How do we balance human emotions with spiritual wisdom? In this heartfelt Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages , Raghunath and Mara dive deep into navigating grief, supporting loved ones through loss, and staying connected to spiritual practice amidst life's challenges. From honoring our human experience to understanding the eternal nature of the soul, discover how Bhakti philosophy offers a grounded, compassionate approach to life's transitions. Key Highlights: ✨ What happens to the soul at t...
Dec 28, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1504
Stoic philosophy meets the wisdom of the Bhakti tradition in this thought-provoking episode of Wisdom of the Sages. Tune in as Raghunath and Kaustubha explore teachings of simplicity and contentment through the lens of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. From the lessons of Lord Vāmana's interaction with Bali Mahārāja to the words of the philosopher Seneca, discover how living simply transforms the heart and mind. Key Highlights: ✨ "It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is p...
Dec 27, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1503
A heartfelt and thought-provoking Christmas episode of Wisdom of the Sages, where Raghunath and Kastubha explore the profound intersections between the teachings of Jesus Christ and the timeless path of Bhakti-yoga. Set against the backdrop of holiday cheer and reflection, this episode uncovers nuggets of wisdom from the New Testament that resonate with the universal principles of love, humility, and devotion. Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✨ How Jesus' words reflect the essence of Bhakti: lov...
Dec 25, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1502
Join Raghunath and Kaustubha in this heartfelt Christmas Eve episode as they delve into Blaise Pascal's profound insights about the "God-shaped hole" within every human being. Together, they unpack the timeless wisdom of filling this infinite abyss not with fleeting material distractions but with Divine connection. Through vibrant discussion and references to the Srimad Bhagavatam, they explore how the Vishnu avatar, Lord Vamana's pastimes teach us to surrender fully and embrace a lifestyle cent...
Dec 24, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1501
In this milestone 1500th episode, Wisdom of the Sages celebrates the profound transformations sparked by the daily discussions of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Hear heartfelt testimonials from listeners around the globe—how Bhakti-yoga and the Wisdom of the Sages community have shifted lives toward gratitude, purpose, and peace. Key Highlights: ✨ First-hand stories of sobriety, healing, and connection through bhakti. ✨ The power of hearing Bhagavatam daily to reshape habits and hearts. ✨ Getting to kno...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 1500
Join Raghunath in a heartfelt conversation with renowned Kirtan leader Madhava Das. This episode is filled with personal stories, and timeless lessons about the transformative power of the Kirtan. From the scorching streets of Vrindavan to global stages, Madhava shares his journey of devotion, the wisdom of his mentor Aindra Prabhu, and how Kirtan transcends ego, connects hearts, and opens the door to divine love. Key Highlights: • Insights into the life and teachings of Aindra Prabhu. • How...
Dec 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 1499
Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they confront the darker corners of spiritual life. Through heartfelt questions from listeners, they explore profound truths about the battle between light and shadow within all of us. From breaking free of addiction to understanding the very nature of evil and the demonic world view, this episode unpacks heavy topics with a balance of warmth, wisdom, and practical guidance. Key Questions Discussed: • What is the difference between a personal and impersonal conc...
Dec 21, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1498
Dive deep into the true meaning of yoga beyond the asanas, as Raghunath and Kaustubha unravel the profound connection between yoga's meditative roots and transcendental joy. Through the enchanting Lilas of Lord Vamanadev, they reveal how Krishna's playful incarnations hold the key to understanding life's ultimate purpose—divine love through spiritual play. Discover how Vedic wisdom invites us to stretch our imagination and perceive truths beyond the limits of our material experience. From the sa...
Dec 20, 2024•53 min•Ep. 1497
Join Raghunath and Kaustubha in this insightful episode as they explore the profound teachings of Bhakti Yoga through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Travel with them to the rural simplicity of India, where spirituality and community merge, and discover how Vedic wisdom shapes daily practices. Hear about Lord Vamanadev's awe-inspiring appearance. And the deeper significance of Divine incarnations in Krishna's spiritual lineage, as upheld by towering figures like Bhakti Siddh...
Dec 19, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1496
This episode highlights the transformative power of devotional service, the beauty of offering talents in bhakti, and the enduring hope found in spiritual practice. Special guest Jamuna Priti shares her journey as a Krishna-conscious artist, creating murals that inspire devotion worldwide. Hear about how to connect your unique gifts to your spiritual path and cultivate optimism even amidst life's challenges. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the inspiring appearance of Lord Vāmana, the dwarf incar...
