Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta for Everyday Living

In this episode, Gautamji begins the section on the technique of right action—the heart of Karma Yoga. Krishna contrasts the ignorant, who act with self-centered attachment, with the wise, who act with equal intensity but for a higher purpose and the welfare of the world. This verse lays down the essential discipline behind powerful, peaceful, and selfless action.More about the podcast:The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life.In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: www.VedantaUSA.orgTo get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: https://a.co/d/j5SylPCFind us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s personal example as a perfected being: one who has nothing to gain, yet continues to act for the welfare of the world. Krishna then unfolds a series of emotional appeals—devotion, persuasion, vanity, fear, and finally threat—to show Arjuna how a leader’s inaction can destabilize society and why responsible action is indispensable on the spiritual path.More about the podcast:The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life.In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: www.VedantaUSA.orgTo get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: https://a.co/d/j5SylPCFind us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

In this episode, Gautamji explains how Krishna supplements reason with emotional appeal to move Arjuna to action. Drawing on the examples of ancient kings who attained perfection while living in the world, and on the powerful influence leaders have through their conduct, Krishna shows why right action is essential—not only for one’s own growth but for the welfare and guidance of others.More about the podcast:The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life.In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: www.VedantaUSA.orgTo get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: https://a.co/d/j5SylPCFind us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

In this episode, Gautamji explains why an enlightened person has no obligatory duties—having already reached the goal, they act only out of compassion, not personal need or dependence. He clarifies how ordinary action stems from anxiety and expectation, and how true self-sufficiency arises from inner fulfillment. Gautamji concludes with Krishna’s key instruction: choose a higher purpose, renounce attachment, and perform the actions that help you reach it.More about the podcast: The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life. In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: ⁠www.VedantaUSA.org⁠To get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: ⁠https://a.co/d/j5SylPC⁠Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

Continuing the theme of sacrifice from the previous verses, Gautamji explains the next step in Karma Yoga: the state of one who is fulfilled in the Self. After reviewing the three grades of action he clarifies how the enlightened person, fully satisfied within, has no personal need to act. He also addresses how this verse has long been misunderstood as encouraging withdrawal, when Krishna actually upholds dynamic, selfless living.More about the podcast: The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life. In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: ⁠www.VedantaUSA.org⁠To get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: ⁠https://a.co/d/j5SylPC⁠Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s teaching on the “wheel of life,” showing how sacrifice links the individual, the world, and the higher Reality. He contrasts selfish action, which only increases agitation, with sacrificial action that brings harmony and inner clarity. More about the podcast: The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life. In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: ⁠www.VedantaUSA.org⁠To get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: ⁠https://a.co/d/j5SylPC⁠Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s teaching that life functions on mutual nourishment: when we offer our actions in a spirit of sacrifice, the world responds in kind. He contrasts this with selfish living, where taking without giving back breeds only agitation and imbalance. Through these insights, he shows how even ordinary action becomes purifying when performed with the right attitude.More about the podcast:The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life.In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: www.VedantaUSA.orgTo get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: https://a.co/d/j5SylPCFind us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

In this episode, Gautamji deepens the idea of yajña—sacrifice—as the very fulcrum of spiritual growth and worldly success. Using the vivid story of the monkey trapped by a fistful of peanuts, he shows how our refusal to let go of instant pleasures keeps us “black and blue,” while true sacrifice unlocks peace, prosperity, and higher evolution. He then explains the Gita’s language of “gods,” clarifying how serving selflessly in our own field of action allows that very field to nourish and support us in return.More about the podcast: The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life. In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: ⁠www.VedantaUSA.org⁠To get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: ⁠https://a.co/d/j5SylPC⁠Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa

Gautamji explores the intriguing concept of the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—and how they shape our personalities. He discusses the nature of vasanas as seeds of thought that influence our actions and the importance of distinguishing between attachment and desire. Unraveling how these gunas can lead to cycles of rebirth, he advocates for selflessness in actions and a shift in focus towards one's true self. Gautamji encourages evaluating personal tendencies to foster growth and reduce suffering, providing valuable insights for spiritual aspirants.

In this episode, Gautamji explains how obligatory action becomes transformative only when rooted in sacrifice. He clarifies that living by likes and dislikes keeps us bound, while dedicating action to a higher purpose purifies the mind and dissolves selfish desires. Through the Gita’s introduction of yajña, he shows that sacrifice—not indulgence—is the true engine of peace, success, and spiritual evolution. More about the podcast: The Bhagavad Gita is a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that contains the universal wisdom of life applicable to all human beings. This sacred scripture explains how one can navigate life's complexities, dilemmas, and challenges and ultimately find true happiness and purpose in life. In this podcast series, Gautamji takes listeners through a verse-by-verse study of the Bhagavad Gita, providing actionable insights and reflections. He explains how to apply the Gita's teachings to enhance our personal growth, decision-making, relationships, and overall well-being. Additionally, he addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. © Gautam JainTo learn more about our weekly lectures visit: ⁠www.VedantaUSA.org⁠To get the verse by verse commentary on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami A. Parthasarathy: ⁠https://a.co/d/j5SylPC⁠Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vedantausaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vedanta_usa/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYv-xlRm5iIiMdnR626_QQTwitter: https://twitter.com/vedantausa