Vedanta Talks - Swami Sarvapriyananda (Vedanta Society of New York)

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verses 11-12 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 11:

अध्यात्मज्ञाननित्यत्वं तत्वज्ञानार्थदर्शनम् |

एतज्ज्ञानमिति प्रोक्तमज्ञानं यदतोऽन्यथा ||11||

adhyātma-jñāna-nityatvaṁ tattva-jñānārtha-darśhanam

etaj jñānam iti proktam ajñānaṁ yad ato ’nyathā ||11||

🔴 Constant application to the study of spiritual texts and practice of spiritual disciplines, and a clear comprehension of the goal of spiritual enlightenment and the destiny of man - all these described before constitute knowledge; what is opposed to it is all ignorance.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 12:

ज्ञेयं यत्तत्प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वामृतमश्रुते |

अनादिमत्परं ब्रह्म न सत्तन्नासदुच्यते ||12||

jñeyaṁ yat tat pravakṣhyāmi yaj jñātvāmṛitam aśhnute

anādi mat-paraṁ brahma na sat tan nāsad uchyate ||12||

🔴 I shall now declare the object which ought to be known, by knowing which one attains to immortality. It is the Supreme Brahman, the eternal Being who cannot be described either as existent or non-existent (in the way sense-bound material objects are described)

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on Mar 9, 2021.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 15 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 15:

बहिरन्तश्च भूतानामचरं चरमेव च |

सूक्ष्मत्वात्तदविज्ञेयं दूरस्थं चान्तिके च तत् ||15||

Bahir antaśh cha bhūtānām acharaṁ charam eva cha

sūkṣhmatvāt tad avijñeyaṁ dūra-sthaṁ chāntike cha tat ||15||

🔴 He is within and without all beings. Though unmoving, He looks like one moving (because He is everywhere). He is both far and near. - far to the ignorant and near to the knowing ones. Owing to subtlety, He cannot be known like gross objects.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

This retreat lecture series on Nondual Meditation based on Adi Shankaracharya's exposition in Aparokshanubhuti guides viewers through steps to transcend identification with the body and mind, moving toward a direct realization of the Self as pure consciousness.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Discourse on Mahāvākyas (The Great Sayings) by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on Apr 27, 2021.

This retreat lecture series on Nondual Meditation based on Adi Shankaracharya's exposition in Aparokshanubhuti guides viewers through steps to transcend identification with the body and mind, moving toward a direct realization of the Self as pure consciousness.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verses 22-23 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 22:

उपद्रष्टानुमन्ता च भर्ता भोक्ता महेश्वर: |

परमात्मेति चाप्युक्तो देहेऽस्मिन्पुरुष: पर: ||22||

Upadraṣhṭānumantā cha bhartā bhoktā maheśhvaraḥ

paramātmeti chāpy ukto dehe ’smin puruṣhaḥ paraḥ ||22||

🔴 In this body there is also the Transcendent and the Supreme Spirit, who is described as the Supreme Self and Sovereign Lord, the unconcerned Witness, the Sanctioner, the Supporter, and the Enjoyer.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 23:

य एवं वेत्ति पुरुषं प्रकृतिं च गुणै: सह |

सर्वथा वर्तमानोऽपि न स भूयोऽभिजायते ||23||

Ya evaṁ vetti puruṣhaṁ prakṛitiṁ cha guṇaiḥ saha

sarvathā vartamāno ’pi na sa bhūyo ’bhijāyate ||23||

🔴 Whoever thus knows the Purusa (Spirit) and Prakriti (Nature) along with its effects, will never be born again, whatever be his mode of living.

Transcript

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on Mar 23, 2021.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 2 (Cont'd) from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 2:

क्षेत्रज्ञं चापि मां विद्धि सर्वक्षेत्रेषु भारत |

क्षेत्रक्षेत्रज्ञयोर्ज्ञानं यत्तज्ज्ञानं मतं मम ||2||

kṣhetra-jñaṁ chāpi māṁ viddhi sarva-kṣhetreṣhu bhārata

kṣhetra-kṣhetrajñayor jñānaṁ yat taj jñānaṁ mataṁ mama ||2||

🔴 Know Me, O scion of the Bharata race, to be the Ksetrajna (the Spirit) in all Ksetras (bodies). The knowledge of the distinction between Ksetra and Ksetrajna alone is real knowledge according to Me.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

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 October 13, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 29 and 30 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda. 

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

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 November 3, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 39 and 40 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda. 

