Best Sanatana Dharma Podcasts (2024)

1
No Wonder We Feel Busy 12:44

23h ago12:44

12:44

Our minds have normalized a level of turbulence, of juggling all of life’s uncomfortable circumstances without ever really understanding them. But what are we focusing all our energy on: the changing, or the Changeless? Are we tuned into the noise in our lives, or the Silence that supports (om) them all? Are we stuck in the quicksand of worrying ab…

1
#286 I am NOT the body-mind (the right way to do the enquiry) 25:03

1d ago25:03

25:03

I am not the body-mind. If this statement is understood incorrectly, then it can lead to dissociation and wanting to abandon responsibilities. We understand the right way to do the enquiry into reality through the dialogue between the student and teacher. Announcing our new course - Manoshakti - Mind Mastery with Meditations - https://arshavidyanan…

1
A Seatbelt for Life 36:41

8d ago36:41

36:41

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the external battle of life. The expectations we have can rob us from becoming fearless (abhaya). We want to control life as much as we can because we think it will make us happy, when really being an observer (saksi) would really help us take control of our internal self. This internal feeling of joy can only come…

1
#285 Namdev (Great Saints of India - Bhaktavijaya) 56:55

8d ago56:55

56:55

Like Arjuna (in the Gita), we too wonder - How do wise people, talk, walk and live? More than 200 years ago, Sri Mahipati wrote about the 'Stories of Great Saints of India' in his book, 'Bhakta vijaya' (the Victory of the devotee). Within each story of more than 21 saints are some details of their lives, rich poetic imagery that thrills the heart, …

1
Absolute Joy 35:03

15d ago35:03

35:03

All of us want to be happy and we do whatever it takes to feel joyous. The problem is we think we can create happiness so we end up going on an emotional roller coaster. This roller coaster can slow down when we increase our inquiry (vichara) and decrease projection. The more we inquire the more we realize the relative is not the absolute which cul…

1
#284 Meditation - 6 Key Myths and Truths (as per Vedanta) 17:59

15d ago17:59

17:59

Meditation or Dhyaanam is an integral part of sadhana of aVedanta student-disciple. Since meditation has entered the mainstream, many wrong ideas abound and hence sincere seekers are denied its many benefits. Is the goal of meditation to empty the mind? Is it meditation if the mind wanders? Will meditation solve all my problems? We explore the answ…

1
Alive, but Not Really Living 35:10

22d ago35:10

35:10

Most of us are following life’s default script -- wake, eat, work, sleep, repeat. But is this working? We receive lots of advice (upadesha) from those we respect on how to be great, but are we actually following? The greatest revelations (mahavakya) of visionaries are accessible to us, but do we trust in them? There are so many opportunities for re…

1
#283 Forgiving oneself - an open letter 12:01

23d ago12:01

12:01

Our journey of accepting people is incomplete if it leaves the most important person out – oneself. What do you long to hear? What can you say to yourself? An open letter. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/283-forgiving-oneself-an-open-letter/ Our monthly newsletter - Aarsha Vidya Bharati - Jun 2024| Dharmam Śaraṇam Gacchāmi| Tīrt…

1
Logic Can Only Get You So Far 29:47

27d ago29:47

29:47

Life is a trek through a dark forest. It takes lots of endurance (titiksha) to keep up the energy despite all the discomforts and pinpricks. It takes loads of faith (shraddha) to hold onto what you know is ahead, but can’t yet see. It takes boatloads of absorption (samadhana) to stay focused on the path without succumbing to imaginary fears. And it…

1
#282 Simple everyday prayers and practices to divinise your life 27:05

1M ago27:05

27:05

We wrongly think that the big ‘aha’ moments of epiphanies while meditating or during a retreat make us see that life is sacred. Actually, the simple prayers and practices that, we do every day help us appreciate that all of life is sacred. Spread throughout the day, all of these 10-12 shlokas and practices will take less than ten minutes and on top…

1
#281 Are rituals necessary for our spiritual growth? 28:21

1M ago28:21

28:21

First, we become aware of how we depend on everyday non-religious rituals to provide structure, comfort, and meaning to our lives. Second, we understand why we developed a distaste for religious rituals and Third, we appreciate some of the rituals in Hinduism that help us to discover the inherent sacredness of our lives. The podcast transcript - ht…

1
#280 Why YOU are greater than all your achievements. 20:22

1M ago20:22

20:22

In the endless striving to attain wealth, power and scale the height of pleasure, is there anything that, we tend to overlook? How does the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedic tradition look upon a truly accomplished being? We find out. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/why-you-are-greater-than-all-your-achievements/ Our latest newsletter…

