Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Srimad Bhagavatam 4th Canto Chapter 25 and the need to learn to surf (adapt to the constantly changing waves of life).

Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Srimad Bhagavatam 4th Canto Chapter 25 and the need to learn to surf (adapt to the constantly changing waves of life).

Preview Recording #1 / Learning To Surf

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 24, and how our conception of attraction and repulsion exist entirely in the mind, and how yogis transcend the fluctuations of the mind.

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 4 Chapter 24, and how our conception of attraction and repulsion exist entirely in the mind, and how yogis transcend the fluctuations of the mind.

Yogis Stop Acting For Pleasure & Pain and Focus on What they're Meant to Contribute

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss how true happiness is an internal experience, as the nature of the soul is spiritual happiness, and when we seek happiness through externals we enter into a disappointing competition for limited resources.

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss how true happiness is an internal experience, as the nature of the soul is spiritual happiness, and when we seek happiness through externals we enter into a disappointing competition for limited resources.

Happiness Through Externals is a Failed Strategy

An introduction to the  essential bhakti-yoga text Srimad Bhagavatam highlighting how to transform our lives through the hearing and contemplation of timeless yoga wisdom.

An introduction to the  essential bhakti-yoga text Srimad Bhagavatam highlighting how to transform our lives through the hearing and contemplation of timeless yoga wisdom.

1: The Sages Are In the Pages 

The ancient texts of yoga wisdom share that, in one sense, The world we live in is an illusion or like a dream. When we are having a bad or fearful dream, there is no point in trying to correct our situation within the dream. Rather the solution is to wake up! The wisdom of the sages of the Srimad Bhagavatam is the way to do it.  (covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1-1.1.3)

The ancient texts of yoga wisdom share that, in one sense, The world we live in is an illusion or like a dream. When we are having a bad or fearful dream, there is no point in trying to correct our situation within the dream. Rather the solution is to wake up! The wisdom of the sages of the Srimad Bhagavatam is the way to do it.  (covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1-1.1.3)

2: Our Life is a Dream – Wake Up! 

"Yoga is a practice which empowers one to overcome the obstacle of the mind, for the purpose of the self experiencing it's own true nature."   The sages of the Srimad Bhagavatam place their questions to the learned and saintly Suta Goswami, including how the people of our difficult age can find atma suprasidati, complete satisfaction of the self. (covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.4-1.1.11)

"Yoga is a practice which empowers one to overcome the obstacle of the mind, for the purpose of the self experiencing it's own true nature."  The sages of the Srimad Bhagavatam place their questions to the learned and saintly Suta Goswami, including how the people of our difficult age can find atma suprasidati, complete satisfaction of the self. (covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.4-1.1.11)

3: Defining the Word "Yoga" 

Raghunath Cappo &amp; Kaustubha Das discuss transcendental sound, true happiness as an internal experience, the material world as a warped reflection, expanding the space between stimulus and response through sattvic yoga lifestyle, and Raghu's fat head. (Covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.12-1.1.19)

Raghunath Cappo &amp; Kaustubha Das discuss transcendental sound, true happiness as an internal experience, the material world as a warped reflection, expanding the space between stimulus and response through sattvic yoga lifestyle, and Raghu's fat head. (Covers Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.12-1.1.19)

4: Expanding the Space Between Stimulus & Response Through Yoga 

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss how the mind is going to get addicted to something - so choose the addictions that lead to getting grounded, connected, and liberated, through Bhakti Yoga. Plus the appearance of the young sage Sukadeva Goswami the six symptoms of the soul found in all life (humans, animals and plants), equality and difference in human beings, and how life is a series of questions and answers but certain questions can lead to atma suprasidati (complete satisfaction of the soul).

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss how the mind is going to get addicted to something - so choose the addictions that lead to getting grounded, connected, and liberated, through Bhakti Yoga. Plus the appearance of the young sage Sukadeva Goswami the six symptoms of the soul found in all life (humans, animals and plants), equality and difference in human beings, and how life is a series of questions and answers but certain questions can lead to atma suprasidati (complete satisfaction of the soul).

