Pragmatic Bhagavad Gita: Unlocking the Practical Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Krsnadaasa

You can view the complete story transcript here: https://pragmaticgita.com/radhashtami-radhas-appearance/ What is the true significance of Radhashtami? This episode is a deep dive into the essence of Radha's appearance and her supreme position in the philosophy of Bhakti. We explore the core principles of Vaishnavism and how Radha's selfless love for Krishna serves as the ultimate example for all devotees.If you're interested in the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on devotion, this episode will provide a new and profound perspective. We discuss:The story of Radha's appearance and her first meeting with Krishna.Why Radha's love is considered the highest form of Bhakti.The concept of 'Viraha Bhava' (love in separation) and its spiritual power.How to connect with Radha's divine energy in your own spiritual practice.Whether you're new to the path of Bhakti or a long-time practitioner, this episode will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Radha, Krishna, and the power of divine love.Keywords: Radhashtami, Radha, Krishna, Bhakti Yoga, Vaishnavism, Bhagavad Gita, Hindu Spirituality, Devotion, Nishkama Bhakti, Viraha Bhava, Paramatma, Jivatma.krsnadaasa(Servant of Krishna)

Complete text can be found here: https://pragmaticgita.com/ayam-sanatanaha-the-causeless-eternal-soul/ Ayam Sanatanaha. What does this ancient phrase from the Bhagavad Gita mean? It holds a secret to overcoming our deepest fears and answering life's most profound question: "Who am I?" It is a declaration that your true self is eternal, primordial, and has no cause.In This Episode, You'll Discover:The deep meaning of the Sanskrit phrase Ayam Sanatanaha - the causeless, eternal soul.Why the Gita describes the soul (Atman) as unborn, and how this establishes its eternal nature.A clear explanation of why the soul is considered indestructible, beyond the reach of any physical harm.How this single realization can dismantle the five core afflictions (kleshas) that cause all human suffering, especially the fear of death.An introduction to the yogic paths that serve as a practical roadmap for experiencing this truth directly.The timeless analogy of the soul changing bodies like we change clothes, reframing our perspective on life and death.In this discussion, we journey to the very heart of Sanatana Dharma teachings to uncover a truth that liberates. We often live our lives identified with our temporary roles, our bodies, and our minds. We feel the sting of every loss and fear every ending. But the wisdom of "Ayam Sanatanaha" invites us to identify with something infinitely more vast and stable. It tells us that the soul transcends the body and mind.This is not just philosophy; it is a blueprint for a fearless existence. Join us as we explore how to shift our identity from the fleeting to the eternal, and in doing so, find the unshakable peace that is our very nature.⁠krsnadaasa⁠(Servant of Krishna)https://pragmaticgita.com

Guided Meditation: Developing Inner Stillness and Calmness Approx. Time: 13 minutesThe complete episode explaining all the relevant shlokas [2.14 to 2.18] can be found here: https://pragmaticgita.com/art-of-equanimity/ Part 1: The Invitation to Stillness & So Hum Breath Begin by finding a relaxed, upright posture—on a chair or the floor, avoiding soft surfaces. Rest your hands on your lap and gently close your eyes.Take a moment to settle into presence—this body, this breath, this moment. Let the world outside pause.Bring awareness to your breath.As you inhale, silently say “So…”—feel the air move from nostrils to belly.As you exhale, say “Hum…”—feel the breath release from belly to nostrils.Let go of tension with each breath.So… Hum… So… Hum…Part 2: The Nature of Experience Let your breath flow naturally.Now reflect on a secret from Shri Krishna in the Gita:"mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ āgamāpāyino 'nityās tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata" All experiences—pleasure and pain—arise from contact between senses and objects. They come and go. They are impermanent.Recall the warmth of the sun… now let it go.Recall the chill of a breeze… now let it go.Recall harsh words… let go of discomfort.Recall praise… let go of pleasure.Each sensation arises and fades.We suffer when we cling to joy or resist pain.Now, imagine yourself as a strong tree.Your deep roots symbolize your true Self.On a sunny day, warmth spreads—success, praise. Feel it, but don’t cling.Then the sky darkens—blame, failure. Feel it, but don’t resist.As the tree, you endure both sun and storm.This is titiksha—graceful endurance, wise acceptance.Part 3: Resting in the Eternal Self Now shift perspective. You are not just the tree.You are also the earth that holds it.You are the sky that holds both sun and storm.Return to So Hum breathing.So… Hum… So… Hum…Affirm: “I am That.”That which is aware. That which is unchanging.This awareness is Sat—eternal, real, untouched by change.Part 4: Returning with Equanimity Let your breath return to its natural rhythm.Feel the calmness within you—independent of circumstances.This is the art of equanimity.To remain steady in joy and sorrow is the path to liberation.Carry this inner peace with you.Remember the wisdom of the tree and the vastness of the sky.When ready, gently open your eyes.krsnadaasa (Servant of Krishna)

Dive into the art of equanimity as a powerful anchor amidst life's ups and downs. Discover how pleasure and pain are fleeting sensations shaped by our senses, and learn Krishna's practical wisdom on cultivating calm endurance. Using the metaphor of a mighty oak in a storm, navigate your inner struggles without attachment to outcomes. Explore the distinction between the eternal self and the temporary body, while gaining tools for resilience. Enjoy relatable examples, a calming meditation, and insights that illuminate the path to steadiness and liberation.

