The Challenges of the Guru-Disciple Relationship | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP26

This video is a continuation of the previous one. This time, we watch Stuart Knechtle as he speaks with a young student about frequently debated topics such as karma and caste. They also discuss the meaning of proselytization from both Christian and Hindu perspectives.Is Stuart Knechtle’s criticism of Hinduism valid, or is there a significant misunderstanding at play?Furthermore, Swami Revatikanta's analysis delves into whether followers of Sanatana Dharma should share their faith with others—and if so, in what way.At the end, Swami Revatikaanta asks the question: Is the method of debate valid? Is it a means of discovering truth, or merely a tool for winning over the audience?Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this podcast the essence of the upcoming book of Mayuran Senthilnathan will be discussed. Back to Ayodhya is a unique and intriguing spiritual commentary on the ancient scripture of the Ramayana. Leading the reader through the dramatic events of this epic story, it reveals extraordinary hidden insights about the spiritual journey, with life lessons to help one make real changes along the way.As the story unfolds, we see that the Ramayana is not merely an ancient narration, but rather an inner reality to be discovered, and the separation and union of Lord Răma and Sita is the dynamic that plays between God and the soul. Rama is the incarnation of the highest Divinity, He is the Master, while Sita is the soul.About the author and guest: Mayuran Senthilnathan is the author of Avatars of the Master and The Hypocrite Within. He is a senior teacher of philosophy for Bhakti Marga. His particular passion lies in analysing Hindu scripture and sharing the wisdom that has been imbibed through his Master,Paramahamsa Vishwananda.Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

What does it mean for two young individuals to grow up in a Hindu spiritual community from a very young age, coming from very different backgrounds? Meet Shridara and Lakshmianandani Dasi, a young couple who grew up in Bhakti Marga, as they share their stories about experiencing this unique path and how they have been perceived by the outside world. What are their daily struggles, and what changed, especially after their initiation as devotees? They also share how the Youth Summer Sangha helped them deepen their spiritual path and strengthen their relationship with God and their Satguru, Paramahamsa Vishwananda.Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

From Worst Enemy to Best FriendNavigating through life, changing locations and surroundings, altering appearances, or acquiring new possessions might create the illusion that external changes can bring everlasting happiness. Yet, we often overlook the one constant companion within us, present 24 hours a day, which doesn’t always have our best interests at heart: the mind.According to the Bhagavad Gita, when uncontrolled, the mind is our greatest enemy; when disciplined, it becomes our most powerful ally, capable of leading us to greatness in both the spiritual and material realms. Thus, the measure of someone’s spiritual progress is not solely how much they love God but also how well they have mastered their mind.Discover how you can become the master of your mind by Swami Revatikaanta.Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this episode, we will hear the life story of Ameyatma Das, a renowned musician who went on an adventurous journey to finally meet his satguru. Through this path, he was able to embrace his God-given talent to help others, while always being reminded that every gift comes from God and that healers should see themselves as instruments in His hands.We will explore the challenges within modern New Age spirituality, highlighting the importance of proper knowledge to avoid falling into ego-driven self-expression. We will also examine the immense responsibility that healers carry and gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the law of attraction.Guest: Ameyatma DasWatch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In the final episode of the Tādātmya Vedānta series, we explore the nature of Śrī Hari, focusing on His essence and qualities, as well as His various avatāras. Additionally, we delve into His manifestations as the Satguru, Śiva, and Devī. The nature of the soul (ātma) will also be discussed, including the reason for our long journey and the nature of its relationship with Śrī Hari.From the ultimate perspective, the Lord remains truly inconceivable to the limited human intellect. Where intellectual efforts fall short, śāstra offers guidance toward understanding His true nature. Yet, His mystery cannot be fully captured in words.Guests: Rishi Sahadev and MayuranWatch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

The second episode delves into a deeper analysis of Tādātmya Vedānta - A Treatise on the Philosophy of the Hari Bhakta Sampradāya, written to provide a foundational philosophical conclusion (siddhānta) based on the teachings of Paramahamsa Vishwananda. It situates the contemporary movement of the Hari Bhakta Sampradāya within the expansive traditions of Vaiṣṇavism and Vedānta.In this episode, we explore the landscape of Vedānta and its significance, examining what makes Vedānta unique among the various schools of thought within Sanātana Dharma. We also discuss the ways in which Advaita Vedānta is often mischaracterized or oversimplified, drawing on the perspectives of saints from different traditions and their experiences of reality.The concept of Vaikuṇṭha on Earth will be examined, along with a deeper analysis of the philosophy of Paramahamsa Vishwananda as well the nature of bhakti and grace. Guests: Rishi Vrishaparvaananda and MayuranWatch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

Sampradāya PoliticsThe first episode discusses the myth of the four Sampradāyas, which is largely based on a specific verse in the Padma Purana. This verse is often used today to discredit Sampradāyas that fall outside of this system. Originally, it was intended to unify the various traditions, but over time, it became a tool to assert the legitimacy of one's own tradition, overlooking the true essence of a Sampradāya. This essence is far simpler and should centre on elements such as love, devotion and surrender to Śrī Hari, revealed by divine incarnations with direct access to this truth.Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

This episode delves into profound spiritual themes, including recognising the guru and the deep lessons found in the Guru-Disciple relationship. However, the steps to perfection are not always smooth. Swami Paranthapa, a long-term disciple of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, shares insights from his journey.Swami Paranthapa recounts significant spiritual encounters, including meetings with Hanuman, and discusses the value of friendship, the importance of taking risks for the Guru, and a recent book release. The conversation also explores Hinduism’s presence in Africa, cultural challenges, and how the Thinking Bhakti Podcast serves as a bridge between diverse cultures.Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

Each person on this planet goes through the same journey of rediscovering the purpose of life, oneself, and our connection with God.From an early age, Nikunja explored many different spiritual traditions, but deep inside, she felt there had to be something real, free from hypocrisy, that would give her the answers to her questions and the longing she had to discover the truth. Then, one day, when she met her satguru, Paramahamsa Vishwananda, her search ended, and she found what she had been longing for: spirituality in its simplicity, and the pursuit of only the love of God.Follow Nikunja:http://linktr.ee/NIKUNJAWatch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial