Advaita Vedanta! (The Greatest Philosophy on Earth?)

[greybeard]

An interesting talk on Advaita Vedanta.

This Philosophy is somewhat scientific in that every question you would possibly have about spirituality is answered in depth and with compassion.
The Philosophy is ancient and worth a full investigation.
This talk is a good overview.
Chris




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq_ckleRk30

[enigma3]

I like Advaita Vedanta much better than Hinduism. Straight to the point without the blather of gods and goddesses, etc. Every book I have read on the subject is profound.
If you're interested, start with The Ashtravaka Gita (or Sutra). One of the best spiritual reads ever.

[greybeard]

I like Advaita Vedanta much better than Hinduism. Straight to the point without the blather of gods and goddesses, etc. Every book I have read on the subject is profound.
If you're interested, start with The Ashtravaka Gita (or Sutra). One of the best spiritual reads ever.

Yes agreed enigma.
Its one of the few Philosophy's that seems to have investigated in great depth all the spiritual questions I ever had and has simple answers coming from that depth of investigation.
Thousands of years of inquirey
The path gets narrower and narrower but simpler.
All the distractions are discarded.

Ive posted quite a few videos recently on the subject here

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?860-Enlightenment-and-related-matters.&p=1314210&viewfull=1#post1314210

[RogeRio]

I think, all the things related to (ancient) Vedas worth to be studied, because the older East cultures are less corrupted.

The chinese Lao Tzu book is also one of the most notable examples of these issues, but the main vein of it all goes back to Atlanteans, which in West culture was recorded by the Egyptians.

Also, in West Culture, what is very worthwhile is the Greek Hellenism, which did not become a religion, but is a very well-founded ethical philosophy.

[greybeard]

Introduction to Vedanta - Swami Sarvapriyananda - Aparokshanubhuti - Part 1 - July 05, 2016

http://vedanta.org In this series of talks, Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the path to direct "Self-Realization" presented by Adi Shankaracharya in Aparokshanubhuti. This talk - delivered on July 05, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 1 and 2 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda. Part 2 will be on July 19. See our Facebook page for a .pdf of a Roman transliteration of the text.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRa2lR9MUg

[greybeard]

Conflict of Maya in Advaita Vedanta Swami Sarvapriyananda

Very clear explanation.
Relatively short.
Chris




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXKfEOoHUS0

[greybeard]

I Love You | Swami Yogatmananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujUrLqGF9nM

[greybeard]

Practical Methods of Meditation by Swami Sarvapriyanandaji

Talk on 'Practical methods of Sadhana' by Swami Sarvapriyananda ji from Vedanta Society of New York at arunachala ashram of New York on 6th Jan 2018 to mark Bhagwana Ramana Maharishiji's birth anniversary.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJTkCts-mw&t=176s

[greybeard]

Faith and Strength Swami Vivekananda

Audio.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFydFyqG0jU

[greybeard]

Swami Sarvapriyananda wonderful speech at HTGC


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2jH_3eU6lE

[greybeard]

Experience the Truth (Non-Dual Awareness) of Ashtavakra Gita by Experiments ~ Swami Sarvapriyananda

This video leads us to experience the Advaitic Truth stated in ‘Ashtavakra Gita’. Swami Sarvapriyananda has taught many experiments by which we can separate our selves from the body, mind, ego. Swami Sarvapriyananda has given two experiments with stories to grasp the meaning of the verse from Ashtavakra Gita as well as to feel the meaning of the Ashtavakra Gita.

‘Ashtavakra Gita’ is one of the Advaitic (Non-Dual Awareness) masterpieces. Without mincing matters it comes out with the Advaitic truth (Non-Dual Awareness), the whole truth and nothing but Advaita (Non-Dual Awareness) which is the Truth.

Swami Sarvapriyananda has been appointed as Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York and assumed his duties here on January 6, 2017.

Before this, he served as assistant minister of the Vedanta Society of Southern California for 13 months, beginning on December 3, 2015.

Swami joined the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in 1994 and received Sannyas in 2004. Before being posted to the VSSC’s Hollywood Temple, Swami served as an acharya (teacher) of the monastic probationers’ training center at Belur Math. He has served the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in various capacities including being the Vice Principal of the Deoghar Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Principal of the Shikshana Mandira Teacher Education College at Belur Math, and the first Registrar of the Vivekananda University at Belur Math.

Speacial thanks to,
1. Ashtavakra Gita
2. King Janaka
3. Ramakrishna Paramhansa
4. Swami Vivekananda
5. Swami Sarvapriyananda

Thanks. May all being happy.

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ABOUT VEDANTA

Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.

Bonus points if you're still reading this! Comment
As always… Thank you for watching!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKzNnIT0sgA

[Chester]

This is my "go to" POV when the fan hits the sh!t and I have surrendered to "that which my wisdom is telling me I cannot change" but my desire is overwhelmingly charged with discontent as to "what is."


Monistic Idealism

Consciousness is fundamental

Consciousness is One

[shaberon]

I like Advaita Vedanta much better than Hinduism. Straight to the point without the blather of gods and goddesses, etc. Every book I have read on the subject is profound.
If you're interested, start with The Ashtravaka Gita (or Sutra). One of the best spiritual reads ever.

Isn't Brihadaranyaka Upanishad part of Advaita? Why are divinities blather?

I was trying to figure out Dhumavati because she is a Protector of Kagyu, or, the closest thing to a school I could say I was affiliated with.

This is a Bhutanese version of her cruising through an ocean of blood:

https://www.himalayanart.org/images/items/resized/2000px/4/4/0/440.jpg




And to explain her, more information is for instance in an Indian Advaita (https://www.advaita-vedanta.org/archives/advaita-l/2015-January/037976.html) forum:

The secret wisdom of the present dark age of Kali resides in the Tantric Goddess Dhumavati and her hidden aspects and forms, as can be discovered in the Rig Veda.

To start with, Dhuma vidya, which means ‘smoke wisdom’, must first be understood. Firstly, Dhuma as smoke relates to Akasha or Space, which is not simply empty but contains the potential of all existence. Space is also the Paramatma, the Supreme Self. The Supreme Self is also Prana or the Breath of Life. The Upanishads (Brihadaranyaka) explain this, and the fundamental keys to understanding the Dhumavidya or Smoke-wisdom:

Smoke is the Clouds (BU.VI.2.10)
Smoke is Fire (BU.VI.2.11)
Smoke is Prana (Breath of Life) (BU.VI.2.12)


Offhandedly, most of us would not have guessed that Smoke is either Prana or the sun's rays, as given in Brihadaranyaka Upanisad. Part of her story is that she eats her consort, Shiva. In Hinduism, she is avoided almost entirely. This is not a "Tibetan Buddhist deity", it is Vedic--Upanishadic.

The deities are the philosophy, not any different, but much more powerful. Last time I checked, Adi Shankara promoted a deity system that is widely-used in India and extremely similar to Buddhism. Although Buddhism does allow different beliefs within certain parameters, after scrutiny, Buddhist Shentong appears to be the same philosophy as the Illusionist view of Adi Shankara.

I would think there is more "disagreement" within Buddhism, or within the Vedanta schools, than there is between these two "separate or different" faiths. When one looks at the historical animosity between the two, there never was an encounter between Shentong and Illusionist, but now when we do it in modern times, the Vedantins call a Shentong-pa a "true Hindu Yogi". The difference is the goal since Buddhism teaches Manifestation instead of Liberation, but either way works the same.

To say Advaita Vedanta is to split it from Dvaita or Vasistadvaita, both of which are equally Vedantic, meaning they deal with the commentaries (Upanishads) at the end of the "scriptural" portions of the Vedas. In those other branches will be for instance Krishna, who is always "bigger than you", i. e. they hold some portion of deity "on reserve" and you are the "second or dual" portion. This makes them seem a little more "worshipful" like a church.

