Live Vedanta

On Essential Love, we're unfolding the 70 core verses of the Bhagavad Gita. Chapter 4, Verse 8 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita focuses on the theme of deservershiplessness, as Shri Krishna shares that the Divine manifests—not through birth, but as needed—to protect the virtuous, correct the vicious, and restore righteousness. By being available to Divinity, just as Divinity is always available to us,...

In Chapter 3, Verse 37, Shri Krishna explains the nature of sin and the inner forces—like desire and anger—that drive us to act against our will. These vices steal our inner peace and block right action, reminding us that to overcome outer enemies, we must first conquer our inner enemies through self-love. 🙏🏽 To express your gratitude through giving, consider making a donation to Chinmaya Missio...

Shri Krishna teaches how to cultivate quietude of mind by offering all actions, thoughts, and even our individuality to the Divine. By letting go of past regrets, calming present excitements, and planning for the future with intention, we align with Divinity and find lasting inner peace. Join us to unlock Essential Verse 9 (Chapter 3, Verse 30)! 🙏🏽 To express your gratitude through giving, consi...

In Chapter 3, Verse 21 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna deepens the teaching on right action by highlighting the importance of choosing the right role models. Great personalities—who think long-term, are inclusive, and live with Presence—inspire us to evolve from good to great to Divine, becoming peaceful within and prosperous without. ➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we en...

Chapter 3, Verse 9 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita explores the theme of dedication, as Shri Krishna explains that our attitude in action matters just as much as our intention. By engaging in selfless and dedicated actions, we dissolve the ego and sense of separation, experiencing true freedom—while selfish actions only deepen our limitations.  ➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encour...

The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a powerful roadmap -- and on this season, we're exploring its essential verses. On this episode, we explore Chapter 2, Verse 55. Here, Prince Arjuna asks about the experience of a still intellect, and Shri Krishna explains that it comes from fulfilling one's responsibilities with dedication. By renouncing all desires, the ego dissolves into the Spirit, leading to conte...

On this season of Live Vedanta, we're distilling the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita into its 70 essential verses. In Essential Verse 5 -- from Chapter 2, Verse 47 -- Shri Krishna shifts from teaching about our Real Nature and the nature of change to explaining the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities. When our intention is focused solely on right action—not results or inaction—we cultivate quietud...

On this season of Live Vedanta, we're distilling the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita into its 70 essential verses. In Essential Verse 4 -- from Chapter 2, Verse 11 -- we learn that our True Nature is Joy. By detaching from the finite—whose transient nature causes grief—we overcome sadness, anxiety, and dejection.  ➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encourage you to request your FREE copy of t...

On this season of Live Vedanta, we're distilling the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita into its 70 essential verses. In Essential Verse 3 (Chapter 2, Verse 7), we explore the theme of fearlessness as Arjuna, overwhelmed by the thought of war, turns to Divinity for clarity and guidance. When we admit that relying solely on intellect hasn’t shown us our purpose, we open ourselves to spiritual growth by becoming...

Let's unlock our personal transformation through the second Essential Verse (Chapter 1, Verse 25). Prince Arjuna faces a powerful dilemma on the battlefield, torn between fighting against and alongside his own kith and kin. This teaching shows how life's challenges—especially in relationships—can be opportunities for self-development, growth, and rising above fear. On this season of Live Vedanta,...

Imagine the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita distilled into its 70 essential verses. Let's unlock our personal transformation through the first Essential Verse (Chapter 1, Verse 1). This chapter centers on the theme of fear, which arises from selfishness and attachment. By fulfilling our responsibilities selflessly, we move from a sense of division toward Oneness with Infinity. ➡️ To maximize your experience...

Imagine the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita distilled into its 70 essential verses. On this season of Live Vedanta, let's unlock our personal transformation through Essential Love.  ➡️ To maximize your experience of this season, we encourage you to request your FREE copy of the Essential Love eBook . Incorporating accessible translations and practical application, the eBook accompanies each episode with add...

