Voice of Vedanta: Recent Episodes
Voice of Vedanta
Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds.
A closer look at the word “Vedanta” is revealing: “Vedanta” is a combination of two words: “Veda” which means “knowledge” and “anta” which means “the end of” or “the goal of.” In this context the goal of knowledge isn’t intellectual—the limited knowledge we acquire by reading books. “Knowledge” here means the knowledge of God as well as the knowledge of our own divine nature. Vedanta, then, is the search for Self-knowledge as well as the search for God.
What do we mean when we say God? According to Vedanta, God is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss. The term for this impersonal, transcendent reality is Brahman, the divine ground of being. Yet Vedanta also maintains that God can be personal as well, assuming human form in every age.
Most importantly, God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart.
Vedanta further asserts that the goal of human life is to realize and manifest our divinity. Not only is this possible, it is inevitable. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.
Finally, Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: “Truth is one, sages call it by various names.” The world’s religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization. The conflicting messages we find among religions are due more to doctrine and dogma than to the reality of spiritual experience. While dissimilarities exist in the external observances of the world religions, the internals bear remarkable similarities.
Who is Mother Kali? Why is She drawing so much interest nowadays?
In this talk, Swami Mahayogananda explores Mother Kali through Her eminent and devout worshiper Sri Ramakrishna.
Delivered on November 22, 2020, at the Hollywood Temple.
Swami Mahayogananda weaves together the covid pandemic, the World's Parliament of Religions, and Swami Vivekananda's response to political unrest in this talk delivered on September 13, 2020.
Swami Satyamayananda discusses the power of prayer in our spiritual life, in this talk given in Hollywood on June 16, 2019
Swami Sarvadevananda speaks about Brahmananda and his brother disciples at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, on February 3, 2019.
Swami Satyamayananda teaches a class on The Mind of the Meditator at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, on January 22, 2019.
Pravrajika Sevaprana speaks about Blessed Are The Pure In Heart at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, on January 13, 2019.
Swami Ishadhyanananda speaks about The Bhagavad Gita: Four Fundamental Questions at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, on November 8, 2018.
Swami Vimokshananda speaks about Vedantic Devotion at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, on September 30, 2018.
Spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple by Swami Mahayogananda on February 17, 2019.
Swami Satyamayananda speaks about the humanity and divinity of Sri Ramakrishna, at his 183rd birthday celebration at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, on March 10, 2019.
Spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple on March 11, 2018. Explaining the principles of Vedanta through stories and parables, Swami shows us that true humility is not diminishing ourselves, but raising our perception of others to see their true divine nature.
Quincy Coleman joined us in Hollywood, and offered this song to open the Sunday Service on November 11, 2018.
Quincy Coleman joined us in Hollywood, and offered this song at the close of our Sunday service on November 11, 2018. Swami Sarvadevananda spoke on "Kali the Mother"
Spiritual talk by Pravrajika Krishnaprana given at the Santa Barbara Temple on March 18, 2018, just weeks after devastating fires and mudslides brought horrendous physical damage, evacuations and even death to the entire area surrounding the Santa Barbara Center. Pr. Krishnaprana talks about methods of coping with the psychological stress following such a disaster, and how spiritual strength helps the healing process in "rising from the ashes."
In this talk given at the Center for Spiritual Living in Camarillo, Swami Mahayogananda talks about transforming the fire of desire and anger that burns within, into the fire of longing for God.
Spiritual Talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple on March 4, 2018 by David Nelson (Devadatta Kali) on "Time and Eternity." This talk explores how the Hindu and Judeo-Christian traditions define the notions of time and eternity, and, accordingly, the spiritual opportunities their respective understandings place before their followers.
Spiritual Talk given September 9, 2018 by Pr. Vrajaprana on "Living the Gita." This is a wonderful and practical guide to understanding the essence of the Bhagavad Gita and how we can apply those teachings to our daily lives. Enlightening and practical!
Guest visitor Swami Tyagananda delivers a Friday evening talk at the Santa Barbara Temple on August 31, 2018 titled "Vedanta and the Art of Editing." Swami shows how applying conventional rules of editing to the art of being can shape and "polish" our lives, both inner and outer. Very practical lessons!
Spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple by Swami Mahayogananda on February 25, 2018. By analyzing a letter and an ode written by Swami Vivekananda (Swamiji), we see the absolute truth that was the message of this great disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, a message that might even be viewed as an additional Upanishad.
Spiritual Talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple on Jauary 7, 2018 by Swami Vedarupananda entitled "Self-Psychology." The difference between what we refer to as psychoanalysis and the Vedanta view of Self-knowledge is explored. The importance of the concept we hold of our selves in both cases is examined. The use of parables and stories is used very effectively to make the point.
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Harinamananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on December 3, 2017. Swami discusses the ancient Vedic system of holistic healthcare called Ayurveda. This philosophy involves a balancing of traits that each individual is born with, categorized into three basic categories (or doshas). Mental, physical and spiritual health are achieved by balancing the basic characteristics of our dosha type. Here is an overview of how to reach this goal. Very informative talk!
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Center on November 19, 2017 entitled "Moral Philosophy." Swami discusses moral relativism, absolutism, and Vedanta philosphy of moral behavior, including the answer to the question "Why should we be good?"
Spiritual Talk given by Pr. Vrajaprana at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on November 12, 2017. This talk centers on the importance of the "motherhood" of God, especially in the West where the usual paradigm is a patriarchal deity. The Hindu goddess Kali gets special attention because of her many faceted image which can seem a bit uninviting when not fully understood.
Spiritual Talk given by David Nelson on November 5, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple entitled "Spiritualizing Life." Here we learn that the wisdom of the ancient Upanishads is as relevant today as it has ever been, speaking to who we think we are and guiding us beyond that to the higher reality of our true being.
Spiritual Talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple on October 29, 2017 by Swami Atmavidyananda. If you've ever wondered why (or even if) your spiritual practice produces benefits to your mind and body, be assured there are several scientific studies that have proved this does happen when practices such as meditation, jampam, prayer, etc. are performed regularly. The effects of spiritual practices on the brain are the key to benefits you may never have known you were getting! Fascinating and illuminating.
Spiritual talk given by Pr. Krishnaprana on October 22, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple. Speaking on the subject, "Gratitude," Pr. Krishnaprana reminds us that gratitude for what we have must always be greater than desire for what we don't have if we are to achieve peace in this life. At one point she asks us to think of just 3 things we are grateful for in this moment. Can you do it?
Spiritual Talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple by Pr. Vrajaprana on February 18, 2018 just weeks after deadly mudslides caused loss of life, property and infrastructure in the Santa Barbara community. This impacted the Vedanta Center as well (though luckily sparing it from structural damage), forcing it to close for a month. Pr. Vrajaprana describes in very moving words the human effects of this tragedy on all those involved, and how disasters quickly show us what truly matters in our lives. As the title, "You Are What You Love" suggests, Love is the one quality that defines who we really are. We learn how this was tangibly demonstrated through the kindness and caring of friends and strangers alike. This is a "must listen" spiritual talk.
Spiritual talk given October 15, 2017 by Swami Sarvadevananda at the Santa Barbara Temple. Swami discusses the meaning and power of the Divine Mother Kali, whose colorful image can be somewhat fearsome to those who do not realize her spiritual beauty. Sri Ramakrishna was her ardent devotee, and we learn much through his words and actions.
Spiritual Talk delivered by David Nelson October 8, 2017 on “The Divine Mother: One and Many.” “One” refers to her as the undivided source of all creativity; “many” refers to the ways in which this divine power expresses itself in everything from the vastness of the cosmos to the smallest details of everyday life.
Spiritual Talk delivered by Swami Vedarupananda October 1, 2017 on "The Spiritual Significance of Death." According to Vedanta, there is no death. Swami Vedarupananda explains the logic of this philosophy using stories, parables and excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita and the life of Holy Mother.
Spiritual Talk given September 24, 2017 by Swami Sarvadevananda titled "Nitya and Lila." Nitya and Lila may be thought of as the Absolute and Relative states of awareness according to Vedanta. But does this imply duality, or are they both two sides of the same coin? Swami answers this question and many more in his excellent talk.