The more significant thread is that Brihadaranyaka is about "Horse-like" life winds and the "Rider-like" mind, and this is used in Yoga, Hindu or Buddhist, and we know they eventually disintegrate from this world, which makes Dhumavati rather unavoidable. Some of its main exponents were King Janaka and Sita who lived in Nepal, shortly prior to the birth of Buddha, and so if we simplify his story, then he was trained in Brihadaranyaka Yoga, which would have caused Liberation, but the choice to "become a Buddha" was to remain in manifestation. So at the time of Buddha, and again, with Adi Shankara, the main thread is the same.

Whether there is an Advaita school that refutes Brihadaranyaka or Adi Shankara, I do not know.

[greybeard]

I cant help as I have only listened to the Swami
He seems to come back to only Brahman is and you are that--the rest is illusion.
No dogma --seems fairly forgiving as far as personal taste goes--you can pray to the Divine etc
Im just beginning to learn about Advaita Vedanta
Chris

[greybeard]

Each Soul is Potentially Divine | Swami Sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda answers a question about Swami Vivekananda's quote "Each Soul is Potentially Divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity by controlling nature, external and internal...".



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDYqL8fo1IM

[Mashika]

That "each soul is potentially divine" reminds me of something my grand father once told me, but i can't translate it into any form of English that doesn't make it lose meaning, i guess i'm lacking into this aspect :/

But it's so close i feel like he had to know about this but he never talked to us about it

Anyway i will keep watching these videos and reading about it, thank you so much for posting this as i have figured out a couple things i always felt inside me but were just like running around without me being able to figure them out for years

<3

[greybeard]

Every question unanswered has already been asked and answered in Advaita Vedanta.
I love the down to earth, positive and uplifting talks by the Swami.
Mashika your post appreciated.
Its nice to know Im not talking to my self --or am I smiling.
Much value in these videos--but one has to be ready for this.

Of myself I do nothing.

"Events happen
Deeds are done
There is no individual doer there of."

Chris

[greybeard]

Karma Yoga in the light of Swami Vivekananda (Part I)~ VedantaZenOneness

Karma yoga is an ancient concept. The path of karma yoga is described in the Hindu sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita. It is also taught by zen teachers.

Title: Karma Yoga in the light of Swami Vivekananda (Part I) ~ VedantaZenOneness

The intention when practicing karma yoga is to give selflessly for the good of others without thought of one's self or attachment to the results of one's actions. Acting in this way is considered the right way to approach service and it is said to purify the mind.
Volunteering one’s time and effort is often used as an example of karma yoga, but, actually, all of the actions one undertakes can be karma yoga. It is considered the attitude to the action, rather than the action itself, which makes something karma yoga. This means acting with the right motives, in the right way, to the best of one's ability, but surrendering attachment to the outcome.

Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk and one of the most celebrated spiritual leaders of India. Swami Vivekananda was more than just a spiritual mind; Swami Vivekananda was a prolific thinker, great orator, and passionate patriot. Swami Vivekananda carried on the free-thinking philosophy of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa forward into a new paradigm. Swami Vivekananda worked tirelessly towards the betterment of the society, in servitude of the poor and needy, dedicating his all for his country. Swami Vivekananda was responsible for the revival of Hindu spiritualism and established Hinduism as a revered religion on the world stage.

Special thanks to,
1. Lord Krishna
2. The Great Sage Veda Vyasa
3. Ramakrishna Paramhansa
4. Swami Vivekananda
5. Swami Sarvapriyananda
Thanks. May all being happy.
Please Subscribe to VedantaZenOneness.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwJ-K9tr9mk

[shaberon]

He seems to come back to only Brahman is and you are that--the rest is illusion.
No dogma --seems fairly forgiving as far as personal taste goes--you can pray to the Divine etc
Chris


This is my understanding; Vedanta is Veda Anta, end of the Vedas physically, or, metaphorically, the culmination of Vedic Wisdom. Physically, the source of the commentaries, Upanishads, at the end of the Vedas does not come from the monastic community. They are the property of the Kshaytriya--Warrior Kings. So the Brahmans or priests were forced to ask for permission to read and record them.

Advaita is a specific school or philosophy based in the Upanishads, of which, the main and most influential proponent is Adi Shankara ca. 800.

One of the most important things Hindu or Buddhist is Parampara which is Guru--disciple succession. Adi Shankara was well aware that a person might not find a satisfactory earthly guru. He therefor said, anyone may use the special teacher mode of Shiva as their guru, called Dakshinamurthy. This Shiva form has four arms, and this is very similar to Sarasvati and to Buddhist deities such as Prajnaparamita. In general they are said to have four arms, but if you meditate on them, they are capable of taking other forms. Shiva has, I couldn't guess, how many forms, but, as a guru, for instance, here are two sculptures of him:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Kapaleeshwarar_Gopurum.jpg





In one, he becomes a sort of male Sarasvati by holding a vina--lute.


Dakshinamurthy Gayatri Mantra

Om vRishabha-dhvajaaya Vidmahe
Ghruni-Hasthaaya Dheemahi
Thanno Dakshinamoorthy Prachodayaath

ओं वृषभद्वजाय विद्महे घृणिहस्ताय धीमहि | तन्नो दक्षिणामूर्ति प्रचोदयात् ||

Dakshinamurthy Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya is a laudatory hymn for this form of Siva.

om namah pranavarthaya shuddhajnanaikamurtaye ! nirmalaya prashantaya dakshinamurtaye namaha !! chidghanaya maheshaya vatamulanivasine ! omkaravachyarupaya dakshinamurtaye namaha !! nidhaye sarvavidyanam bhishaje bhavaroginam ! gurave sarvalokanaam dakshinamurtaye namaha !!


So although it is a philosophy, as far as I can tell, it is also a Yoga practice involving deities. Renunciants into this line become Dashanami Ekadandins, i. e. staff carriers, who reach the highest four stages of Yoga, into Hamsa and Paramahamsa. Hamsa is a Swan, and also indicates Soham Hamsa or breath mantra. This one definitely is not a philosophy and is a reaction upon the subtle body. It would probably be the best one to learn in all its aspects. If we look at someone famous like Paramahamsa Yogananda, he carries it for a title, so it must be fairly important.

As to whether Adi Sankara means to pummel Shiva into everyone's face like convert or die, "While these Six Sects initially had separate followers, theologian Adi Shankara, the 8th century CE Hindu philosopher, worked to join the adherents of the Six Sects into one through spreading his Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Adi Sankara's followers worship one divine power, Brahman in all its six manifestations. It centers around the worship of the deities belonging to six agama schools, Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Ganesha, Surya [Sun] and Skanda [Mars] as One."

The founder of Advaita could hardly be called dismissive of deities. Bring them all!

He mentions Durga, or the female, power goddess, Shakti, and along with Dakshinamurty, was also an advocate of Sri (Shakti) Kula (family or school), which is largely based around Sri Yantra:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Sri_Yantra.svg/330px-Sri_Yantra.svg.png





His success was largely what began pushing Buddhism out of India. But, nominally, as a Buddhist, my teaching tells me I am free to use all his stuff. And so when I give it a fair shake, instead of coming across as a bitter rival, I find it to be so close that this is perhaps one of the only Hindus where I try to regularly attach his respectful title, Adi.

This yoga aims to forge the identity of deity--guru--disciple--mantra. It carries the same theme of a central transcendental Brahman which holds six manifested attributes, which is in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad which must pre-date Adi Sankara by over a thousand years, and the Buddhist Namasangiti and other scriptures which are also older. So Adi Shankara did not necessarily invent much, but, distilled the entire Hinduism and refined the practice. He "changed the world" significantly, even though he died young at thirty-two.

