Best Shankaracharya Podcasts (2025)

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38. How to Live Intelligently with Karma-Yoga | What Gives Permanent Fulfillment – BG, CH2, V51-52 1:32:29

2M ago1:32:29

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Chapter 2, Verse 50 (revision): Karma-yoga requires discrimination (kaushalam) in action through three aspects of dharma: ahimsa (minimizing harm), bharana (sustaining wellbeing), and prabhava (creating growth and harmony). Chapter 2, Verse 51: Karma-yoga comprises two essential attitudes: Arpana Buddhi (consider the well-being of your and other si…

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29. Recognizing Ishvara (God) & Doing Your Duty (Svadharma) – BG, CH2, V31-34 1:23:56

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Chapter 2, Verse 31: Varna-ashrama dharma comprises four categories: Brahmana (thinkers), Ksatriya (rulers), Vaishya (commerce), Shudra (supporters). Each role vital like body parts. Krishna instructs Arjuna to fulfill kshatriya dharma despite discomfort. Avoiding duties brings shame, low self-esteem. Varna determined by actions, not birth. Verse e…

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23. Self is Never Slain, Burnt, Drowned – It Is All-Pervasive & Immovable – BG, CH2, Verse 22-24 1:25:34

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Chapter 2, Verse 22: Atma is existence of awareness nature, without a second. Jiva means, I take self to be as good as the sthula-sharira, suksma-sharira, and karana-sharira. Karma accumulates as seen and unseen results, influencing future births. Samskaras develop through physical, spoken, and mental actions – shaping personality through time. Ver…

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35. How to Have Equanimity in Success & Failure – Evenness of Mind – BG, CH2, Verse 48 1:33:40

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Chapter 2, Verse 48: Evenness of mind (samatvam) means remaining equanimous to four possible outcomes: getting more than, less than, equal to, or opposite of expectations. Success can lead to pride while failure can trigger anger towards Ishvara and blame-seeking – both resulting in loss of perspective. This equanimity isn't mere advice but an unde…

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20. Body and It's Indweller – Killer and the Killed – BG CH2, Verse 18-19 1:04:15

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Chapter 2, Verse 18: Arjuna is reminded that the body (sharira) is temporary and subject to disintegration, while the self (shariri) is eternal and indestructible. This verse emphasizes the need for a cognitive distinction between the body and the self. The body is merely an instrument for gaining wisdom and should not be mistaken for one's true id…

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16. Dealing with Pain, Roles & Identity, Swadharma, Causal Body – BG CH2.14 1:25:39

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Roles and identity: We assume different roles (father, worker, teacher etc.) but can lose ourselves in those roles. Wisdom is recognizing there is an “I” separate from these roles. Swadharma: Defined as one's personal duty or “what is to be done” based on one's values and relationships. Nature of the Self (Atma): The Self is not an object to be exp…

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13. Nature of Self (Atma) & Meaning of Sat-Cit (Existence-Awareness) – BG 2.12 1:31:00

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Lesson delves into the fundamental human search for lasting happiness and fulfillment, highlighting the challenges of finding contentment in a changing world. There are three core human needs: (a) freedom from time-bound existence, (b) freedom from ignorance, and (c) freedom from smallness. It explains why conventional pursuits fail to provide last…

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7. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 24-34 (How to Make Right Decisions) 1:23:07

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Chapter 1, Verses 24-27: Sañjaya narrates to Dhritarashtra that Krishna, upon Arjuna's request, placed their chariot in the midst of the two armies. Arjuna then saw his kinsmen, including elders, teachers, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons, friends, and well-wishers on both sides. Overcome with deep compassion and sorrow, he expressed his emotional…

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6. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 13-23 (Refining Your Responses) 1:28:52

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Chapter 1, Verses 13-18: The battlefield was suddenly filled with a cacophony of sounds as conches, kettledrums, tabors, trumpets, and cow-horns were blasted simultaneously, creating an overwhelming, earth-shaking noise. Amidst this tumultuous setting, Krishna (the charioteer) and Arjuna (the warrior), seated in a resplendent chariot drawn by white…

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5. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 7-12 (Seeking for Recognition) 1:12:40

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Chapter 1, Verses 7-9: Duryodhana highlights the prominent warriors on his side to Drona, including: Bhishma (the grandsire of both the Kauravas and Pandavas); Karna (whose loyalty to Duryodhana stems from past humiliations and the support he received from him); Kripa (known for his prowess in battle); Ashwatthama (Drona’s son); Vikarna (a Kaurava …

