The Daily Vedantic

In this episode, James, delves into the concept of "Titiksha" from Vedantic philosophy. He explores the idea of cultivating comfort in discomfort and finding pleasure in challenging situations. Referencing a previous episode about spiritual bypassing, he discusses how this practice is not just about enduring difficulties but embracing them with enthusiasm. James shares his personal experience of overcoming the urge to avoid recording this episode while sick and how this decision brought a newfound energy and satisfaction. The episode emphasizes the Vedantic teaching that true fulfillment comes from doing what one ought to do and finding joy in it, rather than just checking off tasks. 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

In this episode, James explores the Bhagavad Gita, a central text in Vedantic philosophy and its history, noting its relatively recent introduction to the West and its traditional mode of transmission through the guru-student lineage. James highlights the Gita's significance as a profound dialog between Arjuna, a warrior prince, and his charioteer, Krishna, who symbolizes God. This conversation, set in the midst of a great civil war, addresses Arjuna's inner turmoil and reluctance to fight, revealing deeper philosophical truths about duty, identity, and the nature of the self. James emphasizes the relevance of the Gita's teachings to everyday life, likening it to the deep themes found in stories like The Lion King, and invites listeners to see the Gita as a guide for navigating their own internal battles. 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

In this episode, James discusses the topic of worrying and its paradoxical nature. He references Ray Dalio, a renowned hedge fund manager, and his connection with Vedanta. Highlighting the Vedantic perspective, he explains that it's not about being an optimist or a pessimist, but about being a realist – understanding and preparing for the worst while not expecting it. James shares personal experiences, including the loss of his sister and business failures, to illustrate how facing the worst-case scenarios can lead to growth and lessen the fear associated with them. He emphasizes the importance of preparation over expectation in dealing with worries, aligning with the philosophical approach of Vedanta. 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

In this episode, James dives into the concept of "Effortless Living" through the lens of Vedanta, often referred to as a manual for life. He shares his personal journey of stress and disorientation that led him to Vedanta, emphasizing the importance of understanding the universe's natural laws. James explores the Vedantic definition of 'dharma,' relating it to nature's inevitabilities and the true essence of love as seeing no otherness in the world. He discusses how Vedanta provides clarity in life, enabling one to effortlessly navigate through various situations. The episode concludes with James illustrating the transition from initial effort to effortless living, akin to a surfer gliding on a wave. 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

In this episode of The Daily Vedantic, we dive into the Vedantic definition of love: seeing no otherness in the world. This form of love is about identification, expanding our capacity to connect with others beyond our immediate circle. Vedanta emphasizes the growth of identification from loving oneself to embracing the community, nation, all humans, and ultimately all living beings. This episode differentiates between true love and preferential attachment, challenging the conventional understanding of love as mere infatuation or possession. We explore how true love transcends conditional attachment, encouraging listeners to question their understanding and practice of love in daily life. The episode concludes by affirming that in Vedanta, love is about recognizing and embracing the interconnectedness of all beings. 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

In this episode, James Beshara introduces himself as the host of The Daily Vedantic, a podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the ancient philosophy of Vedanta. He shares his journey from founding three companies and rediscovering his love for ancient wisdom to diving deep into Vedanta. James highlights how Vedanta, the oldest continuously studied philosophy, focuses on understanding one's true self. He reflects on how Vedanta's principles, encapsulated in influential texts like the Vedas and Upanishads, have shaped the thoughts of many Western thinkers he admires. James's personal transformation, from stress-induced health issues to a more peaceful life, is a testament to the philosophy's impact. He invites listeners to join him in exploring these timeless principles through various platforms, emphasizing that Vedanta's insights are relevant and beneficial for all. 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

This episode delves into the concept of initiative as a powerful internal force, contrasting it with external incentives and forced actions. Emphasizing Vedanta's perspective, the discussion clarifies that true motivation and energy come from within, growing stronger over time. It stresses that while incentives may seem effective in the short term, they ultimately lead to exhaustion and decreased motivation. The reflection highlights the importance of aligning with internal initiatives rather than external motivations, fostering a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to achieving personal and collective aspirations. 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

This discussion centers around how Vedanta, as the world's oldest continuous philosophy, offers timeless wisdom through the Upanishads. Key ideas like "the intellect is the capacity to see the end in the beginning" are shared, illustrating the profound impact these teachings can have. James reflects on his journey into Vedanta, sharing personal anecdotes, including a pivotal moment with his teacher, Joseph Emmett. The focus is on the cultivation of the intellect or 'Yoga for Your Intellect,' emphasizing that true liberation and self-realization are the ultimate goals of this philosophical journey. Listeners are encouraged to explore these concepts further through resources like 'Vedanta Treatise' by Swami Parthasarathy and the podcast 'Yoga for Your Intellect,' co-hosted by James. 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

This episode delves into the essence of Vedanta as a guide for attaining what we truly desire in life. It highlights that beneath our surface-level aspirations lies a deep yearning for peace, prosperity, and ultimately, limitless freedom. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding our misguided pursuits and reorienting them towards genuine fulfillment. It introduces the concept of the intellect as a critical tool for discerning the right path, enabling us to see the end in the beginning, and effectively navigate towards our goals. True liberation involves freeing ourselves from all constraints, both mundane and profound, through the development of the intellect.

This episode highlights the significance of caring for our bodies as per Vedantic philosophy. While Vedanta emphasizes the development of the intellect and mind, it also underscores the importance of a firm and healthy body. Neglecting physical health can be a distraction and hindrance to both mundane and profound life goals. The episode explores the idea that while we are not solely our bodies, they are crucial vehicles for navigating life and achieving our higher ideals. Vedanta advocates for harnessing the body's strength and beauty, ensuring it does not become an obstacle in our pursuits.