As to how the Hindus can have so many millions stone idols and dismiss Buddhists as Nastika, idol worshippers, is perhaps a bit hasty. We do not exactly worship a statue; items are considered temporarily to be imbued with a deity during meditation.

If it seems to be a grand jumble of deities flying in the face of "manifestation is an illusion", here again we want to look for a center without going to extremes. The deities are aspects of mind and powers of nature, so, they are, so to speak, comprehending the illusion and stealing its "power over you", and, by enlightened means, giving you "power over it". So for example you can find a deity that handles anger and use it to transform your own angry emotions, and if you get good, then it will extend to an ability to stop disputes and relieve anger of others. I could just say "it's an illusion, and that's their problem", which seems to be using the philosophy in the wrong way--or, you could try to do something and just pour fuel onto the fire and make it worse, which would be an ineffective practice. I've bombed out on that one many times, but, have also found that it works. I don't think the road to success in Yoga is a street of gold lined with flowers and fairies, it's rather harsh and inhospitable.

Both Hindu and Buddhist systems allow a variety of approaches, different gurus, different deities, but they are both systems with internal consistency and definable progress. Most of us would have a first one, or one at a time, but manifestation is more like electricity flowing across a circuit board of six major elements, each having numerous sub-elements, and we are looking for a primarily mental means of operating it consciously. That is why it is worth asking questions like why, of all planets, the agamas raise Mars into a particularly honorary position, or the Creator, Brahma, is basically ignored.

As to the common ground, if I look in the Stotram or song by Adi Shankara, he says:

Nidhaye sarvavidyanam

Nidha means "buried or secret treasure". So in what we might call a "popular misconception", then people of the sort who like to blindly follow dogma believe, oh, I say this prayer, I get rich. But metaphorically in both faiths, the treasures are secrets hidden inside you, as the unknown. The deity knows (Vidya) all (sarva) of the treasures, we do not. And so it is not really a prayer, but a way of shutting up the mind so it is able to perceive the divine knowledge.

Yoga, per se, could merely be a handful of Samkhya doctrines and physical disciplines, to which, either Advaita or Buddhism is more comprehensive. Advaita's main proposition, Atma, is the main disagreement with the Buddhist no-Atma doctrine. But if we study the latter, Atma was repetitively denied as a concept, so is very much the same Neti Neti, can only be described by negations. Atma Tattva or Atma Element of Reality is definitely used, and, since Buddha wrote nothing and spoke in Pali, his main doctrine perhaps should be called Anatta, Utterly Helpless, meaning sentient beings are ignorant and helpless especially in matters pertaining to rebirth, whereas Buddha or inner knowledge is Natta, Utterly Helpful, or the lord of it. So the debate about this "main disagreement" does not really exist, but stems from Adi Sankara's encounter with certain monks who emphasized the no-self meditations; we definitely teach no self of the brain/material reactions/selfish desires, etc., but this is a preliminary.

Both systems are a development of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, but, historically split, due to the limitations of travel and the near-impossibility of every devotee being well educated in all topics. When put back together seeing how similar they are, they also both concur with the entire pantheon of deities, or are a Yoga practice that goes into deity practice. As a preliminary, both the Soham Hamsa and the Sri Yantra are very good. The latter definitely becomes more complex and leads to the centering of Sri Nagara, City of Jewels, i.e. solar plexus. This is also the first chakra used in Buddhism. Neither tries to directly stimulate the root chakra; that would be Hatha, or physical, yoga. So it would be valid to say both are different from that popular conception of Yoga.

Nothing much about the Creator, nor the root chakra, in Advaita or Buddhism. They have far less in common with other yogas or religions than they do with each other.

Edit: this is to continue the understanding that Adi Shankara's Advaita fits like a set of gears to a certain stripe of Buddhism he never heard about. Advaita is supposed to be inclusive and non-sectarian towards Hinduism, and, the Buddhist community is supposed to be non-sectarian towards each other.

If I am at liberty to find value in the Aryan Hindu presentation, then, according to a current translator at Kamakoti Mandali, being a Hindu, in his explanation of Soham Hamsa (http://www.kamakotimandali.com/blog/index.php?p=491&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1) mantra, adds:

"I am not really certain whether hamsa was derived from the AnApAnasati of Buddhism or vice-versa. Either way, I do not see why a Hindu cannot practice an AnApAnasati or a Trul Khor as long as it does not result in transgression of svadharma. I have taken 8 Vipashyana intensives with S N Goenka's group till date and they have been hugely beneficial. It should also be noted that among the two-fold Buddhist practice, hamsa japa corresponds, somewhat, to the shamatA aspect (like zazen, AnApAnasati etc.) and there is also the other part, which is vipashyana (vipassana)."

He is correct, in Shamatha, or tranquility, we would do something similar to Soham Hamsa in a slightly different way. By the second part, Insight, or Vispassana, it is a meditation with seed, or pertaining to manifest or Sadguna Brahman. It would be different details than he is used to, but, since he understands the mechanics, he does not find a transgression, but a benefit.

With this understanding, we can each do a full session of the other's Guru Yoga, without having the earthly teacher. It is like being at the "x" of a figure 8 or infinity symbol with Aryan and Buddhist lobes.

[greybeard]

Experience the Truth (Non-Dual Awareness) of Ashtavakra Gita by Experiments ~ Swami Sarvapriyananda
This video leads us to experience the Advaitic Truth stated in ‘Ashtavakra Gita’. Swami Sarvapriyananda has taught many experiments by which we can separate our selves from the body, mind, ego. Swami Sarvapriyananda has given two experiments with stories to grasp the meaning of the verse from Ashtavakra Gita as well as to feel the meaning of the Ashtavakra Gita.

‘Ashtavakra Gita’ is one of the Advaitic (Non-Dual Awareness) masterpieces. Without mincing matters it comes out with the Advaitic truth (Non-Dual Awareness), the whole truth and nothing but Advaita (Non-Dual Awareness) which is the Truth.

Swami Sarvapriyananda has been appointed as Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York and assumed his duties here on January 6, 2017.

Before this, he served as assistant minister of the Vedanta Society of Southern California for 13 months, beginning on December 3, 2015.

Swami joined the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in 1994 and received Sannyas in 2004. Before being posted to the VSSC’s Hollywood Temple, Swami served as an acharya (teacher) of the monastic probationers’ training center at Belur Math. He has served the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in various capacities including being the Vice Principal of the Deoghar Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Principal of the Shikshana Mandira Teacher Education College at Belur Math, and the first Registrar of the Vivekananda University at Belur Math.

Speacial thanks to,
1. Ashtavakra Gita
2. King Janaka
3. Ramakrishna Paramhansa
4. Swami Vivekananda
5. Swami Sarvapriyananda

Thanks. May all being happy.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKzNnIT0sgA&t=228s

[greybeard]

I posted this a short while back but an interesting talk.
I appreciate the Swami's talks as while its obvious that he has a great depth of understanding on Advaita Vedanta--he is also knowledgeable on other paths.

Why advaita vedanta is more appealing (with story) by Swami Sarvapriyananda| Vedanta philosophy|
Advaita Vedanta is a school in Hinduism. People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman. The most famous Hindu philosopher who taught about Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago. Adi Sankara learned the sacred texts of Hinduism, like Vedas and Upanishads under his teacher Govinda Bhagavadpada and later wrote extensive commentaries of Hindu sacred texts called Upanishads. In these commentaries, he proposed the theory of Advaita, saying that the Upanishad actually teach that the individual soul (called Atman) is not different from Ultimate Reality (called Brahman). He also taught that there is only one essential principle called Brahman and everything else is a kind of expression of that one Brahman. Because of this theory of one being, his teachings became popular as the "Advaita" (a = not, dvaita = two, means no-two or non-dual). The way he said this to people was "Atman is Brahman."

