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Immersing listeners in hope and optimism, author Anne Lamott helps listeners cultivate resilience through stories of honesty and service.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.In this episode, Anne Lamott holds a talk on:Service to others and selflessness as a clear path to hopeListening to the one-man band of our inner selves The Three A's in the 12-step program: Awareness, Acceptance, ActionAllowing ourselves to feel the pain all around us, in the world, in our families, etc.Remembering that there is a solution to everything and that it is always spiritual Reframing death as a step to new life and regeneration Generosity as a natural human tendency that can be tapped into Talking to ourselves as if we are our most cherished friend Paying attention to the beauty in life and within ourselvesCheck out the book recommended by Anne, A Distant Mirror. "Service is always a path to hope. When we can get out of ourselves and be there for others, it's what heaven will be like—what heaven on earth is like." – Anne LamottAbout Anne Lamott: Anne Lamott is the New York Times best-selling author of many books, including collections of essays, novels, and long-form non-fiction, including the classic writing manual Bird by Bird and child-rearing memoir Operating Instructions. In addition to being a novelist and nonfiction writer, Lamott is also a progressive political activist, public speaker, and writing teacher. Keep up with Anne on Instagram.This episode is also brought to you by Dharma Moon.Join Senior Buddhist Teacher David Nichtern for a provocative and playful online discussion exploring the profound practices of mindfulness and the journey of becoming a meditation teacher.Learn more and sign up for a free online talk about becoming a meditation teacher with David at dharmamoon.com/deepening.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this intriguing and often hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a natural pattern in life and spirituality: moving from simplicity to complexity, and then back again. On the spiritual journey, we may wrestle with perplexing questions: Who am I? Is there God? Is the world real? Is it all an illusion? We speak of “the sound of one hand clapping” or “being here now,” and sometimes it can feel as if spiritual guides are muddying the waters just to make them seem deep. But it's possible to emerge on the other side of these tangled spiritual riddles and discover the simplicity of divine love — a simplicity that carries within it the depth and wisdom gained along the way. Key Takeaways: * The recurring life pattern: from simplicity to complexity and back to a refined simplicity. * How the search for truth can lead to ever-deepening — and sometimes overly complex — spiritual riddles. * Why divine love, though simple in expression, contains the deepest wisdom. * The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam's portrayal of pure, selfless love in Yaśodā's relationship with Kṛṣṇa. * The difference between naive, material love and enlightened, spiritual love. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.1-9 ********************************************************************* 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
This week we've got another special episode with HAF's Devala Rees. This time we're talking about why HAF has been using the term Hindu Dharma Traditions wherever it makes sense, rather than Hinduism. Plus how many different traditions there are under that banner, their similarities, differences, and how they relate to other dharma traditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this intriguing and often hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a natural pattern in life and spirituality: moving from simplicity to complexity, and then back again. On the spiritual journey, we may wrestle with perplexing questions: Who am I? Is there God? Is the world real? Is it all an illusion? We speak of “the sound of one hand clapping” or “being here now,” and sometimes it can feel as if spiritual guides are muddying the waters just to make them seem deep. But it's possible to emerge on the other side of these tangled spiritual riddles and discover the simplicity of divine love — a simplicity that carries within it the depth and wisdom gained along the way. Key Takeaways: * The recurring life pattern: from simplicity to complexity and back to a refined simplicity. * How the search for truth can lead to ever-deepening — and sometimes overly complex — spiritual riddles. * Why divine love, though simple in expression, contains the deepest wisdom. * The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam's portrayal of pure, selfless love in Yaśodā's relationship with Kṛṣṇa. * The difference between naive, material love and enlightened, spiritual love. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.1-9 ********************************************************************* 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
From ancient yoga texts to modern science, many agree: reality is whole — but our minds chop it into fragments. Feeling incomplete, we try to patch ourselves together with external “pieces” — the right spouse, the perfect home, children, financial security, status. But those fragments never deliver true wholeness. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the illusion of fragmentation and turn to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, where Nanda Mahārāja welcomes the sage Garga and recognizes a deeper kind of fullness in him — one that can't be bought, lost, or taken away. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.1-9 ********************************************************************* 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
I've been following Tyler Childers for quite a while now. He's always been an impressive songwriter to me, telling stories of his native Appalachia with his own twists and turns. His new album Snipe Hunter just takes things to the next level. He writes about deer hunting, foraging mushrooms, exploring Hinduism and Australia. The album is all over the place, but in a really fascinating way. As a guy who grew up in a hunting family, exploring nature this album makes me feel seen. I just don't have enough good things to say about this record, and I say a lot! I hope you dig it!
