Vedanta Shravanam

Episod

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  Guru Paduka Stotram 03/07 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri 24.09.2026 1j 27min

  Hari Om !!Guru Paduka Stotram 03/07 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.Verse 1 (contd.)Swami Aparajitananda elaborates more on the CONDITIONS "when heart becomes fit for highest Knowledge and Liberation happens". It is also noted that description of samsāra ("ananta") is given to know the misery of samsāra and value of Liberation.Explaining each stage of jīvātmā's journey, MISERY in various forms is pointed out. It is shown that mind is busy improving or escaping worldly environment.How long the misery continues, who can show the realistic way to seek happiness and train the mind; what should be relation between individuality and Infinity for Liberation to happen - all this is discussed in detail.Beautiful similes of samsāra-ocean and ship-Gurubhakti are analysed at great length. E.g. Kabir and Shah Ibrahim Alam. As Ramana Maharshi says, "Greatest Tapas is to destroy the ego." The magic which Guru does is to guide and silently make one transform oneself. (Next: Can Gurupādukās help handle worldly problems for beginners?)(Shrī Gurupādukā Stotram - Talk 3 of 7 - Verse 1 continued)
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  Guru Paduka Stotram 02/07 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri 17.09.2026 1j 28min

  Hari Om !!Guru Paduka Stotram 02/07 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-YamunotriSwami Aparajitananda reminds us about divine virtues declared as "The Knowledge Only" by Lord Krishna (Gītā Chp. 13) and of which Gurupādukās are the embodiment.How 9 verses of the Stotram unfold THE CONTENT is shown in 3 stages: • Verse 1 - entire journey of a seeker from samsārī to Mukta.What worship of Gurupādukās can fulfill? • Worldly desires (Verses 2 to 5) and • Spiritual desires (Verses 6 to 9).In essence, Gurupādukā pūjā can give anything to all 4 types of devotees.Verse 1: Glory of Gurupādukās is described as giver of Gurubhakti and Dispassion; and acting as ship for effortless crossing over of ocean of transmigration.Swamiji specifies the STARTING POINT of journey as AWARENESS OF MISERY AND INABILITY TO MEDITATE. Then it is suggested to do what one can do (Pūjā) and purify the mind. The law stated says: pure mind is attracted towards and desires noble things and a Guru.It is discussed in great depth: • Whether a Guru in physical form is required? • How Guru is provided? • How and who can recognise Guru? • What virtues (from inspiration to desire for Perfection) devotion to Gurupādukās can give? • What is LOUD SILENCE OF GURU and its effect? • What is living the advice? • What is called ruling the kingdom of dispassion? • How Viveka-janita Vairāgya of pure mind like Nachiketa can give Perfect Vision?A law that can help to disidentify and effortlessly abide in the Self at the seat of meditation is stated: "What one loves, one can easily meditate upon."It is also noted that vishāda is also YOGA (means to connect with God).(To be continued)(Shrī Gurupādukā Stotram - Talk 2 of 7 - Verse 1)
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  Guru Paduka Stotram 01/07 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri. 10.09.2026 59min

  Hari Om !!Guru Paduka Stotram 01/07 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.On the occasion of Pūjya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda's 106th Jayanti (2022) Jñāna Yajña, the theme aptly chosen for discourse by Swami Aparajitananda is SHRĪ GURUPĀDUKĀ STOTRAM. It is believed to be composed either by Bhagavān Ādi Shankarācharya or by Pūjya Narsimhabhārati Swami (33rd Pontiff of Sringeri Math). But what matters is the simple, serene and subtle content of the Stotram (viz. Worship of Gurupādukās can give anything - worldly or spiritual) as composed, metred, unfolded by explanatory similes and examples, etc. by Realised Master in 3 stages:1. The full journey of a seeker from misery to Liberation.2. Power of Gurupādukās to shower worldly attainments.3. Ability to Bless on Spiritual path.Swamiji first discusses elaborately the basic, curious questions allowing no scope for a doubt: • How inert Gurupādukās can bless? • On what levels God, Guru and Gurupādukās stand? • Why glorify Gurupādukās? Why call them "Shrī" Gurupādukās? • Functions and ATTITUDE of Gurupādukās (Here, Swamiji simplifies when to use heart in Spirituality.)Message of the Stotram in describing Gurupādukās as Kalpataru or Kāmadhenu is made clear. Swamiji simplifies SIGNIFICANCE OF DEVOTION AND ATTITUDE by examples of Shabarī, Hanumān, Krishna's flute, our Gurudev.What is SELF-EFFACEMENT is also discussed in detail in the next session.
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  Mukundamala 08/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri. 03.09.2026 1j 11min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala 08/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.
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  Mukundamala 07/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri. 27.08.2026 1j 15min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala 07/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.
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  Mukundamala 06/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri. 20.08.2026 1j 16min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala 06/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.
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  Mukundamala 05/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri. 13.08.2026 1j 16min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala 05/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.
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  Mukunda Mala 04/08 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri. 06.08.2026 1j 13min