5: Choose Your Addictions Carefully

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss the answer to the big question by the sages, "How can people find complete satisfaction of the self?" The answer is pure devotion. They also discuss that human life is meant for inquiry into the absolute truth, that knowledge and detachment come automatically with bhakti, that much of the yoga (asana) in the West, as well as America in general, could benefit from some sattva guna, the slippery slope into tamas, and recalibrating on Mondays.

Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha discuss the answer to the big question by the sages, "How can people find complete satisfaction of the self?" The answer is pure devotion. They also discuss that human life is meant for inquiry into the absolute truth, that knowledge and detachment come automatically with bhakti, that much of the yoga (asana) in the West, as well as America in general, could benefit from some sattva guna, the slippery slope into tamas, and recalibrating on Mondays.

6: Human Life is Meant For Inquiry Into the Absolute Truth

Discussion regarding curing abnormal tendencies towards Illusion through hearing truth, genuine radical responsibility, the real blessings on the yoga path, the Paramatama, the cleansing of the heart step by step thorough Bhakti Yoga beginning with faith and ending in Divine love, on the spiritual level the form is less important than the substance, getting connected to the electric charge of spiritual power, doing kirtan in public, and the value of serving great souls and other fun with Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha. 

Discussion regarding curing abnormal tendencies towards Illusion through hearing truth, genuine radical responsibility, the real blessings on the yoga path, the Paramatama, the cleansing of the heart step by step thorough Bhakti Yoga beginning with faith and ending in Divine love, on the spiritual level the form is less important than the substance, getting connected to the electric charge of spiritual power, doing kirtan in public, and the value of serving great souls and other fun with Raghunath &amp; Kaustubha.

7: Scrubbing the Heart Through Bhakti Yoga

Truths about life from the timeless wisdom of the Bhakti-yoga tradition - fun, relevant, and deep. Learn about dharma, yoga, bhakti, and how it relates to all the basic questions of life. This show is about how to live your best life, let go of the external distractions, and uncover the spiritual happiness that lies within the heart as the true nature of the soul.Raghunath and Kaustubha's connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90's, to sharing their experiences in the world of yoga in the 21st century.

Raghu and Kaustubha have brought the Srimad Bhagavatam into my heart and made it so relevant to my mind with humor and insight. I am constantly laughing and having profound realizations about my life the entire time during each broadcast. I had the privelege of being present and hearing this discourse while in India during training with them, and I have been listening via the podcast since returning home. They are my honored teachers and I am forever grateful for them and their beautiful service.

Raghu and Kaustubha many thanks

Love the podcast. I start most days by listening. Thanks for all you do.

Great Way to Start the Day

Truths about life from the timeless wisdom of the Bhakti-yoga tradition - fun, relevant, and deep. Learn about dharma, yoga, bhakti, and how it relates to all the basic questions of life. This show is about how to live your best life, let go of the external distractions, and uncover the spiritual happiness that lies within the heart as the true nature of the soul. Raghunath and Kaustubha's connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90's, to sharing their experiences in the world of yoga in the 21st century.

Wisdom of the Sages

Who is Radhanath Swami? / the process of yoga is to purity the heart - it’s not always easy - it takes determination and patience / as we churn our hearts, so many things will come out - don’t be afraid, attached or distracted / reversals open doors to great benedictions / the material nature brings out the conflict in us / the greatest spiritual progress comes when through the sincerity of our will, God is pleased / the greatest way to please the Lord is to accept suffering in order to bring others happiness - compassion is the ultimate service / we all need a compass to keep us focused on moving in the direction of divine love /Radhanath Swami shares the vision of the Govardhan Eco Village 

Who is Radhanath Swami? / the process of yoga is to purity the heart - it’s not always easy - it takes determination and patience / as we churn our hearts, so many things will come out - don’t be afraid, attached or distracted / reversals open doors to great benedictions / the material nature brings out the conflict in us / the greatest spiritual progress comes when through the sincerity of our will, God is pleased / the greatest way to please the Lord is to accept suffering in order to bring others happiness - compassion is the ultimate service / we all need a compass to keep us focused on moving in the direction of divine love /Radhanath Swami shares the vision of the Govardhan Eco Village