From ancient yoga texts to modern science, many agree: reality is whole — but our minds chop it into fragments. Feeling incomplete, we try to patch ourselves together with external “pieces” — the right spouse, the perfect home, children, financial security, status. But those fragments never deliver true wholeness. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the illusion of fragmentation and turn to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, where Nanda Mahārāja welcomes the sage Garga and recognizes a deeper kind of fullness in him — one that can't be bought, lost, or taken away. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.1-9 ********************************************************************* 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
Reality is stranger than we think, and this episode may rewire how you think about what's possible. Raghunath and Kaustubha draw surprising connections between groundbreaking discoveries in quantum physics and the apparently impossible events described in ancient yoga texts like the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Blaise Pascal's “infinite sphere” meets Mother Yaśodā's jaw-dropping vision of the entire universe in little Krishna's mouth — and even the science of quantum superposition and entanglement finds its place in the conversation. The takeaway? The laws of physics you learned in school might only apply to a tiny corner of reality. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.7.26-37 ********************************************************************* 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
Brahmacharya, or non-indulgence, involves maintaining a sattvic (peaceful) state by avoiding excessive comfort and staying physically active with mindful practices like japa. It encourages using convenience as a tool, not a trap. Asteya, or non-arrogating, goes beyond not stealing to include humility—acknowledging that we are part of a greater whole.In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.
Reality is stranger than we think, and this episode may rewire how you think about what's possible. Raghunath and Kaustubha draw surprising connections between groundbreaking discoveries in quantum physics and the apparently impossible events described in ancient yoga texts like the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Blaise Pascal's “infinite sphere” meets Mother Yaśodā's jaw-dropping vision of the entire universe in little Krishna's mouth — and even the science of quantum superposition and entanglement finds its place in the conversation. The takeaway? The laws of physics you learned in school might only apply to a tiny corner of reality. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.7.26-37 ********************************************************************* 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
The great sages of ancient India understood the stories of Krishna to be far more than charming children's tales. Through the sophisticated lens of the Sanskrit science of drama, they revealed just how richly structured and deeply meaningful these pastimes are — spiritual dramas designed to awaken devotion and evoke profound yogic experience. This episode explores how spiritual life must be alive and nourished with emotion. As Abraham Joshua Heschel observed, when faith is replaced by creed, worship by discipline, love by habit — and when religion speaks in the name of authority rather than with a voice of compassion — its message becomes meaningless. Krishna's pastimes restore that life and compassion, stirring joy, longing, fear, and relief in the hearts of the residents of Vṛndāvana, and awakening the same divine emotions within us. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.7.20-26 ********************************************************************* 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
The great sages of ancient India understood the stories of Krishna to be far more than charming children's tales. Through the sophisticated lens of the Sanskrit science of drama, they revealed just how richly structured and deeply meaningful these pastimes are — spiritual dramas designed to awaken devotion and evoke profound yogic experience. This episode explores how spiritual life must be alive and nourished with emotion. As Abraham Joshua Heschel observed, when faith is replaced by creed, worship by discipline, love by habit — and when religion speaks in the name of authority rather than with a voice of compassion — its message becomes meaningless. Krishna's pastimes restore that life and compassion, stirring joy, longing, fear, and relief in the hearts of the residents of Vṛndāvana, and awakening the same divine emotions within us. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.7.20-26 ********************************************************************* 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
Spirituality and success are not mutually exclusive endeavors. You don't have to give up all your possessions and move to a cave in India to meditate in solitude in order to find happiness. Steve Jobs showed us that you can be spiritual and successful. He showed us how spirituality can actually lead to greater success. And he shared how spirituality actually led to him being able to enjoy instead of losing himself in the insatiable desire for more.In this podcast, I share the 3 most important lessons Steve Jobs taught us about spiritual success. I discuss how we can all implement the lessons he learned for manifesting our dreams. And I talk about how to use spirituality for greater clarity, to handle stress better, and for tapping into our highest wisdom and creativity.Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.*****If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here. Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.
Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a bold truth drawn from the bhakti-yoga tradition and Ralph Waldo Emerson: that real spiritual power isn't loud—it's earned quietly through honesty, humility, and freedom from envy. They discuss how small, virtuous choices—especially when no one is watching—build a subtle force that gives one's words and presence lasting impact. The episode flows from reflections on Vedic brāhmaṇas to personal stories of ethical tension, spiritual parenting, and learning to let go with grace. It's about becoming powerful not by dominating others—but by mastering oneself. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.7.8-19 ********************************************************************* 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