  Hari Om !!Mukunda Mala 04/08 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda ji
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  Mukundamala 03/08 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri 30.07.2026 1j 16min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala 03/08 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda ji
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  Mukundamala-Day 02/08 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri 23.07.2026 1j 24min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala-Day 02/08 - Talk in English by Pujya Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri
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  Mukundamala-01/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri 16.07.2026 1j 8min

  Hari Om !!Mukundamala-01/08 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.
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  Tattva Bodha 10/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji. 09.07.2026 1j 17min

  Hari Om !!Tattva Bodha 10/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.Bhagavān Shankarāchārya ji concludes "Tattvabodha" with definitions of three types of karmas and a happy statement that Jīvanmukta, free from all bondages of all karmas, crosses over samsāra.Swāmi Aparājitānanda ji elaborates on today's topic, "karma" and gives a graceful walkthrough of all definitions in Tattvabodha as if creating a divine orchestra in harmony with Jīva, Jagat and Ishvara. Definitions of Tattvabodha given by Shankarācharyaji are the melody of life, while Swāmiji's beautiful explanations are the notation of that melody.Last, but never the least: • When should we attain liberation - before death or after death? How? • Is Sadguru-upadesha necessary? Why? (ocean water example) • What is interpretation of the term 'karma' in Spirituality? • Jīvanmukta is freed from which kind of actions? • What are āgāmi, sanchita, prārabdha karmas? How are they related to each other? • When do karmas bind you? • What is a Jīvanmukta's attitude to karmas? • Can a Jñāni commit pāpa karmas? • When do our actions fructify? • What is the meaning of "chi"? • Who gives the results of our actions? • Which karma decides our present birth, jāti, āyu, etc.? • Can prārabdha be by-passed? • Who enjoys fruits of action? • How are āgāmi karmas destroyed in the case of a Jñāni? • To whom do fruits of action of a Jñāni go? • "Whatever you think, so you become." • Which action has been compared with a shot arrow? Why? • Can one escape from fruits of action by committing suicide? • How long to go through karmas? When are karmas exhausted? And when are they destroyed? • For a Jīvanmukta, which place of death is most auspicious?! • What does a Jīvanmukta gain? When does the birth-death cylce end for him?P.S. Don't miss Shankarācharyaji's guidance from the scriptures on how to tackle prārabdha karma.(Tattvabodha - Talk 10 of 10)
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  Tattva Bodha 09/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji. 02.07.2026 1j 9min

  Hari Om!!Tattva Bodha 09/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.Bhagavān Shankarāchārya jī's enquiry into the Truth reaches a climax with analysis of Mahāvākya "Tat tvam asi" (Chhāndogya Upanishad). He also introduces concept of Jīvanmukta stating that He becomes free from all bondages of all karmas.Swāmi Aparājitānanda jī's telescopic explanations make the understanding of final aspects of above Mahāvākya, of how to solve the implied equation and of how to interpret vāchyārtha and lākshyārtha (ample examples) the most wonderful and joyous experience. The most eloquent equation quoted is that of Hanumān with Lord Rāma.Swāmijī also makes the phrase "You are God" relatable for us by interpreting it to mean "I am never away from God; He is always there with me as the very Consciousness in me."Swāmijī further simplifies concepts of Jīvanmukta, his convictions and sādhanā, the three types of knowledge. It is stated that "crossing over" by Jīvanmukta is only one of the the many benefits of this Knowledge.Precious gems not to be missed: • What are jīva, Brahman and Ishvara and their conditioning and properties? • Convex and concave mirror example to understand jīva and Īshvara • "We don't need anyone to see the difference between jīva and Īshvara. To see the oneness in jīva and Īshvara, we need the Guru and scriptures ." • "As long as you consider God as different from you, there is no moksha for you." - Why? • What is the only remedy to break free from the birth death cycle? • What is the doubt expressed by the student on the Mahāvākya "Tat Tvam Asi"? • What do vāchyārthaha and lakshyārthaha mean? • What are the vāchyārthaha and lakshyārthaha of tvam pada? • What are the vāchyārthaha and lakshyārthaha of tat pada? • What is meaning of Samādhi? • What is the meaning of upādhi? • What is the meaning of bādhaka abhāvaha? • What is jīva- Īshvara aikya? • How does Hanumānjī relate himself to Bhagāvān? • What is Mahāvākya shodhanam? • Is Mahāvākya to be understood literally or impliedly? • Who are Jīvanmuktas? What are their convictions? • What is jīvabuddhi and Brahmabuddhi? • How is a person's nature determined? • Why is Ātmā compared to space and light? • What is the etymological meaning of ākāsha? • Example of nātaka dīpa from Panchadashi • What are pratyaksha jñāna, paroksha jñāna and aparoksha jñāna? • What are the advantages of living a spiritual life and gaining Self Knowledge? • What is the true meaning of Spirituality? • What is true transformation? • What are the connotations of karma? • What are the types of actions?(Tattvabodha - Talk 9 of 10)
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  Tattva Bodha 08/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji 25.06.2026 1j 13min

