Om Swami Podcast: Recent Episodes
Spirituality & Life by Om Swami
Om Swami is a Himalayan monk, adept in meditation. At the peak of his meditative practice, he was meditating for 22 hours a day. He has spent 15,000+ hours meditating & has experienced our sublime consciousness in ways that defy any scientific understanding.
Researchers from IIT in India have studied the remarkable effects of his intense practice and published the results in a 2019 research paper https://bit.ly/3axrzdv
After coming back from Himalayas, Swami wanted to help sincere seekers in search of enlightenment. Gradually he realized that people wanted his help for various ‘how to’ in life (joy, relationship, anger, work, self-discipline, stress, etc). Through his talks, seminars, books, and videos – his purpose remains the same – to help people.
Whether you are practicing meditation, mindfulness, or simply looking for help with self-discipline – this channel can help. Think of it as a series of self-help videos and don’t forget to
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Lessons from Sri Ram's Life - Part 2 [Hindi with English CC] As a continuation of the last discourse, Lakshmana asks Lord Ram, to explain the difference between a realized soul/saint vs. a normal person. He asks Lord Ram, does a person become a saint just by taking the name of God, similar to how Vibshana had. Lord Ram says the difference is that a saintly person does not sacrifice his good gunas/values come what may. But, an ordinary person succumbs to base qualities giving up their good qualities the minute something affects them adversely. The easiest way to become saintly is to give up anger.
Listen to this beautiful discourse in full to get a proper understanding of it.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:09 What is the difference between a saintly person vs. an ordinary person? 03:42 What is the one quality to give up to become saintly immediately
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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In this discourse, Om Swami talks about the time when Lord Ram is back in Ayodhya after winning the war in Lanka and handing the kingdom's reigns (Lanka)to Vibheeshan. Lakshman, having been in the constant company of his brother lord Ram through thick and thin, was nagged by the thought that lord Ram considered both Bharat and Hanuman as saintly and had mentioned it often but had never mentioned it to him(Lakshman) in those terms. To get an answer to this, Lakshman places his doubt in front of lord Ram. Lord Ram responds by saying that it's easy for people to relinquish things when one does not have anything, but to relinquish when one has everything is very difficult and could not have been done by anyone except Bharat. According to Lord Ram, any other person other than Bharat would surely have ruled the land and enjoyed the power that came with it for fourteen years. Om Swami says that the intoxication of power is such that anyone who gets it cannot let go of it.
Listen to this beautiful discourse in full to understand it properly.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:32 What was that one special quality in Bharat according to Lord Ram? 02:40 A story about a dog and a saint. 08:35 What was the punishment chosen by the dog for the saint? 09:25 Why did the dog choose to appoint a saint as the head of a Mutt as punishment?
Thumbnail, Intro, and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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In this discourse, Om Swami talks about if excessive exercise is good for one. Om Swami says it doesn't take a lot for a person to become a fanatic in anything. When we exercise, there is a release of neurotransmitters involved, when we maintain those exercise levels those chemicals start to feel less. This makes a person goes on to do more and more. Anything done in moderation is good, even if it's endurance training it has to built up gradually. It's very important to exercise. If you are not in a fit body, you are doing yourself a great injustice. It is not only a privilege but also one's responsibility to maintain their physical fitness.
Listen to the full discourse to get deeper insights into the topic of exercise.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:09 Is Excessive Exercise Good for you 00:58 What happens when we exercise 02:0 Why one must keep themselves fit
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In this episode, Om Swami talks about an introduction to the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. There are eighteen chapters in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad means a person who is like God and the meaning of Geeta is- the song of God, he says. The Bhagavad Gita has been given the status of Upanishad. Om Swami says that only four people speak in the Bhagavad Gita and they are Dhritharashtra, Sanjay, Arjun and Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita Dritarashtra represents tamas, Sanjay-Sattva, Arjun-rajas and Krishna who is beyond these attributes represents selflessness and one without desires. Similarly, there are four stages in a person’s life to go from being a human to becoming one with god says Om Swami. Krishna tells Arjun not to share the knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to people who don’t have devotion and reverence towards him, he says. Any person who reads the Bhagavad Gita just like a book will not be able to get the essence and secret of it. Till a person does not understand it’s innermost meaning and secret it will be just a piece of dry knowledge without illuminating their lives in any way says Om Swami. Krishna says that when he grants his grace, he changes the very thought process of a devotee, due to which wrong actions don’t even get performed, as all actions get performed only with the start of a thought.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:25 What are the four limbs of the Vedas and what are the differences between them? 03:10 What is the meaning of Upanishad? 06:25 How does the special grace of Bhagawan work? 07:05 Do all actions start with a thought?
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Om Swami says, sometimes people wonder how to lead one's life or sometimes they ask how do you know it's your inner calling. There comes a moment when you ask yourself, "what are you doing with your life". Om Swami talks about a book called the Second Mountain that he read a while back. The book says there are two mountains in one's life. When one tries to climb the first mountain, they want to reach the top of the summit and conquer the mountain. This is based on our desires in wanting to achieve success as we have been taught we will be happy when we conquer that mountain. In reality, that is often not the case, once we get what we set out to, there comes a moment where you realize that, "I'm on top of the summit but where do I go from here". That's where inner calling comes into play. That calling is so strong that we are no longer nagged by our ambition, instead we want to surrender, and we want a bigger thing to draw us into a grander existence.
Listen to the full discourse to get deeper insights into the topic of Inner Calling.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:25 How do you find your inner calling? 04:04 An anecdote from Leo Tolstoy's life 07:20: How to experience contentment
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om More for you on the links below:
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This is part 4 of a 4 part series. The first video in the series was Living Life by your Personal Philosophy. The second in the series was How to Practice Zen in Daily Life. The third video was Fearless Life: How to Live?
In this episode, Om Swami says that everyone should have their own philosophy of life and live their life accordingly. He says that it’s good if a person goes to bed in the night with the mindset that it may be their last sleep. A person like this is honest with oneself and is fearless. Only a fearless person can do something different in this world he says. Om Swami says that if one has discipline and a routine in the morning of not seeing the phone or TV etc then they will have more time for other beneficial things in life, for which earlier they did not have the time.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper perspective on this beautiful subject.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:57 Should one while retiring to sleep in the night, go to bed as if it may be his or her last sleep? 01:54 How will it help a person if on awakening from sleep they get off the bed as if casting off old shoes? 02:38 Why is it not good to relax in bed upon waking up? 03:50 A beautiful story about how people understand things only as per their understanding of life.
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Two questions have been answered by Om Swami in this discourse. The first question asked was- In human life we fall down many times, get bruised, get up and walk again to fall down again. Is this normal and the usual pattern of human life?
Om Swami says that this is the usual pattern but if one is walking a straight path then the chances of falling down are lesser. Walking without running, keeping one’s eyes open and on the road will avoid accidents. The same applies to life he says. If one is living a straight forward life the chances of slipping and falling and getting hurt will be few. To rise above our conditioned mind one has to rise above the usual mind set and think in a new way he says.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:05 How should one live their life without taking falls? 02:46 Do we create our patterns in life? 04:15 Will leading a simple straight life make things easier? 04:25 How to get over the conditioned mind?
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om More for you on the links below:
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This is part 3 of a 4 part series. The first video in the series was Living Life by your Personal Philosophy. The second in the series was How to Practice Zen in Daily Life. Fearless Life: How to Live? In these discourses Om Swami talks about living life according to one’s own personal philosophy. He says this will give a person the happiness that they lived their life according to what they felt was best. Here he speaks of some of the things that can help a person to lead a happier life. He says a person should think before they speak and should do what they say. Further he says that people plan and think too much before doing something and that is not necessary. Certain things should be left to god and destiny and so one should not try and grab things he says. Having a fearless attitude and the heart of a child will help a person navigate through life without feeling dejected or sad. Ultimately everyone is but a child at heart even though they have grown up physically says Om Swami.
Listen to the full discourse to get the proper perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:37 Why is it important for a person to do what they say? 04:30 Does having a pure intention help a person? 07:28 Should one look to the future and not regret the past? 11.10 Has worrying about something in life helped a person in any way?
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The question asked here was - Sometimes when in meditation we reach a stage almost divine but we know that there is an even better stage. How can one get to the first stage at will and then to the second stage?
Om Swami says that any good and recurring experience during meditation is a very good sign. To be in that good state whenever desired, the two things required are extreme mindfulness and a desire and willingness to purify oneself constantly says Om Swami. Supreme mindfulness helps a person in choosing their words and actions and in not pursuing their endless thoughts. Not pursuing thoughts helps a person to be in a blissful state which in turn will help in good meditation he says. To get to the next stage in meditation one needs to do things differently, i.e by challenging themselves and by bringing changes to the quality and quantity of the meditation done. If this is not done, then, one cannot progress but may in all chance digress says Om Swami. He says that unless value is added, spiritual growth cannot happen. One should constantly purify themselves and work on their shortcomings to get to the next stage he says.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper perspective on this beautiful topic on How to Achieve Advanced Meditation Experiences.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:48 What does it indicate if one reaches any stage in meditation repeatedly? 01:31 What are the two things required to be in a divine state in meditation? 03:13 How does mindfulness help when thoughts attack a person from everywhere? 06:28 Will a person who does the same kind of meditation for the same duration everyday progress spiritually? 07:38 How can one challenge oneself?
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om
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This is part 2 of a 4 part series. The first video in the series was Living Life by your Personal Philosophy. In this discourse, Om Swami says that everybody has their own personal way of living their life. People may have lofty aims of self-realization or some such thing but that need not necessarily bring happiness to a person. Having their own philosophy and living according to it will give a person the satisfaction and happiness that they lived their life according to their principles he says. Om Swami further says that one should retire to bed at the same time every day as the mind becomes ready and the body gets used to it. He says that it is also important to have food in moderation and not till the point of satisfaction as partaking in food is like a sacred relationship and conversation with God and therefore it should be had in that spirit.
Listen to the full discourse for a proper perspective on this topic: How to Practice Zen in Daily Life.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:07 How should one live their life? 02:35 Why is it necessary to retire to bed at a regular hour every day? 03:45 What are the two things that are good to do before one goes to sleep? 04:58 What is meant by to eat in moderation and not to the point of satisfaction?
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This is the second part to the question asked- Can the base energies like (sexual energies) be channelized into something higher which can make geniuses out of people? Is it possible to stop the sexual thoughts with brute force? Does practicing kechari mudra convert one's sexual energy into a higher energy? [Are Certain Kinds of Thoughts Immoral]
Om Swami says that if one’s energies are invested in something worthwhile and if a person’s free time was filled up with something beautiful, then, sexual thoughts will not bother them. Any thought which makes a person feel guilty will only weaken their consciousness he says. To get control over one’s thought a person needs to be stronger than their thoughts. Any intruding thought entering a person’s mind without their permission needs looking into as it takes a person further away from their goal, says Om Swami. He further says that eating sattvik food can help a person up to a certain extent, and if one accepts themselves the way they are, without battling themselves, then, they can rapidly grow spiritually.
Listen to the full discourse to get the proper perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:21 What is the one way of gaining control over sexual thoughts? 02:58 What is a vikara? 3:53 Can a person rise above their sexual thoughts by doing mudras, pranayama etc.? 4:18 Are some people genetically more sexual? 6:45 Is it necessary to battle something that Is ingrained?
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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Tucked away in the deep valleys of Himalayas is the mystical region of Siddha-ashrama. This is where some of the greatest sages and seers meditated and performed penance.
For the first time ever, experience the pristine world of Vedic glory with Sadhana. Coming soon in both English and Hindi.
~ Unveiling on Maha Shivatrari 01.03.2022 ~
Don't forget to subscribe to the Sadhana channel for amazing and unique spiritual content to lift your spirits. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCclKtOFnrZSOywd0GJzX5cA
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In this discourse, Om Swami addresses how to live life. There is a misconception that one who meditates is happy, in reality, one who meditates is often unhappy. This is because meditation isn't a path of happiness but more a path of awareness. Everyone has a style of living, and one must make their own personal philosophy to life.
Listen to the full discourse for deeper insights into this topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 1:10 Does meditation make one happy? 2:07 How to live life? 2:22 Understanding your own personal philosophy 6:15 The worst way to start your day
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question asked here was- Can the base energies like (sexual energies) be channelized into something higher which can make geniuses? Is it possible to stop the sexual thoughts with brute force? Does practicing kechari mudra convert one’s sexual energy into higher energy? [Are Certain Kinds of Thoughts Immoral]
Om Swami says that he does not believe that practicing kechari mudra or doing pranayama can reduce lustful thoughts or convert one’s sexual energy into a higher energy. He says pranayama calms a person and flushes them with energy but it does not purge one of lustful thoughts. What is thought of as immoral by humans is not considered as immoral by nature he says. When people meditate for long, then they can get control of their thoughts and so these sexual thoughts don’t bother them anymore and they are not driven by their sexual desires and don’t waste their sexual energy. If one fills up their time doing beautiful things then there is no idle time for these thoughts to take centrestage he says. Om Swami says that if one feels that these thoughts are immoral then they will feel guilty which will in turn effect the consciousness of the person making them weak. One needs to be strong to take control of these thoughts. Any thought which interrupts a person from doing their work is worth harnessing says Om Swami.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper understanding of this topic.
00:00 Start 03:48 What is meant by urdhva retas? 05:05. Is it true that we will have sexual energy till we are having food? 05:44 What is nature’s role in creation? 07:30 Can these thoughts be stopped by brute force? 07:50 Is sex a form of energy and can it be invested elsewhere?
Listen to the full discourse to understand this topic.
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question asked here was- When Om Swami initiates someone and he says that he takes responsibility of that person's karma upon himself, what does it mean? And if Om Swami can explain it further? This is the second part to it.
Om Swami says that when a disciple takes initiation from a guru it is a rebirth for that person. All the karma prior to initiation gets over. Initiation has a very important place in sanatan dharma. It is a perennial and unbroken chain of the sanatan dharma and without it none of the sanskars are considered completed. Without initiation and dakshina none of the shodash sanskars are completed. He says that the passage of karma has to be completely clear or the soul cannot make progress. When the guru gives initiation, he liberates the disciple from his or her collected karma till that moment but this does not apply once initiated. After initiation the disciple’s karma is their own. Om Swami says that this liberation by initiation is a hundred percent possible without any doubt whatsoever.
Listen to the full discourse to get an understanding of this beautiful topic.
Time line: 00:00 Start 00:50 A beautiful story about how due to karma attainment is not possible. 01:46 Is diksha and dakshina an integral part of the Sanskars? 02:20 Was there a difference in Om Swami’s attainment after he got initiation from naga Baba? 02:53 What was the sadhana that Om swami did when he was eleven years old?
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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This discourse is the fourth and final part to the series from ‘the book of kindness’. In this chapter Om Swami reads out the terrifying ordeal of a father and a mother who go through a living nightmare of not knowing if their daughter swept away in the tsunami was alive or not for twelve agonising years. On hearing from Om Swami that their daughter died that very day when the tsunami struck, though, they were very grieved, they were able to shed their guilt at last for not being able to find her all those years. Om Swami says that though intuition helped him to guide the parents, it was kindness that healed them. He says everyone can tap into the intuitive consciousness and can be supremely mindful. He says that though meditation and mantra chanting are important, our hearts can bloom only if we practice kindness.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper understanding on this beautiful topic.
Listen to the full discourse to understand this topic.
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question asked here was- When Om Swami initiates someone and he says that he takes responsibility of that person’s karma upon himself, what does it mean? And if Om Swami can explain it further? [Why Gurus Take on Their Disciples Karma]
Om Swami says that it’s a guru’s duty to take his disciple towards the path of liberation. He says that many a time people do not attain liberation only because of their karma, and it’s not due to their thinking. A disciple may have all the right sentiments and a feeling of surrender too, but sometimes due to their karma they are bound and therefore may be unable to go ahead in their spiritual attainments. In case they move ahead they would still be stuck in the cycle of birth and death says Om Swami. The privilege and the right of taking on the karma is available only in the relationship between a guru and his disciple, and further more, only to a guru who is connected to a lineage and who passes the knowledge to his disciples. When a guru takes on the karmas of twenty to thirty crores of people, the backing of the whole lineage is required so that the karmas get distributed throughout the universe. When a guru initiates a person he takes the responsibility for all of the person’s karma till that moment and the disciple thereby becomes free from all the karma. The guru further constantly purifies the disciple’s thinking too.
Listen to the full discourse to get an in-depth understanding of this beautiful topic.
Time line: 00:00 Start 03:04 Which lineage was Srila Prabhupada connected to? 03:19 What can happen if a guru who is not connected to a lineage takes on a few people’s karma? 05:10 Do people realise the importance of initiation? 06:06 How true is it that people often don’t understand the relevance of something attained easily? 06:32 A very famous and beautiful story about Mandavya rishi. 10:40 What was Mandavya rishi’s curse on Dharma Raj?
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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In this discourse, Om Swami reads the second chapter called ‘the end of exile’ from the book titled ‘the book of kindness’. This is the third part of the discourse.
This is a heart-wrenching real-life story of a family struck by an enormous tragedy when a sudden tsunami devastated their lives completely. Om Swami says that it is tragic enough when someone loses one of their dear family members, but, not knowing if anyone’s family member was living or dead and hoping desperately to find them alive is like dying each moment and every day, again and again. Om Swami further says that reason is the killer of empathy and that matters of the heart can be handled only by the heart and not by reasoning with a person. Sometimes, all that is required is to hear a person out says Om Swami.
Listen to the full discourse to understand this topic.
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question asked here was- While being in the ashram devotion springs up naturally but the same devotion becomes less as time goes by and thoughts start to invade after some time. How can one overcome this? [Connection between satsang and bhakti]
Om Swami says that this is the reason for our scriptures as well as all the religions of the world to emphasise in keeping spiritual company or (satsang). Just like exercising once in a while is not enough and one has to keep at it three to four times a week, or eating once is not enough but at least two or three times in a day is necessary, similarly, satsang on a regular basis is very much needed. This helps establish the connection with the soul and keeps unwanted thoughts at bay. It helps a person stay with the same sentiment says Om Swami.
Listen to this discourse fully to get an in-depth understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:55 What did Buddha mean by Buddham sharanam gatchami and dharmam sharanam gatchami? 05:28 What does it mean if one feels the sensation of a drop of cold water on their head? 08:06 Does it mean something when one has the same experience multiple times? 09:10 Is it normal to lose one’s sense of whereabouts while practicing meditation? And is it right to stop meditating due to that?
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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This discourse is from the ‘the book of kindness,’ from which Om Swami reads a chapter called ‘Sunday.’ This is the second part to it.
It is a real story of a family whose life completely turned upside down within one hour when the tsunami struck. This could have happened to anybody says Om Swami. In continuation of this chapter Om Swami says that in life we are brought up being told that we should be strong and not a weakling and we should not express and show emotions as this could lead to us being exploited. But sometimes due to this we end up making ourselves so strong that we become indifferent and insensitive to people’s pain and our pain and sufferings too. Om Swami says that there is a constant search in humans for that elusive joy which evades them constantly. He says that the brain only processes what the heart is feeling so we need to connect with our heart as that’s where everything builds up.
Listen to the discourse fully to understand this topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 06:25 Do we become indifferent while trying to be strong? 07:00 Why does lasting happiness become elusive? 07:57 What is the most important element in our lives? 08:40 What does it mean to sing God’s glories? 10:12 Can we accomplish anything if we set our heart on it?
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The question asked here was- In the path of sadhana while doing the kriya yoga, when the kechari mudra was practiced, it seemed to give results but later there was not much progress. How can one take it forward and progress?
Om Swami says that the kechari mudra is a part of Tantra yoga, kriya yoga and knowledge. In the yoga shastras and some other texts this has been mentioned. This is done by rolling the tongue backwards and placing it into the cavity above the throat. This was done by either pulling and elongating the tongue slowly over months or by cutting the frenulum and applying salt on it to keep it from joining again. Om Swami says that the real meaning of kechari mudra was to be in control of the different airs(vayu) circulating in the body. A person who has control over Prana, Vyana, Udana, Samana and Apana vayu(airs) is said to have attained mastery in the kechari mudra. Om Swami says that instead of doing the kechari mudra it is much more important to get mastery over one’s posture. When one can bring about stillness in their physical posture and stillness in their mind and in their speech then automatically they will have stillness in thoughts too.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:55 Can Om Swami do the kechari mudra as per the Tantra yoga and kriya yoga? 01:10 What is kechari mudra and how is it done? 02:46 Is cutting of the frenulum as done by some people doing the kechari mudra a good practice? 03:25 Does Om Swami recommend people to do the kechari mudra? 04:48 What is the real meaning of kechari mudra?
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In this discourse, Om Swami reads a chapter from his book, ‘ the book of kindness’ and says that kindness is the only thing that will pay off in the end and will matter ultimately. This chapter called ‘Sunday’ read out by Om Swami is the heart-wrenching story of a family whose life turned topsy turvy when the tsunami struck Car Nicobar island on the 26th of December 2004. [An Excerpt From the Book of Kindness]
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In this discourse Om Swami talks about the most valuable thing in a person’s life. He says, it’s ok if a person loves himself or herself more than anything else, but people who love inanimate things more than anything else, cannot be happy at all. For, anybody who is attached to lifeless things will become lifeless, but, a person who loves god will become god he says. Whenever any person feels that they are not progressing spiritually they have to ask themselves what they are attached to. To be liberated one has to detach from all attachments. The person who has the courage to cut off from all attachments is the only one who is capable of giving society and it’s people shelter and refuge says Om Swami. [Value yourself in life]
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 07:25 Does a person turn into their object of attachment? 07:37 What is the one question to ask ourselves if we are unhappy with our spiritual progress? 09:24 Can the mind be taught to think a certain way? 10:48 How can everybody’s truth be different?
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This discourse is the third part to the question - Who were the sapta chiranjeevi or the immortal seven? [True Meaning of Being Immortal]
Om Swami says that as one ages they start to realise how things and their thinking changes too. So, when there are matters related to life and emotions, and if it is related to age and if guidance is needed then one should seek it from a person who has been through that age. He says that life becomes easy when one understands that for every answer that one seeks they have to either find it out on their own or seek it from the right person. He says, ultimately nothing matters except what goes on in one’s mind and therefore to fill ourselves with love, kindness and other beautiful feelings is the only important thing in life, for all other things are secondary.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:37 Why did Om Swami not go in search of a popular guru while on his quest? 03:15 What is the reason for the practicality and simplicity in the writings of Om Swami? 06:31 What were Steve Job’s last words? 07:53 What is the most important thing in our lives?
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The question asked here was- Is it ok if one is spiritual but not religious?
Om Swami says that a person who is religious believes in the power of an almighty, who is controlling certain things which they have no control over and to which they wish to be surrendered. A person who is spiritual may or may not believe in the existence of god but believes in living a life doing good deeds for their family, themselves and humanity. He says if a person’s nature is spiritual then somewhere they are religious and if a person is religious but their nature is not spiritual then they are not religious. For then it means that they have not understood their dharma but have just done acts of worship etc without understanding the deeper meaning in it. Om Swami further says that with divine grace a staunch atheist turns into a theist. A person should be open to the possibility of grace and when the time is right the universe makes it possible. If a person changes his or her habits and their ways of thinking then everything changes in their life says Om Swami.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:45 Is it ok if a person is spiritual but not religious? 04:15 What starts to change when a new chapter begins in one’s life? 05:40 How does a new way of thinking help a person? 07:48 Why is bhagawan Hayagriva not in the ten avataras of lord Vishnu though he gave Lalitha Sahasranama to this world and also expounded on the same?
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This discourse is in continuation of the question - Who were the sapta chiranjeevi or the immortal seven? [The True Meaning of Being Immortal]
Om Swami says that the soul is immortal and therefore he feels that everyone is a chiranjeevi. He says that when one embraces old age gracefully and is at peace and has taken care of himself or herself physically, emotionally and spiritually through their lives, they then age beautifully and they also will have less probability of contracting the dreadful diseases which comes knocking during old age. Death whichever way one looks at, is only a beautiful thing he says. For a person who is suffering, it’s an end to their suffering and for the rest it will be a new beginning with a new body, new dreams and new hopes says Om Swami.
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Time line: 00:00 Start 00:38 Should one embrace old age gracefully? 01:31 Why is it important to take care of our body while we are young? 03:21 What is unique about the Dalai Lama according to Om Swami? 04:51 What is the one thing that differentiates between the young and the old?
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This is the second part to the question - Importance of Practice in sadhana(spiritual practice).
Om a swami says that everything depends on what one wants. If one wants yog samadhi then they have to learn to meditate well. If they want to walk the path of devotion then they have to learn to practice devotion. If one wants to walk the path of knowledge then they need to introspect on the real truth of who they really are and the truth regarding this world. The path of introspection has been the path of great rishis like Ramana and some other great saints. To walk the path of devotion instead of meditation, a person need not sit cross legged and put themselves through hardships. One can sit on a chair and can still be immersed in devotion. But when a person is doing some chanting or prayers but their mind is on other things then that is not really devotion, but nitya karma he says. In real devotion a person will purify themselves so much in thought, action and speech that they will be able to feel themselves worthy while chanting or while praying to their deity. This is real devotion says Om Swami. Only this kind of devotion leads a person towards liberation. This has been the path of great saints like Tukaram, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and some other great saints. Om Swami says that knowledge lies in knowing what can be changed and what cannot be, and to understand that once the goal becomes different the path will automatically change too.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:42 What should a person do if they wish to walk the path of devotion? 03:51 What is meant by ‘the path of knowledge’? 04:58 Why did swami Vivekananda choose the path of knowledge and action though his guru walked the path of devotion? 07:16 What is the true meaning of the phrase ‘living our life in surrender’?
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The question asked here was - Who were the sapta(seven) chiranjeeve or the immortal seven?
Om Swami says that he feels that one should aim for the highest like Sri Hari or mother Divine or any other god one prays to. The rest is immaterial he says. Om Swami says that it is impossible to have a human body and be immortal as the human body is subject to the laws of nature and so will deteriorate and decay. The soul lives on and is immortal and is the centre of one’s world. If one focuses on that then they have tapped into the centre of beauty and youth he says. The seven chiranjeev are immortal not in body but in history for their deeds, actions and the way they carried themselves, says Om Swami.
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Time line: 00:00 Start 01:08 Who are the seven chiranjeev according to the scriptures? 02:42 Is it possible to have a human body and be immortal? 03:15 Can a siddha live in a human body for three to four hundred years? 04:00 Should we attach so much importance to our body?
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The question asked here was- Is fitness necessary for a person wanting to do sadhana(spiritual practice)? Is devotion then a way for a householder?
Om Swami says that it all depends on what a person wants. Giving the example of a competitive runner he says that if a runner has an aim of accomplishing his or her task within a time frame then he or she needs to prepare and train their body and mind accordingly. If they do not do that, they will be unable to accomplish what they set out to do. So, one can either prepare to attain their goal with courage and hard work or they can bring down their expectations and be content with it, he says. Similarly if one wants the experience of yog samadhi, then a person needs to keep their mind and body in complete control. There is no other way other than hard work and giving it time. A minimum of ten to fifteen thousand hours of practice is required before a person gains a good understanding of any subject he says. Anything, whether it’s devotion, meditation or yoga, cannot be gifted to someone as that’s not possible. It can only be attained by one’s own hard work says Om Swami.
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Time line: 00:00 Start 00:40 What is the importance of fitness in life? 02:24 What is required of a person who wants to walk the path of sadhana? 04:57 How many hours of practice is required towards learning anything, before a person gets an understanding regarding its execution? 08:40 Is it possible to become an adept in meditation by doing a few courses?
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In this discourse, Om Swami has spoken on two things. The first part of the discourse is on turning inwards. Om Swami says that one needs to turn inward to discover the self-sufficiency within themselves, without looking for it in the outside world constantly to feel fulfilled. To go within is to look at oneself for answers and to know that one is responsible for their own thoughts, actions and feelings, he says. The second part of the discourse was on- If solitude was necessary to turn inward? Om Swami says that the more one goes within, the more will they crave for solitude. The outside world though very attractive and delightful can drain a person. Turning inward is healing but a longer solitude is only for a trained mind, he says. It cannot be done forcefully, as the mind not trained properly may get very depressed, he says.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:32 What is the idea behind going inward? 01:50 Should we look for all answers within ourself? 02:55 What is the nature of the outside world? 05:45 What did Bhairavi Ma tell Om Swami? And why did she ask him not to spend too much time in solitude? 08:03 Why is it important to train one’s mind in solitude?
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Two questions have been answered by Om Swami in this discourse. The first question asked was- Ma Janaki has been given different versions in different languages and in scriptures like Ram charit Manas and in some other scriptures too. What is the real truth about the birth of Goddess Sita? Om Swami says that Ma Janaki was king Janak’s daughter. He further says that there are two ways of seeing things. Either we believe that the scriptures are true or we think that it is fictional. In both Ramayana and Mahabharata the person who played an important role was found in a box. In Ramayana Janaki Ma was found in a box while king Janak was tilling the land. In Mahabharata Karna was floated away by his mother in a box. Without both of them the battle that took place may not have happened he says. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata were written in metre form so that memorising was easy. But still passing it on in the oral form could have resulted in minor errors. So it is difficult to say if Ma Janaki was found in a box in the ground, but nevertheless Ma Janaki was none other than the universal mother he says. Om Swami says that for him everyone who was connected to Shri Ram in any way was only shri Ram - the people who were killed by him and those who were with him. All of them are worthy of worship and this is the sentiment that gives him great happiness. The second question asked was- If Om Swami could shed some light on the term biological father Vs spiritual father. Om Swami says that just like a biological father will want their children to do well and do good, similarly a spiritual father wishes the same. Though the sentiments are the same, it’s a different kind of relationship. The difference is that a spiritual father takes on a disciple’s karma by seeing if it can be distributed over lifetimes or can be taken care of at one go so that the person attains liberation. This right to take on the karma has been given by the lineage, the rishis, and our scriptures says Om Swami.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:40 What are the two ways of looking at the Ramayana and Mahabharata? 04:30 How did the sutas pass their knowledge of the scriptures? 07:00 What is difference in the relationship with one’s guru when one is initiated? 08:15 Does the guru take a disciple’s karma?
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This is the second part to the question- What is the difference between aatma (soul) and paramatma (supreme soul) and if we have two entities in our body?
Om Swami says that there is only one supreme soul which has always been, and, which will always be there. He states, if wisdom is being sought and one wants to grow spiritually then one must have the courage to question, validate and then accept things on their own. If not, they would be constantly shifting from one belief system to another. He says that if devotion is being practiced instead of seeking knowledge or wisdom, then that can be directed towards anybody. In devotion one can draw the energy from their object of devotion and it depends on the devotee and their devotion as to how much they can draw. Further, wherever one places his or her devotion is of utmost importance as a devotee becomes that. Devotion is as powerful as meditation says Om Swami.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:40 Is it ok to take on somebody as your guru and idolise him not based on his teachings but on the basis of what one hears? 02:43 Does it really matter how many Paramatmas there are? 03:20 Why is it necessary for a seeker seeking wisdom to get past other people’s truth? 04:24 What is the merit in taking a guru? 05:41 Is devotion another way to divinity? 05:57 Why should one be careful while becoming devoted to someone?
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Two questions have been answered in this discourse. The first question asked was- How to control negative thoughts and excessive thinking?
Om Swami says that as rightly asked in the question, these thoughts can be decreased but cannot be stopped completely. He says that according to his observation, women suffer more from it than men. A woman is usually lost in her world of dreams looking for love or wanting to belong to someone. This could probably be due to evolution, as she being the child bearer needed to be constantly alert in providing a safety net for her children. He says that no body can be happy at all times and life will have it’s good and bad moments. Om swami says that creativity dissolves negativity. Until one finds a purpose in life, they tend to make a person their purpose. This then brings suffering and unhappiness in life. Only when a purpose is found can one revel in their own existence he says.
The second question asked was- What is the right way to sing the mahamanta, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna… Om Swami says that when it’s god one is calling then these small differences do not matter and nor will god mind.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:41 Do women suffer more due to negative thinking compared to men? 02:25 Can we depend on other people for our mental happiness? 06:20 Does thinking about the past or future cause excessive thinking? 09:50 What does Hare denote in the mahamantra- Hare Krishna Hare Krishna…
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The question asked here was- What is the difference between aatma (soul) and paramatma (supreme soul) and if we have two entities in our body?
Om Swami says that there is no difference between aatma and paramatma but if by aatma one means the jeevatma then there is a subtle difference. Jeevatma is an embodied soul and Paramatma is the supreme soul which in reality means the liberated soul. He says that the jeevatma is like the water flowing, contained by the banks but a paramatma is like the wind blowing. Om Swami says that the concept of soul, is a spiritual one. One should have the courage to examine the truth in what they state or hear he says.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:22 Can a soul be said to be ‘in a body’? 01:50 What is the jeevatma covered with? 02:43 What is the path to liberation? 03:40 Where does the soul in our body dwell? 4:57 Is the notion of a soul a spiritual concept?
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The question asked here was- What is the meaning of the word Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which is mentioned in our Upanishads and Puranas? For, we first give importance to our family and then to the extended family and only after that comes the society.
Om Swami says that if one has to set an example in the society, then they have to place the welfare of the society before anything or anyone, just like shri Ram did. Shri Ram put society before his own family and did the best for that yuga. Shri Krishna did the best for his yuga and in today’s age people have to act sometimes like Ram and sometimes like Krishna, depending on the situations. A saint will always put society before family, but for a normal person his or her family will come first at all times. An understanding of one’s wants and desires gives one a proper direction in life. What does one want? God or riches? Once this is clear, a person’s actions will flow according to it. Om Swami says that one should do good for their family and towards the society as well. The well being of everybody should be kept in mind and one should not sway from the path of truth as that is the greatest wealth in life.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:03 How should people conduct themselves during Kali Yug? 02:30 What is the main difference in thinking between a normal person and a saint? 04:03 What was it that Angulimaal realized in the end? 07:06 What does extreme attachment do to a person?
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In this discourse, two questions have been answered by Om Swami.
The first question asked was- As killing is considered bad, is it wrong to kill insects and other bugs which enter our home?
Om Swami says that according to him if one is living in the city and insects enter one’s home then they should take measures to keep them out, in whichever way, for if not then they will cause an infestation which is a big problem.
The second question asked was- Is it ok to tell someone who is eating something which they think is vegetarian, but which is not (out of ignorance or maybe choice), that what they are eating may not be vegetarian?
Om Swami says that it is perfectly ok to tell them as we don’t know if it is due to ignorance or choice. It is good to inform them and they can then decide about it he says.
Listen to the video completely to get a proper understanding of this topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:10 What will happen if we don’t cleanse our mind of negativity? 01:42 Why was Ramakrishna Paramahamsa beating the mattress with a stick? 04:26 Does eating non-vegetarian food make a person a lesser human being? 11:55 Can people get desensitized towards the pain of others?
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This is the second part to the question- Why can't there be just one form that we worship or on which we meditate, instead of three different forms, like, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh(Shiva)?
Om Swami says that if a person after concluding one deity’s worship, starts the worship of another deity, then they should just remember that they are not praying to another deity, but to another form with a different sentiment. He says, maybe only when grace showers will a person start to see the unity and no difference in the various forms. He says that when there is so much inner conflict regarding divinity then the outer world will create many more. It is best to hold on to one form he says. Om Swami says that just like a husband and wife are considered one, similarly all the various forms of gods are one. A real devotee will never see the difference in forms but will only see the same divine in all forms. He says that when the thought of which god to pray to, comes to a person, they should self enquire if they are praying only for their selfish needs to be answered swiftly. If not, then one can pray to any god. For, the one who is timeless and endless whether he is one or a thousand, it is the same.
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Time line: 00:00 Start 01:24 Did Om Swami feel the difference in forms while doing different sadhanas? 05:11 How can one please god? 06:00 Should one hold on to one form? 08:24 Are multiplication and division of cells the same?
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The question asked here was-Though intellectually we may know that the same divine lives in everybody, still we feel a difference. How can one realize that we are all the same and feel a sense of oneness even in the face of conflict? Does it require cleansing, does it take time, or is it a process of evolution?
Om Swami says that the only to feel that way is to practice compassion and to work continuously on oneself. If one can be thoughtful not to hurt others with their unkind words then one has made a remarkable progress he says. Whenever one feels that all others are not the same then that is the time to remind oneself of their own values. Om Swami says that as one evolves more and more they will have less problems with the world around them. If a person has constant issues with the world around them then it’s a reflection of their own consciousness. The more entangled a person is in one’s ego the more they will have problems with the people around them. If one sticks to the principle of divinity then one will encounter only divinity says Om Swami.
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Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:58 What is the only way to feel for others? 02:53 A story of Mullah Nasiruddin. 04:22 What should one do when they don’t see divinity in others? 05:31 What happens when a person evolves? 06:36 A beautiful story about how people’s perspectives create their world.
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The question asked here was- Why can’t there be just one form that we worship or on which we meditate, instead of three different forms, like, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh?
Om Swami says that the question of one god was never a question of Sanatan dharma. For, in Sanatan dharma, puja and worship was towards the elders and ancestors first. According to the shastras, Shankaracharya, Vyaas, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, are not permanent. The chair always remained the same, but the person occupying it would be different, according to the times and ages. Om Swami says that the gods and goddesses we worship today used to be our ancestors, who used to wander. Their stories have been carried forward through ages, with some additions and subtractions with time, but, the main truth never changed. He says, our ancestors many thousands of years ago, had understood that all people experienced different states of mind, like, sattvik, rajasik and tamasik and therefore according to their states of mind they should have a God that they could pray to and imbibe energy from. The differences were created later on by some of the religious heads and ignorant people. For, in all the shastras it has been clearly mentioned that there is only one God and that he/she encompasses everything. Om Swami says that when a person’s mind finds stillness on hearing or listening to something then that is God for them. For, mind is God.
Listen to this beautiful discourse fully to get a proper understanding of this topic.
Time line: 00:00 Start 01:39 Who are these gods and goddesses that we worship, in the Sanathan Dharma? 02:30 Why do we pray to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva? 04:15 What is the one thing that is repeatedly said in all the shastras? 07:41 What should one’s mindset be while worshipping different gods and goddesses?
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This discourse is in continuation of the question related to Nath yogis. This is the second part to it. Om Swami says that there are two non-negotiable rules that the Nath yogis follow. The first one is the wearing of kundalas or ear rings. These ear rings are made of mud and are baked. The Nath yogis are supposed to wear it at all times, even while sleeping, bathing etc. It called for acute mindfulness as otherwise the kundalas could break, which would then be considered a compromised sadhana. The second rule is aadesh (order). Whatever their guru asks them to do is followed without any questions whatsoever. The guru’s word is ultimate. Listen to the full discourse for a proper understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:30 Were the Nath yogis given their kundalas immediately on their initiation? 03:02 What is the one thing that sums up the entire Nath tradition? 04:50 Om Swami’s experience with a Nath yogi.
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The question asked here was- Why do people want moksha? Is the time between death and a new life very painful? When with a new life a new body is received and all past is not remembered then why do people still look for moksh(liberation)?
Om Swami says that people who want moksh have understood that there is no real meaning in life, as, one has to take on so many hardships to keep themselves and others happy. A person advancing on the spiritual path, will realise this truth and start questioning their life’s only mission of satisfying their’s and their family’s desires. Till when does a person keep on doing this? For, this journey is repeatedly a cycle of birth and death, unless one attains liberation. The wise and the learned, realising this truth, looked towards god for guidance to come out of this samsara and attain liberation. Om Swami says that, one day in a person’s life sums up their entire life as we do the same things and go through similar emotions our whole life. So, the wise ones felt that instead of living the same emotions and life, it is best to merge into the supreme from where they have sprung. Om Swami says that happiness and pleasure though fleeting is something that people don’t want to lose. They are ready to take thousands of hardships but are unable to let go of their pleasures. If, only these pleasures and happiness matters to a person, then it is impossible for them to attain liberation as they will have to come back again and again to satisfy their desires which they cannot let go of.
Listen to this discourse fully to understand this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:43 Why does a person want moksha? 02:30 What was Shankaracharya’s teaching for mankind? 05:52 Why did the seers say that it is better to merge in the supreme rather than go through the cycle of birth and death? 08:00 A beautiful story depicting how difficult people find to let go.
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The question asked here was- If Om Swami could talk about the Nath yogis who come across as very kind and at times very short-tempered.
Om Swami says that since part of his lineage is linked to the Nath parampara (lineage), he can shed light on it. Matsyendranath, who is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, started the Nath parampara. Gorakshnath (the result from the holy ash given to a woman by Matsyendranath )came out of the compost pit as a twelve-year-old. He was trained under Matsyendranath and later sent to do tapas in the Himalayas. With him, the Nath parampara went ahead. Nath yogis are supposed to live only where their gurus live or roam around without having their dwellings, says Om Swami.
Listen to this discourse fully to get an in-depth understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:50 Who was Matsyendranath? 01:03 What was the most critical story of Matsyendranath? 04:57 What does alak niranjan mean? 05:24 Why was the boy who came out of the compost pit called Gorakshnath? 06:30 What is the one rule among nath yogis which is never violated?
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In this discourse, Om Swami says that a person can hide their misdeeds from others surely, but cannot hide it from their own inner mind. For, our mind is our constant companion and one cannot run away from it. Only a very elevated person can look into the mirror, observe their flaws and say that they have to work on them. While leading their lives, the more a person is truthful with their conduct, the faster will their progress be on the spiritual path.
Listen to the full discourse to get the proper perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:26 Can a person hide anything from their own mind? 00:56 What were the main practices advised by Shankaracharya for the Sanatan Dharma? 03:02 How did Shankaracharya get his mother’s approval to leave her and go to spread his teachings? 03:59 How did Mandan Mishra’s wife declare Shankaracharya as the winner in the debate between him and Mandan Mishra?
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In this discourse, two questions have been answered by Om Swami.
The first question asked was- Is there a difference between believing in someone and simply following that person? Om Swami says that there is a big difference between believing someone and believing in someone. When one believes somebody they follow them but it’s more at a surface level and is a material concept. But when one believes in somebody it is a given that they follow him or her but more than that it means that they trust them. Believing in someone is a higher form of trust and is a spiritual notion.
The second question asked was- Who created thoughts, and how and why? Om Swami says that he believes in the evolutionary theory which happened thousands of years ago, when human beings had to come down from the trees to walk on the earth due to massive fires. From four-legged when they became two-legged the gravity and the weight of the brain caused a split to their brain with the right and left hemispheres with the cortex. This then started the process of thinking and it was an evolutionary process and did not happen immediately he says. From the vedic point of view, the universe was created with a resolve (a thought) from the mind of Hiranyagarbha. As everything is created by THE MIND, our mind remains an integral part of our whole existence including our liberation, bondage, miseries, pain, and joy. Without our human brain, there will be no thought says Om Swami.
Listen to this discourse completely to get a proper perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:22 What is the main difference between believing somebody and believing in somebody? 03:43 Do animals think? 04:19 Is the process of thinking limited to humans? 07:12 How was the Brahmanda (the universal body) created according to the Vedic scriptures?
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The question asked here was- How to deal with difficult times in life? How can a person get over bad times when they are unable to even pray or contemplate?
Om Swami says that in life one should live their bad times just like they would live their good times. Whether it is good or bad times they are phases in one’s life and one should not differentiate between them. Usually, when good times are on, people tend to feel that it is their own doing, but when bad times come they feel it is due to god or some other person he says. A person who lives life with courage and equilibrium during good times will be able to live life with courage during bad times too. Happiness and sadness keep coming and going in everybody’s life and a person who is aware of this will be able to live life without being unhappy. If a person remembers this then they will be able to go through life with ease even during rough times he says. If one could bring a bit of prayer, surrender, and compassion in their lives, then all their hurt and grief gets healed says Om Swami.
Listen to the discourse in full to get the right perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:13 How do people adjust according to circumstances? 02:36 A funny story about Mullah Nasuruddin. 04:22 What is the main difference between a man and a woman? 08:28 What qualities are needed to rise above the feelings of grief and joy?
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The question asked here was- How to break the conditioning of the mind?
Om Swami says that to break the conditioning, is a process and it’s a painful process. To start with conditioning has to be replaced and a mind in progress needs to be filled with something. He says there is no strength in negating everything but true strength is in being able to look at oneself and see where they are wrong. Om Swami says that if a person is happy with their conditioning then they should be left as they are, as they will not find their happiness elsewhere. Rapid progress out of conditioning can take place only if a person is ready to open up, and willing to give it a shot and further go through it as far as they are asked to. When thinking, actions, reactions and acceptance changes, it gives a new way to life. This then leads to the transformation of a person completely, says Om Swami.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline:
00:00 Start 00:58 Why is it a painful process to break our conditioning? 01:53 A story about a disciple and his guru. 06:50 What can bring about a revolution in one’s consciousness? 07:53 What is one good way to break conditioning?
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The question asked here was - How can a householder balance between worship, his householder’s duties and happiness, all together?
Om Swami says that if a person irrespective of whether he/she is a householder, celibate or a renunciate, understands to do his/her duty like a sadhana (disciplined surrender) then they will not be unhappy. He says that there are three reasons as to why a person feels sad and disgruntled. One is that they have something or someone in their lives that they don’t want. Or, they don’t have something that they really desire. And lastly, they may feel that certain people do not qualify for good things in their life but actually have them. Om Swami says that if someone feels that others in the world are happier and better off than them, then that is sheer ignorance and an illusion. If a person learns to live his/her life with compassion towards oneself and learns to treat all work as one’s pious duty then all work will be like a sadhana. He says that a householder’s work is a sadhana which is in many ways higher than that of a renunciate. Attainment and liberation for a householder is easier compared to that of a renunciate.
Listen to the full discourse to get the right perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:04 A beautiful story about the reality of life. 06:38 How do people react when they see a person happy and calm in their midst? 08:00 If a person cannot find happiness as a householder, can they find it elsewhere? 09:30 Is it our own tendencies that trouble us more than the outside world?
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In this discourse, two questions are answered. The first question is the second part to the question - Why did creation take place? What was the need for it?
Om Swami says that when one understands that everything is presided by God and that the whole universe resides in him then there will be no sorrow in their life. They may feel pain sometimes but their hearts and mind will be filled with happiness and peace. Just like creepers climb a wall and spread totally covering everything, similarly when pure thoughts and knowledge comes to a person, they too take root and spread and don’t let the bad thoughts rear their head. Just like drops of water from rains come together to make a pond, a righteous person keeps attracting good thoughts and good actions towards themself.
The second question asked was- If God is present in all emotions, then, is he present in the emotion of repulsion too?
Om Swami says that if a person experiences repulsion in full awareness then they will become aware of God. He says that the highest knowledge is to know that God is present in all emotions. Once this truth is understood they will have no hard feelings towards anybody. For everybody is enjoying what they have earned according to their destiny.
Listen to the full discourse to get the proper perspective on this topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 03:52 Does our galaxy have many suns and many moons? 05:00 Why did Shishupal, who had nothing good to say about Krishna get such a glorious death? 07:10 What is meant by tamasik Bhaav? 08:20 Does the emotion of repulsion need a direction for it to turn into a good emotion?
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The question asked here was- Why Was the Universe Created? What was the need for it?
Om Swami says that there is no answer to this question as it is beyond comprehension. It is only humans who think of needs and they do not go beyond their desires and needs throughout their lives. Whenever their desires are complete they go to sleep and they get up again when they have the need to fulfill them. He says God does not need anything and the question as to why he created this universe cannot have an answer and there can be no real dialogue on this. There can be an intelligent hypothesis on it but nothing more. Om Swami says that people should first work to remove the poisonous arrows of jealousy, hatred, anger, lust, arrogance, shame etc, and when they do this they will have no questions about creation but only an understanding of creation and becoming one with it. When a person keeps purifying himself or herself, they become totally pure and one with god thereby attaining freedom from everything. Om Swami says that the creation seen outside is within everyone. All that is seen outside can be found within. When this truth is understood then it becomes plain that nothing is being created nor destroyed. This is not about grief or sorrow but is a grand play. Only the ignorant and the foolish will cry and be sorrowful. This whole creation is held within god and is presided by him and there is nothing other than that says Om Swami.
Listen to the full discourse for a proper understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:50 What did Buddha mean by he was awakened but the others were asleep? 01:34 What is God according to Om Swami? 03:46 Is Vishnu in this creation or is this creation in Vishnu? 05:04 Why is it said that the creation is inside us?
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The question asked was- How do we handle desires when we are surrounded by so many attractive things in the world?
Om Swami says that the problems are not due to all the things around us but with our desires. The main reason for unhappiness is due to a person not being happy and satisfied with what one has. People have to ask themselves if the thing they desire is really needed. Om Swami says that if a person desires something then they should satisfy their desire. Otherwise, the attraction towards that will always remain. He says that it is not bad to be attracted towards something and that that there are only two ways of getting the better of desires. One is to elevate their consciousness in such a way that they contemplate on the harm that their desire could cause and rise above it, and, the second way of ending their desire is to get what they desire. That will end the attraction towards it.
Listen to the full discourse for a proper understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:28 Why is detachment superior to sacrifice? 03:03 What was the reason behind Socrates standing for hours in the marketplace looking at things but without buying them? 05:05 Why did Om Swami renounce only when he was thirty and not earlier? 07:32 What are the two ways that help one to get over their desires? 10.00 A beautiful story about Buddha
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The question asked was-When is guru dakshina given, why is it given and when does the guru ask for guru dakshina? Om Swami says that when initiation is given to a person, it is with the thought that some changes happen to the one initiated, and that the person can imbibe some qualities or certain skills. Whenever the disciple achieves it, the guru’s task is done, after which he has the right to ask for dakshina.
Om Swami says, to have absolute faith and devotion towards one’s guru is the highest form of guru dakshina. A faith and devotion which is so complete that there are no questions. He says that when he gives deeksha to anyone, his guru dakshina is that the person initiated should live a life of happiness, compassion and gratitude. Other than this he expects nothing more from a person. Listen to the full discourse to understand to get deep insight into the topic of Guru Dakshina.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:47 What were the two types of Dakshina in the olden days 05:12 What were the instructions of Srila Prabhupada’s guru to him 06:36 Swami Karunananda’s beautiful experiences while following his guru’s instructions 19:45 What is the reason behind Om Swami asking people to wait when they ask to be initiated
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In this discourse, three questions have been answered by Om Swami. The first question asked was- Who was the first person to start the celebration of guru purnima and when did it start and why was it started? [Origin of guru purnima]
Om Swami says that there are different stories from different places related to guru purnima. This trend is not very old, but the first circumambulation of Mahadev was done by Ganapati. So, that would be the first instance of the first guru purnima he says. Later, as people celebrated other festivals and paid respects to their deity and gods, it was felt that there should be someday dedicated to their guru too when they could show their love and respect towards him. As one cannot ask their guru’s age, guru purnima became that day when people celebrated their gurus, by paying their respects and love. A night of full moon was chosen, to signify that just like the full moon their guru was complete too. Festivals were like a break from the mundane for the householders. There were no festivals from the month of May to October, therefore, guru purnima came to be celebrated in the month of June-July, says Om Swami.
The second question asked was- How to maintain and keep the sanctity in the relationship between a guru and a disciple? For sometimes certain actions by some disciples look wrong.
Om Swami says that when someone requests for discipleship he never looks into their good or bad deeds etc but accepts them without any judgment. He says that once he has accepted them as they are, he never lets go of them. To maintain purity, whenever possible one should do good deeds according to their capacity he says.
The third question asked was- If someone takes him on as their guru right away, will he accept them as their disciple immediately? Om Swami says that before initiating someone he has to see if they are ready. When he initiates someone it is a formalization of a relationship that is already in a devotee’s heart.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper understanding of this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:37 Why are certain questions not asked of sanyasis? 02:44 Why is guru purnima celebrated in the month of July 07:10 How does one bring purity in their lives 10:00 Why did Om Swami take diksha and spend time as a disciple
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This discourse is in answer to the question if one is responsible for their karma. This is the second part to it. Om Swami says that we cannot hold others responsible for our actions and nor should we run away from performing it. And likewise, others are responsible and accountable for their actions. He says, nature has given all a body, a mind, and intelligence so that they can perform actions after weighing the pros and cons. So, there is no room for excuses later on as to why certain actions were performed. Om Swami says that all actions spring from thoughts and therefore good thoughts lead to good actions. When one adopts new and progressive thoughts, their thinking becomes likewise and so will their actions. Any person who lives a life of lie cannot be peaceful as the price of a lie is very heavy. But a person who is determined to lead his or her life with honesty will have ninety percent of their problems solved. He says that ultimately we become the one we believe in.
Listen to the full discourse to get the proper perspective on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:32 Why did Yudhishthir undergo the experience of hell for some time 06:31 Can one give an excuse for doing an undesirable action 08:25 Can truth have two ways 08:51 What is the price of a lie 11:12 Does our strength come from the person we look upto
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The question is- We say that the divine works through an individual and we also say that doing one’s karma is one’s own responsibility, then where does the divine will and our doer ship start and end.
Om Swami says that when one person comes into another person’s life which results in them not liking the things starting to happen in their life, as they have no control over it, then it is their prarabdh karma. Whenever we step into someone’s life, it is that person’s prarabdh and new karma is born. Whenever one does something as they want to do it, then they are creating new karma. Om Swami says that results of prarabdh karma need not always be from previous lifetimes. Sometimes one can get the result in the same lifetime and it all depends on what kind of actions they did. He says, whatever is in our hands, the responsibility for that too remains only with us and we cannot say that it is divine will. If a person has done an action then that action has been done by that person alone. The blame cannot be shifted to someone else saying that they had influenced them. For one’s thought is their own and only they themselves own it. The more one’s thinking progresses the better will their actions be. For its one’s thought which influences all actions ultimately.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper insight into this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:31 A beautiful story giving insight into what is karma 04:27 Is prarabdh karma from previous lifetimes only 05:10 What is free will 05:50 Will the divine want a person to be in pain
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In this discourse two questions have been answered by Om Swami. The first question asked was- sometimes while chanting a mantra, the mantra cannot be heard after some time and maybe at that point one is meditating, but after some time the chant can be heard again. What does this mean? And Is this ok? [Understanding Mantra Meditation]
Om Swami says that when one is chanting or meditating on sound they should be able to hear it always. To build a one-pointed focus, it is better to do chanting for a shorter duration as the focus can be maintained that way. The moment the focus is lost, the chanting too cannot be heard but the moment the focus returns one is able to hear the chanting once again. When one is unable to hear the mental chant then it means that they have lost their focus and it does not mean that they were meditating. He says, to progress in anything practice is of paramount importance. Similarly if one wishes to progress in meditation they need to put their efforts and their time on it.
The second question was-As mentioned by Om Swami earlier that every person’s action has an effect on another person, does this apply to a renunciate? Does renunciation mean that they start their life afresh?
Om Swami says that this is what is said in the shastras and that is why renunciation is given so much importance. In the four varnas in a person’s life renunciation comes last so that one is able to detach from their attachments and live their last moments of life. In the third stage which is the forest-dwelling stage a person becomes aware of their attachments and desires and will know where they are in their spiritual quest. In renunciation, a person reaches a state of complete detachment and some may choose to forego the earlier stages of life and enter this directly. When a person gets connected to a lineage and becomes a renunciate then they have detached from their past and have started afresh and that becomes their reality. Listen to these discourses fully to get a complete understanding on the topics.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:58 Is it better to do meditation for short time in the beginning 02:32 How is the Akshamala done 03:24 How does practice help in one pointed focus 06:17 Why does renunciation come last in the four varnashrams
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The question asked was-If Om Swami could shed some light on what he had said in a blog post where he mentioned that the law of attraction and the law of karma go hand in hand and people doing good can face adversities and sometimes people doing bad things can have good things happening to them in life.
Om Swami says that it is difficult to say things like this person is good or that person is bad as it’s always from an individual’s perspective on what they feel is good or bad, right or wrong. It is difficult to say if something is really wrong and therefore, it’s a futile exercise to classify people in this way. He says, most people can be so blinded by their ego that they cannot see their own mistakes and wrongdoings. Om Swami says that for the law of attraction to work, one should concentrate on only one thing at a time. It will work for a person who is ready in all other aspects by being prepared. If a person just dreams about something without putting any effort then there will be no manifestation. When a person with a complete one-pointed focus determinedly works day and night towards their dream without accepting defeat, then the universe at some point materializes it in their world.
Listen to the full discourse for a proper understanding on this topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:54 Can we say with conviction as to what it right or what is wrong 02:20 How does the law of attraction work 05:48 Is it right to pass judgments on other people and slander them 07:05 What does it mean to not accept defeat
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In this discourse a few questions have been answered by Om Swami. The first question asked was- When chanting mantras, is it more impactful if the pronunciation is perfect and the meaning known. Also is it necessary to know Sanskrit to connect?
Om Swami says, not all mantras have meaning and not every mantra is a sloka, nor every sloka a mantra. There are some mala mantras, which have more than twenty letters and have a meaning. The Vishnu Sahasranama, The Bhagavad Gita and the Lalita Sahasranama are mala mantras. Each word in these mala mantras have a meaning which can be understood by a person. Meanings when understood make a person’s faith and their feelings more strong and resolute. The glory of the deity is truly understood and it will make a person connect to the mantra with more devotion and determination. To say mantras, one need to only pronounce it properly and need not know Sanskrit. The meaning and the pronunciation can be found on some sites.
The other question was-How to awaken the subconscious mind and purify it Om Swami says, the subconscious is like a godown and it has many things stocked in it about which one is not aware. If this has to be purified then one has to enter it, so that one can remove the unwanted things. This can happen only when the conscious mind becomes totally silent. When a person is able to reach where his conscious mind cannot reach then that is samadhi. Here there is no thought process and there is only the union of the seer and the seen for there is no duality. This can be achieved through meditation, knowledge, bhakti, karma, compassion etc.
Listen to the full discourse to get proper perspectives on these topics. Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:56 Can we spend our whole life contemplating on even one word from any mala mantra 04:52 Is it absolutely necessary to do abhishek of Shiv Ling after finishing with the surya sadhana 06:01 Can the recitation of Bhagavad Gita be done, instead of meditation. 09:08 What is nirvikalpa samadhi
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These discourses by Om Swami are on parampara. This is the third part of it.
Om Swami says, that in the science of mantras, a sankalpa(resolution)and diksha has a lot of importance. A sankalpa makes the probability of a person completing a sadhana successfully much more. Whenever, one is able to take and complete smaller sankalpas , the bigger ones will also get completed and it makes one realise that this whole life is also like a sankalp. For, one has to just make a resolution to lead a happy and contented life. A person who is firm on resolutions would have learnt the art of it and nobody can sway them away from their determination towards their resolution.
Om Swami says that there is no limit to madness in this world. But, the energy of this madness can be channelized and it can either be turned towards building spiritual advancement to oneself or doing some good for the society. Or, this madness can be channelized towards harming themselves or others. This is totally an individual and a personal choice. Om Swami says, that it is a huge responsibility for a guru to give a mantra to an individual and getting them connected to the parampara. A mantra received from a guru, if passed to others, will give no benefit to the recipient as well as the giver, as the giver has not gathered any merits firstly by chanting and becoming one with it. Only when someone reaches the sixth or seventh step in diksha can they give the mantra ahead. Till then it cannot be given and this is one of the key rules of the parampara. This is the reason for the seven steps in deeksha. A guru who keeps all the knowledge to himself, and does not give it ahead will lead himself to ruin. Deeksha is only given to a person, who comes with total humility and surrender. Om Swami says that he has spoken about the parampara briefly in these discourses but if god wills then at some point he may write about it in more detail. Listen to the full discourse to get a proper understanding on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:51 An experiment that shows the importance of (Sankalp) resolution 09:47 Why are there seven steps in diksha 11:10 Can a guru keep knowledge just to himself 12:20 A story during Buddha’s time of how tendencies never leave a person even after death
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This discourse is an answer to the question as to which parampara (lineage) Om Swami is from and where did it start. This is the second part of the series on Om Swami’s parampara.
Om Swami says that his guru Naga Baba took initiation of aghor sadhana from Hari Nam Das aghori, and while doing his sadhana he lived in a cemetery for eight years. Naga Baba later also got initiation of Sri Vidya from a buddhist lama and during that period he remained at the shakti peet itself for twelve years. Mohan Das udasin was Naga Baba’s guru and Naga Baba got initiation for bhakti and love(parental love) from him. All these different practices came together like different flowers bound in a bouquet and was given and received by Om Swami. When Om Swami received all this, he had to see as to what would work in today’s time and world. All this came to him before he started his main sadhana and they had become a good mixture. When he started his sadhana of bhagawan Mahadev, Ma Shakti and of the Udasin lineage he had in addition with him a mantra from his uncle who was an ardent devotee of Shiva. In Badrinath he received a mantra from Bhairavi Ma. His guru Naga Baba was initiated by a naga saint with the sabar mantra. Om Swami says, that he had with him some mantras from Tantra, some mantras from the Vedas and some Sabar mantras plus his own sadhanas from this life time and some from his previous ones. Now with all this within him, he started his sadhana. He sat in a cave to first bring one pointedness in his mind and then started on his sadhana. First he awakened the Lalita Sahasranama. Then he awakened the mantra which was given by Bhairavi Ma. After this, he left the cave and went into the forests where he awakened the mantra of Ma Gayatri. The kriya that was received by him before, and due to which he was able to talk to his deity was completely championed. As soon as Ved Mata Gayatri’s mantra was awakened, his doubts regarding his ability to get answers to his questions from his inner consciousness completely vanished and that left him with no doubt of the truth. Soon after this, he awakened the Vishnu Sahasranama. After this, he started his main sadhana of Sri Vidya and after completing it he went to Kamyakya to honour the Vedic way and as was instructed by Ma Tripurasundari. In Kamyakya, he received a Tantra initiation which brought everything together and it became complete. Om Swami says, after this he went to Rudra nath, and later from there he went to Bengal where he awakened a mantra of bhagawan Ganapati. After this he went to Rudra nath again where he completed a sadhana and on completion he came to the ashram. After coming to the ashram, in eight months, he made the fifteen nityas in the Sri Vidya occupy their respective places. Om Swami says, the lineage, now took a different form. The different lineages were like an inverted tree with all the branches spreading in different directions. Now from the different branches there was one trunk and roots. He says, all these mantras are very ancient and they are not written down but are passed on orally even today, and that is the reason he is cautious and thinks before giving a mantra to anyone. It is a sacred heritage of the saints and sages from ancient times and a person’s motive for a mantra needs to be looked into before giving it. He says, the thought that someone’s problems can be fixed through the use of mantra is like conducting a business. It will neither help the giver nor the receiver.
Listen to the full discourse to get in-depth knowledge on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 09:44 How old are the mantras 10:05 Why is it that mantras are given to people cautiously 11:04 can mantras be used to solve problems 11:54 What is the importance of Sankalp in mantra Diksha or mantra sadhana
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The question asked was - What is Om Swami’s parampara(lineage) and from where did it start? This is part 1, in a three-part series.
Om Swami says that he had plans of writing about this in detail someday, but for now he will address it briefly. He says, Om Swami which is the name of a thought or a light, can be called a tradition but not a person. For, a person can only be attached to one lineage. But, even his guru, Naga Baba was attached to more than one lineage or tradition, as he got initiation from different places. Om Swami says, that according to the tradition about which he has knowledge, the very first mantra was given by bhagvaan Narayan to Mahalakshmi Ma, to help humans redeem themselves by turning their thoughts and devotion towards him. Later, this same mantra was received by the Sanat kumaras, then by rishi Narad, from bhagwan Narayan himself. Dev rishi Narad started giving this mantra to some of his closest disciples. Parallel to this, around the same time bhagawan Ashutosh (Shiva) gave a mantra to Parvathi which would instil extreme detachment. Om Swami says, for Bhagawan Shiva, renunciation comes before detachment but for Bhagavan Vishnu detachment comes first before renunciation. A person who is able to live life knowing when to renounce and when to be detached, would attain success in their penance. A person who is not able to renounce something will find detachment difficult too. The knowledge and mantra that Shiva gave to Ma Parvathi, was passed ahead to the best tantriks among whom Parashar rishi was one and he later took it out from the atharva Veda and gave it Veda Vyas. From Rishi Ved Vyas the tradition kept going ahead. About five hundred years ago Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born and he had a son whose name was shri Chandra Dev who became a naga saint. As per the tradition of the naga saints, who were the disciples of Ved Vyas, the mantra was a part of their practice and it was kept going. He says, the tradition then branched out into two. One branch practiced the Devi mantra and the other branch Shiva’s. The Shiva mantra was later given by Baba Chandra Dev to his close disciples and later he established a tradition which was known as the Udasin sampradaya. These three traditions came together like the confluence of the Ganga, Jamuna and saraswati and this is the tradition to which Om Swami is attached.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper understanding on this beautiful topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 05:06 What is meant by awakening of the mantra in a person 07:30 What is the main difference between renouncing something and detachment 09:28 How do the last thoughts influence a person’s rebirth 10:20 A story about Vivekanand
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This discourse is the continuation of the discourse on Insight into Meditation for a Sadhak.
Om Swami says that if somebody is being taught to sing and is told to sing the same tune every day then everybody will run away. They have to be taught other tunes at some point. Though there are only seven notes in music, the beauty of the different tunes comes from the various combinations of the notes. And that can happen only through practice. The practice of meditation is similar to this. He says, when a seeker has to be taken ahead on the path, then initially they are asked to meditate once for thirty minutes in the morning. Then they are asked to meditate in the afternoon too. After some more time passes, they are asked to meditate in the evening and night also. Next, they are asked to shift the time of meditation by half an hour( not the duration) every now and then so that they get used to meditating at any hour. This way the seeker would have got used to meditating at all times of the day and night, and due to this their mind would always be in a meditative state. Om Swami says that this has been his first-hand experience and he has not read about this is any book. He says, when a seeker wants to progress then they have to make small corrections here and there and these small corrections help them forward on the path of attainment.
The second question addressed here is -if repetition of a mantra is meditation
Om Swami says that repetition of a mantra is not meditation. To be still in awareness and feeling(bhaav) is meditation. He says, that in the Maha mudra that is being spoken about, the mind is able to witness itself, and when that happens its existence is completely dissolved, just like the two sticks when rubbed together causes sparks, which ultimately consumes itself totally. When one starts to ask the question ‘who am I’, they are then able to distance themselves from the mind and witness it. The mind’s tendency is to think always, the brain or intelligence determines the course of action and the ego makes one feel that they can perform the action.
Listen to the full discourse to get an in-depth understanding of this topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 02:27 How is the practice of meditation done to progress on the path 06:37 Is the repetition of a mantra meditation 06:57 What is mind 9:58 Why do some soul’s wander for many years before being reborn but some soul’s find a womb instantly
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The question asked was - is it good to meditate using different ways as stated by Om Swami, or do people have to stick to only one way as stated by other gurus
Om Swami says that the word ‘have to’ is very binding and does not do any good, as this may induce a feeling of guilt. He says, his answer was in context to a particular seeker, who was at a stage where this method could help, and therefore this is not applicable to everybody. He says, It is important to have a fixed way and when he says about choosing different ways, it still is on meditation and not something totally different. He says, it all depends on who you are. Giving the example of some sugar mixed with a pile of sand, he says, only an ant can remove the sugar effectively from the pile of sand without feeling perturbed. A human being irrespective of their muscular body, or skills of swordsmanship, may take his or her whole life, or give up in frustration if asked to separate the same. Similarly, the same path will not work for all, and only a foolish guru will give the same idea to everyone. Sometimes one has to be as strong as an elephant and at other times, one has to be as small as an ant. The path given differs depending on a seeker’s ability, personality, and the stage in which they are in and a guru after perceiving and taking into account all this gives them the path to follow. Om Swami says that the variation in thoughts are also like this. They cannot be compartmentalized. They are all mixed together, like sand with sugar. One has to become the ant, to sort the bad thoughts from the good. This can only be done slowly, one at a time, with courage and patience. A seeker similarly never gets frightened seeing the long journey ahead. One should just be mindful of each moment. Om Swami says, meditation is a very subtle act and without mindfulness, it cannot be done. A seeker who can sit still in meditation for 45 minutes or more, and who wants to progress, but finds his or her body and mind getting tired and therefore is unable to meditate, they can benefit by making small changes to their ways of meditation. If a seeker is tired one day, they have two options to choose from and adopt. The first is not to do any meditation, and the second is to change their way of meditating for some time, instead of not doing it at all, so that the practice does not stop. He says the practice of meditation and stillness in body and mind go hand in hand. They are intertwined and they complement each other. To progress, practice is necessary and without practice nothing is possible.
Listen to this beautiful discourse fully to get an in-depth understanding of the topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:54 An example of how only an ant can separate sugar from sand 03:40 Can thoughts be compartmentalized into good and bad 06:12 How is meditation a very subtle act 07:05 An example of a seeker and the importance of sitting still to progress
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This discourse is in continuation of the question- Can yogis see the future? Om Swami says, that here there is no use of kundalini, chakra or yog. Here the requirement is of one-pointed steadfastness in thinking, character and mind. And the person who has achieved all this will have all the siddhis in his hands and thoughts. They then just have to think and things happen. A yogi is a person who has one-pointed focus on how to live his life and how to do his work. Om Swami says, that it is possible upto a certain extent to say what may happen or not. But, if a person says with certainty and full confidence that certain things will definitely happen or will not happen in someone’s life then they are not telling the truth. He says, in actuality there is no way of proving if somebody’s future can be changed or not, but we can carry a belief that it may be possible to change, not change or sometimes be changed. But to try and prove this is not possible and highly foolish. Therefore, these questions do not carry much meaning. But, if one is able to attain one pointedness in mind and consciousness and is able to fill their heart with compassion and empathy, then no siddhi is impossible for such a person. Such a person can not only see the past, present and future, but is able to bring such changes in other peoples lives that the impossible becomes possible. Om Swami says, the present moment was your future at some point and this present moment will also become your past. So the present moment is of utmost importance. We ourselves are the ones who build our future and make our destiny. He says, there is surely an element of grace and there are sentiments too, and they do have an impact but that should not absolve anyone from their responsibilities in life.
Video Timeline 00:00 Start 03:30 What is the difference in the thoughts of an ordinary person versus a yogi 04:28 A beautiful story of Goswami Tulsidas and his experience 07:47 Can anybody’s future be changed 10:05 Is the present moment the greatest truth
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The question asked was if Siddhas can see the past, present and future of others through their ajna chakra.
Om Swami says that one does not need the ajna chakra for seeing the past, present and future but one needs an awakening and an immense amount of compassion for humanity. He says that there are some future events which are pre-ordained and that is called prarabdh. These can be seen up to a certain extent. Some future events are yet to be determined and are therefore in the process of being constructed. And, then there are some future events which is determined only by the divine and this cannot be seen by anyone. He says, that a yogi can scan a person and get an overall picture, but not all the time. In the case where the future is fixed, they can see it but surprisingly ninety percent of the time the future is not fixed and so it is very difficult to say whether something will happen or not. He says, many of the predictions by the so called Siddhas, astrologers or soothsayers is more on the theory of probability and not on the truth. So, a Siddha yogi will not use words to predict as he knows that an individual has to do his karma to attain things. Om Swami says that it is said that the tenth guru of the sikhs Shri guru Govind Singh blessed people with different kinds of blessings based on what he saw in them. One of the blessings was ‘ there will be Nanak’s grace and your work will be done. When questioned about this blessing and asked if Nanak Dev could change someone’s destiny he said that, just like the alphabets on a seal which are engraved in an opposite way but when stamped on a paper appear right and change its value similarly when Guru Nanak Dev stamps a person with his seal even the crooked in them becomes straight. Om Swami says, and this is a yogi’s siddhi. A person who is bereft of this knowledge can gain nothing even if he has run away with the seal. For, he will be reading it the wrong way forever. He says, siddhi cannot be bought over the counter and it cannot be used for all. When someone wants their work done, they can pretend to be empty and in total surrender. But that is not true surrender and is like a business transaction. In this kind of a scenario a yogi may or may not do something. Nobody knows. But when one comes with an empty mind and with an attitude of true and total surrender, they turn into a divine soul instead of an ordinary one, he says. The main difference between a yogi and a bhogi is that a yogi is firmly established in his truth but a bhogi keeps flowing.