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 September 22, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verse 25 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Oct 20th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

02:15 - What is the importance of earnestness and renunciation to progress in spiritual life.

13:37 - Do we need a Guru, and what is the relationship betwen the Gurua dn teh Advaitic Self?

19:31 - Is consciousness the controller of actions or is it just a witness?

31:09 - How do we go from reflected consciousness to ‘I am Brahman’?

41:17 - How can I cultivate a desire to meditate and to form a genuine enjoyment of the practice?

01:04:21 - How can I overcome doubts in spiritual life?

01:09:45 - How can dream state be considered equivalent to the waking state?

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 10 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 10:

मयि चानन्ययोगेन भक्तिरव्यभिचारिणी |

विविक्तदेशसेवित्वमरतिर्जनसंसदि ||10||

Mayi chānanya-yogena bhaktir avyabhichāriṇī

vivikta-deśha-sevitvam aratir jana-sansadi ||10||

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verses 16-18 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 16:

अविभक्तं च भूतेषु विभक्तमिव च स्थितम् |

भूतभर्तृ च तज्ज्ञेयं ग्रसिष्णु प्रभविष्णु च ||16||

Avibhaktaṁ cha bhūteṣhu vibhaktam iva cha sthitam

bhūta-bhartṛi cha taj jñeyaṁ grasiṣhṇu prabhaviṣhṇu cha ||16||

🔴 He, (the Brahman) whom aspirants seek to know, is the impartible Whole, yet does He seem to dwell in all beings as if divided into many. He is the generator and supporter of all beings, and their devourer too.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 17:

ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमस: परमुच्यते |

ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम् ||17||

Jyotiṣhām api taj jyotis tamasaḥ param uchyate

jñānaṁ jñeyaṁ jñāna-gamyaṁ hṛidi sarvasya viṣhṭhitam ||17||

🔴 The self-luminous light of consciousness revealing even all that is luminous, He is beyond obscuration by the darkness of ignorance. He, the light of knowledge, He, the quest of knowledge, He, the way to whom is knowledge -- in the inner-most recess of all beings is He established.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 18:

इति क्षेत्रं तथा ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं चोक्तं समासत: |

मद्भक्त एतद्विज्ञाय मद्भावायोपपद्यते ||18||

Iti kṣhetraṁ tathā jñānaṁ jñeyaṁ choktaṁ samāsataḥ

mad-bhakta etad vijñāya mad-bhāvāyopapadyate ||18||

🔴 Thus has been briefly expounded what the Ksetra (material Nature) is, as also what constitutes knowledge and the object of knowledge. My devotee who understands these verities becomes worthy of My state.

This retreat lecture series on Nondual Meditation based on Adi Shankaracharya's exposition in Aparokshanubhuti guides viewers through steps to transcend identification with the body and mind, moving toward a direct realization of the Self as pure consciousness.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 55 (Chapter 2) of the Bhagavad Gita. Audio Lectures on Bhagavad Gita and the Mandukya Upanishad are available on the following platforms:

Soundcloud:   / vedantany  

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqX...

Google Podcast: https://play.google.com/music/listen#...

Or you can simply search for our podcast: ‘Vedanta Talks’ on any of your preferred podcasting apps.

The Isha Upanishad (Sanskrit: ईशोपनिषद्, IAST: Īśopaniṣad), also known as Shri Ishopanishad, Ishavasya Upanishad, or Vajasaneyi Samhita Upanishad, is one of the shortest Upanishads, embedded as the final chapter (adhyāya) of the Shukla Yajurveda. It is a Mukhya (primary, principal) Upanishad, and is known in two recensions, called Kanva (VSK) and Madhyandina (VSM). The Upanishad is a brief poem, consisting of 17 or 18 verses, depending on the recension.

It is a key scripture of the Vedanta sub-schools, and an influential Śruti to diverse schools of Hinduism. It is the 40th chapter of Yajurveda. The name of the text derives from its incipit, īśā vāsyam, "enveloped by the Lord", or "hidden in the Lord (Self)". The text discusses the Atman (Self) theory of Hinduism, and is referenced by both Dvaita (dualism) and Advaita (non-dualism) sub-schools of Vedanta.

It is classified as a "poetic Upanishad" along with Kena, Katha, Svetasvatara and Mundaka by Paul Deussen (1908).

Reference book:

1. Eight Upanisads Vol. 2 translated by Swami Gambhirananda - https://www.vedanta.com/store/Eight-U...

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

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 September 15, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 22 to 24 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

This retreat lecture series on Nondual Meditation based on Adi Shankaracharya's exposition in Aparokshanubhuti guides viewers through steps to transcend identification with the body and mind, moving toward a direct realization of the Self as pure consciousness.

