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Live Vedanta

Live Vedanta

328 episodes — Page 2 of 7

S7 Ep 15Virati (Independence)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. When we are engaged in conflict with those we are close to, virati (independence) acts as a shield. This shield is built by recognizing that true joy cannot be found externally, avoiding labeling, embracing detachment, and depending on Divinity. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Mar 6, 202524 min

Behind the Scenes of Rhythm Divine!

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What if instead of Shri Krishna chanting the Bhagavad Gita to you in Sanskrit, He was rapping it to you in English? Would you resonate more with His message? A team from across North America, guided by Shri Vivek Gupta of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, has worked to make this a reality, translating the top 70 verses (10%) of the Bhagavad Gita into English, in the same meter as the original -- to bring the authentic message of the Divine into a modern rhythm for contemporary audiences. Join us for the release of Rhythm Divine, dropping on Holi, March 14th, right here on Live Vedanta! Want to drop by the release party? We'll be gathering as a CommUnity on Thursday, March 13. More details

Mar 5, 20254 min

S7 Ep 14Bhajana (Surrender)

While our lives often seem to revolve around our children, this episode guides us through how to remember that we are seekers first and our relationship with Divinity transcends lifetimes. Join us in exploring the three tiers of prayer - seeking something, being grateful, and just being with Divinity - and how we can evolve to surrender. In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Feb 26, 202520 min

S7 Ep 13Let's Review: Part 2

On this episode of Live Vedanta, we will flow through the second half of our review of Courageous Caregiving through the lens of Vibhishana Gita. This is a good opportunity for us to pause and reflect on how we can practice Bala (Stamina), Viveka (Prioritization), Dama (Discipline), and Parahita (Empathy), Kshama (Forgiveness), Krpa (Kindness), and Samata (Balance).These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Feb 20, 202521 min

Rhythm Divine on Valentine’s Day… Listening to the Love?

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What if instead of Shri Krishna chanting the Bhagavad Gita to you in Sanskrit, He was rapping it to you in English? Would you resonate more with His message? A team from across North America, guided by Shri Vivek Gupta of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, has worked to make this a reality, translating the top 70 verses (10%) of the Bhagavad Gita into English, in the same meter as the original -- to bring the authentic message of the Divine into a modern rhythm for contemporary audiences. Join us for the release of Rhythm Divine, dropping on Holi, March 14th, right here on Live Vedanta! Tune in for a very special teaser -- this time, with chorus.

Feb 14, 20252 min

S7 Ep 12Let's Review: Part 1

Welcome back to Live Vedanta! If you haven’t joined us before, you can catch up on our current season where we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through the lens of Vibhishana Gita. In this episode, we will review how we can cultivate Sauraja (Courage), Dhiraja (Determination), Satya (Integrity), and Shila (Nobility).These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Feb 10, 202526 min

S7 Ep 11Samata (Balance)

When faced with hardships and our will to persevere weakens, we often feel overwhelmed and impatient with ourselves and others. Those with stronger willpower are more patient and balanced and remain unaffected by their contexts. Samata (balance) is when our willpower is stronger than world power; this is accomplished by being focused and remaining centered despite inner distractions. Unitasking, using a planner, utilizing our time effectively, and engaging in sadhana can help us become and remain balanced.These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays, catch up on the previous episode, or start from the beginning of this season.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Jan 29, 202527 min

S7 Ep 10Krpa (Kindness)

One of the biggest punyas (merits) is to have krpa (kindness), wherein one which is one who follows the right actions, marked by selflessness and devoid of calculation. Krpa is also defined as grace: By engaging in activities that bring us joy, we are able to feel more grace. When we feel more grace, we and can remember and appreciate those who have been kind to us, making it easier to then channeling that joy and gentleness to those that we care for.These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays, catch up on the previous episode, or start from the beginning of this season.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Jan 25, 202524 min

Are You Ready for the Rhythm Divine?

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What if instead of Shri Krishna chanting the Bhagavad Gita to you in Sanskrit, He was rapping it to you in English? Would you resonate more with His message? A team from across North America, guided by Shri Vivekji of Chinmaya Mission Niagara, has worked to make this a reality, translating the top 70 verses (10%) of the Bhagavad Gita into English, in the same meter as the original -- to bring the authentic message of the Divine into a modern rhythm for contemporary audiences: Rhythm Divine, the 1st release out of 6 dropping on Holi, March 14th, right here on Live Vedanta. Listen in for a quick teaser!