Listen to the discourse in full to understand this topic in depth.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:32 What is prarabdh karma? 02:09 Can a yogi see and foretell the past present and future? 03:48 How did Shri guru Govind Singh bless people differently who came to him for blessings? 10.05 A story about what kumbhakaron told Ravana
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The first question asked was how can meditation be a form of imagination? Om Swami says that in the audible series released ‘jeevan aik gorakh dhanda hai’ ( life is a complicated business), he had said that to do meditation one needs imagination. For, when we meditate on a form we are imagining a form in our consciousness and keeping it alive. Till one is able to keep the form alive in one’s consciousness, one will be able to maintain pristine concentration. The moment the form disappears from their consciousness the concentration gets disturbed too. He says, he had read somewhere something very beautiful that said ‘ everything is information.’ Whatever one does, sees, tastes, smells, hears - all of them is information for the brain. How this information gets interpreted by an individual will make them feel good, bad or neutral. A person on anesthesia cannot imagine, as the brain does not receive input from the senses. All the progress made in all the fields is due to only someone’s imagination. Whether it was the moon landing, computers or mobile phones, everything started with someone imagining the possibilities. Similarly, in meditation, the clearer the imagination, the more intense will be the concentration and the more intense the concentration the more vivid the imagination will be. The more intense the concentration the more developed will the knowledge be. This is because if one’s concentration is not one-pointed then they will spend their whole life in only remembering past incidents. Though, they may be aware that thoughts are meaningless, they are still unable to discard them, as they have not entered the sea called meditation. A person working in a laboratory is also busy in imagination. Imagination is the very key to spiritual advancement. Imagination starts with the question ‘what if’ and that prods one on. Om Swami says, after taking all this into consideration he had said that meditation is also a form of imagination.
The second question was, what happens if a person walks the spiritual path without any goals.
Om Swami says that a person who can do this is very lucky. If a person has set goals to achieve, then that person will just want to complete it without enjoying the journey. Whereas, a person who starts the journey thinking let’s see where this takes me will enjoy the journey without stress. A person who has a set goal and wants to reach that somehow cannot be saved as their whole life will only be about that. They will not be concerned about their family or relationships, they would not want rest or anything. They will become just become a nuisance and will trouble all. He says, so, even in the spiritual path if one has goals in mind then they would not enjoy the journey. Whereas, if one walks the path with a liberated and adventurous outlook, the path becomes very beautiful. Timeline:
00:00 Start 00:20 How can meditation be imagination 01:30 Is everything just information for the brain 02:50 Are all inventions due to imagination 05:16 Can a person walk the path without planned goals
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The question asked was, if one should do rituals, yagya etc as stated in the Vedas.
Om Swami says that rituals are not mentioned in any of the vedas. This was introduced much later by society. Vedas have aradhana (worship), sthuti (songs of praise), sadhana( method used to evoke divinity) and gyan (knowledge). Yagya are of many types. One type of yagya mentioned by Bhagavan is -tamsi yagya, rajsi yagya and sattvik yagya. In these three types of yagyas going forward there are other types of yagya too and they are jap yagya, gyan yagya, athithi yagya and agnihotra. Agnihotra is what has been called as havan or yagya. In very ancient times, special messengers used to carry the sacrifices meant for Indra( lord of gods)personally. Later, times became different and the sacrifices were poured into the fire and it was believed that Swaha (Indra’s wife) carried it to him. This then became a way of being connected to Indra and the gods and so yagya has always been a part of our culture. Om Swami says, that this does not mean that one has to perform yagyas to advance spiritually. It is a matter of sentiments and if one feels happy doing it then they can. One can spiritually advance only when they do good for the society. When one carries out introspection, does good deeds, hears good, speaks good and does good, they advance spiritually very fast and soon they rise above yagya, penance and knowledge. This is the crux of spirituality. Rituals were connected with religion and were conducted at each and every important phase in one’s life. From the time of conceiving to one’s death. It was a system put into place to remember and being connected to God at various important phases in one’s life. By rituals a person is connected with their religion and it was a way of instilling discipline. But, it’s important to separate religion from spirituality. Most of the time religion and rituals are believed to be spirituality and many people come to believe that by being ritualistic they are being very spiritual. He says, there comes a time when a person rises above yagya, penance and knowledge. Chanting, yagya and rituals do give benefits but only when done with a proper understanding and with a love for it. If done properly there will be growth otherwise there will be no progress.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:44 How many slokas and sthuthis are there in the vedas 01:00 What are the different types of yagya and what are they done for 04:55 Do we have to do yagya to advance spiritually 07:32 Is religion and spirituality the same
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There are two parts to this question - 1) According to Hindu Dharma what is a farishta/angel and 2) What is Om Swami’s view on reiki.
Om Swami says that the word farishta/angel is a very new one though the concept of an angel, guardian angel , and archangel has been there for a very long time. It has been there for almost eight to nine thousand years. He says, all the religions of old had some kind of a notion of a formless God or a god who was old with a white beard, sitting somewhere in the clouds, angry almost all the time , and punishing people every now and then. They then felt that if God was very busy then they needed someone who would protect them. So do angels really exist? The people then brought forth the concept of angels, guardian angels, and archangels as protectors of men and women. Angels are from the god’s realm, guardian angels are believed to be our ancestors. The main belief was that there is a divine energy which can protect us. This energy has been given the name of farishta. In Hindu Dharma the farishtas were called devtas. Regarding reiki, Om Swami says that the person who has benefited from reiki truly loves it and the person practicing it has spent hours doing it and they will not want to question if it was really true or not. He says, there is truth in the existence of energy and to bring welfare to others through it. But this cannot be called science. Whenever something is done with a result guaranteed, that thing’s existence can be agreed on. In reiki, the evidence is anecdotal. Whatever a person believes in becomes their truth and it should be left like that. For nothing is ever achieved by breaking that truth. If someone gets happiness out of doing reiki, pranic healing, numerology etc then they should do it as they are only trying to help others. But, they should be honest and say that they cannot guarantee results, instead of making the recipient feel something is wrong with them if they don’t feel better.
Listen to the full discourse for a proper perspective on this topic
Timeline: 00:00 Start 03:35 what is the difference between kula devata, gram devata, sthan devata, vastu devata 04:34 is there something like ancestral curse 06:56 the truth behind a case study 09:18 what is the meaning of the term frame of reference in psychology
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This is the fifth discourse in Hindi on this series on astrology. [Janam Kundali Ke Bina Jyotish Mein Kaise Uttar Paye?]These videos are extracted from the astrology course at https://os.me/courses/vedic-astrology-hindi/
Om Swami says that for prashna lagna one can go to os.me or some such site and generate today’s horoscope. The space provided for filling up the time of birth should be filled with the time the caller calls with a question. Lagna is calculated using the latitude and longitude of a place. He says, if for example a person living in California makes a call to an astrologer in India to ask a question, then the time(in California) when he calls has to be filled in. So whatever lagna( zodiac sign)is there at the time of the call, the horoscope will be made on that lagna and that will become the lagna horoscope for that time. He says, while making this, one should not be concerned with the time or place of birth. Lagna horoscope is generated when one does not know how to see a panchang(almanac), but in case somebody can read a panchang then there is no need to make this, as they can then see what lagna is going on at that time. Each lagna(rashi or zodiac sign) stays for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Once a lagna horoscope is generated it is clear where each planet is sitting and predictions are made based on this. Om Swami says that there are subtle aspects involved in seeing a horoscope. All these aspects have to be seen and considered before predicting. Listen to the full discourse to get an insight on this fascinating topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 00:17 About Prashna lagna 03:25 How to make a lagna horoscope 06:15 On what basis predictions are made
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The question asked was if someone read the Puranas( the translated version) instead of in the language it is written in(Sanskrit), will the effect be the same?
Om Swami says that one should read in the language that they understand, as, only then will they be able to understand what is written and assimilate. Otherwise, it will be like parroting and will become a tasteless task. It is important to understand the words and sentiments which pave the way for proper understanding. The Puranas have some stories, some dialogues, and about the origin of our earth. Om Swami says that he does not believe that one should definitely read the Puranas. It is also highly ignorant to feel that by reading these books they can please the deities. But, instead of reading useless stuff it is any day better to read any religious text, of any religion. Whatever we read gets etched in our minds for ever. So, a person should think and contemplate before reading something. Anything that is freely available will not impact us, for example, articles read on the internet. But when books are read the mind is able to store the gist of what was read. He says, everyone should read scriptures of all the religions. It clears doubts and shifts perspectives.
Listen to the full discourse for a proper understanding of the topic.
Timeline: 00:00 Start 01:22 what is written in the Puranas 02:31 negative news and its impact 06:07 why should we be mindful of what we read
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The question asked was what is the significance of wearing a tilak( a mark worn on the forehead) and why are there different types of it?
Om Swami says that he was initiated by his guru Naga baba, and at that time it was the norm to smear three horizontal lines on the forehead made of sandalwood paste with the red vermilion dot in the centre. During those days, he was busy handling many things and the process of grinding sandalwood to make the white paste took time. Further, when smeared on the forehead the powder used to keep falling into the eyes. Om Swami says that he then felt that it was not necessary to do it that way as it represented only a symbol. But since his guru had instructed him that he should not have a barren forehead in front of the society, he started to mark his forehead with a smaller dot of sandalwood paste and vermilion powder. He says, any mark worn is a symbol to remind a person of their commitments in life. For example, many married women in India wear vermilion powder in the parting of their hair to show that they are married and committed. He says that wearing this symbol, for him, is also his way of showing gratefulness to Sri Hari and Ma Tripurasundari, the masculine and the feminine energy who have given him his saffron robes and their vision countless times. The white dot represents Sri Hari and the red dot mother Divine. He says, that the whole universe is there only due to the masculine and the feminine energy coming together and this is his way of respecting both forms of energy equally. Om Swami says that all religions without exceptions have symbols or some such thing that they follow. Initially, the marks or symbols even like turbans etc were worn or kept so that the differences between the different sects were visible to all and they could be identified on those basis. He says, later there comes a time when one starts to love these symbols. Thereafter, these symbols may not carry any meaning and people also may not give it much thought or importance. They just do it because they start to love it and they wear it according to the sect they belong to.
Listen to the full discourse to get deeper insights into this topic. Timeline: 00:00-start 00:18-the reason for him wearing the symbols on his forehead 02:55-why are different kinds of symbols worn by different sects 04:20-what was the reason for wearing turbans or covering of heads
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The question asked was if it is necessary to have a guru and a guru mantra in one’s life Om Swami says that he does not think that it is necessary to have a guru or a guru mantra, because, there comes a stage in one’s life when the inner voice becomes the guru. A person just needs to have good sense and do good deeds. The inspiration for it can be anyone- a guru, their own parents, society, teacher or even their own self. A real and truthful guru’s responsibility is to give the highest ideals possible to his student, and after that, it is the responsibility of the student to walk the path slowly. The person who has pure good sense does not require a guru. He says, all the great religious heads did not have much influence of a guru in their lives. Those who have been the best of the best like Buddha, Mahavir, and Guru Nanak did not spend their whole life with their gurus and there is not much mention of their guru. So, it's more important that a person walking on this path has deep conviction, regularity, faith, and good sense. Om Swami says, no one wants to explore as it needs a lot of courage. Most people don’t want to think on their own but want to just do as told. This does not lead to spiritual progression. He says that if followed properly, the most beneficial thing of going to a guru is the diminishing of one’s ego. If not observed properly the ego can get inflated too. But if one thinks of his guru as guru, and has an attitude of surrender, then their ego will diminish over time and that will lead them to have great spiritual progression.
Listen to the full discourse to get proper insight on this topic.
Timeline: 00:00-start 00:20-is guru necessary in one’s life? 01:52-what is the role of a true guru? 05:58-how can one benefit by going to a guru?
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question asked was if some light could be shed on the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna.
In answer to this question, Om swami says that if the gist has to be given, then, it can be said that Arjun was foolish, adamant, ill-tempered and egoistic, but, he was also surrendered to God and he chose God above everything else. Due to this, he got saved, as God stood by him. Duryodhan also had all these negative traits but he was not surrendered. For him, fame and riches mattered much more than God. Om Swami says that surrender is that quality in a person, which, like a brilliant sun can burn all the negative traits of a person into ashes. To take care and look after the well-being of a person who has only doubts, is next to impossible as neither can they be a student nor a teacher. When Arjun realized who Krishna actually was, he felt very remorseful of how casually he had treated Krishna and he begged for forgiveness and tells him that henceforth he would do exactly as he was instructed by him. Om Swami says, that actually if you see, there was no conversation between Krishna and Arjun. It was between Arjun and God(Bhagawan). In Bhagavad Gita, whenever Krishna speaks, it has been written as God says and not as Krishna says, as it can be difficult for people to surrender to Krishna, but it is easier surrendering to Bhagawan. He says, that when someone is surrendered, how can there be any questions? And if someone is not then what is the use of questions? For then, they are just looking for more questions to ask and not for answers. He says that the Bhagavad Gita or the conversation between Arjun and Krishna was solely for the benefit and welfare of humanity.
Listen to the full discourse to get a proper insight of the topic.
Timeline: 00:00-start 00:11-Conversation between Krishna and Arjuna. 03:53-some verses from Bhagavad Gita with meaning
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"From the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep, you unceasingly feel such sensations. That is the state of Samadhi. This is my personal experience and anyone can experience it too if they are willing to work for it. Just like ripples are only formed in water and not on the ice, your state of bliss is frozen when in Samadhi. " https://os.me/samadhi-meaning-state-and-the-truth/
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The 2nd part on music and Samadhi: Om Swami says, that music on its own is a sadhana(meditation). Rather, if a person is doing mantra chanting or meditating and he gives the mantra a tune, then he would start to become more focused and attentive towards his mantra chanting and meditation. If you are chanting a mantra, for example, Om namah shivaya, and your mind starts to wander and think of something else, then changing the chanting speed or giving the mantra a musical lilt will make you break the thought process and focus. He says that songs are sung, but music is something that needs to be understood in its entirety, and this is done by taking in the knowledge of the subject completely and then making it more beautiful. Om Swami says that children who are given musical training from their early years are seen to live life with more awareness. They live their life in accordance with the values learnt. It’s not that they don’t make mistakes or don’t get swayed in life. It’s just that they are able to get back quicker on the tracks. A culture’s values and heritage dwell in their music. This is because culture is defined by its music. Without music and without stories a culture cannot exist. If there is music and there are stories then there is a culture. He says, that the people who were addressed as suta maharaj ji, or suta rishi, were those suta’s who used to go to different kings and kingdoms, singing in poetry form the sacred scriptures, to a congregation. And since these were not found written in any books, slowly, over time, the shaastras they sang came to be known as shastriya sangeet(classical music). The Suta’s were so revered, that they were given the status of Rishis, as they were the ones who kept our scriptures alive. If any story is tastefully delivered, then it is etched on the minds of the people forever. Om Swami further says that if you want to know the music you will have to taste it yourself.
Listen to the full discourse to understand more and get deeper insights into this topic. Timeline: 00:11- Can music be considered as Sadhana 02:29- Benefits of children being trained in music early in life 04:23-a story about Akbar and Tansen
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"From the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep, you unceasingly feel such sensations. That is the state of Samadhi. This is my personal experience and anyone can experience it too if they are willing to work for it. Just like ripples are only formed in water and not on the ice, your state of bliss is frozen when in Samadhi. " https://os.me/samadhi-meaning-state-and-the-truth/
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The question here is about music and if Om Swami can say something about it and share his thoughts.
Om Swami says that there is continuous music in nature. Music is knowledge of one’s soul. Irrespective of whether we understand it or not the musical notes and tempo reaches our soul. When people listen to modern day’s music they shake or tap their legs vigorously and when they listen to classical music it’s a gentle shake of their heads. One strengthens the tamas aspect (ignorance) and the other the sattva aspect(goodness) in us. Om Swami says, that there is music in the creation of this universe, in its preservation and in its destruction. When creation first started there were only three notes - A-U-M and this later became AUM. As there were only three notes there are only three Gunas( attributes). Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. There are only three states of being- Jagrukt, shushupt and swapna. And only three main planes of existence- Bhoor, Bhuvah and Svah. Om Swami says that when two attributes came together the third was born and creation went ahead. He further says that if a person does not have the capability of doing meditation he can learn music. Music has the power to make a person reach all levels of consciousness. A person who learns music will surely feel a change in their consciousness and they can attain samadhi the same way a devotee does. Music is such an integral part of all religions that it has a place right at the very place of worship. Om Swami further brings our attention to the fact that we are all so bound by music that even if we don’t know anything about music, if, there is one discordant note, our ears will realize it immediately. Music is equivalent to juice or essence. When Krishna came to earth he picked up the flute. He saw that we need regulations, knowledge, social conventions, and ideals but this life surely needs a tune too. And if a person starts to live his life in tune then one will not even know when the night ended and the day has begun.
Listen to the full discourse for deeper insights and meaning and to learn more on this topic.
Timeline: 00:00-start 00:13-question 00:23-answer 02:20-about creation 05:54- can music lead to samadhi
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"From the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep, you unceasingly feel such sensations. That is the state of Samadhi. This is my personal experience and anyone can experience it too if they are willing to work for it. Just like ripples are only formed in water and not on the ice, your state of bliss is frozen when in Samadhi. " https://os.me/samadhi-meaning-state-and-the-truth/
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The first question in the discourse is - Can something be shared about Eclipse (Grahan)? Om Swami says, In the olden times, there was a lot of Misconception with regards to an eclipse.It was said that Rahu (commonly known as shadow planet), swallows the moon, and after a specific time, Rahu spits the moon out. Since Rahu swallows the moon, the older adults or priests advised people to stay indoors during the eclipse. As there was a thinking that if Rahu can swallow the moon it can swallow humans too. But today, science has come a very long way. When we get new knowledge that proves the old thoughts to be untrue then a human being must have enough courage to not hold on to the old school of thought & justify it.
The second question is - The question is If you worship a formless form of God and offer them something, would they get a devotional feeling of it or would they get the taste of the offer as well? Listen to the full discourse to learn more.
The third question is - The question is that the legend of Siddha ashram true? Listen to the full discourse to learn more.
Video Timeline 0:09 Explanation on the effect of Grahan (Eclipse) 3:23 Significance of Sadhana during Grahan 6:16 Explanation on Worship and offering 7:59 Is the legend of Siddha ashram true
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"The yoga of self-transformation helps the practitioner to turn inward completely. Besides discipline, the success in the actual sadhana depends on four key aspects: sadhaka (aspirant), siddha (master), sadhya (goal) and sadhan (resources). The absence of any one of the four puts the whole practice on a shaky ground. " https://os.me/the-four-pillars-of-sadhana/
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The question answered in this discourse was - Is Tantra really a path to rapid self-realization?
Om Swami says to understand this, we need to first agree on the definition of self-realization. Self Realization is a state where you express oneness with the whole creation. You don't have feelings of hatred, all you have is boundless freedom and love. When people wear ocher robes, it is usually with the belief that now, we are free. Ocher is the color of fire and freedom, that one is no longer tied to the conventional way of doing things. But, the opposite happens. You get increasingly clamped down by society and their expectations from you. There were people who realized that social norms are a big farce. Tantra says what if I had the courage to break every rule that society has given me, what would my life be then? Tantra says let's being with all that the world says is wrong, it takes courage and is not easy. Usually, it is in order of progression, when someone is initiated into tantra they will start with Dakhsinashar - with the purest form. Then, if their guru is a tantric guru, he or she will observe what are the hurdles on the path and how they can break it by giving them the appropriate sadhana. It is a rapid path because the conditioning is so strong on what is right and what is wrong, that we think we know how to get to God. Tantra questions what is the need to suppress desires and instead why doesn't one walk through them as opposed to run away from them.
Video Timeline: 0:00 Start 0:09 Is tantra a rapid path to enlightenment 4:17 Understanding tantra 8:35 Historical examples of breaking the norm 10:31 Incident from Tibetan monk's life
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"The yoga of self-transformation helps the practitioner to turn inward completely. Besides discipline, success in the actual sadhana depends on four key aspects: sadhaka (aspirant), siddha (master), sadhya (goal), and sadhan (resources). The absence of any one of the four puts the whole practice on shaky ground. " https://os.me/the-four-pillars-of-sadhana/
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers three questions.
The First Question - What is the Significance of a Rudraksha mala? And why is only Rudraksha mala used in the mantra sadhana? Om Swami says it isn't correct to say that only Rudraksha mala is used. I have written about the different types of malas (rosary) that can be used. Some examples are malas (rosary) made of Sandalwood White or Red, of Tulsi (Basil). Which mala should be used depends on the guru, path, tradition, and sentiment. In terms of the significance of Rudraksha, if you wear one on your own there isn't much significance to it. The significance depends on who has initiated it, how it was done, by what method, with what feelings, by whose order, and by what tradition.
The Second Question - Should we abstain from certain things after wearing Rudrākṣa? Om Swami talks about when one should abstain vs. when it is ok to not abstain. Listen to the full discourse to learn more.
The Third Question - When a Guru says to his disciple that has taken responsibility for all the previous Karmas of the disciple, what does this mean? Listen to the discourse to learn more on this topic.
Video Timeline: 0:00 Start 0:09 Is only Rudraksha mala used in mantra sadhana 03:14 What is the Significance of the Rudraksha mala 05:20 Does one need to abstain from certain things after wearing Rudraksha 06:28 What is the meaning of a guru taking a disciple's karma
Thumbnail, Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"The yoga of self-transformation helps the practitioner to turn inward completely. Besides discipline, the success in the actual sadhana depends on four key aspects: sadhaka (aspirant), siddha (master), sadhya (goal), and sadhana(resources). The absence of any one of the four puts the whole practice on shaky ground. " https://os.me/the-four-pillars-of-sadhana/
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers three questions.
The First Question - If you do good karma, can you prevent any misfortune from occurring in your life? With how much fear should one live in, or should one lead a life with faith in God. Om Swami Says, even you have done millions of good deeds (Karma), there is no guarantee that nothing bad will happen to you. What is the meaning of "bad"? It is something that happened not according to your favor. But one must ask, is it truly bad? This is the difference between pain and suffering, Sorrow is suffering but the pain is not. Say you have done a lot of good deeds, but did not look after your health, can your good deeds prevent illness in your body? That's not possible. No one knows when and which Karmic account will be used. No one can predict who will win the lottery. But we cannot live in fear, that will make us weak.
The Second Question - When the Soul is going towards liberation at a fast speed does it try to clear the Karmic debt of many past lives in one life?
The Third question - Is it true that different Yugas (Satyug, Tretayug, Dwaparyug, and Kalyug) are happening in the different parts of the universe?
Listen to the full discourse to get deeper insights into the topics.
Video Timeline: 0:00 Start 0:09 Can good Karma prevent bad from happening in one's life 05:39 Do Karmic debts of many past lives get cleared in one lifetime when Soul is progressing rapidly towards liberation? 09:19 Are different Yugas happening in different parts of the universe at the same time
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"How well you feel about what you do is the foundation of a meaningful existence. A life of no meaning is a life that’s gone out of control. Drifting is hardly a voyage. And that is why, in my humble opinion, every spiritual being at some point of time in his/her life steps back and questions the meaning of it all. " https://os.me/when-you-feel-in-control/"
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The question answered in the discourse was - Is it ok to reveal your Sadhana Practice if someone asks you about it?
The scriptures are very clear about it, that one must never disclose their sadhana unless it is with their guru. The impact goes down significantly if you do this. The moment you share it with someone, they will ask you about your experience. Even that is ok, the trouble comes when you exaggerate those experiences, and you begin telling yourself a story that you start to believe. You will then begin to defend those experiences and that involves a lot of lies. When you lie on this path, that significantly weakens your consciousness as a Sadhak. Let your success speak for itself, let people feel your energy, and deduce if you are doing some sadhana.
Once you complete a mahapuruscharan, then you are welcome to share what you experienced. The moment you expose your plan, you will have to defend is consciously and subconsciously. Other people's egos and energies come into play. Any sadhana or anything you wish to do has to be guarded. When something is in the making it is not the same as it is made. When you are still in the "making" you need to detach yourself from the ego, which will nudge and propel you to speak about your sadhana and experiences. At that time if someone asks you, just say I am just following instructions, or that I am in the path of mantra yoga or meditation.
Listen to the full discourse to get deeper insights into the topic.
Video Timeline: 0:00 Start 0:09 Should you reveal your sadhana practice to others 02:35 What happens when you share your practice 05:22 When can you disclose details about your sadhana
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"How well you feel about what you do is the foundation of a meaningful existence. A life of no meaning is a life that’s gone out of control. Drifting is hardly a voyage. And that is why, in my humble opinion, every spiritual being at some point of time in his/her life steps back and questions the meaning of it all. " https://os.me/when-you-feel-in-control/"
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers the following questions.
Why do many gurus build temples and is there a cosmic significance? There is a cosmic significance, the awakened energy of the guru should live beyond the body. In addition, it's a humble way of keeping the world at large focused. In a Gurusthan if a guru does not direct his worship to some god then everybody will turn that guru into a god. Guru should take the second place and the first place should always belong to God.
Why is there so much love between a guru and a disciple? Om Swami says the guru-disciple relationship is like no other. It is not transactional. It doesn't depend on if desires are fulfilled or not. To have a living guru, is one of the most beautiful possibilities in life, as your path for life is carved out and you just need to keep walking without any worries.
What are the three types of gurus in Sadhana? Om Swami says, Divyogs are gurus who have attained the divine status of the divine, they will not come in their physical bodies to help sadhaks. Siddhyogs are Siddhas who are liberated souls and connected with a lineage, and repeatedly come and help a seeker on the path. Manavog is the documented lineage - a guru, his guru so on. They are those who are historically known to be in a human body at a point in time.
0:00 Start 0:09 Why do many gurus build temples 6:59 Why is there so much love between a guru and disciple 10:07 What are the 3 types of gurus in sadhana
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Once you find a master who walks the talk, whose presence pierces your heart, whose teachings transform you, whose words make you feel divine, don’t let go of him because he, with each unfolding moment, will elevate you even higher. You then experience your own greatness, beauty, and magnificence in every thought of yours. " https://os.me/the-guru/
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The question asked in this discourse was - What is the significance of doing Aarti every day, and why do we show diya to God while doing Aarti?
Om swami says, Aartikaram which is showing light(diya) to god, is an integral part of Sanātana dharma. Doing Aarti is a way of praying or worshipping. There was a time when only stuti was done. However, people who knew Sanskrit could only do those Stuti's. So that those who didn't know Sanskrit could also sing glories to God, Aarti was created. In India, all the states have Aarti that is in their own regional language. It's something that everyone could sing together.
There is another practical reason behind doing Aarti. In most places, the Aarti plate is circulated during Aarti for donations. Another reason to circulate the Aarti plate is that the devotees usually forget the temple's root value. That a person should not go empty-handed to a place of worship or Guru's or God's place. A householder should not go empty-handed to a Guru's or God's place. If a householder starts going empty-handed to a shrine or place of worship, it will mark the end of the religion. In today's world, the religions that are growing have the backing of incomparable wealth. So, it becomes a memorial or sign of remembrance. Devotees will keep something in the plate when it's circulated while Aarti is being performed people would put what they could afford.
0:00 Start 0:09 Significance of Aarti and Diya 0:58 Reason for creating Aarti 2:44 What is the practical purpose for Aarti 7:00 Why do we show Diya during Aarti
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Of all the things I’ve ever tried in my life, nothing has been more rewarding than leading a truthful life. Where all else fails, truth works. When nothing helps, truth does. Truth is the only long-term anchor of a good life. It redeems you. " https://os.me/the-path-of-truth/
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In this discourse, there are three questions that are answered by Om Swami.
First Question - Why are there so many paths to God and are they equally valid? Each human being is truly unique. When a person shares their truth after realization with the world, often only those who operate in a similar frequency as that person will accept that person's truth. Om Swami says the only benchmark he has for any path is if that path makes one kinder or more truthful. If it does, then it is a valid path to god.
Second Question - How to get out of the darkness of the soul? The darkness of the soul represents a state where you are in such darkness that the darkness itself becomes visible. It signifies a state where you are completely lost and have no motivation or reason to live. Devotion, Grace, and Kindness are ways that can help come out of this. Find the energy to devote yourself to something, even if you don't feel like it. When you find that cause to devote yourself to, then grace starts to flow. Devotion and Grace help one come out of the darkness and then become pillars of one's life.
Third Question - What is the basis of making any decision? Do the best you can. There is no certain or set rule of thumb. But, there is a spiritual and material side in most decisions. If you consider the spiritual side, ask yourself if the decision you are going to make is going to hurt or harm anyone, and if it is going to benefit others at large, other than you. The more you can believe that it is going to help others, or at least not harm others it is worth considering. Then there is the material aspect, firstly ask if you can afford and sustain on an ongoing basis. Be pragmatic and clear.
Listen to the full discourse to get deeper insights into the topics.
Video timeline 0:00 Start 0:09 Are all paths to god valid 7:16 How does one get out of the soul's darkness 11:47 What should be the basis of making a decision
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Of all the things I’ve ever tried in my life, nothing has been more rewarding than leading a truthful life. Where all else fails, truth works. When nothing helps, truth does. Truth is the only long-term anchor of a good life. It redeems you. " https://os.me/the-path-of-truth/
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There were two questions answered during this discourse, the first one on Swadharma and the second on Bhakti.
The first question is - How can one know what their Swadharma (Own natural Dharma) is? Om Swami says, for a householder, it is to take care of their family. If the same householder is working at a company it is to ensure they are taking care of their reports (if a manager) and helping their firm prosper. When one walks on the road, they are also a citizen of the country, at that point, their Swadharma is to keep the road clean. The Soul is beyond these definitions, it always remains the same and does not change. If a person is living with such awareness that they realize their soul all the time, then their natural duty is to see God in all living beings.
The second is - If one wants to put the devotion for God in their heart, whom should they worship? Om Swami says, one who worships a devotee of god will automatically become closer to god. Devotee in this context does not mean an ordinary devotee but an extraordinary devotee like Sri Radha Rani or Hanuman ji. When one worships the devotee, they don't want anything, they do it out of pure devotion. That brings them closer to God.
Listen to the full discourse to get more insights on the topic of Swadharma and Bhakti.
Video Timeline: 0:00 Start 0:14 How to identify your Swadharma? 4:04 What is the Swadharma of a person? 4:29 To be devoted to god in one's heart, who should they worship?
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Accepting the transient nature of this world, and its eternal impermanence, is the definitive path to inner peace. Either live in complete surrender or exercise total control. If your boat is neither anchored nor guided, it’ll just drift then." https://os.me/a-word-on-faith/
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The question asked in the discourse was: If a person does not do chanting or meditation, can they still attain god through Seva(Service).
Om Swami says, Chanting and Meditation are done to train the mind, and that will help establish a relationship with God. But, Self-purification is the only way to attain God. The karmic fruit that a person gets from service, cannot be achieved through mantra chanting. This is because mantra chanting is a personal desire, a person does mantra chanting only for himself. Whereas when you are doing a service, the other person is benefitting immediately.
Like how chanting helps train the mind, service helps break the ego. There is a difference between doing real service and one where we think we are doing service. When your seva is not honest that increases the ego. You start to think "look, I am doing so much". On the other hand, When a person does real service, it reduces the ego. And he will see it as "It's God's grace that HE has chosen me as a medium to do this service now. It's hard to say if this medium will be there tomorrow or not."
Listen to the full discourse to get more insights on the topic of Seva, Karma, and Bhakti.
Timeline 0:00 Start 0:09 Can a person attain god through Seva instead of chanting or meditation 2:40 Truth about Karma and Bhakti 7:28 Insight on choice vs. fate
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Work ceaselessly towards self-purification. Along with, start bhakti if you believe in God and only if you can exercise surrender. Bhakti is rarely comparable to love-at-first-sight. It is more like a relationship where your love and bond with your deity grows over time. If you can not surrender, bhakti is not for you." https://os.me/bhakti-devotional-service/
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The question asked in this discourse was, is it a good thing to be passionate about your work.
Om Swami says, if you are not passionate about your work, you are doing yourself a disservice. People who are not passionate about their work will never reach their maximum potential. If you are not passionate about what you do, you could never know what you could have done. You may have a dream, saying "I wish I could have done that", but unless that passion is there nothing remarkable is going to happen in your life.
Ordinary people who do very ordinary things in life, and who have very ordinary accomplishments almost always have no passion for anything. People who make something happen in their lives are passionate about what they do. By passion, I am not suggesting all you do is work. By passion I mean you value what you have to do, and you take ownership and accountability of what you have undertaken. You actually want to do it. That's my definition of passion. You want to go that extra mile to deliver the best that you can. This is the common trait in all those who are successful.
Listen to the full discourse for powerful insights on how to meditate the right way.
Video Timeline 0:00 Start 0:44 Difference between ordinary and successful people 2:32 What does passion for work mean 4:24 How to find passion in your Work
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
" Your purpose in life doesn’t need to be grand or groundbreaking, it just needs to be something you care about deeply. The rest builds up on its own. If truth be told, in chasing grandness, we often lose the purpose itself." https://os.me/finding-purpose-in-life-give-a-damn-about-something/
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The question addressed in this discourse was - When meditating and a thought arises, and you remind yourself that you don't have to think about that thought, but the thought continues to dominate no matter how hard you try. How does one deal with such a situation?
Om Swami, provides a powerful and deeply insightful answer to this question on meditation. Giving the analogy of a hammer and key, he explains that by feeling guilty or forcing your mind to stop having thoughts, or emotionally blackmailing your mind is like hitting the hammer on a lock. Instead, like how a key fits perfectly into the lock if it's the right key, the secret is to build that sort of a relationship with your mind. By having a dialogue with your mind with love instead of being authoritative with it, you are likely to accomplish more.
If thoughts emerge while meditating, there are mainly two or three reasons for it. First, you are trying hard not to have thoughts during your meditation. Second, concentration is gone and one is sitting for the sake of completing their sadhana. There isn't a need to do it this way, take a break. In the beginning, only quality matters in meditation. As we progress, quantity, and quality, both become important.
Listen to the full discourse for powerful insights on how to meditate the right way.
Video Timeline 2:37 What not to do with your mind 3:48 How to deal with your mind during meditation 8:38 Meditation tips for beginners 12:14 Powerful Insight on how to meditate
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"In a nutshell: while meditating, don’t brood over, don’t resent and don’t repent your past. Don’t examine what’s going on in your present life. Don’t imagine any future. Don’t analyze any thought. When any thought comes, don’t run after it. It’ll disappear. Don’t crave for any specific experience or else you’ll end up mentally constructing that experience thereby polluting your meditation." https://os.me/six-principles-of-mahamudra-meditation/
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The question asked in this discourse was how to stay happy all the time?
On the question of staying happy all the time, in reality, this is impossible. A person with a stable mind cannot stay happy all the time. When you are not happy, do not feel bad about it. Tell yourself that it is okay. This is one of those moments where I am not happy, No Problem. This is not the first time I am feeling unhappy, and this shall pass as well.
Happiness is either in the hope or in those thoughts in which we visualize getting the thing that we want to get and feel happy about that. We basically feel happy only when everything goes according to our wishes. But that happiness is also for a very short time. In fact, the most depressed people I have seen are the ones who are well-off from every aspect of their life. Because they have no reason to have any sorrow. That is why they don't know how to stay happy. if there are no sorrows or adverse situations in life, if there are no challenges in life then life is not worth living. If there are no problems left to solve then life itself becomes a problem. When there is no burden to carry in life, then life becomes a burden.
