Wisdom of the Sages - podcast cover

Wisdom of the Sages

Raghunath Cappo & Kaustubha Daswisdomofthesages.libsyn.com
Truths about life from the timeless wisdom of the Bhakti-yoga tradition - fun, relevant, and deep. Learn about dharma, yoga, bhakti, and how it relates to all the basic questions of life. This show is about how to live your best life, let go of the external distractions, and uncover the spiritual happiness that lies within the heart as the true nature of the soul. Raghunath and Kaustubha's connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90's, to sharing their experiences in the world of yoga in the 21st century.
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Episodes

1414: Bhagavad Gita's Formula for Seeing God Everywhere

the satisfaction found in singular focus / seeing oneness in conceptions, actions and objectives lifts one's awareness beyond the material / Krishna is horizontal and vertical cause of the cosmic manifestation / seeing this world as nothing but God's energy / Krishna's message to Arjuna about the highest of all yogis / How to see God everywhere / real liberation is sweet surrender SB 7.15.62-63 *************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE C...

Sep 05, 202456 minEp. 1414

1413: Like a Flame or a River -This World is Real and Unreal

Educate through love / we are trying to hold onto something solid, in an ever-shifting world / the solid is the subtle and the subtle is the solid / God is the unchanging thread holding the changing world together / Don't try to redecorate your hotel room- do the inner work and move on / there's a way to carry god consciousness into your changing world / losing faith in the material world SB 7.15.59-61 *************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? ...

Sep 04, 202455 minEp. 1413

1412: The Snake & the Rope Revisited

Chandogya Upanisad tells that what we meditate on we become / Sarva khalvidam brahma - what does it mean, that everything is brahman? / Bhagavad-gita 14.27 - Krishna is the basis of brahman / Bhagavad-gita 10.12 - Krishna is the Supreme Brahman / all creation is made possible by brahman's potential power / Brahman manifests as Krishna's multifarious energies: parasya saktir vividaiva sruyate (Svetasvatara Upanishad 6.8) / 4 ways that Sankara's Snake-rope metaphor fails - superimposition is impos...

Sep 03, 202455 minEp. 1412

1411: I Can't See a Rope as a Snake Unless Snakes Really Exist

"We don't see reality. We see our reality." - Professor Mercer from The Irrational / the Dartmouth Scar Experiment, sports, and the OJ trial all illustrate how mental impressions shape our perception / Vedanta's classic metaphor of the snake and the rope / it is impossible to superimpose one idea unto another, if the former doesn't exist in reality - ergo - the form variety and individual personhood of this reflected in this world must exist in reality SB 7.15.55-58 *****************************...

Sep 02, 202456 minEp. 1411

1410: Meeting Keshava Swami

Kaustubha interviews S.B. Keshava Swami about his training and service as a monk, as well as some insights on America through the eyes of a monk and questions on money and careers. To learn more about HH Keshava Swami Maharaj, go to https://www.keshavaswami.com *************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@Wisdomo...

Sep 01, 202454 minEp. 1410

1409: What is the Significance of Lineage (Sampradaya) in Bhakti Yoga? / Q & A Volume 241

What is the significance of sampradaya? / Do you see a rise in those choosing to practice Bhakti-yoga or is consumerism too strong? / Why shouldn't one point their feet at the altar? / Why don't we pass the guru (or Krishna) bead when we chant on a mala? / What is the signifigance of the Tulsi beads? *************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ...

Aug 31, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 1409

1408: Ego Dissolution

"True sanity entails in one way or another the dissolution of the normal ego." - R. D. Laing / the re-establishment of the true identity as servant of the divine / the purpose of ritual is the impression it leaves in the mind / through knowing (jnana) - one naturally lets go (vairagya) / When the senses are illuminated with knowledge ritualistic sacrifice may dissolve / offer sacrifice into the senses - the senses into the mind - the mind into mantra / attaining finer levels of bodies up to the ...

Aug 30, 20241 hrEp. 1408

1407: The Materialistic Drive Doesn't Fit Into This World

materialism has no limiting principle in a world of limitations / the yogi places a limiting principle on materialistic drives / E. F. Schumacher as a brahminical voice in a materialistic boom / the flaw of democracy (no one will vote for a limiting principle) / basking in the afterglow of Prabhupada's appearance day festival / a guru wrings out our disqualifications for devotional service / materialistic expansion vs materialistic reduction / letdown is woven into the path of material enjoyment...

