Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path Of Meditation In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 podcast

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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Immerse yourself in the transformative teachings of Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, known as Dhyana-Yoga or the Path of Meditation. This profound teaching reveals the non-dual (Advaita) reality underlying all existence while offering practical guidance for serious spiritual seekers. In this illuminating exploration, we uncover how Lord Krishna guides Arjuna through the subtleties of true meditation—not merely as a technique, but as a direct pathway to Self-realization. Discover the essential connection between karma yoga (selfless action), jnana yoga (knowledge), and dhyana yoga (meditation) as complementary approaches to moksha (liberation). Learn how the apparent duality between the individual and the Absolute dissolves through consistent practice. The chapter reveals powerful methods to transcend the limited ego-self and recognize your true nature as pure consciousness—the foundation of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Whether you're struggling with meditation practice, seeking enlightenment, or simply wanting to quiet the restless mind, this chapter offers practical wisdom. We explore specific techniques for concentration, contemplation on the Self (Atma Vichara), and the establishment of unwavering awareness even amidst life's challenges. The teachings address common obstacles on the spiritual path—attachment, identification with thoughts, sensory distractions—while providing time-tested solutions for overcoming them. Discover how to cultivate equanimity, witness consciousness, and the profound state of samadhi where the meditator, meditation, and the object of meditation merge into one seamless reality. For those seeking authentic non-dual realization beyond conceptual understanding, this chapter serves as both map and guide. We'll examine how Krishna's instructions align with the highest teachings of Vedanta, revealing the ultimate truth: Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art)—your essential identity with the supreme Brahman. Join us in uncovering these transformative teachings that have guided countless seekers to awakening, self-knowledge, and the direct experience of non-dual awareness—the ultimate freedom that transcends all suffering.

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#Bhagavad Gita

updated 5 days ago

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6 episodes

#Bhagavad Gita

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Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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6. Bhagavad Gita, CH6, Verse 27-47 (Coming Home, Bringing Ishvara Into Your Life) 1:05:19

5 days ago1:05:19

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In this session, we explore verses 27-47 from Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the nature of the mind, yoga practice, and the relationship with Ishvara (the divine). The text discusses the challenges of controlling the restless mind and offers solutions through practice (abhyasa) and objectivity (vairagya). It addresses Arjuna's concerns about failing to achieve yoga in one lifetime, with Krishna reassuring that progress is never lost. The verses describe various outcomes for those who don't achieve full realization, including rebirth in higher realms or in families conducive to spiritual growth. The session emphasizes the importance of bringing Ishvara into one's life, recognizing the divine intelligence in everything, and cultivating a connection with the supreme consciousness. It concludes by highlighting the superiority of the yogi's path and the significance of devotion and faith in spiritual practice. Detailed notes for this program at: https://YesVedanta.com/bg-ch6/…

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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5. Bhagavad Gita, CH6, Verse 18-25 (Building a Mature Mind, Wise Qualities) 55:01

5 days ago55:01

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In this session, we explore the concept of a mature mind as described in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verses 18-25. The discussion focuses on managing desires responsibly, distinguishing between binding and non-binding desires, and the importance of developing emotional and mental maturity. The session delves into the indicators of a mature mind, including perspective-taking, accommodation, authenticity, compassion, and connection to Ishvara. It emphasizes the need for perseverance, mindfulness, and the ability to convert ownership to trusteeship. The importance of following dharma, maintaining a healthy self-image, and developing resilience are highlighted. The session also touches on the concept of repairing trust and understanding Ishvara's compensation system. Throughout the discussion, practical examples and analogies are used to illustrate key points, such as the flame protected from wind representing a composed mind. The overall message emphasizes the gradual process of developing a mature mind capable of understanding and applying spiritual knowledge. Detailed notes for this program at: https://YesVedanta.com/bg-ch6/…

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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4. Bhagavad Gita, CH6, Verse 15-17 (Meditation Vs. Contemplation, Mindfulness) 1:09:47

5 days ago1:09:47

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In this session, we explore the difference between meditation and contemplation as discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verses 14-17. Meditation (dhyānam) is described as a mental action for purifying the mind, while contemplation (nididhyasanam) is a means of knowledge to reveal the already true limitlessness. The session delves into the results of meditation and contemplation, emphasizing the development of trust in Ishvara's infallible order as a path to peace and tranquility. It discusses the concept of absolute peace and cautions against mistaking it for constant bliss. Practical lifestyle recommendations for successful meditation are provided, including moderation in eating and sleeping habits. The importance of mindfulness in activities is stressed, with guidance on becoming more deliberate and gaining mastery over sorrow or sadness from Vedantic perspective. Detailed notes for this program at: https://YesVedanta.com/bg-ch6/…

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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3. Bhagavad Gita, CH6, Verse 10-14 (How to Meditate, Relating with Ishvara) 1:08:48

5 days ago1:08:48

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Discussion begins with the Vedantic definition of meditation and how to bring Ishvara (the divine) into one's life. It outlines three steps: removing incorrect notions about Ishvara, understanding the right definition, and using this understanding to transform one's life positively. The session then delves into the practical aspects of meditation, including how to position oneself, the importance of a clean environment, and maintaining proper posture. It explains the purpose of meditation as self-purification and keeping the mind focused on a single point. The importance of japa (mantra repetition) is highlighted as a method to intercept associative thinking and deepen understanding of reality. The session concludes with a summary of the meditation process and describes the jiva's journey from ignorance to knowledge. Detailed notes for this program at: https://YesVedanta.com/bg-ch6/…

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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2. Bhagavad Gita, CH6, Verse 6-10 (Qualities of a Yogi & Sannyasi) 1:05:11

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Verse 6: This verse discusses self-mastery. For those who have mastered themselves, the self becomes a friend. For those who haven't, the self remains an enemy. It emphasizes the importance of self-control in spiritual growth. Verse 7: Describes the qualities of a self-mastered person. They remain tranquil and composed in the face of opposites like heat and cold, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism. This equanimity is a sign of alignment with Ishvara's intelligence. Verse 8: Defines a yogin as one content in self-knowledge, unchanged by circumstances, with mastered senses. They see a clump of earth, stone, and gold as the same, recognizing the underlying substance while still appreciating differences. Verse 9: Explains the exalted vision of treating various people equally – benefactors, friends, enemies, acquaintances, arbitrators, those disliked, relatives, good people, and sinners. It emphasizes objectivity and wishing well for all. Verse 10: Describes ideal meditation conditions: being alone in a quiet place, free from longing and possessions, with a relaxed body and mind. Introduces the Vedantic definition of meditation as mental activity focused on saguna brahma (Ishvara). Detailed notes for this program at: https://YesVedanta.com/bg-ch6/…

Beyond Technique: Non Dual Path of Meditation in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

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1. Bhagavad Gita, CH6, Verse 1-6 (Vedantic Meditation: Why, What & How) 1:08:40

5 days ago1:08:40