Podcasts about Bhakti

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  

Every time we're able, even two minutes, to talk about Kṛṣṇa, to be together, to remember Him, it's like that gold that you're talking about that may come in the form of dust, but it adds up. And Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu is also compared to a capitalist, and we are also following in His footsteps, so we want to have that sense of accumulation, but not materially obviously, spiritually. Link to entire talk:https://youtu.be/DTMlTw5ZG4Q ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

Here's an excerpt from the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā, chapter four, in which Prabhupāda quotes from the Bhakti-sandarbha. This is the verdict of Jīva Gosvāmī in describing the process of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa: "Chanting the holy name is the chief means of attaining love of Godhead. This chanting or devotional service does not depend on any paraphernalia, nor on one's having taken birth in a good family. By humility and meekness, one attracts the attention of Kṛṣṇa. That is the verdict of all the Vedas. Therefore, if one becomes very humble and meek, he can easily attain the lotus feet of Kṛṣṇa in this age of Kali. This is the fulfillment of all great sacrifices, penances, and austerities, because when one achieves ecstatic love of Godhead, he attains the complete perfection of life. Therefore, whatever one does in executing devotional service must be accompanied by the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, the chanting of the holy name of Kṛṣṇa: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare, Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.' ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

Kṛṣṇa declares that he is subordinate to the love of his devotee. Bhakti is so powerful that the supreme controller of all controllers finds the greatest pleasure in being controlled by the love of his devotee. But to realize that love requires Kṛṣṇa's grace. Śrīla Prabhupāda gives an example: when we talk of the oneness of a nation, it doesn't mean everybody merges into a nation. There may be millions of individuals, but the oneness of a nation is that we are united on the higher principle of the nation, the interests of the nation. When we speak about one family, it's not that everybody in the family becomes, you know, like the filling in a samosa—we all get smashed together. The oneness of a family is when the interest of the family is the higher principle that we are all united on, and that's actually oneness. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes that this is the idea of Kṛṣṇa consciousness: that we are all conscious of Kṛṣṇa. We all have our diversity, we all have our natures, we all have our experiences, we all have our individual, unique struggles in life. But there's a higher principle that we unite on: saṁsiddhir hari-toṣaṇam—what will please Kṛṣṇa. And in our life, we know what will please Kṛṣṇa is what will please Śrīla Prabhupāda. Variegatedness, or diversity, without appreciating the higher principle that we've been brought together to represent, could create envy and division. But in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, variegatedness actually creates deeper appreciation for each other with our differences, and that is a test of actually if we're Kṛṣṇa conscious. When we see the wonderful associates of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, there's so much variegatedness. In ordinary society of that time, these people would probably have nothing to do with each other. But they were so loving and so gentle; they actually loved each other, not just the austerity of not fighting, because they were seeing each other according to the higher principle. Mahārāja Pratāparudra was a king, an undisputed king called Gajapati of the empire of Orissa. He had palaces, incredible treasuries, armies. And then there was Kolavecā Śrīdhara. He was so simple and poor; he would sell the leaves of bananas just sitting on the side of the road. And he was so simple; he dressed in rags because that's the only clothes he had. He had a simple little straw house that was one room with a dirt floor, and when it would rain, the rain would come in because it was just a little straw roof. He was so thin because he hardly had money. But whatever he earned, before spending anything, he would donate half for the worship of Mother Gaṅgā, because she was the energy of the Lord, purifying and giving mercy and blessings to all beings without discrimination of who was fit or unfit. Whether you're rich or poor, whether you're of one caste or one color or one sex or one community, still, Mother Gaṅgā is flowing and purifying you, even if you're a buffalo, or an elephant, or a snake, or a lizard. Mother Gaṅgā is flowing for everyone. So Kolavecā Śrīdhara was living so simply, but yet, when he would come to Purī, he didn't think of the king as a gross materialist living in his palace, "King, you are in māyā. Look, you have all of this!" He had the highest regard and appreciation for King Pratāparudra, because he was using what he had in God's service. And King Pratāparudra would sometimes think of giving everything away and becoming like Kolavecā Śrīdhara, a beggar, because whatever little he had, he was giving in God's service. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a brief and exultant sketch of Mā Kālī's journey from ancient pre-history into the most esoteric and elite Tantrik circles and into the mainstream Bhakti movement of Bengal and from there into the hearts and homes of people all over the world! Without all of those who have come before us (and I was only able to mention so few of them in this talk), who have each given their entire lives to the work of making Mā accessible to all sincere devotees, we quite literally would not be here all together, enjoying each other's holy company and talking Tantra for hours on end week after week, year after year. I am so grateful to all of them. I am so grateful to all of you. I am so happy. Here's to many more years together playing in Mā's playground! May all of this be an offering to Mā Kālī who comes to me in the form of all of you. May I have no God but you, O Mā who appears as all of these people! May I worship you in them with all of these words, which are offered as so many flowers to you in the form of this sangha! I love you, I love you, I love you. I am mad with love for you! I give you my life! Jai Mā! Jai Mā! Jai Mā Kālī! Jai Thakur! Jai SwamijI! Jai Gurudeva! Relevant References:And here is a playlist (our signature series, our flagship course), all of our talks on Mā.Some of the material from this talk is fleshed out a little more in talks like Ramprasad Sen, Mā Kālī's Mystic Poet, Ramakrishna & Ma Bhavatārini Kālī at Dakshineshwar and What Does Kali Actually Look Like? which is all about the dhyāna-mantra (visualization chant) that we offered in beginning. Usha Harding's pivotal book which I mentioned in the video is called "Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineshwar." Do check out Usha Mā's documentary "A Day at the Dakshineswar Temple" which you can watch here.Here is all the music and pūjā recordings from the early Kali Mandir Laguna Beach pūjās which I mentioned in the talk. You can hear Sri Haradhanji's unique chanting voice! And importantly, I only briefly mentioned it, but here is Uma Sanasrayan's important documentary about our Hollywood Kali Puja tradition. Uma is the one who has been making the murtis for Mā for our annual Hollywood temple Shyama Kali Puja. Support the showLectures happen live every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday 10am PST and again Friday at 6pm PST.Use this link and I will see you there:https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnishTo get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM

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.

#wearenotthebody #selfworth #acceptance #mearsureup #falsego #step6 #step7 #conundrum

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.

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

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.

Honoring the life of a longtime friend of the Be Here Network, Ralph De La Rosa, this special episode explores Ralph's wisdom on moving through trauma via the heart of compassion. If you'd like to honor Ralph De La Rosa's legacy by supporting his family, a GoFundMe has been created to help with the significant and unexpected expenses following his passing - Honoring Ralph's Life: Support their familyIn this conversation with Jackie Dobrinska from June 2024, Ralph shares his wisdom on the topics of:The nourishment that daily spiritual practice brought to Ralph's healing journeyRalph's difficulties with mental health, bullying, neurodivergence, and gender non-conformityHow spiritual bypassing can distract from real healing and disconnect us from realityThe myth of constant happiness and why true bliss involves emotional depthCultivating self-compassion to transform trauma, fear, and emotional heartbreakHealing from the inside out by embracing pain as a teacher and guideA 20-minute guided meditation/compassion practice led by RalphRalph's transformative rehab experience and introduction to Buddhist teachingsDeveloping an embodied sense of self-love, safety, and inner affectionExploring subjective perception and rewriting our personal and collective narrativesUsing curiosity as a stepping stone when we are struggling to get to compassionHealing trauma by reconnecting with the inner child (with therapeutic support)Acknowledging our defense mechanisms and communicating with the parts of ourselves that are stuck in survival modeLetting go of past emotional residue and rebuilding trust in the heart's wisdomUnderstanding the difference between real love/compassion and codependent patterns/poor boundariesToday's episode is sponsored by Reunion & Dharma Seed:Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.orgJoin Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Ralph De La Rosa:Ralph De La Rosa (he/they) was a teacher of human spirituality, an internationally published author and a trauma-focused psychotherapist. Ralph worked in private practice and was a seasoned meditation teacher known for his radically open and humorous teaching style. He was personally mentored by Richard Schwartz, founder and developer of Internal Family Systems. Check out Ralph's book, Outshining Trauma, which focuses on trauma and radical self-compassion. Learn more about Ralph on his website.“We're all holding traumas. We've all been bruised by life in large or small ways. What that is, is an invitation to find and open the heart of compassion, the heart of loving kindness that already exists within you. It's right there.” – Ralph De La RosaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's guest is Ray Raghunath Cappo, a hardcore punk singer and pioneer of the straight-edge movement in NYC during the ‘80s who is now a devoted Bhakti yoga practitioner. Touching on his story in his recently published memoir, Punk to Monk (2024), Ray shares his transformative journey from being a leader of the globally-recognized punk band Youth of Today to a spiritual leader, teacher, and advocate of yoga.In this conversation, Ray reflects on his journey as a monk, the importance of finding balance in life, and the concept of Seva – service – in spirituality. The discussion also highlights how yoga serves as a path to self-discovery and the significance of serving others as a means to connect with a higher purpose and why men should get into yoga.Check out Ray's book, on our website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/recs-books-gearConnect with Ray✩ From Punk to Monk by Ray Cappo: https://amzn.to/43hAYlz✩ Website: https://www.raghunath.yoga/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/raghunathyoga✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raghunathyogi/✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaghunathYogaSupport and stay connected with the GTY community✩ Website: https://www.gtypodcast.com/⁠✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtypodcast/✩ Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@guystalkingyogapodcast⁠✩ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/guystalkingyoga⁠Check out Yoga For Dudes with Larry✩ Website: https://www.yogafordudes.com/✩ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC4yM9Mv-q7fA8VKBEyzt27A