Adi Shankara was smart and knew that people would wonder how he could say such an odd thing. He realized that many people would ask him, "If a person's soul is really one with Ultimate all along, then what makes a person feel so separate from Ultimate?" His answer to this was that we are ignorant of our real self being Ultimate because we see through a kind of filter—like looking through a dirty piece of glass—and he called this filter we look through, maya, which means "illusion" in Sanskrit. Shankara said that our ignorance makes us feel very separate from Ultimate, and even from everything around us. Shankara suggested that the best way people can find the truth is for them to try to clear their thinking of all ignorant thoughts, be very good, and think very hard about who they really are. He said that if a person did all these things he would realize that Brahaman was himself all along.

This is a very different idea from some other religions where we are told we are separate from Brahaman and need to go to Him. In Advaita, the idea is that people never really were separate from Brahaman, but their ignorance made them see it that way.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA5nKrThdO8

[greybeard]

Understood Vedanta but No Effect in Everyday life? ~ Swami Sarvapriyananda ~ Ramakrishna Math
We generally have a question that I have understood Vedanta but I can't able to stay with that. After studying Vedanta also I feel the same, I might get angry easily, or caught up with any other temptation.

Swami Sarvapriyananda has given a profound answer to stay with the Vedanta in Everyday life.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVODew7ELRM

[shaberon]

People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman.


Here, I believe we would say the soul is Manas, the seat of mind and emotions. Atma pertains to the life force, which is Prana or Jiva in an individual incarnation, the winds that shift and blow all through the nervous system.

If there is an Atma which is "above" the single individualized unit, then it is an infinite reservoir of life, of permanent duration.

Whenever this life arises as wind, mind automatically proceeds from it, or soul is the direct result of active life.

Yoga aims to balance and withdraw the winds. The Mind or Soul is the Rider, Observer, or Witness to it. So there is a mental process of reining in mind turbulence, which becomes non-different from a physical change in bio-electricity.

I am not aware that any of us characterize the One Life, per se, and instead can only regard it with silence.

In Buddhism, Life is called Amitayus, and in Greece, it was Eros.

So Atma is not really in man or is not a part of man. It is what is real, or permanent, not us. One may partake of its presence only by the Yogic methods of withdrawing the winds, it is in that samadhi which has no impulses or vibrations from the winds turning to form. Calling it a "self" is difficult, since it has no mind, or form, and it seems to me that most of the Buddhist "no Atma" doctrines are along these lines. The thing is so ultimately refined that we mostly can only talk about "how to get there", how to cause complete cessation and stillness.

If Atma is more like spirit, unceasing divine breath, there is not a "my" or "your" spirit, but only the spirit.

Shiva is intended to be that meditation which places us in direct knowledge of this mysterious breath. Success would mean knowledge of Brahman, where Atma would mean, to me, at most, the fact of perceiving it on an individual basis. I have done this a few times, so, I would have to say it works, and everything else is like an illusion or dream around it.

Although the soul inhabits a mental world which is very different from the physical, I take it simply to be the resting point from which one may attempt to perceive formless reality, which is, so to speak, above and beyond soul.

[greybeard]

It would seem to be the definition--labeling.
The Ultimate is formless and that's what we are.
One "Soul" one without a second.
The word soul is used in different ways.
Brahman the Ultimate--"That thou art"
Obviously there are different paths--all valid.
Chris

[greybeard]

Who gets liberated?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fTz6Pc4iDU

[shaberon]

It would seem to be the definition--labeling.
The Ultimate is formless and that's what we are.
One "Soul" one without a second.
The word soul is used in different ways.
Brahman the Ultimate--"That thou art"
Obviously there are different paths--all valid.
Chris

I am not sure about the origin of English "soul", but Spirit is related to breath: respire, inspire, and so forth, even conspire, "to breathe together".

In Buddhism we say there are 84,000 provisional paths, but only one Path. This has to do with accepting thousands of different temperaments of people all being drawn to the same center.

In Hinduism, if we say Advaita is superior to Vasistadvaita (modified dualism), that is the difference between Adi Shankara's influence, and what might be popularly called Krishna cult or Vaisnava. Although the latter is valid, Buddhism says it is for those "satisfied by the Bhakti of Sadguna Brahman", or, devotion to divinity in form. This is easier and more popular and at least is a moral guide which prevents man from becoming a beast. It however lacks the full teaching, and what it has was mostly copied from Buddhism in the 1600s.

Orthodox Hinduism is more like a litany of ritual cleanliness, to which Judaism would be a small shadow. You'd not have a moment to not be doing ritual. You better sacrifice a horse, and you better not eat a cow. If that is actually true, I am nothing but a bag of sin headed straight to hell.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad suggests that horse sacrifice might really be metaphorical or symbolic. Buddhism says the Karma Kanda or all those ritual acts of the Vedas are unnecessary. So, perhaps, the "behavior dictations" are valid to those whose minds are unripened for doing Yoga, but they do not teach or use much of the Yoga itself, in this case meaning Raja Yoga acting upon the inner person. And so if one can sing and dance well, then one should do that type of Bhakti Yoga, if one has children one should do Karma or Householder Yoga, and so forth, whereas Raja Yoga can be done with or without those others. And that is basically the only path, where transformation from mortal to divine can still somewhat scientifically be measured in stages and degrees. The "turning point" where one "gets it", Hindu or Buddhist, is called a balanced breath, where all the thousands of branch nerves are quiet, and there is No Ego. At that point, multiple paths start dissolving into the Path. From that point, neither faith advocates "just letting it happen", and they say it has to be blended with mantra.

When I was young, and able to achieve this by "just letting it happen" without a good understanding of mantra, the Path more or less vanished and kicked me out. That is why, as I am preparing to go set up a shrine again, I find the study and use of mantra to be very important. The Path has no problem dumping you into a worse condition than you were before. And just grabbing some words because they sound interesting is not effective.

With respect to Advaita, this is Shanti (Peace) mantra from Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.1:

UL8siFg-re8


Auṃ pūrnamadaḥ pūrnamidam
pūrṇāt pūrṇamudacyate
pūrṇasya pūrṇamādāya
pūrṇamevāvaśiṣyate

It has a few interpretations, one being Infinite Universes flow from Brahman, Infinite Universes return to Brahman, and Brahman remains unchanged.

It may be more of an outer or Bhakti practice, but is a reliable traditional version which has probably been the same for over 2,500 years.

[greybeard]

Its not the English definition.
Sai Baba ,whom I followed for some years, said when asked if he was God said "Yes but so are you, the only difference is that I know that--you dont "
He also said only one soul I am That.