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1. Opening of Bhagavad Gita Course 2024: Mahabharata Story – Gita Dhyanam V1-3 1:24:23

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Lesson 1 of our Bhagavad Gita podcast course lessons - starts with meaning of opening prayer “Sahana Vavatu”. Guru-shishya-parampara importance. Story of Mahabharata. Earth is a wish-fulfilling tree. See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/By Andre Vas

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37. How to Have Discernment in Action (Samanya-Dharma) – BG, Chapter 2, Verse 49-50 1:25:36

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Chapter 2, Verse 49: Karma-yoga (action with proper attitude) is superior to action driven by desire for results. The verse contrasts two approaches: those who act for results become entangled in disappointment and judgment, while karma-yogis maintain composure by recognizing Ishvara's laws govern results. A karma-yogi sees every action as an oppor…

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25. Logic of Non-Duality (Satya-Mithya) – 3 Types of Karma – Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2.25 1:25:05

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Introduction Teachings: The Self manifests through three bodies: the Sthula sharira (physical body made of 5 elements), Sukshma sharira (subtle body containing four functions), and Karana sharira (causal body storing samskaras and unseen results of past actions). The Sukshma sharira operates through Manas (emotions/doubting), Buddhi (decision makin…

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19. Self-Inquiry Process – Seeing What-Is – Unchanging Atman – BG CH2, Verse 17 1:31:54

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Session focuses on the nature of human problems and the concept of Atma (the self). It distinguishes between two types of problems: (a) situational issues and (b) fundamental problem related to self-recognition. The fundamental problem is the desire to see oneself as a complete being, free from limitations. Krishna addresses this by emphasizing the…

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11. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 2, Verse 8-10 (Resolving Inner Conflicts) 1:26:54

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Session focuses on one's struggle to determine the right course of action. Arjuna is depicted as being in a state of emotional turmoil, unable to compose himself and seeking Krishna's guidance. Krishna emphasizes importance of faith, understanding one's duties, and the pursuit of Moksha (liberation). Feedback from results of your actions and from o…

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2. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Gita Dhyanam V4-9 1:22:21

2M ago1:22:21

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Lesson 2 covers verses 4-9 of Gita Dhyanam, which explore the origin and universality of the Gita's teachings. Verse 4 compares the Upanishads to a cow, Krishna as the milkman extracting the nourishing wisdom for Arjuna. The teaching addresses both emotional and cognitive needs. Verse 5 explains Krishna as the universal guru, whose words reveal the…

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39. Everyone is Pursuing Moksha Unknowingly | 4 Universal Goals in Life – BG, CH2, V53 1:28:02

2M ago1:28:02

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Chapter 2, Verse 53: The verse explains the transition from karma-kanda (Vedic rituals) to self-knowledge through karma-yoga. When the mind transcends the various goals presented in the Vedas (artha, kāma, dharma), it becomes steady in recognizing the ultimate goal – moksha. Karma-yoga serves as a bridge, transforming worldly pursuits into spiritua…

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26. Analysis into Awareness – Ishvara – Law of Destruction – BG, CH2, Verse 25-27 1:27:06

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Chapter 2, Verse 26: Even if you view Self (ātman) as going through birth and death (nitya-jātam), grief is still inappropriate. Because force of destruction is essential for life's progression – from cellular renewal to brain development, natural cycles, and life stages. Without destruction, growth, evolution, and new opportunities would be imposs…

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22. Doing Your Duty – Reincarnation, Rebirth – Bhagavad Gita, CH2, Verse 21-22 1:40:07

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Chapter 2, Verse 21: Krishna introduces indestructible Atman (self) to Arjuna. He emphasizes duty (svadharma) and necessity of participation. Krishna urges Arjuna to see beyond personal relationships, recognize his larger role, and act objectively. Verse illustrates how individual actions affect the collective, using analogy of fingers and an arm t…

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15. Existence-Awareness Relationship to Jiva, Subtle & Causal Body – BG CH2.13 1:23:42

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Chapter 2, Verse 12: We explore the paradigm shift needed from seeing oneself as a limited individual to understanding one's true nature as sat-cit (Existence-Consciousness). Analogy of space and a cup is used to illustrate how Atma (Self) is unaffected by the changing conditions of body-mind. Chapter 2, Verse 13: Stages of life (childhood, youth, …