Video Timeline 0:10 Can you always be happy 1:45 The cause of unhappiness 3:29 Life and it's challenges
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Somewhere, we all pack our own lunch. It’s entirely in our hands to either be graceful about things we find disagreeable and look at the brighter side (and yet be industrious to bring change) or keep on complaining. Our happiness is in our hands and a lot of it depends on how and where we direct our time and energy." https://os.me/five-principles-happiness/
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The question asked in this discourse was - What is the link between Vastu science and Spirituality.
Om Swami says if we adopted the traditional framework of science Vastu is not a science. Science operates on the fundamental principles of cause and effect. Vastu is a different kind of science or framework and not traditional science. You cannot guarantee the results with Vastu, hence we cannot claim it to be science. It can be considered a type of pseudoscience, as it takes into account certain conditions, and says if you do this certain results can be expected.
0:09 Is Vastu a science 1:39 Anecdote on Vastu 6:11 Effect of Placebo
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In this discourse, Om Swami talks about the science behind the Navarna Mantra.
There is a dot on many seed syllables. That dot is often pronounced as "Mh" or "Ang" both of which are wrong. If you look at the word "Ma", you don't say "Mang".
"There is no passage nor light, till you dig a tunnel right to the end. I have always stressed the importance of setting small goals to attain bigger ones. It is easier to train your mind by vowing to do something for a shorter period, so it may allow you to honor lifelong commitments." https://os.me/do-not-quit-path-of-self-realization/
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In this discourse the question that is addressed is, what is the significance of fasting in spirituality.
Om Swami says fasting helps one get the mental strength. Without mental strength, there cannot be spiritual progress. When one fasts, they go against their body and mind. This is called resistance training, and endurance increases from that. When this happens, the mind will become stronger. All the systems, processes, practices, and methods of Yoga are based on the principle, that we should have control over our senses.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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This discourse is a continuation from Part 1 of Attaining Mantra Siddhi.
Om Swami says the more comfortable the surroundings are in Sadhana, the more the mind will wander. And if you do Sadhana in a difficult environment, your mind will concentrate better. In the Dakṣiṇācāra (Right-hand path), which is the Sattvic path. In this path, it is rather impossible for a man to attain Siddhi, but It's possible for a woman. This is because women have feelings of love. If they are in love, they can sit anywhere and chant and meditate. However, this is not possible for men.
If a person is really serious about attaining Siddhi, the truth is that they are not going to get it by sitting at home or an ashram. The probability is very less. You'll mostly only attain it from the place where it belongs. We'll get the learning from the place of origin. This is a truth that is indisputable. Everything will go back to its source.
Video Timeline: 0:11 Connection between sadhana and environment 03:19 Story from lord shiv's wedding 05:48 Sounds in OM 8:08 Sadhana and the importance of source
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"If there’s one thing everyone must gift themselves in their lives, in my humble opinion, is a stint of Himalayan solitude. It is transformational. And until you can do that, just sit in any quiet corner, close your eyes and allow yourself to flow. No thoughts, no thinking, no reflection, just flow like a mountain stream, a gentle breeze, like the murmuring ganges. It’s only in that flow that you will discover the source of eternal happiness: silence of the mind." https://os.me/himalayan-silence/
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In this discourse, Om Swami addresses the topic of attaining mantra siddhi, and the role of your environment that contributes to it.
There is a process to attain Mantra Siddhi. Whether you do it through the Vedic way or the Tantric way, the process cannot be broken.
Siddhi's have different levels. In the first level, you do not know whether you have attained the siddhi or not. In the second level, the deity or the energy awakened by that Siddhi can talk to you anytime but you can't tell them when not to talk. As you further progress on the path of the Sadhana then you attain the higher level Of siddhis. In which you awaken that energy at your own will, you get the answers at your own will and you give answers to someone at your own will. Siddhis which are of even a higher level are the one In which neither you ask anything nor say anything. Because there is no need since the energy is with you all the time and it will do what it has to do.
People often ask, on whether it is necessary to go to The Himalayas for Sadhana. I say that the necessity of anything depends on what you want. It is not necessary to go to the Himalayas, but, if you want complete solitude where else will you find that? A place, where there is the energy of Lord Vishnu and many great sages - where Lord Shiva meditated - Such a place on earth is only - At the Himalaya of India.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"If there’s one thing everyone must gift themselves in their lives, in my humble opinion, is a stint of Himalayan solitude. It is transformational. And until you can do that, just sit in any quiet corner, close your eyes and allow yourself to flow. No thoughts, no thinking, no reflection, just flow like a mountain stream, a gentle breeze, like the murmuring ganges. It’s only in that flow that you will discover the source of eternal happiness: silence of the mind." https://os.me/himalayan-silence/
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An Om Swami discourse at the International Centre in Toronto to a corporate group. Go to omswami.com for more.
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When an experienced and seasoned meditation practitioner says that Meditation is a state of mind, what does it exactly mean?
Watch this video that answers some important questions in meditation:
- How to identify the hurdles and obstacles in your meditation? The more you are able to see the obstacles, the faster you would be able to correct and progress
*How to clear these obstacles in meditation?
- How to bring yourself in the state of meditation, where it becomes an act from practice, so that it becomes your second nature?
Initially when people sit down to meditate they come across a few hurdles. These are in the form of overpowering thoughts, restlessness, laziness, feeling sleepy and all kinds of images flashing across your mind. The mind is dragged into all this and it starts to pursue these thoughts and before you realise a lot of time goes by and meditation does not happen. But if you learn to drop your thoughts as soon as they arise then you will keep progressing towards good meditation. A good meditation session requires great effort and attentiveness. To start with you have to hold short, sharp, lucid, clean, crisp and clear sessions of meditation for five minutes with no thoughts coming to disturb you and even if thoughts come they just don’t stay but pass. With alertness and attentiveness you can watch your thoughts and once you champion five minutes you can build on for longer sessions without problems. When you keep progressing with great effort the act of meditation becomes a state you are in. You then don’t have to meditate but you are in that state. A super conscious state in which you can hear all sounds and are totally alert and conscious. But to get to this state of awareness you have to practice and review and keep practising.
- The question is what is the correct way to meditate? People sit down to meditate and after about a period of three to four seconds they start to get all these thoughts. The thoughts are like on a battlefield firing from the other direction and they are trying to resist those thoughts. Before even they start to meditate they are battling with the thought of how can it be like this? They start to think that here I am trying to meditate, trying to experience peace and thoughtlessness and I am having all these thoughts and I am feeling more restless. Many people after about 10-15 minutes start to get the urge to move, scratch or stretch. After another 10- 15 minutes later they start to feel lazy, sleepy, relaxed and feel that they had good meditation.
If you feel relaxed after mediation, chances are you have tired yourself out by doing it incorrectly and now you are feeling sleepy. These are the hurdles of meditation.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO
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In this devotional video in Hindi, Om Swami beautifully narrates the esoteric meaning of Sri Hari.
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This question of which God is the superior was never raised in the past because everyone is superior. This hierarchical thinking is a human thinking. God did not create the hierarchy, humans did. Mountains don’t talk to each other and compare who is tallest, rivers are just flowing, the clouds are just walking, the wind is blowing, the mountains are standing and the trees are growing. This question was never raised. In last few thousands of years, when humans started thinking that they have become very intelligent, is when various school of thoughts started coming up with different thoughts.
In Bhagavad Gita, bhagwan says that I am everything. Sri Krishna says to Arjuna that there is no need to know too much. Just understand that this entire creation is only a tiny part of mine. I am going to tell you a very deep thing. If you understand this, you will understand what God is. I am talking from my own experience. Just like you have infinite cells in your body, there are many planets in our galaxy and our universe has many galaxies. Similarly, the vigarah (form) of God is divine. It has different kinds of numerous universes.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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In this discourse, questions asked are about dietary restrictions and measuring progress on the spiritual path.
The first question asked - If one has to walk the path of spirituality, can they eat food such as potato, onion, and garlic. Om Swami, says the most important question should be what can we eat and not focused on what we cannot eat. If someone's heart is like Mahavira, then that person cannot eat anything that is grown under the ground. Because Mahavira led such an ideal life, which is not easily possible for everyone in society to do the same. Where we choose to eat or not eat something is purely due to our sentiments of not hurting another creature. In terms of what one should eat figuratively, a person should eat his ego, a person who makes his ego his food is enlightened. One should also eat their anger. Apart from that, other emotions like jealously, attachment, etc. should not concern a person as they will keep coming up and one does not have control over them.
The second question asked - In the journey of life how does one know if they are progressing spiritually or not. Om Swami says, for some people there comes a time when it seems like all their wishes are being fulfilled one after the other. On the other hand, there are many spiritual people who are so well ahead on the path of spirituality and not even one of their wishes comes true. Therefore fulfillment of a wish does not mean that a person is advanced or ahead. A person who remains equanimous during the good and the bad that happens to them is considered equivalent to a Siddha.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Regardless of any vision or experience or belief, the truth is that you are only as spiritual as your thoughts, words and conduct. The three pillars of spiritual harmony." - https://os.me/a-spiritual-experience/
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The question is that there is a guru mantra or there could be another mantra such as the mantra of a Devi on which the mind keeps going back to. It is said that guru mantra has big significance then what should be done if the mind goes on any other mantra than the guru mantra? You cannot chant guru mantra for twenty-four hours. Chant the guru mantra, the guru mantra is in which you got initiated and not the mantra in which you remember your guru. So, chant the guru mantra for some time in a day. Please note that you will get the attainment only by chanting the guru mantra in which you were initiated. But, there is an assumption in this, that your guru gave you the mantra after thinking it through. If a guru gave the mantra just like that and your mind has affinity for any other mantra then you should chant that mantra.
The book “The Ancient Science of Mantras” gives a detailed and in depth knowledge about mantras which covers every aspect of the science of mantras.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is what is jealousy and why it comes in your mind? We can define emotions from the dictionary of words but in reality emotions have no definitive meaning. A person derives the meaning of something from his mind but the emotions are felt from the heart. The emotion of jealousy is such that for a woman, it is almost impossible for her to live without jealousy. This is the truth. A man is blind in physical attraction and a woman is blind in jealousy. Her emotions start from jealousy. She wants to keep everything to herself in jealousy. It is also that you feel jealous because you are completely devoted. It is not possible for a man to be committed the way a woman is devoted in a relationship.
When a woman or a person who has completely surrendered feels that they have given their love, emotions, life, everything to the other person and if they get the feeling that some other person shares or is taking any of it then they feel it is theirs only and they own it. The seed of jealousy is ego.
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We talked about the twenty -four syllables that are in Gayatri Mantra. We also discussed the origin of this mantra and who invoked it first and what that person used it for? Practically, Vishwamitra used it to become the universe himself, to have that constant connection with universal consciousness. We have right and left side of the brain. The left-brain is responsible for logic and calculations and also for chattering of the mind. The right brain on the other hand is for creativity, art, vision and foresight and so on.
When you chant gayatri mantra, there are two channels in human body. There are three but physically you can only trace two. One is called ida nadi, also know as the lunar channel. The other one is called pingala nadi, also known as the solar channel. Solar channel regulates psychic heat in the body as well as the physical heat in the body. It is when you breathe through your right nostril. When you chant Gayatri mantra, it actually boosts your right brain. It is very good for strengthening the right side of the brain.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on the importance of understanding the science of chanting and sound to get the benefits from Gayatri Sadhana.
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The first question asked in this discourse is - When one does pooja is there a specific time that the pooja should be performed. Om Swami says whenever one gets the time. But usually what happens is when one says they will do something when they get the time, it ends up getting deprioritized. When we factor something in our daily routine the chances of it getting done are much higher. The first thing is an allocation or a block of time, the second thing is setting a particular time each day, and the third thing to note is that it's ok if you skip it on a certain day as a matter of routine.
The Second question in this discourse is - How do we select our Ishta Devata? Om Swami says, there is no one set process. Some people feel an affinity to a certain form, and if that affinity or devotion stays for longer than a year then go with that form. If not, check who is your Kula Devata, there is a reason you are born in a certain family. If they don't know either, then see from whom you have taken initiation. Your Guru can initiate you in a certain pooja or ritual, and that would become your Ishta Devata.
Listen to the full discourse to learn more about Bhakti and Sadhana.
Video Timeline: 0:11 What is the best time for pooja 1:51 How to set a routine 2:55 How do we select our Ishta Devata
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"There are no quick fixes. Success in sadhana, practice, of self-transformation, is proportionate to the amount, quality, and consistency of efforts put in. Great persistence is rewarded with extraordinary rewards." https://os.me/the-four-pillars-of-sadhana/
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In this video, you will learn how to go beyond rituals and meditate on the lyrics of Lalitha Sahasranamam. This meditation will help you have a lucid concentration on the form of Devi. With a pure heart, if you go with the flow of the discourse, you may be able to connect with Devi at a deeper level in your meditation.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
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In this video, Om Swami shares his personal journey of Sri Vidya Sadhana. How the universe, nature or destiny placed him at the right place and connected him to his Guru, who initiated him into this Sadhana. He states the importance of initiation, devotion and surrender to complete the Sri Vidya Sadhana.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
omswamitv #devisadhana #srividya
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The questions asked in this discourse are around the correct posture for students and incurring karma by certain actions.
First Question - What is the correct posture of studying for students? Om Swami says, slouching in any given situation is not a good posture. As much as possible a straight back is a phenomenal thing to have. Routine will give you the motivation to have the discipline required. To even sit straight it requires discipline. In the beginning, your back might hurt but as you progress it won't. Some yogic texts say it’s the hallmark of an accomplished yogi to have even shoulders and a straight back.
Second Question - When one does something and the other person gets hurt, do you incur karma upon yourself. There isn’t an absolute answer here, it depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, one is not responsible for other people’s feelings, but if you have made a promise implicit or otherwise, naturally they have a reason to feel hurt. But if you haven’t made such a promise, and they have assumed on their own, then all you have to do is clarify your position. In the long run, it will pay off, it is the right thing to do.
Video Timeline: 0:11 What is the correct posture for students 3:32 Importance of routine for good posture 4:28 When your action hurts someone do you incur karma
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"The answer is quite simple when you do something out of choice; you are creating new karma, and, when you are forced to do something, you are simply repaying your karmic debt. The former will have the consequences, good or bad, drawn up for you; the latter can be tended by managing your karmic store or sanchita karma in other words." https://os.me/what-is-karma-types-of-karmic-imprints-in-life/
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers a question on the Durga Saptashati - How it should be recited and its benefits. Durga Saptashati is a description of Ma Jagdamba - it is a story and describes how she fought and won many battles with asuras. But once you have read the story once, if you keep re-reading it, there would be no interest left and no further knowledge gained. So, for someone who wants to recite the Durga Saptashati, once you have read it and understood it, focus on chanting some of its powerful mantras instead. One mantra is a Sri Vidya mantra and the other is the Navarna mantra. The only exception to this is if you know Sanskrit and you enjoy chanting in Sanskrit, you can recite the Durga Saptashati with good rhythm and tone. Because then you are doing it for enjoyment and not benefits.
Video Timeline: 0:42 What does Durga Saptashati contain 3:20 How do you recite the Durga Saptashati 3:38 What mantras can you practice from Durga Saptashati 3:55 The two types of Navarna Mantra
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Scriptures are supposed to be an aid to your discovery and not the discovery itself. They are means to an end and not the end in their own right. Those who attempt to grasp the truth based on reading alone are generally greeted by greater confusion or short-lived beliefs." --- https://os.me/scriptures-their-meaning-validity-and-reading/
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Everyone has experienced both happiness and suffering in life. Some of us believe that everything happening to us is our destiny, and there is little we can do about it. Whereas, others believe in free will. So which is it? If it is destiny, will consulting astrologers about the future better prepare us for adversity? If not, what can we do to better ride the motions of life?
To help us answer some of these questions, Om Swami narrates an incident from the life of two saints, Goswami Tulsidas* and Baba Keenaram in this video. Peppered with humor, anecdotes, and wisdom, he shares with us his views on free will, destiny, and faith, and if we should believe in the stars or ourselves.
Pearls of Wisdom to take away from this talk: 1. Believe in your own hard work instead of looking for signs in the stars 2. Learn to take responsibility for your actions in life 3. Life will have its ups and downs, be more accepting of them to reduce your suffering
- Goswami Tulsidas is considered to be one of the greatest poets-saints of India and the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas (Lake of the deeds of Rama).
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "When it comes to destiny, I can tell you one thing though: if you have something to offer to the world, a skill, some talent, a gift etc., Nature will take the work from you. Each one of us is inherently propelled to realize our full potential." --- https://os.me/destiny-free-will/
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In this episode, get an introduction to what happens when you experience Kundalini awakening and the preliminary practice of Kundalini meditation. This practice is one of the fastest ways one can experience spiritual oneness and bliss. If you are a beginner, this is a great opportunity to learn and move to a new level of understanding of awakening the Kundalini.
To gain a richer understanding of the Kundalini Meditation, consider taking the complete course with over 6 hours of discourse by Om Swami. Here, he expounds on the truth of the Kundalini practice based on his first-hand experience: https://os.me/courses/kundalini-meditation-course/
omswamitv #kundalini #kundaliniawakening
Video Timelines 0:09 What happens when you experience Kundalini awakening 1:41 What is the most active and easiest to activate Chakra 3:20 Preliminary Kundalini Practice
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om
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The question asked during the discourse was -- Does Yogic Breath Control (Kriya Pranayama) work to pacify the negative tendencies of the mind. What is Kriya Pranayama and how does it work?
Om Swami says that he does not believe that Pranayama can pacify the negative tendencies of the mind. With pranayama, when the breath is retained in the body at length and is stopped, it increases awareness for a short period of time. This results in one feeling peaceful for some time, but doesn't last all day. There are 24-28 types of pranayama. The original type of pranayama is called Nadi Shodhana Pranayama and they may be calling that Kriya Pranayama in Kriya Yoga.
According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, one is asked to first master Abstinence (Yama), Observances (Niyama), Still Posture (Asana), and then pranayama -- In that order. Mastering a still posture is important before attempting pranayama, otherwise, it can cause damage, rather than be beneficial. The tendencies of the mind are pacified by resolve and expansion. There is no 'Kriya' to pacify the negative tendencies of the mind.
In terms of Pranayama, one is qualified to do it if they can sit still for long enough. Pranayama is so powerful in its own right that a person doesn't need to do anything else. But this doesn't mean that the negative tendencies of the mind will be pacified, for that there are other methods.
Video Timeline: 0:14 Can Kriya Pranayama pacify negative tendencies of the mind 0:44 Effect of Pranayama 1:24 Types of Pranayama 2:00 What is important for Pranayama Practice 2:44 How does one calm the tendencies of the mind 7:12 What qualifies one to do Pranayama
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "In the ocean of your mind, when it comes to the waves of thoughts, you have three choices , a, surf and accept the highs and lows, b, watch the waves and put up with the constant sound of the sea, c, move away from the ocean altogether." --- https://os.me/the-anatomy-of-a-thought/
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When you listen to the beautiful story in the discourse, your thoughts will automatically linger on the glories and form of Devi throughout the day, making it easier for you to meditate this Navaratri and deepen your devotional sentiment for Devi. Such is the power of the Beej Mantra.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
omswamitv #devisadhana #beejmantra #adfreevideos
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If you meditate on the Sri Yantra, this discourse will help you connect more with the divine energy of Sri Yantra. If you are a beginner in Sri Yantra, this is a great opportunity to learn the details and move to a new level of understanding the Sri Yantra.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
omswamitv #devisadhana #sriyantraimage #adfreevideos
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The question asked in the discourse is - What is sincerity on the spiritual path.
Om Swami says, without sincerity, there is no attainment of any kind. Sincerity is your inner feeling intention and action. When you are sincere you are truthful. In the absence of sincerity, everything becomes superfluous, things are done with the intention to show something to somebody.
In the spiritual path, sincerity means you are acting in line with your intention. Sincerity is the bedrock of all spiritual and even material progress. The first characteristic of sincerity is that your intention, feelings, thoughts, and actions are in harmony. The second aspect of sincerity is when we start to feel proximity to the divine. In that sense of familiarity, what often happens is that we start to lose sincerity. Earlier we only wanted god, enlightenment. But once you are able to slip into samadhi, or we feel we have gotten what we want, people tend to slip into a trade with the divine. This is the complete destruction of sincerity. A sincere person is not on the spiritual path to get their desires fulfilled they are in it because they love it.
Listen to the full discourse to get more insights on the topics covered.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Enlightenment too is an ongoing affair. No doubt, there can be a transformational moment that changes something in you forever. Living that change, however, is a matter of mindfulness and more. True enlightenment, that." https://os.me/enlightenment/
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In this beautiful discourse, Om Swami shares the essence of the sadhana, celebrating the relationship between a Devotee and Devi. How the bond of love develops at each stage and comes to fruition, inspiring the listener to fall in love with and meditate on Devi.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
omswamitv #adfreevideos #devisadhana #hinduismbeliefs
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In this discourse, Om Swami explains the difference between how a householder does the Sri Yantra Sadhana and how a monk does this sadhana. Learn the three different types of Sadhana and understand the technical details of the geometrical formation (Also popularly known as Avarana Puja). Learn what happens at different stages of this sadhana and how they transform the sadhaka. Also, learn about the divine energies that start to flow and place themselves around the sadhaka to protect them.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
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In this discourse, Om Swami shares a beautiful story about the Trimurti taking a journey where they discover the infinite scale of creation. They also learn of Devi's formless nature, She is permanent, eternal and cannot be described through form. One needs to experience Her essence.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
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In this beautiful discourse, Om Swami explains how Devi transcends the qualities of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Arjun asks Lord Krishna to explain what it means for someone to be above all qualities. Lord Krishna says that, when a person in any state (good or bad), knows that it is all temporary, that person is above all qualities. When a person is equanimous in all situations, unaffected by virtue, luxury or negativity, that person is above all qualities. One who has complete devotion can transcend all qualities. Listen to the discourse to find out which path one must choose for Devi's Sadhana.
If you want to gain a richer understanding of Devi Sadhana, consider doing the complete series by Om Swami: https://os.me/courses/devi-bhagavatam/
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In this discourse, Om Swami talks about living in a society and the concept of keeping people happy. If one walks on a path where they want to please everyone, it is not possible without being untruthful.
There are three ways one can choose to live one's life. The first involves keeping others happy through compliments, the second involves boosting their ego to make them believe their chosen action is their idea and not yours, and get them to easily work according to you. Both these paths involve wanting to please everyone in society and that is not possible without deviating from the truth. The third path is, walking the path of truth.
On the path of truth, you may not have many people with you and you may end up with only a handful but those people will truly be yours. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa only needed one Vivekananda and one was enough for a revolution. A country only needs one Mahatma Gandhi. In a million years, there have only been 7 saptarishis, not seven thousand. This force is only present in the Truth. Only a person who walks on the path of truth, can bring about an everlasting revolution.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. It is not possible to keep everyone happy all the time without being untruthful 2. Everlasting change can only be brought about by walking the path of truth
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Where all else fails, truth works. When nothing helps, truth does. Truth is the only long-term anchor of a good life. It redeems you. In fact, the path of truth is the only path of salvation. For, truth is liberation. It is the only end. Rest are merely the means." - https://os.me/the-path-of-truth/
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In the face of COVID -19, please join Om Swami in this guided meditation to help our planet maintain its peace, harmony, and safety. This beautiful and calming guided meditation focuses on the wellbeing of all living and non-living entities.
Universal Peace Chant:
Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niraamayaah | Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet | Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Om, May All be Happy, May All be Free from Illness. May All see what is Auspicious, May no one Suffer. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
Here's an excerpt from a blog post by Om Swami, that puts things in perspective and helps us navigate through these uncertain times:
"What COVID-19 has underscored is the fragility of human existence. We need peace, harmony, and camaraderie more than ever before. Compassion and empathy for our fellow beings and for mother nature."
You can read the complete post at: https://os.me/covid-19/
omswamitv #StayHome and Meditate#WithMe
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The question asked during the discourse was - how does one know if they are a true devotee?
The difference between a true devotee vs. all other types of devotees is that for true devotees, their surrender towards God is complete. This means that if something in life doesn't go well, a true devotee doesn't start questioning god with "Why me?". On the other hand, a devotee who is still figuring out the path immediately starts questioning and expects their problems to be fixed immediately. Basically, a true devotee lets nature take its course and they have complete faith and surrender.
To demonstrate true faith and surrender, Om Swami narrates a beautiful story from the scriptures of Sudama and Krishna. When Sudama visited Krishna during a time in need, not once did Sudama ask Krishna for anything, and nor did Krishna ask him if he needed anything. Even though in his mind, Sudama did question why Krishna had not asked him why he was there - He never gave up his faith. It's not that true devotees don't question or doubt, what they don't do is, let doubt drown their faith.
Going on to explain the mark of a true devotee, Om Swami says that they are content and take responsibility for their own actions and life. They also don't defend or justify their faith to anyone. The presence of God in your life doesn't mean your times will be without suffering. the presence of God in your life only means one thing, that you are not alone.
The ship of life is secure with devotion - you are still responsible for sailing it, but ultimately it is safe and secure - that is what true devotion is.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. True devotees surrender completely and have unwavering faith 2. Never justify your faith to anyone 3. Your life is secure in devotion, but you still are responsible for your own actions
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Cosmic intelligence is infinitely more subtle, smart, organized and selfless than individual intelligence. Anchor your ship if you are tired of rowing. Have faith." https://os.me/a-word-on-faith/
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The question asked in this discourse was: If somebody wants to study the Vedas, where in their religious journey would the Vedas come into play.
Om Swami gives his perspective by saying, one shouldn't start with the Vedas. Originally the Vedas had hundred thousand verses divided across four: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda. Roughly only five thousand verses pertain to sadhana and almost all of them in the Atharvaveda. Fifteen thousand verses are Gyana Kandh and they talk about creation, the universe, human and other lives, etc. The remaining eighty thousand verses are hymns/prayers.
Whether someone studies fifteen thousand verses of the Vedas or seven hundred verses of the Bhagavad Gita - the essence is the same. Out of the seven hundred verses, Sri Krishna spoke around five hundred and sixty-three verses. The Bhagavad Gita is the concentrated pill. From a religious perspective, one doesn't have to consult a lot of other scriptures when we have the Bhagavad Gita, spoken directly by the Lord himself. But from an intellectual perspective, if one wants to study the Vedas, they surely can.
If someone wants to study the Vedas, they should study the Upanishads first. The essence of Vedas can be found in the Upanishads, which is focused on the philosophy of life. Followed by the Upanishads, one can read the Puranas. The Puranas will help when you start to study the Vedas. Studying the Vedas is for someone who has plenty of time, a great deal of willingness, some degree of devotion, and a lot of self-discipline. Today, the first challenge for anybody studying the Vedas would be to get the right translations.
Listen to the whole discourse to get more insight into Learning Vedic Literature.
Video Timeline 0:37 In your religious journey where does learning Vedas come into play 1:35 What are the Vedas 4:39 Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas 6:07 Studying Vedas 7:13 What are Upanishads 8:48 What are Puranas 11:14 How to study the Vedas 12:11 How many years would it take to study the Vedas
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Scriptures are supposed to be an aid to your discovery and not the discovery itself. They are means to an end and not the end in their own right." --- https://os.me/scriptures-their-meaning-validity-and-reading/
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The question asked during the discourse was - What is true enlightenment? Aren't all truly enlightened supposed to have the same perspective in life?
The issue is that seekers search for the absolute in everything. But the reality is that there isn't just one ocean, and somewhere all the oceans connect. There is no way of truly proving if one is enlightened or not because one can only judge if one has experienced it.
In the video, Om Swami narrates a beautiful example of what The Buddha would ask when asked abstract questions: If one was shot with a poisonous arrow, would they run behind the person who shot it or pull the arrow out first? Likewise, in life when we have so many less than ideal qualities (representing the poisonous arrow) such as ego, guilt, and resentment to deal with - it is important we focus on working on those qualities and purifying ourselves first. Worrying about if there is god, and other similar questions are beyond comprehension, beyond discussion and reflection.
The term enlightenment has caused a lot of confusion as it has been given a lot of undue importance and value in the past 150 years. Seekers are confused as they think enlightenment is all about a "before" enlightenment and "after" enlightenment moment. But in reality, it is about the preparation that led to the moment and if one can continue to always live in the bliss that they experienced in that profound moment.
To put it simply, qualities such as selflessness and compassion show if one is realized. Ultimately, only from one's conduct can it be gauged if they are truly enlightened.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. It is better for one to focus on self-purification rather than enlightenment 2. Enlightenment is not about a single moment - it's about qualities such as compassion and selflessness that one embodies
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Enlightenment too is an ongoing affair. No doubt, there can be a transformational moment that changes something in you forever. Living that change, however, is a matter of mindfulness and more. True enlightenment, that." - https://os.me/enlightenment/
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers the question - How to Overcome Ego?
At the core of it, Ego is energy. It is a response. Everybody has an Ego. If good things are said to someone they feel good, and if you say bad things they feel bad. But, if one is content within, then their mind doesn't focus on negativity as much. Our brains are hardwired towards negative bias. So much so, that even if someone says a hundred good things but one bad thing, our mind focuses only on the one bad thing. Signs of Ego are feeling hurt, angry, superior - When you feel any of these things, remember you are only human and it's ok to feel these things.
Listen to the full discourse to hear the golden rule for overcoming ego.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. Don't be hard on yourself, take it easy 2. Being content within helps manage Ego 3. Focusing your energy on creativity dissolves negativity and Ego
Video Timeline 0:23 How to overcome ego
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "As soon as you become aware that you are negative and you accept it, the resistance will disappear. Resistance and conflict go hand-in-hand, you eliminate one and the other one self-destructs." https://os.me/how-to-overcome-negative-thoughts/
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In this discourse, the questions asked were - What can one do to discover their life's purpose and how important is it to know one's past life and the connected sadhana.
Om Swami says some people may be lucky that they find their purpose early in their lives. If you only know one way you can never get lost. Confusion arises when you know more than one way and when one doesn't follow any path with sincerity. Some people discover their purpose early on in their lives, due to training, childhood, and the atmosphere in their homes. But some people don't discover their purpose, and there are two kinds of people in this category. The first kind of people are those that keep going from one path to another, one ideology to another, etc. and are often seen complaining. No one can help them as they are going with an assumption that the discovery of purpose is going to be a Eureka moment which isn't true. The second kind of people dedicate themselves to something. Whatever you dedicate your time to that will become the purpose of your life. There is no joy, in the beginning, it is all about the training. Joy and enjoyment come later.
How important is past life in finding the right sadhana? It isn't important at all. What is really important is to start somewhere. The truth is the one who does sadhana eventually will get somewhere. The results of sadhana most certainly will come to the persistent sadhak. It is undeniable, and sadhana is there for anyone to practice and see for themselves. One just really needs determination, discipline, persistence, and passion.
0:10 How to find purpose in life 2:55 What to do if you don't have a purpose 5:27 How important is your past life to know the right sadhana practice 7:11 Powerful truth about sadhana
Listen to the full discourse to get more insights on the topics covered.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"What is that one thing you live for, something which, without, even life isn’t worth it? And, what you stand for can’t be another person because if your passion is just another person when he or she changes or withdraws, your entire life will come crumbling down like a house of cards. Your purpose should be bigger than a person. Ideally, it should even be bigger than you. You’ll feel free, worthwhile, and meaningful then." https://os.me/what-should-i-do-with-my-life/
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers a question on the art of problem solving in technical development. He also shares how the same principles may be applied to solving problems in our life.
Om Swami says, to solve any problem it is important to break it down first. Additionally, one must also find out the cause of the problem to solve it. The way to break down problems is to ask questions until a problem cannot be broken down any further. Simplification is the key to problem solving. If you have a lot of clutter, you cannot simplify problems. Therefore, decluttering is an important prerequisite to simplifying and solving problems.
Listen to the full discourse, to hear more about Om Swami's personal experience in solving problems.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. Be competent at what you do 2. Simplify the problem to solve it 3. Surround yourself with the right people
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Sometimes, when your head is stuck in a problem, breaking the pot makes more sense than other violent options." - https://os.me/four-traits-of-successful-people/
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This discourse gives us a perspective on life through answers to two questions.
Through the first question, Om Swami gives his perspective on soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for their country, and how they should be addressed with immense respect for their sacrifice. Soldiers join the army, fully knowing that maybe at some point they will have to go to the battlefield and may have to sacrifice their lives for their country and people. This sacrifice is not to be taken lightly.
The second question - Is God is good if he subjects so many people to a life of suffering? Om Swami, answers this question beautifully by giving a deeply insightful analogy of sesame seeds in a jar that are being shaken. There will be a few seeds that get damaged, but if each seed is mindful and remembers that it is not alone and that in reality, it is not possible for its true essence to get destroyed, then there will be no sorrow. But when it forgets and lives in ignorance, that is the cause of sorrow. Thinking of the individual self causes sorrow, god does not work on any one person or individual. Instead, a person has to work on themselves to awaken the god inside.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. Thinking of the individual self causes suffering 2. Live the way God wants you to live
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "At any rate, let’s be grateful, for gratitude is the antidote to suffering. It keeps you grounded, makes you strong even in the good times. Suffering leaves in the face of gratitude; they can’t coexist. The pain may still be there, but the balm of gratitude gradually heals the wounds of misery." https://os.me/is-suffering-necessary/
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The question asked in the discourse was, can one perform certain rituals or puja in their mind if they do not have access to, or are not able to offer material offerings.
Mental worship can be done at any time, and it should be considered no less than a ritual with material offerings in Hinduism. In fact, using your mind is a better way of worshipping when compared to physical rituals. They help build more concentration and purity.
Rituals were made for society in general, and not for the spiritual seeker. It was done, to invoke the devotional sentiment of the doer of the ritual. This way, the doer feels satisfied that they were able to give an offering to God. A person's devotional sentiment is what matters when making an offering.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. One can worship and make offerings in the mind to express their devotion 2. Devotional sentiment is what matters most during worship of any kind
"Gratitude is a form of prayer, so is compassion, being kind is praying too as is serving his creation. Begging God is not praying to Him. A prayer in the right spirit can transform you, if your faith is firm, your prayers can yield results." - https://os.me/do-prayers-work/
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers questions on daily karma and mantra chanting.
The first question of the discourse - What is the one thing, one should do daily to make Mother Goddess happy? Om Swami gives a deeply insightful answer to this question, he says from a spiritual point of view, Daily, at least one good act (Karma) should be done. Whether it is to help someone, if we can't help personally, due to lack of time or do not get a chance to give time or to donate, then we can at least say some good words to someone. That in itself would be the best Karma.
The second question of the discourse - How does one pronounce OM in the mind? Om Swami says, if we are synchronizing it with our breath then the duration of breath and OM pronunciation will be the same. Listen to the full discourse to get a more detailed answer.
The third question of the discourse - When we chant the Navarna Mantra, the visualization of Mother Divine becomes difficult. While chanting Mantra, it will be great if one focuses only on the Mantra. Once you have mastered that concentration. then you can stop concentration on the Mantra and start concentration on Mother Divine.
Listen to the full discourse to get more insights on the topics covered.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
"Just like waves form in the ocean constantly, thoughts emerge in the mind incessantly. One of the most rewarding outcomes of great meditation is complete cessation of thoughts. It’s an extraordinary feeling; I’ve no words to describe what it’s like to stay in that state for hours and hours." https://os.me/six-principles-of-mahamudra-meditation/
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Does surrender lie in the hands of the disciple or the guru? What does true surrender mean? Some, surrender due to fear, but is this really surrender? Some, surrender due to the awe of miracles, is that truly surrender? Om Swami narrates a beautiful story of a Sufi saint, where he explains that when people surrender due to seeing miracles performed by a guru, there is an expectation, and when their personal expectations are not met their surrender fades as well.
Surrender is in our hands, and the most beautiful thing about surrender is that it never goes to waste - no matter who you surrender to. In surrender there is acceptance. The natural flow of transfer has to occur from top to bottom, it cannot happen on the same level. In the same way, a guru can only give blessings to a disciple if they have surrendered.