My learning came mainly from Indian sages and now the Swami in the posted videos.
He points to only Brahman is --I am that.
Brahman appearing as Chris and the many.
A temporary manifestation--the true Self is eternal.
Nasargadatta also I read- his book "I am That"

So the path has got narrower and narrower--I know a lot less than I did twenty years ago--its redundant.
So the understanding is that Only "God" is--therefore in a way definition of soul is not that important as it only applies in Maya--duality.
Understanding that quite a few paths are--duality--mine non-duality.
Chris

[greybeard]

The Great Bliss by Swami Sarvapriyananda




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTQ3yyq2Mgk

[greybeard]

Swami Sarvapriyananda on 'CONSCIOUS EXPERIENCE'

He is in fine form and humorous
Chris


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01fWVdfIUPs&t=10s

[greybeard]

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOKv_xnTzyLD9RJmbBUV9Q

Link to many Advaita videos
Chris

[greybeard]

How to attain permanent bliss| The Great bliss by Swami Sarvapriyananda| Sarvapriyananda lectures

Swami Sarvapriyananda has been appointed as Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York, and assumed his duties here on January 6, 2017. He is a Nagral Fellow for 2019-20 at Harvard Divinity School.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV4zycmeygc

[greybeard]

The Supreme knowledge| Swami Sarvapriyananda wonderful lecture 2019| Vedanta


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U7MdEiBg7M

[greybeard]

God in Advaita Vedanta by Swami Sarvapriyananda| Swami Sarvapriyananda

In this video Great monk Swami Sarvapriyananda talks about God in Advaita Vedanta. Swami Sarvapriyananda explains Vedanta philosophy really well. Here Swami Sarvapriyananda is defining God.
God in Advaita Vedanta by Swami Sarvapriyananda| Swami Sarvapriyananda latest lecture 2019
Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago. Adi Sankara learned the sacred texts of Hinduism, like Vedas and Upanishads under his teacher Govinda Bhagavadpada and later wrote extensive commentaries of Hindu sacred texts called Upanishads. In these commentaries, he proposed the theory of Advaita, saying that the Upanishad actually teach that the individual soul (called Atman) is not different from Ultimate Reality (called Brahman). He also taught that there is only one essential principle called Brahman and everything else is a kind of expression of that one Brahman. Because of this theory of one being, his teachings became popular as the "Advaita" (a = not, dvaita = two, means no-two or non-dual). The way he said this to people was "Atman is Brahman."

Adi Shankara was smart and knew that people would wonder how he could say such an odd thing. He realized that many people would ask him, "If a person's soul is really one with Ultimate all along, then what makes a person feel so separate from Ultimate?" His answer to this was that we are ignorant of our real self being Ultimate because we see through a kind of filter—like looking through a dirty piece of glass—and he called this filter we look through, maya, which means "illusion" in Sanskrit. Shankara said that our ignorance makes us feel very separate from Ultimate, and even from everything around us. Shankara suggested that the best way people can find the truth is for them to try to clear their thinking of all ignorant thoughts, be very good, and think very hard about who they really are. He said that if a person did all these things he would realize that Brahaman was himself all along.

This is a very different idea from some other religions where we are told we are separate from Brahaman and need to go to Him. In Advaita, the idea is that people never really were separate from Brahaman, but their ignorance made them see it that way.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJp2aBStq9k

[greybeard]

Why do we study Advaita and what enlightenment person do? ~ Swami Sarvapriyananda

We generally have a question that why we should study Adwaita(Nondual Vedanta) and what should enlightenment person do or does enlightenment person feels anything? Swami Sarvapriyananda has given a profound answer. Please watch it to get clarified about Vedanta, Adwaita and Enlightenment.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-gpqyDBU1A

[greybeard]

Sri Ramakrishna's Great teachings| Love of God| Great video for Swami Sarvapriyananda Followers

(ignore the terrible music)

In this video we shall learn Sri Ramakrisha's teachings.
Sri Ramakrishna's Great teachings| Love of God|
Sri Ramakrishna was born on 18 February 1836 in the village of Kamarpukur about sixty miles northwest of Kolkata. His parents, Kshudiram Chattopadhyaya and Chandramani Devi, were poor but very pious and virtuous. As a child, Ramakrishna (his childhood name was Gadadhar) was dearly loved by the villagers. From early days, he had strong disinclination towards formal education and worldly affairs. He was, however, a talented boy, and could sing and paint well. He was fond of serving holy men and listening to their discourses. He was oftentimes found to be absorbed in spiritual moods. At the age of six, he experienced the first ecstasy while watching a flight of white cranes moving against the background of black clouds. This tendency to enter into ecstasy intensified with age. His father’s death when he was seven years old served only to deepen his introspection and increase his detachment from the world.

Advaita Vedanta is a school in Hinduism. People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman. The most famous Hindu philosopher who taught about Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago. Adi Sankara learned the sacred texts of Hinduism, like Vedas and Upanishads under his teacher Govinda Bhagavadpada and later wrote extensive commentaries of Hindu sacred texts called Upanishads. In these commentaries, he proposed the theory of Advaita, saying that the Upanishad actually teach that the individual soul (called Atman) is not different from Ultimate Reality (called Brahman). He also taught that there is only one essential principle called Brahman and everything else is a kind of expression of that one Brahman. Because of this theory of one being, his teachings became popular as the "Advaita" (a = not, dvaita = two, means no-two or non-dual). The way he said this to people was "Atman is Brahman."

Adi Shankara was smart and knew that people would wonder how he could say such an odd thing. He realized that many people would ask him, "If a person's soul is really one with Ultimate all along, then what makes a person feel so separate from Ultimate?" His answer to this was that we are ignorant of our real self being Ultimate because we see through a kind of filter—like looking through a dirty piece of glass—and he called this filter we look through, maya, which means "illusion" in Sanskrit. Shankara said that our ignorance makes us feel very separate from Ultimate, and even from everything around us. Shankara suggested that the best way people can find the truth is for them to try to clear their thinking of all ignorant thoughts, be very good, and think very hard about who they really are. He said that if a person did all these things he would realize that Brahaman was himself all along.

This is a very different idea from some other religions where we are told we are separate from Brahaman and need to go to Him. In Advaita, the idea is that people never really were separate from Brahaman, but their ignorance made them see it that way.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyrm8I1RBvU

[Agape]

In teachings of the primordial Bon once known to be the Dharma of older Buddhas,
the most essential teachings on non-duality were known as Natural Great Perfection ( Dzogpa Chenpo). The nature of existence and every living being is described as “Samantabhadra” ( Samantha =All that Exists, Bhadra= Good , Benevolent).

It’s practised by direct insight to the nature of reality
and neither abiding or non-abiding in any kind of state,
realm or meditation equipoise
since no matter what type of subtle activity is performed
they’re all modalities (ways) of primordial Mind
that is always the same in nature,
pure and clear like an empty space,
the knowing mind

Reflecting on ones own nature the teaching of primordial Bon says
“My true name is Samantabhadra
and duality I did not preach”



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaTbORtUjIo

Likewise, “Advaita Vedanta” could be simply translated as the Knowledge of Non-duality. One of my very traditional Tibetan teachers repeated number of times that the “Essence of Teachings” that is called various names like Advaita, Great Perfection or teachings of Christ, is exactly the same in all religions but beware even among scholars and practitioners many people stir from the path and do not understand it.

He would say “if people want to do practice let them to it” , to the one who knows the truth there’s no difference.




🙏🌟🙏

[greybeard]

You bring a depth of knowledge Agape that few possess.
Thanks
Chris

[Agape]

Happy Dipawali Chris, and may the Light shine through

:dog:

Interesting detail: it is also mentioned in the surviving Bon and later Buddhist writings that the teachings of Non-duality, Insight (to) called also the Great Accomplishment (Dzogchen) are sought and respected by at least dozen other civilisations in the Universe and for the fact alone they’re called “advanced civilisations”.