Gil Fronsdal explores why we suffer and how we can meet our suffering with a supportive presence for the benefit of ourselves and all beings. In this episode, Gil thoughtfully discusses:Becoming like a wise & peaceful snake, shedding our skin from time to timeHow mindfulness practice can contain the goal of cessation of greed, hatred, and delusionHow clinging creates emotional stress, mental pain, and spiritual sufferingNotice the “aah” of skillful action versus the “ouch” of unskillful action as we develop awarenessBeing present for the depth of suffering in the human heartBringing the qualities of the awakened mind in to meet our suffering and help us release itHelping our suffering feel safe and remembering that all suffering can be put to restThe ability to stay with our experiences without clinging and with a sense of wellbeing Meeting our suffering for ourselves and to show the way for othersPracticing mindfulness with sincerity, consistency, and heartfelt dedicationThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp & Dharma Seed:Join Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIToday's podcast is also brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.About Gil Fronsdal:Gil Fronsdal is the co-teacher for the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, California; he has been teaching since 1990. He has practiced Zen and Vipassana in the U.S. and Asia since 1975. He was a Theravada monk in Burma in 1985, and in 1989 began training with Jack Kornfield to be a Vipassana teacher. Gil teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center where he is part of its Teachers Council. Gil was ordained as a Soto Zen priest at the San Francisco Zen Center in 1982, and in 1995 received Dharma Transmission from Mel Weitsman, the abbot of the Berkeley Zen Center. He currently serves on the SF Zen Center Elders' Council. In 2011 he founded IMC's Insight Retreat Center. He is the author of The Issue at Hand, essays on mindfulness practice; A Monastery Within; a book on the five hindrances called Unhindered; and the translator of The Dhammapada, published by Shambhala Publications. You may listen to Gil's talks on Audio Dharma.This recording was originally published on Dharmaseed.orgNo matter what it is, suffering is always an activity that can be put to rest, that can stop. Suffering is not the deepest thing in you. It doesn't have to define you, it's not all of who you are." – Gil Fronsdal See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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

#suit up show up #acceptance #control #my side of the street #service #perspective on happiness #change #conscious decision

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. ⸻

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.

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

When the devotees first went to India, Prabhupāda was there, and he invited devotees to come over because he wanted to show what happened. You know, he went alone to America, and he comes back with all these Americans. In India, at the time, people were looking to Americans and go, like, 'How are we going to catch up to these guys? We want what they have.' And then Prabhupāda plays this trick on them, where he comes to America, he gets all these Westerners, and he comes back with a big airplane full of Westerners. 'Here you go. They want what you are supposed to want, which is pure love for God.' In Surat, devotees went there, and they were having kīrtana, and people came out of their houses, and they were grabbing the dust after the devotees walked there, so much so that there were holes in the road! And devotees were surprised and taken aback, and they asked Prabhupāda later, 'Why were they doing that?' And he said, 'Because you follow the four regulative principles and you chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, anywhere you go in the world, you'll be honored because of them.' The greatest desire one can have is what Prahlāda Mahārāja showed us: 'Oh my Lord, if I have any desire within my heart, let it be no material desire, only the desire to serve You.' So we have the stark examples: Hiraṇyakaśipu—boo! And then you have Prahlāda Mahārāja, he's worshipable to us. In fact, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, when He would sit with Gadādhara Paṇḍita to hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, He wanted to hear that story over and over again. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta told all his disciples to read Prahlāda 108 times. Hear that story over and over and over and over again, and he's famous, Prahlada Maharaja. He's famous all over the world because of that. ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

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

समर्पण ही भक्ति Samarpan Hi Bhakti ::: May 2025 : Voice Divine -The Internet Radio

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.

