Wisdom of the Sages

practice charity, austerity & sacrifice (on your birthday) / the Shiva -Shakti element of Shiva & Sati's dialog / Bhagavatam is meant to end our cycles of bad karma / getting over the triggers to hear the real message / deluded by the feminine nature - deluded by the masculine nature / Sati's posse go to the event / the women receive Sati warmly & the men cold / when anger becomes justified / Sati speaks truth to power / don't take offense, don't make offense / great souls overlook the faults in others and magnify what good they see SB 4.3.23-4.4.12

what's in your cup will spill out when you're rattled / the wise let go of opportunities for enjoyment & embrace opportunities for service / false ego leads to distress leads to envy / the real namaste is to see the presence of God in everyone / Raghu is thinking like Prabhupada again! / when you see the soul & Supersoul in everyone the mind never becomes degraded / if the body is a temple, then who is the deity in the temple? / the guru is a postal peon 4.3.18-22

Sadhaka Leela Vilasini discusses moving from Kazakhstan to Vrindavan, the potency of Vrindavan and of the Brijbasis. She dives into Govardhan Lila, where the heart of Vrindavan is uncovered, ordinary talks are not ordinary and Krishna is in the center. Can you handle committing to Krishna?

How to avoid the post death results of bad karma? / How can we think of karma in an individual way when we are so interrelated and affected by the effects of karma? / What do the scriptures say about the mantra Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram as compared to the maha mantra and is it ok to focus my mediation on both Rama & Krishna? / How to understand the Bhagavad-gita's instruction that worship of the demigods is less intelligent?

to be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it (and other wisdom by Confucius / resentment is a distraction from spiritual progress / pride makes your third eye blind / all of our good qualities are ruined by a little bit of arrogance / material exhaustion advantageous / put the supreme One in front of your zeros SB 4.3.11-17

what will I be holding on to when everything falls apart? / Krishna is controlled by the power of love / Krishna is not Judge Judy / evolved people are morally diverse / Shiva de-escalates the conflict / Daksha's pride / utsaha-mayi - puffed up with enthusiasm / Raghu loses it in the Delhi Airport / Sati's ominous desire to attend Daksha's ceremony SB 4.2.33-4.3.10

Todays Walk-On Wednesday segment spontaneously turned into a full hour interview because we had to hear the whole story of Ana's near death experience. Ana Syro is a 29 year old mother in Cali, Colombia who listens to Wisdom of the Sages every day. In the past year she has dealt with the premature birth of her daughter, the collapse of her business, her husband leaving her, leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, hospitalization due to covid, and a mysterious lung ailment that brought her to the precipice of death. At the very moment that her heart stopped her connection to Bhakti came to the forefront in an amazing way.

the secret of change / a mere denouncer is the enemy of progress & Nature / criticism and complaining exhaust us / Ned Flanders (neophyte brahmanas) vs Sideshow Bob (neophyte Shaivites) / the material field is so unsteady that even great personalities become infected by the atmosphere of anger / the curse on the brahmanas is still alive today / the curse on the Shaivites is still alive today / who is Brghu? SB 4.2.27-32

the mind is always searching for a network to join / the good qualities of Lord Shiva / the deep need for prestige / when our mental turbo scenarios are spoken out loud / self importance is the biggest trip line / am I Shiva or am I Daksha? / spiritual life requires introspection 4.1.1-4.2.26

Radhikesh Sharma shares form his own unique life challenges how knowledge from Srimad Bhagavatam & Vedic Astrology can help one understand, face and grow through life's greatest tests. https://radhikeshdas.com/radhikesh-das/ E-mail [email protected]

Is it ok to kill garden pests? / How to be a good father, husband and still render service and be detached? / How do Bhakti-yogis get over feelings of distrust of the "outside" world? / Is Paramatma in my heart, or is Krishna in my heart?

Devahuti's prayers to her son Kapiladeva / spiritual status is based on merit not birth / the Vedic teachings conclude in the chanting of the Holy Name & one who chants the Name is glorious / Kapiladeva's final instructions / Devahuti achives samadhi / the conclusion of Canto 3 - one who speaks or hears this achieves devotion to Bhagavan 3.33.1-37

our material enjoyments are so low grade / all the yoga paths cultivate detachment, each in their own way / attachments cloud truth perception / "my truth" & "your truth" / perceiving different features of the absolute like different features of an elephant / say goodbye to Hollywood (the desire to be the star, the attractor, Krishna) either willingly, or by the force of time / all the paths are meant to lead to Krishna / the disqualifications for Krishna perception / the qualifications for Krishna perception / make Krishna the most dear SB 3.32.27-43