This retreat lecture series on Nondual Meditation based on Adi Shankaracharya's exposition in Aparokshanubhuti guides viewers through steps to transcend identification with the body and mind, moving toward a direct realization of the Self as pure consciousness.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

This lecture by Swami Sarvapriyananda summarizes Sri Ramakrishna’s key teachings. It highlights his emphasis on direct experience of God, the validity of all religious paths, and universal accessibility to spiritual realization. The talk covers Sri Ramakrishna’s methods for God realization, his joyous approach to spirituality, and his transformative influence. It presents Sri Ramakrishna as a figure who made spirituality experiential and universally accessible in the modern age.

Opening Music Credits to:  • মূর্ত মহেশ্বর।। স্বামীজী সঙ্গীত।। 🌺 S...  

May 28, 2019 • Advaita Vedanta | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda provides an introduction to the philosophy of Vedanta at the St. Louis Vedanta Society (vedantastl.org)

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Inspired by Vedanta philosophy and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Sarvapriyananda explores how true awareness transcends waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, emphasizing the ever-present light of divine Consciousness that unites all existence. Through stories, hymns, and scriptural wisdom, he highlights the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and encourages embracing this inner light to recognize our oneness with the universe.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Feb 23rd, 2025. List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

02:10 - How should we pray? What should we pray for?

07:19 - I intend to become a monk. How can I maintain inner peace in the midst of the world before joining?

14:48 - What is the best way to read through a text with others?

18:50 - Is reflected consciousness the same as witness consciousness?

30:28 - How do I apply Vedanta to day-to-day life?  

38:23 - How can the world be an appearance to Brahman?

54:01 - How can I understand consciousness through service?

01:01:21 - How does the mind drop attributes?

01:07:21 - If everything is an illusion why am I not an illusion as well?

01:18:35 - If no company is better than bad company, how can we practice this without hurting others?

01:23:50 - What is it that I want?

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

75,352 views Feb 18, 2018 Divine Personalities | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda speaks on “Avatara - Story of Sri Ramakrishna” Part 3/3 at the Vedanta Society of New York on February 18, 2018, celebrating the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna | Vedanta NY

Watch Part 1 of this lecture here -    • (1/3) Avatara - Story of Sri Ramakris...  

Watch Part 2 of this lecture here -    • (2/3) Avatara - Story of Sri Ramakris...  

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

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 September 27, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verse 26 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 7:

अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |

आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: || 7||

amānitvam adambhitvam ahinsā kṣhāntir ārjavam

āchāryopāsanaṁ śhauchaṁ sthairyam ātma-vinigrahaḥ || 7||

🔴 Freedom from self-importance, unpretentiousness, non-violence, patience, straight-forwardness, service of the teacher, cleanliness, steadfastness, and self-control;

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 August 16, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 13 to 15 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

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 August 23, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 16 to 18 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

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 19, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 3 to 9 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on May 11, 2021.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

The Isha Upanishad (Sanskrit: ईशोपनिषद्, IAST: Īśopaniṣad), also known as Shri Ishopanishad, Ishavasya Upanishad, or Vajasaneyi Samhita Upanishad, is one of the shortest Upanishads, embedded as the final chapter (adhyāya) of the Shukla Yajurveda. It is a Mukhya (primary, principal) Upanishad, and is known in two recensions, called Kanva (VSK) and Madhyandina (VSM). The Upanishad is a brief poem, consisting of 17 or 18 verses, depending on the recension.

It is a key scripture of the Vedanta sub-schools, and an influential Śruti to diverse schools of Hinduism. It is the 40th chapter of Yajurveda. The name of the text derives from its incipit, īśā vāsyam, "enveloped by the Lord", or "hidden in the Lord (Self)". The text discusses the Atman (Self) theory of Hinduism, and is referenced by both Dvaita (dualism) and Advaita (non-dualism) sub-schools of Vedanta.

It is classified as a "poetic Upanishad" along with Kena, Katha, Svetasvatara and Mundaka by Paul Deussen (1908).

