Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda
Vedanta Society of New York
Swami Sarvapriyananda delivers insightful talks on Vedanta at the Vedanta Society of New York, an institution founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Vedanta, rooted in the ancient Vedas, is one of the world’s oldest and most expansive spiritual philosophies. It emphasizes the oneness of all existence, the divinity of the individual soul, and the harmony among all religions, offering timeless wisdom for personal and spiritual growth. Through these talks, Swami Sarvapriyananda explores profound spiritual truths, making Vedanta’s teachings relevant to modern seekers.Vedanta Society of New YorkApple PodcastSpotify PodcastDonations to support Vedanta Society of New York gratefully accepted via PaypalAll Original Content © Vedanta Society of New York
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2026 • 59min
166. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14, Verses 11 - 15 | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Explore the intriguing dynamics of the three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas, as Swami Sarvapriyananda unpacks their influence on our lives. Discover how predominance of sattva brings clarity and awareness, while rajas leads to restlessness and tamas signifies inertia. With vivid anecdotes from monastic life, learn about finding balance between busyness and mindfulness. Delve into the spiritual implications of these qualities, including the impact on death and rebirth based on one's dominant guna.
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 11min
165. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14, Verses 6 - 10 I Swami Sarvapriyananda
Explore the captivating teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as the discussion dives into the three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas. Discover how sattva, though pure and luminous, can bind through attachments to happiness and knowledge. Rajas drives passion and action, while tamas represents ignorance and laziness. Learn about the transformative power of karma yoga, the dangers of intellectualism, and practical ways to cultivate a more sattvic life. Gain insights on designing a sustainable spiritual routine for lasting growth.
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 2min
164. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14, Verse 6 I Swami Sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda delves into the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on the three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas. He explains how sattva promotes purity and illumination while binding the self to happiness and knowledge. The talk highlights the importance of self-application, avoiding mislabeling others, and emphasizes spiritual growth from tamas to sattva. Engaging anecdotes, including Sri Ramakrishna’s analogies, illustrate the dynamics of these qualities in daily life. Swami warns against attachment to spiritual happiness, urging listeners to transcend mental states.
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 13min
Gospel | Chapter 5: Oct 27, 1882 (Part 3) | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda explores the diverse paths of jnana, bhakti, and yoga, revealing their shared essence. He contrasts ordinary ignorance with the transcendence of jnani reasoning and the devotional view of the world as God's glory. Personalizing the impersonal, he discusses the significance of relationships in devotion, highlighting different attitudes like friendship and motherhood. The rich tapestry of yogic traditions is woven into his narrative, showcasing the harmony of various spiritual paths and their impact on our understanding of existence.
4 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 2min
Isha Upanishad | Mantras 17 - 18 | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Explore the profound teachings of the Isha Upanishad as Swami Sarvapriyananda delves into mantras about liberation. Discover the contrast between immediate and sequential liberation, and the role of karma and upasana in leading to divine realms. Analyze the poignant dying prayer that merges prana with cosmic energy, as well as the symbolic significance of fire in rituals. Hear insights into enlightenment, the nature of death, and Vivekananda's interpretation of seeing divinity in everything. A journey through consciousness awaits!
Jan 4, 2026 • 1h 19min
Ask Swami with Swami Sarvapriyananda | Dec 28th, 2025
In this enlightening session, Swami Sarvapriyananda engages with audience members on profound topics. He explores the nature of pure experience and Brahman, challenging perceptions of consciousness and identity. Questions range from whether enlightened beings can manipulate time to the potential for AI to achieve consciousness. Swami offers insights on meditation for liberation, the significance of Ishta Devata, and the role of living cells in artificial intelligence. His nuanced discussion blends ancient philosophy with modern dilemmas, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
5 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
Karma: What It Is, What It’s Not, Why It Is Important To Understand | Philip Goldberg
Join Philip Goldberg, an award-winning author and spiritual counselor, as he delves into the intricate world of karma. He dissects the evolution of karma in Western culture and clarifies common misconceptions, emphasizing that karma isn't about punishment but rather a system of causes and effects. Goldberg explores the importance of personal responsibility within karma and how ethical living fosters meaningful choices. He highlights the role of meditation in transforming our karmic patterns and discusses the delicate balance of equanimity in life's challenges.
Dec 28, 2025 • 1h 35min
Philosophies of Doubt and Assorted Dragons | Prof. Massimo Pigliucci
Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and biologist from the City College of New York, dives into the rich tapestry of ancient philosophies in his latest discussion. He introduces the metaphor of three 'ports'—pleasure, character, and doubt—explaining how different schools approach these concepts. Pigliucci explores skeptical philosophies, emphasizing Socratic questioning and their practical applications for a fulfilling life. He also touches on intriguing figures like Protagoras and Hypatia, culminating in the idea that a balanced life prioritizes character while embracing measured pleasures and critical thinking.
Dec 28, 2025 • 1h 25min
Mystery of Divine Incarnations | Swami Satyamayananda
Join Swami Satyamayananda, a distinguished monastic of the Ramakrishna Order and current president of the Vedanta Society of Western Washington, as he delves into the captivating mystery of divine incarnations. He discusses how avatars adapt to humanity's needs and embody our deeper heritage, offering aspirational figures rooted in past, present, and future. Satyamayananda elaborates on their role in energizing spirituality, validating diverse paths, and stimulating cosmic awakening. Explore how these incarnations reflect the divine while harmonizing scripture with spiritual practice.
Dec 28, 2025 • 1h 29min
A Dialogue on Consciousness | Swami Sarvapriyananda and Bernardo Kastrup
In a fascinating dialogue, Swami Sarvapriyananda, a head monk of the Ramakrishna Order, teams up with Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher known for his work on consciousness. They dive into analytic idealism, arguing how consciousness forms the basis of reality, contrasting it with the physical world. Topics include the hard problem of consciousness, how AI's intellect differs from subjective experience, and the search for meaning in today’s society. They also discuss the roles of spiritual practices and the ongoing cultural shift away from materialism, urging a deeper understanding of consciousness.