Spiritual Talk given by Pravrajika Vrajaprana on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple. Karma yoga, the yoga of action or work, is discussed from the Vedanta perspective, citing many verses from the Bhagavad Gita. The takeaway? When your service is devoted to God, it really turns your "working hard" into "hardly working." Learn from the talk how this wonderful transformation works!
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Mahayogananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on September 10, 2017. Can you remember your past life? Is there a past life to remember? Swami discusses fascinating scientific research on the subject and how it relates to the Hindu philosophy of reincarnation.
Spiritual Talk given at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on September 3, 2017 by Swami Vedarupananda, called "The Law of Justice." Nearly every religious philosophy has a concept of reward or punishment for personal human behavior during one's lifetime. Swami Vedarupananda discusses the Law of Karma that prevails in Indian philosophy.
Spiritual Talk given by visiting Swami Dhyanayogananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on August 27, 2017 on "Mindful Worship." Swami reminds us that the goal of all yoga is to realize freedom of the soul, and that we actually have never been in bondage. Calling upon Pantanjali's Sutras and other texts, he shows how we must worship with our full awareness and attention, both mental and external, to claim our freedom. A mindul spiritual talk!
Spiritual Talk given on August 20, 2017 by Swami Sarvadevananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple. "Ramanuja and his Philosophy" is the title of this very educational talk, which introduces us to the important Vedanta philosopher, Ramanuja, whose birth was one thousand years ago in 1017. Ramanuja opened a new path for spiritual seekers in the Vedanta tradition. Swami gives an excellent explanation of how it enhanced Vedanta thought.
Spiritual Talk given by Pravrajika Krishnaprana at the Santa Barbara Temple on August 13, 2017 on the subject of Japa. The talk is beneficial for beginners as well as experienced practitioners of mantra repetition. It includes a question and answer period that covers many questions common to all. A lesson in which almost everyone can learn something new about japa!
Spiritual talk given by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on August 6, 2017 entitled "The God of Vedanta." We learn that the central point which permeates all Vedantic concepts of God is that there is one God who is known by many names. This talk concentrates on the personal God. Enjoy!
Spiritual talk given by visiting Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on July 30, 2017 on "The Way of Love." Swami gives an in-depth talk on the Path of Bhakti Yoga, often referred to as the Way of Love. Anyone who has ever heard a lecture by Swami Sarvapriyananda knows that it is always a special treat - don't miss this one!
Spiritual Talk delivered by Swami Sarvadevananda on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple. Swami discusses the Srimad Bhagavatam, considered by many to be the topmost of Hinduism's spiritual teachings. Swami focuses on that portion of the Bhagavatam concerning Bhakti Yoga, especially the stages of Bhakti worship that one goes through to reach the goal of God realization. Extremely educational but never dry!
Spiritual Talk entitled "Light," given by Swami Atmatattwananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on July 16, 2017. The idea and metaphor of light pervades nearly all spiritual traditions, and Swami Atmatattwananda illuminates us through music, facts of physics, stories, writings of spiritual teachers, and of course through his own special Light. A highly entertaining and inspirational talk!
Spiritual Talk given on July 2, 2017 by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple. In his talk, "What is Enlightenment," Sw. Vedarupananda explains that the goal of the Vedantic spiritual aspirant is to seek enlightenment, which is best defined as knowledge of the Self or Self Realization. Using helpful metaphorical stories throughout his talk, Swami teaches us how to achieve our goal with both intuitional knowledge and direct experience.
Spiritual Talk given by Pr. Vrajaprana on July 9, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple on "Freedom, Song of the Soul." Presented close to the Fourth of July, the theme of freedom is timely for Americans, and given from a Vedantic point of view. As the title implies, real freedom in Vedanta is the freedom of the soul. A wonderful explanation of this kind of freedom is explored in the talk. Enjoy!
Spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple by Pravrajika Krishnaprana June 25, 2017 on the topic of "Peace." Pr. Krishnaprana concentrates on how to attain the lasting peace sought by spiritual seekers. She devotes much of the talk to the practice of japa, or repetition of the Lord's name, and answers questions from the attendees. A very educational and inspirational talk!
