Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda

Join Philip Goldberg, an award-winning author and spiritual counselor, as he delves into the intricate world of karma. He dissects the evolution of karma in Western culture and clarifies common misconceptions, emphasizing that karma isn't about punishment but rather a system of causes and effects. Goldberg explores the importance of personal responsibility within karma and how ethical living fosters meaningful choices. He highlights the role of meditation in transforming our karmic patterns and discusses the delicate balance of equanimity in life's challenges.

Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and biologist from the City College of New York, dives into the rich tapestry of ancient philosophies in his latest discussion. He introduces the metaphor of three 'ports'—pleasure, character, and doubt—explaining how different schools approach these concepts. Pigliucci explores skeptical philosophies, emphasizing Socratic questioning and their practical applications for a fulfilling life. He also touches on intriguing figures like Protagoras and Hypatia, culminating in the idea that a balanced life prioritizes character while embracing measured pleasures and critical thinking.

Join Swami Satyamayananda, a distinguished monastic of the Ramakrishna Order and current president of the Vedanta Society of Western Washington, as he delves into the captivating mystery of divine incarnations. He discusses how avatars adapt to humanity's needs and embody our deeper heritage, offering aspirational figures rooted in past, present, and future. Satyamayananda elaborates on their role in energizing spirituality, validating diverse paths, and stimulating cosmic awakening. Explore how these incarnations reflect the divine while harmonizing scripture with spiritual practice.

In a fascinating dialogue, Swami Sarvapriyananda, a head monk of the Ramakrishna Order, teams up with Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher known for his work on consciousness. They dive into analytic idealism, arguing how consciousness forms the basis of reality, contrasting it with the physical world. Topics include the hard problem of consciousness, how AI's intellect differs from subjective experience, and the search for meaning in today’s society. They also discuss the roles of spiritual practices and the ongoing cultural shift away from materialism, urging a deeper understanding of consciousness.

Swami Medhananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and a senior research fellow in philosophy, explores the intricate doctrines of karma and rebirth in Hinduism. He discusses their implications through sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the evolution of moral and spiritual growth versus mere retribution. Medhananda also tackles complex topics like free will, collective karma, and evidence of past-life memories, while providing practical advice on cultivating selfless actions and integrating karma-yoga into daily life.

Join Swami Nishpapananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and assistant minister at the Vedanta Society of St. Louis, as he shares insights on integrating bhakti into everyday life. He explores the harmony of devotion and knowledge, illustrating how human love can connect us to the divine. With practical methods like daily puja and mantra, he highlights transforming ordinary experiences into moments of connection with God. Dive into his anecdotes on devotion's role in navigating challenges, aging, and fostering a compassionate perspective.

Swami Sarvapriyananda dives into Christian spirituality through a Vedantic lens, highlighting the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. He contrasts Jesus' call for non-violent resistance with the concept of 'an eye for an eye,' linking it to Gandhi's philosophy. Anecdotes from his Vatican visit and reflections on humility explore the Beatitudes and their relevance today. With insights on forgiveness, peacemaking, and the spiritual path toward seeing God, he emphasizes the unity across religions and the enduring quest for truth.

Professor Massimo Pigliucci, K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy, The City College of New York. Professor Massimo Pigliucci is an American philosopher and biologist who is professor of philosophy at the City College of New York, former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast, and former editor in chief for the online magazine Scientia Salon. He is a critic of pseudoscience and creationism, and an advocate for secularism and science education. His recent work has focused on stoicism.► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives:    / vedantanewyorkarchives  Web: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud:   / vedantany  iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...Facebook:   / vedantany  ABOUT VEDANTAVedanta 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 USVedanta 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.

The Isha Upanishad (Sanskrit: ईशोपनिषद्, IAST: Īśopaniṣad), also known as Shri Ishopanishad, Ishavasya Upanishad, or Vajasaneyi Samhita Upanishad, is one of the shortest Upanishads, embedded as the final chapter (adhyāya) of the Shukla Yajurveda. It is a Mukhya (primary, principal) Upanishad, and is known in two recensions, called Kanva (VSK) and Madhyandina (VSM). The Upanishad is a brief poem, consisting of 17 or 18 verses, depending on the recension.It is a key scripture of the Vedanta sub-schools, and an influential Śruti to diverse schools of Hinduism. It is the 40th chapter of Yajurveda. The name of the text derives from its incipit, īśā vāsyam, "enveloped by the Lord", or "hidden in the Lord (Self)". The text discusses the Atman (Self) theory of Hinduism, and is referenced by both Dvaita (dualism) and Advaita (non-dualism) sub-schools of Vedanta.It is classified as a "poetic Upanishad" along with Kena, Katha, Svetasvatara and Mundaka by Paul Deussen (1908).Reference book:1. Eight Upanisads Vol. 2 translated by Swami Gambhirananda - https://www.vedanta.com/store/Eight-U...► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives:    / vedantanewyorkarchives  Web: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud:   / vedantany  iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...Facebook:   / vedantany  ABOUT VEDANTAVedanta 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 USVedanta 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.

Sri Sarada Devi, affectionately known as Holy Mother, was a spiritual leader and the wife of Sri Ramakrishna, one of the most highly revered saints in India. She is revered as a symbol of universal motherhood, whose wisdom and spiritual grandeur remained hidden beneath her natural veil of modesty. Holy Mother was not only devoted wife to Sri Ramakrishna but also his spiritual companion and object of worship.► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives:    / vedantanewyorkarchives  Web: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud:   / vedantany  iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...Facebook:   / vedantany  ABOUT VEDANTAVedanta 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 USVedanta 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.