Dec 18, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1495
Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they explore the profound teachings of Bhakti Yoga through the lens of time, spirituality, and self-awareness. Discover how observing the eternal time factor as a witness can inspire living fully "in the now" while fostering spiritual growth. Drawing from Aditi and Brama's heartfelt prayers to Lord Vishnu in the Srimad Bhagavatam, this episode delves into the power of devotion, the impermanence of the material world, and the enduring hope found in spiritual practi...
Dec 17, 2024•55 min•Ep. 1494
'Properly understood and applied, (prayer) is the most potent instrument of action.' - Mahatma Gandhi / Prayer is a yogic means to cultivate inner strength, clarity, and resolve / Similarities in Dhruva and Aditi - both had devotion mixed with material objective, but both surrendered to a valid spiritual guide, both performed devotional practices with extraordinary focus and determination, both were purified through devotional acts / we don't lose dignity when we pray / through recognition of Vi...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 1493
The holidays can be a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection—but for Bhakti-yogis, returning home to family can also present unique challenges. In this special episode of Wisdom of the Sages, we're joined by Dhanya Rico, a mental wellness educator with advanced degrees in counselor education, and couples and family therapy. Both Dhanya and Kaustubha offer practical tools and insights for maintaining harmony when values, practices, and lifestyles differ between Bhakti practitioners and their f...
Dec 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 1492
Our minds become one by reciting the sacred texts together / wrapping yourself in the holy name / surrendering to Vishnu in times of hardship / Krishna's Star Wars level play for restoring cosmic order / the mantra is the weapon to take the empire back / shaking off the tamasic mindset / "The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." — Bruce Lee / if we don't feel the urgency, Krishna can turn up the heat / the story of Kailash the snake SB 8.17.1-3 To join a Sage Group for ...
Dec 12, 2024•58 min•Ep. 1491
Kaustubha Das speaks with Vaisesika Das and Malini Devi Dasi on this special Gita Jayanti episode of Wisdom of the Sages as they dive deep into the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and discuss how you can participate in the campaign to distribute 4.2 million Bhagavad-gitas. Celebrate the day this sacred text was spoken and uncover its profound wisdom for everyday life. #BhagavadGita #GitaJayanti #WisdomOfTheSages To contact Malini, call or message her at +1 (669) 289-5563 ****************...
Dec 11, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1490
If you are going to get the mind under control you will need a strategy / Joseph Campbell on entering the myth through ritual / how Krishna's lilas make ritual dynamic / in Bhakti the means and the end are the same / training the heart to catch up to the externals / to love and to serve is our very nature / examining all the elements of the payo-vrata ritual / Take the Power Back! (From Your Own Mind) / our desires cause us pain - a still mind brings peace / Key Differences in Western and Easter...
Dec 10, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1489
Morihei Ueshiba on loyalty, devotion, bravery, the spirit of self-sacrifice and trust in the power of love / find what you have full conviction in and express it boldly / Let Krishna, in your heart, carry you through the anxiety / whatever fear you experience - try to just witness that from a distance / never allow anyone to make you feel foolish for walking away from a materialistic life / Krishna is chipping away at our big ego blob / finding beauty and satisfaction in loving service / we're n...
Dec 09, 2024•51 min•Ep. 1488
Raghunath interviews Yadubara das about meeting the devotees and Srila Prabhupada in 1970, travelling to India and photography and filmmaking. Yadubara's most recent film is Hare Krishna! The Mantra, The Movement and The Swami Who Started It. Learn more at https://harekrishnathefilm.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://...
Dec 08, 2024•38 min•Ep. 1487
What is the attitude that we should take when it seems that God is taking everything away from us? / How can I celebrate, and explain celebrating, Christmas to my daughter as a non-Christian? ********************************************************************* 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-...