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10. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 2, Verse 1-7 (Purpose of Guru) 1:07:51

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Chapter 2, Verse 1: Sanjaya describes Arjuna's distressed state to Dhritarashtra, setting the scene for Krishna's response. This verse highlights the emotional turmoil Arjuna is experiencing, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Verse essence: Arjuna is overwhelmed with grief and tears, prompting Krishna to speak. Chapter 2, Verses 2-3: Krishn…

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4. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 2-6 (Transforming Your Life) 1:23:25

2M ago1:23:25

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Chapter 1, Verse 2: Sanjaya narrates that Duryodhana approaches his teacher Drona, despite Bhisma being the army head, because Bhisma's unwavering vow to support the king's side is unshakeable. Duryodhana doubts Drona's loyalty due to Drona‘s favoritism towards Arjuna, exemplified by Arjuna‘s exceptional focus in a bird-shooting exercise. Duryodhan…

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28. Self-Knowledge & Inquiry into Cause of Universe – Bhagavad Gita, CH2.30 1:29:57

2M ago1:29:57

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Chapter 2, verses 11-30 presents Self-knowledge (atma jnana). Krishna establishes awareness as essential nature, body-mind as incidental nature through satya-mithya analysis – showing absolute reality (satyam) versus dependent existence (mithya). Introduces Ishvara as knowledge-power manifesting universe, with awareness (brahman) as final substratu…

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12. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – CH 2, Verse 11-13 (Nature of Atma, Self) 1:25:09

2M ago1:25:09

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Krishna introduces distinction between the wise (panditāḥ) and the unwise. He places Arjuna in the latter category due to his grief, but acknowledges his openness to wisdom. Krishna then delves into the eternal nature of Atma (self), contrasting it with the temporary body-mind complex. He presents a methodology distinguishing between incidental att…

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8. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 35-39 (Managing Challenging Relationships) 1:34:18

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Chapter 1, Verses 35: Arjuna expresses his unwillingness to fight and kill his relatives, even if they try to kill him. He states that he doesn't desire to fight for the sake of winning the kingdom, even if it means gaining sovereignty over the three worlds (heaven, earth, and the lower worlds). Arjuna's stance is that the loss of loved ones is not…

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3. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 1 (Why We Go Against Ethics) 1:21:56

2M ago1:21:56

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The Bhagavad Gita begins with the blind king Dhritarashtra asking his charioteer Sanjaya what his people, the Kauravas, and the Pandavas did as they gathered on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, eager to fight. The text provides context, explaining that the war arose from Duryodhana's jealousy of the Pandavas, leading him to defeat them through a gam…

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17. Ishvara (Lord) is Impersonal, Collapsing Forms Through Satya-Mithya – BG CH2, Verse 15-16 1:16:36

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Life brings pleasure and pain, and bringing Ishvara into your life helps you develop equanimity in facing both. Ishvara manifests as impersonal, impartial laws which deliver results of your past actions. It isn't some personal deity who rewards or punishes. This is shown in Mahabharata through Krishna (as Ishvara) who doesn't interfere with people'…

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21. Avoiding Mistake of Taking Ego as Self (Atma) – Nature of Consciousness – BG, CH2.20 1:16:37

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Introduction: The body and mind are introduced as instruments with three powers: desire (icccha shakti), action (kriya shakti), and knowledge (jnana shakti). These powers enable us to navigate life, form desires, make decisions, and learn. The relationship between brain, mind, and consciousness is explored, Discerning Between Ahamkara (Ego) and Con…

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40. Master Your Mind, Not Results: Formula for Turning Disappointment into Peace – BG, CH2, Verse 53 1:33:13

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How to have a calmer, more peaceful and equanimous mind. First step in discerning atma & anatma is by recognizing the inner-instrument (antahkarana) that gets mixed up with self. See notes for this session at: https://www.yesvedanta.com/bg2/By Andre Vas

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24. Nature of Awareness (Unthinkable, Unchanging, Unmanifest) – Bhagavad Gita, CH2, Verse 25 1:32:21

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Chapter 2, Verse 25: The self (Atman) is described as avyakta (unmanifest), acintya (unthinkable), and avikara (unchanging). Unlike the subtle-body composed of five elements, Atman is untouched by elemental influences. It is the subject that objectifies everything, free from the six changes that affect the body-mind complex. Understanding self like…