Embodied awareness practitioner Jill Satterfield joins Raghu to unpack how meditative poses, creativity, and slowing down can help us release pain, move energy, and heal somatically.In this delightful episode of the Mindrolling Podcast, Raghu and Jill Satterfield converse about:Out-of-body experiences through immersive art and altered states of consciousnessJill's college days and spiritual insights from taking peyote in the desert Finding a spiritual path through chronic pain and emotional sufferingHow trauma and pain disconnect us from bodily awarenessThe physiological impact of imagination on the body and nervous system How meditative and yogic poses can open areas of our body & psyche for exploration Witnessing processes within the body via ‘slowing down, staying in something, and moving energy'Somatic healing during retreat and bringing concentration into the body Adaptive postures for meditation and yoga, and allowing flexibility within our practiceThe benefit of curiosity for altering our perspectives and opening the heart Noticing that pain is an umbrella for many feelings, including some that are pleasant or interesting Today's episode is sponsored by Reunion & Dharma Seed:Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.orgJoin Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Jill Satterfield:Jill Satterfield has been a quiet pioneer in the integration of embodied awareness practices and Buddhist teachings for over 30 years. Her heart/mind and body approach developed from somatic and contemplative psychology, 35 years of Buddhist study, extensive meditation retreat time and decades of living with chronic pain. At the invitation of her primary teacher, Ajahn Amaro, Jill was the first to offer mindful movement and somatic practices on silent retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and then the Insight Meditation Society 30 years ago. She has developed teacher trainings and mentoring programs that integrate embodied awareness with Dharma ever since. Learn more about Jill's numerous offerings on her website. "Imagination creates a physiological response. What you imagine changes your body—it changes your mind. If you're thinking about your guru, your teacher, someone you love, it changes your body." – Jill SatterfieldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded live at the 2022 Summer Mountain Retreat, Sharon Salzberg, Robert Thurman, and Raghu Markus explore the true essence of love through the lenses of service, social action, and selflessness.Today's podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.Come join us this year at the 2025 Summer Mountain Retreat in Boone, North CarolinaIn this episode, Sharon, Robert, and Raghu hold a discussion on:Reframing love as an ability we can develop, rather than a fleeting emotion Taking responsibility for love—actively cultivating it instead of waiting for it to arriveRecognizing authentic love as a deep sense of connectionUnderstanding the etymology of metta, the Buddhist concept of loving-kindness and the sincere wish for another's happinessConsidering if we can genuinely wish happiness for others if we are not happy ourselvesIdentifying the pitfalls of ego-driven self-love and how it disrupts true bliss and spiritual connectionMoving beyond spiritual ego—being real and grounded instead of feeling superior for simply meditatingReflecting on how Ram Dass radiated full, compassionate attention to everyone around himEmbracing love as the most powerful unseen force in the universe Learning to forget ourselves and awaken true happiness through compassion and loving-awarenessFacing the challenge of practicing loving-awareness with those closest to us—often the hardest test of allThis episode is sponsored by Dharma Seed:Join Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Sharon Salzberg:Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed five million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond. Learn more about Sharon and her books at www.sharonsalzberg.comAbout Robert Thurman:Robert Thurman is the Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies in the Department of Religion at Columbia University and President of the Tibet House U.S., and is the President of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. His new book, Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, is now available.About Raghu Markus:Raghu Markus spent two years in India with Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. He has been involved in music and transformational media since the early 1970s. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Love Serve Remember Foundation and hosts the Mindrolling Podcast on the Be Here Now Network. Along with Duncan Trussell, Raghu also recently co-created The Movie of Me to the Movie of We.“When I thought of love as a feeling, it was also a commodity. It was in someone else's hands and they could bestow it upon me, or, they could take it away from me…when I think of it as an ability, it's a capacity within me that other people might awaken or inspire or threaten, but ultimately it's mine. It's mine to tender, it's my responsibility.”– Sharon SalzbergSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