Opening our hearts in practice, Trudy Goodman takes us through her Jellyroll meditation to encourage the expansion of metta from the self to others.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.In this episode, Trudy Goodman illuminates:The heart's natural capacity to love and heal—reclaiming our birthright to compassionBeginning metta (lovingkindness) practice with those we deeply love and who love us in returnFeeling into the warmth, care, and well-wishes from those we visualize in our meditationSoftening the mental walls that block us from receiving love and emotional supportPowerful metta phrases to offer ourselves and othersEmbracing radical self-love—accepting ourselves just as we areExpanding lovingkindness to those we feel neutral about, widening our circle of careExtending compassion and goodwill even toward those we struggle withUsing the power of imagination to radiate boundless love to all beings everywhereThis recording was originally published on Dharmaseed.About Trudy Goodman:Trudy is a Vipassana teacher in the Theravada lineage and the Founding Teacher of InsightLA. For 25 years, in Cambridge, MA, Trudy practiced mindfulness-based psychotherapy with children, teenagers, couples and individuals. Trudy conducts retreats, engages in activism work, and teaches workshops worldwide and online. She is also the voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in the Netflix series, The Midnight Gospel. You can learn more about Trudy's flourishing array of wonderful offerings at TrudyGoodman.com “It's also a great practice to offer some loving kindness to the difficult parts of yourself. The parts you wish you could just have an 'ectomy' and get rid of them. A shame-ectomy or a blame-ectomy, whatever parts of yourself you find difficult to love, just hold them in some tenderness and care." – Trudy GoodmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a bold truth drawn from the bhakti-yoga tradition and Ralph Waldo Emerson: that real spiritual power isn't loud—it's earned quietly through honesty, humility, and freedom from envy. They discuss how small, virtuous choices—especially when no one is watching—build a subtle force that gives one's words and presence lasting impact. The episode flows from reflections on Vedic brāhmaṇas to personal stories of ethical tension, spiritual parenting, and learning to let go with grace. It's about becoming powerful not by dominating others—but by mastering oneself. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.7.8-19 ********************************************************************* 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
Even on paths designed for deep transformation, we often resist the very changes that would liberate us. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the symbolic meaning of the cart demon (Śakaṭāsura) from Krishna's pastimes—and how it represents the dead weight we carry in the form of outdated beliefs, mechanical rituals, and spiritual pride. Drawing on insights from Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they challenge us to ask: are we actually changing, or just performing? If you've ever felt like you're dragging around a cart full of spiritual dead weight, this one's for you. ********************************************************************* 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
Even on paths designed for deep transformation, we often resist the very changes that would liberate us. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the symbolic meaning of the cart demon (Śakaṭāsura) from Krishna's pastimes—and how it represents the dead weight we carry in the form of outdated beliefs, mechanical rituals, and spiritual pride. Drawing on insights from Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they challenge us to ask: are we actually changing, or just performing? If you've ever felt like you're dragging around a cart full of spiritual dead weight, this one's for you. ********************************************************************* 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
If your view of God is stuck in an outdated mold—cold, distant, or ready to punish—you might be long overdue for an upgrade. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how Krishna's extraordinary affection cuts through both atheistic cynicism and impersonal detachment, replacing them with a vision of divine love. Through the story of Krishna and Pūtana, discover a God who blesses even those who try to harm Him, a spiritual path that goes beyond wave-less liberation into the ocean of bliss, and why adding Krishna to life transforms every season—good or bad.
In order for us to be able to care for others, we must first care for ourselves by letting go of practices such as self-criticism and doubt. Ahimsa (non-harming) is not only about refraining from causing harm to others - it also applies to ourselves. By switching from having a reactive mind to a more reflective intellect, we can make choices that support our needs instead of our wants. Focusing on convenience over comfort fosters the idea of aparigraha (non-possessing) and helps us prioritize peace over attachment. In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.
If your view of God is stuck in an outdated mold—cold, distant, or ready to punish—you might be long overdue for an upgrade. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how Krishna's extraordinary affection cuts through both atheistic cynicism and impersonal detachment, replacing them with a vision of divine love. Through the story of Krishna and Pūtana, discover a God who blesses even those who try to harm Him, a spiritual path that goes beyond wave-less liberation into the ocean of bliss, and why adding Krishna to life transforms every season—good or bad.
It's Tuesday, August 5th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson with help from Timothy Reed Home evictions of Christians in Chhattisgarh, India continue Hundreds of Indian Christians have been evicted from their homes and banned from their villages in the district of Chhattisgarh because of their faith in Christ. International Christian Concern reports that Abishek was brutally attacked and forced out of his home along with his 2-month-old daughter. They did not know where they would sleep that night. Despite his sudden hardship, he will not return to Hinduism. Abishek said, “We are determined to follow Jesus, no matter what.” He has built his own shelter with polythene covers. He still struggles to find regular work, sometimes six miles from home. He added, “Almost every day when I travel, I think of my family back in the village. Wild thoughts haunt me of ‘What if my family is attacked again? What if they are tortured in my absence?' When I pray to God, my heart is peaceful, and I am comforted through the messages I hear during the Sunday worship.” Argentina's Javier Milei standing strong to get deficit paid off Argentinian President Javier Milei is standing firm against any