15: Churning the Heart with Radhanath Swami

spiritual ecstasy of Jaipur mornings / singing &amp; dancing is the goal of the yoga system / unity through connecting the universal source / Srimad Bhagavatam lifts the mind above hankering &amp; lamentation / there’s no equality on the bodily platform / Mahabharata brought yoga wisdom to the masses / spiritual knowledge is the only solution to our material problems / treat everyone with dignity 

spiritual ecstasy of Jaipur mornings / singing &amp; dancing is the goal of the yoga system / unity through connecting the universal source / Srimad Bhagavatam lifts the mind above hankering &amp; lamentation / there’s no equality on the bodily platform / Mahabharata brought yoga wisdom to the masses / spiritual knowledge is the only solution to our material problems / treat everyone with dignity

25: Spiritual Knowledge is the Only Solution

is there a universal message in the bhakti tradition? / is there a message to share about how to see this crisis / advice for maintaining mental well being &amp; relationships through the crisis / a message for the essential health care providers / how to avoid dogmatic exclusivism in spiritual circles? / why is the Bhagavatam so powerfully transformational? / who is Nara-Narayana Rishi?

is there a universal message in the bhakti tradition? / is there a message to share about how to see this crisis / advice for maintaining mental well being &amp; relationships through the crisis / a message for the essential health care providers / how to avoid dogmatic exclusivism in spiritual circles? / why is the Bhagavatam so powerfully transformational? / who is Nara-Narayana Rishi?

104: Interview with Radhanath Swami / Learning to grow Through the COVID Crisis

everything is trying to kill something - minimize it &amp; make your life an offering / fear snowballs in the mind / in bhakti, it’s all good / the body is a gift - it’s not even ours / Krishna is all-attractive / the perfect beautiful vision of Bhishma / the lover's bite is welcome / the esoteric side of bhakti / love in the heart brings out service / Krishna makes it all good

everything is trying to kill something - minimize it &amp; make your life an offering / fear snowballs in the mind / in bhakti, it’s all good / the body is a gift - it’s not even ours / Krishna is all-attractive / the perfect beautiful vision of Bhishma / the lover's bite is welcome / the esoteric side of bhakti / love in the heart brings out service / Krishna makes it all good

90: The Lover's Bite & the Esoteric Side of Bhakti

love will not be cancelled today / bhakti is contagious / it’s futile to worry about things beyond my control / within you without you / love isn’t a headlock - it’s our choice / It’s Krishna that is within and without you / Bhagavad-gita 6.29-30 / seeing divinity in people who aren’t acting divine - yoga off the mat looks like that / can we glimpse the truth before it's far too late when we pass away?

love will not be cancelled today / bhakti is contagious / it’s futile to worry about things beyond my control / within you without you / love isn’t a headlock - it’s our choice / It’s Krishna that is within and without you / Bhagavad-gita 6.29-30 / seeing divinity in people who aren’t acting divine - yoga off the mat looks like that / can we glimpse the truth before it's far too late when we pass away?

60: Within You Without You

transforming attachments rather than breaking attachments / discontent should move us towards truth / knowing I'm eternal makes everything meaningful / cat in the basket - how rituals lose meaning / good teachers are rooted in the sacred text - not just making it up 

transforming attachments rather than breaking attachments / discontent should move us towards truth / knowing I'm eternal makes everything meaningful / cat in the basket - how rituals lose meaning / good teachers are rooted in the sacred text - not just making it up

26: Knowing I'm Eternal Makes Everything Meaningful

bhakti as meditation &amp; as service / I move for the enjoyment of my source &amp; I enjoy naturally as a result of the connection / asana is a condiment of yoga - the meal is the offering we make / meditation of the formless is always troublesome / pure bhakti demands pure intention (as opposed to activity) / clarifying yoga terminology / there is power in commitment / we’ve been waking up early

bhakti as meditation &amp; as service / I move for the enjoyment of my source &amp; I enjoy naturally as a result of the connection / asana is a condiment of yoga - the meal is the offering we make / meditation of the formless is always troublesome / pure bhakti demands pure intention (as opposed to activity) / clarifying yoga terminology / there is power in commitment / we’ve been waking up early