Reference book:

1. Eight Upanisads Vol. 2 translated by Swami Gambhirananda - https://www.vedanta.com/store/Eight-U...

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verses 19-21 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 19:

प्रकृतिं पुरुषं चैव विद्ध्यनादी उभावपि |

विकारांश्च गुणांश्चैव विद्धि प्रकृतिसम्भवान् ||19||

Prakṛitiṁ puruṣhaṁ chaiva viddhy anādī ubhāv api

vikārānśh cha guṇānśh chaiva viddhi prakṛiti-sambhavān ||19||

🔴 Know both Prakrti (Nature) and Purusa (Spirit) to be beginningless, eternal verities. Know also that all changeful objects and attributes (that constitute the world of daily experience) are sprung from Prakrti.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 20:

कार्यकारणकर्तृत्वे हेतु: प्रकृतिरुच्यते |

पुरुष: सुखदु:खानां भोक्तृत्वे हेतुरुच्यते ||20||

Kārya-kāraṇa-kartṛitve hetuḥ prakṛitir uchyate

puruṣhaḥ sukha-duḥkhānāṁ bhoktṛitve hetur uchyate ||20||

🔴 Prakrti is the cause of the formation and functioning of the body and the senses, while it is the Purusa that experiences pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 21:

पुरुष: प्रकृतिस्थो हि भुङक्ते प्रकृतिजान्गुणान् |

कारणं गुणसङ्गोऽस्य सदसद्योनिजन्मसु ||21||

Puruṣhaḥ prakṛiti-stho hi bhuṅkte prakṛiti-jān guṇān

kāraṇaṁ guṇa-saṅgo ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu ||21||

🔴 Seated in bodies, which are the products of Prakrti, the Purusa enjoys the objects and qualities born of Prakrti. Attachment to these objects is the cause of the Spirit getting embodiments in evil or exalted wombs.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 7 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 7:

अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |

आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: || 7||

amānitvam adambhitvam ahinsā kṣhāntir ārjavam

āchāryopāsanaṁ śhauchaṁ sthairyam ātma-vinigrahaḥ || 7||

🔴 Freedom from self-importance, unpretentiousness, non-violence, patience, straight-forwardness, service of the teacher, cleanliness, steadfastness, and self-control;

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 7 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 7:

अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |

आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: || 7||

amānitvam adambhitvam ahinsā kṣhāntir ārjavam

āchāryopāsanaṁ śhauchaṁ sthairyam ātma-vinigrahaḥ || 7||

🔴 Freedom from self-importance, unpretentiousness, non-violence, patience, straight-forwardness, service of the teacher, cleanliness, steadfastness, and self-control;

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Sep 29th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

02:04 - Can atheists achieve enlightenment?

09:17 - If the body is inert (jada), how is it able to generate thoughts?

19:03 - If our real nature is prakash (light) does prakash need to be self-aware?

33:57 - Does removal of ignorance require free will?

46:36 - If Brahman is fulfilled, why does it need to appear as Jiva, Jagat, Isvara?

58:19 - What proof is there of awareness in deep sleep?  If deep sleep is the awareness of absence, what is death?

01:10:50 - What should I do if the power of discernment in Vedantic practice is diminished?

01:14:00 - Is breathing Atman?  Can the soul depart if it is Brahman?

01:19:41 - My heart is troubled by the suffering around me.  How can I hold on to Advaita?

► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

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 August 2, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 10 to 12 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)".

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verses 3-6 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 3:

तत्क्षेत्रं यच्च यादृक्च यद्विकारि यतश्च यत् |

स च यो यत्प्रभावश्च तत्समासेन मे शृणु || 3I|

tat kṣhetraṁ yach cha yādṛik cha yad-vikāri yataśh cha yat

sa cha yo yat-prabhāvaśh cha tat samāsena me śhṛiṇu || 3I|

🔴 Hear from Me in brief what the Ksetra is, of what nature it is, what its modifications are, and from what causes what effects have sprung. Also know who the Ksetrajna is and what his powers consist in.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 4:

ऋषिभिर्बहुधा गीतं छन्दोभिर्विविधै: पृथक् |

ब्रह्मसूत्रपदैश्चैव हेतुमद्भिर्विनिश्चितै: || 4 ||

ṛiṣhibhir bahudhā gītaṁ chhandobhir vividhaiḥ pṛithak

brahma-sūtra-padaiśh chaiva hetumadbhir viniśhchitaiḥ || 4 ||

🔴 In many and different ways have the Rishis sung about this subject in metres of varying description. The well-reasoned and definitive aphorisms of the Brahma-sutras too have discussed it.