Welcome. There is a question that has haunted humanity since we first gazed at our own reflection... a question that lives in your heart right now… Who am I?Today, we walk an ancient path together to find the answer. It is a path of sacred discovery, where we find the diamond of our true self by gently letting go of everything we are not.When you're ready, softly close your eyes, feeling yourself opening up to the quiet infinity within. Let's now attune ourselves to the cosmic frequency through the rhythm of So Hum breathing. Breathing in slowly, please say in your mind ‘So’… feeling the air gradually flowing from your nostril to your heart and finally resting in your belly. Feel the air as you breathe. Now, breathe out gently, and say in your mind ‘Hum’… feeling the air flowing back from your belly through your chest and throat and out your nostrils. Repeat.Here is the first truth for us to realize. If I can watch the breath, then I cannot be the breath. The observer cannot be the same as whatever they are observing. Let this truth sink deep into mind… I am not this breath.Now, let's focus on our thoughts. See how they arise from nowhere, and disappear. Now, you are observing your thoughts, so you cannot be your thoughts. Tell yourself “ I am not my thoughts. I am the witness of my thoughts”.Now, focus on your emotions. Remember any sad moment from your life. Then remember any joyful moment from your life. Just observe the emotions. Don’t engage with them. See how quickly they are able to appear and disappear. Now, you are observing your emotions, so you cannot be your emotions. Tell yourself… I am experiencing emotions but I am not my emotions.Now we come to the most intimate illusion, this body you've so strongly identified with.Bring your awareness to your hands, these have helped you perform innumerable activities. If they are your hands, who is the you that they belong to? If these hands were lost, wouldn’t you still be you? Tell yourself. These hands serve me, so I am not my hands.Think of your legs in the same way. Your legs have carried you to countless places. If you lost your legs, you would still be you. Tell yourself… My legs carry me, but I am not my legs. I will still be Me even without my legs.Now focus on your senses. You will realize how you always say “My eyes, My nose, My tongue, My ears….” So, your senses belong to you so you cannot be your senses. Tell yourself… My senses help me perceive the material world, but I am not my senses.Feel your heart, sustainer of life. This heart has been your faithful companion, yet you know hearts can be transplanted. Another person’s heart can beat inside your chest and still, You will remain You. Tell yourself… My heart beats for me, but I am not my heart.And now, the brain, the final frontier. This magnificent biocomputer processes data for you. It thinks for you. It asks questions and finds answers for you. But people have survived with half their brain removed, still referring to themselves as 'I'. Not as ‘half I’. There are people whose brains have totally stopped functioning and doctors say that the person is ‘brain dead’. But the person is still there. So we are not our brains either. Tell yourself… I am not even my brain."Now tell yourself .. “I am not my breath, I am not my thoughts, I am not my emotions, I am not my body parts, I am not even my brain…” SO, If I am none of these…WHO…AM…I !?Say this affirmation in your mind… “I am the pure consciousness, I am the silent witness, I am eternal, pure, and free.”From this place, slowly allow your awareness to flow back through the body, like sunlight streaming through a window. Take a deep breath. When you're ready, slowly open your eyes.Remember what you touched upon here. You are not a human having a spiritual experience. You are Spirit having a human experience.Tat Tvam Asi. That Thou Art.The meditation is complete. The living practice now begins.krsnadaasa (Servant of Krishna)

Ever felt stuck in a cycle of overthinking? Discover how Arjuna's moment of analysis paralysis on the battlefield reflects a timeless struggle. The discussion dives into the eternal nature of the soul, offering a unique lens on identity beyond physical change. Explore Buddha's concept of mental chatter and the parable of the poisoned arrow, revealing how speculation heightens suffering. Plus, experience a guided meditation to connect with your true self. Embrace the wisdom that can help reduce fear and attachment in everyday life.

Following the example of Arjuna, this is a guided meditation to seek divine guidance to find solutions to some of the biggest challenges we are facing in our lives. If followed with faith and humility, seekers will certainly receive inner guidance leading to successful resolution of their life challenges.Based specifically on Bhagavad Gita, 2.7:कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभाव:पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेता: |यच्छ्रेय: स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मेशिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम् || 7||kārpaṇya-doṣhopahata-svabhāvaḥpṛichchhāmi tvāṁ dharma-sammūḍha-chetāḥyach-chhreyaḥ syānniśhchitaṁ brūhi tanmeśhiṣhyaste ’haṁ śhādhi māṁ tvāṁ prapannamI am confused about my duty, and am besieged with anxiety and faintheartedness. I am Your disciple, and am surrendered to You. Please instruct me for certain what is best for me.krsnadaasahttps://pragmaticgita.com

Explore the heart-wrenching moment when Arjuna faces a moral crisis on the battlefield, caught between duty and deep grief. Discover the crucial difference between mere knowledge of scripture and the wisdom to apply it in challenging times. Learn how obligations and emotional turmoil can cloud judgment, leading to what’s known as 'analysis paralysis.' The discussion emphasizes the importance of having a guide and highlights practical lessons on decision-making, silence in surrender, and the transformative power of receiving wisdom.

Explore the inner saboteur that whispers negativity and self-doubt. Witness Arjuna's emotional collapse and Krishna's powerful response, marking a pivotal lesson on self-awareness. Learn techniques to recognize and confront these destructive thoughts, using insights from ancient wisdom. Discover key concepts like 'kashmalam' and 'klaibyam' while engaging in interactive exercises. Reflect on fearlessness and compassion as pathways to spiritual growth. Gain practical tools to weaken your saboteur through awareness and nonreactivity.

Dive into the profound journey of Arjuna on the battlefield against despair, where a crisis sparks transformation. Explore the 'Dhritarashtra element,' symbolizing our inner blindness to truth, affecting relationships and duties. Witness Arjuna's physical breakdown as a crucial moment for spiritual insight and grace. Discover that our darkest hours often pave the way for breakthroughs, emphasizing the importance of practicing spirituality amid struggles. Join a rich discussion on morality, ego, and the quest for clarity in the midst of turmoil.