government funding increases. He has vetoed increased funding for the nation's social security or pension program. Plus, he vetoed another bill passed by the National Congress of Argentina which would have provided pensions for persons with disabilities. Milei insists upon what he calls a “deficit zero.” The goal of zeroing out the deficit is, in his words, “non-negotiable.” Sadly, private charity is not doing well in Argentina. When asked “Have you donated money to charity in the last month?” Gallup discovered that Argentina was 112th on the list for 2024, according to the Buenos Aires Herald. The Scriptures encourage private charity in Deuteronomy 15:11. It says, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.'” Economies of Germany, Hungary, and Russia are stagnating Europe's largest economy is faltering. Germany's economy is the worst in the world for growth, as the nation faces a third consecutive year of recession. The economy shrunk in 2023 and 2024. Now, 2025 isn't looking much better Hungary and Russia are facing stagnant economies as well. But on the positive side, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are seeing 6-7% growth in Gross National Income per person this fiscal year. Church of Wales selects lesbian “Archbishop” The utterly apostate Church of Wales has appointed a lesbian named Cherry Vann to head their organization as what they refer to as an “archbishop.” She lives in sexual sin with her lesbian girlfriend named Wendy Diamond. This follows the church's approval of homosexual unions in 2021. Weekly attendance with this national church has dropped off to 0.8% of the population down from 4% in the 1980s. Other denominations only claim about 0.6% of the population. Also, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland have adopted homosexual marriage ceremonies. Over in England, King Charles III has yet to appoint another Archbishop of Canterbury, after the previous archbishop resigned in the midst of scandal. Matthew 21:18 relates a similar story: “Now in the morning, as [Jesus] returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately, the fig tree withered away.” Trump upset with India for doing business with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rebuke to India for doing business with Russia, and funding the Russo-Ukrainian War, by purchasing Russian oil. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imports from India, beginning this month, and promises more due to India's partnership with Russia. India now purchases 35-40% of its crude oil from Russia, up from 0.2% before the Russo-Ukrainian War, averaging around 1.8 million barrels per day. China and India constitute Russia's strongest trade partners. China, India, and Russia's Gross Domestic Product combined total $25 trillion. Together, these three economies are about equal to the GDP of the United States. Tensions rise between U.S. and Russia President Donald Trump has ordered nuclear submarines to be on standby near Russia as tensions rise between the United States and Russia. The order came following threats of nuclear retaliation from Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. Trump responded to the threat on his social media platform called Truth Social. He wrote, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.” Religious groups sue over ICE raids in churches A number of Christian and religious groups, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church and American Baptist Churches USA, have filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts. They're challenging the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to raid churches and religious facilities. The case is being represented by a legal group called Democracy Forward. Reverend Lisa Dunson of the Alliance of Baptists stated, “Raids on Houses of Worship desecrate sacred spaces, violate religious freedom, and spread fear among those seeking peace and refuge.” The Department of Homeland Security has said that criminals will no longer be allowed to hide at churches or schools. Fewer Americans receiving COVID-19 boosters And finally, a new poll found that most Americans are wary of receiving a COVID-19 booster shot this fall. Fifty-nine percent of Americans are completely opposed to the shot or unlikely to receive one, compared to just 40% of Americans who are planning to receive a booster. Republicans are demonstrably less likely to get the shot than Democrats. And the elderly plan to receive boosters at a higher rate than younger generations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 shot recommendation for pregnant women and healthy children earlier this year. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 5th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
At 18, Mike faced a life-changing near-death experience that began his search for truth. Deep into rock music, eastern religions, and New Age practices, he passionately sought enlightenment—until he encountered Jesus. Discover how his powerful spiritual awakening revealed the stark differences between New Age beliefs and biblical truth, forever transforming his life.Listen on Podcast Spotify Podcast ⇨ https://spoti.fi/3RBKdq3Apple Podcast ⇨ https://apple.co/3evzCuuConnect with ushttps://www.facebook.com/delafetestimonieshttps://www.instagram.com/delafetestimonies/Connect with MikeYoutube ⇨ https://www.youtube.com/mikeshreveministriesTwitter ⇨ www.twitter.com/findtruelightFacebook ⇨ www.facebook.com/mrshreveWebsite ⇨ www.shreveministries.orgAdditional linksTo Catholics with Love ⇨ www.toCatholicswithlove.orgThe True Light ⇨ www.thetruelight.netCredits:Testimony by Michael ShreveDirected by Eric Villatoro Interviewed by Eric Villatoro Edited By Joshua GayleAudio Mixed by Paul Nicholas Production Assistant: Darvin RamirezTestimony Recorded in Nashville, TennesseeDelafé Testimonies is a global evangelistic project with the mission of creating the world's largest archive of Jesus testimonies until His return. Chapters00:00 Introduction00:22 Searching for God after a Near Death Experience01:44 Being Introduced to Yoga and Hinduism06:11 Hindus Also Believe in Only One God11:27 Moving to Tampa13:36 A Letter from a Friend18:56 Giving My Life to Jesus While Hitchhiking26:58 Knowing I Had Found the Truth29:52 Preaching the Gospel to My Yoga Class31:59 The Truth about Yoga 36:41 True vs. False Worship38:54 Hinduism vs. The Teachings of Jesus41:29 Why I No Longer Believe in Reincarnation45:20 The Truth about Pantheism and Kundalini51:57 Jesus is the Only Way53:53 The Yoga Movement and the End Times56:37 Where the Phrase “New Age” Come From1:01:34 Why Crystals and Tarot Cards are Witchcraft1:04:54 Why Share All of This?1:09:06 Who is Jesus To You?1:13:58 The Reality of Spiritual Warfare1:18:23 Prayer1:21:16 Final WordsKundalini YOGA TEACHER Gives His Life to Jesus!