[greybeard]

How I Came to Vedanta | Dr. Jeffery Long

Dr. Jeffery D. Long (Professor of Religion and Asian Studies at Elizabethtown University) shares his spiritual journey. Professor Long teaches courses on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (Dharma Traditions), as well as seminars on Star Wars and Asian philosophy, Sanskrit, and Comparative Theology and Interfaith Engagement. He is the author of three books and a wide array of articles on Hinduism, Indian philosophy, and religious pluralism. In addition to his academic and spiritual interests, he is an avid fan of science fiction and fantasy and classic rock.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLeU557CGDw

[greybeard]

Four fold qualifications for Enlightenment| Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tiO1Utwk-g

[greybeard]

Purposeful living with Vedanta| Swami Sarvapriyananda Bliss| Swami Sarvapriyananda lectures
In this video Swami Sarvapriyananda talks about the Purpose of human life and Swami Sarvapriyananda also talks about bliss.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBDKeum6-E0

[enigma3]

Focusing on gods and goddesses is focusing on ritual. Ritual lives in duality. Dzogchen and Advaita Vedanta focus on non-duality, the true heart of spiritual teachings.

[greybeard]

Focusing on gods and goddesses is focusing on ritual. Ritual lives in duality. Dzogchen and Advaita Vedanta focus on non-duality, the true heart of spiritual teachings.

Yes thats true enigma3.
Advaita Vedanta as explained by the Swami is quite accepting.
It sees all spiritual ritual as Brahman.
There is nothing that is not Brahman.
For example Food is Brahman the act of eating is Brahman--the one who eats is Brahman.
Only "existence" is there is nothing outwith existence--one totality.
The waves are in the Ocean the Ocean is not in the wave.
The wave has no separate existence--take away the water and there is no wave.
There is nothing separate from Brahman.
Takes a lot of understanding.
Chris

[greybeard]

'Self inquiry'- An inquiry into the Self| Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYTtiCXxqmI

[greybeard]

What Happens after Death?? | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EpUewNe0JA&t=71s

[greybeard]

Manisha Panchakam| Five Verses on Enlightenment| Swami Sarvapriyananda
•13 Nov 2019




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6_PeDwIhM

[Advait]

I like Advaita Vedanta much better than Hinduism. Straight to the point without the blather of gods and goddesses, etc. Every book I have read on the subject is profound.
If you're interested, start with The Ashtravaka Gita (or Sutra). One of the best spiritual reads ever.

:facepalm: It is part of Hinduism... In reality there is nothing like "Hinduism", It is not a religion, it is a belief system, more profoundly you can call it "Sanatana Dharma"...
Please dont confuse Hinduism with religion, otherwise it will be a spiritual blunder...
there is various branch, philosophies under the umbrella of Hinduism... some believes god is one, some dont... for more, you can research sanatana dharma or listen to "Sadhguru" or other gurus from youtube

[shaberon]

:facepalm: It is part of Hinduism... In reality there is nothing like "Hinduism", It is not a religion, it is a belief system, more profoundly you can call it "Sanatana Dharma"...
Please dont confuse Hinduism with religion, otherwise it will be a spiritual blunder...
there is various branch, philosophies under the umbrella of Hinduism... some believes god is one, some dont... for more, you can research sanatana dharma or listen to "Sadhguru" or other gurus from youtube


That's my understanding. "Hinduism" is a big umbrella whose main common factor is not eating cows. I prefer to call it Sanatana Dharma, except English speakers usually won't get it.

I am not sure about the comments on why deities are "dual"; that is not how they work. They are not really a religion. I suppose they could be dual in Dvaita or Vasishtadvaita, which is much closer to what "religion" means in the west. I enjoy listening to Adi Shankara's Mangala Rupini. If he is the main compiler of non-dual Advaita, and wrote this praise of a Kamakhya Hindu goddess, I would be surprised if someone in his lineage turned around and said it was a waste.

If one removes the deities, then what is left is Samkhya or lists of categories, terms, and definitions.

Some minds can only be guided by external ritual. If so, the idea is to translate outer symbols to inner meaning. Once one makes that step, duality fades. So if I think of Advaita Raja Yoga, it doesn't just mean a statement that there is no duality, it is the process of actually resolving it. This could be done just by discipline and Samkhya, but deities are more powerful and complete.

[greybeard]

Interesting story on Suffering| Swami Sarvapriyananda lecture


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlEzpSNazLI

[greybeard]

Sister Nivedita| Interesting incidents|Pravrajika Divyanandaprana| disciple of Swami Vivekananda
#SisterNivedita #divyanandaprana #pravrajika_divyanandaprana #swami_sarvapriyananda #nivedita
In this video Pravrajika Divyanandaprana talks about Sister Nivedita.

Pravrajika Divyanandaprana is a monastic member of Sri Sarada Math stationed currently as the Principal of Nivedita Vidya Mandir, a school for girls, at New Delhi which is run by the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission..

Topics in the video- 1. Sister Nivedita - Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
2.Sister Nivedita 150th Birth Year Celebrations 2017 Lecture by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
3. Pravrajika Divyanandaprana on Happiness
4. Life and Work of Sister Nivedita (1867 -1911) Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
5. Sister Nivedita and Swami Vivekananda by Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
6. Swami Vivekananda practical Vedanta and Sister Nivedita
great video for Swami Sarvapriyananda followers.
relevant video for Swami Sarvapriyananda followers.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=278wsLgLQhE

[greybeard]

Enlightenment Experience - How Swami Vivekananda Attained Enlightenment? (As Explained by Himself)
About Swami Vivekananda:
Swami Vivekananda (1863 - 1902) was an Indian monk, Self-realized Master and one of the most celebrated and inspirational spiritual leaders of India. He was not only a great spiritual personality; but also a genius thinker, great orator, passionate patriot (He worked hard for eradicating poverty from his Country), and a heroic role model for millions of youth.

Vivekananda carried on the free-thinking philosophy of his revered guru, Ramakrishna Paramhamsa forward into a new paradigm. He worked tirelessly towards betterment of the society, in servitude of the poor and needy, dedicating his all for the upliftment of his Country.

His message of universal brotherhood and Self-awakening remains relevant especially in the current issue of widespread political turmoil around the world.

The young monk and his teachings have been an inspiration to many, and his words have become goals of self-improvement especially for the youth of the Nation. For this very reason, his birthday, January 12, is celebrated as the National Youth Day in India.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_sQBT-cpyA

[greybeard]

3. Fundamental questions in spiritual life| Aparokshanubhuti| Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiLzNI_OWDE

[greybeard]

Infinite Existence and consciousness| Swami Sarvapriyananda lecture on Taittiriya Upanishad


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEe6MD1l02U

[greybeard]

Wonderful questions and Beautifully answered by Swami Sarvapriyananda latest Q and A


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD72eHVoGlQ

[greybeard]

Introduction to Vedanta Part 10 - Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrPnT5wHZak

[greybeard]

In search of Permanent and Infinite Bliss| Swami Sarvapriyananda lecture of Vedanta Philosophy|


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRFo1OZKcPk

[greybeard]

Importance of grace in Vedanta |


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6yZWzXO8Mg

[Anka]

Swami Sarvapriyananda on 'CONSCIOUS EXPERIENCE'

He is in fine form and humorous
Chris


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01fWVdfIUPs&t=10s

I am impressed by every beginning called: „by what? "
the eye of the eye, the hearing of the hearing ... so beautiful it says that in this period in which it is so difficult for me to understand at a higher level what really happens to me
and they simply leave me guided every day by the effect of the expression Soul of the soul.
Because I am definitely no longer the light bulb nor the electricity that ignites it and it is even harder in my humility to understand that maybe I am a Source and myself? although I answer NO as well.

Because what I experience and it is not easy for me in what in our world can be called pathological, in my form of experimentation the heard means to see and to see is heard and the speech is a breathing thought and I try every day that goes on to explain this in so many forms that we have come to the conclusion that this cannot be done where I am from and it is impossible. However, I begin to feel on the verge of understanding the difference between a precise spiritual account and how useful the syntagma actually is, I will individually study this difference.
His humor helps me enormously and takes huge proportions in my understanding because I am basically a joking person in my happiness as he is, and I take things as they are.
Thank you Chris for the post.