Spiritual Talk given on June 28, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple by Swami Sarvadevananda titled "How Long Should We Do Spiritual Practice." It's a question many, if not most of us, ask as we follow our spiritual path. To find a good answer, just listen to this talk.
Spiritual Talk on The Theory of Reincarnation given June 11, 2017 by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Temple. Swami discusses the concept of reincarnation that is an integral part of Vedanta, as many other religions... some would say even Christianity. How the idea of rebirth affects our approach to life and death is shown to have many facets. Very thought provoking talk!
Spiritual talk given on June 4, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple by Swami Harinamananda, visiting from the San Diego Center. The effects of the three gunas(Satva, Rajas and Tamas), the different states of mind which operate in all of us, are explored in this talk. We learn to be aware of which quality is acting at different times, how it influences our actions, and how our actions can change the operative guna when we choose to do so. Excellent talk!
Spiritual Talk given at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple on May 28, 2017, entitled "Buddha." A brief summation of the guiding principles of the Buddha, along with a discussion of the several paths that may be followed in living these principles through his teachings. Excellent and highly informative talk.
Spiritual Talk delivered by Swami Vedarupananda on May 14, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple. Swami discusses how human beings are constantly producing vibrations as thought waves through the medium of mind. He illustrates how these can influence our own physical appearance, as well as relationships with each other and the world. Fascinating topic!
Spiritual Talk given by Pravrajika Krishnaprana at the Santa Barbara Temple on April 30, 2017. Pr. Krishnaprana helps us understand what happiness is and what it isn't from a spiritual perspective. A very thought provoking talk that includes some audience participation.
Spiritual talk delivered on May 21, 2017 by Pravrajika Vrajaprana at the Santa Barbara Temple entitled "Learning From the Buddha." A comprehensive overview of Buddhism that includes history of the birth and early life of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, explanation of the Four Noble Truths and the five rules of conduct to be practiced, and much, much more. A wonderful summary of the teachings of Buddhism.
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Mahayogananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on May 7, 2017. Swami illustrates that we are not separate bodies, nor separate minds, but all are the Atman, one spiritual consciousness. Using ideas from Physics, the writings of Swami Vivekananda and thought-provoking stories, Swami Mahayogananda leads us to look at ourselves in a whole new way. Not to be missed!
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Sarvadevananda on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple. Swami discusses the life and philosophy of Shankaracharya, perhaps the best known early proponent of Vedantic thought as we know it today.
A spiritual talk given by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on April 2, 2017 discussing the Vedantic principle of attachment and detachment. Many entertaining stories illustrate the consequences of attachment and ways to free ourselves through Vedantic practices. Enjoy!
Spiritual Talk given on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, by David Nelson in which he introduces us to the wonderful 2-line poems of Angelus Silesius, a Christian mystic. Many of the themes correspond with Vedantic teachings and help illustrate the oneness of all who sincerely seek Enlightenment.
Swami Veetamohananda, from the Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre in Gretz, France, visited the Santa Barbara Temple on March 21, 2017 to give a spiritual talk on Vedantic values and how to apply them in everyday life. As you can tell from the title, Vedantic values combine both head and heart to form the perfect union for the spiritual Self. A wonderful talk.
Swami Atmarupananda delivers a Spiritual Talk on Truth at the Santa Barbara Temple on April 9, 2017. He describes the many ways that we see truth, but points out that all reality must rest on the one Truth that never changes. A very rich and thought provoking discussion of a huge subject!
Spiritual talk given by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on March 19, 2017, entitled "Fate, Fortune or Karma?" When things happen to us for "good" or "bad," is it our karma or our fate? Or maybe just good fortune or bad luck? Swami's talk helps us to understand what law is operating as things happen in our lives, and how to handle it according to Vedanta.
Swami Sarvapriyananda, Minister of the Vedanta Society of New York, returns to Santa Barbara for a special Friday evening spiritual talk on March 17, 2017, where his topic is the Ashtavakra Samhita, or Song of Ashtavakra. Swami explains the great importance of this ancient Vedantic scripture, and leads us through four of its verses. An inspirational and educational talk!