Beneath all our spiritual searching may lie a hidden fear: the fear of the personal Divine. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how that fear hardens one's hearts—limiting one to the impersonal paths of liberation that feel safe but ultimately empty. Through the texts like the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, we uncover how vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the doorway to the deepest yoga, where love becomes real and the Supreme reveals His infinitely sweet, personal nature. Key Highlights: * “To love is to be vulnerable… and only in risk can we overcome darkness.” – Madeleine L'Engle * How our fear of surrender creates emotional armor that blocks love. * Why impersonal liberation can feel peaceful—but cold, distant, and incomplete. * The Bhāgavatam's powerful call to soften the heart and trust the sweetness of the Divine. * Why true spiritual intimacy can feel risky—and why that risk is everything. Discover how the highest yoga is not about withdrawal, but about opening fully to divine love—and why texts like the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam go to such lengths to show us the beauty, tenderness, and kindness of the personal God. ********************************************************************* 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
To Be a Jesus Follower, You Must First Enter the Only Door to God's Kingdom and that Door is Jesus – the Door to Eternal Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: In John 14:6, Jesus says: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one come to the Father but through me.”. In Luke 13:23-25, Jesus is asked a pivotal question; and Jesus responded: “And someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?' And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.'”. It is not that Jesus does not want all to be saved, it is just that the “gate”, to our Salvation and Eternal Life, is “narrow” and difficult to enter. We enter Eternal Life through Jesus and Jesus alone, and so many miss this fundamental tenant of our Christian faith; and they miss knowing Jesus – Jesus is the door, the narrow door. Neither Islam, nor Hinduism, nor just “my personal religion” is the door – Jesus is the only door. TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 14:6; Mathew 3:1-3; John 4:1-5; Psalms 33a:1-11. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Sermons on the Amount, Part 3 - You are God's Supervisor” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta Part 2 Chapter 2 Text 60 kintu yajña-samāptau syād duḥkham antarhite prabhau vṛtte yajñāntare cāsya prādurbhāvāt punaḥ sukham TRANSLATION But at the end of each sacrifice, unhappiness would arise when the Lord disappeared; and when the Lord reappeared at the start of another sacrifice, happiness would begin again.
Beneath all our spiritual searching may lie a hidden fear: the fear of the personal Divine. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how that fear hardens one's hearts—limiting one to the impersonal paths of liberation that feel safe but ultimately empty. Through the texts like the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, we uncover how vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the doorway to the deepest yoga, where love becomes real and the Supreme reveals His infinitely sweet, personal nature. Key Highlights: * “To love is to be vulnerable… and only in risk can we overcome darkness.” – Madeleine L'Engle * How our fear of surrender creates emotional armor that blocks love. * Why impersonal liberation can feel peaceful—but cold, distant, and incomplete. * The Bhāgavatam's powerful call to soften the heart and trust the sweetness of the Divine. * Why true spiritual intimacy can feel risky—and why that risk is everything. Discover how the highest yoga is not about withdrawal, but about opening fully to divine love—and why texts like the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam go to such lengths to show us the beauty, tenderness, and kindness of the personal God. ********************************************************************* 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
Words hurt. The unkind words and actions of others can hurt far worse than physical pain. Physical pain is fleeting, but disappointment, betrayal, disrespect and cruelty can last a lifetime and change us forever.So what can we do? Is there a way for other people's words and actions not to effect us? Is it truly possible to stay at peace, even when you're home for Thanksgiving with all the people who know exactly how to push your buttons?In this podcast, I share the real reason we get upset. I talk about how to keep our peace despite terrible circumstances. And I discuss what to do when we find ourselves in those unbearable situations.Once we understand why we lose our cool, keeping it becomes easy.Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.*****If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here. Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.
When one is alone, their true thoughts, actions, and feelings show through. Through self-awareness, inquiry, and growth, one can let go of the constant thoughts and embrace the stillness of the mind. Unitasking, using planners, and undertaking more meaningful engagements can help us stop overthinking and shift our energy to grow.In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.
It's Friday, August 1st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christians evicted from their homes in Chhattisgarh, India Three years ago, Manu, a 37-year-old day laborer in Chhattisgarh, India, came to faith in Jesus after experiencing a miraculous healing. Then, roughly two months ago, he started to pay a price for his Christian faith, reports International Christian Concern. Manu said, “I was thrown out of my house because I follow Jesus.” He is one of the hundreds of Christians who have been evicted from their homes and banned from their villages in Chhattisgarh because of their faith in Christ. Hindu nationalists, who want India to be a purely Hindu nation, are increasingly forcing Christians to become homeless and destitute. The goal of the violent attacks is to force the believers to return to Hinduism. Manu, his wife, and their two children have taken shelter in a temporary bamboo shed since May 21. He said, “My children are getting sick ever since we moved into this shed. The small bamboo shed does not protect us from rain, wind, and extreme weather conditions. This shed was used as a chicken shed prior to our occupation, with no facilities for people to live.” The persecution didn't end with the family losing their property. Hindu villagers also shunned the family, preventing them from purchasing products from certain vendors and hindering Manu from securing employment. When asked what keeps him from giving up on his faith, Manu explained, “Jesus gave me life, He gave me peace, and I am willing to make any sacrifice and bear all these hardships. I know it's all worth it.” In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” House Speaker: Democrats never mentioned Epstein files during Biden's term Appearing with Family Research Council President Tony Perkins on Saturday's “This Week on Capitol Hill,” House Speaker Mike Johnson explained that the Democrats are using the Epstein files as a wedge issue. JOHNSON: “The Democrats have been engaging in a civil