Thinking Bhakti

How can we reconcile the miracles of different, seemingly contradictory religions? If they all claim to be the only truth, who is lying? For the atheist, if every religion claims exclusive miracles that contradict each other, the most logical conclusion is that they are all making it up. The typical religious response, claiming our miracles are from God and theirs are from the devil (or just fake)...

In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta sits down with Ananta Das (Franco Erazo) to explore the world of psychedelics and earth medicine in the spiritual world. Following a successful corporate career, Ananta Das immersed himself in the world of shamanic earth medicines—specifically Kambo and Bufo (5-MeO-DMT). In this mature conversation, Ananta Das shares his gratitude for these sacred tools, highlig...

Why is it that despite doing all the "right" spiritual work — the meditation, the yoga, the reading, the workshops — we still feel empty and frustrated? In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explores the trap of "Spiritual Consumerism." For many of us, especially in an impatient results-oriented world, we’ve been conditioned to think of the Divine as a vending machine: if we put...

Why is it that for so many people, the "smarter" they are, the harder it is to have a relationship with God? In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explore the internal friction between two archetypes we all carry: The Rationalist and The Poet. The Rationalist demands facts, logic, and efficiency. But the Poet doesn't allow those things to limit what the heart feels.  Drawing on the wi...

Bhakti Yoga Changed My Life In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta sits down with Bhagawati Dasi, a yoga teacher and Bhakti practitioner, to explore how yoga can return to its authentic roots beyond trends and business. Together, they discuss the commercialization of yoga in the West, the loss of depth in modern practice, and how Bhakti Yoga offers a path back to sincerity and spiritual connection. B...

What if someone in your family started doing things no one could explain? In this episode, we hear the personal account of someone who grew up with Paramahamsa Vishwananda — not as a distant guru, but as a close friend. From sacred ash (vibhuti) appearing on photos to spontaneous spiritual visions, these aren’t stories from books — they’re real experiences. Joined by Swami Revatikaanta and Mayuran...

In this episode of Thinking Bhakti, Swami Revatikaanta speaks with Swami Tulsidas about spiritual life, creativity, and community-building. They begin with the story behind the podcast—how it started in the ashram with limited resources and a basic setup. Swami Tulsidas shares what pushed him to keep recording despite the challenges. The conversation moves into personal reflections on discovering...

From Neuroscience to the Ashram: Swami Anashuya’s Unconventional Journey In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Swami Anashuya shares his search for truth—from childhood questions about death and the soul to rigorous studies in biochemistry and neuroscience. After walking away from academia, he explored shamanic traditions in the rainforest, vibrational healing, and New Age practic...

Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa – Hindu priest, author, lecturer, and President of the Hindu Federation of Spain – shares inspiring insights into his efforts to unify the different Hindu traditions in Spain as well as in Europe. He speaks about the differences with other religions, the challenges he faces, and the many beautiful teachings he has learned over the years in this role. He emphasizes the imp...

Meet Mahesh Kale, an Indian-American classical vocalist and playback singer renowned for his specialization in Indian Classical music, sharing deep insights into his life. He is one of the most prominent Indian Classical musicians of the new generation. How did it all start for him to develop such a passion for music? What does it mean to travel around the world, and how can someone develop such a...

In this episode with Shandilya, we dive into the true essence of yoga, exploring its connection to God, the role of intention, and the evolution of its practices. The discussion starts by challenging modern perceptions of yoga, highlighting the importance of understanding it as a conscious path towards God. The conversation contrasts Patanjali's classical yoga, emphasizing its practical struc...

When someone truly dives into the spiritual journey, they are faced with many pitfalls and challenges along the way. One of these is the need to avoid desires that entangle the individual further in mundane reality. But what if there is a much more common danger that can sabotage the journey even more, yet one is not fully aware of it? Listen to Swami Revatikaanta as he explains in this satsang th...

In this episode, we hear the story of Paartha, the first devotee of Paramahamsa Vishwananda in Europe, and how he met his guru at a very young age—an encounter that shaped his entire life. He shares insights about the early years of Bhakti Marga in Europe and how it gradually evolved from a small community into the global movement we know today. Swami Revatikaanta poses a fundamental question: How...