Jan 14, 20252 min

S7 Ep 9Kshama (Forgiveness)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. Forgiving others and oneself is often the biggest struggle in caregiving. We often as we hold onto past mistakes and create more stress around it, in turn holding us back from finding joy. By starting to practice shama (quieting the mind) and accepting that creation is inherently imperfect, we are able to interact with the world around us in a much smoother, less judgemental way. By working on accepting oneself, we are then able to channel that outwards to those we care for as well.These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays, catch up on the previous episode, or start from the beginning of this season.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Jan 11, 202520 min

S7 Ep 8Parahita (Empathy)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. This episode focuses on the idea of parahita (empathy), which starts at the thought level with a general concern for others and their well-being and then moves onto comforting them with words and ultimately taking action. Cultivating empathy requires the other virtues we have explored - bala (energy), viveka (enthusiasm) and dama (discipline). Through this, one starts practicing shravana (active listening), manana (active learning) and nidhidhyasana (active living) to convert empathy from just a feeling to a purposeful way of living.These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays, catch up on the previous episode, or start from the beginning of this season.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Dec 31, 202422 min

S7 Ep 7Dama (Calmness of Body - Discipline)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. In the constantly moving world around us, focusing our attention on dama (calmness of the body) through discipline can be the catalyst to developing a quieter mind, still the intellect, and finally silence the ego. Building small habits with our family, setting up focused time to relax the body, and focusing on what we love are the key steps to cultivate discipline.These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Dec 19, 202424 min

S7 Ep 6Viveka (Prioritization)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. This episode focuses on viveka (prioritization) and prompts us to reflect on our purpose, and whether the people we surround ourselves with and the things we do with our time help us reach that purpose. Noticing where our time goes reveals our true values and priorities.These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Dec 14, 202421 min

S7 Ep 5Bala (Stamina)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. This episode will guide us in cultivating physical and mental strength which are essential for caregiving. Modeling this bala (stamina) even when we find it difficult is extremely helpful in guiding our kids to reflect the same. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Dec 2, 202420 min

S7 Ep 4Shila (Nobility)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. This week, we are taking a closer look at Shila (nobility) through the lens of being a good role model rooted in strong character. Our thoughts shape our actions, and consistent actions reinforce our thoughts, creating lasting personality impressions (vasanas) that foster Oneness. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Nov 25, 202423 min

S7 Ep 3Satya (Integrity)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. This week, we’re exploring satya, or integrity. How can we align our thoughts, words, and actions to stay true?These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Nov 18, 202423 min

S7 Ep 2Dhiraja (Determination)

In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. This week, we are illuminating dhiraja (determination).These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. You can always join Parenting Culture live on Mondays or catch up on the previous episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Nov 4, 202422 min

S7 Ep 1Sauraja (Courage)

Welcome to Season 7 of Live Vedanta! In this season, we will be sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving, based on the wisdom of Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our Parenting Culture community, a space for seekers striving to be better in their caregiving responsibilities through the practice of self-development. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Oct 28, 202423 min

Sea Change #8: On Knowing God

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This the last episode of Sea Change, our mini-series on the experiences that have changed us. Ryan shares his profound experience of getting to know God, sharing his journey from recovery to a life of service as an ER physician.If you or someone you love is at risk of harming themselves, or needs some help with mental health, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or just dial ‘988.’For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Oct 15, 202444 min

Sea Change #7: On Finding Grace Through Divorce

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Sea Change is our mini-series on the experiences that have changed us. One seeker shares her experience, over voicemail, about finding grace through divorce.Interested in joining Efforts for HERstory? We have lots planned for this upcoming month!For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more! Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Oct 14, 202412 min

Sea Change #6: On Caregiving Through Challenges

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Sea Change is our mini-series on the experiences that have changed us. Many of us know the story of immigrating to the United States... but what about deciding to move back to India? In this episode, we're talking to Praveen about caregiving through challenges and keeping the faith that our context is custom-designed for our content.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Sep 22, 202431 min

Sea Change #5: On Loving Yourself

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Sea Change is our mini-series on the experiences that have changed us. How do love ourselves when we are alone? In this episode, we're talking to Prem about how a period with the least external movement -- the COVID-19 pandemic -- offered the deepest internal transformation.Want to join one of our 2024-25 weekly courses for self-development? Join our free open home on Sep 16 to connect with our Guides and learn more.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Sep 12, 202431 min