110: Questions & Answers – Volume 8

Raghu’s in Cali / everything we have is a gift from someone / Narada’s perfection in meditation / the bhakti path - 9 steps from faith to divine love / be steady and do the basics / we’re chasing forms that don’t satisfy / flash melts / bhakti is a descending (not ascending) path  

Raghu’s in Cali / everything we have is a gift from someone / Narada’s perfection in meditation / the bhakti path - 9 steps from faith to divine love / be steady and do the basics / we’re chasing forms that don’t satisfy / flash melts / bhakti is a descending (not ascending) path

39:  We’re Chasing Forms That Don’t Satisfy

maybe we could use a day of rest / what I will and will not allow myself to worry about / avoiding the negative loop / control vs hysteria / another perspective from Sri Isopanisad - everything is perfect &amp; complete (except perhaps our understanding) / Siddharta’s enlightenment - ॐ perfection / the good and the bad seen as one from a higher perspective / we will all be challenged to stand tall - to be raised

maybe we could use a day of rest / what I will and will not allow myself to worry about / avoiding the negative loop / control vs hysteria / another perspective from Sri Isopanisad - everything is perfect &amp; complete (except perhaps our understanding) / Siddharta’s enlightenment - ॐ perfection / the good and the bad seen as one from a higher perspective / we will all be challenged to stand tall - to be raised

63: Coronavirus - We're Meant to Grow From This

Raghu's crash and how he reconnected with Radhanath Swami / further mystical stories from Raghu's life / It's all real! / Kaustaubha defeats mundane scholars with a Beatles analogy / in spiritual life it's not you got it's what you do with what you've got / the story of Jatayu from Ramayana/ the story of the squirrels from Ramayana  

Raghu's crash and how he reconnected with Radhanath Swami / further mystical stories from Raghu's life / It's all real! / Kaustaubha defeats mundane scholars with a Beatles analogy / in spiritual life it's not you got it's what you do with what you've got / the story of Jatayu from Ramayana/ the story of the squirrels from Ramayana

16: It’s Not What You Got, It’s What You Do With What You Got!

the gift of being a dented can / pointing the finger ourselves / the yogi is dealing with two worlds / loving without possessing / a sadhu is childlike / living internal &amp; external at the same time / our inner orientation is I am the servant of God / we don’t destroy our desire, we purify it / serving to God and the devotee is identical / create a love triangle by bringing in the Paramatma / bhutta suddhi - purifying ourselves from material misidentification

the gift of being a dented can / pointing the finger ourselves / the yogi is dealing with two worlds / loving without possessing / a sadhu is childlike / living internal &amp; external at the same time / our inner orientation is I am the servant of God / we don’t destroy our desire, we purify it / serving to God and the devotee is identical / create a love triangle by bringing in the Paramatma / bhutta suddhi - purifying ourselves from material misidentification

72: The Internal & External Lives of a Yogi 

apocalyptic New York &amp; Krishna’s invitation to dance above it / responsible in this world &amp; conscious of what’s beyond / Bhishma stories / finding the blessing in misfortune / 3 levels of wisdom / no complaining allowed / “untimely” deaths of spiritual people / use the dream to wake up from the dream / keep going 1 level deeper in our realization / bhakti dreams / Krishna’s joy in respecting an elder /

apocalyptic New York &amp; Krishna’s invitation to dance above it / responsible in this world &amp; conscious of what’s beyond / Bhishma stories / finding the blessing in misfortune / 3 levels of wisdom / no complaining allowed / “untimely” deaths of spiritual people / use the dream to wake up from the dream / keep going 1 level deeper in our realization / bhakti dreams / Krishna’s joy in respecting an elder /

76: Use the Dream to Wake Up from the Dream

Wisdom of the Sages in New York City Schools / coping with destitution / HELP ME! - we’re drowning / the ocean teaches us how small and dependent we are / a little virus is meant to wake us up / the strength of knowing our weakness / Krishna is the soul of the universe / bhakti is kid friendly / Krishna gives life &amp; beauty to everything / nature provides us with plenty, but then we break nature's laws /