This video is a continuation of the previous one. This time, we watch Stuart Knechtle as he speaks with a young student about frequently debated topics such as karma and caste. They also discuss the meaning of proselytization from both Christian and Hindu perspectives. Is Stuart Knechtle’s criticism of Hinduism valid, or is there a significant misunderstanding at play? Furthermore, Swami Revatikan...

In this podcast the essence of the upcoming book of Mayuran Senthilnathan will be discussed.  Back to Ayodhya is a unique and intriguing spiritual commentary on the ancient scripture of the Ramayana. Leading the reader through the dramatic events of this epic story, it reveals extraordinary hidden insights about the spiritual journey, with life lessons to help one make real changes along the way....

What does it mean for two young individuals to grow up in a Hindu spiritual community from a very young age, coming from very different backgrounds?  Meet Shridara and Lakshmianandani Dasi, a young couple who grew up in Bhakti Marga, as they share their stories about experiencing this unique path and how they have been perceived by the outside world.  What are their daily struggles, and what chang...

From Worst Enemy to Best Friend Navigating through life, changing locations and surroundings, altering appearances, or acquiring new possessions might create the illusion that external changes can bring everlasting happiness. Yet, we often overlook the one constant companion within us, present 24 hours a day, which doesn’t always have our best interests at heart: the mind. According to the Bhagava...

In this episode, we will hear the life story of Ameyatma Das, a renowned musician who went on an adventurous journey to finally meet his satguru. Through this path, he was able to embrace his God-given talent to help others, while always being reminded that every gift comes from God and that healers should see themselves as instruments in His hands. We will explore the challenges within modern New...

In the final episode of the Tādātmya Vedānta series, we explore the nature of Śrī Hari, focusing on His essence and qualities, as well as His various avatāras. Additionally, we delve into His manifestations as the Satguru, Śiva, and Devī. The nature of the soul (ātma) will also be discussed, including the reason for our long journey and the nature of its relationship with Śrī Hari. From the ultima...

The second episode delves into a deeper analysis of Tādātmya Vedānta - A Treatise on the Philosophy of the Hari Bhakta Sampradāya, written to provide a foundational philosophical conclusion (siddhānta) based on the teachings of Paramahamsa Vishwananda. It situates the contemporary movement of the Hari Bhakta Sampradāya within the expansive traditions of Vaiṣṇavism and Vedānta. In this episode, we...

Sampradāya Politics The first episode discusses the myth of the four Sampradāyas, which is largely based on a specific verse in the Padma Purana. This verse is often used today to discredit Sampradāyas that fall outside of this system.  Originally, it was intended to unify the various traditions, but over time, it became a tool to assert the legitimacy of one's own tradition, overlooking the...

This episode delves into profound spiritual themes, including recognising the guru and the deep lessons found in the Guru-Disciple relationship. However, the steps to perfection are not always smooth. Swami Paranthapa, a long-term disciple of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, shares insights from his journey. Swami Paranthapa recounts significant spiritual encounters, including meetings with Hanuman, and d...

Each person on this planet goes through the same journey of rediscovering the purpose of life, oneself, and our connection with God. From an early age, Nikunja explored many different spiritual traditions, but deep inside, she felt there had to be something real, free from hypocrisy, that would give her the answers to her questions and the longing she had to discover the truth. Then, one day, when...

Swami Bhakti Vedanta Muni Maharaj speaks in this episode about his deeply touching experience of how he handled the departure of his guru.  What can devotees learn from such an experience when the guru leaves the body? We also discuss Vaishnava unity, sadhana, and spiritual maturity.  Swami Bhakti Vedanta Muni Maharaj was born in a high class Vaishnava family in India. He has started practicing Bh...

The Divine Realm and reality often go unseen by our limited senses, perceived as just another mundane phenomenon. However, it takes strong faith, dedication, and a longing heart to go on a spiritual journey and seek God.  Throughout history, divine personalities have walked the earth, embodying divinity and proving that the Divine Realm is real, not just an idea.  These personalities not only impa...