Live Vedanta

Welcome to the next episode of the Meditation in Life series. Some habits are easier to change than others. The more difficult ones can be changed with a shift in how and why we work and think. In this episode, Vivekji gives us philosophical and practical ways to move from dancing to directing.  Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self...

In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series,  we learn about the cause and effects of being unsettled. Vivekji describes the changes in our lifestyle that are needed to move from feeling unsettled to being peaceful. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to li...

Despite knowing the techniques to quieten the mind, we may still feel that our mind wanders during meditation. In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji provides more tactile methods to make our inner software pure and focused. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides...

In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji highlights some challenges that can surface as we begin practicing meditation. We learn about the methods to help overcome these challenges with determination and inspiration. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a communit...

All great teachers ensure their students are clear about what is being taught. In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji gives us a review of the purpose, preparation, process, and proceeds of meditation. Success in meditation requires us to evolve our perspective from sight to vision and from logic to faith.  Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start he...

With an understanding of the evolution from quietude to silence, how do we get there?  In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji tells us the secret to achieve success in contemplation. We learn about what is needed to raise identification from our body, mind and intellect to that which is higher. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. Are you i...

In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, we learn from Vivekji about the evolution from quietude to silence. Our nature is independent, our nature is silence. When we know this, we can revel in silence rather than being afraid of it. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a...

Once the mind has been cleared of negativity, it  becomes prepped for planting positivity. In this episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji explains that once the seeds of values are planted, one has to be vigilant to negative thoughts resurfacing and continue with nurturing positivity. With this vigilance, values will grow into virtues. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in...

The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer for clarity. With clarity we proceed to learn what drives our actions. In this episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji teaches us how to purify our actions, neutralize the senses, and silence the mind. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. Interested in joining our CommUnity for The Yoga Challenge? Sign up here. For those on...

In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji describes the mantra that invokes clarity and helps transform the searcher into a seeker. The Gayatri Mantra is described as the essence of the scriptures and is a prayer for us to be clear about our purpose. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mi...

As we practice focusing through repetition, we begin to feel the power of a divine name. With the understanding of this powerful impact, Vivekji, in this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, delves deeper into that name and sound which is the most sacred. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission...

Focus is the key to successful meditation. Redirecting thoughts to a single thought such as a name is the practice that leads to focus. In this episode of the Meditation in Life series, we learn how powerful a name can be and the importance of focusing on a divine name. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mis...

Now that we know what our external environment should look like when we practice meditation, how do we get mentally ready? In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji gives us practical ways we can improve the quality, quantity and direction of our thoughts! Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinm...

In this next episode of the Meditation in Life series, the specifics of the first 3 "S" factors needed for meditation are described. Vivekji describes simple ways to make this personal because the experience itself is the most personal and the most transformative. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission N...

Success with meditation requires simplicity and optimism. Keeping our lifestyle simple and allowing our mind to be less “busy” allows us to go deeper in our thinking. As we slow down our thoughts, we may become afraid of what lies underneath but with an optimistic vision, we can develop the resolve to face the unknown. In this episode of the Meditation in Life series, Vivekji encourages us to be s...

With the intellect prepared, we learn how to start the process of meditation in this next episode of Meditation in Life. Vivekji explains the beginning steps of praying, relaxing the body, quieting the mind, and watching our parade. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here. Interested in joining Vivekji's upcoming free workshop series, Why Do We...? From March 1-4, we...

Welcome to the re-commencement of Meditation IN Life! In the second half of this series, Vivekji introduces us to the inner preparation required for meditation. We learn how to take notice of our weaknesses and convert them into strengths. Want to catch up on the first year of Meditation in Life ? Start here: https://livevedanta.simplecast.com/episodes/being-not-becoming  For those on the journey...

In this final episode of the Significance of Our Samskaras , our understanding of retirement and death is clarified. We come to appreciate how living a lifestyle with the right purpose and vision from birth onward helps one become peaceful at this stage in life. The significance of rituals at the time of death are also beautifully explained. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya M...

Marriage, or vivaha, is one of the most important samskaras in Sanatana Dharma. In this episode of the Significance of Our Samskaras , we learn from Vivekji the opportunities for growth that marriage gives to the couple and their role in supporting, sustaining, and uplifting dharma. With the right vision, marriage is a means to selflessness and divine love. For those on the journey of self-develop...

As the student comes to completion of their formal learning, how do they know if they are ready? They have learned how to be responsible and become global citizens, so what's next and how do they demonstrate gratitude for all they have gained? In this next episode of the Significance of Our Samskaras , Vivekji provides the answers and more! For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mi...

In this next episode of the Significance of Our Samskaras , the child is ready to become a student of the gurukula. What is the purpose of the thread ceremony? Why are there 3 strings and what is the significance of the knot tied around those strings? Vivekji provides an in-depth explanation about the importance and significant meaning underlying the upanayana samskara. For those on the journey of...

Piercing the ears, cutting the hair, and the first written word carry deep significance. In this next episode of the Significance of Our Samskaras , Vivekji explains these childhood samskaras that bring to focus the child’s mind and intellect which are to be directed to the divine. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect,...

This next episode on the Significance of Our Samskaras takes us through the samskaras performed during the child’s first year of life. The child’s first look at the sun and the moon, their first visit to the temple, and their first bite of food are infused with powerful meaning when we understand why we do what we do. These are all reminders of the purpose of life and the responsibility to guide t...

Why do we feed a child honey, ghee, and yogurt when they are born? What does it mean to give a child a name? In this episode, we focus on the childhood samskaras. This continues "Significance of Our Samskaras," a series first delivered by Vivekji in 2012 in Frederick, MD. For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect, and conte...

Why do we do what we do? What is the purpose of the sacred thread, or upanayana? What is the meaning of a child's first bite of rice? We're beginning a very special series of discourses first delivered by Vivekji in 2012 in Frederick, MD. Welcome to Significance of Our Samskaras ! For those on the journey of self-development, Chinmaya Mission Niagara provides a community forum to listen, reflect,...