Spiritual Talk given by Pravrajika Vrajaprana at the Santa Barbara Temple on March 5, 2017, entitled "Doing Our Dharma." What is dharma? How do we know our dharma? We find out that dharma has a cosmic as well as a personal role that plays out in our lives. It is a divine ordering principle. It does intertwine with our personal karma. but it is so much more. Listen to this and learn what it is and how to use it!
Spiritual Talk given on March 12, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple by Swami Mahayogananda. Swami discusses how the many near death experiences described in books and on websites correspond to the Vedantic concept that the Self is not the body. Many basic Vedantic tenets, including karma, correspond to and are confirmed by near death experiences. A fascinating spiritual talk!
Visiting Swami Harinamananda travels to the Santa Barbara Temple from San Diego to deliver a spiritual talk on February 26, 2017. Called "Discovering Yourself," the talk examines how self-awareness can develop through three kinds of relationships: healthy, unhealthy and spiritual. The talk is an interactive class-style presentation inviting audience participation and insightful observations by Swami Harinamananda. Enjoy!
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Sarvadevananda on February 19, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple. Swami discusses a very big subject - the idea of life after death - from the Vedantic perspective. This talk is filled with basic tenets of Vedantic philosophy, beginning with the different levels of life in the body, what is meant by the Soul, how to approach one's own death, lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, and more. You'll want to hear it many times to absorb all the valuable teaching, along with its generous sprinkling of humor!
Pravrajika Krishnaprana's special Valentine Day's themed spiritual talk given February 12, 2017 on the "Many Faces of Love" at the Santa Barbara Temple. Krishaprana discusses the meaning of love and relationship on many levels. The talk includes some wonderful quotes and a brief Q&A session. If you can't hear the question, the answer usually gives you a general idea. Enjoy!
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Vedarupananda on February 5, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple in which he explains the concept of contentment as seen through Vedantic philosophy. He uses wonderful stories and examples of the lives of some saints to illustrate his points.
A wonderful Spiritual Talk given on January 15, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple by Pravrajika Vrajaprana. Ten New Years Resolutions are suggested by Vrajaprana as an alternative to the usual food, body, exercise, etc. resolutions that we make. You'll resolve to take food for the soul on every day of every New Year.
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Sarvadevananda on January 15, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple. The stories of Swami Vivekananda and Swami Brahmananda are told from early days with Sri Ramakrishna to their adult years as builders of the Ramakrishna Order of Vedanta around the world.
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Sarvapriyananda on September 4, 2016 at the Santa Barbara Temple. An utterly fabulous talk on the search for bliss that is the goal of Vedantic practice,
Spiritual Talk given by Pravrajika Vrajaprana on September 11, 2016 at the Santa Barbara Temple. The title is a quote from Sister Nivedita in which that beloved disciple of Swami Vivekananda states there is no disctinction between the secular and the sacred. Pravrajika Vrajaprana introduces us to this unique view of Vedantism.
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Sarvadevananda on September 18, 2016 at the Santa Barbara Temple in which he shows us the three ways to finding our true Self according to Vedantic practice.
Spiritual talk given by Swami Vedarupananda on September 25, 2016 at the Santa Barbara Temple. Seeing God in everything begins with seeing good in everyone. Swami explains how to continue from this point on to seeing God everywhere.
Spiritual Talk given by Swami Atmavidyananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on January 8, 2017. Swami discusses how Hindu deities are sometimes portrayed as both male and female, as well as the androgynous nature of deities in other religions and cultures.
Spiritual Talk given on January 1, 2017 at the Santa Barbara Temple by Swami Vedarupananda in which he explains the Vedantic way of compassion through service, and how the word "compassion" may have a different meaning than what we think. This is "Practical Vedanta" in action.
Spiritual Talk given on October 2, 2016 at the Santa Barbara Temple in which Swami Sarvapriyananda journeys into classical Vedanta and the "Higher Kfnowledge" from the Mundaka Upanishad to answer life's big questions.
Spiritual Talk given on October 9, 2016 by Swami Sarvadevananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on Sw. Abhedananda. This also includes a recording (in Bengali with translation) of Swami Abhedananda in his own voice.