  Hari Om !!Tattva Bodha 08/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.Swāmi Aparājitānandaji explains the astonishing process of panchikaran and the great secret of oneness at anātmā level (pindānda and brahmānda) and at ātmā level (by two models - reflection and limitation) at great length. These complex concepts are clarified at great length through very sweet children's story-like examples.The practical significance and message of the concepts of oneness and sacrifice and punishment for leading a selfish life and vice versa are all explained fully and beautifully. Equations in Creation and Spirituality: • What are the material and efficient causes of this creation? • What is panchikaranam? • What is svabhāga chatushtaya sanyojanam kāryam? • What is tushni? • What is the proof of manner in which gross elements came into being? • What are panchikruta pancha-mahābhutas? • How are the microcosm and macrocosm related to each other? • What is the purpose of studying the Creation and its evolution? • What is Dharma? • How does the cosmos teach us our Dharma? • What is the right way of living your life? • What is pratibimba-vāda? • What is parichheda-vāda? • What is upādhi? • What is a mahāvākya? • Who is a jīvātmā? • Who is Īshvara? • Is jīva different from Īshvara? • What is the context in which these terms are used: jīva, Īshvara, jīvātmā, Ātmā, Brahman, pindānda, Brahmānda? • Why is bheda drishti not acceptable?(Tattvabodha - Talk 8 of 10)
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  Tattva Bodha 07/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda 18.06.2026 1j 11min

  Hari Om !!Bhagavān Shankarāchārya ji takes up samashti vichāra and focuses on cause of Creation and method of origin of 24 (twenty four) basic principles defining the world.Swāmi Aparājitānandaji explains the above amazing concepts, which have the thrill of suspense and charm of a fairy tale, very aptly and in an engrossing manner. DON'T MISS: the beautiful verse giving the essence of the entire scriptures quoted and explained by Swamiji which is a dialogue between teacher and student and how the teacher guides the student's attention from the outer world to the Inner Reality.The wonder called world: • What is the message given by the scriptures about the first and foremost priority of our life? • What is the cause of this creation? • How has the knowledge of evolution of the world evolved? • What are the 24 (twenty four) principles from which the world has come into being? • What is the difference between Ātmā and Brahman? • What is Māyā? What are its 3 (three) powers? • Which are the 4 (stages) of evolution? • What is tanmātrā? • What are the properties inherited by the 5 subtle elements? • How do the organs of knowledge come into existence? • What is antahakarna? • What are sankalpa and vikalpa? • What is buddhi? • What is chittam? • What is aham vritti? • What is ahankāra? • Who are the presiding deities of the mind and intellect? Why? • What is the meaning of Rudra? • What is the meaning of Vāsudeva? • How do the organs of action come into existence? • What is 'andha-pangu' nyāya? • Who are the energisers for the pancha karmendriyas? How did they come into existence?(Tattvabodha - Talk 7 of 10)
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  Tattvabodha 06/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda 11.06.2026 1j 18min