war. They're trying to determine if they're going to go full Marxism, like with [Zohran] Mamdani, their nominee for mayor of New York City, or if they're going to go Marxism Light with their woke progressive nonsense that they tried to hoist upon the people for the last four years. So, they found a wedge issue trying to manufacture some controversy with the so-called Epstein files. Here's the problem they have, Tony, with their hypocrisy. It's quite laughable. “Remember, the Biden Department of Justice had all of these files in their possession for the previous four years. Not one time did [House Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) or Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), or Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), or any of the Democrats who made so much noise over the last two weeks, not one time in the last four years that they mention the word Epstein at all. It's nowhere in their social media and their interviews or anything. And now, suddenly, it's the most important thing in the world. “We're not buying it, and I'm not going to allow them to drag the Congress into this. “The House Republicans are 100 percent united and 100 percent consistent, as we have been for many years regarding this matter. We want full transparency, total disclosure of all credible evidence. We want to and we must protect the innocent victims of those unspeakable crimes, trafficking and all the rest that were involved there. But it needs to be done in the right way.” The audacity of the Democrats surprises even House Speaker Johnson. JOHNSON: “They're trying to claim that this is some sort of cover-up. Remember, each of them were involved in orchestrating what was the largest political cover-up and political scandal in the history of the United States. And that was covering up for the rapid mental decline of the previous occupant of the White House. When Joe Biden was no longer fit to serve, they went out and tried to convince us of the opposite -- very, very dangerous stuff. They need to answer for that, and there needs to be a lot of accountability all the way around. And House Republicans are the ones urging that and pushing it along with every tool in our arsenal.” American Academy of Pediatrics says Trisomy 13 and 18 are not 'uniformly lethal' The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidance stating that the genetic disorders Trisomy 13 and 18 are not "uniformly lethal" and the practice of promoting abortion and "postnatal comfort care" for all children with the conditions is outdated, reports The Christian Post. The guidance, published July 21, notes the "steady increase in medical and surgical interventions for infants and children with trisomy 13 and 18.” The medical organization described the conditions as "chromosomal syndromes associated with a range of congenital anomalies and universally severe neurodevelopmental impairment." The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that about 12.3 percent of those with Trisomy 18 survive beyond their fifth birthday and 9.7 percent of children with Trisomy 13 survive as well. U.S. divorce and out-of-wedlock births are becoming less common The Institute for Family Studies is reporting that after many decades of increasing divorce, nonmarital childbearing, and children living in broken homes, current statistics show that the trends are either leveling off or reversing, reports The Washington Stand. The group notes that the largest shift has become apparent with divorce. After reaching a peak in the late '70s and early '80s, “the divorce rate has been falling in recent decades,” currently hitting a 50-year low. Divorce is less likely because “marriage has become more selective, with more educated, affluent, and religious couples becoming more likely to put a ring on it than the general population.” The Institute for Family Studies further observed that according to the most recent projections, the risk of first marriages ending in divorce is now around 40 percent, a significant drop from couples who married in the '80s and '90s, of whom 50 percent experienced divorce. Malachi 2:16 says, God “hates divorce.” Another factor contributing to more intact families is that the amount of children being born to unmarried women has leveled off. Children born out of wedlock peaked in 2009 and has plateaued ever since, remaining at roughly 40 percent over the last 15 years. Transgender Lady Liberty stirs debate at Smithsonian And finally, Amy Sherald is a 51-year-old woke artist who became famous for depicting the Statue of Liberty as black and transgender, reports Christian talk show host Todd Starnes. She also created a rendition of the famous World War Two Times Square kiss featuring two homosexual black men. And Sherald earned national acclaim for painting the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama. What an unusual combination – transgender statues, homosexual black men, and Michelle Obama. The National Portrait Gallery alerted the artist that they might remove her painting of “Transgender Lady Liberty” over fears it might anger President Donald Trump. Sherald accused the Smithsonian of censorship and pulled out of the exhibit. The White House, which believed that the painting all but desecrated one of our most sacred symbols, celebrated the development as a step toward restoring sanity in the taxpayer-funded art world. Starnes concluded, “The only person censoring Sherald's exhibit is in fact Sherald. And Lady Liberty is meant to inspire national unity – not pronoun confusion.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, August 1st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Gil Fronsdal reflects on Anicca, the Buddhist teaching often translated as impermanence, and offers a more precise lens for Western minds to understand its meaning.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.In this episode, Gil offers wisdom on:How to create inner conditions that support the natural arising of wisdomUnderstanding inconstancy as a flow of coming and going, not a fixed state of changeA powerful fable: The Emperor of China's quest for a painting that embodies peace and wisdomCalming the agitated, restless mind through meditation and mindful awarenessDiscovering true peace and safety within ourselves, rather than chasing it in the external worldThe value of noticing the flow of change and where our minds are caughtKnowing that it is not just the world that constantly changes, but also our perception of the worldFloating in the river of change rather than trying to swim against itSeeing Anicca through the lens of insight meditation 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.org"The mind is like a waterfall, furious and violent. There's not much peace in it. In that state, there's not much wisdom, not much clarity. This is one of the functions of meditation: to help us quiet the mind, settle it, and show the mind that there is an alternative to being restless and agitated. Teach the mind that the safety that it's looking for is found within.” – Gil Fronsdal See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta Part 2 Chapter 2 Text 58 tatas tān anumānyāham anaṅgī-kṛtya vipratām tatrāvasaṁ svato jāta- prājāpatya-mahā-sukhaiḥ TRANSLATION Therefore, while showing respect to the sages, I declined the status of a brāhmaṇa. But I stayed on Maharloka, enjoying the exalted pleasures that automatically appear in the world of the Prajāpatis.