[greybeard]

Anka
Its refreshing to read your posts.
Just hang in there--at some point in time--there will be a moment when what is happening with you will make sense and even if there is not full realization there will be peace in your heart and mind.
Eventually there is no need to question.
There is just acceptance of what is.
Chris

[greybeard]

You are changeless formless infinite| Swami Sarvapriyananda
Audio


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJDYORHct_w

Dealing with Disturbances during Meditation | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-iQJPBqVkM&t=9s

[greybeard]

How does the One appear as Many? | Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLVFQSQsix0

Ask Swami with Swami


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWw5NupY8MA

[greybeard]

Two Steps to the Not-Two by Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linp33m9rIk

[greybeard]

"Infinite being, Infinite consciousness" by Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwPJARlnYls

[greybeard]

Remain Aware of Your True Nature | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsCp-xZC1QY

[greybeard]

Great Powers within us| Swami Sarvapriyananda on Gita
Advaita Vedanta is a school in Hinduism. People who believe in Advaita believe that their soul is not different from Brahman. The most famous Hindu philosopher who taught about Advaita Vedanta was Adi Shankara who lived in India more than a thousand years ago. Adi Sankara learned the sacred texts of Hinduism, like Vedas and Upanishads under his teacher Govinda Bhagavadpada and later wrote extensive commentaries of Hindu sacred texts called Upanishads. In these commentaries, he proposed the theory of Advaita, saying that the Upanishad actually teach that the individual soul (called Atman) is not different from Ultimate Reality (called Brahman). He also taught that there is only one essential principle called Brahman and everything else is a kind of expression of that one Brahman. Because of this theory of one being, his teachings became popular as the "Advaita" (a = not, dvaita = two, means no-two or non-dual). The way he said this to people was "Atman is Brahman."

Adi Shankara was smart and knew that people would wonder how he could say such an odd thing. He realized that many people would ask him, "If a person's soul is really one with Ultimate all along, then what makes a person feel so separate from Ultimate?" His answer to this was that we are ignorant of our real self being Ultimate because we see through a kind of filter—like looking through a dirty piece of glass—and he called this filter we look through, maya, which means "illusion" in Sanskrit. Shankara said that our ignorance makes us feel very separate from Ultimate, and even from everything around us. Shankara suggested that the best way people can find the truth is for them to try to clear their thinking of all ignorant thoughts, be very good, and think very hard about who they really are. He said that if a person did all these things he would realize that Brahaman was himself all along.

This is a very different idea from some other religions where we are told we are separate from Brahaman and need to go to Him. In Advaita, the idea is that people never really were separate from Brahaman, but their ignorance made them see it that way.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8ZnLW7tHEU

[greybeard]

Can Desires be Destroyed? | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda explains how worldly desires can be conquered.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWRjiruJ5iw

[greybeard]

The Real and the Apparent | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Femq2264px4

[greybeard]

This Universe is nothing but Brahman| Swami Sarvapriyananda on Aparokshanubhuti



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ePsbugS7o

[greybeard]

How to transcend worldly suffering| Swami Sarvapriyananda on Mandukya Upanisad

Swami Sarvapriyananda : Swami Sarvapriyananda has been appointed as Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York, and assumed his duties here on January 6, 2017. He is a Nagral Fellow for 2019-20 at Harvard Divinity School.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrDyKR8hNXo

[greybeard]

Incredible Wisdom of Vedanta| Swami Sarvapriyananda on Aparokshanubhuti


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD3CnlHo59o

[Shamz]

I started watching videos of Swami Sarvapriyananda last year - he has amazing grasp and knowledge of advaita philosophy - he is amazing.

@Grebeard: so basically advaita explains the who/what of all this but not the Why and how. Do you know of any good reading or video on this ? i know the simple answer will be and has been for ages - "no one really knows why" - its all HIS Leela.

[greybeard]

Somewhere the Swami answers.
Cant remember which video talk.
Basically in reality there is no subject or object -- no cause.
The question why, is not valid under these circumstances--why goes on for ever.
Only Brahman is ( That thou art) ultimate reality.
Science will come up will all sort of answers but thats not it.
thanks for your post much appreciated
chris

[greybeard]

Advaita Vedanta on Evolution| Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oDvXF0uWl4

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Why is God appearing as this Universe


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6dV3aI17Pg

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Why should we take the path of Advaita| Swami Sarvapriyananda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl7CWqs3KOU

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Vedanta in the 21st Century | Swami Sarvapriyananda @Harvard Divinity School




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNf7V2HM2hM

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|| Maya || by Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxUXl2YXXL4

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Law of Karma in Advaita Vedanta | Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJMqULiDtOM

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Finding your Goal in Life | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPfDDYNpuWE

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Swami Sarvapriyananda SHOCKED by Advaita Vedanta


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax3hYLTFZ2Q

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The Science of Decision Making | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn-c7zA-S1Q

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Worship of God in Advaita Vedanta | Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dk4EIe-qyk

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Fighting Anxiety and Depression: Four Great Practices | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzFtOOVQPmA&t=113s

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Jnana Yoga – The Path of Inquiry | Online Vedanta Course | Lockdown | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD6MgSiRk9A

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Moksha by Swami Sarvapriyananda




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjaxNXs0sGA&t=185s

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How to Find a solution of Every Problem in Life | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9J2tJwjUAA

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The Ultimate Truth | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goNIy6RDfX8

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Vedantic Spirituality - Part 2 | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yztJzIAqFMM

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Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge | Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EijmfagFw20

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The Ultimate Secret of OM | Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iZ3GG5SYOo

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Nectar of Supreme Knowledge - Swami Sarvadevananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syCuqCeRcKY

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The Four Noble Truths | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnGp0WON93I

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#Vivekananda's Philosophy of Education by Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4QC5huYt2w

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|| Freedom || by Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PW1iUV3xcX0

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Nectar of Supreme Knowledge - Swami Sarvadevananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDdO1t-5RSs

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Microcosm and Macrocosm | Swami Sarvapriyananda

ABOUT VEDANTA
Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KhJlItAi9U

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Advaita is Vedanta

Advaita Is Vedanta: Part I of the Trilogy aims to dissolve or deconstruct, (neti neti) all states, stations and experiences. States of meditation oftentimes become “stuck” points that
both “spiritual practitioners”as well as "teachers" unknowingly and habitually nest in.

Zen Saying:, (You never want to nest in any state”).

The second half on this YouTube focuses and delineates the vibrations "Prior to Consciousness" which both forms and solidifies the illusion of being, through what in Sanskrit is called Samskaras.

If you wish to download the Meditation CD, and/or the Corresponding Booklet and Notes from this film to use as a reference or guide, visit www.miragelibrary.com.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNZ4zjeHZAg

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Advaita is Vedanta Part 3

Excerpts from Part 3 of the Advaita Is Vedanta Trilogy represents 20 of the 50 Older and Less Frequently asked questions. Advaita is Vedanta Part III begins upon returning from India in 1982 and teaching Kashmir Shaivism and Self-Enquiry. Part 3 concludes with the Absolute Prior to Consciousness, The Absolute Prior to Awareness and The Absolute Prior to the Absolute Nothingness.
Once again, as you watch this YouTube or read the book please keep tucked away somewhere;

“All that is heard, (or that is about to be read, seen or heard)
is non-existent”
- Shankara


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4JzomejobU&t=329s

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Advaita: Non-Dual Spirituality - from Ancient India to our Global Age


This documentary traces the evolution of Advaita - from the ancient rishis to teachers like Shankara and Ramana Maharshi - and examines whether or not modern teachings have maintained the power and clarity of the ancient traditions from which they evolved.