  Hari Om !!Tattvabodha 06/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri.Bhagavān Shankarāchārya ji, concluding vyashti vichāra, presents the last anātmā i.e. pancha koshas. He lays down logic and methodology of scriptures for Enquiry and defines Ātmā.Swāmi Aparājitānandaji, after a brief and crisp revision, cross-examines the last suspect - pancha koshas - thoroughly and beautifully explains the logic and method of Enquiry by various practical examples and unfolds the most eagerly awaited suspense of Ātmā."Behind the curtains" and "Mirror! Mirror!": • What is a kosha? • Which are the 5 (pancha) koshas (sheaths) covering the Ātmā? • What is the true meaning of "covering"? • How do each of the sheaths cover the Ātmā? • What is the cause of this physical body? • Which is the energising aspect of the body? • Hunger and thirst are the functions of which sheath? • Kriya shakti belongs to which kosha? • What is the degree of subtleness in each of the koshas? • The power to desire belongs to which kosha? • What is desire? • Knowledge is a pre-requisite for which two sheaths? • Which is the most important thing to be done in life? • How does ānandamaya kosha give you peace and happiness in the deep sleep state? • What is malīna sattva? • Which is the only shariram active in deep sleep state? • Why are we ignorant of our bliss in deep sleep state? • How do you experience joy in the waking state? • What is the difference between priya, moda and pramoda? • Are Ātmā and ānandamaya kosha same? Why? • What is Anātmā? • What is the logic of studying Anātmā to prove and know Ātmā? • What are pratijñyā, hetu, drishtānta, niyama, upanayaha and nigamanam? • What is svarūpa lakshanam of Ātmā? • What exists at all points of time? • What is our experience when we identify with the physical body? • Why do we not want to die? • What are the two types of existence? • What is the Knowing Principle? • What is Satchitānanda? • What is the proof that happiness is our real nature? • What is moksha? • What is the true test of spiritual progress? • What is the purpose of Spirituality? • What is the attach - detach formula of Spirituality? • What is the difference between parināmi nitya and kūtastha nitya? • What is vyashti vichāra? • What is the relation between ānanda and ananta?(Tattvabodha - Talk 6 of 10)
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  Tattvabodha 05/10 by Swami Aparajitananda 04.06.2026 1j 12min

  Hari Om !!Tattvabodha 05/10 -Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri.Continuing the analysis of what is not Ātmā in order to understand the Ātmā, Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji describes kārana shariram and the three states of experience.Swami Aparajitanandaji not only beautifully explains these concepts, he also goes on to explain the pancha prānas which are not defined in this text.Points for revision: • What are the pancha prānas? • How does the body indicate that there is a shortage of energy? • What are samāna vāyu, vyāna vāyu, prāna vāyu, apāna vāyu and udāna vāyu? What are their functions? • What is meaning of 'an', 'pra', 'ap', 'vi', 'ut' and 'sam'? • How can you keep your prānas strong? • What is kārana shariram (causal body)? Why is it called so? • Where do desires originate from? • Where do we search for happiness normally? • When did ignorance about our Self start? • How is ignorance of Self responsible for your body? • What are the 5 (five) factors through which we can describe a thing? • Is it possible to describe the causal body? • Is the kārana shariram Ātmā? • Is the causal body Sat, asat or mithyā? • How can the causal body be experienced? • How is nirvikalpa samādhi different from kārana shariram? • What is the cause of causal body? • What is our experience in deep sleep? • How long does kārana shariram exist? • What is the only thing that can destroy kārana shariram? • Which are the three states of experience (avasthās)? • When is Ātmā called vishva, tejas and prājnya? • When is the Ātmā identified with the gross body and the subtle body? • What is the meaning of prapancha? • How are our dreams created? • What is the importance of keeping the mind pure? • Which is the wonder equipment which is a recorder in waking state and which becomes a player in dream state? • Which bodies are active in dream state? • What are we identified with in dream state? • What are our experiences in deep sleep? • What is the difference between experience in deep sleep and that in Samādhi? • What is the proof that Ātma is real? • What is the meaning of kosha?(Tattvabodha - Talk 5 of 10)
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  Tattva Bodha 04/10 by Swami Aparajitananda 28.05.2026 1j 14min

