Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam

Diving deeper into the teaching, Ashvalayana reflects on how the 'this cognition'- Idam Pratyaya gochara, folds into the 'I cognition'- Aham pratyaya gochara, making everything non-separate from 'I' and non-dually one. This is Sarvātmābhava. The consciousness 'I', alone is. I am everything, yet no object am I. How this "one became many" is explained in this talk. Further, we understand through Asvalayana's reflections that 'I' am that self evident chit, ever free, beyond all names and forms.

We now enter into a series of deeply contemplative verses which are Asvalayana's reflections on the teachings. What is this knowledge and what has been gained? This reflective process called nididhyāsana, proves to be an important process in assimilating the teaching thereby making it one’s own. 

Verse 15 tells us how everything including prāṇa and the five elements, all come from this atma alone. The meaning of prāṇa is beautifully explained in this talk along with, the two ways in which things are known- pramāṇa Siddha (objects that are revealed through a means of knowledge) & Swatah Siddha (self-revealing). Further, Ashvalayana's question on wanting to know this Brahman is answered in verse 16, thus revealing the mahāvākya which establishes a connection between the jiva (I) & Īśvara. 

In the mantra 12, 13 & 14 covered in this episode, the sage teaches Asvalayana the Avasthā-traya prakriyā, the teaching methodology involving the three states of waking, sleeping and dreaming. 

Align yourself to the vision of the Shastras which point to the truth of you as the ever-free, boundless, infinite, self-effulgent truth.

Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Omkara Upasana helps to own up to the knowledge that one is Brahman. What is Omkara mantra japa? How does it help in seeing the truth of oneself and what is the underlying factor in the three states of waking, dream and sleep and how to see the reality using this Prakriyā? Listen to find out.

Asvalayana is given the mantra of 'OM' not as a meditation but for understanding the truth of himself. The full meaning of 'OM' is explained beautifully and exhaustively in this episode. 

The two types of cognition, Idam pratyaya Gochara, 'this cognition' and Aham pratyaya Gochara, 'I' cognition', are explained in this episode. Further, we sift between Idam (this) and Aham (I) first only to cognitively resolve 'this', Idam, into the 'I', Aham. 

It was said that the only way to mokṣa is knowledge. In this episode, we examine why this knowledge is to be gained from a Guru of a sound lineage. How does one overcome resistance towards this knowledge? What is 'Tvam-Pada-Vichara', inquiry into the word 'you'? And what are the two types of cognitions? Listen to find out. 

The contemplative one alone is Brahma, Vishnu, Siva and Indra. The contemplative one is everything, all pervasive, beyond time and space and transcends mortality with knowledge- the only path to liberation, mokṣa.

Practice this mediation to journey from being embroiled in the body-mind-sense complex, I, identified as the Ahaṅkāra or ego, to the ever joyful, ever loving, ever contented, ever-free, the all seeing 'I', the witness of all, Sakshi. 

Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Mantra 5 establishes the need for meditation and talks about the basic preliminaries. Mantra 6 & 7 are meditative and contemplative verses which simultanously are teachings as well. This episode points out the three different types of adhikari-s, the two types of pratibandhika-s, inhibitive factors in the way of knowledge, the three process of knowing- sravanam, mananam and nididhyasanam and further Swaminiji beautifully elucidate the mahāvākya, 'tat tvam asi' -That Thou Art.

This episode explains why both the aspects of Brahman - the intrinsic and the incidental, are to be contemplated upon as the truth of oneself. Find out as to why the highest form of devotion is in fact Self-knowledge and what it mean to 'attain' this knowledge.

In verses 6 & 7, the Upanisad tells us to meditate upon Brahman in the form of Uma and Siva in order to forge a relationship with the forms first so that one understands what they represent cognitively- the all pervasive, changeless, limitless and formless consciousness that sustains all form.

All actions are performed solely for the enjoyment of the results of action. How then does one desirous of freedom perform actions in the daily life? What is Karma Yoga? Why is it important to cultivate an attitude of a karma yogi and how does it help one prepare for the knowledge of the Self? Listen to find out!

This episode describes the four stages of āśramas; Brahmacharya (student), Gṛhastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest dweller), and Saṅyāsa (renunciate). It also elucidates the difference between and the reason for meditating upon Saguna Brahman (with form) and contemplating on Nirguṇa Brahman (without form).

Concluding the sanyāsa mantra, we move on to verse 5, 6 & 7 which talks about meditation. This Upanishad is unique in that sense, it teaches meditation before the knowledge. This episode includes a 20 minute guided meditation.