Bhakti-yogis are Karma-yogis and more, because they directly cultivate love for Krsna / sakama vs niskama (attached workers vs detached workers) / karma-yoga can purify the consciousness of all the false narratives / the time factor extends to the heavens of this universe / why people honor the forefathers and why Bhakti-yogis don't need to SB 3.32.1-26

the stages of the embryo's development / the sufferings in the womb / the prayers within the womb / losing memory during birth / the sufferings of childhood / buying into the false narrative again, that happiness will be found through externals / losing all our good qualities / becoming a dancing dog in the hands of maya / balancing healthy material pessimism with healthy spiritual optimism 3.31.1-48

time is blowing us around like a cloud in the sky / even the hog in the sewage gutter thinks "life is good" / our deep rooted attachments / anxiety due to attachments / the bad karma we create due to attachments / then it all goes to hell / if you look closely you'll see hell all around you / it's all a wake up call 3.30.1-34

How can I answer my 5 year old when he asks "Why did God make me sick on the day of the Christmas play?" / Are Krishna and Christ the same? / Was Jesus a shaktyavesa-avatara? / Is resurrection considered possible in the yoga tradition? / Did Prabhupada ever comment on 'the missing years' of Jesus in India? / Why would the teachings of Bhagavad-gita be considered higher than the teachings of the Bible? / Does Lord Jesus Christ appear in the spiritual sky with the body he manifested on the earth? / Do Indian Vaisnavs address Krishna as Krsta?

the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome / learning the beauty of generosity & tasting the happiness of giving / knowledge is the understanding that my material attachment brings pain & my material detachment brings relief / time is the cause of change in matter / Krishna codes, downloads & installs time into the material world / if I know the benevolent coder the program gives inspiration, if not it gives fear / spiritual world = no time & no fear, material world (the reflection) = time & fear 3.29.36-45

Carl Jung on fear & wonder / don't throw the Brahmana out with the bathwater / Steven Covey as a contemporary Brahmana / Recognizing and applying the true Varnashram Dharma / offer respect and dignity to every living / even the most dented can can transform with association of a pure devotee 3.29.31-35

getting through the pain of divorce / Zoom out - look at decades not days / life's struggles can foster intimacy with God / why the talk of hierarchy? / see spiritual equality & discern the material hierarchy / societies are divided into four / brahmana (leadership counsel, educating, religious ministering) / ksatriya (establishing & enforcing law & justice, protecting) / vaishya (job Creators, employers, entrepreneurs / sudras (employees) / the deeply spiritual transcend the hierarchy 3.29.31-32 https://kavachadesigns.com Coupon code WOTS108

doing small things with great love / the need for nuance / every castle we build will turn to sand / we do your dharma as best you can with selflessness & detachment / Manipur's only thrash band - Phoenix / more need for nuance - we are all both equal & unequal / what is true equality? / treat everyone with dignity - it's basic math like the ABCs / what's the criteria to determine one place as better than another? SB 3.29.27-30

superficial religion is simply imitation / superficial religion is like offering oblations into ashes / superficial religion deprives one of peace of mind / superficial religion never pleases Krishna / superficial religion causes fear / spirituality = seeing God everywhere, in the heart of everyone & in one's own heart / spirituality through kindness to everyone / how spiritually infused ritual cuts the knot of false ego / how to cultivate the vision of God within fire, the sun, water, the heart of the guest & in one's own heart 3.29.20-27

What is meant by Krishna's internal, external & marginal energies? / If we are incarnated as a dog, or an insect, or as a blade of grass, how is our next incarnation determined? / Just how entangling is the law of karma – do we have to come back to accept the charity that we gave in the past? / Is coffee evil?

friendship with the wicked is like a clay pot, easily broken and impossible to mend / friendship with the wise is like a gold pot, difficult to break yet easy to mend / bad company / yogis are straightforward / 2 fundamental practices of Bhakti - hearing & chanting / the point of all the practices is they lead to attraction to Krishna / even if you pronounce Krishna wrong, He knows what you mean / the difference between religion & spirituality / don't stay a wannabe Vaishnava 3.29.18-21

focus on your dreams, not your nightmares / just as the name of a medicine cannot cure a disease, knowledge of scripture bears no fruit if not applied in times of adversity / the need to be dutiful - while committing as little violence as possible / the purpose of temple worship / mundane tasks become sacred when you put God in the center / what it means to see everyone as spiritual / showing respect to seniors / showing compassion to juniors / cultivating friendship with equals SB 3.29.15-17

is my daily contemplation my highest spiritual potential? / cultivate an attitude of friendship toward those who are happy / cultivate an attitude of compassion toward those in distress / cultivate an attitude of joy toward those who are virtuous / cultivate an attitude of equanimity toward those who are nonvirtuous / our attitudes towards others are clouding our mind / the inclination for enlightenment is natural to the pure sāttvic mind / are we free or are we just puppets of the modes of nature? SB 3.29.14

