Wisdom of the Sages

Radhanath Swami, a revered ISKCON guru and spiritual leader, joins Raghunath and Kaustubha in a profound discussion. They delve into Krishna's first words, revealing the essence of spiritual practice—it's devotion that truly transforms us. The conversation unveils how bhakti, the spirit infused into our actions, surpasses mere ritual. They also reflect on the importance of community, storytelling, and the joy found in heartfelt devotion, emphasizing that genuine spiritual life is all about love for the divine.

Could the computer of your mind be full of corrupted files? In this fiery and hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how ancient yogic wisdom offers a practical system for mental clarity and inner growth. Drawing from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and everyday insight, they explain how tapasya (austerity), prāṇāyāma (breath control), and the guidance of a guru work like an antivirus program to restore your true nature. You’ll hear about the dangers of comfort addiction, why meaninglessness thrives in a pleasure-soaked culture, and how purpose + austerity = real growth. And check out the Mahavatar Narsimha film at  https://youtu.be/wkOYEhjAXyo?si=kvLrIDWoPwHmoZeP Whether you’re training your breath, resisting temptation, or just trying to stay off the mental junk food, this episode offers a clear, empowering path forward. #BhaktiYoga #Tapasya #SpiritualGrowth #MentalClarity #WisdomOfTheSages #SrimadBhagavatam #YogaForTheMind SB 10.3.32-35 ********************************************************************* 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

Exploring love and vulnerability reveals that true fulfillment requires emotional exposure. The discussion reflects on C.S. Lewis’s insights into the complexities of love, emphasizing that pain can transform into divine experiences through bhakti. An engaging mix of anecdotes and spiritual insights sheds light on forging deep connections despite risks. Mentorship opportunities within the community enhance personal growth, while humorous reflections show how embracing vulnerability can lead to profound transformations on the spiritual path.

When the world shakes, can you stay anchored? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how deep spiritual clarity allows one to remain peaceful—even when chaos reigns. Inspired by a lyric from Jimi Hendrix, they explore lessons from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the film The Fog of War to reveal how fear collapses when we root our peace in truth. It’s not apathy—it’s clarity. It’s not withdrawal—it’s preparation for wise engagement. Tune in for stories, insights, and unexpected humor on the path to unshakable peace. SB 10.3.23-27 ********************************************************************* 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

Westerners are booking flights to India—not for sightseeing, but to chant Sanskrit mantras in rice fields, live in ashrams, and rise before dawn for kirtan. What’s really going on here? In this eye-opening episode, Raghunath speaks with anthropology PhD student Keli Lalita to explore a growing phenomenon: Westerners adopting spiritual practices rooted in ancient India. A yoga class in Brooklyn often leads to a pilgrimage in Vrindavan—and a deeper search for meaning beyond material life. Together, they unpack the global remix of yoga culture, the anthropology of spiritual longing, and why Bhakti Yoga is drawing seekers from all walks of life. Key Topics Include: •⁠  ⁠Why yoga retreats can feel more authentic than everyday life •⁠  ⁠How modern yoga became a cross-cultural conversation •⁠  ⁠The Hare Krishna movement and its Western embrace •⁠  ⁠Family, food, and spiritual structure through the lens of anthropology •⁠  ⁠What people are really seeking when they go to India 🎧 Subscribe now and discover why a growing number of Western seekers are trading their passports for prayer beads. #BhaktiYoga #YogaPilgrimage #AnthropologyOfReligion #EastMeetsWest #SpiritualLonging #WisdomOfTheSages #ModernYoga #KirtanRevolution ********************************************************************* 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

A neuroscientist lost a 25-year bet to a philosopher—and it may be one of the most revealing failures in modern science. In 1998, Christof Koch bet David Chalmers that within 25 years, neuroscience would identify the precise brain mechanisms responsible for consciousness. Research teams around the world launched ambitious experiments to track and measure conscious experience in the brain. The deadline came—and the mystery remained. In this fascinating episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the implications of that failed wager. Why can’t the most advanced minds in science explain subjective experience? And what did the ancient yogis know that modern labs still don’t? From Vedic insights to modern mind-benders, this episode blends laughter, science, and timeless wisdom in a way only Wisdom of the Sages can. SB 10.3.15-22 ********************************************************************* 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

Just like a codebreaker working through symbols can gradually uncover a single unifying truth—a key that makes sense of everything—the spiritual journey can unfold in a similar way. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how a path of trust, focused attention, and turning inward can reveal a deeper coherence beneath life’s confusion. What at first feels chaotic and fragmented—like an unbreakable code—can suddenly click into place when one discovers the truth that pervades it all. The great yogis found that key in the knowledge of Vishnu—the all-pervading presence within and behind everything. And once that truth is grasped, fear dissolves and life begins to make sense. SB 10.3.12-14 ********************************************************************* 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

What matters most in yoga isn’t the ritual—it’s the transformation of the mind and heart. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the practice of manasa pūjā (mental worship) through the story of Vasudeva mentally offering charity while imprisoned. They unpack why internal devotion is not only valid—but often more powerful than external performance. Whether you’re on a yoga mat or stuck in traffic, your inner world is where the real yoga happens. 🎯 Takeaways: •⁠  ⁠Why the mind is the true altar in bhakti yoga •⁠  ⁠How to avoid spiritual burnout by going beyond mechanical practice •⁠  ⁠A bizarre story of mental sweet rice—and a very real burn •⁠  ⁠Tips for making your worship alive, even when life gets in the way Tune in to explore the inner essence of yoga—and why even your thoughts can be an offering. SB 10.3.9-11 ********************************************************************* 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

Pop culture meets divine consciousness in this episode exploring the birth of Krishna—and what it means to be lit up with bhakti. Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on George Harrison’s powerful spiritual insight: “Everyone is looking for Krishna… some don’t know it, but they are.” With humor, depth, and wisdom, they unpack why Krishna appears not just anywhere, but in the heart aligned with devotion—and how we can open that space within ourselves. 🎯 Highlights include: •⁠  ⁠George Harrison’s mystical role in publishing the Krishna Book •⁠  ⁠The “God-shaped hole” everyone’s trying to fill •⁠  ⁠Becoming permeated and vitalized by spiritual energy •⁠  ⁠Devotion as the real high—and how to access it If you’ve ever felt like something sacred was missing, this one’s for you. SB 10.2.40-10.3.8 ********************************************************************* 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

In a heartfelt conversation, Henry Schoellkopf, a longtime spiritual friend of Raghunath, shares his insights on devotion as action rather than just emotion. They delve into the meaning of love, discussing how it manifests in both divine and human relationships. The duo explores concepts like the significance of seva and the challenges of spiritual burnout, emphasizing that true love is a practice. With humor and personal stories, they illustrate how even small gestures, like a teenager's donut gift, can reveal profound devotion.