The discourse ends on a deeply insightful note -- Om Swami says, in this world, most people are looking for confirmation of their beliefs and not information, that's why their experiences remain informational and not transformational. This will lead to an invention, not a discovery of their truth. Millions are born and millions die - they die, just the way they were born with no spiritual growth or evolution.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. True surrender requires time, momentary surrender fades quickly 2. Real surrender never goes in vain 3. True transformation requires one to truly listen
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "What good is any faith if it shakes in the hour of crisis? Anyone can surrender or be a believer when all is well. It’s when the going gets tough that we really find out how tough our surrender really is. Surrender is not a tradable item. It’s not something in lieu of anything. It is just an expression of gratitude, a way to express our love to the Divine." https://os.me/a-word-on-surrender/
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How do some people manage their time much more effectively than others? It's a daily challenge for many to do it well and stop procrastinating. What are some time management tips that we can learn so that our time is better managed and we are more productive as individuals?
The question posed to Om Swami during the Q&A session was, how does he manage his time effectively, despite having an extremely busy schedule, and what are some time management tips that he can share? Om Swami gives an inspirational answer on the factors he takes into account while managing his time. He also speaks about how effective time management correlates with success.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. Differentiate between what is urgent vs. what is important 2. Courage to say no 3. Persistence - never give up 4. Give your best 5. Focus on one thing at a time
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "The singular important common denominator in the lives of all successful people is this: they almost always open their day with a productive morning. They have a routine that they stick to no matter what." - https://os.me/eat-that-frog/
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We are always striving to strike a balance in our daily lives. A balance between work and family, a balance between family and friends, a balance between our hobbies and chores are some examples. But how about in Spirituality? Is there a balance one can strike between Knowledge and Devotion, and how do you strike this balance? Om Swami answers this question beautifully by explaining Knowledge and Devotion, and how the two are on opposite spectrums.
There are two types of Knowledge. The first type - is gathered by listening and is not experiential, it's more like an illusion of knowledge, it's basically just information. The second type - which is true knowledge, is acquired after contemplation and the consciousness having experienced effects of it. Great saints like Kabir and Ramakrishna Paramahansa spoke from this true knowledge -- because true Knowledge arises automatically through devotion. To balance Devotion and Knowledge, one has to increase their devotion, and their knowledge will automatically increase.
Om Swami ends the discourse with a deep insightful message by saying, in actuality, Devotion and Knowledge cannot be compared. One is gained and the other earned, one happens from the heart and the other from the mind. Devotion and knowledge are like apples and oranges - when they cannot be compared, then how can there be a balance?
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. Focus on Devotion, then you will automatically acquire Knowledge 2. Knowledge gained just through listening is an illusion of Knowledge 3. Devotion and Knowledge are incomparable
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "The path of bhakti is not as arduous as dhyana, meditation. However, it requires complete surrender if you want to experience the truth with bhakti alone. Combined with the practice of dhyana, bhakti flourishes very quickly and yields amazing results." https://os.me/devotional-service/
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Does it sometimes cross your mind on how we can end this cycle of birth and death? Why does this karmic cycle seem never-ending and keeps bringing us back to the karmic plane? This question was asked by someone to Om Swami - He gave a deeply insightful answer.
Om Swami said, till the time one doesn’t have Vairagya (Detachment), the karmic cycle will not end. If you don’t have Vairagya, you’ll deal with selfish desires, desires create attachment, attachment is the source of ignorance and with this ego appears. Ego is the root of all our suffering. Om Swami has explained Vairagya in his discourses on the Bhaj Govindam series as well.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami, to get your answers on the topic of samsara.
Pearls of Wisdom from this talk: 1. Relationship between the Karmic Cycle and Desires 2. Role of detachment (Vairagya) in breaking the Karmic Cycle 3. How can we rise above the Karmic Cycle?
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "It can be a life-changing exercise — to sit down in peace and question the desires you have because once you become aware of your pursuits, you start to see things in a new light." - https://os.me/what-do-you-really-want/
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Pearls of Wisdom to take away from this talk: 1. How to increase your will power in simplest possible way. 2. How to take a vow and fulfill it 3. How to strengthen your confidence and self belief
Om Swami picks up an example from the Epic Ramayana and explains how to be successful when you take a vow.
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Is it okay to ask questions on the spiritual path? If there were no questions, the human race would have not progressed thus far. We should definitely ask questions, otherwise it would be impossible to quench our thirst for knowledge. As a teacher or as a Guru, one must clearly let people know if they know the answer to a question or not based on their area of expertise. For example, I have told people time and again, my only area of expertise is Meditation. Everything else is still ongoing learning.
However, the greatest barrier to getting an answer is in receptivity and readiness of the person asking the question. People only receive information with emotion, never with reason. What suits them emotionally, they justify with reason. And they can only assess the value of someone, or something based on their knowledge. Thus, it is the job of teacher or a Guru to make them realize their value to help them grow and evolve. In Buddha’s lifetime why were there only handful of enlightened people? Similarly, Christ walked on this planet some 2000 years ago, but why did he appoint only 12 Apostles? Because, it is so easy to lose the sight of the truth and get caught up in the materiality of the truth which holds no significance. That’s why on the spiritual path, readiness of the disciple is the single most important factor that determines how much they can receive from the guru.
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We talked about in terms of spiritual attainment what are some of the things that one ought to have or one must do in order to progress on the path. Because, you cannot break free of your innate tendencies with ordinary or limited efforts. It requires an intense effort. But by effort, I am not suggesting that it is about meditating for ten or fifteen thousand hours. That is definitely going to help you but that is simply training the mind to build your mindfulness to bring it to such a level that you are all the time aware of your thoughts, feelings, actions and words. When I talk about intense efforts, I am talking about something in addition to meditation and chanting and so on.
Meditation is something you do to train and tame your mind; chanting is what you do to align your energies with this cosmic play of energy whether we see it as sacred or simply a play. But, beyond that a certain righteousness, leading a virtuous life is non-negotiable. If you are really interested in progressing on the path, there is no substitute for noble conduct.
Listen to this discourse full of wisdom by Om Swami on how leading a virtuous life is a must for spiritual attainment.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question is sometimes when your express your sympathy to others, it results in you become sad and feel low and the other person becomes okay. What to do in this situation? Should we tell them off or ask them to come and sit under someone’s shelter? A prayer exists so that a person is filled with love and strength. To become someone’s shoulder or support, you need to be strong. You need strength otherwise you cannot give support to others because seems like everyone is unhappy. The more we help others with detachment, the better we can understand their sadness and in result will be able to help them better.
The more we help others with attachment or expectation thinking that we have done something for them so in return they should think big of me or give something to me or talk good about me then more we become absorbed in ourselves and the more we shrink in our thinking.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question is what do I need to do to reduce my weight? There is no mantra to chant that will help you to lose weight. If you want to lose weight, there are four things you need to keep in mind. First, right diet. If you think you don’t eat much at all anyway, think again. Maybe you are not aware of how much you are eating. Eat mindfully and you will know. And, when you are eating don’t do anything else. Don’t watch tv, don’t read book, don’t do anything else. Just eat and you will know how much you are actually eating. So, the right amount of food remains the ultimate principle of losing weight. If you are burning more than you are eating, you will lose. If you are accumulating more than you are burning, you will gain weight.
Some people are blessed with very good metabolism and they burn faster. Some are not. So, depending upon where you are, you have to adjust your calorie intake based on that.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out how to lead a healthy and balanced life and start the New Year with a healthy way of life.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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We talked about self-reflection and we talked about leading a virtuous life, we also touched upon meditation and why all those things are done and yet there is something else that is left. It’s very important. All of you have traveled to the ashram from somewhere and in physical terms it has been a material journey. That means you made a plan, you started at point A. You did your journey; you took a flight, or you took a train, or you drove down. And then you reached here. To do that journey, you needed resources. You need access to the internet, banking to book a spot here, you needed some kind of ticket to be able to do that journey. To do that material journey, you needed material wealth. You needed those resources. Either you earned them, or you borrowed them, or you pestered somebody to help you.
In much the same manner, to cover your spiritual journey in life, you need spiritual resources. You need spiritual wealth. As with any kind of wealth, you can either earn it, invest it or you can spend it. It is up to you.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
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The question is what to do if someone is unhappy? How can we make them happy? Is there anything by which there is always bliss and happiness in the society and there is not even a fraction of unhappiness? We usually use a phrase that a certain person is very good. Is that person good who is good to everyone? Or, that person is good who is good to you? Simply speaking, we generally like that person who is good to us. It does not matter much to us if he is good or not good to others. If someone talks to you with love and respects you and loves you, giving you what you want then in your eyes he is a good person. You will say that he is a very good person. Or, if there is a person who is always helping the society, for example, that person is a doctor and whole day he had a free medical camp for the people and at the end of the day you asked him to go out for a cup of tea and if he refuses, you will say that he is not a good person.
The definition of happiness and sadness is so personal that even if we try to give it a common definition, it would be incorrect. It will have no meaning because a person may be a very good person but if he is not good to you, you will not like him.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om Piano music: Adi Sharma
happinessisachoice#Omswamitv
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "The path to bliss and peace begins with responsibility. Take responsible steps, speak responsible words, act responsibly. Before long, you will find the joy of inner peace straining against your consciousness like the spring breeze against the blooming trees, caressing your soul, filling your cup." https://os.me/suffering-to-happiness/
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Rashmirtathi is written by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar who is our national poet. This whole book, the composition is written in the form of a poem just like how our literatures are written. The chapter I am going to read is when Sri Krishna goes as the messenger of peace to Hastinapur.
Listen to this beautiful poem narrating the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Karna by Om Swami to find out more.
- Illustration and Animation: Sushree Svadha Om
- Editing : Swami Vedananda Om
- Music : Adi Sharma
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You can view and join the astrology event here: https://os.me/news/the-truth-of-astrology/
The question is sometimes people mistake your goodness for your stupidity. What to do? Let them think what they want to think. You cannot get your point across everywhere. Not everybody will understand you. The world is not supposed to function that way. People will see what they want to see. If that is what’s going to bother you beyond a degree, then either they are right or it’s your problem. Let that not bother you. If you are walking the path of truth yes, you can express yourself, you can maybe explain yourself to those who really matter but beyond that let them think. Because those who should be in your life, they should be aligned with your thought process. And, if they are aligned, they will be there. If they are not aligned do you actually want them?
The thing to remember is that are you sure about what you are doing. If you are, stay course. If you are not, then maybe listen to them. I feel that good or bad, whenever anybody says anything to you, give it a hearing. Hear them out.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami.
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"The question is why we don’t remember our past lives and if we did perhaps, we would operate in a better way. Let’s face it, It’s not a perfect system. It’s work in progress. Having said that, there is no why to it.
That’s the way things are. Even science cannot explain you the why. It can only tell you the reason which would equate with why. It will say that this is happening, and this is why it is happening but why that is happening to begin with nobody knows.
And that’ what scriptures call “Maya”. That’s what maya Is where you forget and even if you remember you forget. We read stories, we connect and very quickly we forget. They remain stories even for people to whom they actually happened. When we remember those, we feel incredibly grateful and then when we go through our own challenges, soon we have forgotten everything and then we question and self-doubt or we doubt our object of faith whether it is our guru or god or anybody else. That’s what maya is, that we know and yet we don’t know.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more. To read more on this subject, you may want to read Om Swami's thoughts on this blog: https://os.me/samsara/
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"The question is if I could speak something about talent. Is it nature (DNA) or nature? Until recently when I say recently, let’s say thirty years ago, talent was quite a thing. People believed that Mozart was born with a certain talent, that Vivekananda was born with some extraordinary photography memory, maybe Tendulkar was born with a natural talent to play cricket or maybe Tiger Woods was born with this talent for golf and so on. But research has proven it beyond any reasonable doubt that: that is anything but true. Nobody is naturally born with a talent. It simply is a matter of how much effort, what kind of deliberate practice you have put in. If you have ever heard of reports about people when he or she was two years old and they were chanting Sanskrit verses; not true. Don’t believe that. What does happen though, the environment at home can play a huge role in how talents are nurtured, which leads to a broader question “Nature” or “Nurture”?
All talents are eventually nurtured. Sometimes a child has a natural flair for certain things. A good parent identifies that and direct their child’s energy in that area alone. Everybody learns, whatever you know you have learn it – to master it you have to put in the time. If you think a certain talented person was born a certain way, read the autobiography and you will know that that is never the case. If you put in the time and practice from a young age, you can beat anybody.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami and to read more on developing your child's talent or to work on your child's talent, you may like this blog by Om Swami https://os.me/four-aspects-of-mindful-parenting/
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"The question is if I could speak something about talent. Is it nature (DNA) or nature? Until recently when I say recently, let’s say thirty years ago, talent was quite a thing. People believed that Mozart was born with a certain talent, that Vivekananda was born with some extraordinary photography memory, maybe Tendulkar was born with a natural talent to play cricket or maybe Tiger Woods was born with this talent for golf and so on. But research has proven it beyond any reasonable doubt that: that is anything but true. Nobody is naturally born with a talent. It simply is a matter of how much effort, what kind of deliberate practice you have put in. If you have ever heard of reports about people when he or she was two years old and they were chanting Sanskrit verses; not true. Don’t believe that. What does happen though, the environment at home can play a huge role in how talents are nurtured, which leads to a broader question “Nature” or “Nurture”?
All talents are eventually nurtured. Sometimes a child has a natural flair for certain things. A good parent identifies that and direct their child’s energy in that area alone. Everybody learns, whatever you know you have learn it – to master it you have to put in the time. If you think a certain talented person was born a certain way, read the autobiography and you will know that that is never the case. If you put in the time and practice from a young age, you can beat anybody.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami and to read more on developing your child's talent or to work on your child's talent, you may like this blog by Om Swami https://os.me/four-aspects-of-mindful-parenting/
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The question is people who do not know about mantras and those who have not read my book, can they worship god without the mantras? How this can be done? The truthful worship is actually without the mantras. In devotion, there is no place for mantras. Mantras are there to awaken the energy. For example, when you love someone, you give different names to them. Similarly, there is sahasranama, shatnam or trishati because you are calling Ma or Vishnu with different names. With this, you are expressing your emotions, your love, your devotion.
So, the real worship is such which is so simple that you are happy doing that pooja. That is why we have kept everything simple in this garbagriha.
Listen to this devotional discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is does the guru need to be in physical form or can you have a guru that is not in his or her physical form? It’s not at all necessary to have a guru in a physical form and not everybody is ready to take on a guru in a physical form. And, not every guru is suited for every kind of seeker. Different guru expanding on different paths or having walked different paths are meant for those people who have let’s say the courage, the discipline or the faith or the surrender to walk the same path. In fact, as I said if you are sincere and genuine, your journey in fact is going to be better without a physical guru.
When you take on somebody who is in a physical form, you naturally have expectations from your guru. And each time your expectation is not fulfilled, you will either find yourself judging the guru or negating the guru or feeling guilty for doing that or not be able to reconcile with your own choice of having that guru.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Today we were talking with some youth who had come and one of them was talking about deeksha and another one was talking about sannyasa. One thing I try to make people understand is that ashrams are not designed to do sadhana. You cannot do sadhana while staying at an ashram. An ashram is a social institution. It is a place for everyone. This ashram is not mine; it is not of a one person; it is not of a committee or a trust. A trust is just running it. First of all, this ashram is Bhagwan Sri Hari’s and its devotees. This ashram has been built by their resources. The devotees who come here, it is their resources that have helped in building this ashram. Everything that is built here is by someone’s good karma or destiny.
So, then who are we to say that this ashram is mine. Since it is no one’s, the most we can do is to keep a framework. That there is a certain way people should behave and talk in the ashram but people who are looking to do sadhana, the ashram is not a place for them.
Listen to this discourse full of wisdom on sannyasa, sadhana and ashram by Om, Swami to find out more.
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The question is that she once read a term called “guru tattva.” What does that mean? Tattva means the essence. Tattva means the root element. There are other terms that are used frequently like shiv tattva, brahma tattva, atma tattva. In that essence, in that context there is guru tattva. When you understand the brahma, you understand the brahma tattva. Even Krishna said that, that person understands my tattva. So tattva is when you strip something off all the layers, and you see something in its purest essence.
So, guru tattva basically means that there is a guru inside you. The element, the essence of guru is within you. When you realize that guru then you have experienced or understood the guru tattva. That guru is not to be found in robes or human bodies. That’s just one of the steps. Eventually when you realize that there is an inner voice in you which guides you, that becomes your guru tattva.
Listen to this insightful discourse on the essence of guru and how to keep your resolve.
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The question is what is the easiest way to attain peace? The foremost easiest way to be at peace is to stop listening to your mind. When you don’t listen to your mind, it is quiet and at peace. The mind makes a noise when it is being heard. If you want to understand mind, you have to think of a small child. When a child is making a noise, the parents may be doing their work, they may be watching TV or even fighting with each other and it will still be okay if the child is making the noise. However, as soon as they direct their attention towards the child, he will start doing things that the child was not doing before. The child’s accomplished his aim. He wanted the parents to give attention and time to him and that’s what the parents did.
Similarly, when the mind talks and if you listen to it, the mind will start saying it louder. This is mind’s primary aspect. If someone said something to you that you did not like, it will start saying all negative things about that person.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more
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The question is that I talked about three modes of material nature being mode of goodness, mode of passion and mode of ignorance. Ignorance being darkness., ignorance being a sort of helplessness. A passion is rajas, a mode of passion (rajas) is when you are so driven by your desires where the other person may or may not be affected by it, but you are affected by its fulfillment or lack of it. The third being goodness (sattva) where you just feel this experience, this great sense of purity, calm and ease in yourself. The question is sometimes you have to do things living in this world that your job demands which in absolute terms if we classified it one might say that was more tamasic, out of ignorance or that would promote your darkness. She gave the example of sometimes she has to eat onion and garlic, something she does not want but she has to. What to do in such a situation?
I think somewhere it is everybody’s story that you have to do things that you don’t want to do. A while back in one of my discourses I narrated a story of a brahamchari. He was a great tapasavi and when one fine day he came out of his samadhi, he realized that he had all the siddhis by his feet. He could pretty much do anything, so he wished.
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The question is that she puts in her best effort, but her teacher does not appreciate her work. When we are young, very young even younger than you and perhaps your age when we are like between 6 and 16 or 20, we have many dreams. And the most beautiful thing about life at that time is that you actually believe in your dreams. Those dreams are very real for you. From one moment to next, from one day to the next, you actually believe that one day that those dreams will come true. In your dreamworld, there is always only joy and happiness. There is certainly no school, no studies, no mathematics, no physics or no chemistry. There is only fun, plenty of fun. You are doing things you love to do even though you don’t know what you love to do, you keep that grey that there will only be good things in my world.
So, life is a fairy tale in this age. As we grow older, things begin to shift a little. We start coming across people who (a) don’t share our dream with us, for them they think oh you don’t know what real life is. And we come across those people who tell us that your dreams don’t have any meaning. And, we come across some good people as well who say, “don’t worry, keep working and you will get there.”
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The question is that a person goes through different types of behaviour or tendencies. Sometimes, a human being is in a mode of goodness, sometimes in the mode of passion and sometimes in the mode of ignorance. Sometimes, he is like a God, sometimes like a human and sometimes like a demon. How do we know a person is in what mode of nature? I can answer this but more important than this is to know and understand that how a person can stay in the mode of goodness all the time. Almost every karma of a demon is towards destruction. Even if there is any benefit of his action for him, it will be harmful to somebody else.
When a person is in the mode of ignorance, not only he thinks about his own benefit only, he is also ready to harm the other person for his benefit. This is the basic identity of a demon. To pursue his interest and likings, he is ready to harm anyone for his own interests. He is then even ready to become bhasmasura, that I am ready to destroy the one who I worship. That, I am ready to even destroy Lord Shiva, from whom I got the boom.
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The question is usually what happens in businesses is that you are either growing shareholder's wealth or you are giving dividends or perks to yourself and so on. Is there a more spiritual way to invest? Sometimes, in fact, often one of the things I talk about is that it’s very important to not segregate spiritual acts from worldly acts.
If you are running a company and you are giving a safe and secure environment to your employees, you are investing in spiritual endeavor. If, for example, you are telling them that okay I will give you maternal leave four weeks more than other businesses, you are investing in a spiritual pursuit. If you tell somebody that I will help you with your education, you are doing something spiritual. What else could be classified as spiritual?
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A sneak peek at some of the challenges faced by Om Swami in his sadhana at the Himalayas.
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The question is if I can talk about the ten mahavidyaein. It starts from Maa Kali to Maa kamalatmika. That is the essence of the ten mahavidya. First of all, we should worship Maa Kali. Most of the time the devotees of Mahavidya attain one mahavidya by devoting their entire life. They become so devoted that they see the same Devi in the rest of nine mahavidya. So, it starts from Kali. There is a very simple and beautiful reason behind that if a man can see Maa Kali in a naked woman then in the entire sadhana he will not be defeated by sexual desires and sex is a man’s biggest weakness. A man can win anything, but it is very difficult for him to rise above sexual desires.
It starts with Kali that if a man can see devi in the form which can shock a person and if he can find devi in that form also, then he has gain control over his sexual desires. That is why it is started from Kali , that we should first work on this root cause.
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Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami.
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There are two questions, first Ramanujan, who was a known mathematician, and second Swami Vivekananda. Recently, there was a movie on Ramanujan, but I have read a book he wrote. The book is a lot better than the movie because in a movie lot of things are glamorized. Ramanujan wrote a line in his book. He said that any theory that does not express god is not relevant to me. These are not the exact words, but this was the kind of meaning that I remember. That, anything that does not express god is not useful to me. But it does not mean that whole day he would be chanting the mantras or Devi would talk in his ear that write this or that. He was from South India so his faith in religion was very strong and from the very beginning the western civilization of the view that if you are educated people then you would not believe in these things.
So, people like scientist, mathematicians or doctors say that we don’t believe in these things. There is a certain pride in it that we have figured everything out or we are in the process, but we don’t need an external force to guide our lives.
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The question is sometimes when we read something, we make up our mind and it becomes our belief. This can also lead to delusion. The person who reads the bible will look upon Christ. The one who reads bhagavad gita will look upon Lord Krishna. One who is reading any scripture of the devi will follow Devi. Their question is that should we not read the books? There was a time in my life when I decided that I won’t read any more books.
When you are walking the path of sadhana, then you should leave reading the books. Then day in day out you should just do sadhana. The problem is that you have already read the books and you have that knowledge.
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The first question is that sometimes you lose your motivation right at the last stretch of doing something. When it is time to reap the rewards, you just throw the towel and say, “I can’t do it anymore.” Why? What to do?
Sometimes you lose motivation in meditation at the last stretch. You feel like giving up when you feel like you are there almost.
Till something is totally done you cannot really say that it is almost done or eighty percent done. When you feel that ninety percent of the work is done, actually only nine percent would be done. It is an illusion to feel that majority of the work is done. The 80/20 rule is good to keep in mind. Usually eighty percent of the work gets done fast but the remaining twenty percent would actually take eighty percent of your time and you will have to put in all the effort.
Motivation is something that has to worked on every day, and day after day. You have to work at it constantly. Usually when challenges hits people, most of them may give up. Not giving up and carrying on differentiates between good and great people ultimately.
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The question is to know the entire ocean, you just have to know one drop of water. Somewhere from a deeply philosophically angle, there is truth to it, but you won’t know the depth of the ocean from a drop. To know that depth, the plumbness of the ocean, you have to take a dive. Each individual is a drop and we are so focussed on ourselves most of the time especially with these self-help books that teach you that you must live fully, you must live for yourself, you must be happy , you must not care about other people, you must not think about what they are thinking and so on. All these false affirmations don’t take you too far.
To know the ocean somewhere perfect stillness of the mind is needed. If I am looking at a reef and there are beautiful creatures swimming underneath, the stones and the sight to behold but I can’t see if (a) the water is muddy and (b) it’s being stirred. I need the stillness of the water to be able to see what Is underneath.
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The question Is that today’s upcoming young generation is taking lot of supplements and steroids etc. and it is affecting their health. They are taking these supplements so that their physical body looks good and they want to see their bodies in a way that they have imagined. The situation is so bad there are these selfie apps in which they see themselves in a certain way. They take them to the plastic or cosmetic surgeons and ask them to make them look like how they see themselves in those selfie apps. They are willing to spend whatever amount needed to do that.
There is a huge marketing machine that is working behind this whole thing. So, when we are trying to make someone understand, we are not trying to make only one young person understand, we are actually fighting a battle with that media that has published the photoshopped images in a magazine or on the internet. After seeing these pictures over and over again in magazines or internet, pretty much no one in today’s world is happy with their bodies.
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The question is even though the mind thinks it is wrong, then why does it get attracted to the wrong? I had written a post called “The Marshmallow Experiment.” It was a very famous experiment. In that experiment, they made some kids sit in a room and the examiner puts the ladoo (Indian sweet) in front of them. The kids were told that either you eat this ladoo now, however, if you eat now you will only get one and if you wait for ten minutes, you will get two of them. After that, the examiner exits the room. The kids are sitting in front of the ladoos and thinking that if they wait for ten minutes, they will get two. If I don’t eat it now, I will get two of them. In the end, very few kids could resist that temptation. Seventy percent of the kids ate the sweet before ten minutes. After that when they analyzed it further, the kids who did not eat the sweet straightway were more successful in their lives. This is because they had more will power to resist that desire to eat.
Most of the religions are based on this principle. All religions say that don’t eat now. If you don’t eat now, you will get two later. This is what the principle is. Don’t enjoy your life now. When you die and go to heaven, then you will enjoy it.
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The question is how do you control anger? Anger is a very strange emotion. A person can get blind in anger, but the anger never gets blind. Anger knows how much the other person can bear and it happens accordingly. If the other person is strong then you will not get angry. If the other person is weak or will bear your anger, then you will get angry. If we do not think over this simple thing then there will be huge fight and tension. To control the anger, you need to get to the root cause of anger.
There are two main root cause of anger, first is ego. If there is even a little blow on the ego, the first emotion that comes is anger. If a person is not able to express the anger, then he will be happy from inside. And, if they are able to express the anger then they are more unhappy. They will be unhappy, and the other person will also be unhappy.
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The question is can love be unconditional and why is it believed that it cannot be? Is it just between the mother and the child that is unconditional or between a guru and a disciple and so on? When we talk about unconditional love, almost always we mistake thinking unconditional means constant. When people think about unconditional love, the first thing they think of is that my love is constant no matter what. Constancy does not mean unconditional. You could love somebody unconditionally and yet still experience ups and downs that come in love.
Sometimes when you have a fight with somebody and in your heart, you are so certain that you will not see the face of this person ever again. You are so certain. You have already started visualizing how I will live my life without this person and things will be so good and so on.
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Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami.
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Listen to this most insightful discourse on The Goal of Life by Om Swami
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Sri Chakra is called the Yantra Raj, meaning it is the most supreme yantra out of all the yantras. There is manta, there is yantra, there is tantra and there is pratima. The mantra is the vachik (vocal) swaroop (image) of the devata. The pratima or the vigaraha is for meditating. But if that mantra can be made visible in the form of an energy then how would it look. That is the yantra.
The yantra in the Sri Chakra is like an auditorium, like a parliament house where there is a place for the speaker and others. Similarly all the energies are called upon and seated at different places in the Sri yantra.
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The question is in Bhagavad Gita there is a constant talk about renouncing the fruit of karma. What does that even mean? How do we renounce the fruit of karma? Often it is greatly misunderstood and misinterpreted. Often people think that you are not allowed to have desires or dreams or ambitions or that it is bad or that you cannot be inspired by the outcome of your actions. I think that is just not practical. That’s not human. When you do something, naturally you will think about the outcome. In fact, it is only based on the direction of the outcome that you will make any decision.
But Lord Krishna never meant to say that, to begin with. He never said that don’t think about the outcome. He said, if you really want to succeed in anything then you must give everything that you have on whatever path that you are walking.
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The question is that if at the time of death you have no desire left then you can achieve moksha (liberation) then what about the desires you had during your life? Do you also get liberation from those desires as well? A rope if burnt from any side will break. A person who has detached himself can cut the tree of life from its roots. Till the time the tree is there, it will have fruits, leaves, and branches. But if you have cut the tree from its roots, then nothing will be left. Nature will eat all of it.
If at the time of your death you are at peace no matter where you are and you don’t have any attachment to life or you do not have any other desire. Neither you are thinking about what will happen to your family or others. If at that time, you are at complete peace then a yogi can fix their life force at the eyebrows and stay established there. Then there is no return. Then the tree is cut. If at that time there is any fruit with desire left on that tree and it falls then its seed can generate another tree. So if there is any desire left, it can give birth to many other desires and you won’t be able to get out of it ever.
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The question is that our life is pretty much the sum total of our relationships whether those are relationships with the loved ones or people at work, personal, interpersonal, professional, social, any kind of relationship. That is usually what bothers people and is the root cause of all grief in most people’s lives. We could be chanting, meditating and so on and yet you still feel out of control at times, you still feel challenged or you still feel all those things that you do leading a normal life and you don’t know what to do?
I think the most helpless feeling one can experience is to not have control on one’s self. It’s a very weakening feeling. When you don’t want to be a certain way, when you don’t want to think certain things, when you don’t want to do certain things and yet you find your mind is not listening to you. Then, you question everything naturally. You feel why I am unable to do this? So, how to rise above this?
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The question is what if your prayers are not getting answered for a long time? What do you have to do in that case? I read somewhere that it’s not that God doesn’t listen to your prayers but sometimes His answer is No! Most of the time we think that till the time I don’t get what I want means that the God did not listen to my prayers. But in reality, the prayers being heard and your wishes coming true are two different things. The best thing is to do the prayer and leave it and give it some time. Do not forget this that the result/fruit is always of karma. The fruit you get is not the result of the prayer. If there is karma, it will have a fruit.
Somewhere, the nature has to make use of your collective karma so that it can be granted to you according to your prayer. Say for example, if someone wants to lose weight, he can pray as much as he wants but if he keeps eating all the fatty food then it’s a problem. How will God solve this problem?
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The question is that it is said that we should keep our emotions in control. We should not be very happy in happiness and very sad at the time of unhappiness. How to keep that perspective? The person who used to teach me English when I was a kid, his name was professor Sharma he used to say that he read something in a book that is very unreasonable. He said that it says that do not come from under the sun to the shade suddenly and do not go from the shade to the sunlight suddenly. How should we go then, he said? If you have to go out from the house in sunlight then how else would you go out? Do you take one step out and then come back and take another step and then come back again?
If you sit in a very hot temperature, it is very natural that you will perspire a lot as well. You will feel the heat and you will sweat and you will be thirsty. If you sit in a cooler environment, you will be cold and you will wear more layers of clothes and you will feel like drinking some hot coffee or tea or something warm.
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The idea is that when we enter the sanctum or an altar, first of all, we are moving with the belief that we are playing with living energy. That it’s living energy that we are trying to invoke and that energy has been staying there even when we are not chanting. So, we first want to knock on the door before we enter. We also want to alert any small microorganisms. There is a mantra for that and with that, they would usually strike their right heel three times on the floor. The idea was that the microorganisms would move away and you are walking on a clean path and not accidentally kill any creature.
When I talk about living energy, there is one story that comes to my mind. It is a beautiful real-life story.
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Why do you meditate oh yogi? What's your quest? What you are searching on the path of meditation, is it an illusion? Or real?
Yes, agreed, given that you regularly meditate with discipline, you have a drive and conviction with purpose.
But, there is a deeper question to be asked.
Watching this video, you would be motivated to self reflect on these questions:
*If you meditate, does that mean you are going to be happier than those who do not meditate?
*If you meditate, does that mean you are going to be more self-disciplined than those who do not meditate?
*Is meditation enough for you to achieve the goals you are set on?
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The question is that you teach us to see all beings as divine especially mothers. I live with my in-laws. My mother in law is cruel and wicked, always complaining, judging, and harsh. It is difficult to feel love towards her due to her opinions and wickedness. Do wicked people exist? If we are to see ourselves in all beings then am I also wicked and cruel?
It is not easy. The greatest attachment, it is arguable but is quite realistic that the greatest attachment a mother has to her children. And now when they get married and they come home and everything is different, suddenly everybody is expecting perfection. Mother in law is expecting that my daughter in law should be perfect. The daughter in law is expecting the same from her husband and her mother in law. But, what they forget that it is something new for everybody and if you at least from your side don’t say hurtful words.
Now, we are brought up in an environment where we are not taught patience. We are not taught that okay if somebody is elder, maybe just for a moment you don’t have to really show what all you know and maybe just be quiet at that moment or maybe you may have to speak.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on how to handle family relationships.
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Listen to this beautiful and insightful description of the energy behind Gayatri Mantra Sadhana by Om Swami. Video Timeline: 0:12 Power of devotional sentiment in chanting 1:47 Why do we pray to Mother Earth ( Prithvi Puja) in Gayatri Mantra Sadhana 2:59 How to do Prithvi Puja in Gayatri Mantra Sadhana 4:10 Types of energies and their representation in yantra in Gayatri Mantra Sadhana 5:46 Who will never benefit from Gayatri Mantra Sadhana
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers questions related to Gayatri Mantra Sadana in Toronto.
The first question - What is the Importance of yantra in sadhana? And can one use Sri Yantra for Gayatri Sadhana? Om Swami says one cannot use the Sri Yantra for Gayatri sadhana unless specifically instructed by their Guru. When it comes to the visual aspect of energy, it's an image of some sort. Then there is the Sonic aspect of energy, which is the mantra (sound) itself. Then you have the energy aspect of the energy itself, this is usually the yantra - the energy field. Yantra's can very accurately represent the sound of the mantra.
The second question - Do we need a picture of Goddess Gayatri for Gayatri Sadhana? Om Swami says, if you have never done Gayatri sadhana before, then one can use any image they connect with. If one has done some chanting before, then they can look for an image of Goddess Gayatri and use that image. Just the mantra itself is very powerful and an image is not required.
The third question - If God is one, how does this relate to different deities and different energies? Om Swami says, it ultimately depends on what helps one become more mindful and connect better.
The fourth question - What is more beneficial, a guru mantra, or any other mantra like the Gayatri mantra? Om Swami says the brutal truth is that this depends on who your guru is. If your guru, spent time invoking the mantra, then sooner or later the mantra given by him/her will benefit you. But if your guru did not themselves practice the mantra, but started giving it, then that mantra will not have much benefit. Regardless, if one was to start from scratch and do the Gayatri mantra sadhana on their own, they will not be disappointed.
Video Timelines 0:09 What is the Importance of yantra in sadhana 3:56 Do we need a picture of Goddess Gayatri Devi for Gayatri Sadhana 5:11 If God is one, how does this relate to different deities and different energies 6:09 What is more beneficial a guru mantra or any other mantra like the Gayatri mantra
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The question is if yoga, gyaan and bhava are three types of samadhis and for yoga samadhi you can do yoga abhyasa, for gyaan samadhi, you can do analysis, Can bhakti be learned for bhava samadhi? There is nothing that you cannot learn. But, there are certain things that cannot be taught. Because, you cannot do bhakti with your head, bhakti is only done from the heart. From head, you can do a chore or an operation or a ritual but spiritual acts are done from heart.
However, if you need to experience something, nobody can teach you that experience. If you wish to have bhakti in your life, then you have to hold on to one form. Slowly and slowly that relationship will become and sprout. It is not that as soon as Meera was born, she was calling on to Giridhar Gopal. That relationship developed slowly and slowly.
Listen to this beautiful devotional discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers questions related to Gayatri Mantra Sadhana.
How to breathe during mantra chanting? Om Swami says, if one masters the art of breathing with the mantra, then they can end up chanting the mantra all the time. Their breath will also become regulated and controlled. Try breathing in while you are chanting, and breathing out while you are chanting. Inhalation while doing one full mantra is good, but if this is too much then inhalation while starting the mantra chanting is a good practice.
Why is spirituality predominate in certain parts of the world like India and Tibet but not in the West? Om Swami gives a deeply insightful answer. He says, culturally and materially, the East and the West have progressed very differently. Due to the way India was placed geographically, it was very prosperous and was able to completely self sustain on its own. When a society is fulfilled, that's when it starts to think about the big questions. Eight thousand years ago, when most of the world was struggling at the root level, India had a fully developed medical system. India arrived early in terms of civilization both materially and spiritually due to this. The West on the other hand made incredible material progress, and they got busy with consumerism. Now when they have realized that this may not be the path to happiness, they are also exploring the same questions.