On the occasion of the anniversary of the speaking of the Bhagavad-gita, and World Gita Day, Kaustubha and Paramananda discuss how the Gita entered their lives, favorite verses, how the Gita can be consulted in all critical times for solace from all kinds of mental agonies and how it helps one find their way out of great entanglements which may embarrass one in some critical hour. https://livetogive.webflow.io Malini 1 669 289 5563

broadcasting spiritual knowledge in order to check the imbalance of values and to achieve real unity and peace / Bhagavad-gita summarizes all the Vedic teachings / Bhagavad-gita transcends & synthesizes religiosity & spiritual escapism / Bhagavad-gita finally demonstrates how to be in the world but not of it / two energies - material and spiritual / the senses the mind and the intelligence / the 3 modalities that are radiating from all material objects / simplifying everything through focus & surrender to our divine source https://livetogive.webflow.io Malini 1 669 289 5563

In this interview Shyamasundar Das discusses his recently released Volume 3 of "Chasing Rhinos with the Swami" as well as his time with the Beatles and his cameo appearance in the new Beatles film "Get Back". www.chasingrhinos.com [email protected]

A small piece of me screams a bit when I think about humility and quieting my ego. For women, and other marginalized groups, is it possible that we need to get bigger and take up a bit more space before we relinquish a power we've never really even had? / Are Krishna bhakti kirtan and Shiva bhakti kirtan the same? / How can we understand the presence of child abuse within religious and spiritual organizations and how should justice be pursued? / Could you recommend a type of "Hindu for Dummies" book to me? If you're interested in contributing to the ISKCON efforts in child protection, please visit https://www.iskconchildprotection.org/ or https://www.safetemple.org/

For the 600th episode Raghunath is granted free rein into the paranormal as he & Kaustubha discuss Dr. Ian Stevenson's research into past life memories, and we hear stories from the podcast audience.

bhakti as an emotion / bhakti as a state of consciousness / bhakti as a yoga practice / bhakti as a school of thought / bhakti as an historic spiritual movement / pure love vs sleazy proposals / we're in an historic era of bhakti / thoughts on sleazy gurus / look for teachers that point up the ladder / little Karuna chants the shikshastakam / bhaki-yogis don't even ask for liberation SB 3.29.13 https://happygirlkitchen.com Coupon code WOTS108

knowledge is the best wealth because it can't be stolen, is priceless & it's imperishable / unadulterated bhakti is when there is no motive getting in the way of the love flow between God & us / bhakti works if you work it, & you're worth it, so work it / purifying the heart so Krishna will enter / habits are just the first layer of muck to cut through - then come the hidden motives / our nature is to be attracted to Krishna / what is raga-bhakti? SB 3.29.11-12

the UK figures out that octopuses, crabs, and lobsters are "sentient beings" / why didn't we ever discuss "what is life" in school? / when people bring their envy, pride & anger into spiritual circles should it affect our faith? / 4 types of children analogy - the vikarmi, karmi, jnani & bhakta SB 3.29.8-10

Kaustubha interviews Keli about crafting his recently released EP, Falling Upwards, available here https://keliwoods.hearnow.com/falling-upwards Follow Keli on IG @keli__woods

Is it possible that we can be reincarnated in the past ? / How do we, practically, take pleasure in the Self? / Is there anything that you think I should consider before approaching a guru for initiation? / Why is it important not to take offense?

spiritual optimism & material pessimism / I don't mean to minimize your suffering - but you should / materialism causes fatigue, spiritual energy is refreshing / knowledge is the greatest gift / tamasic influence on bhakti practice - proud, violent & angry yogis / don't give up critical thought - just give up criticism SB 3.29.3-8

what is a pure devotee? / why saying "bhakti is the ultimate" is not sectarian - because there is nothing greater than love / the liberation found through jnana-yoga is just the neutral stage / do the laws of nature disprove or prove that God exists? / who says that human life is accidental? / the universe was spontaneously created out of nothing, according to the laws of science? / the Church of Satan & is there really good & bad? SB 3.29.1-2 https://www.bhavawellness.com Coupon WOTS108