Diving into the cosmic drama of reality, Alan Watts describes the world as a divine dream which is poetic, playful, and only sometimes serious.Being in the Way is brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation. Visit Alanwatts.org for full talks from Alan Watts.On this episode of Being in the Way, Alan Watts:Exploring how we get caught in the cosmic game and drama of lifeSeeing the universe as the playful expression of divine energyQuestioning identity: the tension between acting and simply being.Confronting the spiritual taboo of realizing the self as God—tat tvam asi.Indirect awareness of the networks and systems in the physical world Music and the pure delight in complex orders of soundEmbracing the paradox of existence as poetic, musical, and playful, while still being serious.Considering all of the senses as forms of one, larger sense of touchThe oneness of up and down, black and white, being and non-being Complexities of human culture that arise out of duality Today's podcast is sponsored by Betterhelp & Dharma Seed:Being in the Way is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/alan and get on your way to being your best self.Join Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTI"The real taboo is 'that art thou'. You, lurking behind the mask of being an impermanent human person, are really responsible for the whole thing. If anybody claims that in our culture, we put them straight away into an asylum. That is the very hallmark of insanity. But, in India, if someone suddenly wakes up one morning and says 'My goodness, I'm God', everybody says, instead of you're crazy or blasphemous, they say 'Congratulations, at last you've found out'". – Alan WattsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textRahul and Knowe Rata explore the dance between spiritual awakening and human experience, discussing how to remain authentic while grounded in awareness. They share insights on bhakti yoga, the power of silence, and the nature of consciousness beyond physical death.• Knowe shares his journey into spirituality that began in his teens through meditation and evolved through Buddhist groups and bhakti yoga• Both discuss the importance of looking after the physical body on the spiritual path without becoming rigid or puritanical• Bhakti yoga and devotion create profound openings through their meditative singing and surrender to something higher• Silence emerges as perhaps the ultimate spiritual teaching, transmitting truth beyond what words can express• They explore how spiritual communities must adapt to artificial intelligence while providing experiences AI cannot replicate• Death is contemplated as a beautiful reminder of life's temporality while consciousness itself never truly dies• Both emphasize staying authentic on the spiritual path rather than creating separate "spiritual personas"• The paradoxical nature of awakening involves being fully human while recognizing one's boundless true natureDo follow Knowe's YouTube channel and listen to his wisdom  @KnoweRata Support this channel by joining this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEQmXLNdTDOa_7b7J0zO0ew/joinSupport me via Paypal: https://www.paypal.biz/beardedmysticJoin our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/hnRf7wESwX Visit my website: https://www.thebeardedmysticpodcast.com/Buy The Bearded Mystic Podcast Merch: https://thebeardedmysticpodcast.myshopify.com/Want a one-on-one spiritual discussion with The Bearded Mystic - book here: https://www.thebeardedmysticpodcast.com/p/spiritual-discussion/You can follow me and contact me on social media:TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMdk3HPJh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeardedmysticpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBeardedMysticPodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Bearded-Mystic-PodcastBluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/beardedmystic.bsky.socialBecome a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/thebeardedmysticpodcastSupport the show

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

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)

#recovery first #tried and true #commitment #karma #maturity #comparing my insides with others outsides

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)

Dr. Melinda Edwards sits down with Raghu for a journey through psyche and spirit, revealing the doorways that led her out of trauma, into healing, and ultimately home to her heart. This time on Mindrolling, Raghu and Dr. Melinda Edwards discuss:How Dr. Melinda Edwards grew up as a child of medical missionaries in Guatemala The build-up of trauma in Dr. Edwards' life and how it manifested as an eating disorderHow meeting Ram Dass transformed Melinda's life and guided her to Neem Karoli BabaRam Dass' example of holding unconditional love and compassionate presence for othersUsing our issues and contractions as an individualized path forward for spiritual growth Considering the value of psychedelics for accelerating a spiritual journey The powerful impact of full commitment and surrender during meditation retreatsAddressing common misconceptions about autism and how autistic individuals process emotionsDr. Melinda's experience teaching her daughter “how to be human” and to navigate this chaotic worldLiving Darshan, Dr. Edwards' non-profit, aimed at increasing the understanding of neurodiversity The challenge and importance of keeping our hearts open, even in moments of resistanceFinding shared humanity in the people and traits we fear, reject, or dislike in othersFacing our inner rage, grief, and pain in response to the global political and emotional climateThis episode is sponsored by Reunion & Dharma Seed:Mindrolling is brought to you by Reunion. Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code “BeHere250” when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.orgJoin Krishna Das, the most well-known voice of Bhakti chanting (Kirtan) in the West, and David Nichtern - a senior Buddhist teacher, founder of Dharma Moon, guitarist in Krishna Das' band, and producer of several of his albums - for a warm and engaging conversation about these two paths, their shared roots, and how they intersect in contemporary spiritual practice. Learn more about this FREE online gathering - THE HEART & MIND OF PRACTICE: BUDDHISM & BHAKTIAbout Dr. Melinda Edwards:Melinda Edwards, MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, SC. Her medical training and her life's journey home to her own heart inform her work as a psychiatrist. Supporting others in their discovery of the love that we all are is one of her greatest joys. She is the founder of the 501c3 nonprofit organization Living Darshan and is the author of Psyche & Spirit: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter's Autism. Keep up with Dr. Edwards on her website or on her Instagram."Our psychology, our contractions, our issues, whatever comes up is itself the doorway back home to our hearts. Isn't that a miracle? Each of us has a perfectly individualized path laid out right in front of our noses each moment." – Melinda Edwards, MDSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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