Video timeline 0:09 How to breathe during mantra chanting 1:39 Why is spirituality more prevalent in the East compared to the West 5:33 Music as an example of Meditation 6:30 Importance of structure
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The question is that the experiences that people experience at the time of death are the real experiences or is there any truth in them? People who have written books on how they died, how they were on an operating table and they saw this or that and then I came back, they are all talks. There is no truth in it. It may have truth in it but that is that person’s truth only or we assume that it is the truth. It is like in past life regression when they take a person in their past life surprisingly, every person was some big shot. Everyone was well off or rich or was a king or son or daughter of a king. Everyone was superior. No one said that they were wagging their tail. You don’t hear that. Not everyone was born a king.
It is not that past life regression does not heal. It can be helpful for healing. You can heal because if you have a strong faith or belief in something, it will help you to heal, to feel better.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers questions related to Gayatri Mantra Sadhana in Toronto.
The first question - If one's job involves traveling how can they perform sadhana. Om Swami says, there are different kinds of sadhanas. If one is doing Nitya karma, daily then they can do it anywhere. If one is doing naimittika karma, towards a cause or objective - then one does purascharana. Ideally for this one needs to sit in the same place and do it at the same time. Because this is training your mind to operate in a certain way. But if one is traveling, one should do the best they can but give their heart, mind, and soul to it. One should not break the chanting just because they are traveling, but try their best to do the minimum they can. How much time you put in is up to one, but they must dedicate a certain amount of time to quality chanting to see results.
The second question is - Why is long-form Gayatri Mantra not chanted as often as the short form Gayatri, is the long-form more powerful? Om Swami says that's not true. The purest Gayatri mantra in its truest form is: "Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ - Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ - Bhargo Devasya Dheemah -Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt".
The third question is - Can one do a purascharana again, even though it has been done before? Om Swami says, yes absolutely. Do it till you succeed, keep doing it again. Odds are much better if one does it multiple times. It may take at least 5 to 10 times to get it right and the results you want.
The fourth question is - Why is there a separation, and specific technique required to realize god? Om Swami says, there is no such technique as such. There are ways to train yourself. If you are someone who doesn't believe in God, then you could do meditation. If you are someone who doesn't believe in consciousness, then you could do just yoga asanas. If you are someone who believes in God, then chanting could take you closer to yourself - the divine energy in you. The separation is there due to conditioning, beliefs, and desires.
Video timeline 0:09 How can one perform Sadhana when their job requires traveling 11:45 What is the best form of Gayatri mantra to chant 12:48 How to chant Gayatri Mantra on your chakras 14:33 Can one do purascharana multiple times 17:29 Is there a specific technique to realize God
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In this discourse, Om Swami answers questions related to Gayatri Mantra Sadhana in Toronto.
The first question - It is said even though the soul is it's own guru, to show the path does one needs a sadguru, and does a soul choose its sadguru before taking its physical form - Is this true? Om Swami says one's job is to stay sincere on the path and the kind of guru you will end up meeting will depend largely on the person you are. We attract a guru based on where we are on our journey. But this cannot be an excuse to not do your sadhana by saying you are waiting for a guru.
The second question - What is the best timing for mantra chanting? Om Swami says, the more you chant the more you can use that energy when things are not going well in your life. There are three main times (Sandhya) - morning, afternoon, and evening. Pick any of those times or all three. But, there are no restrictions as such.
The third question - Why is it important to use Gomukh (chanting bag) for your mala? Om Swami says, to at a high level to protect them from touching the floor, and other unwanted areas. But at a deeper level, they say that you seek privacy when one does Bhog or Yoga. Sadhana is not a public thing, it is a private thing. When you chant it's a purification of the soul, you don't want to exhibit this to the world. In the same spirit, the Gomukh helps keep your chanting beads private.
Video Timeline 0:09 Does one need a guru on the spiritual path 04:16 What is the best time for mantra chanting 06:26 What do we use a Gomukh for your Jaap mala
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There are some scriptures that have a story and in that story sometimes there are stutis or there are talks about devotion and knowledge. Then, there are some scriptures that only have a story, like most of the Puranas only have a story and along with that story, you sometimes hear things that may be timeless or not. In today’s age, those things might be effective or may not be effective or applicable.
But, there is one scripture that is full of devotion, sentiments, and wisdom. There is no story in it. Instead of a story, it has a speech. It is a composition of the speech of many sages, siddhaas, and supreme devotees. The wisdom coming out of the speech of the learned was all compiled at one place. This process took hundreds of years and it was named “Sri Guru Granth Sahib”. It was said that if you are a true disciple of a guru, then you must accept the granth as your guru. Everything that you need to know is written in this “baani”. After this, you don’t need to look for any guru.
Listen to this beautiful discourse full of devotion by Om Swami.
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The question is while in sadhana, how do you conquer material temptations especially lust and women, etc. It simply is a question of priority. If you are focused on doing something in life then there are certain sacrifices you have to make, most notably, sacrificing your time. Rather than spending your time in joyful activities or things that give you joy, you might say that no, I am going to sit and invoke the energy instead. It is not a joyful process in the beginning. To train your mind to sit for long periods and chant the mantras can be very tiring and exhausting and even boring.
So, how to get past those material temptations? You have to take resolve. If they are distracting for you then you need to take resolve and if that’s not distracting for you then you need to ask yourself why do you want to stay away from that temptation?
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami.
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Listen to this beautiful discourse on Awakening by Om Swami.
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The question is that sometimes a moment comes in one's life, sometimes it comes every day, sometimes it comes every hour, sometimes it comes once a week, or sometimes it comes in a month or a year. A moment comes when a person says that it becomes too much. When a person becomes so anxious and restless, at that moment, he does not understand what to do. If he tries to chant with the beads, he can't concentrate. When he tries to read any scripture, the mind does not want to read. Nothing appeals to him at that point. It becomes challenging to get out of that situation. Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on living a purposeful life. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on Selecting a Disciple.
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What is the significance of tilaka, the mark on the forehead, and why different organizations have different kinds of tilaka? At a very root level, tilaka is a symbol. All religions have some form of symbols. In India, in the olden days, married women would always put a little bindi (dot) on their forehead or a bit of vermilion powder in the parting of their hair that would signify that they were married. Other men in the society would recognize that and give them due respect and would not enter a courtship with them. In other religions, there are different symbols. In Sanatan Dharma, there is janeu; in others, there is mauli. There is a hat; there is a cap; in some, there is a turban. In some, there is a tuft like shikha. So, these were symbols to signify (a) what you have committed yourself to for the rest of your life and 9b what is the thing that you stand by. What is it that you standby in your life? That those are the value, you have subscribed to. Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is (a), what if somebody does not have the potential to do intense meditation, and how do you progress spiritually then? (B), somewhere you all understand that everything is one and that you are all interconnected or that you are part of the divine, but until you feel that, until you experience that, you won't really understand it. You won't really know it. How to go about these things? What is your potential? You would not know until you work towards it. Nobody can say that I don't have the potential to do intense meditation. If you say I don't have the potential, you are right. You have just made a statement. If you say how can I cultivate myself to reach that potential? "By not working according to your potential," what I meant is sometimes you know you are born, or you have nurtured some talents in you, things you can do, the knowledge you have, people you can help, and yet you choose to step back. Looking after yourself more than others, that is why I meant by not working according to your potential. Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
Many of you have read my book on meditation, "A Million Thoughts." I have written a significant point in that book, which is the basis of pure meditation. And that is mental exertion versus mental relaxation. In any meditation, you should know how to maintain balance. Suppose you feel that your thoughts are going in all directions, and you are becoming lazy while meditating. At that point, you should stop for a second. At that moment, imagine a bright light or sun or planet or any flower and refresh or rest your concentration. You would need to exert yourself slightly mentally. For example, if I give you a multiplication problem, you need to exert your mind a bit to know the answer. Similarly, in meditation, when you feel laziness, stop at the moment, and exert mentally and say to yourself that I have to see this thing only. If a thought comes, I don't need to go after that thought. If you go after thought, that thought will drag you with it. Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is that sometimes people ask you as to what you are going to do, what are you career plans or where are you heading to? Should we tell them the truth because very frequently it happens that if we tell them the truth, that work does not happen. Vivekananda used to say a very nice thing that the resolution of something is like a seed. When we plant a seed, we cover it with soil. If we keep digging the soil to check if the seed has sprouted or not, that seed will never sprout.
If you take a resolution particularly if the resolution is to achieve something, there is a difference between the two. Why do people feel unhappy? We take a vow to acquire something whereas we should take the resolution to do something. We can’t take the vow for the result.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to these insightful pearls of wisdom from Om Swami.
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Listen to these insightful nuggets of wisdom from Om Swami on overcoming negativity, self-acceptance, inner voice, and intuition.
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The question is that a person always has desires that he should have a big house, big car, everything should be good, and there should always be more. A person cannot get rid of their desires. Keeping desires is not a bad thing, and also, a person cannot be without desires. It is not possible that a person would not have a single desire. The problem is not that a person has desires; the problem is that to fulfill your desires, what all you can do. What price are you ready to pay to fulfill your desires. One thing is that you go blind to your desires. For example, if you have a gold necklace and you desired to have that necklace, you finally got it. But when you went to a party and you saw someone else wearing a necklace made of diamonds. At that very moment, you felt that your necklace was inferior to the other person’s, and you become sad. What is the point of this? What you achieved by so much effort, you got it, but before you could enjoy it, you became sad. Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is, what is the connection between water, moon, and mind? The gravitational pull of the moon causes tides. The human body is also seventy percent water. When the moon is full, it has a subtle, very subtle gravitational pull on everything that has water. And that has a telling impact on the mind in the sense that all your desires will rise to the brim when the moon is full. You may feel more ambitious; you may feel more energetic and so on because the moon is full because there is a subtle pull in the cosmic energy that we don't recognize, but it is pulling us. For example, each one of us has iron in the body, but if we had seventy percent of iron than water in our body, you can imagine that if you were to create a giant magnet here, each one of you would be pulled towards it. Our inherent nature is to seek enlightenment, and that's why people who have even a dash of truth in them will be pulled towards the spiritual quest in their lives. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
This morning we were talking about the Ram Katha that happened here at the ashram for five days. For four and a half days or maybe even longer, we only got to when Bhagwan Ram got exiled. Lord Rama reached Kevat. The katha was supposed to be finished very soon. At first, I thought that I should ask the orator that the katha is only for five days and not for a month and then I thought that nothing happens without Sri Hari’s wish. At this place, we don’t want to talk about Lord’s sadness and grief. Mostly a person’s bad time is their story. There is not a story about happiness. If you pick up a book that has all good written in it, nobody would like to read it.
In a story if there is no grief, it does not become a story. As it is Sri Hari’s avatarn day, so at this place it is Bhagwan’s wish that stories about grief and sadness are not narrated but stories about happiness are told. For four and a half days, Sri Hari made the orator narrate all the good and happy times. People who were present heard all the good and happy moments of the Lord because somewhere the Lord said that talk about my good times and not about the bad time.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
happinessisachoice#Omswamitv
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "Since we are here, on this planet, with a certain lifespan at our disposal, we may as well live gracefully. Why not carve your own path of happiness based on what all you are blessed with?" https://os.me/an-attitude-of-happiness/
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The question is that I said that the fewer expectations you have, the happier you would be; what is then the point of being in a relationship? I am not saying you should have fewer expectations. All I am saying that if you have fewer expectations, you are going to be happier. The whole challenge is that the other person is in a relationship is because he or she seeks happiness or something, and you are in it for the same. When you enter into a relationship thinking you need somebody in your life to make you happy, no relationship is going to make you happy. When you think you want to be in a relationship because you want somebody to take care of you, somebody to make you happy, you will not be happy. The point of a relationship is not that somebody should fill a void in your life created by way of your mindset. When I say that, I am not saying that you are responsible for creating that mindset; you could have gone through certain circumstances in your life that led to that. Listen to this insightful discourse to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is, what to do when you are affected by Shani's (Saturn) sade sati? Shani stays in a raashi (star sign) for about two and a half years. The distance that the moon covers are just two and a half-day; as per astrology, Shani completes it in two and a half years. So Shani is moving at a prolonged speed. The sun completes in a month, mangal does it in a month and forty days, and Brihaspati does in thirteen months. This is again the relativity concept. Suppose you are on those planets, the concept of time changes. When it is Shani's sadesati, it is said that either the first two and a half years will be tough, or the middle two and a half years or the last two and a half years will be difficult. If you believe in astrology, then somewhere, you will be affected. If you don't know that there is a snake or is it poisonous, there is no fear, but you will be afraid as soon as you know there is a snake. Then you will think about what upaya (precaution) to do. If you believe in astrology, then there are many measures, but there is no need to get into all of this. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is that Gurbani gives much importance to Satsang (good company). What is the meaning of that? I heard it somewhere that you will always reflect on the top five people in your life. Whatever you do, your manner of acting, your manner of thinking, speaking is directly affected by the top five people you are surrounded by or deeply influenced by in your life. It's a similar principle. The more Satsang we do, the more pure tendencies we will have. What is the meaning of Satsang? We were talking about Buddha. There are three mantras in bodhidharma. Buddha said that I am your first refuge, so come under my shelter. Dharma is your second refuge. Sang (a good company) is your third refuge. He called it the three jewels of refuge. If you are in the shelter of these three, then life will sail through. Otherwise, everyone is somehow living this life in one way or the other. Some days we are delighted, and we feel that nothing is more beautiful than this life. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is how to get rid of an addiction or, to be precise, alcohol addiction? Addiction does not have one single absolute solution. Logically speaking, if we say that it is bad for your health, everyone knows that. No matter how much we have progressed in life and our society and may have given an equal place to a woman in society. There are many fields in which women are so much ahead of men. You will see that women are working and taking care of the family at this age, and still, if you survey the whole world, you will find that men suffer more from addiction than women. If you have to get rid of an addiction, you only have to leave it. There is no simple way. But when you leave it, the first few weeks, you will have extreme withdrawal symptoms. As it is known, you will have headaches and body pains in the beginning. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is, can I expound on the holy trinity or the principle of trinity or the concept of the trinity that they are three devas in Sanatan dharma. There is a holy trinity in Christianity as well. That is Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. When they have emerged from the same supreme consciousness or soul, then why do we consider them absolute, or why do we differentiate and say there is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This is a conceptual question. It's a scriptural question. It is a matter of certain religious philosophy, and we will have to go to the scriptures to answer it correctly. It is said that Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Ishwar, and Sadashiva are five aspects of creation. They are not necessarily different people, but they are five aspects of creation. I would like to add something, which is my experiential understanding that I have experienced in my deep states of meditations, which you may quote as "in my opinion." People or beings like Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, and many other devatas once roamed our planet for real. They are not mythical beings. Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami expounding on the concept of the holy trinity. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is, should something as divine as blessing be asked for? Or, should one wait to be blessed till when the guru thinks it is the best? There is no harm in asking for blessings. I used to know a person who said something wonderful once. He said that I had one simple philosophy. Sometimes what happens is that salespeople will keep on doing just meetings. They will meet the prospective client, and they will meet the client again, another time and time. But they never get to close the deal. He said that when he was mentoring some young salespeople, he would tell them that it's okay to meet people, but when are you going to ask for the customer order? The customer will sometimes give you order if you tell the customer that you are looking for an order. There are two perspectives you can take on blessings. First is okay, I am next to an ocean, and when I am next to an ocean, I don't have to sit there and talk about my needs for twenty liters of water every day. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is that why parents don’t want their son or daughter to walk on the spiritual path? They don’t want their children to be in the company of sadhu (saints). They want their children to work, get married and have children. Why do parents want that? Why don’t they give the freedom to a person who wants to go on a spiritual journey?
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on parenting on spiritual path.
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The question is that why parents don’t want their son or daughter to walk on the spiritual path? They don’t want their children to be in the company of sadhu (saints). They want their children to work, get married and have children. Why do parents want that? Why don’t they give the freedom to a person who wants to go on a spiritual journey? If you think about it, in reality it is not the parent’s fault either because they have experienced life more than you. They think that how can they trust someone. The parents think that hopefully their children don’t spoil their life by walking the spiritual path.
If they don’t study at the time they should get educated and take up the spiritual path under any misconception. If, for example they spent ten years or so in an ashram when they are twenty to thirty year old and then they realize that it probably was a mistake and I should go back and work, get married and lead a household life. And, at that time, even if you want, you won’t be able to do it. Nobody will give you any job when you are thirty -five or so. And, this is what the parents fear that tomorrow if my son or daughter changes their mind then what will happen?
Listen to this insightful discourse on parenting by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is that some people end up meeting their guru very early in their life, and some meet much later. Finding a guru early on in your life, especially if you are not looking for a guru, does not necessarily mean that you will benefit from that guru. To derive benefit from anything or anybody, particularly a guru, you have to have a certain degree of willingness, a certain degree of readiness so that you can listen to your guru, you can assimilate, absorb or reflect on his or her teachings and adopt them in your normal lives. One of the greatest mistakes you can make is to think that just because a guru has blessed your child, that child will do really well in life. Infect, that's often not the case. Because what happens: Nature allows for no complacency of any kind when it comes to parenting. Suppose parents don't take care of their child the way they are supposed to be taken care of. If they don't bring up their children the way they are expected to be brought up, no guru can save that situation. There are people whose children have played in the laps of the gurus, and yet they turned out not just ordinary people but below ordinary. Because somewhere the parents thought that now the blessing is there we don't have to do much. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more. BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO ----------------------- SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for a weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv ----------------------- Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me. ----------------------- If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/ ----------------------- Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ -----------------------
The question is that if in the society, a person or any other living being is going through suffering then what can we do to reduce their suffering? Would our prayer have effect on those beings? Yes, why not? It is possible that prayer does not directly affect them but with prayer your heart will become gentle. And, when your heart becomes soft, you will feel other’s pain more. If you can feel other’s pain then only you will be able to extend your hand to help them. If we don’t feel other’s pain then we won’t extend any help to them. So, prayer is done so that you can become gentle.
There is no benefit from a prayer where on one side we are chanting and suddenly we raise our voice if something is not done. When people pray, they pray as if they are doing a big favour to others or to the society. What is the use of that prayer where you cannot control your anger and other negative emotions? Prayer is a just a small part. You have to somehow convert that prayer into action.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on compassion and service.
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Listen to these insightful nuggets of wisdom by Om Swami while answering the questions at the youth retreat.
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The question is that it is said that Lord Sri Krishna walked behind his devotees. But, the person further says that in my experience, I think he does not walk behind but ahead of his devotees. What is your opinion? I remember a small story. There was a man who had great belief in God. He would always remember God and had a very deep faith in God. He had a very strong and deep relationship with his God that when he would walk on the sand by the side of the sea, he would see a pair of feet walking along with his pair of feet.
Listen to this beautiful devotional discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is that when we try to do something good then why do we face the hurdles. Why is it difficult to do good things or become a good person or walk on a right path? I think that we assume that when we are walking on a good path then everyone will support me. Firstly, we should not expect that but more important is that a person thinks that when I walk on that path, I should not face any adversities. If you observe, it takes a lot of effort when you have to climb up a mountain. To do something good, it involves hard work and effort. Yes, if you have to fall, there is no hurdle. You can easily slide down.
A work that does not involve an effort is a work leading to downfall. The person thinks that if I am going up on a path there should be no obstacle. But if you have to climb up, then one time you will have to make an effort to climb, you have to try hard. Otherwise, you cannot go up. You cannot move forward if you don’t make an effort. A path that does not have hurdles is not worth walking.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is how to distinguish between mind and consciousness? Consciousness is a function of mind, not brain but mind. Brain is a partial physical representation of mind. Without mind, there is no consciousness that can be perceived. You cannot perceive consciousness without body and you cannot perceive consciousness without mind. Mind, intellect, consciousness and ego, they are the four aspects of mind. First is mind, which is a function of mind itself, but it is that mind which is emotional, one that cannot reason. A mind’s work is to have a resolve, a decision that I have to have this. The mind just gives a little ignition to the fire and gets on to the side and leaves you confused and thinking about it.
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The question is that to be successful one has to walk on a right path and choose right things. How do we know what we are doing is right or not especially in the beginning? Anything right or wrong depends upon the purpose. We need to know what are purpose is. If we have the knowledge, the awareness, the clarity of what we want to do or what our aim is? Then we just need to walk on the path that leads us to that purpose, that destination. That is all there is to it.
Distractions always take you away from your path. And, every path has distractions. Most of the time people who are not successful usually have three things. Firstly, they have dreams but no aim or purpose. When you convert the dreams into a purpose or an objective then you are aware of how you are going to reach your purpose. Then you know that you have to work hard to get there. And hard work is the only way to achieve that purpose and that is the only path.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is what kind of spiritual practice or sadhana one should do? Also, sometimes we feel that something is missing in our life and to fulfill that void, we think that maybe sadhana is the path that will fill that emptiness. There is no guarantee for that. The highest most sadhana is one that makes a human being pure and happy. The happier we are, the better our spiritual practice is. Before we walk on any path of sadhana we should have some clarity of what we need. Why we want to do any sadhana? Is living in a world not a sadhana? That is also a sadhana. Is chanting the mantras the only sadhana? That is only one type of sadhana.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to this most insightful discourse on The Goal of Life by Om Swami
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The question is that we have many stories in our scriptures that say that there are many demons who worship God and God has to give them boon. Why is that? Goswami Tulsidas says that nothing is impossible with devotion. The whole universe is because of this devotion. It is with tap that brahma created this universe, Vishnu sustains it and Shiva destructs it. When a devotee makes up his mind to walk on the path of devotion with persistence, the nature the universe has to give result for this devotion to the devotee. Just like if a student is not liked by a teacher but the student is an excellent student, a true teacher is bound to give him the results based on what the student has earned. The result he deserves because of his hard work and excellence.
Therefore, whoever does the sadhana with the way a sadhana is done, a one who worships the way a worship is done, a one who chants they way chanting is done, a one who meditates the way meditation is done becomes the owner of the treasure of powers.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is can we put two idols of baby Krishna in a temple? If I say that there is only one god then people don’t understand and if I say there are more than one then it is an insult to the god. If we can put two ladoo (sweets) in a box full of sweets then why can’t we put two baby krishna’s in a temple? If in our dharma, you can put idols of various deities like Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Lord Rama, Ma Saraswati in your temple then there is no issue in keeping two ladoo gopals in your temple. There are no rules in bhakti. The rules are for Sadhana. Bhakti is not dependent on anything. It is independent of all things.
The other question is that how does a person become a devotee? How should a devotee choose his form for devotion? Whom he should worship? In this case, not everything is in the hands of a devotee. There is also an element of grace. It happens that when you start to learn something new for example when you start reading books on that topic, you will see that at first you will find very useless books. They will be very basic books and not that interesting. And, then when you will start reading those books then slowly you will get your hands on some seriously good books on the same topic.
Listen to this devotional discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
Om Swami giving an introduction of his book “The Ancient Science of Mantras” on request from the audience. I have spent many years on the path of the science of mantras. This book explains how the mantras were originated and before that it talks about how sadness, unhappiness came into existence. It also talks about the hurdles you face while invoking the mantras. How one should choose the mantra, what are the flaws in mantras and how you can correct those flaw. It also explains how Nyasa should be done and how hand locks (mudras) are to be performed. The book has information on how to invoke the deity of the mantra, the four pillars of sadhana. If a person does not have a guru in their physical form then how can they invoke that guru to do the sadhana. I have written this book for people who do not have a guru in their life.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more about his book “The Ancient Science of Mantras”.
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The question is does self-realization mean that you would use your brain one hundred percent because an average human being does not use more than two or three percent? I think science has this misconception that we only use two or three percent of our brain. Why? Because science is thinking from the results of some imaging that if there is not enough activity happening in the brain and if not areas are red that means I am not using all areas. I don’t think that is right way to consider the usage of brain. Still, let’s assume we are not using one hundred percent, is self-realization hundred percent utilization of your brain?
Self-realization is when you can survive with zero percent utilization of your brain. That’ self-realization, all else is commentary. If for example a computer server is running to its hundred percent utilization, something is terribly wrong with it. It needs more hardware, more RAM or the app is eating it up or it’s getting old. Something is going wrong. A server should never run on a hundred percent utilization because it will clog and it would crash eventually.
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Correction and message from Om Swami:
In this video, I've erroneously stated that shastras are released and astras are worn. It's the other way around. Well knowing the meaning of the two words, not sure how I went about making this mistake in this video! Please accept my sincere apologies and humble gratitude to all those lovely people who wrote to us and commented here pointing out this mistake. Thank you again.
Peace. Swami
The question is who should we believe? There are different stories in each puranas. Do you know why vedas and puranas were written in Sanskrit language? It is because these are not to be read by common people. This is the knowledge that would come from the mouth of someone who is knowledgeable and learned. If I give you the relativity story of Einstein and tell you to read it and you will understand the secret of physics. You will say what is it?
So, scriptures (shastra) are weapons. Do you know the difference between shastra and astra? Astra is to be released and shastra is to be worn. The scriptures are like shastra, they are meant to come out of the mouth of the learned ones. It is not something that is to be used for self-study. In the olden times, the guru would give the purnas to their disciples and ask them to write them on the birch leaf. The disciples would get so engrossed in writing them that they would not have time to understand it. And if there was a question, the guru would answer.
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The question is sometimes it is difficult to practice detachment. It becomes difficult to stay detached and we keep doing things that keep us attached so how to stay detached? It is not easy to do anything in the beginning. In your life whatever you have to learn, it is always difficult in the beginning. Anything can be learned in your life. We have to learn everything. Nothing comes on its own. For example, when a child learns to walk, many times he or she cries because they fall. But, there is always a desire that I have to get up and touch the thing that is above me. I have to get there on my own. I don’t want to be dependent upon anyone.
Detachment or vairagaya or to walk on the path of evenness, the mind has to learn. In the beginning, the mind will be sad, will cry or become restless. When that happens, most of the people go back to their old tendencies because the mind is happy there. It does not have to do anything. But, if you want to be detached, then you need to have some principles in your life.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out how to cultivate detachment in your life.
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How to rise above our conditioning?
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Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/ ----------------------- To find out, listen to this discourse by Om Swami.
The question is what is complete surrender? How does it look or what are the characteristics of complete surrender? One who got the intellect and the education, for him complete surrender is probably the most difficult thing. It is even more difficult than meditation. Because, complete surrender means that a baby monkey has caught hold off his mother. Then he won’t ask his mother that why you are jumping over the river or why are you jumping from one tree to another or what if I fall? A person who is intellectually advanced will always base his surrender on some condition. The first mistake a person does is that he thinks that if I have surrendered completely, I will not have any problems in my life. This is what we have ourselves derived as the result of complete surrender. That, if my surrender is complete, my children will be okay, I will be fine, my job will be okay, my house will be okay, I will be without any sickness. And, if I get sick then there must be a hole in the umbrella that has been sheltering me. This is not surrender. This is trade.
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What is the perception of Time? To find out more, listen to this discourse by Om Swami.
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What if somebody doesn't believe in divinity? Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to this insightful discourse on the meaning of Aham Brahmasmi.
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Listen to this insightful talk given by Om Swami at a teens/Youth retreat on how to effectively study and achieve your goals.
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The question is when we are leading a normal life, how do we bring meaning to me. How do we make it purposeful? Sometimes, it feels that this life does have meaning. It is pure and divine life and sometimes it seems meaningless. As if we are not doing anything. So what should we do? In reality, this is not related to our life. No matter how great your life is, once in a while you will feel that you are living a meaningless life. Once Swami Vivekananda was talking to a disciple who was also a renunciate (sannyasi). He said that you are living a life of a renunciate and it is possible that one day you will have this thought that maybe I had a family, maybe I would have led a comfortable life, maybe I had a home and someone cooked for me. But, at that time you must remember that a householder at that point in time is also thinking that maybe he was a renunciate. Maybe, he would have been alone, free from any responsibility or burden, and led a comfortable life.
Whether you have taken upon an ochre robe or you are in plain clothes. Whether you have long hair or you have shaved your head, it does not matter because the primary purpose of human life is to satisfy his hunger.
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Is this thing in my benefit and if it is then should I just reject it because it is in my benefit? This is what a psychology of a teenager is mostly. When something is of child’s benefit, you have to think that is it truly in my benefit. If it is then who stands to gain? Ultimately if you earn well in life, lead good life, it is your profit and if you don’t then it is your loss. Parents are not there to partake of your earnings or anything. They are actually saying that it is for your benefit and they are thinking that you are still young, a green bean, you can change but they are already in the ripe stage of their life where they can’t change. Or, it is harder for them to change. The child has to think that what they are asking, if it is really in my benefit? If it is then maybe I can do it. Secondly and even more importantly, even if I don’t want to do it and it doesn’t make sense to me, Can I do just this thing for my parent’s happiness?
What’s the big deal? Why do I have to do everything the way I want? If, I am living in a family, why can’t I just do what my parents are asking me to do? What’s so hard about that? And, learn to negotiate.
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The question is what if someone (a relative or somebody from outside) deceitfully feeds you something bad that it results in sickness and illness in the family then how to protect oneself from that? Do you think that the effect of tantra is so simple that someone can feed you something and you get sick?
Yes, if someone feeds you some sort of chemical then it is different. But it is hard to believe that in a normal society, these things happen that somebody is putting something in your food or doing something on you using tantra. Mostly, it is our illusion.
Tantra has been given this reputation that any foul work is labeled to be tantra’s work whereas a tantra sadhana is such a pure sadhana in itself. A tantric says that I should rise above all fears therefore I should stay in a cremation ground. The pyre from whom everyone is scared of, I should cook my food on that pyre. If you want to increase your detachment from this world, go visit the cremation ground at least once a month.
It is not accurate to say if something is wrong in your life someone has done something to you. You need to take control of your life and not believe in these made up stories. You alone are responsible for what happens in your life, you will not be successful if you blame others for something that is wrong in your live.
If you want to read more on this subject, you may be interested in reading this blog: https://os.me/is-astrology-real/
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The question is that creation and destruction keeps happening continuously in this universe and this is a wheel. If it is, then why is it? In reality, there is no creation or destruction happening. This is just to make people understand. When, what we want in our life is growing, we say that creation is happening. We think creation means growth. And, when the same thing is being reduced we say that it is destroying. In reality, it is not being created or destroyed. In lieu of that, two things are happening, one is integration and the other is disintegration. The only thing happening in the universe is that things are getting integrated and they are being concentrated and becoming one and then eventually disintegrating.
When a human being is growing, it appears the body is growing but actually there are many elements that are getting together in that colony. And, when they are being disintegrated, we call it destruction. This is a play of nature. Things are getting together and then being dispersed. When it is being dispersed, then we say that it is being destroyed.
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The question is can devotion (bhakti) be learned or do you have devotion or not or what is it that you can do to increase your devotion. Atheist is not a true theist if he has not passed through the test of atheism. One who has never doubted his faith would never know how strong his faith is. One who never questioned God would not know how strong the relationship he has with God. There is nothing in this world that you cannot learn. You can learn anything. You can learn bhakti (devotion) also. You can also increase the bhava, the sentiment of devotion in you. But, there are many things that cannot be taught. In reality, no one can teach you bhakti. But that does not mean that you cannot learn how to be devoted.
Bhakti is a personal relationship of a person with his belief. For people, who had love at first sight just because they went to a certain temple and saw an idol and read about their life history and fell in love, that love for sure will go away soon. This is because that person did not get to his bhava of devotion by testing his faith. It was more of an emotional response they gave to something that sprouted in their consciousness.
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The question is if this world is a reflection of your thoughts or if it’s a divine play of Shiva and Shakti, of feminine and masculine energies, then how come we have any concept of good karma or bad karma, or sin and punya. We have to make up our mind. If we are saying it’s a play of Shiva and Shakti that means we are saying there are two entities; Shiva and Shakti. If we are saying there are two entities then these two entities also have a corresponding framework. It is like we are saying we have parents in the family. If we have parents in the family then they also have certain rules that they want us to abide by.
If I am saying this is just a divine play of energy, things coming together and things going away, then there is no concept of sin. Sin is a concept given to us by religions. Various religions in the world have defined certain things to be sin and certain things to be religious. The way they differentiate this is sin is something that is displeasing to God. That’s definition of sin according to scriptures. And good karma is everything else that is pleasing to Gods.
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In Srishti kram you invoke the Devi by way of expansion. You will start on the first night and will go for fifteen nights and sixteenth is the cusp when it ends. Each night you invoke one Devi. And, on the sixteenth you invoke the The Devi: Mother Goddess. Her appearance is momentary. Only an extraordinary practitioner can hold the form of Devi for any more than a moment because she is in the cusp of that date. There is no sixteenth date as such. It only comes for a very short period of time. For a sanyasi, for a renunciate, they are not supposed to fulfill their desires. They are not supposed to keep their desires in their heart and go after them like a householder would. So, they go after what’s called Sanghar kram. Sanghar is destruction, the sequence of destruction. Householders would go for a sequence of creation.
In sequence of destruction the process is reversed. And then there is Stithi kram. Stithi karma is to sustain. Devi alone assumes the form of Brahma and creates as Brahma. She assumes the form of Vishnu and sustains. She assumes the form of Shiva and destroys.
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What is Sri Vidya and what is the benefit of Sri Vidya or practicing Sri Vidya? From the perspective of the Science of Mantras, there are two kinds of mantras. There are mantras of Devi (feminine energy) and there are mantras of masculine energy. Within those energies, there are further three types. The mantras of Devi are called Vidyas. When there is a mantra of a Devi, it means vidya. A good mantra of a Devi will always have a seed syllable. When there is seed syllable in a mantra, then it is like sowing a seed. That seed is going to go inside you, in your consciousness and sprout and make you a worthy recipient of the grace of the deity of the mantra. Every mantra has a deity: an owner of the mantra. If I were to look at Devi’s physical form for example, that is her visual aspect. But her sonic aspect, the aspect of sound, if I were to represent a Devi by sound, I will use her mantra. For example if you have a phone number of a person and you call that number and you get straight through to that person. Similarly, a mantra is the number of that God or Goddess. Through a mantra, you get through to that energy.
Sri means Devi, the primal mother, the first mother, the empress. She is Sri Mata, the mother goddess. Sri means somebody whose refuge you can seek. You can never seek a refuge of a weak person. You can only seek refuge of a strong person.
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The question is how many Shakti Peethas are there and what is the best Shakti Peetha? There is a sutra in Lalita Sahasranamam that Mother Divine has fifty peethas. It is also written in the scriptures that when Lord Shiva took Ma Sati, it is said that there were fifty -two peethas as well. A disciple once asked his Guru that what is the best move in the game of chess. The Guru said that it is not that one best move works everywhere. It all depends upon the circumstances you are in your game. Similarly, which peetha is the best depends upon which sadhana you are doing. If you are doing the sadhana of Ma tripundari then kamakhya is the best peetha. However, going to the peetha does not mean that if you go to the respective peetha, your work is done. In today’s world, some peethas are so commercialized that sometimes you question the faith.
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The question is how much role destiny plays in one’s life and do other people's karma have effect on our life and vice versa? Whenever anything happens in your life or whenever you do anything, there are five elements in play. The first is your approach. Second is doer, what kind of person you are. What mindset you have, your aptitude, your skillset, your talent. Third is resources, what sort of resources do you have available at your disposal. The fourth is effort. What kind of effort are you willing to put in. The fifth is destiny. Destiny alone cannot make everything happen. Somewhere people or mediums in your life that you come across can get you somewhere but ultimately you have to do it.
Same thing goes on the spiritual path as well. A guru can give you a mantra, a guru can give you initiation but you have to walk the path. So it is only 20%. Some events are fixed but not in everybody’s life. The one who has found the secret of working in harmony with Nature is unbound by destiny. Such a person is not tied by karma anymore. When you get a grip on how long to resist and how to work in harmony with Nature, then you are free.