Swami Tadatmananda is a traditionally-trained teacher of Advaita Vedanta, meditation, and Sanskrit. For more information, please see: https://www.arshabodha.org/




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9pemPIBhLE&t=173s

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Overcoming Lust and Desire | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda speaks on how one can overcome lust and desire by living a moral life, doing selfless works, meditation, love for God and realizing our true nature.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXisF6fqvfY

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The Goal of Meditation | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0JGS0ZEods

Swami Sarvapriyananda speaks on the goal of meditation by teaching the differences between yogic and vedantic techniques. This discourse is from a retreat on Vedantic Meditation held in Monroe, NY in 2018.

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The Language of Paradox in Advaita - Swami Sarvapriyanada

This talk was given by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Hollywood Temple on 15th May 2016. He discusses the apparent paradoxes in the language of nondualistic Advaita philosophy.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiP5OAvkNFc

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Vedantic Meditation: Retreat (Part 1) | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gxCpNIkG-Q

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Vedantic Meditation: Retreat (Part 2) | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TD3oEN88Z4

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Narada’s Way of Love - Swami Sarvadevananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGMIubUdtxc

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Silence, Social Distancing and Solitude - Pravrajika Sevaprana


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUCRzmqf0aI

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Vedantic Meditation: Retreat (Part 4) | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Using the Aparokshanubhuti (by Adi Shankara) as a guide, Swami Sarvapriyananda speaks on Vedantic Meditation as part of a retreat held in Monroe, NY in 2018. This is the final part of the series.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L51NhQLXREU

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Guided Meditation (Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma) | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1vzUSHMh48

Swami Sarvapriyananda takes us through a guided meditation inspired by 'Vipassana'. Meditation is followed by the chanting of a verse from the Taittiriya Upanishad: Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma (Brahma is Truth, Knowledge and the Infinitude). This session was part of a retreat held in Monroe, NY in 2018.

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Mahavakya Viveka - Panchadasi (Part 1) | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Chapter 5 (Mahavakya Viveka) of the Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya. This lecture is Part 1 of an online retreat from Aug 2020.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihg8JDkrRBs

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BEST EXPLANATION: Wisdom of Ashtavakra, a non-dual Vedanta by Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yb2owuQPKM&feature=emb_logo

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🌸 Powerful Explanation of Theory of Everything


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFLtcaND9o8

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Role of Spirituality in Daily Life | Swami Sarvapriyananda | দৈনন্দিন জীবনে আধ্যাত্মিকতা


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cuaMY4_HMU

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Vedanta Philosophy in Family Life | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ref8Zpz6NS4


Swami Sarvapriyananda discusses how one can apply Vedanta Philosophy in day-to-day family life.

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Swami Sarvapriyananda - Ethical Foundations of Nondual Spirituality - ASI/BatGap Presentation


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_q8fVYsX6g

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Spiritualising Daily Life - Swami Vivekananda's Practical Vedanta- by Swami Sarvapriyanandaji Mhj


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lIS4qa8N4s

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Ask Swami with Swami Sarvapriyananda | December 6th, 2020


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY5ht6Y7WKs

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Vedanta in Five Parables | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMRbh3M4AGw

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Mindfulness Meditation | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl_aTKDkOvs&t=232s

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21. Vedantasara | Texts 129-131 | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches the Vedantasara (Essence of Vedanta), which is a 15th-century Advaita Vedanta text written by Sadananda Yogendra Saraswati.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAuFzgR9onY

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What is Vedanta? - Pravrajika Divyanandaprana


What is Vedanta? - Fundamentals of Vedanta - Part 1 of 5

Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient spiritual philosophies and one of its broadest, based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India. It is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds.

Vedanta affirms:

The oneness of existence,
The divinity of the soul, and
The harmony of all religions.

A closer look at the word “Vedanta” is revealing: “Vedanta” is a combination of two words: “Veda” which means “knowledge” and “anta” which means “the end of” or “the goal of.” In this context the goal of knowledge isn’t intellectual—the limited knowledge we acquire by reading books. “Knowledge” here means the knowledge of God as well as the knowledge of our own divine nature. Vedanta, then, is the search for Self-knowledge as well as the search for God.

What do we mean when we say God? According to Vedanta, God is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss. The term for this impersonal, transcendent reality is Brahman, the divine ground of being. Yet Vedanta also maintains that God can be personal as well, assuming human form in every age. Most importantly, God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart.

Vedanta asserts that the goal of life is to realize and to manifest our own divinity. This divinity is our real nature, and the realization of it is our birthright. We are moving towards this goal as we grow with knowledge and life experiences. It is inevitable that we will eventually, either in this or in future lives, discover that the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.

Vedanta further affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: “Truth is one, sages call it by various names.” The world’s religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization. The conflicting messages we find among religions are due more to doctrine and dogma than to the reality of spiritual experience. While dissimilarities exist in the external observances of the world religions, the internals bear remarkable similarities.

According to the Vedanta teachings there are four paths we can follow to achieve the goal of understanding our divine nature. These paths are known as the Four Yogas. We can choose a path based on our personality or inclination, or follow the practices of the paths in any combination.

BHAKTI YOGA
Bhakti Yoga is the path of love and devotion. The devotee approaches God through a loving relationship. This path emphasizes practices such as prayer, chanting, and meditation on God as a loving presence in our lives.

JNANA YOGA
Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge. In this path the seeker uses reason and discernment to discover the divine nature within by casting off all that is false, or unreal. This practice shows us that the Supreme Reality resides within.

KARMA YOGA
Karma Yoga is the path of selfless work. Those who follow this path do work as an offering to God and expect nothing personal in return. Karma Yoga teaches us to practice detachment and equanimity in our work, and to understand that the results of any actions are beyond our control.

RAJA YOGA
Raja Yoga is the path of meditation. Meditation is an important practice in all of the paths as it allows us to experience higher states of consciousness where we achieve a deeper understanding of our divine nature. Sri Ramakrishna, a modern day saint and his student Swami Vivekananda, who brought Vedanta to the western world, emphasized the use of a mantra based meditation technique and symbolic images of the divine.

Swami Vivekananda On Vedanta🔻


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k41KjGzTtI0

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Non-dual Meditation - Part 2 | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVKS8jhXN2s

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The Lamp of Bliss | Swami Sarvapriyananda


"If a man knows the Self as ‘I am this,’ then desiring what and for whose sake will he suffer in the wake of the body?" Based on this verse from the Brihadharanyaka Upanishad (Mantra 4.4.12) and the associated commentary from Vidyaranya Swami (7th Chapter of Panchadasi), Swami Sarvapriyananda provides inspiration and strength to help us cope with these difficult times.

Mantra 4.4.12:
आत्मानं चेद्विजानीयादयमस्मीति पूरुषः ।
किमिच्छन्कस्य कामाय शरीरमनुसंज्वरेत् ॥ १२ ॥


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT5OmEQccE8

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Who Keeps Track of Karma? | Swami Sarvapriyananda


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXDGsyNxFGA

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Ashtavakra Gita - The Enlightened Life | Swami Sarvapriyananda



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz0U2y_4OGQ

[Docim369]

Much, much thanks, greybeard for opening up this thread. Some years ago I had already been into Swami Vivekananda (disciple of Sri Ramakrishna), who is a representative of the Advaita Vedanta school. And now this school of thought, which Swami Sarvapriyananda, who until recently was new to me (I have listened to cca. 15 of his lectures) and is, as far as I am concerned, an elite scholar, calls it a philosophy and not a religion. I am looking at this material in a different way today.
Again, I am very thankful and grateful.

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Docim369
Im really pleased that you found and enjoy this thread.
So much in it and well presented
Chris