This is Part 4 of our 4-part Back to School Series on Live Vedanta. In this special episode, Akshaya sits down with Vivekji to answer real questions from both students and parents about navigating the transition to college life. From letting go with love as children leave for university, to choosing the right opportunities on campus, to staying true to one’s values amidst peer pressure - this conv...

This is Part 3 of our four-part back-to-school series on Live Vedanta . In this episode, recent college graduate Raj Sureka engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shashiji, a longtime Chinmaya Mission sevika and Vedanta teacher. They explore how students can practically incorporate Vedantik principles into everyday academic life—from navigating social and extracurricular commitments to cultivati...

This is Part 2 of our back-to-school series on Live Vedanta. For many, the transition to college can bring more freedoms, a unique opportunity to find one’s passions and to explore one’s career interest, but it can also be a challenging time for many. Here Juhi Kotwani will chat with Brni. Kritikaji, who shares her guidance on how to navigate and respond to the challenges of failure from the lens...

This is Part 1 of our 4-part A Back to School Series on Live Vedanta . From navigating loneliness and evolving friendships to maintaining family connections from a distance, this conversation offers Vedantik tools for clarity and self-rootedness during young adulthood. Whether you're starting college or simply stepping into a new chapter, this episode reminds you that even through change, you can...

This final episode centers on Puja (To Revere)—honoring true greatness in a way that humbles the ego and uplifts the spirit. Reverence starts with active listening, evolves to active reflecting, then actively living by the example of the wise. A true Guru, or guide, helps us be happier, and in turn, raise happier children. Interested in registering for our live, virtual course with Vivekji and oth...

Pranidhana is the practice of devotion—shifting from parenting through personal identity to parenting as an instrument of the Divine. This path unfolds through satsang (inspiration), lower seva (service with struggle), sadhana (inner work), and finally, Higher seva (selfless service). Santosha, invites us to smile – arising when our actions are offered with sincerity and trust, leading to a calm,...

Shaucha (To Organize) is about more than just physical cleanliness—it's the practice of creating external order to support inner clarity and peace. By organizing our spaces, schedules, and influences, we create a calm foundation for family life. Tapa (To Discipline) builds on this by channeling that order into resilience, helping us and our children grow stronger and more present, even in discomfo...

Satya (non-compromising) is about staying true to your highest values, choosing not to compromise them for lesser desires. Practicing Satya means approaching others with curiosity rather than judgment. Svadhyaya (to understand) teaches that understanding yourself is the key to understanding others. This can be nurtured through daily reflection, solitude, and mindful practices. In this season of Li...

Brahmacharya , or non-indulgence, involves maintaining a sattvic (peaceful) state by avoiding excessive comfort and staying physically active with mindful practices like japa . It encourages using convenience as a tool, not a trap. Asteya , or non-arrogating, goes beyond not stealing to include humility—acknowledging that we are part of a greater whole. In this season of Live Vedanta, we are shari...

In order for us to be able to care for others, we must first care for ourselves by letting go of practices such as self-criticism and doubt. Ahimsa (non-harming) is not only about refraining from causing harm to others - it also applies to ourselves. By switching from having a reactive mind to a more reflective intellect, we can make choices that support our needs instead of our wants. Focusing on...

When one is alone, their true thoughts, actions, and feelings show through. Through self-awareness, inquiry, and growth, one can let go of the constant thoughts and embrace the stillness of the mind. Unitasking, using planners, and undertaking more meaningful engagements can help us stop overthinking and shift our energy to grow. In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageou...

In our self-development journey, the only way for one to grow from darkness or negativity, to the light or positivity is through achala (steadiness). In order for us to follow through on recognizing what is right, we need to create a clear and steady mind that is not overwhelmed but is instead inspired.  In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhi...

By practicing what we learn and letting go of our vices, we can create a balanced mind that is unshaken by external forces. In this episode, join us in learning the five practices through which we can practice amala (integration) and create that unshakable mind. In this season of Live Vedanta, we are sharing insights on Courageous Caregiving through Vibhishana Gita. These discourses are from our P...