Gospel | Chapter 5: Oct 27, 1882 (Part 5) | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Jan 25, 2026

A deep dive into how the mind creates bondage and freedom, and the power of strong affirmation to transform identity. Practical Vedantic methods for inquiry and moment-to-moment practice are explored. Alternatives like heartfelt devotion, surrender to the Divine Mother, and combining jnana, bhakti and prapatti are discussed. Stories about King Janaka and karma illustrate living enlightened action.

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INSIGHT

Freedom Starts In The Mind

Sri Ramakrishna teaches freedom is a mental affirmation: think 'I am free' and bondage falls away.
Repeated, strong affirmations of one's true nature can transform experience into real freedom.

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ADVICE

Use Inquiry To Defeat Doubt

If doubts arise, use vichara (inquiry) like waking/dream/deep-sleep analysis to dismantle 'I am body-mind'.
Apply logic and practices to let the intellect see you are awareness, not body-mind.

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ADVICE

Hold The Name Of God

Do japa and hold to your Ishtadevata's name if 'I am Brahman' feels too big.
Repeat your guru-given mantra moment-to-moment and trust it will purify body and mind.

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Mind as Cause of Bondage and Freedom

01:33 • 2min

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Affirmation: Becoming Free by Saying 'I am Free'

03:34 • 5min

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Vedantic Inquiry When Doubt Arises

08:20 • 1min

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Practice: Repeat the Advaitic Truth Constantly

09:30 • 5min

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Alternative: Hold on to a Personal God

14:58 • 6min

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Surrender (Prapatti) as the Third Option

20:43 • 2min

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Prayer for Pure Love Over Knowledge

22:40 • 3min

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Combine Jnana, Bhakti and Surrender

25:30 • 1min

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Kali Kirtan Encapsulates Vedanta

26:50 • 4min

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Dispassion and Vedanta Vichara for Progress

31:10 • 2min

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Realize Brahman Now or Lose the Opportunity

33:27 • 4min

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Janaka: Enlightenment Amidst Worldly Rule

37:18 • 3min

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Janaka's Journey and the Karma Story

40:29 • 7min

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Power of Good Karma in Easing Spiritual Life

47:56 • 1min

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Q&A: Mantra vs. Vedantic Inquiry

49:09 • 52sec

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Soham, Dasoham and Choosing the Atman

50:01 • 2min

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Truth Versus Falsity; Hold on to Honesty

52:09 • 2min

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Upadhi, Nonduality, and the Role of Appearances

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. It presents a conversation between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before the start of the war. Krishna imparts profound philosophical and spiritual teachings to Arjuna, addressing questions about duty, dharma, and the nature of reality. The Gita synthesizes various aspects of Hindu philosophy, including karma, bhakti, and jnana yoga, offering a comprehensive guide to spiritual life. Its message of selfless action, devotion, and self-realization has made it one of the most influential texts in Hindu tradition. The Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire individuals seeking wisdom and guidance on their spiritual journey.

Avadhuta Gita

The Sayings of Dattatreya

Dattatreya

The Avadhuta Gita is an ancient text that explores the themes of Self-Realization and the transcendence of worldly attachments through the lens of Advaita Vedanta. It is considered a foundational work in nondualistic philosophy and has been influential in various spiritual traditions. The text is attributed to Dattatreya, a figure revered for his wisdom and spiritual insight.

#21203

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

Sri Ramakrishna

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.

#17731

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Ashtavakra Gita

The Ashtavakra Gita is an ancient Indian text considered a classic of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. It presents a profound exploration of the nature of reality and the path to self-realization through insightful dialogues between Ashtavakra and King Janaka. The text emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of one's true nature as pure consciousness. Its concise yet profound verses offer guidance on transcending the limitations of the ego and experiencing the ultimate truth. The Ashtavakra Gita's teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers on their journey towards self-discovery and liberation.

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 Feb 15, 2022.

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ABOUT VEDANTA

Vedanta 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 US

Vedanta 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.

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