1
Revisited: What’s the difference between contemplation and inquiry? 9:26

2M ago9:26

9:26

We're revisiting another Freedom Talk, one of our bite-sized episodes with Vivekji featuring questions from seekers across the world. In this episode, we ask the questions: What is the difference in reflection and inquiry? What is the difference between contemplation and inquiry? How should a seeker transition from one keystone to the next in their…

1
#279 Powerful blessings and protection of Lakshmi Narasimha (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalambam Stotram) 44:49

2M ago44:49

44:49

Is there a stotram (devotional set of verses) composed by Adi Shankaracharya that laments one's helpless condition, seeks divine protection, surrenders to Bhagavan, lays out the stumbling blocks in one's spiritual journey and invokes the urgency of enquiry into samsaara - all at once! It is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram! Just as Prahlad…

1
Revisited: How can an introvert handle the expectations of family and friends? 15:38

2M ago15:38

15:38

In this next mini episode from our series of Freedom Talks, we ask the questions: How should we handle people who always misinterpret our actions in a negative connotation even though we have good intentions? What to do when we are taken advantage of by others? Can we align our goals with our guide? And if yes, how? How can an introvert handle the …

1
#278 Narasimha 's justice and Prahlada's devotion (a legend of divine protection) 31:41

2M ago31:41

31:41

When there seems no way out of suffering, Bhagavan always appears in the most mysterious of forms to bless his devotees. We see this in the events leading to Hiranyakashipu who determined to kill his son Prahlada, challenges the very existence of God and the 4th manifestation of Vishnu appears as Bhagavan Narasimha. And how! To read the podcast tra…

1
#277 Ten key contributions of Adi Shankaracharya to Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism 25:16

2M ago25:16

25:16

That moment when we saw all that is here is one, The harmony that we have built in our relationships with Karma Yoga, The care and connection we feel, because of Vedanta. All of the above is thanks to someone you have n't met in person but who has helped you know and enjoy yourself and the world - Jagadguru Adi Shankacaracharya. What are his 10 key…

1
Escaping to Embracing 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

Many of us probably have probably at some point felt we have/had a reactive personality, we felt distracted, or dull. How can one develop a calmness of body (dama), quietude of mind (sama), and understanding (uparama) so that one can have a more balanced inner world? On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring …

1
#276 Who shapes your Life journey? You or others? 20:04

2M ago20:04

20:04

Jeeva, a 45-year-old, believes that many key people are to be blamed for his life turning out the way it did. He goes tocourt, hurling accusations at his parents, friends, partner, CEO of his company, and social media. The judge listens to all the witnesses and contributorsto Jeeva's life and pronounces the verdict while giving many life lessons. T…

1
Serve, Smile, Surrender 33:38

3M ago33:38

33:38

We all feel we can create joy but that only leads to disappointment. When we have guidance in our lives we realize that joy cannot be created. How can one go from acting (karma), to depending (bhakti), to having insight (jnana), to prioritizing (viveka) to independence (vairagya)? How does one step lead to the next on this journey to joy? On this s…

1
#275 Hanumat Pancharatnam - its powerful blessings and meaning 26:44

3M ago26:44

26:44

Composed by Jagadguru Adi Shankararachya, Hanumat Pancharatnam is a stotram of five gems in praise of Hanuman, the greatest bhakta/devotee of Bhagavan Rama. Hanuman has become the beloved of all due to his unparalleled courage, power and devotion. When one prays to him, he is very quick to respond, especially as he still roams the earth as one of t…

1
River of Thoughts 32:50

3M ago32:50

32:50

Our mind is like a river -- sometimes it’s dashing and splashing with a never-ending flow of uncontrollable tides, and other times it’s calm and serene, slowly passing by like a lazy river. How do we tame this mind, so that we can use it for our own Higher purpose, rather than be controlled by its instinctive, impulsive, lightning-fast strikes? How…

1
#274 Sri Rama Bhujanga Prayata Stotram - its powerful blessing and meaning 34:57

3M ago34:57

34:57

Composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya which makes it all the more special and powerful, Sri Rama Bhujanga PrayataStotram is a set of 26 devotional verses dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Rama. The Stotram beautifully unfolds the unchanging nature of Sri Rama that is Brahman, the limitless being, Sri Rama as Bhagavan and Sri Rama as a relational, deeply loved…

1
Diving Deeper 31:42

3M ago31:42

31:42

In life we have many ups and downs. Why do we feel moments of happiness and other times moments of sadness or anger? What can we do to always have this feeling of completeness no matter the situation? In this episode Vivekji talks about how our sense of individuality (jiva) leads to attachment or incompleteness and how this cycle continues because …