Bruce Springsteen on what happens when we die / our individuality is not dependent on the body / we are sparks of the eternal fire / we exist in a realm pervaded by selfishness / we're diseased with the desire to be God / will we know our loved ones after we die? / sambhanda, abhideya & prayojana / our dharma is to serve the whole SB 3.28.39-44

How an I explain karma to someone who has a deep emotional resistance to it? / How can karma, free will & Krishna being the controller all exist simultaneously? / How can I maintain sobriety & a strong spiritual practice when traveling on the road? / I know as devotees we are supposed to have our minds fixed on Krishna at all times, but how can we make sure to do that if we leave our body suddenly in a tragic, un-peaceful way?

place of surrender - the Sanskrit origin of serendipity / give all of your fruits to Krishna / how pleasure & pain are a symptom of ignorance / material happiness is like the happiness of a madman / material happiness is temporary & pales in comparison to spiritual happiness / it can be either very enlightening or very depressing to think deep / how karma plays out for the liberated yogi / examining the experience of having a finger cut off in virtual reality / wanna be used by Krishna SB 3.28.36-38

the virtue of gratitude is essential to Bhakti / ingratitude is the greatest crime / set aside time to count your blessings / contentment lives only in the hearts of those who are grateful / when we bring the meditation to Vishnu we find the relief we been searching for / what good is a still mind & a dirty heart? / the vision of the Vishnu's face charms even Cupid & benefits the sages / when the mind is illuminated with spiritual energy SB 3.28.26-36

where are we going with the stillness of the mind? / double team mind & troubled heart by hearing & visualizing / keeping our conceptualization personal / we need spiritual strategies to deepen our practice / maximize the early morning hours / give an entire day to seva / meditation on Krishna dispels the gloom of the heart / meditation on Krishna is a thunderbolt that shatters the mountain of inauspiciousness in the mind SB 3.28.19-25

what do we need to accept (or let go of) / where's the tip of the nose? / the description of God begins with His smile / fear of a personal God / if Krishna was on the Dating Game / the Kaustubha jewel / Krishna coming home with the cows ins the original parade / seeing God within one's own heart SB 3.28.12-18

get, then give the gift of bhakti / if we are conscious, there must be a source / invest in the eternal - Bhakti for the Big Day / start with a desire, find a crew, gotta get a guru / hang out with God in sound form / Bhakti won't work in a hard heart—put down the grudges Find Madhu at [email protected] or on IG @madhu.life

Should I try to find love in the material world or should I just keep turning towards Krishna, eventually my heart and mind will fully settle into bhakti? / Tilak - who wears it, why & when? / How does someone in a long term relationship or a non-Vedic marriage balance the physical and emotional needs of their partner with their own desire to serve Krishna in an appropriate state, and will I ever be able to take initiation if my partner or spouse is not a devotee?

carving out a little sadhana routine / yoga is reclaiming our freedom from the mind / material sound is exhausting / push through the flavorless period to develop taste for sadhana / withdrawing the senses / make the mind a friend / transcending the modes of nature through meditation on Krishna / put up a roadblock on the path of revenge / the universe is held together by forgiveness / forgiveness is a quiet mind / forgiveness is the highest virtue 3.28.11

we all need a road map / focusing on the present moment though concentration on the breath / still your body to focus and energize the mind / Kaustubha's meditation classes / breaking away from the turbo scenarios in the mind / carve out a little time & commit to a sadhana / climbing the ladder to samadhi / inhale, hold, exhale / we're Cycle of Sin from Dayton , Ohio! SB 3.28.5-11

in the name of convenience we throw out everything good / "As long as you think the problem is out there, that very thought is the problem" / "Seek first to understand, then to be understood" / Your thought is the first domino / Prabhupada isn't raising the bar, he's showing us where the bar is / yoga tradition is based on parampara, not charisma / what if our business leaders, from an early age, were taught the ethic that "The more you help others is your glory? / Spiritual communism SB 3.28.4

aligning the mind & heart - wisdom from White Buffalo Calf Woman / the Power Of The Universe (Paramatma) will come to your assistance / the hurt of one is the hurt of all & the honor of one is the honor of all / we're shooting arrows into our circle of concern with no effect / work on your circle of influence and it will expand to your circle of concern / sva-dharma-ācaraṇam — executing one's prescribed duties / santoṣaḥ — contentment / ātmavic-caraṇārcanam - worship the lotus feet of a knower of the soul / namaste = not me, you / grāmya-dharma-nivṛttiś - letting go of conventional religion / mita-medhyādanaṁ - eating frugally / vivikta-kṣema-sevanam - dwelling in a secluded place SB 3.28.1-3