Modern science meets bhakti wisdom: after 75 years of research, Harvard scientists concluded that good relationships—not wealth, fame, or even cholesterol—are the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how the bhakti tradition is built on the understanding that life is meant to soften our hearts and train us to live harmoniously with God and every living being. They contrast this meaningful, purpose-driven worldview with the atheist perspective that sees life as random and purposeless—and reveal how bhakti offers a far richer vision of why we're here, how we grow, and how we truly thrive. This theme comes alive as they read about the gopīs' “village science”—washing baby Krishna, chanting mantras, and placing divine names on His body—which illustrates a profound technology of sound and love. Far from superstition, these rituals reflect the healthiest patterns for human life: relationships rooted in service, affection, and divine connection. Key Highlights: * How Vedic “village science” anticipated modern discoveries in vibration and sound. * Why bhakti places relationships—with God, others, and all beings—at the center of spiritual life. * Rituals and mantras as technologies of divine love, not superstition. * And yes, bar-hanging might make you live longer… but bhakti makes life meaningful. Srimad Bhagavatam Texts 10.6.18-30 ********************************************************************* 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
Modern science meets bhakti wisdom: after 75 years of research, Harvard scientists concluded that good relationships—not wealth, fame, or even cholesterol—are the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how the bhakti tradition is built on the understanding that life is meant to soften our hearts and train us to live harmoniously with God and every living being. They contrast this meaningful, purpose-driven worldview with the atheist perspective that sees life as random and purposeless—and reveal how bhakti offers a far richer vision of why we're here, how we grow, and how we truly thrive. This theme comes alive as they read about the gopīs' “village science”—washing baby Krishna, chanting mantras, and placing divine names on His body—which illustrates a profound technology of sound and love. Far from superstition, these rituals reflect the healthiest patterns for human life: relationships rooted in service, affection, and divine connection. Key Highlights: * How Vedic “village science” anticipated modern discoveries in vibration and sound. * Why bhakti places relationships—with God, others, and all beings—at the center of spiritual life. * Rituals and mantras as technologies of divine love, not superstition. * And yes, bar-hanging might make you live longer… but bhakti makes life meaningful. Srimad Bhagavatam Texts 10.6.18-30 ********************************************************************* 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
In our self-development journey, the only way for one to grow from darkness or negativity, to the light or positivity is through achala (steadiness). In order for us to follow through on recognizing what is right, we need to create a clear and steady mind that is not overwhelmed but is instead inspired. In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.
Bṛhad-bhāgavatāmṛta Part 2 Chapter 2 Text 56 śrī-gopa-kumāra uvāca tac chrutvācintayaṁ brahman vaiśyatve syāt sukhaṁ mahat prabhor eṣāṁ ca viprāṇāṁ tad-bhaktānām upāsanāt TRANSLATION Śrī Gopa-kumāra said: Hearing this, O brāhmaṇa, I thought I would be much happier staying a vaiśya, for then I could keep worshiping both the Supreme Lord and those brāhmaṇas, His devotees.
Why isn't peaceful oneness our natural way of being? Why does it seem so hard to break free from our fears and pain? Why do we fall for the illusion of separateness? Why is there even this illusion that makes us suffer and feel alone?In this podcast, I get to the heart of why our thinking causes us so much misery. I talk about why we fall for illusions. I discuss the root cause of internal and external conflict in this world. And I share simple ways to root out those causes so we can live a life of peace and joy. We don't need to have a perfect life. We simply need to realize it's already perfect.Please enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.*****If you ever feel like my words brought a change in your life, and want to show your SUPPORT for what I am doing, click here. Find all of my BOOKS for wherever you are on your spiritual journey: https://www.eastwesticism.org/spiritual-meditation-books/Want to gift a book to a prisoner? Go here.