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The question from the audience is that why karma transcends or travels across life times? Nature is not concerned with one lifetime or many lifetimes. It sees it as changing places. Nothing new is actually happening. It is just one cloth and then another cloth, same person inside. The real essence in you so called soul never dies. So Krishna says, “ Tell me what is your real dilemma? What is your confusion? Who is killing and who is dying? None of all this is actually happening. It is one big illusion.” Infact, if Nature did not take karma across lifetimes, this world would have ceased to exist by now. People would have destroyed this planet by now.
If you have accumulated wealth in one bank account, you can simply transfer it to next. You can’t transfer what you haven’t accumulated, what you haven’t earned. That is why karma travels across lifetimes. There is a story in Mahabharata when Yudhishtra is being held by celestial being Yaksha. The Yaksha says,” What do you think is the most fascinating, peculiar thing about this world?”
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Mindful recitation of Lalita Sahasranama improves your concentration, memory and brings lot of other good things. What is mindful recitation? How do you recite a hymn, a stotra, and a sahasranama mindfully? If you don’t do it mindfully, don’t bother doing it. If you can’t do it mindfully, don’t’ bother with all this. Instead, watch TV, watch a movie, sleep or do something better. Either you got to have that devotion in you that mindfulness will come about on it own. Or you got to train your mind to be mindful. How do you do that? So, one way is if I am chanting say for example too fast, I might not be mindful while I am chanting. I might be thinking of my work, my home, my family, my finances and all the other things that I don’t want to be thinking when I am praying.
At that time, it is better to slow down, stop and pause. Just completely stop. And then does not matter how long it takes you, even if you can’t do the full sahasranama don’t feel bad. It’s no sin. Whatever you can do mindfully. I might just close my eyes or meditate and go slow or even slower.
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The question from the audience is that in Ramcharitmanas, Goswami Tulsidas has written that you get human body after immense tapas, immense good karma, after travelling a lot through many species. If It is that rare, which scriptures have us believe then why is there still so much corruption in the world? Why are people still suffering from mental afflictions? Why do people still have urges and animalistic tendencies? If we have already gone through so much then why are we going down again? What is the reasoning behind it? Are we heading towards downfall again?
There is no doubt that as human beings we have been through many different species and life forms. We have been dogs, cats and creatures of water, air and land. But, even though we are human beings, not each one of us is truly equal when it comes to consciousness. The potential of every individual may well be the same but the consciousness of every individual is a different matter altogether. There are 8.4 million species on the planet and there are 8.4 million types of consciousness people possess.
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The question is how stay motivated on the path of spirituality. I meet so many children and I like meeting children. I feel that they have a whole life ahead and if at the right time, they can be put on the right track then the whole society will benefit. They all ask me that how to stay interested in their education. It is very difficult to stay interested in studies. Nobody likes to study. It is such a boring thing. For many, how does calculus or the various types of stones matter? It only matters to one who is interested in it. But everyone is taught about it. The education system needs an overhaul. But once, someone tastes the success of scoring good marks and becoming a topper in the class, they automatically get interested in studies.
Every human being that works towards something with the expectation that once it is achieved, how happy and peaceful they will be. Similarly, on the path of spirituality, once you taste a little flavor, you will automatically become enthusiastic. Tasting that flavor is difficult. It takes time.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on how to stay motivated on the path of spirituality.
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The question is that in many of the hymns to God, to Mother Divine, there is a word that comes not so infrequently and that is paapnashini. Paap means sin or you may think it means sin or the common definition of sin but it is not just sin. Nashini means one who destroys your sins. Sri Krishna says to Arjuna, “you just seek my refuge, let go of all your concerns, worries, doubts. Because once you come in my refuge, I will set you free from dukha (a sense of suffering), from your papas (from yours sins) and I will take you to moksha, to nirvana, (to liberation, to redemption), to ultimate freedom.”
So what does paap (sin) mean? Paap does not mean wrong karma alone? Doing wrong action is not always a definition of sin. Paap basically means a deep sense of guilt you carry in your heart when you do anything you think was wrong. The world may think it was right thing to do but you deep in your heart may think that I did something wrong. When your perception is that I did something wrong, that is paap, that is sin.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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People have their own personal experiences when they walk on the path of meditation. But an individual who walk on the path of meditation, meditates with awareness definitely will feel sensations in the agya chakra because the house of thoughts is in the head. A person who increases his concentration in meditation will have sensations on the forehead and around the head. No matter, where you feel the sensations in your body while meditating, make sure you keep moving forward on the path of meditation. Generally, many meditators usually fall in this pitfall when they start getting good experiences in meditation and start expecting that they will have the same experience again. And as a result they start focusing on ensuring that they feel the same experience than focusing on meditation.
We should never base our goal on other people’s experiences thinking that we would also get the same experience as them. Every individual is different. They will have different experiences and different darshans. Every individual will get a different result on the path of meditation.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on the experiences an individual feels on the path of meditation.
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The question is, “how to advance on the path of devotion?” You have to surrender. There are certain characteristics that a person has who can surrender. This question was asked by Indra to Devi in Lakshmi tantra, “how to attain God?” How to get to your grace? How can a person continually advance on this path?” Devi said to Indra that let me tell you what Bhagwan Hari told me. “There are five characteristics that are there in a person who can surrender, who can take refuge in God.” That is a difference between God and humans. God will always accept the one who seeks refuge in him. A human being on the other hand will start weighing the options of what will be his gain or loss if someone seeks refuge in him. But God does not do that. You just have to go with a true emotion of surrender and they will immediately accept you.
So Bhagwan says that the first characteristic of a seeker is one who does what the Lord likes. This is where you need to know what form of God you have faith in. If you love Lord Shiva then you have to offer water on the shiv ling. If you love Lord Vishnu then you need to do something that Lord Vishnu likes.
Listen to this devotional discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The beauty is both paths lead to the same truth. How ?
That's the take away from this video.
For some people meditation alone may work and for some devotion. Each individual is different and so one path may not suit all. Further it is a very individual choice whether they want to walk the path of devotion or meditation.
Devotion is total surrender leaving everything to God without any questions. A devotee goes through the whole day thinking of his God in all the actions that he or she performs. This requires great mindfulness.
In meditation too mindfulness is required to walk the path as you need to be mindful of your thoughts. There is no difference but both paths have different methods of reaching the truth.
This thing of what comes first, devotion or meditation? It is a very conscious mind thing. When we think what comes first, bhakti for us is not coming first for sure because when it is devotion, it is surrender. Devotion says whatever it is, you are my Master; take me the way you want. I am not going to make all the decisions. I am not going to keep all the burdens. I am not going to bother with all this meditation and all that. I am happy that you are there and that is enough. You have brought me this far and you will take me further if you deem fit. That’s devotion.
There comes a time in devotion when you become desperate. You become so desperate that you want to truly experience God because devotion means that: (a) you believe God exists, (b) He or She has a form, and (c) That form is far more superior than you. These are the three basics of devotion.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to this insightful discourse on Tendencies of Mind by Om Swami.
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Listen to this insightful discourse on Inner Voice and Mind by Om Swami
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I would like to talk about the philosophy of life. Not everybody can have a purpose in life. Some just don’t find it. Not everybody finds his or her passion. Some don’t have it because of the way they have been brought up or because of their own tendencies of the mind or because of the way they are built and so on and so forth. If you don’t have a passion or if you don’t have a purpose but some people have a goal and often whey they have achieved that goal, then what’s next? Then how to fill that void in life?
First is you practice the virtues, second is you meditate so that you learn to be grateful with a sense of mindfulness in your mind and third is you articulate clearly on a piece of paper, your guiding principles and that’s what I mean by the philosophy of life. There was a very good Zen master called the Dogen, I will share with you what his wrote down as his philosophy of life.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on the guiding principles of life.
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The Mind is a projector. There is no harm in thinking that you are great. If you are doing great work, you cannot deny it. You know deep inside when you have invented something. You know that I have made google or I have made facebook and it is connecting millions of people and so on. It is not a crime to give yourself a pat at the back. It is normal, it’s natural and it’s human. If for example you see a beautiful site. You are not gonna say oh that’s one ugly side and I don’t want to look at it. That is denial. That is a state of denial. You will say that yes it is beautiful and you move on to next place and the next site may not be as pleasing but still that’s the colour of nature changing.
This thing about Maya is, directly a conglomeration of subconscious impression, tendencies of the mind and conscious view that we have about ourselves. All three when they work together. When somebody is lying on an operation table under the effect of anesthesia, that person does not feel anything. It’s not because they don’t have an ego. It is because the conscious mind is definitely fully into sleep.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on illusion and reality.
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The question is when you face yourself it is not always a pretty scene and how to avoid getting in the muck again? Why not be a pigeon and close your eyes and think that the cat is not going to get me? First time you face, it could be disturbing. It could even give you a sense of disbelief that it wasn’t me. And when you start to get into the acceptance mode, you will come out with justifications that I did it because of this or because of that and so on and so forth. Then when you face the third time or the fourth time or the fifth time, you will start to see that No, I did it because I chose it that way. It does not mean that it was a completely independent choice but there was still an element of choice.
When you keep facing your past unwanted actions which you think are demons will eventually become your friends in the sense that you start to accept them in a way that they don’t bother you anymore. Remember they are from the past. They are those skeletons in the closet. It is all old stuff.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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If I seek you outside then who is in me? Am I saying that the God inside me is less than the god outside? So, if I start my search outside then who in me is actually talking right now? If I say you exist outside in some other world or in this world somewhere outside, maybe in a temple or may be in some special place. Then who is in me right now? Your journey only ends when you become convinced that the god, the Devi is inside me. That is where I have to start my journey.
The absence of all the negative emotions marks the presence of love. If that negativity, those emotions we hold in our heart, if they disappear, we will feel in love naturally. Similarly, when it comes to searching god or feeling god or feeling the presence of that oneness. It is those things we hold on to for example, the grudges, resentment and guilty. We have grudges against somebody, we resent some people in some way or other and sometimes we are guilty of what we did ourselves. Then other auxiliary emotions like jealousy, envy, anger and hatred stem from these three core negative emotions.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on self-purification.
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It does not matter who you are, people have gone from young to very old by doing all those rituals and by praying but they have not found even the beginning of where god is, who god is, how god is and what god is? The thing with intellect is that it is strength no doubt but it is the greatest hurdle on the path because intellect gives you the illusion that you know what you think you know. That is why when you sit and meditate you are quieting the intellect as well at that time. You are saying that listen, “you don’t do the talking. You don’t come up with intelligent stuff. I do not want you to tell me that this is right or this is wrong. Some time I need you to be quiet so that I may see through you.”
When a child is making a lot of noise, he naturally gets an attention. So when mind makes noise it gets your attention and it drags you with it. But if it is quiet then you realize that there is something happening beyond it.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Why do we meditate? We meditate so we may be at peace, so we may be in bliss but after that mediation, what do we do? We meditate so that when we go out in the world, we can be better people at that time. We go out so that we can be more compassionate, so that we can be more loving and caring and more in a sense of equanimity. Regardless of where you work whether it is a two people company or a two thousand people company. Regardless of where you live, what kind of family you have. You may have no conflict with other people if you are really good but you may have difference of opinion.
If you don't know how to deal with the difference of opinion you will feel agitated very quickly. The agitation leads to a sense of frustration and that frustration leads to a sense of anger and then we confront the other person in the wrong manner. And when we do that, first we don't get the point across and secondly we ruin our own peace of mind.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to the complete Lalita Sahasranama sung most beautifully in the voice of Swami Vidyananda Om. You can watch the abhishekam performed with this sahasranama on Om Swami's youtube channel. Go to omswami.com for more.
Om Swami addressing audience questions at a discourse held in Singapore recently.
The question is, “what is the best way to raise small children?” They will raise you. They will repeatedly, routinely tell you what’s the best way. There was a priest once who was an authority on parenting. He had a sheet called the Ten Commandments of Parenting. Anytime he would read out anybody’s vows or conduct a marriage ceremony, he would give them to the couple. He would say read it, you would need this. In due course he got married and he had his first child. After he had his first child, he changed the title to the ten principles of parenting. They were no longer the ten commandments of parenting. Some more time passed and he had his second child. Once again, he changed the title of the sheet to say ten tentative guidelines to parenting.
I would say do not lecture children. Do not treat them like adults. Were you really chanting god’s name when you were thirteen or fourteen year of age? Were you so together at that time? Every adult has this very wrong view about himself or herself that they were so obedient when they were young.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is what happens after death? First of all there’s most definitely rebirth. There is a thing called rebirth. That is there because I have seen my past life. Rebirth is there, that’s for sure. Does everybody come back at the same time? No. When a soul leaves a body. The soul becomes a supreme soul. You can create your own world. This world is a creation of collective consciousness. Your world is a creation of your consciousness. For example, if you are feeling happy inside, everything feels great. If you feel sad inside, then the whole world looks blue and gloom.
When somebody passes away, at that time depending on (a) the final state of mind, the final thought they had when they left their body, (b) what was their training like throughout their life, their mindset and (c) their karmic account, what it is looking like. After that a soul merges in the supreme consciousness exactly the way a drop of rain from ocean goes in the ocean, evaporates and goes back to the skies. But it would come down.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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It happens in almost all the religions that people follow the religion without truly examining the underlying scriptures. Even if your religion has one book, three books, thirty books, three hundred or three thousand books, most people don’t read their scriptures. They just read parts and extracts. There are many people who have heard about Krishna and they talk about Krishna and Bhagavad Gita but have they actually read the Mahabharata, the scripture? If you haven’t, clearly you don’t have the information from the first hand source.
Most people have these rules and rituals without knowing what the scriptures actually say. If you read the scriptures, no doubt there are parts that won’t make sense to you because lot of scriptures and texts were desecrated by the Mughal invaders when they came to India. For example China destroyed the Tibetan monasteries, we also went through hoards of people who came to our nation and destroyed the very root of our culture. That’s how the nations are destroyed because their culture is destroyed. If you transform their culture, they would no longer be what they were earlier.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Here is the most beautiful Vishnu Sahsranama sung in the voice of Swami Vidyananda Om on the eve of live abhishekam done on Krishna Janmashtami.
Rejoice in seeing the abhishekam of Sri Hari done with utmost devotion and various unguents and other offerings such as water from Giri Ganga, cow's milk, yogurt, sandwalwood water, honey, fragrant concoction, turmeric while the glorious chants of Vishnu Sahasranamam are recited in the background.
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This Aarti of Sri Hari was sung by Om Swami in Sydney. Music score: Ramona Borthwick Piano: Om Swami Chorus: Various devotees
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Jaya jaya āratī hari tumhārī, Viṣṇu prabhu śrīnātha murārī, Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Pītāmbara vaijayantī mālā Mēghavarṇa bhuja nayana viśālā Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Śrīvāsa vibhu śrīvatsa-vakṣā, Śrīmātā śrīpati tripurārī, Āratī hari tumhārī. Jaya jaya...
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Śaṅkha padama gadā cakra dhārī Śēṣavirājē garuḍa savārī Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Kṣīra sāgara vaikuṇṭha nivāsā Lakṣmī pakhārē caraṇa purārī Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Jaya parabrahma jaya viśva vihārī Śakti tumhī tumhī śambhu sanhārī Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Jaya jagajananī jaya jagavandana Jaya ambē jaya dēvakīnandana Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Jaya sitē jaya rāghava jaya jaya Jaya rādhē jaya kr̥ṣṇa jaya jaya Jaya mā umā jaya śaṅkara jaya jaya Jaya mā śrī jaya śrīpati jaya jaya Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
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Jaya narasinha jaya vāmana jaya jaya Jaya vaikuṇṭha jaya gōvinda jaya jaya Jaya mōhana jaya mōhinī jaya jaya Jaya hari śrī hari harihara jaya jaya Āratī hari tumhārī Jaya jaya...
Śrī hari bhagavāna kī jaya! Gōvinda! Gōvinda! Gōvinda!! Namō pārvatipatayē hara hara mahādēva!!!
The process to do vase breathing is to do pranayama first and then kapalabhati and then vase breathing. There are no short cuts to vase breathing. Even if you feel tired or feel it is difficult, it is good to do little bit each time so that it becomes easier. We do pranayama to regulate our breathing. We do kapalabhati so that the stomach becomes little soft and it gets ready to take the air in. And, then when we fill the air down, the prana vayu gets circulated in the whole body. If you don’t do kapalabhati before vase breathing, then you should not do vase breathing because you will end up having stomach problems.
I have mentioned in my book The Wellness Sense, that good yogis always keep their stomach almost empty. You should eat moderately and eat slow. Always eat a bit less than how hungry you are so that there is air in the stomach to digest it better. Yogic kriyas are meant for yogis only and a Yogi is one who has control over his body.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on the importance of regulating food in yogic exercises.
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The question is that is it necessary/mandatory to be vegetarian and non-alcoholic to succeed in meditation and the spiritual path? It is not true that saints in Bengal, Kashmir or Kerala did not succeed in meditation or attain spirituality. The saints in Tibet ate meat and fish. It is not that by eating meat you will fall back on the path of spirituality but it is not a compassionate act. When you are eating meat, it involves a killing of someone. Something has been slaughtered brutally for you to put that meat in your mouth.
When you advance on the spiritual path, most likely you will not be able to eat meat. When the animal is slaughtered, there is lot of blood. You don’t know how it was cleaned or even if it was cleaned properly. You are eating it only to enjoy its taste. If you lived in extreme cold places where it is hard to grow any vegetables then maybe to survive you would need to eat meat. But now, most people live in warm places where there is enough vegetation.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is when you give dana to a beggar and you don’t know its application, then is it a dana of tamasi in nature? When you give without knowing where your money is going, Sri Krishna has called that dana of tamo guni in nature. It’s okay to not give but don’t turn anybody completely just because you don’t know where your money is going. It’s okay to not give but it’s not okay to not give at all. What will you lose if you spare a dollar or two or five or ten rupees?
At least a portion of it will go to somebody. Not everybody on the road will be using it for bad purposes.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The fourth secondary virtue is faith. We should live with faith. There is a whole universe; the creation and you are a part of this creation. Everybody is being taken care of in this creation so live with the faith that where every person is being taken care of, the nature will look after you too. We don’t need to always ask for things. We should be happy with what we are being provided for. Sometimes we should live the way our parents want to lead us and similarly sometimes we should live with how God wants to lead us. This will eliminate many hurdles in life.
Once there was a saint who had a garden. One day he was walking with his disciple in the garden. The disciple said to the saint that sometimes I get where anxious thinking about the future and then I cannot meditate or pray. I don’t know how to come out of this anxiety. I try to live with the thinking that everything goes okay in life but I do worry about the future.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The first two secondary virtues are empathy and humility. The third is forgiveness. Forgiveness is probably the most difficult to inculcate. When it comes to forgiveness, nobody thinks that whom should they ask for forgiveness. Instead, they always think that the other person did wrong to me and it is hard to forgive them. They start thinking about their grief only and don’t think that they must have given grief to someone too and how difficult would it be for the other person to forgive them. They only think about themselves that how hard it will be for them to forgive somebody. When it comes to forgiving, it becomes a difficult task. They think it is not easy to forgive.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on forgiveness.
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The first secondary virtue is empathy and the second spiritual virtue is humility. No matter how many virtues you have, if you are not humble you cannot touch anyone’s heart. You will never be at peace. There is a true humility and a false humility. Some people show that they are humble but in reality they are just pretending to be humble. They have something else in their mind and their actions are different. Their actions are not in line with what they actually have in their heart. You can easily judge from a person if they are genuinely humble or not.
If you have false humility, your ego will become large. It will grow even bigger. And, if you have big ego then it is hard to achieve any peace or happiness in your life. It is better to stay how you are than pretending to be humble. If someone actually knows you, they will love you the way you are. If you show false humility towards others, it will have a burden on you too.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on humility.
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There are four pillars of meditation namely, asana, lucidity, mindfulness and vigilance. There are four primary virtues namely, compassion, self-discipline, gratitude and detachment. There are also four secondary virtues. When you work towards inculcating the secondary virtues, the primary virtues will automatically come to you and similarly when you work towards primary virtues, you will acquire secondary virtues.
The first secondary virtue is empathy. How do you express empathy? Every human being goes through grief or sadness at some point. The miseries come and go and have different forms. Empathy is to listen to other person’s grief when they want to share without giving any advice. Very often, when people share their grief with the other person, the response is mostly either an advice or the other person starts comparing their own miseries with them.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on one of the greatest spiritual virtue.
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The fourth virtue is detachment. To let go of something is giving up. Detachment is when you are neither happy nor sad if you have something or don’t. It is the emotion that we will be persistent in our path of what we are doing and if something happens it is okay and if does not then that is okay too. We should not worry about something that is not in our control. Detachment is to understand what is in our hands and what is not in our hands. So, I should do what is in my hand. For example, I can plant the seed, water it and put some nutrients but I do not have control over when the plant will grow or become a tree. It is not in my hands that the plant will grow the way I want it or in the time I want it. It will grow on its own.
Detachment is you are in the emotion of vairagya or non-attachment. Everyone should try to inculcate some detachment in life.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on a key virtue of detachment.
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The third virtue is being grateful. You should be grateful to God for what you have. If you live with gratitude then life seems contented and complete. Till the time you don’t feel that completeness, no matter how rich you are you will always feel an emptiness in your life. Ma Sita once was feeding Lord bajrangbali . He kept eating and eating and he was not full. At last he was given tulsi and he was finally full and contented after having the tulsi. A small satvik tulsi made him contented.
When we are grateful, we develop a relationship with God. You feel that God has given us more than we deserve. You feel that if I deserve more, I will get it. I should keep doing my work with persistence.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on being grateful.
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In Patanjali yoga sutras, the first sutra is “atha yoga anusasanam.” Man does not want to live in the present. He either lives in the past or in the future. Most of the time he will be dreaming about things in the future or brooding over the past. Maharishi Patanjali was a very learned self-realized soul who picked up the first word “atha” meaning now. Everything starts with atha. We should know how to live in the present moment. One who learns to be situated in the present moment can obey the discipline of yoga. Yoga in itself is discipline. The literal meaning of atha yoga anusasanam is that, “Now, I will tell you the discipline of yoga. “
One who is not self-disciplined cannot control anyone. He cannot have control over himself nor others. If you want to control your mind then inculcate discipline in your life. If you make a commitment today, what may happen, do not turn back from your commitment.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on a key virtue of Self-Discipline.
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Divinity does not only come by meditation. Divinity comes when you inculcate certain virtues in your life. In the absence of those qualities, it is impossible to gain divinity. The more power you get, the more your responsibility becomes. When you walk on the path of divinity, your life does not become easy, it becomes more difficult. The more strength you gain on this path, the more nature makes you work harder. Some people have the capability to do certain things and some people attain that ability. If nature has made you capable to do certain things then it is better to keep working on those things that the nature wants you to work on. The nature has not given that talent or ability for you alone but to be used towards the welfare of the society.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on compassion on the path of divinity.
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There are multiple ways to practice meditation. But there are basic fundamentals of meditation.
In this video, these are the pearls of wisdom for you to take away:
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Increasing your chances of success in meditation practice by practicing core virtues
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The four core virtues - Compassion, Gratitude, Detachment, Self-Discipline
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How will you progress practicing these core virtues?
Though meditation can tame the mind, it may not lead you to bliss at all times. Just to maintain concentration is only a medium to get to the end. We become capable of succeeding on this path of meditation only if we cultivate certain virtues. These four virtues of compassion, self discipline, gratitude and detachment are of great importance. In our daily life we are not cut off from people but are interacting with them constantly. These virtues when practiced while dealing with others can help us to evolve faster. These virtues are as important as the actual act of meditation and are critical in advancing on the path.
The four aspects of good meditation are posture, lucidity, mindfulness and vigilance. Meditation in its own right even though it will help you tame your mind, it won’t necessarily lead to a state of bliss all the time because after all how many hours can you meditate in a day? Most of the time you are in the world, dealing with people, listening to people, talking to people, hearing them out, making them hear you out. Most of our time goes in interacting with people one way or the other.
A human being is pretty much never alone. You go to a movie theatre you are watching other people acting on the screen. You go to work and you are dealing with your boss and peers. You go home and you are dealing with your family. You go to a supermarket you are dealing with other people. You drive on a road, even though you are in your own car but you are constantly dealing with other drivers on the road. You are pretty much never alone. And, when you are on your own, you are still dealing with a lot of other people because your mind is reminding you of this person or that person or this thing or that thing. So, you are never alone.
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The question is to explain the use of different types of malas for mantra japa. There are many types of chanting beads. The most common ones are tulsi, chandan and rudraksha. If you are chanting out of devotion, you can use any chanting beads. It makes little difference. If you are a vaishnava that means you pray to a form of Vishnu then often tulsi beads are recommended. If you are a shakta or a shaiva that means you pray to devi or shiva or any form of rudra then rudraksha are recommended. Chandan beads can be used anywhere. But in mantra sadhana and even in tantra sadhana, there are different types of chanting beads. Each one has a different impact, different energy, different feel and even different set of memories it brings to you when you use them.
You can have chanting beads made from brass, copper, gold, pearls or gemstones. All those are used for different purposes. The chanting beads you need to use will depend upon the sadhana you are doing. The ultimate chanting beads is called Akshaya mala.
Listen to this discourse to find out more on mantra chanting.
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There is one thing called renunciation or to let go-tyagya. Detachment is dispassion or vairagya. Detachment is to be at ease with the presence or absence of something in your life. There was a Zen monk who practiced extreme austerities throughout his life and managed to get to a stage where he could manifest anything in his life. One day, a voice said to him that,” I am very happy with you. I will give you a choice. Tell me what do you want?” “ First, infinite wisdom. Second, infinite wealth. And third, infinite beauty.”
He thought for a moment and said to himself, “What would I do with wealth?” It is temporary and will go out of my hands. What will I do with beauty? It will all wither away one day. Clearly, I am a monk and I need to help people. So, he chose infinite wisdom. As soon as he was blessed with infinite wisdom, a few minutes passed and he said to his disciples that,” I think I made a mistake. I should have gone for infinite wealth.” He is lot more intelligent now with infinite wisdom and out of this wisdom he discovered that he should have gone with infinite wealth. Because he felt that he could have made more difference to the world with his wealth than his wisdom.
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There are twenty-eight types of Gayatri Mantra. The most eminent is Savitur Gayatri. Savitur gayatri is also known as surya gayatri. Both surya gayatri and ved mata gayatri are the same. Sun is also called savitur. Light and knowledge are synonymous. One who is filled with light is also filled with knowledge and one who is filled with knowledge is also filled with light. The one who is filled with both light and knowledge is also filled with love. There are four pillars of sanatana dharma: gau (cow), gita (bhagavad gita), ganga (river ganges) and gayatri (gayatri mantra).
There are four stages of ved mata gaytari. There are four fundamental states of consciousness. Either a person is awake, or he is sleeping, or he is dreaming or he is gone beyond these states. There are three gunas (energies). Either you are in sattvic bhava, rajasic bhava or tamasic bhava. When you are in sattvic bhava, your thoughts are so full of light that you see God in the other person and you see God in yourself. You think that this world is all good and if there is any deficiency, it is in me.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on the esoteric meaning of one of the most powerful mantras.
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In kali santarana upnishad, there is a mantra called Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was so devoted to Krishna that he went to vrindavan to find where Krishna was born, where he might have played, take the padam dhooli from the from the land where Krishna might have walked 5000 years ago. And, with the power of his tapas, with the power of his devotion, he reversed the mantra to Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
He was not a mantrini in the sense he was not a knower of the science of mantras yet he did not care about chand, beej, kilak and the rest. He constructed his own mantra and millions of people even now are getting helped by chanting this maha mantra. By help, it does not mean that they get any benefit or their problem ends. Let’s never pray or chant thinking that God will take away my problems. You take care of what you created, you take care of what you chose and he will take care of what he created, he will take care of his choices.
Listen to this devotional discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is, “What is the difference between self-realization and samadhi?” Not everybody who can attain samadhi is self-realized and not everybody who is self-realized can claim to be in a state of samadhi. There are lot of good people on this planet who are self realized. They took care of other people and did not harm anybody. They may or may not have faith, yet they lead a meaningful life. That is self-realization: realizing that you have a precious life, which is not easy to come by and making a meaning from this life. Meaning, not in terms of intellectual meaning but leading this life in a way that somehow we help others as well.
Someday asked me a question once that what really is enlightenment or what is self-realization. Enlightened or self-realized is like a state of being naked, when all the covers and layers are off and you are who you are for everybody. You stop pretending to be a certain way. The need and the urge to show off to the world to be somebody disappear because you realize that your self is infinite. It does not have to do catching up with anybody. It is not in any race with anybody and that really is self-realization.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on questions on self-realization, samadhi, thoughts and karma.
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I read a beautiful poem by Rabindranath Tagore a while back. It's a soft prayer to subdue our ego. Here it is with my thoughts on ego.
The question is, “Is it better to chant mantras loudly or internally?” It is always better to chant mantra internally. If you are eulogizing bhagwan out of your devotional sentiments then you can chant loudly. For example, sahasranamas, stutis are generally done loudly. However, if you are chanting a mantra it is best to do it internally. Internally, you can do it loudly though. There is a big difference. When you are doing chanting for long periods, you will have to divide the mantras into different parts to maintain the concentration. In order maintain the sharpness, clarity and lucidity when you are chanting for a long period of time, sometimes you need to slow it down or go faster or murmur or chant loud to maintain the concentration. So, you can chant loudly but inside.
The following question is,” For purascharana, is it necessary for the sadhak to take the mantra from an enlightened guru or can the sadhak take mantra from his choice of other sources like books etc.?”
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on mantra science.
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The questions is how to get out of the need to keep pleasing others to feel good about yourself? There is a couplet from Kabir that it is not that difficult to let go of the wealth but it is very hard to let go of the respect. When someone speaks good words to us, we feel respected and feel that the other person understands us. There is good in everyone but if someone sees that good in you and says that oh this is a good person. You will feel good about it.
But, if you are keeping the other person happy only because they will speak good things about you then you have to remember one simple thing. That is when a person speaks, he has a lens on his eye and he only sees what is in front of him. He is not talking about you or for you. He is only expressing his view based on how he understands you.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question is how to prepare oneself to surrender. There is no one on this earth who is not afraid of something. Sometimes the fear is valid. If for example, you have an exam and you have not studied the whole year and now you fear that you will not pass. It is obvious that you have the fear that you will fail in the exam. In this case no one can do anything not even surrender can do anything. No matter how many offerings of fruit or sweets you do on deities, you will not pass.
However if you have fully prepared yourself and you still have the fear, then surrender can help you a lot. It can help you to have self-dialogue. Surrender does not happen in an instant. When you surrender to someone too quickly, you come out of it too quickly as well. The relationship that grows slowly and steadily flourishes and stays for long.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on surrender.
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The fourth pillar of dhyana is vigilance. Mindfulness will only work if you are vigilant while you are meditating. If you are vigilant you will not forget. If you don’t forget you will keep the clarity. If you are mindful, do not forget and keep the lucidity, you will automatically be able to maintain the concentration. When you are able to mediate with concentration for a longer period of time, you will open up as a flower. How long a person can stay vigilant? Every individual has a limit. When you sit for five to seven minutes, you can sit with vigilance but soon after that laziness starts coming in.
There are two main hurdles in meditation. The first one is restlessness. You start your meditation but soon the mind becomes so restless that it becomes difficult to meditate. The mind then starts wandering and you feel that maybe I should not meditate now and do it tomorrow. The mind starts giving you excuse that why should I meditate and so on. When you feel restless while meditating, stop meditating at that time. Take deep breaths and calm yourself. You can get up or stay there and once the mind is calm, continue with your meditating. What you need is to have short sessions of quality meditation.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The third pillar of dhyana is mindfulness. While you are meditating with a healthy body and also maintaining the lucidity but somehow are not able to keep that lucidity for long. Your mind starts running away in all directions because you have lost the mindfulness. Sri Krishna says to Arjuna that,” O Arjuna, did you listen to me with concentration? If you had listened to me with concentration then all your desires and ignorance must have been destroyed. It is not possible to have any doubts left if you had heard my knowledge with concentration because my knowledge dispels all the darkness. My knowledge is the light and the darkness cannot stay in the light.”
Arjuna replies to Sri Krishna, “Prabhu, my attachment is destroyed because I am mindful now. I know what I have to do. I had forgotten but now with your grace I am mindful of my actions. I was devious but now I am on the right path. Now I am definitely surrendered at your feet and I will do whatever you guide me to do. “ Mindfulness is not possible without concentration and concentration is not possible without being mindful.
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The second pillar of dhyana is lucidity. You can meditate on breath, a mantra, an image or on formless. When you meditate on an image for example, it does not mean that when you keep looking at that image, you are meditating. There is a river of thoughts that is flowing in the background. That just means you are simply looking at the image. It is not meditation. It is like you are watching a TV or a movie.
Meditation is when you look at an image and you close your eyes or keep them open and you try to bring that image in front of your point of focus. In the beginning it takes a lot of effort to do that. You will see that after few seconds the image starts fading away from your sight. When you see an image, it stays there for few seconds and then it will start disappearing. You will have to keep bringing it back in front of your eyes. When the image starts keeping its clarity, it is then you know that you are progressing on the path of meditation.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Here is a beautiful short story written by Munshi Premchand. Om Swami narrates it in Hindi in his voice. The name of the story is Vardaan.
There are four pillars and two hurdles of Dhyana (meditation). If you can understand these, you can master the art of meditation. The first pillar of meditation is posture. You cannot meditate properly if you do not have the right posture. In order to stay in the right posture, you need to forego laziness. Meditation in its own right is the state of pure awareness. There is no meditation without proper asana. It is possible that you cannot sit cross-legged or sit in a sidh asana or a Padma asana or sit on a floor. You can sit on a chair but you must sit straight. You can put something in the back to support yourself but you must sit straight. Also, for those who have trouble sitting on the floor can also put a cushion under them. This will help in keeping the back straight.
When we sit cross-legged, we learn to control our apana vayu (downward flowing energy). It is important to sit cross-legged on floor to control our apana vayu.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Are you a compassionate person? Then Meditation is going to be a cake walk for you!
Compassion is the fastest path to evolve spiritually in the spirituality world.
Watch this video and take away the pearls of wisdom on:
*What is compassion? Is compassion giving away everything you have? Or there is something more simple way to do it?
- How with compassion and meditation, forgiving people and forgiving ourselves starts to become our second nature.
*How to translate compassion in daily life?
- What are the benefits of being a compassionate person?
Compassion is knowing what the other person wants and needs and trying our best to provide that. It is an act of kindness and is about giving respect to each and every human being irrespective of their position or standing in life and who happen to be less fortunate than we are.
There can be no meditation without compassion. We meditate so that we become more compassionate and the more compassionate we become the better our meditation becomes. Compassion is also about forgiving all the people who have hurt you in your life and moving on.
At any time you want to do something in your life that is going to hurt the other person, simply ask yourself that can I be more compassionate at this point of time? There is enough room for compassion in the world, in your everyday life. Compassion does not mean that you give away all your wealth to someone else. Compassion can also be a small act of kindness and that goes a long way. It starts by giving respect to every single human being on the planet. You can be firm with the other person if you have to get a job done but does not mean that you have to speak in demeaning sense. Where you stand can only be figured out from how you behave with those who you don’t even know or who are much less fortunate than you are.
How your behavior is with the other person is the only way to know if you are compassionate or not. Talking about compassion or singing prayers of compassion, or chanting is not really a compassionate act. Your life and conduct should reflect compassion.
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The true meaning of Dhyana is to get familiarize with yourself. As soon as we are born, we are told that this is your mother, your father, your brother or sister, this is your house, this is a temple, this is a church, this is good or this is bad and so on and so forth. As a child grows older and he goes to school he is taught more things. He is taught about what is right or wrong for society or for the country. From all this imparted knowledge, he forgets about himself. He remembers everything else except the characteristics he is born with. He forgets who he really is.