What is the connection between renunciation and immortality? Who is a sanyāsi? What is the proper effort required and what do they gain by renunciation? This episode elucidates further on the the Sanyāsa Mantra.

This episode expounds on the famous Sanyāsa Mantra. Tyāga, renunciation is added to the previous three qualifications of shraddhā, Bhakti and Dhyanām, required for this knowledge.

This episode is an extract of a conversation between Swamini Svatmavidyananda and Yogacharya O’Brian from the Yoga Hour Podcast.

The meaning of Śiva, śivaliṅgam, and Shakti along with the significance of Mahāśivarātri is explained beautifully here.

After hearing Asvalayana's erudition and heartfelt request, Lord Brahmaji expresses three must have qualifications required for this knowledge. They are shraddhā (trust in the Shastra & Guru), Bhakti (devotion) and Dhyanām (meditation). So, what does it mean to have shraddhā, Bhakti and what is Dhyanām? Listen to find out!

Understanding the masculine and feminine principle in the Hindu mythology is paramount to understanding creation and thereby understanding ourselves. 

This short talk by Swamini Svatmavidyananda-ji is from the Bioneers Radio Series podcast aired in 2015.

In this beautiful verse, Sage Asvalayana approaching the teacher Brahmaji, asks for the most exalted knowledge. This episode explains what Maya is and additionally explains the law of karma and falsifies the wrong theory that one has to exhaust all vasanas (latent tendencies) before one gains moksha. Listen to understand this in detail. 

Why is the knowledge of Self the most exalted? What is grace and how does it operate?  Listen and Learn!

The churning of the ocean is a story in the hindu mythology which is recognized for its highly allegorical spiritual significance. It is a story where the Devas, the divine celestial beings, unite with the Ausras, not so divine beings, in order to churn the ocean (mind) so as to obtain Amrit, the elixir of immortality (moksha). Not only is this story visually captivating, listening to it helps one grow in clarity and understanding of oneself.

The  four-fold qualification of viveka (discernment), vairāgya (dispassion), śamādiṣaṭkasampatti (mature and focused mind), and mumukṣutvam (desire for moksha), required in a student of Vedanta are explained in detail in this talk. 

With so many forms of mediations, one can get overwhelmed with the choices. This talk delineates and explains meditation according to Vedanta and how it differs to the Buddhist tradition. What is Vedantic meditation? How do I practice it? Listen to find out!

As Kaivalya Upaniṣad comes from the Atharva Veda, it begins with the invocatory verse from this Veda. Kevala means 'only', thus, having studied the Upaniṣad one 'gains the only thing' that is there to know, Brahman. This Upaniṣad opens with the exalted sage Ashvalayana meeting his teacher none other than Brahmaji, the creator of the universe.

What does it mean to be a sanyāsī, a renunciate? And what is the significance of the color orange? Listen to find out! 

The problem with the quest is not the desire itself but the identification of oneself as a permanently desiring person. The Upaniṣad reveals the truth of oneness which removes the desiring individual and as this Upaniṣad too will reveal this truth is many beautiful verses. 

An integral contribution of Sri Pujyaswami Dayananda Saraswati is the inner child work. All the painful and unresolved emotions make the inner child, it is present in each and every one of us. This is the reason we suffer immense conflict, a split within ourselves which causes a lot of grief and strife. Who is this inner child? Why it is there? Is it possible to integrate the inner child with the adult? This topic is crucial that has to be discussed and understood by everybody so as to arrive at a place of resolution.

Today we begin a new text called Kaivalya Upaniṣad. Listen to this introduction to understand what the Vedas are and who does it really belong to? The infinite that you are seeking, revealed in the last portion of the Vedas is not something to seek at all because it is already you.  Moksha is nothing but the gain of happiness.

Conclusions such as one's life has no meaning or purpose is invalidated upon understanding that everything in this universe is infallible, including myself. The 3rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita is a blueprint on how to transcend and rise above one's problems. Swamini Svatmavidyanandaji, in this concluding talk gives us five precise pointers in order to embark upon this journey to be a srestha, leader.

In selecting Lord Krishna as the charioteer, Arjuna had with him the hidden variable in the form of Bhagavan at all times. What is this hidden variable? What are the laws of karma? What is the connection between karma, actions and karma Phala, results of actions? Listen to this very insightful talk that sifts through one's habitual tendencies with immense clarity and examines one's need for a Srestha, a leader.

As we come to the last episode of this powerful prayer, we end by learning the meaning of the famous Mrityunjaya Mantra, traditionally chanted in the end of Rudram along with other mantras. While it is a healing mantra for the removal of diseases, it is also a mantra for the jignasus, one desirous of knowledge. It is a final prayer to take one from mortality to immortality and for being redeemed from samsara. May I always know that I am 'that' alone. 