Sea Change #4: On Discovering Purpose

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We're exploring your stories of transition through the lens of Vedanta. Welcome to Sea Change, a mini-series on the experiences that have changed us. In this episode, we're talking to Shri Sumanji about discovering purpose during a time of deep transformation and deep loss.Want to join one of our 2024-25 weekly courses for self-development? Join one of our free open homes on Sep 7 or Sep 16 to connect with our Guides and learn more.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Sep 5, 202437 min

Sea Change #3: On Embracing Independence

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We're exploring your stories of transition through the lens of Vedanta. Welcome to Sea Change, a mini-series on the experiences that have transformed us. In this episode, we're talking to Sudarshan about embracing independence and grounding into purpose during college.Want to join one of our 2024-25 weekly courses for self-development? Join one of our free open homes on Aug 29, Sep 7, or Sep 16 to connect with our Guides and learn more.Want to reflect on a transition in your life through the lens of Vedanta? Leave us a voice message at https://speakpipe.com/livevedanta.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Aug 29, 202428 min

Sea Change #2: On Staying True to Yourself

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We're exploring your stories of transition through the lens of Vedanta. Welcome to Sea Change, a mini-series on the experiences that have transformed us. In this episode, we're talking to Juhi about staying true to herself in college. Want to join one of our 2024-25 weekly courses for self-development? Join one of our free open homes to connect with our Guides and learn more.Want to reflect on a transition in your life through the lens of Vedanta? Leave us a voice message at https://speakpipe.com/livevedanta.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Aug 24, 202429 min

Sea Change #1: On Taking a Pause

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Before we begin our next season, we're exploring your stories of transition through the lens of Vedanta. Welcome to Sea Change, a mini-series on the experiences that have transformed us. In this first episode, we're talking to Lavanya about a moment in her life that demanded taking a pause.Want to reflect on a transition in your life through the lens of Vedanta? Leave us a voice message at https://speakpipe.com/livevedanta.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Aug 14, 202423 min

Share Your Story

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We're producing a short series on transitions of all kinds... and we need your help! Share your story of a meaningful transition in your life through the lens of Vedanta at https://www.speakpipe.com/livevedanta. Stories can be anonymous, if needed, and shared over one or two voice messages.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Aug 8, 20242 min

Revisited: What if our parents don't support our dreams?

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In this Freedom Talk, originally published in 2022, we ask the questions: What does Sanatana Dharma tell us about women’s rights? What do you do if your parents do not accept or agree with your dreams and aspirations?FREEDOM TALKS are our bite-sized episodes with Vivekji featuring questions from seekers across the world. Want to join Meaningful Mornings? Learn more.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. This podcast is produced by young adults of Chinmaya Mission, an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Jul 30, 20248 min

Revisited: How to balance serving with self-development?

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FREEDOM TALKS are our bite-sized episodes with Vivekji featuring questions from seekers across the world. In today's episode, we ask the questions: How to deal with expectations from close ones? How to balance time, resources, and effort between serving while focusing on self-development? What is the significance of eclipses, especially during pregnancy?For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. This podcast is produced by young adults of Chinmaya Mission, an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

Jul 23, 202410 min

S6 Ep 30Unlearn Your Limits

Welcome to the last episode of Season 6! We feel restricted by life, tangled and wrapped up in the cobwebs of circumstances outside, and the chaos of mental noise inside. But do we realize that we can unlearn our limits by simply disidentifying from what we’re not? Are we prioritizing what’s external and ephemeral, or what’s closest, our own Spirit (atman)? Are we tuning into what’s small and not that important, or what’s biggest, Infinity (brahman)? And finally, have we realized that Freedom (moksha) is in realizing we were never bound?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jul 16, 202424 min

S6 Ep 29No Wonder We Feel Busy

Our minds have normalized a level of turbulence, of juggling all of life’s uncomfortable circumstances without ever really understanding them. But what are we focusing all our energy on: the changing, or the Changeless? Are we tuned into the noise in our lives, or the Silence that supports (om) them all? Are we stuck in the quicksand of worrying about our experiences, or are we living intentionally enough to feel the Existence (sat) and Awareness (cit) behind them? Are we endlessly trying to create Joy and tiring ourselves in the process, or focusing on our content to BE Joy (ananda)?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jul 9, 202412 min

