The Daily Vedantic

James explores the profound impact of two simple words that can transform conflicts and foster harmony in relationships. James shares personal experiences and insights from Vedanta philosophy, emphasizing the importance of genuine unselfishness in resolving disagreements. Discover how saying "You're right" can unlock a vault of harmony, disarming conflicts and bringing peace to your interactions with others. Whether it's with a spouse, family member, or coworker, these two words hold the key to a more harmonious and understanding life. Join us for this enriching reflection on the Daily Vedantic. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://thedailyvedantic.com/⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org⁠

James explores the rich history behind the names India and Hindustan, tracing their roots to the Sanskrit word "Sindhu" which means river. We dive into the metaphor of standing in a stream, representing the ever-changing nature of the mind and the steadfast stability of the intellect. By understanding and strengthening the intellect, akin to strong riverbanks, we can navigate life's constant changes with clarity and purpose. Join us as we discuss how to cultivate this balance and embrace the ancient wisdom of Vedanta for practical, everyday living. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://thedailyvedantic.com/⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org⁠

James dives into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Vedanta philosophy. From the early days when AI was also known as intelligence augmentation (IA) to modern AI tools like ChatGPT, we explore how AI augments our capabilities and influences our search for meaning. Inspired by the teachings of Alan Watts and the profound concepts of Advaita Vedanta, we reflect on how AI can help us navigate from the known to the unknown, transforming our understanding of artificial and real intelligence. Join us as we uncover the potential of AI to democratize access to wisdom and deepen our philosophical inquiries. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://thedailyvedantic.com/). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: https://www.vedantaworld.org

James begins by discussing the unexpected importance of flossing and how it relates to a broader philosophical perspective. Exploring the principles of Vedanta, we dive into the significance of nurturing our body, intellect, and mind—the three essential tools for navigating the world. While the intellect often takes center stage in philosophical discussions, we emphasize the need for a harmonious balance between intellect and emotion, mind and body. Drawing from personal experiences and ancient wisdom, we reflect on the dangers of neglecting the body and the profound impact it can have on our overall well-being and effectiveness in our communities. Join us as we explore the holistic approach to living well and the transformative power of integrating physical care with intellectual pursuits. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://thedailyvedantic.com/⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org

James dives into the words of King Solomon from the book of Ecclesiastes: "Vapor, vapor, all is vapor." We explore the various translations of the Hebrew word "hevil" and its implications for understanding the transient and illusory nature of worldly existence. Drawing parallels with Vedantic philosophy, we contemplate the concept of Maya, the illusion that veils the ultimate reality. Through insightful reflections, we ponder the infinitesimal nature of our perceptions and conceptions, likening them to vapor that dissipates upon closer inspection. Join us as we navigate through the existential depths of King Solomon's wisdom and contemplate the transient nature of all that we perceive as substantial. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://thedailyvedantic.com/⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org

James explores the idea that true happiness comes from not caring about specific outcomes in life. Drawing inspiration from ancient Vedantic philosophy, he discusses how cultivating self-sufficiency and equanimity can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful existence. James shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to practice daily reflection, question everything, and avoid taking anything for granted. Join us for a thought-provoking reflection that challenges conventional notions of happiness and success. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://thedailyvedantic.com/⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org

James explores the concept of limited perspective through the poem "The Blind Men and the Elephant" by John Godfrey Saxe. This timeless story illustrates how our certainty in the midst of limited perspective can lead to misconceptions. We dive into Vedanta's teachings, emphasizing that what we perceive as pluralistic phenomena is actually a unified reality. Using examples like dreams and the idea of the infinite, we reflect on how our perceptions can deceive us, creating a false sense of separation. Join us as we challenge the notion of plurality and uncover the unity that underlies all existence. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://thedailyvedantic.com/). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: https://www.vedantaworld.org

James explores the concept of compassion through the lens of Vedanta philosophy. Highlighting the absence of a traditional notion of evil in Advaita Vedanta, we discuss how individuals often labeled as 'wicked' are seen as lacking proper guidance. We dive into the idea that all beings are shaped by their experiences and the guidance they receive, or lack thereof, and emphasize the importance of viewing others with empathy and understanding. Featuring insights from both Vedantic teachings and personal anecdotes, including a notable quote from comedian and fellow Vedantin Pete Holmes, the episode encourages listeners to adopt a compassionate perspective, recognizing that everyone is doing the best they can with the guidance they've had. The discussion also touches on the futility of expecting others to conform to our ideals and the importance of appreciating them for who they are. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (https://thedailyvedantic.com/). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (https://www.YFYI.co), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: https://www.vedantaworld.org

James dives into the profound relationship between pleasure and pain, exploring how these seemingly opposite experiences are inherently interconnected. Drawing on the symbolism of the yin-yang, we discuss the necessity of embracing discomfort to achieve lasting pleasure and the pitfalls of pursuing immediate gratification. Through practical examples and philosophical insights, we illustrate how voluntary surrender to temporary pain can lead to enduring joy and growth, while avoidance of discomfort can result in greater suffering. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://www.thedailyvedantic.co⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org⁠

James reflects on the true essence of originality. Inspired by Alan Watts' insight, "To be original is to speak from the origin," we challenge the common misconception that originality is about being wildly unconventional or eccentric. Instead, we explore how genuine creativity and innovation stem from a deep, inward journey of self-discovery and authenticity. We discuss how great creators, like Michael Jordan or master artisans, achieve their unique brilliance not through isolation, but through a profound connection with their true nature and community. Highlighting the concept of Swadharma from Vedanta, we emphasize that true originality is an unselfish act of service, deeply rooted in one's innate qualities and offered for the greater good. Join us as we dive into this enriching reflection on being truly original and its impact on our lives and communities. The Daily Vedantic is a daily podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads (⁠https://www.thedailyvedantic.co⁠). Dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern Philosophy, and loved by Western giants from Emerson to Thoreau to Carl Jung and Alan Watts, studied daily by Joseph Campbell to Aldous Huxley to Arthur Schopenhauer and countless others, The Daily Vedantic aims to make this ancient philosophy as modern and accessible as it is simple, practical — and profound. James Beshara (⁠https://www.twitter.com/jamesbeshara⁠) is a renowned startup founder of multiple companies, a prolific startup investor in 200+ others including some of the biggest startup names on the planet, a husband and father of three little girls, and philosophy student and teacher in Los Angeles. James also co-hosts Yoga For Your Intellect (⁠https://www.YFYI.co⁠), a biweekly long-form conversational podcast with his teacher Joseph Emmett ( ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyourintellect⁠ ). James is a student of Swami Parthasarathy, the acclaimed author of Vedanta Treatise (⁠Vedanta Treatise – The Eternities⁠)  and teacher at Vedanta Academy in Malavli, India. As James says often, when you’re ready for the real thing, Swami’s daily lectures are where the true wisdom and systematic discovery of the world’s oldest continually studied philosophy resides: ⁠https://www.vedantaworld.org⁠