FRP #24 | From Gaudiya Vaishnava to Christian | feat. Br. Alberto Varona

Drop in on this candid moment as Pranada dasi, author of the award-winning Bhakti trilogy and dedicated Vaishnavi, unknowingly joins the Free Radical Podcast and continues to share her deep experiences, insights, struggles and appreciation of the—as she puts it—gorgeous path of bhakti. For more, please visit https://www.pranadacomtois.com/ Watch on YouTube: ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

Join Swami Padmanabha and Rabbi Nahum Ward-Lev, who embraces the role of a "lead learner" rather than a teacher, in this enriching conversation that unfolds like a spiritual pilgrimage. Travel with these two pilgrim brothers as they weave a tapestry of exploration through topics mutually vital to both. Some of the threads giving texture and depth to this beautiful creation of insights that invite both reflection and connection are: inherent relationality of all beings, awe and wonder, humility, prayer, faith, purpose, and meaning, resting upon the shared understanding of an ever-unfolding God and His unconditional love. Rabbi Nahum Ward-Lev founded and leads Beit Midrash of Santa Fe, a multi-faith sacred learning community. His teaching invites learners into an adventurous exploration that engages the body, heart and soul as well as the mind. He is an experienced spiritual director, accompanying people of many faiths. Nahum is the Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Fe, NM and a Fellow of the Rabbis Without Borders Initiative. For more, please visit https://rabbinahum.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QyXaurF1u-k ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this episode, Swami Padmanabha is joined by Krishna Kshetra Swami, a very appreciated elder, scholar and Gaudiya Vaishnava teacher. Tune in as they explore Dialogical Vaishnavism which emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement in dialogue—not just with other faiths and traditions, but also within our own community and with ourselves. It highlights how the very nature of reality is inherently dialogical, grounded in interconnectedness, relationality, and reciprocity. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp-9HeWIilI ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

In this episode of the Free Radical Podcast, host Swami Padmanabha sits down with Carmen Acevedo Butcher, an award-winning translator, internationally acclaimed speaker, author, educator, and poet, to explore profound topics like the mystery of God, the concept of the cloud of unknowing, and the ever-evolving nature of reality. Together, they discuss the mysteries that lie beyond human understanding and reflect on our role within this ever-changing world. As a translator of ancient spiritual texts, Carmen and Swami discuss unique insights into how to translate life into the language of love, constantly interpreting and reinterpreting our experiences through a more refined understanding of love. Whether you're intrigued by spirituality, the unfolding of the unknown, or how we shape our own realities, we hope you find this conversation inspiring and thought-provoking. Tune in for a deep and engaging discussion on embracing mystery, understanding our place in the universe, and navigating the continuous evolution of life. To learn more about Carmen Acevedo Butcher, please visit her website: https://carmenbutcher.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lg3m6vZJ6yw ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

Join Swami Padmanabha as he sits down with Ananda-murari das—a close friend, musician, and new father—for a heartwarming and insightful conversation. In this episode, Ananda-murari das opens up about how fatherhood is deepening his understanding of God's love for each of us and shaping his journey in male spirituality. And as a special treat, there's a delightful "cherry on top" at the end of the discussion that you won't want to miss. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, reflection, and a dash of surprise! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5GWUCF1u_Ls ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

Join Swami Padmanabha and Rabbi Bradley Artson as they engage in a profound dialogue exploring their shared perspectives on God, the world, and the self as parts of an endless process of becoming. This captivating conversation delves into the rich and progressive traditions of Judaism and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, uncovering unique insights and timeless wisdom on the path of devotion. Together, they mine the depths of spiritual understanding, offering listeners a thoughtful and transformative journey through the complexities of faith and existence. RABBI BRADLEY SHAVIT ARTSON holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University, where he is Vice President. He teaches Jewish Theology and Philosophy as well as Homiletics, and is the author of over 250 articles and 12 books, most recently Renewing the Process of Creation: A Jewish Integration of Science and Spirit. He has also published and spoken widely on environmental ethics, special needs inclusion, racial and economic justice, cultural and religious dialogue and cooperation, and working for a just and secure peace for Israel and the Middle East. A member of the Philosophy Department, he is particularly interested in theology, ethics, and the integration of science and religion. + info: www.bradartson.com Watch on YouTube: hhttps://youtu.be/OzA7d7sChQo ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

With a bit of a twist and a sprinkling of spice, Swami Padmanabha and Mahatma das bring to the table the vital conversation of self-love in bhakti—a conversation not only rarely had but often silently undermined through misconceptions of bhakti and, therefore, everything else that relates to Her—ourself, our practice, and God. Dispel self-sabotaging myths and discover the interpenetrating reality of self-love and love for God in this unique “purvapaksha-style” dialogue where the “friend mind”— represented as affirmations that support a healthy, vibrant sense of self rooted in the reality that we are a beloved of God—and the “enemy” mind—those countering, self-defeatist statements that sabotage our ability to own and step into that reality. Watch on YouTube: hhttps://youtu.be/OzA7d7sChQo ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

Have you ever experienced the synergistic magic when there is a natural meeting of minds? How about hearts?Join Swami Padmanabha and Pastor Scarlet Gorton as their kinship draws them together to explore the gift of unconditional love, how to open ourselves to that love and how to share its message with others. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIpdAXOSqp8 ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

Join Swami Padmanabha and Ujjvala as they delve into the transformative power of sacred disruption. In this episode, they explore how conscious participation in rituals—which can function as a replica of reality—has the potential to reframe our lives, reignite our spiritual journeys, and offer profound emotional experiences. By moving beyond mere intellectual connections, we are able to embrace a more heartfelt and experiential approach to spirituality. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0yy8H409Cw ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE

Be swept away by the flow of intermystical spirituality as Swami Padmanabha and Brother Alberto Varona explore the interweaving of their journeys in mystical traditions. Brother Alberto, a devout member of the Community of Francis and Claire, clinical psychologist, and director of campus ministry at Saint Xavier University, shares his profound journey back to his deepened roots in Christianity after practicing Gaudiya Vaishnavism for nearly two decades. In a unique and enriching dialogue, Swami Padmanabha and Brother Alberto delve into an exploration of practical and theological mystical Christianity and Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and discover a richer, more interconnected understanding of these profound spiritual paths. Stepping into the perspective of each other’s traditions, they (and we) are able to look back at their own with a more nuanced and richer vision. Some of the threads of this rich conversational tapestry are:•What is the relationship between the certainty of religion and the mystery of God•What would faith look like if it was grounded in belovedness?•How do shame and feelings of unworthiness impact our approach to our practice and our relationship with God?•What is the relationship between mystical spirituality and institutional religion and how do them impact each other•The practice of presence in mystical traditions—God’s omnipresence and our own omniabsence•The influx of grace.•What is the ultimate relationship with God for which they each aspire.•How nonduality leads to unified diversity. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpZql4CW0FI ▶ CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Gaudiya Reform Forum on Facebook .~ Swami Padmanabha’s Channels ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ YOUTUBE ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ WEBSITE ▶ PURCHASE RADICAL PERSONALISM: Revival Manifesto for Proactive Devotion in hardcover, paperback, and/or Kindle formats on Amazon ▶ WRITE your REVIEW of RADICAL PERSONALISM ~ Tadatmya Sangha’s Channels ▶ WEBSITE ▶ FACEBOOK ▶ INSTAGRAM ▶ YOUTUBE