S6 Ep 28A Seatbelt for Life

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the external battle of life. The expectations we have can rob us from becoming fearless (abhaya). We want to control life as much as we can because we think it will make us happy, when really being an observer (saksi) would really help us take control of our internal self. This internal feeling of joy can only come when one can surrender (saranagati).On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jul 2, 202436 min

S6 Ep 27Absolute Joy

All of us want to be happy and we do whatever it takes to feel joyous. The problem is we think we can create happiness so we end up going on an emotional roller coaster. This roller coaster can slow down when we increase our inquiry (vichara) and decrease projection. The more we inquire the more we realize the relative is not the absolute which cultivates oneness (advaita) and leads to meditation (dhyana), realization (samadhi), and finally renunciation (sannyasa).On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jun 25, 202435 min

S6 Ep 26Alive, but Not Really Living

Most of us are following life’s default script -- wake, eat, work, sleep, repeat. But is this working? We receive lots of advice (upadesha) from those we respect on how to be great, but are we actually following? The greatest revelations (mahavakya) of visionaries are accessible to us, but do we trust in them? There are so many opportunities for receiving inspiration (shravana), for reflection (manana) to have faith in those teachings, and for contemplation (nidhidhyasana) to allow those ideas to soak into who we are -- do we take advantage of them? So really, are we alive, or are we living?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jun 18, 202435 min

S6 Ep 25Logic Can Only Get You So Far

Life is a trek through a dark forest. It takes lots of endurance (titiksha) to keep up the energy despite all the discomforts and pinpricks. It takes loads of faith (shraddha) to hold onto what you know is ahead, but can’t yet see. It takes boatloads of absorption (samadhana) to stay focused on the path without succumbing to imaginary fears. And it takes tons of desire, need, yearning (mumukshutva), to pull out the will needed to finish the journey. Only when we have these, and the ability to release (tyaga) ourselves from our own false expectations, can we reach that light at the end of the tunnel -- and merge with that Light. Are you ready to make the trek, beyond all logic?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jun 13, 202429 min

Revisited: What’s the difference between contemplation and inquiry?

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We're revisiting another Freedom Talk, one of our bite-sized episodes with Vivekji featuring questions from seekers across the world. In this episode, we ask the questions: What is the difference in reflection and inquiry? What is the difference between contemplation and inquiry? How should a seeker transition from one keystone to the next in their journey of self-development?For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. This podcast is produced by young adults of Chinmaya Mission, an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

May 21, 20249 min

Revisited: How can an introvert handle the expectations of family and friends?

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In this next mini episode from our series of Freedom Talks, we ask the questions: How should we handle people who always misinterpret our actions in a negative connotation even though we have good intentions? What to do when we are taken advantage of by others? Can we align our goals with our guide? And if yes, how? How can an introvert handle the expectations of family and friends? Is bhakti a path to become one with the Supreme Self? How do we apply shreyas when we need to make life decisions?For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. This podcast is produced by young adults of Chinmaya Mission, an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

May 15, 202415 min

S6 Ep 24Escaping to Embracing

Many of us probably have probably at some point felt we have/had a reactive personality, we felt distracted, or dull. How can one develop a calmness of body (dama), quietude of mind (sama), and understanding (uparama) so that one can have a more balanced inner world?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Apr 30, 202431 min

S6 Ep 23Serve, Smile, Surrender

We all feel we can create joy but that only leads to disappointment. When we have guidance in our lives we realize that joy cannot be created. How can one go from acting (karma), to depending (bhakti), to having insight (jnana), to prioritizing (viveka) to independence (vairagya)? How does one step lead to the next on this journey to joy?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Apr 23, 202433 min

S6 Ep 22River of Thoughts

Our mind is like a river -- sometimes it’s dashing and splashing with a never-ending flow of uncontrollable tides, and other times it’s calm and serene, slowly passing by like a lazy river. How do we tame this mind, so that we can use it for our own Higher purpose, rather than be controlled by its instinctive, impulsive, lightning-fast strikes? How can we best use the teachings (mantra) of the Scriptures, so that we have a chance of practicing them in daily life? And before that, how do we even remember (japa) these teachings as we attempt to captain our humble boat among the rapids of our minds?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Apr 16, 202432 min

S6 Ep 21Diving Deeper

In life we have many ups and downs. Why do we feel moments of happiness and other times moments of sadness or anger? What can we do to always have this feeling of completeness no matter the situation? In this episode Vivekji talks about how our sense of individuality (jiva) leads to attachment or incompleteness and how this cycle continues because of our relationship with the multiverse (jagat) and creator (Ishwara).On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Apr 9, 202431 min

S6 Ep 20Life is Full of Matter

Everything and everyone around us are made up of matter (prakriti) but do we depend on these things or people to make us feel complete (purusha)? When we know all is changing and existence is the only constant, then why do we ever feel anything but joy?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Apr 2, 202430 min

S6 Ep 19Do You Realize You’re Bound?

We often find ourselves feeling weighed down by changing circumstances and unending responsibilities -- but are our ropes really external, or internal? When we look inwards at our own temperament (guna), do we find ourselves tired and complaining in laziness (tamas), anxious about results in selfishness (rajas), or living with vision and inner harmony (sattva)? Only when we analyze our self-made bonds can we untie them, to feel true Freedom.On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Mar 25, 202438 min

S6 Ep 18How Do You Know You’re Not Dreaming?

Like Neo in The Matrix, has something always felt wrong about the world? Why is everyone looking for a permanent happiness in impermanent places, and then after it doesn’t last, wondering what they’re still missing? Why do we project (vikshepa) happiness onto every new food, vacation, and position, rather than remember where happiness always was? Why do we give into the illusion (maya) that an Infinite Reality could have become a finite, incomplete individual?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Feb 20, 202432 min

S6 Ep 17Deep, Deeper, Deepest

Why does it feel like there is so much separation in the world? Is it because we are always competing with each other? What is deeper than our form (rupa) and personalities (varna)? How are we all so different, yet the exact same?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Feb 13, 202433 min

S6 Ep 16Past to Present

We may sometimes wonder why we are the way we are. Why do we do the things we do? Our actions are caused by our thoughts (vrtti) and those thoughts come from our print (vasanas), which is who we are because of our past actions. But how can we change the core of who we are? What tools (upadhi) can we use to reach our higher purpose?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Feb 6, 202423 min

S6 Ep 15Chasing a Mirage

Like weary travelers endlessly stumbling after illusions of water in the burning desert, we spend most of our lives running after one inner demand after another. When does the chase end? Are we carrying boulders of emotional baggage in our memory (chitta), or are we learning from the past to move on? Do we allow the leech that is the Ego (ahankara) to drain us with endless agitations, or do we observe it to dismantle it? Are we allowing the senses (indriya) to control us through urges to indulge, or are we directing them to a far greater joy?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jan 23, 202435 min

S6 Ep 14Plugged into the Higher

When using our gadgets in our daily lives, there’s one thing we never forget to do: plug them in. Well, what are we plugged into? Do we feel drained, and out of battery? Are we investing in a more efficient input (prana), to live deeper than it? Are we allowing the mind (manah) to interpret the world, or are we directing it within? Do we find the intellect (buddhi) constantly instructing and planning, or are we inquiring into what’s most important?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.

Jan 16, 202431 min

S6 Ep 13Equation to Serenity

What does it truly mean to feel fortunate (bhagya)? What are some ways we can get to this feeling of serenity? Vivekji teaches us one way to invest in feeling fortunate is to know that all is temporary. Realizing that even the body (deha) is an equipment we have to help us uncover our true nature.On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jan 9, 202427 min

S6 Ep 12Pushing Our Comfort Zone

When dealing with uncomfortable situations, many of us try to escape from mental pain (dukha nivrtti), such as stress, anxiety, fear, etc. We try escaping by engaging in activities that we think will bring us joy. But what is a practical and permanent way to face those uncomfortable situations? How can we go from trying to escape discomfort to striving for peace (sukha prapti)?On this season of Live Vedanta, entitled Stairway to Serenity, we'll be exploring 100 words at the heart of our self-development. The more we understand these words, the more we can live by them. Want to catch up? Start from the beginning or listen to the last episode.For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and contemplate. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more updates about upcoming live workshops, courses, and more!Chinmaya Mission is an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta. Live Vedanta is produced by Nina Bhattacharya, Deepal Shanmugam, and Sudarshan Atmavilas.

Jan 2, 202428 min