Aug 29, 202456 minEp. 1407

1406: Don't Think Slave Master, Think Kung Fu Master

until we come under the tutelage of one who has mastered their senses, we remain a slave / resuming our spiritual identity / the promise of happiness through material enjoyment never delivers / the material energy is showing us that there is no hope on the path of material enjoyment / the blessing of regret SB 7.15.45-47 Find Bali's novel at https://a.co/d/5r0MrrY Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-49943294-session#/ About Sage Groups: https://www.wisdomo...

Aug 28, 202457 minEp. 1406

1405: Srila Prabhupada's Miracle

On the anniversary of the day of his birth, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the life and contribution of Srila Prabhupada, who first brought the teachings of Bhakti to the West. Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-49943294-session#/ About Sage Groups: https://www.wisdomofthesages.com/c/sagegroups/ **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to h...

Aug 27, 202454 minEp. 1405

1404: Sweet Baby Krishna Extravaganza - Janmastami Special with Krishna Murari Goswami

On the occasion of Krishna's appearance, Raghunath talks with Krishna Murari Goswami about the traditions, songs and stories of Nandagram and Vrindavan. Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-49943294-session#/ About Sage Groups: https://www.wisdomofthesages.com/c/sagegroups/ **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesag...

Aug 26, 202458 minEp. 1404

1403: Love is Transrational - An Interview with Prof. Edwin Bryant

Learn more at http://www.edwinbryant.org Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-49943294-session#/ About Sage Groups: https://www.wisdomofthesages.com/c/sagegroups/ **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/p...

Aug 25, 202459 minEp. 1403

1402: How to See the Guru in a Healthy Way - Q & A Volume 240

What are your thoughts about AI created devotional art? / How are we to look at a relationship between guru and student in a healthy way? / Should we correct other devotees when reading Sanskrit? Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-49943294-session#/ About Sage Groups: https://www.wisdomofthesages.com/c/sagegroups/ **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YO...

Aug 24, 202456 minEp. 1402

1401: Am I in Control or Am I Being Controlled?

it's not so much our bad habits that are the obstacle to our spiritual growth, it's hypocrisy / the renunciants meditate on the future state of our body / bhoga and taiga - shift back and forth between enjoyment and renunciation / bringing back the Upanishadic metaphors / the body is a chariot, the senses are the horses, the mind is the reins, the intelligence is the driver, the self is the passenger / these sacred texts are encouraging us to think about our situation, and then embrace self cont...

Aug 23, 202456 minEp. 1401

1400: Tom Landry & the Guru Principle

Tom Landry's coaching and the guru principle / guru - the practical and mystical sides / the guru's conviction instills faith in the disciple / all can be accomplished automatically through faith and devotion to a valid guru / like an ambassador, a guru is a representative / getting past the initial threshold in controlling the mind / controlling the mind and senses in connection to the guru SB 7.15.23-36 Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4AE22A1FD0-49943294-sessio...

Aug 22, 202452 minEp. 1400

1399: Dealing with Our Inner Tuco

Narada's heartfelt instructions on contentment and greed / You won't experience emptiness when you feel God in the heart / Just one wandering sense is enough for mission drift / guru scandals stemming from lack of contentment / anger can be vented, but greed is never satisfied / approach wealth like a sage / by discussing the disadvantages of accumulating wealth one should give up greed / dealing with our inner Tuco SB 7.15.20-22 Sign Up for Sage Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EA4...

Aug 21, 202455 minEp. 1399

1398: The Contentment of the Yogi

"Contentment makes poor men rich. Discontentment makes rich men poor". - Benjamin Franklin / the Gītā informs us that desire is the real enemy of the embodied soul, since it is never satisfied and burns like fire (the more you feed it, the more it grows) / one only has to wear one pair of shoes—one doesn't need to cover the entire earth with leather (in other words - let me adjust myself rather than adjust the world) / the materialist is content with their internal development, the yogi is conte...

Aug 20, 202455 minEp. 1398

1397: The Quality of Mercy Droppeth

William Shakespeare on the quality of mercy / seasoning justice with mercy / Bhakti is all about the softening of the heart / our fascination with the moment of awakening / for one who is satisfied in the self - there is no duty / "Vaisnava means one who is able to sit down anywhere, under any conditions, and be happy." - Srila Prabhupada / bringing discernment into Eastern traditions SB 7.15.9-14 **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE A...

Aug 19, 202451 minEp. 1397

1396: The Power of Small Groups / An Interview with Kripamoya Das

Kaustubha interviews author Kripamoya Das about his new book "Sanatana Dharma" and his realizations garnered over 50 years of presenting Bhakti in small groups. Pre-order Kripamoya Das' book at https://a.co/d/j7ez7mA **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts...