Spiritual Talk given on October 16, 2016 by Swami Mahayogananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on "Seeking the Mother." And in it are two songs! You'll enjoy it.
Spiritual talk given on October 23, 2016 by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on the fascinating topic of"Life in the Afterworld."
This is Pravrajika Krishnaprana's spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple on October 30, 2016. Here we get some pointers on the ways and wisdom of being who we really are, including a question and answer period. (Some questions may be a bit hard to hear if the questioner was far away from the podium. But the answers usually clarify things.)
Three swamis from the Belur Math visited Santa Barbara Temple on the evening of November 6, 2016, and each gave a short talk. They were Swami Girishananda, the Belur Math manager; Swami Atmapriyananda, Vice-Chancellor of Vivekananda University; and Swami Devapriyananda, Belur Math's Training Center Principal. They are introduced by Pravrajika Vrajaprana.
Spiritual talk given by Pravrajika Vrajaprana at the Santa Barbara Temple on November 6, 2016. She discusses the work of Elizabeth Noble, later Sister Nivedita (1867-1911), a Scots-Irish social worker, author, teacher and disciple of Swami Vivekananda, who lived and worked in India on behalf of Vedanta.
Spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple on November 13, 2016 by David Nelson (Devadatta Kali), who takes us on a journey through the various paths that one may take from the self to the Self.
Spiritual talk given at the Santa Barbara Temple by Swami Sarvapriyananda on November 20, 2016. Swami does a Vedanta take-off on the classic 'Zen and the Art of Archery,' using the analogy of archery to illuminate the Vedanta approach to spiritual life.
Spiritual talk given by Swami Sarvadevananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on November 27, 2016. He discusses the work of Elizabeth Noble, later Sister Nivedita (1867-1911), a Scots-Irish social worker, author, teacher and disciple of Swami Vivekananda, who lived and worked in India on behalf of Vedanta.
Spiritual talk given by Swami Vedarupananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on April 3, 2016 in which he discusses the subject of self-knowledge.
Spiritutal talk given by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Santa Barbara Temple on April 10, 2016 in which he tells us how we can see God in all of life's experiences.
Spiritual talk given at Santa Barbara Temple by Swami Sarvapriyananda on December 4, 2016, explaining the meaning of the parable of two birds, one on a higher branch of a tree, the other on a lower and striving to reach the higher branch.
Spiritual Talk given by David Nelson (Devadatta Kali) at Santa Barbara Temple on December 11, 2016 detailing the significance of Jesus in the role of spiritual teacher, as told through the Christian Scriptures.
Spiritual talk given at Santa Barbara Temple on December 18, 2016 by Swami Vedarupananda describing how we often live in the past or future and miss the spiritual reality of "being in the moment."
Spiritual Talk given at Santa Barbara Temple on March 27, 2016 by Swami Sarvadevananda for Easter Sunday.
In this talk at the Santa Barbara temple, given March 6, 2016 Swami Chetanananda disusses his new book, "Sri Sarada Devi and Her Divine Play."
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on June 28, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on June 21, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on May 24, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on May 17, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on April 26, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on April 19, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on March 22, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on March 15, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on February 2, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk - delivered on January 12, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA - covers verse 1 in "Drg Drsya Viveka: An Inquiry into the Nature of the Seer and the Seen".
