Is the World Real? with Swami Medhananda

This book explores Swami Vivekananda's vision of Vedantic cosmopolitanism, which emphasizes the unity of all religions and the inherent divinity of every individual. Vivekananda sought to integrate Eastern spirituality with Western progress, advocating for a global society based on mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding. The book examines Vivekananda's teachings on Vedanta philosophy, his concept of universalism, and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. It also analyzes the relevance of Vivekananda's ideas in addressing contemporary challenges such as religious conflict, social inequality, and environmental degradation, highlighting his enduring legacy as a spiritual leader and a champion of global harmony.

This book presents Patanjali's Yoga Sutras in a modern translation with commentary by Swami Prabhavananda. It encapsulates the essence of yoga, going beyond physical postures to include philosophical and practical aspects. The translation is accompanied by the Devanagari text and transliteration, making it accessible to both Indian and Western readers. The commentary by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood helps in understanding the non-technical and up-to-date phraseology used in the book.

The Katha Upanishad is a philosophical text embedded in the Krishna Yajurveda. It consists of two chapters, each divided into three sections, and explores themes such as the existence of Atman, the pursuit of Self-knowledge, and the attainment of moksha. The text is presented as a dialogue between Nachiketa, a young boy, and Yama, the god of death. It emphasizes the importance of seeking Self-knowledge and understanding the nature of the Self and the ultimate reality, Brahman. The Upanishad is significant in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Vedanta tradition, and has been interpreted in both dualistic and non-dualistic contexts.

Ayaan Maharaj's "Infinite Paths to Infinite Reality" delves into the cross-cultural philosophy of religion as exemplified by Sri Ramakrishna. The book explores Ramakrishna's unique synthesis of various religious traditions and his profound spiritual insights. It examines his concept of 'vijnana' and its significance in understanding his teachings. Maharaj's work provides a scholarly analysis of Ramakrishna's philosophy, placing it within a broader context of comparative religion. The book is a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Ramakrishna's thought.

The Brahma Sutras, also known as the Vedanta Sutras, are a Sanskrit text that synthesizes and harmonizes the diverse ideas and practices from the Upanishads. Swami Sivananda's commentary provides a detailed exposition of the text, which is divided into four chapters (Adhyayas) and sixteen sections (Padas). The text addresses the nature of the Supreme Brahman, the individual soul, and the universe, and it refutes other philosophical schools such as Samkhya. The commentary includes word-by-word meanings, running translations, and summaries of the different Adhikaranas, making it a comprehensive guide for students of Vedanta philosophy. The primary goal of the Brahma Sutras is to remove the erroneous identification of the soul with the body and to guide the reader towards the attainment of final emancipation through the knowledge of Brahman.

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian philosophical and spiritual texts that form part of the Vedas. They explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self. The Upanishads are known for their profound insights into the relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and meditation as paths to liberation. The Upanishads have had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality and have influenced various other spiritual traditions. They remain a significant source of wisdom for those seeking to understand the deeper dimensions of human existence and the universe.

The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hinduism, embedded within the epic Mahabharata. It recounts a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his charioteer, Krishna, who is an avatar of the god Vishnu. The text explores themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and the path to spiritual enlightenment. Krishna advises Arjuna on the importance of performing his duties without attachment to the outcomes, emphasizing the concept of nishkama karma (nonattached action). The Gita synthesizes various strands of Indian religious thought, including Vedic concepts, samkhya yoga, and bhakti (devotion), providing a coherent vision of Hindu philosophy and spiritual practice.