Socrates used to say how do you know what you know? Whoever gave you the knowledge, how did he know? So, until the time we know the source of the knowledge imparted upon us on what is good or what is bad. We need to know the basis of that knowledge. We need to understand why things labeled as right or wrong are actually right or wrong or why do we believe in somebody as god or somebody as demon? Why is something moral or immoral? We need to question as to who has put us in this war of duality. One path to seek the answers to these questions is to do self-analysis till the time you are able to take off the layers of conditioning and find your true self.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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The question asked here is what is the evidence of God’s existence and if at the time of death one feels that they did not do certain karmas only because of the fear of God then is it right or wrong? Someone once asked Dalai Lama why do you meditate? Dalai Lama answered that my religion says that there is life after death. I meditate so that when I am born next, my birth is a good birth. He further said that even if we were to assume that what my religion says is not right then also there is nothing wrong in meditating. It is not a bad thing to do. It has no harmful side effects on your health. So, I meditate because I feel there is no harm in meditating.
Let’s start with the assumption that the there is no proof of God’s existence. There are many similes to prove the existence of god but in all that argument it is hard to get to a conclusion. And for someone who questions God’s existence, the God does not exist for him. So let’s assume there is no God. Whatever good or bad karma you do is your own reaction. It is up to you to choose your karma. You do it for yourself. There is absolutely no denial that you feel happy and joyous when you do a good karma.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami.
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Do not take anything for granted in life. If you take anything for granted in your life, it will one day be taken away from you because Nature will give it to somebody who values it. It does not give plants to sand because Nature knows it won’t sprout there. Nature only gives the right seed to the right amount of earth at the right place. It is self -fulfilling and intelligent, it knows who to give what. That is the reason why cacti do not grow on sand. If you are soft and mellow it will give you the seeds of flower or of a tree.
If you make yourself a worthy recipient, you will receive the right thing. “Ask and ye shall receive” is only half the truth. You have to be ready to receive. Unless you are ready, Nature cannot give it you. If you take anything forcefully from Nature it will take it back because Nature’s only dharma is evolution, its growth, its survival. That is why it is forever moving towards sustaining itself. If you help Nature sustain itself you will grow as well.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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There are lots of people in our history who have sacrificed their lives for the better cause of humanity. It does not matter whether you call them saints, enlightened beings or soldiers of a country. It makes no difference. The truth is they looked beyond themselves. The life of Christ is an ultimate example of compassion. He could have loved his own life more than the lives of other people. He could have decided to abandon his principles, but he stuck to them. He sacrificed his life. If you look at the life of Guru Arjan Dev, when certain Brahmins approached him, he could have said that I have nothing to do with you but instead he said that he would protect anyone who would come to him for protection and seeking his refuge. He sat on a hot plate where burning sand was poured on his body. He could have got up at that moment and walked away but he did not.
Lord Mahavira, an enlightened soul who was never moved by anything, nothing ever bothered him or lured him. He was once sitting calmly under the tree in his meditative posture and a man tried to shake him so that he could move but he did not. His own people even challenged the man if he could bring anger in Mahavira. The man tried everything he could but he could not move Mahavira.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Listen to this discourse by Om Swami in a better audio quality on how to deal with the loss of a loved one.
The question is how to deal with the loss of a loved one? Even though we have read about it in books like Bhagvad Gita but at that time the knowledge does not work. Then, how to come out of that difficult time? You can put medicine on a wound or consult many good doctors but a wound always takes its own time to heal. You cannot heal it forcefully or immediately. Similarly when someone dear to you leaves from your life, it becomes like a wound on your soul. It may take days, a month, a year, few years or it may take a whole life to heal that wound or it may not heal at all. The more you have been attached to that person or have spend good time with that person, the deeper that wound is and the longer it will take to heal. The more emotionally you have invested in a person and have beautiful memories with them, the longer it will take to get over the pain of losing that person.
If you hear about the death of a person you do not know or somehow have known them a little, you will feel sad but momentarily. You will be able to get over that sadness soon. However, if you lose someone with whom you have spent a considerable amount of time, then that loss becomes a deep wound and it will take its own time and course to heal. That is the only way and it is a hard truth.
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The day you can cry at the pain of somebody you don’t even know and you don’t intentionally cry but it just comes out from somewhere it will heal you of your own pain inside you. That’s the way nature works. No matter how less or how little you have, no matter how crappy life seems, everybody has enough in their life to be grateful for.
We have hundreds and millions of people on this planet who are part of our family who go to bed hungry every night, who don’t get a square meal, who want to study but don’t ever get an opportunity. There are people who don’t have clothes over their bodies. There are people who don’t have any roof over their heads. Just think how lucky you are in the scheme of things. You can make your life complete and full without doing much at all, just be grateful. If you are grateful your life will be beautiful.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on the divine virtue of being grateful.
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Isn’t it easy to skip meditation falling prey to the demanding schedule? But valuing yourself is valuing your own commitment. Commitment to help yourself grow, evolve and know new things about yourself. Discipline in meditation will take you miles ahead in your journey, surprising you with multi-fold returns beyond your imagination.
How do you set discipline for meditation in daily life, when every situation seems like a priority?
Listen to this insightful discourse to motivate yourself and refresh you on your meditation goals.
Hey Yogi! Be brave, meditate and set yourself free.
In this video, you will take away these pearls of wisdom:
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A Perspective on meditation with discipline. There are only two paths in life. One that takes you to your goal and one that takes you away from it. You cannot move ahead on the path of meditation if you meditate one day and then don’t do it for a few days.
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How do you train your mind for this discipline? In the beginning you need discipline to set a routine and once it becomes a routine it then becomes a part of your life and eventually you rise above it all and it sets you free. This freedom will only come by following discipline in the beginning.
*How to overcome procrastination? Life will give you million chances to curse, to swear, to procrastinate, to break your discipline. At that time you have two choices either you want to stay course or you want to deviate.
*How to walk towards the path of freedom? It's not easy. But stay course, watch this video to set goals, review your practice, make changes, make new plans and...
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The word meditation in Tibetan language means no to focus. It is not concentration, focus, samaadhi, tranquility, peace or bliss. The word in Tibetan is to familiarize yourself. Meditation is to become familiar with who you are. So that you can come off the conditioning done by society, religion, peers, family and friends so you go past the labels that I am a man or a woman, a hindu or a muslim or an Indian or an American. It is to know yourself beyond all these labels that who you really are. In essence, that is what meditation is about.
There are hurdles and afflictions in meditation. Afflictions are what stop you from progressing in life. Yogic scriptures list five types of afflictions that can be categorized into three types, intellectual, emotional and instinctive. The five types of afflictions in Sanskrit are Avidya, Asmita, Raga, Dvesha, Abhinivesha. Ignorance and lack of wisdom is the first affliction in the intellectual affliction. Ignorance has been put at the root of all sufferings. All sufferings we experience in life arise from ignorance.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to understand the afflictions in meditation.
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What is yoga? It is the union but how do you attain that union? It is very simple. You have tendencies you have developed over life times. When people are born, even the twins, they have different tendencies. One person likes salt, other likes sweet. One may be more aggressive and the other may be more docile.
There are tendencies that travel with your soul as you go from one body to another. They only get strengthened or you acquire new ones during your life based on what your upbringing is and the kind of environment you live in. Mind is like water. You put it in the freezer, it turns into ice, you put it outside and it is going to turn into water.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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A good or intense meditation is never enjoyable. Do not expect any joy out of meditation. That only comes from bad meditation because in that you are just sitting, listening to some nice music or thinking about some good things. You get up and feel nice and think that it was a good meditation. Such meditation will only bring about one percent change in your life because it is not real meditation.
Meditation is learning how to do nothing. All our lives we have been conditioned to believe that we have to do something to be something. That somehow you have to be doing something to be productive. Research states that there are great health benefits if you are lazy and you don’t always push yourself. Lazy people are less stressed and they live longer. Only two types of people can live in solitude, a true yogi or a true lazy. They can be happy on their own. Meditation is laziness with awareness and it is incredibly powerful because you can be you without being tensed. That is what laziness is. There is no tension in laziness but you are aware that this is how I am leading my life right now.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami explaining how meditation at first is a discipline.
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How would you live if there were no restrictions in your life? Many people spend most of their life contemplating what they would be able to do once certain things are achieved in their life. All these other things such as marriage, kids, buying a new house, etc. take priority over what they want to do. Half of their life is gone in waiting for the right time to come and the other half is spent dreaming about it. Everything else takes precedence. What if you could pursue something that you always wanted to do and there is no restriction in your life? Usually, it is a person, a circumstance, or another priority that restricts you from pursuing it.
Everybody has a story of life and that story is written by him or her only. People start living in that story thinking that this is how they are and will be. They set their own benchmarks as to where they stand. They feel that they cannot learn a new art or cannot play a musical instrument or cannot sing because they don’t have a good voice. They have created these labels for themselves.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more on how to achieve happiness through Dhyana Yoga.
happinessisachoice#Omswamitv
If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic more, here's a blog post by Om Swami: "The days won’t always be sunny nor the nights starry. The oceans won’t always be calm nor the river's flooding. And, that’s life. For whatever it’s worth, this is what it is. A journey of happiness, of peace." https://os.me/happiness-journey/
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Om Swami addressing a question in the teens/youth retreat.
The question is how to negotiate? The party that can walk away in a negotiation is always the strongest one. If you are willing to give up your stance then you are in a much better position to negotiate. There is no other way. Negotiation is only possible if the other person is willing to take a step as well. If they are not, there is no negotiation. Either you accept or reject. Negotiation is possible if the other person is willing to negotiate. You have to ask some very clear questions like what do they want to achieve? If they specify that what they want is not what you want then you must discuss to see if there is a middle way. If there is no middle way then negotiation cannot happen.
In negotiation, if you can let go and say that the outcome does not matter to you as much, then you negotiate effectively. If you cling and attach too much to your viewpoint or to the outcome then you would invariably turn blind to what the other person is saying.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on how to negotiate effectively.
Om Swami addressing a question in the teens/youth retreat on finding the passion in life.
If you don’t already know then you have to try a few things. If you try a few things and if you find something interesting, don’t leave it. Initially there is a learning curve in everything and that is a very boring phase. It is very frustrating in the initial stages and that is when most people quit. Even though I have used the word curve in the learning stage, it is more like a staircase. You reach a point and then you reach a point of saturation. There is no growth, there is no learning and you feel that you are not learning anything new. Then you change your ways a little more and you take on new more challenging things and your mind adapts and you reach the next level and next level and the level after.
Try a few things; something you fancied when you were growing up and you wanted to do. Try it. Anything that helps you invest your energies properly. It could be something as simple as painting or dancing or something deeper as spreading the word of God.
Listen to this discourse of Om Swami to find out more.
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Om Swami addressing a question at the teens/youth transformation retreat.
The question is if someone insults you, should you say the thought that comes to your mind? Or should you ignore it? If yes, then how much should you ignore? When somebody insults you, there is no rhyme or reason as to if you will give them a piece of your mind, or overlook and don’t react. You don’t have to give the answer back right away because at that moment you are agitated. At that moment you are hurt. If you are going to answer at that very moment, chances are you will say things that you did not mean to say. And things will become more complicated.
Let some time pass, maybe a day or two and tell them that you would like to speak to them. If you want to be heard by someone, regardless of who that person is, you must learn to speak in the same tone without raising your voice.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on the art of communication.
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Om Swami giving an introduction on meditation at the hindi meditation camp held at the ashram.
The question is why should we meditate? What is the need of meditation? You can get the same nectar from bhakti, devotional service, from japa or from doing good karma. Whatever activities a person undertakes, he does it so that he can have peace in his life. So that he can eat peacefully, sleep peacefully and live peacefully. The other name of happiness is peace. The one who is at peace is happy. And, the one who is happy can only be a samadhist, (one who is firmly established in his tranquil equipoise). An angry, sad, egoistic or one who is in conflict cannot be successful in meditation.
To practice and perfect the art of meditation, you must inculcate some very important virtues in your life. The more you practice the art of meditation, the better you get it. The results will depend upon how much time you are ready to devote on it. The more sugar you put, the sweeter it gets.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
In continuation with Om Swami's address on the elements of success to the teens and youth at the Teens/youth transformation retreat.
There are two quotes from Bill Gates. The first quote is: “I never took a day off in my twenties. Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.”
He never took a day off in his twenties. It is not a small statement for somebody to not take a day off for a whole decade. That is how passionate he was about computers. That is how passionate he was about work that he never took a day off. This is how you feel about passion. If you just want to get up in the morning and get to what matters to you then what your really have is passion. But if you look upon something that you want to do just to have a break from your studies or something your are supposed to be doing then that is not passion, that is an escape route. Somewhere it is your truth and only you know what is your truth. Here is another quote from him:
“Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.”
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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This was Om Swami's discourse on overcoming fears and distractions given to a group of young teens and students in the self-transformation retreat for teens.
There was a guy once. He was very young when he got interested in chess. He kept losing in earlier years of his life but he did not give up and kept pursuing his passion for chess. So much so that eventually he became world’s second youngest grand master at the age of 13 years and 4 months. He is a current world chess champion. His name is Magnus Carlsen. Here are two quotes from him:
“Some people think that if their opponent plays a beautiful game, it’s OK to lose. I don’t. You have to be merciless.”
“I can’t count the times I have lagged seemingly hopelessly far behind, and nobody except myself thinks I can win. But I have pulled myself in from desperate [situations]. When you are behind there are two strategies – counter-attack or all men to the defenses. I’m good at finding the right balance between those.”
Somebody asked a question the other day. What to do when you are insulted and how to protect yourself? Sometimes you put all your energies into defending your position and sometimes you put all your energies in counter attacking. If somebody comes at you with wisdom and knowledge and tries to intimidate you, at that time you can’t walk away fearing what would happen. You can face the person if you have the knowledge as well. You can only do so if you have the knowledge and wisdom. Ultimately knowledge wins.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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You cannot instill compassion in anybody. It is not something we can instill in the other person. Compassion is your choice. It is not the nature, behavior or the conduct of the other person. What the other person chooses is up to them, compassion is your choice. More often people are selective with their compassion. When you are selective it is not really compassion. If you are choosing that I will be compassionate towards this person but I am just going to walk away from other person, then it is really not compassion. It is something you are doing nice out of sense of attachment, out of some preferential treatment.
People who you think don't deserve your compassion, needed the most. That is what makes this most challenging because it is not based on what the other person deserves but it is based on what they need. If it really comes down to that who is to judge that who deserves compassion and who does not.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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In this devotional video, Om Swami narrates and sings this beautiful and divine Eulogy to Lord Narsimha.
Listen to this stuti and immerse in the bhava of devotion.
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Om Swami addresses some of the hurdles and how to overcome the hurdles that come along the way on the journey of life and success at the teens/youth retreat.
Once you know what you stand for, your principles of life then your decision-making will become very easy subsequently. Anything that helps you stand by your principles is something you should do. Anything that takes you away from your principles is what you should not do. Nobody else has to give you those principles. It is something that you create on your own.
Very few people have constructive thoughts. Most people have thoughts of complaints. The question is how to get out of the mode of complaining, of always wanting more than what we have. If you have a purpose in life and you are working towards anything meaningful your destructive and negative thoughts will subside automatically. You can’t be positive by thinking that I don’t want to be negative. You can’t feel strong by feeling guilty over the past actions.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Continuing his address on elements of success for the teens and youth, Om Swami explains the importance of individuality on the path of success.
One common misconception most people have is that those who are successful are somehow born that way. They think that those who are successful have something special, some other element that made them successful whether it is in sports, career, business or any other field. Nothing could be further from truth. Those who create success in their lives were born like anybody else but somewhere they retained one virtue called individuality. Knowing what they stand for and then standing for it.
All around you will be people who do not want you to do well, not intentionally but because they will not do well. Those who do not have control over them usually hang around with people and support their viewpoint. You will automatically be with your kind of people. However, it is in your hands. If you are stronger than them, you will change them and if they are stronger than you, then you will act like them. When they try to change you, at that time you to ask yourself if you are stronger than them or if they are stronger than you. If you are strong they will follow you because people follow strength.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on a key virtue.
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Continuing his address on elements of success for the teens and youth, Om Swami expounds on the role of tenacity on the path of success.
You alone are responsible for what you do with your life. Your parents, peers or your friends are not responsible for what you do. They may have suggestions, they may have opinions or they may give you advice and tell you to do this or that. Ultimately nobody can force you to do something unless you agree to do it. And, in that agreement is the consent that yes I accept the consequences of what am I going to do now.
If you keep doing what you want to do the whole universe will sit by your feet and make way for you. The only power in the world that will eventually work for you under all circumstances and at all places is the power of knowledge. If you keep accumulating knowledge, you keep increasing your value, you can do anything that you fancy. But, just sitting and dreaming will not make it happen for you. The realization of the dream only comes from one thing. At the core of everything is the tenacity, the determination that I am not going to give up.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on a key virtue.
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The question is that our life is pretty much the sum total of our relationships whether those are relationships with the loved ones or people at work, personal, interpersonal, professional, social, any kind of relationship. That is usually what bothers people and is the root cause of all grief in most people’s lives. We could be chanting, meditating and so on and yet you still feel out of control at times, you still feel challenged or you still feel all those things that you do leading a normal life and you don’t know what to do?
I think the most helpless feeling one can experience is to not have control on one’s self. It’s a very weakening feeling. When you don’t want to be a certain way, when you don’t want to think certain things, when you don’t want to do certain things and yet you find your mind is not listening to you. Then, you question everything naturally. You feel why I am unable to do this? So, how to rise above this?
Listen to this profound discourse by Om Swami on how to deal with conflicting relationships and ways to rise above them.
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In continuation of Om Swami's discourse on discipline given to a group of young teens and students in the self-transformation retreat for teens.
The question is how to build discipline. We all agree that to be successful you must be disciplined but how should we go about it? The first thing is to set short term goals that are feasible and practical. It is very important. If you set very long-term goals you will not be able to measure them.
Yes, everybody wants to be rich and maybe you want to have a Ferrari or a Mercedes but you have to set a short-term goal first. You set a goal that for the next two weeks I am going to cover this subject. Because you have to cover a certain amount of syllabus, you can either run a marathon or you can run a sprint. It is up to you how you want to cover it. Everybody has an individual style. However, you cannot escape. You need to know the stuff to write in the exam. You cannot escape from it. But it does not mean that you have to study all year and cram stuff and try to remember everything. You just have to understand. If you understand then more than half of the stuff you will remember on your own.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on how to build discipline.
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This was Om Swami's discourse on discipline given to a group of young teens and students in the self-transformation retreat for teens.
The first important ingredient of success in life is discipline. What is discipline? In simple terms, discipline is doing something you have thought you would do no matter what comes your way. That is simply discipline in a nutshell. Your mind will say today I don’t feel like it. Everybody likes to procrastinate. Everybody does it. All successful people as well at some point do it. It is okay to do it sometimes. You will feel that today I don’t feel like doing it. Let me rest for an hour or a day. I will skip it today or I will do it tomorrow. When you do that, you are breaking the discipline.
Discipline is that I have decided that I am going to do something and no power in the three worlds can stop me from doing it. Nobody can stop you from trying. Maybe, success does not come in the first go, may come in the second or the third or the fourth or the fifth. Nobody can stop you from working hard.
Listen to this motivational discourse by Om Swami on discipline.
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A perfect posture is a must for meditation. Until you perfect your posture there is no hope in meditation. There is no short cut when it comes to meditation. If you are talking about getting to that extreme state then you must perfect your posture first. If you want to experience deep bliss then you can do so without the posture. You could go for observant meditation, witness meditation, mindful meditation, or contemplative meditation. But if you want to experience that yogic samadhi, then this is the only way. It is very rare that I use the word “only” because there are many ways that lead to the same truth.
There is a region of consciousness that you have to enter to experience what mediation really is. There are ten vital energies in the body out of which five are called 'primary energies'. The primary energies are descending energy, ascending energy, diffusive energy, effusive energy, and prana vayu (the life force).
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on the importance of posture in meditation.
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In a true Guru - Disciple relationship, there is a bond like no other to begin with. When you experience the unconditional love, it is overwhelming. It is like you have found your life and there is a natural tendency to cling to this life.
Human tendency is to believe that everything has to be absolute. If you have something, then the other person should not have it. That is not how divine works. As soon as ego raises its hood, divinity disappears. As soon as you go back in a mode of surrender in humility, realization dawns. When an avataar comes, it can never be for one person. Sri Krishna says to Arjuna that please understand this very clearly that I have no personal favourites and I don't hate anybody. I am with everybody, not just every human being but every living entity.
Listen to this beautiful discourse by Om Swami on the guru - disciple relationship.
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If you would reflect upon what am I going to tell you today, you will find a new definition of love. Think of love as a thing: for example, a paper is made up of water, wood, rice and other ingredients. Similarly, love is made up of four things. The love survives and blooms if these four things are present in any relationship. First, we are talking about human love. Once we stay on this path then we can get to the divine love.
The first pillar of love is respect. The first and foremost mistake people make is not to respect each other. If in an argument or a fight you speak abusive words to the other person or make fun of them or make them small with harsh words, then neither a friendship nor the love is left in that relationship. Don’t expect that everything will be normal the next day after you have disrespected the other person in your anger. The damage of those insulting words stays. They don’t get erased that easily. Even when you try to erase something on the notebook with an eraser there is always a little mark left on the paper no matter how hard you try to erase it. Similarly the damage done with disrespectful behavior stays forever.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on the four pillars of love.
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What is unconditional love? What is pure and real love? The basis of love is to understand what the other person wants. To love somebody means to understand what the other person wants and be able to give what the other person wants. To love somebody does not mean that you take what you want on your terms. One of the pillars of love is caring about what the other person needs. It is about understanding the needs of the other person, knowing what would make them happy and caring about what they care about.
The second pillar of love is that there must always be some freshness alive in love for it to grow. There should be something new in the relationship for it to stay fresh. For example, if you keep feeding the same meal to your partner everyday just because it is easier for you then he or she will be bored with it. It will not be their fault either if you don’t get the appreciation for making the meal everyday.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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Most people who are successful either materially or otherwise talented may be so because they are firm or very disciplined. Because of this, they may come across as arrogant but most of them are very humble people. The weaker you are, the greater your insecurity is and the more arrogant you will be. The stronger you are, the more humble you become naturally and the more expansive your periphery. For example, think of a tree laden with fruits-the trunk has to be very strong to bear the weight of the fruits.
Humility does not mean that you let people mistreat you. Humility is that you understand where to draw the line. You protect yourself but do not treat the other person as if they owe you something. There is a major grief in our world because most people think that the world owes them something.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on one of the important virtues of life.
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If you are meditating on a form, a sound or an object then the only real way to know you are meditating correctly is to behold that form, the sound or the object in front of your inner eye. If it looses its sharpness you know you are not meditating correctly and your mind has gone off to some other train of thoughts. If you are meditating on thoughtlessness or formless, it is one of the highest forms of meditation because when you are meditating on the formless your mind is looking at itself. It is the ultimate state to be in. It’s like the waves merging in the ocean and you become the ocean. There is nothing left. You loose that individual I-ness that I exist. The individual existence forms the part of the ego and you lose it completely.
Once somebody asked Ramakrishna Paramhansa that I only believe in meditating on the formless and that is where I want to start. Ramakrishna replied to him that when an archer starts to learn archery he begins by shooting at a still object and once he is proficient in shooting at that then he starts aiming at moving objects.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on the types of meditation and the barriers to meditation.
If you don’t have a purpose in life then life becomes a drag because you are just living from one day to another. You keep earning more, spending more, building more and therefore owing more. You keep working harder and harder. This vicious cycle never stops for anybody. It does not have to be this way. It is this way because most people don’t have a purpose in life. Either you discover your purpose in life because that will keep you busy in the most beautiful manner. That will make you feel worth in your own life. That will make you feel elevated. Above all, it will make you feel contented and satisfied.
It is like how you feel satisfied after a very good meal that you don’t think about the next meal. It is when your heart is full and when your mind is full, you will experience the same contentment, same feeling and that comes from a sense of purpose.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
The question is "Why do people get away with doing negative things and why does God give them the result of their negative actions in future life times and not in the same life time?"
It is somebody's view that what they are doing is either negative or positive. Imagine a butcher shop. A customer goes to buy meat. He is imagining the flavors of the meat and savoring a delicious meal tonight. The butcher is happy because he has a customer. The chicken is thinking that he will die soon because the butcher is going to slaughter him. A passerby sees the butcher shop and thinks these people are engaging in bad karma, wondering when will they suffer and pay the price of their karma. The chicken is praying to God to save him. The butcher is thanking God that he has a customer and he will have money so that he can feed himself and his family. The customer is thinking that today he will have a good meal. The roadside person is saying that all these people are bad people and God should punish them. Who is right?
There is nothing-absolute right and nothing absolute wrong. Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
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One day Gautama Buddha came for a discourse and he had a rope in his hands. This was unusual. The devotees had never seen something like that before. A moment later he started tying the knots in the rope. He put three knots on the rope. He lifted the rope and asked his disciples if this rope is the same rope as it was before the knots were tied. Is it the same rope or a different one? Everyone thought for a while and everybody gave different answers. One of the disciples said that it is the same rope although it no longer looks the same rope because it has three knots on it. Then Buddha started pulling at both ends of the rope and said that if he pulls the rope, will he untie the knots? Everybody knew the answer right away. They all said that you cannot untie the knot. Infact, they will be more tightened and won’t open if you pull the rope.
Buddha said that this is all that he wanted the disciples to know; that you cannot untie the knots if you pull them. You cannot open the knots by pulling at the knots. You have to examine the knots to understand why the knot was tied in the first place. You cannot solve old problems with the old mind. You cannot solve problems with the same mind that created them in the first place.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on how to untie the knots in one’s life.
This is a question that has many meanings at many levels. Why am I here? Why am I on this planet? Why do I even exist? The truth is you are here because somewhere at some point of time in your life you had wished for a place like this. You had wished to have an experience like this. You may have wished to sit in peace. It may be that you did not think about this discourse but along the way you wanted a moment of true peace or true bliss. Then you may have forgotten about it. You can forget but Nature never forgets. The seed of this desire you sowed in the nature will sprout one day. At some point of time you must have felt so lost in your life or so lonely that for once you wanted to experience pure bliss and the divinity. But at that time the desire was not so pure nor were you, that it could be fulfilled at that point of time. So nature prepared you.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
The best thing to overcome the fear of death is to do a self-inquiry. Ask yourself, who is dying? Sri Krishna says to Arjuna,”What are you afraid of?” There is nothing to be afraid of in death. In every single body there exists an indestructible essence called soul that never dies. So tell me who is dying? Nobody. Just like you change clothes when they become old or worn out, the soul changes its body.”
When you get to the depths of self inquiry and ask yourself the question “Who am I?”, your fears will dissipate. You will say that I am not a man, or a woman. I am not a son or a daughter. I am not a father or a mother. I am not the body and the senses. I am not all of these because these things are transient. It is a passing phase. The real me is beyond all this.
There is nothing to cling to. What is there to hold onto? Death is just a pause. Nothing is dying. Whatever breaths you have, have them with gratitude. Let death come. It is the truth of life. The whole planet is just a small dot in the galaxy. The whole galaxy is a dot in the universe. The whole universe is a small dot in the infinite creation. In this massive scale of existence, we are nobody.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami on how to overcome the fear of death.
There are two types of fear. One is instinctive fear and the other is conditioned fear. The fear of loss of one’s own life is instinctive fear. Nobody wants to die. Nature is made in a way that it keeps on going. For example if there is a loud blast noise, the first instinct will be to shake, tremble or flinch. That is nature’s way of preparing you that maybe there ‘s a threat so take necessary action. No matter who you are, how enlightened you are it is natural to have instinctive fears. There is no reason to be afraid of instinctive fear. The way to overcome this type of fear is to become aware of where you are. You ask yourself that if I am destined to die in a certain way at a certain time, then it will happen that way. There is nothing that can stop it.
The second fear is conditioned fear. It is the fear that parents or society have instilled in you. For example, all your life you are conditioned with the necessity to get married so that someone can look after you. It is instilled in you that if there is nobody to look after you or companion with, then you life will be tragic. From the beginning the mind is conditioned with this fear that no one will look after you when you are old if you have no children therefore you must have children. This is conditioned fear. If you are afraid of the cold, you will clothe yourself so that you can avoid being cold. Similarly if you are afraid of living a certain way, you will do anything to avoid it.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
There are three knots, also called the hurdles, in an individual’s life. These are Brahma granthi (knot), Vishnu granthi and Rudra granthi. The first knot is the knot of Brahma. Brahma signifies creation. The first hurdle of life is that a man wants to create something whether that is a legacy, children, name or a house. The man wants to create because the ego is so strong that no body wants to lose themselves. They want to remain forever, which is not possible. The hurdle is the desire, the urge to create. Everyone is born with nothing and they grow with the desire to create something so that it stays even after they have died.
The second knot is the Vishnu granthi. Vishnu signifies the desire to sustain. Whatever we have, we don’t want to lose. An individual wants to keep with them what they have created, whether it is the money, youth, love, status or power. They want to keep creating and sustaining it. The third knot is the Rudra granthi. Rudra signifies Shiva. The third knot is the desire to destroy. A man wants to destroy what others have. Unfortunately that is why most humans suffer because they think that what they have, other should not have or that they have less than what others do.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out how to overcome the keys hurdles of life.
What happens when you sincerely with consistent efforts mediate day after day, year after year, everyday with purity of your discipline?
We ask what are the benefits of meditation? Why should I pick up the practice of meditation? You would get your answers in this video. Watch to know:
*The irreversible changes that will happen to you. Mentally and Physically
- How you arrive at different stages, different states of mind with gradual progress
As you progress in the path of meditation some irreversible changes happen and in each stage it brings in something new which takes time to adjust. It slows you down but in a very effective way. Once you go beyond the fourth stage of meditation you change and you cannot go back to what you were before. From a drop you become the ocean and an evenness comes over you which is the ultimate goal of meditation. But it is not that meditation is the only way. Some people have experienced the same through devotion. Like for example Meera Bai or Christ. Their path was not of meditation but of devotion and surrender. In surrender the devotee surrenders to his God without any demands or questions. It is surely an easier path than that of meditation but only the very strong, very great, very intelligent, very graceful and very divine people can surrender. For most people their mind comes into play and causes confusion. With confusion you will not be able to see properly.
In meditation you are like a monkey. You have to cling to the mother and if you hold tight you will not fall. But in surrender you are like a kitten lying down to be picked up by the mother whenever and not afraid of anything. A kitten lives without any burden as it has surrendered and does not care anymore. People with restive tendencies may want to be the monkey though.
When you pursue intense meditation, you go through immense changes both physically and mentally. It is not just a superficial change in your thinking but also very profound changes in your mind and body. When you get to each stage of meditation it takes time to adjust to the new stage because each stage brings about something new, something more and something deeper. You automatically feel disconnected with the world and it is not a temporary disconnection. It becomes a struggle to gel with the worldly ways. You become calm and with no rush. You become very effective. It is like you have become ghee from the milk, you have gone through the process of heating and churning and now no process in the world can change you back into the milk. At some point on your journey, you go through irreversible changes.
During the first four stages of meditation, you can easily go back to where you started but beyond the fourth stage it starts to sink in your very existence and then there is no return. The drop has then become the Ocean. Sri Krishna says to Arjuna, “when you become the ocean, all your desires will go into you, you will experience all the pleasures but they will not move you. They will not be able to shake you.”
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on the path of meditation and surrender.
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A man lives in animosity or in grudge during his lifetime. His grudge is with the people, the country and with himself. There are things about society, people and other’s which he does not like. Animosity has no point. It is in a battlefield where it is hard to come out of. The five senses are the five Pandavas and the hundred vikaras are the hundred Kauravas. The blind heart is Dhritrashtra and the highest mind is the Krishna. If he is the charioteer then the path will be easy, otherwise not. Most of the time people waste all their life by taking these vows to prove themselves to others, to show that they can make other people feel lowly. These vows are hollow, and there is nothing in these vows.
A human being ties himself to his desires, pledges, emotions and expectations, from which he cannot free himself. In the end it does not matter what you have or what you have been holding on to because when there is a knock on the door from death, it is time to go.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
The main reason why people are unhappy is because they don’t stay where they are. They are not situated in one place. If they are in the temple, they think about the outside world and everything else. When they are in the worldly environment, they are thinking about God. There are twenty four hours in a day for yourself and out of twenty four hours if you have taken out two, three or five minutes for remembering God then that time should only be for him.
If you are determined and situated in an action, sentiment or emotion then no power in the world, even God, that can move you from your stand. There is a God inside you who is as powerful as the God outside. He is making you do everything, one who is controlling your mind and actions. If the God outside is the creator of the universe, then you are also the creator of millions of cells in your body. There is a macrocosm and a microcosm. There is no difference in its scale if you are determined to do what you want to do.
Listen to this insightful discourse by Om Swami on the mind’s entity.
Sometimes you experience fragrance in the presence of certain people. Why is it so? The five senses are the ability to touch where we experience hot and cold, the ability to smell so as to experience fragrance and odors, the ability to see and therefore to experience good and bad sights and the ability to hear and therefore to experience pleasant and unpleasant sounds. Out of the five senses, the two most developed natural abilities are the ability to taste and smell but it varies from one individual to another. Some people can eat very bland food or very spicy food but will not feel the difference and some people are very sensitive to food.
The more evolved you are on the spiritual path, the more sensitive you become to touch, taste, smell, sound and sight. For example a real saint or a divine person will feel pain at the sight of somebody else’s pain, they will feel bad at the sight of somebody being yelled at. Not everybody senses it the same way. If you are a piece of iron and you stay next to a magnet, eventually you also develop a certain pull, you too become a magnet although temporarily and yet for a long enough period. So, when you stay in a certain environment in certain people’s company, it starts to rub off you. Being in certain people’s company can bring about profound changes in you.
Listen to this divine discourse by Om Swami.
Is it important to sit in the same spot for meditation everyday and is it good to meditate when you are exhausted?
It is not required to sit at the same spot everyday when you are meditating. The scriptures differentiate all religious and spiritual activities into various categories. One of them is called Nitya Karma, which is like going to school. You mark your attendance and you can sit anywhere in the class. It is something you do everyday. Such karma is really not going to take you very far. A good example of this is when you look around and see people who are well into the later years of their life and have been chanting for many years, yet they have the same issues as a fifteen year old. Clearly their worship, their Nitya karma did not do perhaps what it could have done. The second category is Naimittika karma, which is similar to an examination hall, where you sit and do not get up for three hours unless you require a new answer sheet.
Similarly, in meditation there is an ordinary course, where you do something and are reinforcing it everyday. For that there are no real rules except the ones you define yourself or that have been passed on to you. But when you do meditation for a specific purpose and in a specific way then it becomes a Naimittika karma.
Listen to this discourse by Om Swami to find out more.
BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO
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What is meditation? What are the common hurdles and pitfalls and how to overcome them? Hear this revealing discourse on meditation to know all about it and to take your practice of meditation to an entirely new level.
There is a difference between meditation as an act versus meditation as a phenomenon. When you meditate correctly, you move away from the act of meditation to acquiring a state of meditation.
BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO
SUBSCRIBE to Om Swami channel for weekly dose of positive and practical thoughts on life, meditation, spirituality, relationships & more! - https://www.youtube.com/user/omswamitv
Want to connect & explore more. You can connect with Om Swami on https://os.me.
If you enjoy the talks and would like to try courses by Om Swami, please visit: https://os.me/courses/
Need a companion in your self-discovery. You can find Om Swami's books here: https://os.me/books/
What role does meditation play in your life? Do you seek it as a solution to everything or as a tool to know your real self? Meditation, if done correctly, can give you a full stop but it is not an answer to everything. It is supposed to enhance the taste of your life to live happily. Instead of meditating with the mindset that it will give you bliss all the time, we must remember that essentially meditation is a complimentary tool to our conscious actions.
Everybody is looking for eternal happiness, to attain Nirvana, a term for salvation. It is a peaceful and happy state where there is neither desire nor grudge and the most prominent feature it lends us is perspective. Perspective is the determinant of all outcomes. Once perspective is gained, everything changes automatically: conflicts and struggles are resolved as we become more understanding. Listen to the video to get an insight on how meditation is not the solution to all problems and how a switch in perception can change everything.