Wisdom of the Sages in New York City Schools / coping with destitution / HELP ME! - we’re drowning / the ocean teaches us how small and dependent we are / a little virus is meant to wake us up / the strength of knowing our weakness / Krishna is the soul of the universe / bhakti is kid friendly / Krishna gives life &amp; beauty to everything / nature provides us with plenty, but then we break nature's laws /

70: The Strength of Knowing Our Weakness

a yogi has no enemies / animosity clouds the mind with ignorance / bhakti yogis decorate themselves with the ornaments of tolerance, mercy, friendliness to all, having no enemies, peacefulness, &amp; abidance to sacred texts / Andal, the mystic poet girl who decorated herself for the pleasure of Vishnu / 2 dharmas - temporary &amp; eternal / Yuddhistira vs Bhima - we all have different natures that can be offered / refining our lower nature / tolerance &amp; intolerance in bhakti / Raghu drives the swami / Kaustubha tries to give up anger

a yogi has no enemies / animosity clouds the mind with ignorance / bhakti yogis decorate themselves with the ornaments of tolerance, mercy, friendliness to all, having no enemies, peacefulness, &amp; abidance to sacred texts / Andal, the mystic poet girl who decorated herself for the pleasure of Vishnu / 2 dharmas - temporary &amp; eternal / Yuddhistira vs Bhima - we all have different natures that can be offered / refining our lower nature / tolerance &amp; intolerance in bhakti / Raghu drives the swami / Kaustubha tries to give up anger

51: The Ornaments that Decorate a Saint

choose your addictions carefully / loving every living being - beyond externals / what is the duty of one about to die (all of us) / perspective - our senses are so limited / karma &amp; free will / free will expands &amp; contracts according to the choices we make / bhakti releases one from past karma / yoga as an access point out of samsara / you get what you get &amp; don’t be upset / Maya (illusion) keeps out the riffraff / religious language vs yogic language - sin = bad karma / Astrology as a form of metaphysical materialism / we think we’re free, even when we are completely controlled

choose your addictions carefully / loving every living being - beyond externals / what is the duty of one about to die (all of us) / perspective - our senses are so limited / karma &amp; free will / free will expands &amp; contracts according to the choices we make / bhakti releases one from past karma / yoga as an access point out of samsara / you get what you get &amp; don’t be upset / Maya (illusion) keeps out the riffraff / religious language vs yogic language - sin = bad karma / Astrology as a form of metaphysical materialism / we think we’re free, even when we are completely controlled

42: Karma and Free Will

letter from Vrajabhumi! / self sacrifice + sadhana is a good spiritual formula / as a people, we have lost our ability to think critically / getting lost in politics &amp; conspiracy theories/ work now samadhi later / life’s purpose isn’t to find a comfortable or enjoyable situation / if our politics or theories are driving us to be bitter, harsh, or hateful, seeing others as enemies - then we’ve been tricked

letter from Vrajabhumi! / self sacrifice + sadhana is a good spiritual formula / as a people, we have lost our ability to think critically / getting lost in politics &amp; conspiracy theories/ work now samadhi later / life’s purpose isn’t to find a comfortable or enjoyable situation / if our politics or theories are driving us to be bitter, harsh, or hateful, seeing others as enemies - then we’ve been tricked

89: You’ve Been Tricked! / Politics & Conspiracy Theories

Arne’s letter / remembrances of Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama / Kripamoya Prabhu’s unforgettable kirtan / Krishna reels you back in / so many things are vying for our attention / Srila Gaura Govinda Swami / the embankment of union &amp; the embankment of separation / transformation by spiritual contact/ Sita’s separation / Krishna is atmarama - self-satisfied

Arne’s letter / remembrances of Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama / Kripamoya Prabhu’s unforgettable kirtan / Krishna reels you back in / so many things are vying for our attention / Srila Gaura Govinda Swami / the embankment of union &amp; the embankment of separation / transformation by spiritual contact/ Sita’s separation / Krishna is atmarama - self-satisfied

109: Bhakti Flows Between the Embankments of Union & Separation

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