

Wisdom of the Sages
Raghunath Cappo & Kaustubha Das
Truths about life from the timeless wisdom of the Bhakti-yoga tradition - fun, relevant, and deep. Learn about dharma, yoga, bhakti, and how it relates to all the basic questions of life. This show is about how to live your best life, let go of the external distractions, and uncover the spiritual happiness that lies within the heart as the true nature of the soul.
Raghunath and Kaustubha's connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90's, to sharing their experiences in the world of yoga in the 21st century.
Raghunath and Kaustubha's connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90's, to sharing their experiences in the world of yoga in the 21st century.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 10, 2025 • 58min
1534: Forces That Cover Truth & the Mercy That Restores It
Can wisdom truly be lost—or does it just become hidden? And how does an unpredictable, wildly compassionate avatar break every rule to deliver divine love? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha take a deep dive into two extraordinary themes: the mystery of how the Vedas are preserved, lost, and rediscovered over time, and the untamed, ecstatic compassion of Lord Nityananda. From the theft of the Vedas by a cosmic demon to the fearless love that transformed dangerous criminals, this discussion explores the forces that try to conceal truth—and the unstoppable mercy that restores it. Key Highlights: • How ancient sages memorized vast scriptures without writing them down—and why hearing is more powerful than seeing. • The story of how a demon stole the Vedas and what it reveals about the cycles of hidden and revealed knowledge. • The rebel saint: Why Lord Nityananda's unconventional ways hold the key to Bhakti for the modern world. • Transforming even the hardest hearts—how love, not punishment, is the Bhakti way. • Why spiritual knowledge needs to be protected—and what happens when it disappears. Sacred wisdom has been lost and found countless times, but one thing remains constant: the mercy of those who dedicate their lives to reviving it. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that bridges the past and present, revealing the hidden dynamics of truth, love, and transformation. 🔔 Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide on the journey of Bhakti Yoga. 🎧 Tune in now! #LostVedicWisdom #LordNityananda #BhaktiRevolution #OralTradition #WisdomOfTheSages SB 8.24.1-25 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 9, 2025 • 59min
1533: More Than Ever, the World is Ready for Bhakti / Interview with Sitala Devi Dasi
The world is unraveling in division, anxiety, and distractions, yet beneath the surface, a spiritual revolution is growing. Sitala Devi Dasi, a devoted practitioner since 1970, shares her firsthand experience of the Bhakti movement's rise—from the countercultural rebellion of the 60s to the modern explosion of devotion across the globe. This episode unveils the miracles, challenges, and transcendental vision behind Srila Prabhupada's mission, offering a powerful perspective on the future of spiritual awakening. Key Highlights: ✨ The countercultural rebellion that led thousands to the path of devotion. ✨ Why the world is more ready than ever for Bhakti Yoga. ✨ The moment that changed everything: meeting a pure devotee. ✨ How the consciousness behind our actions—not external labels—defines true spiritual progress. This episode is a deep dive into the living history of the Bhakti movement, the urgency of spiritual awakening in today's world, and the timeless wisdom that continues to transform hearts. Don't miss it. 🌟 Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide on the transformative journey of Bhakti. 🎧 Tune in now! #BhaktiYoga #SrilaPrabhupada #KrishnaConsciousness #SpiritualRevolution Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/live/lMQ8NCdiDZA?si=gJDEo2YbQYvq7eH9 https://a.co/d/1a2OuC9 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
1532: The Science Behind the Vedic Planetarium
In this mind-expanding episode, Raghunath sits down with astrophysicists, astronomers, and Vedic scholars to explore one of the most ambitious scientific and spiritual projects on the planet—the Science Museum of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, India. What did ancient Vedic texts reveal about the cosmos that modern science is only now beginning to explore? How does the universe function as a consciousness-based reality? And why did Śrīla Prabhupāda envision a Vedic planetarium as a centerpiece of his global mission? Key Highlights: ✨ The 14 planetary systems—higher realms, subterranean heavens, and the forgotten concept of Vedic cosmography ✨ The James Webb Telescope and modern physics—how contemporary discoveries align with the Bhagavatam ✨ Are UFOs, multi-dimensional beings, and subtle matter crafts real? A scientist's take on unexplained phenomena ✨ How the Vedas challenge the materialistic worldview and offer a paradigm shift in modern science Join us for an electrifying conversation where Vedic wisdom meets cutting-edge astrophysics—unpacking timeless knowledge that could reshape our understanding of reality itself. 🌟 Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide on the transformative journey of Bhakti. 🎧 Tune in now! #VedicScience #AstrophysicsMeetsBhakti #ScienceOfConsciousness #VedicPlanetarium #AncientWisdom #UFOsAndVedas #BhaktiYoga #SrimadBhagavatam Learn more at https://www.sciencephilosophy.org/ https://tovp.org/ https://binstitute.org/ ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 6, 2025 • 56min
1531: Surviving the Streets: A Former Gang Enforcer's Path to Bhakti
