Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Medhananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and a senior research fellow in philosophy, explores the intricate doctrines of karma and rebirth in Hinduism. He discusses their implications through sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the evolution of moral and spiritual growth versus mere retribution. Medhananda also tackles complex topics like free will, collective karma, and evidence of past-life memories, while providing practical advice on cultivating selfless actions and integrating karma-yoga into daily life.

Join Swami Nishpapananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and assistant minister at the Vedanta Society of St. Louis, as he shares insights on integrating bhakti into everyday life. He explores the harmony of devotion and knowledge, illustrating how human love can connect us to the divine. With practical methods like daily puja and mantra, he highlights transforming ordinary experiences into moments of connection with God. Dive into his anecdotes on devotion's role in navigating challenges, aging, and fostering a compassionate perspective.

Swami Sarvapriyananda dives into Christian spirituality through a Vedantic lens, highlighting the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. He contrasts Jesus' call for non-violent resistance with the concept of 'an eye for an eye,' linking it to Gandhi's philosophy. Anecdotes from his Vatican visit and reflections on humility explore the Beatitudes and their relevance today. With insights on forgiveness, peacemaking, and the spiritual path toward seeing God, he emphasizes the unity across religions and the enduring quest for truth.

Professor Massimo Pigliucci, K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy, The City College of New York. Professor Massimo Pigliucci is an American philosopher and biologist who is professor of philosophy at the City College of New York, former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast, and former editor in chief for the online magazine Scientia Salon. He is a critic of pseudoscience and creationism, and an advocate for secularism and science education. His recent work has focused on stoicism.► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives:    / vedantanewyorkarchives  Web: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud:   / vedantany  iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...Facebook:   / vedantany  ABOUT VEDANTAVedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.ABOUT USVedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

The Isha Upanishad (Sanskrit: ईशोपनिषद्, IAST: Īśopaniṣad), also known as Shri Ishopanishad, Ishavasya Upanishad, or Vajasaneyi Samhita Upanishad, is one of the shortest Upanishads, embedded as the final chapter (adhyāya) of the Shukla Yajurveda. It is a Mukhya (primary, principal) Upanishad, and is known in two recensions, called Kanva (VSK) and Madhyandina (VSM). The Upanishad is a brief poem, consisting of 17 or 18 verses, depending on the recension.It is a key scripture of the Vedanta sub-schools, and an influential Śruti to diverse schools of Hinduism. It is the 40th chapter of Yajurveda. The name of the text derives from its incipit, īśā vāsyam, "enveloped by the Lord", or "hidden in the Lord (Self)". The text discusses the Atman (Self) theory of Hinduism, and is referenced by both Dvaita (dualism) and Advaita (non-dualism) sub-schools of Vedanta.It is classified as a "poetic Upanishad" along with Kena, Katha, Svetasvatara and Mundaka by Paul Deussen (1908).Reference book:1. Eight Upanisads Vol. 2 translated by Swami Gambhirananda - https://www.vedanta.com/store/Eight-U...► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives:    / vedantanewyorkarchives  Web: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud:   / vedantany  iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...Facebook:   / vedantany  ABOUT VEDANTAVedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.ABOUT USVedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Sri Sarada Devi, affectionately known as Holy Mother, was a spiritual leader and the wife of Sri Ramakrishna, one of the most highly revered saints in India. She is revered as a symbol of universal motherhood, whose wisdom and spiritual grandeur remained hidden beneath her natural veil of modesty. Holy Mother was not only devoted wife to Sri Ramakrishna but also his spiritual companion and object of worship.► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives:    / vedantanewyorkarchives  Web: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud:   / vedantany  iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...Facebook:   / vedantany  ABOUT VEDANTAVedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.ABOUT USVedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Swami Nishpapananda, a dedicated monk of the Ramakrishna Order and an assistant minister known for his interfaith work, delves into the 'yoga of necessity.' He explores the contrast between our outward pursuits and the inner stillness experienced in deep sleep, revealing it as an involuntary form of yoga. Nishpapananda emphasizes the concept of karma yoga, highlighting how selfless action transforms daily tasks into opportunities for spiritual growth. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons on maintaining equanimity amidst life's fluctuations.

Prof. Sthaneshwar Timalsina, an expert in Kashmir Shaivism and tantra, delves into the transformative power of mantras. He emphasizes mantra practice as a practical means of realization, linking it with concepts from Vedanta. Timalsina traces mantras from Vedic origins to their status as living deities. He explains the deep connection between mantra, sound, and consciousness, and how repetition can lead to profound inner transformation. His insights illuminate the spiritual significance of mantras in shaping reality and enhancing awareness.

In this engaging conversation, Jeffrey D. Long, a prominent scholar of Indian religions, dives into the profound aspects of Vedanta. He explores the limits of language in expressing spiritual truths and the distinction between wise silence and ignorance. Long discusses the journey from lower to higher truths, emphasizing the importance of personal spiritual practice. He delves into the concepts of karma and rebirth, advocating for a patient approach to spiritual evolution. His insights into belief versus knowledge illuminate diverse paths, including jnana and bhakti, toward realization.

Explore the deep conversations of Sri Ramakrishna as he meets devotees on a boat. Discover the metaphor of the body as a 'pillowcase' and how it relates to our true self. Swami Sarvapriyananda delves into the nature of consciousness and the importance of seeking God in the heart of the devotee. Learn about the three distinct paths to realization: the jnani's inquiry, the yogi's experience, and the bhakta's devotion, each leading to liberation. The discussion highlights the beauty of pluralism in spiritual practice and the harmonious coexistence of different paths.