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27. Collapsing Possibilities, Embracing Destruction, Grace is Earned – BG, CH2, Verse 28-29 1:23:34

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Chapter 2, Verse 28: All beings cycle between manifest and unmanifest states, making grief unnecessary as nothing truly dies. Like seeds becoming trees and Einstein's E=MC² equation showing matter-energy transformation through nuclear fusion. While this reveals there is no true death, it doesn't give permission to misuse your human birth. Chapter 2…

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41. Logic Showing Permanent Happiness is Your True Nature Nature – BG, CH2, V54 1:23:51

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Chapter 2, Verse 54: Arjuna asks Krishna to describe the characteristics and behavior of a sthita-prajna – one whose knowledge of reality is fully assimilated and who lives with firm wisdom. After understanding that moksha (liberation) is the only true goal and that objects cannot provide lasting fulfillment, Arjuna seeks to understand how someone …

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36. How to Enjoy Composure in Tough Situations – BG, Chapter 2, Verse 47-48 Revision 1:27:58

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Chapter 2, Verses 47-48: These verses teach the essence of Karma Yoga through the principle of action without being burdened by results. A Karma-Yogi maintains enthusiasm and cheerfulness (like Krishna) by understanding that while actions are within our control, outcomes follow Ishvara's infallible laws. This understanding brings samatvam (evenness…

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18. Collapsing Duality Through Satya-Mithya Analysis – BG CH2, Verse 16 1:27:20

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Satya-mithya analysis reveals reality's structure: everything, from big objects to tiny particles, is mithya (dependent reality), made of forms within forms. Science stops with the final building block of universe at the unpredictable quantum level. Vedanta suggests two final building blocks that makes up everything: Ishvara (Intelligence) and sat-…

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14. I AM Self-Enquiry, Never a Time When You Were Born nor Will You Die – BG CH2.12 1:34:09

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Krishna explains consciousness continues eternally, even after the body's demise. Two metaphors used to illustrate this concept: (a) The wave-water metaphor demonstrates how shifting identity from the temporary wave to the eternal water solves existential dilemmas. It emphasizes that external change is unnecessary; only a shift in understanding is …

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9. Bhagavad Gita Online Course – Chapter 1, Verse 40-47 (Dealing with Hurt & Distortions) 1:27:05

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Chapter 1, Verses 40-41: Arjuna expands his perspective, considering the broader societal impact of war. He argues that destroying families leads to the loss of traditions and the rise of unrighteousness, corrupting women and causing caste intermixture. This reflects how societal dysfunction can stem from broken families. Verse essence: When famili…

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34. Focus on Action, Not Results (Essence of Karma-Yoga) – BG, Chapter 2, Verse 47 1:20:07

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Chapter 2, Verse 47: Humans have free will (purushartha) in actions but not in results. Results are governed by Ishvara's impartial laws, not personal wishes. Your free will gives you three choices: do, not do, or do differently. Common misinterpretation of verse suggests indifference to results. Correct understanding is that expectations and desir…

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33. Becoming More Clear & 3 Mind Qualities (Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic) – BG, CH2, V44-46 1:25:11

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Chapter 2, Verse 44: Those lacking discernment (vyavasāyātmikā buddhi) are easily swayed by flowery promises of pleasure and power. Such people, with minds clouded by materialistic pursuits, jump between various spiritual techniques without understanding their true purpose. They misinterpret scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, due to their att…

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32. Flowery Words of Non-Discriminating People – BG, CH2, Verse 41-43 1:18:13

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Chapter 2, Verse 41: Verse introduces vyavasāyātmikā buddhi (resolute understanding) as the key differentiator between ordinary karma and karma–yoga. A karma–yogi actively uses life situations to gain clarity about reality and connect with Ishvara for moksha. Simply following dharma or improving the mind isn't karma–yoga unless it becomes a means t…

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31. Negative Thinking Patterns to Avoid & Intro to Karma-Yoga – BG, CH2, Verse 38-40 1:16:01

2M ago1:16:01

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Chapter 2, Verse 38: The verse outlines three universal criteria for decision-making: sukha-duhkha (pursuit of happiness/avoiding pain), labha-alabha (seeking highest gain), and jaya-ajaya (desire for victory). However, these alone are insufficient and must be guided by samanya-dharma (consideration of others' wellbeing). This prevents two extremes…

