Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam

All that is here is Isvara. Understanding this, one is relaxed. Relaxation is not just the state of one's body and mind; it is the truth of oneself, the total acceptance of what is.  Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

The emphasis on the falsity of categories between the sentient and insentient are illustrated here. These verses examine these habitual distinctions and help loosen it's sway over a sadhaka.

There is no room for dyads in Vedanta and in Sri Rudram. Hence, the entire trajectory of the mantra is that of non-differentiation. All distinctions between the macrocosm and microcosm, the big and small has to be resolved and understood as one. All categories has to be 'Ishwarized'.  

What is compassion and how to cultivate it? Why is time and space a mere construct and not a permanent reality? Listen to this insightful episode to learn more!

Rudra here is invoked as the seven Matrikas, the universal Mothers. Matrikas operate on the unconscious level bestowing self-mastery over one's bestial emotions. These verses are a lesson on accommodation and forgiveness. 

A prayer to the Mother and Father of the universe for acceptance of what is, and for freedom from helplessness. As an individual, one is helpless. Prayer is the acknowledgement of Isvara in the form of one's helplessness. Mental prayer is an action. When one discovers Isvara in everything that one cannot alter, one is freed of helplessness. Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while...

An intermediate guide to Mantra-japa, repetition of the chant. In this session, one goes deeper into the practice, working to stay with the japa, overcoming mental distractions. Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.    

The present is what is constant- the present is the truth of oneself. The discovery of the present as oneself leads one to be free of striving for being limitless, which is already accomplished. Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Anuvaka 4 introduces us to the feminine principal. We look at Bhagavan in connection to Shakti, the manifesting power, which is non-separate from Bhagavan. This prayer neutralizes one's prarabdha-karma which could unleash the feminine forces.

In this episode, we finish Anuvaka 3 and move on to Anuvaka 4, which continues in the same vein as Anuvaka 3. This mantra is said to help to remove dreadful diseases. In addition, all the natural calamities like cyclones, earthquakes, hurricanes etc are acknowledged as the feminine forces - Shakti, the power of the lord itself.

An enquiry into the meditator. This session is centered upon discovering the meaning of "I" and gaining inner space between oneself and the roles that one plays in the course of the day. Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Sri Rudram is a powerful purifier. This mantra dismisses duality with the understanding that the status of duality is a mere projection and in-fact, it only has a dependent reality. When this is internalized properly, one grows in emotional maturity and one is able to see all the harsh, hurtful and unprovoked aggressors of every variety as nothing other than manifestations of Isvara. 

Everything in this world including the Jiva (sentient being) is born with diametrically opposing diads- good and bad, ignorance and knowledge, time and space etc. This keeps one subsumed in samsara hence, a cognitive shift is needed to go beyond these diads and see the oneness to abide in non-duality.  This episode is a recap on what Anuvaka 3 is all about to reinforce this vision.

A twilight meditation designed to promote relaxation. When one lets go of all the categories that make up one's day, one is awakened to the reality of oneself as the whole, non-dual, and limitless. Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.  

A basic guide to Mantra-japa, repetition of the chant. The mind naturally moves from one thought to another, and it is impossible to control one's thoughts. Through the regular practice of japa, one can gain mastery over the ways of one's thinking. Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

This meditation is from a guided meditation series called 'Foundation' by Swamini Svatmavidyanada, based on the teachings of Sri Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Join us everyday to cultivate a steady practice! This meditation is called Dhyanam, it is a thorough step-by-step guide based on the 6th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita to assist the beginner in meditation. This beginning session includes fi...

Disorder is included in the order and everything in the universe -the good and the bad is Bhagavan alone but Bhagavan is neither good or bad. The verses covered in this episode presents an exhaustive list of all kinds of difficult people and we are encouraged to see Bhagavan in them, to understand that the karma phala has to unfold in a particular manner. listen to learn more.

Anuvaka 3 presents an extremely sophisticated understanding of Bhagavan. It is a treatise on all the belligerent elements in the universe and it explains the machinations of the law of karma from the standpoint of Ishwara. This Anuvaka when assimilated correctly is a lesson on vairagya (freedom from attachment) and viveka (discrimination between the real and unreal) required for spiritual growth.

Up until now, all the benign manifestations have been discussed as nothing other than Bhagavan. As Anuvaka 2 comes to a close, the all pervasive nature of Bhagavan is reinforced. Progressing to Anuvaka 3, the sadhaka also progresses in maturity. We are introduced to the not-so benign aspects of the universe, our vision undergoes a transformation as we are shown how to see them. This third Anuvaka...

Mantras hold the power to dissolve all hopelessness and it helps one cross the river of samsara. In these verses, Rudra is invoked as the source and recipient of all mantras. Rudra is recognized as the truth of everything, Rudra is all light and all knowledge (Sat-Chit-Ananda), hence nothing is ever hidden from him. Rudra is the Vedas itself that reveal the truth hidden from me. 

These verses help bring out a deep sense of surrender needed for all spiritual practitioners. In understanding Bhagavan as the charioteer of one's life, the sadhaka surrenders the reigns of his/her life to that adorable one who is limitless and indestructible. Listen to understand why the Atman is asanga (free of afflictions) and how indeed all disorders are included in the grand order. 

Saints embody what every human yearns to be and what every sadhaka wishes to become. Listen to this inspiring talk on the lives of saints -Ghosha a female seer and philosopher who was healed of her disfigurement and went on to write two prominent hymns in the Vedas, Purandara Dasa a 16th century saint who underwent a mighty transformation and became the founding proponent of Carnatic Music and com...

The oneness reiterated so gracefully throughout Sri Rudram is the essence of the vision of Vedanta. These verses bring out the vibrancy of Bhagavan's presence in everything one sees, including oneself. Rudra, the creator of this universe is beyond ignorance hence beyond the spell of his own creation. To this Rudra who wields the power to cut down samsara of all his Bhaktas (devotees), I surrender.

Mantra 2 forms the entire second Anuvaka.  Each mantra brings out the glory of Bhagavan and bears fruit accordingly. This mantra gives inner clarity, purpose and discipline needed for the pursuit of knowledge towards Moksha. One begins to see this entire Jagat (world) as Bhagavan, recognizing and saluting the adistana devata (presiding deity) in everything, thereby losing subjectivity and felling...

Continuing with the interluding verse between Anuvaka 1 and 2, Rudra is invoked as the one who dissolves and resolves all duality. All false divisions including time is devoured as mithya leaving myself as the timeless 'I'.