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on February 2, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
Swami Sarvapriyananda lucidly unfolds the fundamentals of Advaita Vedanta as presented in Drg Drsya Viveka, in this series of 12 talks. This talk was delivered on January 19, 2016 at the Vedanta Temple in Hollywood, CA
A lecture given May 17, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the senior monk at Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco, California and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given December 12, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC and monk of the Ramakrishna Order and Assistant Minister of the VSSC. © 2010
A lecture given January 4, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the new Hollywood Center Assistant Minister and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given December 20, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given April 5, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given August 19, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the visiting Head Minister of the Vedanta Society, Germany and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given August 10, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given November 22, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given December 6, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC and his new Assistant Minister, both of whom are monks of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given May 6, 2007 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the visiting Head of the Centre Vedantique Ramakrishna, Gretz, France. Introduction by then VSSC Head Minister Swami Swahananda. © 2007
Recorded September 9, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple. Swami Vedarupananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given November 8, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given September 14, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given February 14, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given December 2, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given March 7, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given November 1, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given June 8, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given May 25, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given Decemebr 28, 2008 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple. © 2008
A lecture given July 25, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given May 18, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given March 29, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a prominent Vedanta devotee. © 2009
A lecture given April 27, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given March 16, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a nun of the Hollywood Ramakrishna Order Convent in Hollywood. © 2014
A lecture given March 21, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple, by the resident monk of the San Diego Vedanta Center and a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given September 21, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given from July 20, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given March 9, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given July 21, 2013 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2013
A lecture given January 10, 2016 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2016
A lecture given May 10, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given June 21, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple, by a by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given November 15, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given June 6, 2010 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given December 27, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given April 19, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given October 13, 2013 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given May 30, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given September 5, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by President of Vedanta Center of Sydney, Austrailia, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given December 21, 2008 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2008
A lecture given April 26, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given December 16, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by Head monk of the Vedanta Society of Greater Washington DC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given November 29, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given September 7, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by President of Vedanta Center of Sydney, Austrailia, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given August 1, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given August 5, 2007 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the visiting head of the Ramakrishna Math in Pune, India and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given February 8, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given September 16, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
Lecture given December 14, 2008 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2008
A lecture given November 6, 2011 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2011
A lecture given January 12, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple. Swami Chidbrahmananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given January 11, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given June 7, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given May 17, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a nun of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given October 18, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given August 22, 2010 at Vedanta Society of So. California, Hollywood temple, by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given July 8, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given April 5, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a visiting monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given March 15, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a nun of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given May 3, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Vedanta Society of Western Washington, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given March 28, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a Vedanta devotee. © 2010
A Swami Sarvadevananda lecture from March 10, 2013 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given September 2, 2012 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2013
A lecture given October 11, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a prominent Vedanta devotee. © 2009
A lecture given August 8, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given September 12, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given July 22, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given June 10, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given August 12, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given June 9, 2013 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given December 13, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order.
A lecture given October 25, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given September 23, 2007 at Vedanta Society of So. California, Hollywood temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order.
A lecture given August 29, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the senior monk of the Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco, also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given October 18, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given October 28, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given August 9, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given November 18, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given December 28, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given November 16, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the resident monk of Vivekananda House in Pasadena, California, also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given July 13, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given February 14, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given September 29, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Order from Belur Math, India. He is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given January 3, 2016 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2016
A lecture given December 1, 2013 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a nun of the Ramakrishna Order Convent in Hollywood. © 2013
A lecture given January 2, 2011 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2011
A lecture given October 7, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given October 21, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a visiting monk of the Ramakrishna Order and Head Minister of the Vedanta Center of St. Petersburg, Florida. © 2007
A lecture given September 30, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and Head Minister of the Vedanta Center of St. Petersburg, Florida. © 2007
A lecture given April 11, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given August 12, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by President of Vedanta Center of Sydney, Austrailia, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given March 1, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given September 7, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the senior monk of the Ramakrishna Monastery in Trabuco, California, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given August 11, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by President of Vedanta Center of Sydney, Austrailia, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given December 29, 2013 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2013
A lecture given November 7, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC and monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given November 2, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given August 3, 2014 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2014
A lecture given July 18, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given September 26, 2010 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given June 6, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a prominent Vedanta devotee. © 2010
A lecture given October 31, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given February 1, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple, by a by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given February 7, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a nun of the Ramakrishna Order Convent in Hollywood. © 2010
A lecture given January 18, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given June 27, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Head Minister of VSSC, who was also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given May 10, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015
A lecture given December 7, 2008 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given May 24, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given August 15, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple, by the Resident Minister of the Vedanta Center of Atlanta. © 2010
A lecture given June 5, 2011 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2011
A lecture given June 13, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given March 14, 2010 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2010
A lecture given September 2, 2007 at Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the then Assistant Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2007
A lecture given January 25, 2009 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2009
A lecture given July 12, 2015 at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, Hollywood Temple by the Head Minister of VSSC, who is also a monk of the Ramakrishna Order. © 2015