The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis, is a classic work of Christian devotion that explores the spiritual life and the pursuit of Christ-likeness. It emphasizes themes of humility, self-denial, and the importance of inner transformation. The book is divided into four books, each focusing on different aspects of the spiritual journey. It offers practical advice and guidance on how to live a life of faith and devotion, emphasizing the importance of prayer, meditation, and self-examination. The Imitation of Christ has been a source of inspiration and guidance for countless Christians throughout history, offering timeless wisdom on the path to spiritual maturity.
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is a collection of sayings and anecdotes about the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Indian mystic. The book offers a glimpse into his profound spiritual experiences and his unique approach to religious practice. It emphasizes the importance of love, devotion, and direct experience of the divine. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is known for its vivid descriptions of Ramakrishna's spiritual ecstasies and his ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. The book has had a profound impact on the spiritual lives of countless individuals, inspiring them to seek their own direct experience of the divine. It remains a timeless classic in the field of spiritual literature.
The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, part of the Shukla Yajur Veda, is a foundational text of Hindu philosophy that systematically examines metaphysical concepts like the nature of reality, consciousness, and liberation (moksha). It presents dialogues between sage Yajnavalkya and other scholars, discussing rituals, meditation practices, and the path to transcendence through knowledge of Brahman. The text emphasizes the unity of all existence and the illusory nature of worldly attachments.
The Mulamadhyamakakarika, a foundational text of Madhyamaka philosophy, is attributed to Nagarjuna. It presents a systematic critique of essentialism and the concept of inherent existence. The text argues for the emptiness (sunyata) of all phenomena, emphasizing the interdependent nature of reality. It's known for its sophisticated logical arguments and its profound implications for understanding the nature of reality. The Mulamadhyamakakarika has had a significant influence on Mahayana Buddhism and continues to be studied and debated today.
Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita is a revered Bengali classic that captures the spiritual teachings and conversations of Sri Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Indian mystic. The work is considered sacred among his followers and provides insights into his spiritual experiences and teachings.
The Mandukya Upanishad is a key text in Hindu philosophy, particularly within the Advaita Vedanta tradition. It explores the four states of consciousness—Vaisvanara, Taijasa, Prajna, and Turiya—and the significance of the syllable Aum. Gaudapada's Karika provides a detailed commentary on these concepts, further elaborated by Adi Shankara's Bhashya.
This book includes the text of Tulasīdāsa's Hanumāna cālīsā in Hindi, accompanied by explanatory notes in English and some selections in Sanskrit. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the revered Hindu hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."
This session was recorded on Jun 15, 2021.
Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda 