  Hari Om !!As the great enquiry by Bhagavān Ādi Shankarācharya ji becomes subtler and more amazing, Swāmi Aparājitānandaji's concern to lift us to the loftier levels of understanding is evident from the extent and inclusiveness of his explanations. Swāmiji also infuses a very relatable logic into the talk which makes it all the more interesting and enjoyable and brings this subtle knowledge within our grasp.Points for reflection: • How is the perspective of Permanent - impermanent different from that of Truth - untruth? • Which is the only way to alleviate your suffering? • What is the goal of Self enquiry? • Is the physical self Ātmā? • What is the source of knowledge described in Tattvabodha? • What is sūkshma sharira (subtle body)? What is its nature? What are its material and efficient causes? What is it made of? • Which is the instrument with which we experience joys and sorrows? • What are the 17 constituents of subtle body? • Which are the 5 (five) jñānendriyas (organs of knowledge or perception)? What are their functions? • Which are the 5 (five) karmendriyas (organs of action)? What are their functions? • What is golaka? How is it different from indriya? • Which are the adhishthāna devatāha (presiding deities) for each of the indriyas? • What is the function of the presiding deities? • Why do we have 33 crore devatās in Hinduism? Why can't we see them? • Where do the presiding deities get their powers from? • What is the logic behind each presiding deity governing a particular ability of perception or action? • Why are some of us endowed with more powerful jñānendriyas than others? Who decides what we are endowed with? • Which are the 6 (six) types of living beings depending upon the availability of the fullness of sūkshma sharira? • What do the four heads of Brahmāji represent?(Tattvabodha - Talk 4 of 10)
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  Tattvabodha 03/10 by Swami Aparajitananda 21.05.2026 1j 18min

  Hari Om!!Swāmi Aparājitānandaji concludes explanation on the shamādi shatka sampatti and sādhana chatushtaya and enters into the systematic enquiry of the Self (Ātmā), which Bhagavān Ādi Shankarāchāryaji describes using fourteen terms. The first of these terms, sthūla sharira, is elaborated upon today.Let us be alert and briskly follow Swāmiji into this great enquiry by Bhagavān Shankarāchāryaji!Gateways to today's talk: • What is antar-indriya? • What is titiksha at the body, mind, intellect level? • How is titiksha defined in Vivekachūdamani? • What is the loss in not applying titiksha? • What are the ways in which mind can be kept peaceful even while enduring the pinpricks of life? • What is shraddhā? How is it developed? • Why is faith important in Spirituality? • Why is God beyond proof and disproof? • When does shradhhā become your jñāna (knowledge)? • What is the source of shraddhā? • What is samādhānam? • Why do some of the greatest scientists sit in meditation before entering their labs? • What are the four Ds that a seeker should cultivate to be fit to enquire into the Ultimate Truth? • How to become a fit student of Spirituality as per Bhagavad Gītā? • What is tattva-viveka? • What is Ātmā? • What is mithyā? • What are the 3 (three) ways to define anything in Spirituality? • What is svarūpa-lakshana? • What is tatastha-lakshana? • What is atatvyāvritti-lakshana or the "neti neti method"? • Which are the 14 (fourteen) terms introduced by Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji to explain the term Ātmā? • What is sthūla (condition of the body)? • What is upādāna kāranam (material cause)? • What is nimitta kāranam (efficient cause)? • What has decided the nature and form of our present body? • What are the 3 (three) types of experiences? • What is the function of body? • Which is the city of 9 (nine) gates? What are the gates? • What is the nature or properties of the body i.e. 6 (six) modifications of the body?( Tattvabodha - Talk 3 of 10)
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  Tattvabodha Talk 02/10 by Swami Aparajitananda ji 14.05.2026 1j 8min

  Hari Om !! In this talk and all following talks, we find Swami Aparajitanandaji's explanations leading us to an astonishing treasure hunt wherein a clue is given and when solved, we find next clue hidden therein and so on. Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji summarises teachings of Upanishads (points to jīva-Brahma aikya) through a very systematic mode of enquiry which is very curious, exciting and fascinating.Swamiji explains the concepts at great length also quoting from Vivekachūdāmani, Bhagavad Gītā and other texts where necessary.Check your TQ (Tattvabodha Quotient): • What is pāribhāshika shabda? • Who is the adhikāri (qualified student) of this text? • What is the true meaning of moksha? • What is a pratijñya? • What is importance of the systematic methodology for study of scriptures? • What is sādhana-chatushtaya (four-fold qualifications)? How do they help? • What is viveka and vīraga? Why and how to cultivate them? • What is shamādishatka sampatti (six-fold wealth)? • What is mumukshutvam? • What is the one common goal of life for each one of us? • What is nityatvam and anityatvam? • What should we hold on to - God or the world? • Is vairāgya same as abstaining from pleasures? • What are the defects of sense pleasures? • What is the sum and substance of spirituality? • What are shama, dama, uparati (or uparama)? • How to maintain the quietude of mind? • What is the difference between responding and reacting to a situation? • Why do situations keep recurring in our lives? • What are the 5 (five) types of karma (actions)? Which ones to do and which to avoid? • What is the greatest Svadharma?( Tattvabodha - Talk 2 of 10)