The Daily Vedantic The Gita: A Dialogue on Duty and Wisdom
Welcome to Episode 35 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.
This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.
Resources:
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• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:
https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/
• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:
• The No Nicknames Gita:
• The Essence of Christ:
• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:
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Episode Summary:
In this episode, James explores the Bhagavad Gita, a central text in Vedantic philosophy and its history, noting its relatively recent introduction to the West and its traditional mode of transmission through the guru-student lineage. James highlights the Gita's significance as a profound dialog between Arjuna, a warrior prince, and his charioteer, Krishna, who symbolizes God. This conversation, set in the midst of a great civil war, addresses Arjuna's inner turmoil and reluctance to fight, revealing deeper philosophical truths about duty, identity, and the nature of the self. James emphasizes the relevance of the Gita's teachings to everyday life, likening it to the deep themes found in stories like The Lion King, and invites listeners to see the Gita as a guide for navigating their own internal battles.
Community:
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