A childhood spent in the sacred temples of India. A teenage descent into the violent world of organized crime. A near-death experience that changed everything. This is the raw, eye-opening story of Govinda Das—a former gang enforcer who found his way back to the spiritual path through Krishna's grace. Join Raghunath as he dives into Govinda's gripping journey from a strict Vaishnava upbringing to the dangerous streets of Chicago, where he was drawn into one of the world's most notorious gangs. Discover how years of violence, drugs, and survival eventually led him back to the teachings of bhakti and the transformative power of chanting the holy name. 🔑 Key Highlights: ✨ The hidden connection between gang loyalty and the search for belonging. ✨ How addiction, trauma, and violence led to a desperate plea to Krishna. ✨ The near-fatal accident that sparked a life-changing spiritual awakening. ✨ Why community and association can make or break one's path in life. Govinda's story is a testament to the power of bhakti yoga to reclaim even the most lost souls. His raw honesty and hard-won wisdom offer profound lessons on karma, free will, and the undeniable mercy of Krishna. 🙏 Subscribe for daily wisdom and join thousands worldwide on the transformative journey of Bhakti. 🎧 Tune in now! #BhaktiYoga #RedemptionStory #GangToGrace #SpiritualTransformation #WisdomOfTheSages ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 5, 2025 • 60min
1530: More than Informational -- This is Transformational
These aren't just ancient tales—they're spiritual vehicles designed to purify, elevate, and awaken the soul. In this episode, we uncover the influence of the yoga of spiritual sound and how simply hearing these divine narrations carries the power to cleanse the heart of karmic burdens, transcend intellectual boundaries, and infuse life with profound auspiciousness. We also explore the very first verse of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.1.1), where Vyāsadeva boldly connects the dots between the timeless truths of the Upaniṣads, the Rig Veda, and the Vedānta-sūtra, revealing that the ultimate source described in them all is none other than Śrī Kṛṣṇa—the personal, all-pervading Absolute Truth. Key Highlights: ✨ Why hearing sacred texts isn't just informational—it's transformational ✨ The potency of hearing divine pastimes to free the soul from suffering ✨ How Vyāsadeva establishes Kṛṣṇa as the heart of Vedic wisdom ✨ The secret to making any moment or ceremony deeply auspicious Step beyond intellectual curiosity and into the transformative realm of sacred sound. 🎧 Tune in now for daily wisdom that transcends time. #SrimadBhagavatam #SpiritualAwakening #VedicWisdom #BhaktiYoga #KirtanRevolution #KrishnaConsciousness #WisdomOfTheSages SB 8.23.28-31 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 4, 2025 • 60min
1529: Letting Go to Receive
Holding on may be is the very thing holding us back. In this compelling episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a transformative truth: divine grace isn't a reward for perfection—it responds to sincerity. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the striking words of Anne Lamott, they explore how surrender isn't a sign of defeat but the key to unlocking spiritual growth. Key Highlights: ✨ "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace—only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us." – Anne Lamott ✨ How grace flows not to the flawless, but to the sincere-hearted. ✨ The invisible "blockers" that keep us from experiencing divine connection—and how to release them. ✨ Lessons from Prahlāda Mahārāja: why causeless mercy defies logic, effort, and lineage. Discover why the spiritual journey isn't about striving for perfection but creating space within to receive what's already waiting for us. 🌟 Subscribe for daily insights and join thousands on the path of Bhakti, where letting go opens the door to everything. 🎧 Watch or listen now! #BhaktiYoga #DivineGrace #LetGoToReceive #SrimadBhagavatam #SpiritualGrowth SB 8.23.7-27 Find Lora Logic's new music at https://youtu.be/fB_xuaAajWY ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 3, 2025 • 57min
1528: Freedom from Fear-Based Theology
Scientific studies confirm that a personal, collaborative relationship with the Divine fosters resilience, reduces anxiety, and instills a deep sense of purpose. But what does this look like beyond research? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a powerful story from the ancient text, the Srimad Bhagavatam, revealing how the essence of devotion, even when unspoken, can invoke the rarest form of divine grace. Human life is an opportunity to inquire into the meaning of existence—a quest that naturally leads us to engage with different conceptions of God and explore what, if anything, is behind it all. In this story, we encounter a unique presentation of divinity—not as a distant judge or a figure demanding fear-based obedience, but as an intimately kind presence who responds to the sincerity of the heart, even when that devotion can't be outwardly expressed. This contrasts sharply with fear-driven religious frameworks, which often breed guilt and anxiety. Instead, this vision of the divine fosters emotional resilience, hope, and genuine connection. 🎯 Key Takeaways: ✨ The Science of Spiritual Connection: Why studies affirm that a loving, collaborative relationship with the divine enhances psychological well-being. ✨ The Power of Sincere Devotion: How even unspoken surrender can invoke profound spiritual growth. ✨ The Power of Intention: Discover why it's the authentic intention behind your actions—not outward displays—that truly matters. ✨ Freedom from Fear-Based Theology: How shifting from guilt and obligation to love and trust transforms both your mental health and spiritual life. This episode is a powerful reminder that you don't need perfection to experience divine grace—just a sincere heart. SB 8.23.1-6 #FearBasedTheology #MentalHealthAndSpirituality #AncientWisdom #CauselessMercy #BhaktiYoga #SpiritualResilience #SrimadBhagavatam #WisdomOfTheSages ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Feb 2, 2025 • 60min
1527: Spirituality & Mental Health / Interview with Dr Chetna Kang
We explore where medical science and spirituality intersect in meaningful ways in Episode 1527. Kaustubha interviews Dr. Chetna Kang as she outlines five key pillars of spirituality that have been shown through research to positively impact mental health. These pillars are supported both by ancient spiritual wisdom and modern scientific studies. Key Highlights: ✨ Spiritual Practices like Meditation, prayer, yoga, and mantra chanting reduce stress, lower blood pressure, regulate heart rate, improve cognitive functions, and decrease activity in fear centers of the brain. ✨ Like-Minded Spiritual Communities enhance emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote accountability in personal growth. ✨Positive Spiritual Psychological Attributes like forgiveness, gratitude, kindness, tolerance, patience foster emotional resilience and mental balance. ✨Sacred Architecture and Environments influence mental clarity, reduce stress, and create a sense of grounding. ✨Collaborative Relationships with Divinity promote psychological resilience, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of purpose. 🌟 Dr Chetna Kang is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Radio Broadcaster. She serves on the Executive board of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Spirituality and Psychiatry SiG. She is also a served as teacher of Bhakti Yoga for over 25 years and is a disciple of Bhakti Tirtha Swami. Graduating from Imperial College London as a medical doctor & specialising as an integrative adult psychiatrist, she brings together over 2 decades of experience in scientific advances in mental health with spiritual models of care. She broadcasts for BBC Radio 4 and BBC world service and is well known for her spiritual commentary on current affairs, mental health, and wellbeing, reaching an audience in the hundreds of millions. She conceived of and presented Shrinkwrapped, a mental health and disability BBC radio show for 3 years, and features on TV, print, and digital media. 🎧 Watch or listen now! #ScienceAndSpirituality #SpiritualityAndMentalHealth #BodyMind Soul #SrimadBhagavatam Learn more at www.instagram.com/drchetnakang www.youtube.com/@drchetnakang ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
1526: The Illusion of Ownership
The moment we gain a little wealth, power, or beauty, we fall into the illusion of ownership. We think, This is mine. I earned it. I control it. But the reality? Everything we claim as ours is on loan, and the more we cling to it, the more we suffer. In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the timeless lesson of Bali Maharaj—the king who had everything, yet willingly gave it all to the Supreme. His story exposes how material opulence blinds us, inflates our ego, and makes us forget our true position. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu reveals the ultimate mercy: sometimes, losing everything is the only way to gain what truly matters. 🎙️ Featuring kirtan leader and author Radhika Das, who shares insights from his new book Mantra Meditation and the growing global movement of sacred sound. Key Highlights: ✨ Why we claim ownership over things that were never really ours. ✨ The intoxicating effect of material success—and how to stay grounded. ✨ How Bali Maharaj's surrender shattered the illusion of false proprietorship. ✨ The real meaning of offering something to God when He already owns everything. Join us as we explore the pitfalls of wealth, the deceptive nature of pride, and the path to true freedom through bhakti. 🌟 Subscribe for daily wisdom and rediscover the ancient teachings that cut through illusion. 🎧 Watch or listen now! #FalseProprietorship #BhaktiYoga #LetGoAndSurrender #BaliMaharaj #WisdomOfTheSages #MantraMeditation #SrimadBhagavatam Check out Radhika das' new book www.themantrabook.com and on IG: @radhika_dasa SB 8.22.17-36 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages

Jan 28, 2025 • 56min
1525: Dissolving Karma Through Pure Devotion
In a society quick to judge outward appearance, we witnessed true freedom in a woman whose radiant joy shattered all preconceived notions. This profound Wisdom of the Sages episode connects her liberation with Prahlada Maharaj's deep wisdom: to see happiness and distress not as consequences of material actions but as byproducts of our loving exchange with the Divine. Dive into the timeless truths of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam as Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the lessons of Bali Maharaj's surrender and the mysterious grace of Krishna. Learn how life's challenges, even when they seem to strip us of everything, are tools of transformation from the hand of the Lord. Key Highlights: ✨ The story of a fearless dancer who embodied being "comfortable in her skin" despite life's hardships. ✨ Prahlada Maharaj's profound insight: Krishna's mercy in giving and taking. ✨ Why material opulence is a double-edged sword in spiritual growth. ✨ The secret to dissolving karma through pure devotion. Join the conversation as we explore how to let go of false designations, embrace spiritual joy, and see life's ups and downs through the lens of divine grace. 🌟 Subscribe for daily inspiration and be part of a global community diving deep into Bhakti yoga! 🎧 Watch or listen now! #BhaktiWisdom #DwarfWoman #SrimadBhagavatam #KrishnaGrace SB 8.22.16 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wisdom_of_the_sages