Om Tat Sat. 

The official last mantra of Sri Rudram shows a direct link between surrender and the disarming of the inamicable forces, one's own karma. Giving to Bhagavan whatever does not belong, the sadhaka has evolved spiritually and has gone from being fearful to prayerful. The sarvatmabhava prevails, and one is ready for the knowledge which is the prasada of Sri Rudram.

11th Anuvaka is the grand finale of the fruit of learning. Rudra has become many, this is brilliant because it is the only way to comprehend this Jagat. To understand and assimilate this Anuvaka we have to discuss this 'one' and 'many' Rudra from various standpoints. Anuvaka 11 bridges the divide between Jnana (knowledge) and Bhakti (devotion), both are needed and no where do we find such a concerted attempt as in this anuvaka hence it makes it a fitting ending to this Sri Rudram.

A Jiva's search for a perfect person to rely on becomes an endless pursuit of disappointments. One comes out of this cycle when the knowledge dawns that I, the seeker is indeed the the sought. With careful examination and nuanced reasoning one understands that really speaking this Srestha, the perfect leader, I look for is none other than bhagavan.

One is transformed when Rudra is seen as the auspicious one. All previous karmas that stand in the way of moksha go away. One is protected with self knowledge. In these verses, Siva (knowledge) along with Parvati (Shakti, the creative power) are invoked as non separate from each other.

In the previous talk, we saw that the crisis of leadership is at once universal and deeply personal. In this talk, we examine the effect of this crisis which keeps us embroiled in a never ending cycle of going from hope to disappointment time and again. The vision of Vedanta is beautifully elucidated here, showing us the connection of our need to be saved and self-ignorance, bringing to us the message that you alone are significant, you alone matter.

These matras continue on the theme of karma-phala. We pray to Rudra to help us transcend our karmas, to drop the doer-ship and gain self knowledge. As the understanding matures, everything is seen as Bhagawan and one sees his glory everywhere.

 A desire to have someone to look up to is a very prominent and universal desire. This talk defines what a leader is and gives us 16 qualities in a leader, a śreṣṭha, one that everyone in the world admires and aspires to be. The verse we examine in this talk from the 3rd chapter of Bhagavad Gita is a revolutionary entry point to examining this leadership crisis and has far reaching implications which will be explained through the series. 

There seems to be a crisis of leadership globally, nationally, collectively and personally. For this reason, the topic on leadership is extremely pertinent. What is a leadership crisis? What is the resolution to this crisis and how do we go about healing from this crisis?

In the ancient Hindu text of Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna faces a similar crisis of agency and leadership at the helm of an ensuing battle. The sense of crisis and urgency is palpable, hence the message offered is immediate and applicable. As one studies this text, there is much to be said about it's relevance even today.

In this series of six talks, we turn towards the wisdom that Sri Krishna offered Arjuna and we rely on Bhagavad Gita to guide us.

*this talk is 43 mins long. 

Explaining beautifully the concept of Jiva, Jagat and Isvara, this talk culminates in a grand finale, where all three are seen to be non separate from each other, all is understood to be one. This talk reminds us that the cause of fear and sorrow is nothing other than duality. When one understands and sees the oneness, fear and sorrow is no longer there. Hidden in all things is the all pervasive, the non-dual truth of everything. 

Twilight is a time of possibilities, where one learns to relax into Isvara, and let go of stress.

Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

10th anuvaka comes a full circle. It is a collective prayer. The meaning is unfolded from a place of non-seperateness. These mantras give peace of mind, release from terrible papas and success in all endevarours.

The only way to get darshan of Bhagavan is to know him as yourself. All feelings of infinitude, pain, insecurity, self criticism has to be resolved through the study of Vedanta and here in the form of Sri Rudram, it is the best way to resolve it. As one moves on, an understanding dawns that without Bhakti there is no mukti. Everything is directed to the alter of Surrender.

Mantra 3 and 4 of the 10th Anuvaka, gives time bound happiness from sense objects as well as timeless happiness or Moksha. 

Bringing Bhagavad Gita to our daily lives, this talk examines the fallacy in Arjuna's reluctance to fight. The importance of both karma yoga and Jnana Yoga and its synergetic relavance is talked about.

What is surrender and what is acceptance? How does one practice it? Listen to find out!

The only thing to do when one is helpless is to pray. One lets go and makes time for an appointment with oneself, an appointment with Isvara.

Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Acknowledging that one is subject to anger, one prays for wisdom in dealing with it so as to gain the understanding and clarity and learn how to manage anger, seeing it is as a manifestation of Isvara.

Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.