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verses 5 -6:

महाभूतान्यङ्ककारो बुद्धिरव्यक्त मेव च |

इन्द्रियाणि दशैकं च पञ्च चेन्द्रियगोचरा: || 5||

इच्छा द्वेष: सुखं दु:खं सङ्घातश्चेतना धृति: |

एतत्क्षेत्रं समासेन सविकारमुदाहृतम् || 6||

mahā-bhūtāny ahankāro buddhir avyaktam eva cha

indriyāṇi daśhaikaṁ cha pañcha chendriya-gocharāḥ || 5||

ichchhā dveṣhaḥ sukhaṁ duḥkhaṁ saṅghātaśh chetanā dhṛitiḥ

etat kṣhetraṁ samāsena sa-vikāram udāhṛitam || 6||

🔴 The five great elements, the I-sense, the intellect, and the Unmanifested (Root Matter); the ten organs along with the mind as the eleventh, and the five objects of the senses; desire, hatred, pleasure and pain; the body, consciousness, and will -such is a brief description of the Ksetra with all its modifications.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on Mar 16, 2021.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Part 1 of the discourse on the Path of Love or Devotion.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on May 18, 2021.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Verse 17 from the Thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta through the study of "The Song of God".

🔆 Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 13 Verse 17:

ज्योतिषामपि तज्ज्योतिस्तमस: परमुच्यते |

ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं ज्ञानगम्यं हृदि सर्वस्य विष्ठितम् ||17||

Jyotiṣhām api taj jyotis tamasaḥ param uchyate

jñānaṁ jñeyaṁ jñāna-gamyaṁ hṛidi sarvasya viṣhṭhitam ||17||

🔴 The self-luminous light of consciousness revealing even all that is luminous, He is beyond obscuration by the darkness of ignorance. He, the light of knowledge, He, the quest of knowledge, He, the way to whom is knowledge -- in the inner-most recess of all beings is He established.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

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. 

This retreat lecture series on Nondual Meditation based on Adi Shankaracharya's exposition in Aparokshanubhuti guides viewers through steps to transcend identification with the body and mind, moving toward a direct realization of the Self as pure consciousness.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.

Discourse on 'The Divine Artist' by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on May 4, 2021.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Nov 24th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

01:53 - How can I reconcile devotion and non-dual knowledge?

23:27 - If I realize I am pure consciousness, do I also have a vision of God with form?

31:21 - What is Mahat (universal intelligence) in the Samkhya philosophy?

34:24 - Is it possible to practice Bhakti without God or deities?

36:28 - Can you talk about your experience with the monk who said "we are missing it a thousand times every moment"?

54:03 - Can consciousness remain by itself without appearing as objects?

59:13 - Why should I strive for enlightenment?

01:09:00 - How can I keep up study of Advaita without losing interest?

01:14:33 - Is the experience of nothingness in deep sleep the same as the experience after death, or for enlightened souls?

01:18:15 - Does everyone have to go through experience/enjoyment in the world before enlightenment?

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Jan 26th, 2025. List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

06:25 - How do I see myself as Brahman but still act ethically and lovingly in the world?

22:50 - How do I know that I, this Awareness, am Everything?

43:45 - If Consciousness is the ultimate reality, is God imaginary?

53:35 - How can I think of and worship God when I state that He is only Awareness?

01:12:30 - What is the connection between God and Brahman? What is the relationship between Consciousness and Existence?

01:25:09 - Can you speak about free will?

01:33:50 - Can we succeed without the fourfold qualifications in Jnana Yoga?

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

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 October 11, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 27 and 28 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda.

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 September 6, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verses 19 to 21 in "Aparokshanubhuti (Self-Realization)". The text for this series is a translation of Adi Shankaracharya's Aparokshanubhuti by Swami Vimuktananda. 

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Kena Upanishad in this series.

The Kena Upanishad (Sanskrit: केनोपनिषद्) (also alternatively known as Talavakara Upanishad) is a Vedic Sanskrit text classified as one of the primary or Mukhya Upanishads that is embedded inside the last section of the Talavakara Brahmana of the Samaveda. It is listed as number 2 in the Muktikā, the canon of the 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

Kena Upanishad has three parts: 13 verses in the first part, 15 paragraphs in the second part, and 6 paragraphs in the epilogue. These are distributed in four khaṇḍas (खण्ड, sections or volumes). The first Khanda has 8 verses, the second has 5 verses. The third Khanda has 12 paragraphs, while the fourth khanda has the remaining 9 (3 paragraphs of main text and 6 paragraphs of the epilogue).

Sunday discourse by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Samsara and Moksha.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda teaches Panchadasi, a fourteenth century manual on Advaita Vedanta written by Vidyaranya.