Much of world history is Indian history. Home today to one in four people, the subcontinent has long been densely populated and deeply connected to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas through migration and trade. In this magisterial history, Audrey Truschke tells the fascinating story of the region historically known as India--which includes today's India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan--and the people who have lived there. A sweeping account of five millennia, from the dawn of the Indus Valley Civilization to the twenty-first century, this engaging and richly textured narrative chronicles the most important political, social, religious, intellectual, and cultural events. And throughout, it describes how the region has been continuously reshaped by its astonishing diversity, religious and political innovations, and social stratification. Here, readers will learn about Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Sikhism; the Vedas and Mahabharata; Ashoka and the Mauryan Empire; the Silk Road; the Cholas; Indo-Persian rule; the Mughal Empire; European colonialism; national independence movements; the 1947 Partition of India; the recent rise of Hindu nationalism; the challenges of climate change; and much more. Emphasizing the diversity of human experiences on the subcontinent, the book presents a wide range of voices, including those of women, religious minorities, lower classes, and other marginalized groups. You cannot understand India today without appreciating its deeply contested history, which continues to drive current events and controversies. A comprehensive and innovative book, India is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the past, present, or future of the subcontinent. Audrey Truschke is professor of South Asian history at Rutgers University, Newark. She is the bestselling author of Aurangzeb: The Life and Legacy of India's Most Controversial King and other books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Much of world history is Indian history. Home today to one in four people, the subcontinent has long been densely populated and deeply connected to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas through migration and trade. In this magisterial history, Audrey Truschke tells the fascinating story of the region historically known as India--which includes today's India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan--and the people who have lived there. A sweeping account of five millennia, from the dawn of the Indus Valley Civilization to the twenty-first century, this engaging and richly textured narrative chronicles the most important political, social, religious, intellectual, and cultural events. And throughout, it describes how the region has been continuously reshaped by its astonishing diversity, religious and political innovations, and social stratification. Here, readers will learn about Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Sikhism; the Vedas and Mahabharata; Ashoka and the Mauryan Empire; the Silk Road; the Cholas; Indo-Persian rule; the Mughal Empire; European colonialism; national independence movements; the 1947 Partition of India; the recent rise of Hindu nationalism; the challenges of climate change; and much more. Emphasizing the diversity of human experiences on the subcontinent, the book presents a wide range of voices, including those of women, religious minorities, lower classes, and other marginalized groups. You cannot understand India today without appreciating its deeply contested history, which continues to drive current events and controversies. A comprehensive and innovative book, India is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the past, present, or future of the subcontinent. Audrey Truschke is professor of South Asian history at Rutgers University, Newark. She is the bestselling author of Aurangzeb: The Life and Legacy of India's Most Controversial King and other books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
“There are more fake gurus and false teachers in this world than the number of stars in the visible universe.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the subtle difference between a true spiritual guide and a manipulative pretender. Drawing from Elif Shafak's The Forty Rules of Love and Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura's insights on the Putana story from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they unpack how pseudo-gurus present themselves as nourishing but actually poison the soul. Topics Include: – The guru as a transparent medium for divine light – Signs of manipulation vs. signs of true guidance – The ancient symbolism of Putana and how it applies today – Why charisma isn't a qualification for spiritual leadership Spirituality calls for an open heart — but not blind trust. Discernment is essential on the path. ********************************************************************* 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
When everything you cling to — your children, your partner, your dreams — slips through your fingers, what are you left with? Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, the wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and their own stories to explore why loneliness and loss may hold the key to our deepest connection. From Beatles breakups and bittersweet summers to cowherd wisdom and comic book collectibles, they reflect on how impermanence — revealed by time and destiny — can feel devastating but is actually a sacred opportunity to turn within.
Lecture by Swami Tyagananda on the 23rd of July, 2025, at the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Boston, MA. For more information, please see https://vedantasociety.net/store?category=Gita
The cosmos whispers a message: when life revolves around a center, harmony follows. When it doesn't, we feel the dissonance. But are we listening? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the universe models harmony for us — through stars, through music, through the very structure of nature — showing that life works best when it revolves around a center. They discuss the tonal center of a musical composition — that gravitational point every musician tunes to — and how even one out‑of‑tune string creates unease. Is the dissonance we feel simply because we've lost touch with our center? Far from limiting us, the center frees us — enabling us to improvise beautifully within harmony. And then comes the Śrīmad‑Bhāgavatam's stunning vision of the spiritual realm: a divine world where every soul revolves joyfully around its center, creating perfect bliss. ********************************************************************* 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
Why do we resist turning inward — and what does it cost us? In this spirited episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha confront the uncomfortable truth: that we each have a choice to make — either we discover our true self, or we don't. And if we don't, we risk living an empty life and perpetuating cycles of conflict and injustice. Drawing from the words of Henry David Thoreau, the insights of Black Elk, and the timeless teachings of Bhakti Yoga, they unpack how society's “conveyor belt” keeps us distracted, how desires and fears cloud our inner vision, and how real healing and real justice can only begin with the soul. They also explore the yogic science of purification: how austerity purifies the senses, charity purifies material possessions, and satisfaction purifies the mind — and how these practices open the door to inner peace that transforms not just ourselves but the world around us. ********************************************************************* 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
Kahlil Gibran meets the Bhakti Yoga tradition in this sharp and spirited episode of Wisdom of the Sages. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how real spiritual practice is carried from the temple into every corner of your life — where daily routines, relationships, and even messy moments become sacred offerings. From Saratoga's healing springs to Krishna's father giving away two million cows, this episode uncovers the deeper meaning of ritual, how devotion purifies the mind, and how love transforms the way we see the world. Highlights include: * Khalil Gibran's line: “Your daily life is your temple and your religion. Whenever you enter into it take with you your all.” * Why ritual without heart is just empty choreography. * How devotion purifies the mind like the body's organs purify the blood. * The joy of seeing Krishna — and sacredness — in everyone and everything. ✨ Subscribe and join thousands discovering how to live a sacred life, wherever you are. ********************************************************************* 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
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