Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta for Everyday Living

In this episode, Gautamji explores Lord Krishna’s teaching on Buddhi Yoga—the path of uniting intellect and action to break free from the bondage of karma. Acting with self-knowledge and selflessness, even in small ways, offers protection from deep fear and mental turmoil. Gautamji also reflects on how Hindu festivals and rituals, like the nine days of Dussehra (Navaratri), serve as powerful reminders of our ultimate spiritual goal—Self-realization. He explains how selfish desires and sensory cravings trap us in mental agitation, and why rising above them through purposeful, detached living is essential on the Vedantic 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

Gautamji explains the consequences of failing to act selflessly for a higher purpose and not learning to view the pairs of opposites with equanimity. When we act selfishly to satisfy our desires in the present, we sow the seeds of future desires and, consequently, future suffering. Gautamji explains that sin is a mental disturbance or reaction born from present actions rooted in selfishness. True fulfilment lies not in the outcome of our actions, but in the joy and alignment found in the action itself, especially when performed with selflessness and purpose.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 explains that our happiness is entirely dependent on the external world—a world that is constantly changing and incapable of fully satisfying our needs. Therefore, we must shift our focus from this impermanent world to our true nature: the eternal soul within. Our swadharma is to pursue a path aligned with our inherent nature. Sorrow, he says, is a reflection of our selfishness. To overcome this, we must gradually reduce our ego-driven desires and self-centered tendencies in daily life. The more selflessly we work, the more peaceful we become. Our actions then grow in productivity and purpose, leading naturally to success.By consistently applying Vedantic principles in our lives, we can experience peace and success— both now and in the future. Gautamji further explains that "Heaven" represents the relative bliss found in spiritual progress, whereas "Enlightenment" is the state of absolute, unchanging bliss.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 answers insightful questions from various students on the spiritual path. He responds to questions on the ego which acts as a barrier between us and God, the right attitude of a student seeking spiritual knowledge, and the symbolism of Lord Vishnu resting on the serpent. In addition, he explores profound topics such as how to identify with the real Self, the role of faith in spiritual growth, ways to reduce our attachments, and the true nature of knowledge.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 dives into self-realization as an achievable goal for everyone. He emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous learning for personal growth. The discussion reveals how focused thought can pave the way to spiritual mastery. Listeners discover the key traits of effective students and the need for self-awareness to overcome delusions. Additionally, the concept of standardizing life is explored, showcasing its role in achieving peace and better decision-making. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened!

Gautamji talks on Chapter 2 - The Yoga of KnowledgeIn these two verses, Lord Krishna continues to provoke Arjuna to shake him out of his hesitation. He warns that if Arjuna refuses to fight, not only will he fail in his duty as a warrior (Kshatriya), but also his enemies — and even those inferior to him — will mock him. The shame of being ridiculed by those he sees as less capable becomes a powerful motivation. Krishna uses this psychological insight to awaken Arjuna’s inner strength and sense of honor, pushing him to rise above doubt and act with courage. 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 talks on Chapter 2 - The Yoga of KnowledgeKrishna provokes Arjuna’s ego that all his peers will ridicule him if he does not continue to fight the war. Gautamji emphasizes that along with devotion and knowledge, acting selflessly is crucial, as it helps eliminate our desires. Desires impede our spiritual growth and selfishness is the root cause of all problems. Gautamji explains the principle of cause and effect in spiritual growth, need to focus on higher thoughts, whereby the lower egocentric selfish thoughts fade away. If we can live our life without the reference of what others are thinking, thus keeping the ego in check, we will be completely free and live with peace and happiness.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 talks on Chapter 2 - The Yoga of KnowledgeGautamji discusses the importance of understanding our duty to act with a selfless attitude. In these verses, Lord Krishna emphasizes the need to align our actions with swadharma, which refers to our inherent nature, talent, or inclination. Gautamji clarifies that duty is an action performed with intellect for a higher purpose, while most people perform their duties driven by personal attachments and emotions. He explains that sin is the result of mental agitation, and thus, sorrow itself is a form of sin.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 talks on Chapter 2 - The Yoga of KnowledgeGautamji discusses the natural cycle of life and death and how the unknown reality evokes wonder and true devotion. He emphasizes that devotion is an attunement to the Self without selfish motives. He highlights that the world is a projection of divinity, and nature itself embodies this divinity. Despite this, many remain in spiritual darkness. Gautamji encourages gratitude for what nature provides, rather than constantly seeking more.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

Discover the fascinating concept of Swadharma, which emphasizes acting in harmony with your true nature for spiritual growth. Explore the intricate relationship between desire, intellect, and free will, and how they shape our choices and character. Uncover how past actions influence your current path, and learn the importance of self-awareness in decision-making. Gautamji sheds light on the power of persistent effort in personal development, contrasting human potential with instinct-driven behavior. Tune in for profound insights!