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30. How to Make Wiser Decisions & Right Actions – Bhagavad Gita, CH2, Verse 35-37 1:20:27

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Chapter 2, Verse 35: Avoiding battle due to fear will cause warriors to lose respect for Arjuna. A damaged reputation persists across roles. When highly esteemed, perceived falls become more memorable as people judge visible actions over invisible reasoning. The right action should align with core values and samanya-dharma, coming from strength rat…

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4. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 8: Guided Vedantic Meditation | When are Ethics Right? 1:01:36

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Chapter 12, Verses 6-7: Dharma isn't rigid but requires contextual wisdom, as shown through Mahabharata examples (Bhishma, Draupadi). Adharma creates subjectivity and confusion, while dharma reduces mental impurities and prepares the mind for self-knowledge. Vedantic meditation helps reorient the mind from limited self-concepts to seeing oneself as…

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9. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 18-20: How to Transform Every Action into Worship 1:01:22

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Chapter 12, Verse 18: An evolved bhakta maintains equanimity (samaḥ) towards enemies and friends, honor and dishonor, physical discomforts (cold/heat) and mental states (pleasure/pain). They understand that “enemies” are projecting their own pain and distortions, while maintaining titiksha (resilience) through recognition of the four possible outco…

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6. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 11-12: How to Deal with Life's Difficulties (Karma Phala Tyaga)? 48:18

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Chapter 12, Verse 11: Karma-phala-tyaga (renunciation of results) and prasada-buddhi (seeing results as Ishvara's gift) means recognizing results are impersonal and governed by cosmic laws. Life's results come in four forms: equal to, more than, less than, or opposite to what's desired. Understanding this network of laws helps maintain equanimity i…

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2. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 3-4: What is God (Bhagavan-Ishvara)? How to Devote to the Lord? 55:51

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Chapter 12, Verses 3-4: Ishvara is the all-pervading intelligence (sarvajna-sarvashakti) that manifests as universal laws and forms. This intelligence organizes itself at every level – from atomic to cosmic. It's not merely “all-loving” or “all-beneficent” as these attributes would reduce its true nature. The intelligence manifests in three types o…

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1. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12 - Nondual Devotion - Examples & Methods of Advaita Bhakti Yoga 1:06:11

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Introduction: The Bhagavad Gita, while not part of the Vedas, presents Upanishadic knowledge through Krishna's teachings to Arjuna, addressing both practical challenges of living and the path to permanent fulfillment. Upanishads has two meanings, literal (“sitting near a teacher”) and deeper meaning (destroying ignorance to realize the Self). Chapt…

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8. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 16-17: True Bhakta is Neutral, Never Elated, Realigns to Dharma 58:00

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Chapter 12, Verse 16: A seasoned bhakta maintains independence (anapekṣaḥ) without making others their center, and maintains both external (bahiḥ) and internal (antaḥ) cleanliness (śuciḥ). They remain neutral (udāsīnaḥ) or objective in situations, without holding grudges towards unpleasant events, seeing all perspectives and people as manifestation…

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5. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 9-10: What are My Duties & Responsibilities (Svadharma)? 55:22

2M ago55:22

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Chapter 12, Verse 9: Emotional and intellectual development is a lifelong practice (abhyāsa) requiring constant vigilance against arrogance and dismissiveness. Practice works by training the prefrontal cortex to intercept impulsive emotional responses from the amygdala, creating new neural pathways. Bhakti means repeatedly bringing the mind back to…

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3. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 5-7: Superficial-Easy vs. True Devotion | Dharma (Ethics) is God 58:40

2M ago58:40

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Chapter 12, Verse 5: Direct pursuit of formless Brahman is challenging for those identified with body-mind. Attempting to jump from personal subjectivity to absolute reality without proper preparation leads to superficial understanding. Claims like “I am awareness” or “it's about being, not doing” often come from ego-identification rather than true…

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7. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12, Verse 13-15: Qualities of a Mature-Seasoned Devotee - Who is Wise? 50:01

2M ago50:01

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Chapter 12, Verse 13: A mature bhakta demonstrates friendship (maitraḥ) and compassion (karuna) without conditional giving or distorted empathy. They're free from excessive ownership (nirmama) and ego (nirahamkara), maintaining equanimity in all situations (sama-duḥkha-sukhaḥ). They're naturally accommodative (kshami), understanding others' stages …

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