
Kena Upanishad - Swami Sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series. The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism. Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).Vedanta Society of New YorkApple PodcastSpotify PodcastDonations to support Vedanta Society of New York gratefully accepted via PaypalAll Original Content © Vedanta Society of New York
Latest episodes

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
8. Kena Upanishad | Mantras 1.6 - 1.9 Continued | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Delve into the ancient mantras of the Kena Upanishad, unlocking the connection between human faculties and the ultimate reality of Brahman. Explore the essence of both consciousness and the inner witness, revealing non-duality. The podcast contrasts memory and perception, emphasizing direct experience in the quest for enlightenment. Dive into the interplay of emotions and consciousness, highlighting the significance of awareness. Ultimately, it underscores the profound oneness of Brahman, offering insights on navigating a diverse universe.

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 18min
7. Kena Upanishad | Mantras 1.6 - 1.9 | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Dive into the elusive concept of Brahman, the ultimate consciousness that transcends ordinary experience. Explore the journey of worship, where tangible objects connect seekers with the intangible divine. Uncover the nuances of liberation, contrasting traditional views with the Advaita Vedanta perspective on merging with the eternal self. Discover the unity of consciousness and non-duality, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings. Experience the significance of experiential knowledge in spiritual progress, connecting it to the universal Anahatanad or unstruck sound.

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 19min
6. Kena Upanishad | Mantra 1.5 | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Dive into a thought-provoking dialogue on the Kena Upanishad, where the nature of reality and consciousness is explored. Discover the distinction between conventional knowledge and the deeper understanding of Brahman as a transformative journey. Unpack the limitations of language in expressing spiritual truths and the challenges of articulating profound concepts. The discussion extends into the virtual realm, examining how language intersects with reality. Ultimately, it emphasizes that true fulfillment arises from within, reflecting on the relationship between individual and universal consciousness.

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
5. Kena Upanishad | Mantras 1.3 - 1.4 | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Dive into the profound questions of consciousness and existence revealed in the Kena Upanishad. Discover how consciousness is portrayed as a luminous entity separate from the body-mind complex. The podcast challenges listeners to transcend sensory perceptions and embrace inner realization connected to Brahman. Explore the concept of self-witnessing amid emotional chaos and learn how personal discipline leads to true self-realization. Unravel the intricate relationship between Atman and Brahman through the lens of Vedantic philosophy.

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
4. Kena Upanishad | Mantra 1.2 Continued | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Dive into the mysteries of consciousness and its connection to subjective experience, as ancient wisdom meets modern philosophy. Discover how the Kena Upanishad reveals consciousness as a luminous entity that transcends the physical realm. The dialogue weaves insights from the Taittiriya Upanishad and Shankaracharya, exploring profound realizations of our true nature. Intriguingly, it also touches upon contemporary debates about the nature of consciousness, especially in relation to artificial intelligence. A fascinating blend of old and new perspectives!

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 19min
3. Kena Upanishad | Mantras 1.1 - 1.2 | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Dive into the realm of consciousness as the discussion unfolds on the Kena Upanishad's teachings. Experience the profound student-teacher dialogue illuminating Brahman's oneness. Discover the intricate relationship between consciousness and sensory experiences, challenging traditional views. Explore the philosophical significance of self and mind through Sanskrit terms 'Ishitam' and 'Prashitam.' Finally, ponder on consciousness across various states of existence and its unique qualities in contrast to AI.

Jan 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
2. Kena Upanishad | Introduction...Continued | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Dive into the Kena Upanishad, exploring the fascinating contrasts between monastic life and worldly pursuits. Discover how rituals and karma shape our choices, emphasizing ethical behavior for spiritual liberation. The marshmallow experiment sheds light on the importance of impulse control, linking it to ancient wisdom. Engage in the philosophical debate on material happiness versus enlightenment, highlighting the role of mentors. Listen as spiritual traditions intersect with modern achievements, reflecting on the transformative power of consciousness through life's stages.

Jan 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
1. Kena Upanishad | Introduction | Swami Sarvapriyananda
The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).