Dec 07, 2024•55 min•Ep. 1486
The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. - William James / separating ourselves from our thoughts / yoga means choosing what goes on in my mind / pushing out low level thinking with ritual / the average person has 60,000 thoughts a day 45,000 of those thoughts are negative / only love moves Krishna / the guru does not manufacture a new process / making the ritual more effective through regularity and focus / are senses are only able to pick up crummy,...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1485
Maya Angelou on becoming a representative / just as there are cheaters in the West - there are cheaters from the East / the big key to understand who is real - they don't pose as an enlightened being - they present their self as a simple representative / Enlightened One red flags / guru is like a postal peon - simply making a delivery / real gurus don't accept praise - they pass it up / the ego wants to be a guru / get educated on what a guru really is / Regardless of the level of your evolution...
Dec 05, 2024•59 min•Ep. 1484
Paulo Segadaes is a professional photographer and daily listener of Wisdom of the Sages. Here, he tells how he became inspired to go to Vrindavan, India, the center of the Krishna Bhakti tradition, where he broke through the culture shock, and under the guidance of an ideal guide, captured the fascinatingly beautiful portraits and photos in his new book, VRINDAVAN. Follow Sega on Instagram @segadaes Order his book at goodluckproducts.bigcartel.com Use discount code: wots108 *********************...
Dec 04, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1483
The material world is crumbling - but Bhagavatam is a fresh perspective / every jump to a higher level of energy and awareness - involves a rite of passage - Dan Millman - "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" / we should all have a strategy of where we want to be at the end of life / pass to the next stage and never look back / let the discomfort purify us / we need communities that help us climb higher / NO BACKSLIDING / The Ganga is beyond time - we sit on her banks and feel pain / life is moving - l...
Dec 03, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1482
"A great soul never dies." - Maya Angelou / the 12 Great People / the spiritual master lives forever by his divine instructions and the follower lives with him / "What is this alone? Vaishnava is never alone." / Raghu's morning meditations / "Rādhārāṇī, kindly be merciful and tell about me to Your Kṛṣṇa. To Your Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa is Yours." / uninterrupted meditation on the instructions of the great souls / Arjuna's constant meditation on Krishna's instructions / the great intimacy of friendship betw...
Dec 02, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1481
Kaustubha interviews Ineke Zondag, a leader at Food For Life Vrindavan, which is a favorite Non-profit Organization of his and Raghunath's, which provides free education, skill training, meals and medical help to over 1500 girls in Vrindavan, India. Find more info at https://fflv.org Reach out to Ineke at ineke@fflv.org ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesa...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1480
What is a Vaishnava? / Does it really make sense to pray for the benefit of another person, to an all knowing, all powerful God? / If someone gives you a lottery ticket is it still considered gambling? ********************************************************************* 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/...
Nov 30, 2024•56 min•Ep. 1479
"When you truly understand karma, then you realize you are responsible for everything in your life." -Keanu Reeves / raking radical responsibility / everyone loves Keanu Reeves / the definition of gaslighting / getting caught in a gaslighting loop / being encouraged to consider whether our suffering caused by ourself may not be gaslighting - it may be torchlighting / looking into the Vedic marriage of Kasyapa and Aditi / "even an enemy comes to one's home, one should receive him in such a way th...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 1478
"Preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving, and for every breath a song." Konrad von Gesner / To the degree we're grateful we are happy and to the degree we're entitled we're sad / Raghunath almost dies laughing / what is a pure - still heart? / alternative views of spiritual bypassing / how to be always thankful / the whole Bhakti thing is about giving thanks / ingratitude is the worst sin / Bali got power based on the principle of service to gu...
Nov 28, 2024•52 min•Ep. 1477
We own nothing, God owns everything / Bali Mahārāja became a disciple of Śukrācārya and with great faith, offered everything he had / devotion to a real guru can grant one great power / the empowerment of Prabhupada's disciples / Bali gets empowered and assembles his army / The beauty of Indra's capital / Brihaspati reveals to Indra the key to Bali's power / "By the pleasure of the spiritual master, one can get extraordinary power, especially in spiritual advancement." SB 8.15.1-28 *************...
Nov 27, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1476
Raghu's redecoration is a super high meditation / Kaustubha is not judging Raghunath / our challenge: to maintain the integrity of the tradition, while expressing it's vision in a way that responds to the needs of new situations / the Ganga Tilak Lady / the universal management teams / we're no spring chickens / Bali will become the new Indra! / we can't even imagine the opulence of higher planets / we've ruined this planet for no good reason / Krishna assumes the form of great yogis / The probl...
Nov 26, 2024•56 min•Ep. 1475