Aug 18, 202456 minEp. 1396

1395: How to Root Out Our Own Inner Hate? / Q&A Vol. 239

How can to root out our own inner hate? / How can we build faith in Krsna and His benevolence if we don't frequently experience it in this life? / How to understand the topic of chanting silently in the mind vs chanting aloud? **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https:...

Aug 17, 202455 minEp. 1395

1394: The Spiritual Food Episode

once you get it, it makes so much sense / diving and surfacing in a blissful river of kirtan / unless you have knowledge the whole material world is tortuous / we're in god's house / George Harrison on the power of spiritual food / life is just better off when we're appreciative / passing out prasadam in Jaipur and Govardhana / sharing love through food / the consciousness is developed through offering food to the ancestors / the highest dharma is achieved through giving up all animosity to othe...

Aug 16, 202457 minEp. 1394

1393: The Anti Hate Episode

James Baldwin on the self-destructive nature of hate / hatred negatively impacts the nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system / if you sit in (media) mud, you're gonna get dirty / bringing bad habits into sacred circles destroys spiritual life / remedy for hate - see everyone as connected to God and feed them prasadam / replace the wafer with a gulab jamun cooked with love / we can barely handle even a tiny fraction of Krishna's opulences / the art of reminding others who they are wit...

Aug 15, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 1393

1392: Seeing the Object of Divine Love Everywhere

the futility in external worship that lacks spiritual vision / we're all worshiping and meditating on someone / the worshipper sees the object of their affection everywhere / seeing God in the brahmanas / Krishna worships His devotees SB 7.14.41-42 https://venablesvalleywildfire.com http://Saranagatiwildfire.com **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesag...

Aug 14, 202459 minEp. 1392

1391: God in the Temple, God in the Heart

Clarance Clemons on the calm mind and connecting with the inner self / inner connection isn't cheap - austerity and renunciation aid contemplation and meditation / God in the heart gives intelligence to the individual soul according to his capacity for understanding / when we could no longer access God in the heart through samadhi, the sages provided temple worship / the evolution from karma to jnana to bhakti is a natural progression, widely observed in areas of spiritual evolution, but most cl...

Aug 13, 202452 minEp. 1391

1390: The Simple Formula - Come Together for Kirtan & Prasad

"The end of all knowledge should be service to others." – Cesar Chavez / our individuality is eternal / when Arjun's illusion was dispelled he didn't merge into Krishna / Narada anticipates the shallow approach to the ritual and recommends service to others / the formula is to come together for Kirtan and prasad / auspicious times for ceremonies / auspicious places for ceremonies / a Vaiṣṇava is a walking holy place / The key to the universe - the universe is like a tree whose root is Krishna - ...

Aug 12, 202457 minEp. 1390

1389: Experiencing the Krishna Effect - Interview with Radhika Das

How to find liberation from the false ego / Transformation happens on the other side of new experiences / Find your Krishna confidence / It's between you and God / Learn to fly your own plane and enjoy your own company / It's you and me (baby) Krishna Find more at https://www.radhikadas.com **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUB...

Aug 11, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 1389

1388: Q & A Volume 238

What is the meaning of "faith"? / The separation of church and state-- is God the enemy? **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 CONNECT ON ...

Aug 10, 202454 minEp. 1388

1387: Serve & Feed Everyone

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali / how arranged marriages work / through duty, love develops / wealth should be engaged in service others to avoid the pit of entitlement / "What are all these people doing at our wedding?" / worship the Supreme Being in the core of everyone's heart by service to others / service to the Devas / service to the saintly people / service to everyone / service to the animals and plants / serve and feed everyone SB 7.14...

Aug 09, 202455 minEp. 1387

1386: Minimize Needs - Minimize Anxiety

A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.- Aesop / A person who has given up all sense of proprietorship can alone attain real peace. - Bhagavad-gita 2.71 / minimize needs to minimize anxiety / Giving up the sense of proprietorship - right down to the food we eat / don't underestimate the power of prasad / Kaustubha's garlic misadventure / Gracias Madre - I only wan't Krishna's prasadam / be like the Cataka bird / Raghu's eucharist stealing misadventure SB 7.14.14 ****...

Aug 08, 202456 minEp. 1386

1385: Practicing Bhakti in the Presence of Those Who Don't

the non-pretentiousness of the Bhakti-yogi / the diplomacy of the Bhakti-yogi / the simplicity of the Bhakti-yogi / the communal spirit of the Bhakti-yogi / the Bhakti-yogi conquers over lust SB 7.14.6-13 **************************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/u...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 1385
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