1
#273 Why role models are important for our spiritual growth 27:34

3M ago27:34

27:34

Much before we discover Bhagavan through the manystories, prayers and stotrams embedded in the way of life, or even our gurus, we find and look up to our role models. We are constantly influenced by those we admire, aspire to be like, or seek guidance from, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. And so, when our role models are chosen consc…

1
Life is Full of Matter 30:22

3M ago30:22

30:22

Everything and everyone around us are made up of matter (prakriti) but do we depend on these things or people to make us feel complete (purusha)? When we know all is changing and existence is the only constant, then why do we ever feel anything but joy? On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at t…

1
#272 How to stop reacting and start responding? 26:37

3M ago26:37

26:37

Very often we tend to react mechanically and then lament - Why did I say or do the wrong thing? Why did I not do/say the right thing? Here are some points to consider based on the Bhagavad Gita so that we start responding thereby increasing our mastery in life. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/272-how-to-stop-reacting-and-start-r…

1
#271 Wisdom teachings by Prahlada, a child-devotee of Narayana (Bhagavatam) 31:35

4M ago31:35

31:35

Prahlada was the son of an asura Hiranyakashipu and due to a set of unique circumstances found himself to be devoted deeply to Bhagavan Narayana. His bhakti, devotion was so steadfast that all attempts to dissuade him including attempts to kill him did not work. What wisdom did he share with his own father and his friends? We look into it, through …

1
Do You Realize You’re Bound? 38:14

4M ago38:14

38:14

We often find ourselves feeling weighed down by changing circumstances and unending responsibilities -- but are our ropes really external, or internal? When we look inwards at our own temperament (guna), do we find ourselves tired and complaining in laziness (tamas), anxious about results in selfishness (rajas), or living with vision and inner harm…

1
#270 Which is the best yajna or sadhana in the Gita (Part 2 of 2) 28:24

4M ago28:24

28:24

In part 1 we heard about some of the different sadhanas/religious disciplines mentioned in the Gita. Bhagavan helps us see what these can achieve and what they cannot and explains why jnana yajna is the best yajna or sadhana. This is part two of a two part series on sadhanas/yajnas. Podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/270-which-is-the-b…

1
#269 Which is the best yajna or sadhana in the Gita? Part 1 of 2 21:23

4M ago21:23

21:23

Although many claims about the efficacy of different sadhanas/religious disciplines are made, the Bhagavad Gita surprises us by telling us the best yajna. In the fourth chapter, Bhagavan reveals other sadhanas/yajnas and helps us see what they can achieve and what they cannot. This is part one of a two part series on sadhanas. Podcast transcript - …

1
#268 Shiva Panchakshara Stotram - its meaning and blessing 30:59

4M ago30:59

30:59

In composing this stotram of five verses Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya relates the five syllables - na-ma-shi-va-ya , to Bhagavan Shiva’s glories and his unchanging nature. He initiates us into chanting the mantra and also evokes a sweet surrender in us. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/268-shiva-panchakshara-stotram-its-meaning-a…

1
#267 Shiva maanasa puja - a loving mental puja offering 28:45

5M ago28:45

28:45

Composed by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, this set of five verses highlights the power of offering puja with just your mind. This is not a substitute for a regular puja rather an addition to make one's bhakti and absorption deeper. First, we hear the story of the origins of the Hridyaleeshwarar temple in Chennai and its connection with a sadhu'…

1
Shiva Suvarnamala Stuti Introduction and Chanting 16:51

5M ago16:51

16:51

This beautiful hymn shiva suvarna mala stotra is composed by shree adi shankara bhagavad pada on lord Shiva. The hymn is called Suvarna mala stuti. The hymn of beautiful garland of letters.Suvarna ,also means gold. Acharya shankara makes a garland of beautiful alphabets of Sanskrit and offers that garland to lord Shiva. The hymn has fifty verses ea…

1
How Do You Know You’re Not Dreaming? 32:38

5M ago32:38

32:38

Like Neo in The Matrix, has something always felt wrong about the world? Why is everyone looking for a permanent happiness in impermanent places, and then after it doesn’t last, wondering what they’re still missing? Why do we project (vikshepa) happiness onto every new food, vacation, and position, rather than remember where happiness always was? W…

1
#266 I am the witness-consciousness of the 3 states of experience 27:50

5M ago27:50

27:50

We love and thrive on our experiences and crave for more. Vedanta helps us question if experience is indeed our reality. Through an enquiry into the three states of experience - waking, dream and deep sleep, we discover the unchanging I that is present in all experiences but untouched by all experiences. Sounds like a contradiction? It is the un-ne…

1
Deep, Deeper, Deepest 33:37

5M ago33:37

33:37

Why does it feel like there is so much separation in the world? Is it because we are always competing with each other? What is deeper than our form (rupa) and personalities (varna)? How are we all so different, yet the exact same? On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-de…

1
#265 Sharada (Saraswati) stotram - its meaning and powerful blessing 25:55

5M ago25:55

25:55

The vision of Vedanta is that you are Brahman, the limitless being. It is not possible to see this wisdom without the grace of Brahman himself or herself as Bhagavati. It is not possible to see this wisdom without seeing the world as a manifestation of Brahman. And so we worship the wisdom and intelligence permeating the world as Devi Sharada or Sa…

1
Past to Present 23:35

5M ago23:35

23:35

We may sometimes wonder why we are the way we are. Why do we do the things we do? Our actions are caused by our thoughts (vrtti) and those thoughts come from our print (vasanas), which is who we are because of our past actions. But how can we change the core of who we are? What tools (upadhi) can we use to reach our higher purpose? On this season o…

1
#264 The What, Why and How of a Tirthayatra (Hindu pilgrimage)? 28:41

5M ago28:41

28:41

Every year, practising Hindus undertake a pilgrimage to sacred sites, temples, rivers, mountains, lakes and places considered energetically more potent with the presence ofdevatas and Rishis and hence their blessings. A tirthayatra (pilgrimage) is different from a vacation in which we expect and seek comfort and convenience. What are the reasons we…

1
#262 The Transformative power of the sacred word 'Rama' 22:13

5M ago22:13

22:13

The word 'Rama' was there long before Bhagavan Rama appeared on this earth as an Avataara. How did even the name, nama inspire and transform Rishi Valmiki, Swami Samarth Ramadas and other saints? The podcast transcript - https://discoveratma.com/262-the-transformative-power-of-the-sacred-word-rama/ Our monthly newsletter - Aarsha Vidya Bharati - Ja…

1
#263 What motivates and sustains motivation in our pursuits? 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

All of us struggle with sustaining our motivation levels in eatinghealthy, exercising regularly, meditating daily, contacting friends, learning a skill, doing japa or regularly attending Vedanta class. What are the internal and or external factors that motivate us? How can we do what really matters to us? Dharmo rakshati rakshitah. Dharma protects …

1
Chasing a Mirage 35:36

6M ago35:36

35:36

Like weary travelers endlessly stumbling after illusions of water in the burning desert, we spend most of our lives running after one inner demand after another. When does the chase end? Are we carrying boulders of emotional baggage in our memory (chitta), or are we learning from the past to move on? Do we allow the leech that is the Ego (ahankara)…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 10 - Chanting 17:12

6M ago17:12

17:12

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vaishnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Ten describes about the internal sacred water, (antah teeertha, Mada Gajendra, Surasaa, Pindaaraka, sarayu and Janmasthaana --- Send in a voice message: https://podca…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 9 - Chanting 13:27

6M ago13:27

13:27

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vaishnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Nine of Ayodhya Mahatmyam tells us about Gaya Koopa, Pishachamochana, Maanasa teertha, Tamasaa nadi, mandavya ashrama, Parashara ashrama, sita kunda, Bhairava, Bharat…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 8 - Chanting 25:14

6M ago25:14

25:14

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vaishnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Eight of Ayodhya Mahatmyam tells us about Rati and kusumayudh Kunda, Mantreshwara shiva, Sheetala devi, Bandi devi, Choodaki Devi, Maharatna teertha, durbhara, Mahaab…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 7 - Chanting 30:35

6M ago30:35

30:35

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vashnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Seven of Ayodhya Mahatmyam tells us about the glory of ponds Ksheerodaka, Bruhaspati Kunda, Rukmini Kunda, Dhana yaksha kunda, Vashishta Kunda, Saagara Kunda, Yogini K…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 6 - Chanting 44:43

6M ago44:43

44:43

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vashnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Three of Ayodhya Mahatmyam describes the glory of Sita Kunda, Goprataara, Guptahari & Sarayu Gharghara sangama, Rama ascending to his abode. --- Send in a voice messag…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 5 - Chanting 7:26

6M ago7:26

7:26

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vashnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Five of Ayodhya Mahatmyam tells us about the story of sage kautsa, the greatness of Sambheda teertha and sarayu tilodaki. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcaste…

1
Ayodhya Mahatmyam - Chapter 4 - Chanting 16:37

6M ago16:37

16:37

Ayodhya Mahatmyam is a text that consists of 10 chapters describing various holy waters and holy shrines of ayodhya, this text is a part of Vashnava Kanda from Skanda Purana. Chapter Four of Ayodhya Mahatmyam discusses the greatness of Dharma hari and the holy water of Swarnakhani --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show…

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