isn't judgment—it's intention