Podcasts on Hinduism, Beliefs and Practices
Podcast Creator: Jayaram V
Evil Nature According to the Bhagavadgita
July 16, 2022
The sixteenth chapter of the Bhagavadgita enumerates divine and demonic qualities drawing a striking contrast between good and evil forces, who represent one of the fundamental dualities of creation. Primarily, what divides them is the nature of their desires or intentions, which are in turn influenced by the triple gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas). The good is represented by the Devas and the evil by Asuras or the demons. The conflict between the two is eternal and never ending. It is not that good always wins. There will be times (and they are many) when evil ascends and rules over the worlds, which require God's direct intervention.
A Comparative Study of Consciousness in Buddhism and Hinduism
Feb 27, 2022
Ancient Indians were pioneers in the study of human consciousness. As early as 1000 BCE, they developed several contemplative and mindfulness techniques to study consciousness and understand its powers and potentials to improve one’s life, knowledge and intelligence or manifest one’s desires or open communication channels with gods and supernatural beings or resolve human suffering. They tried to harness the power of the mind to manifest reality and fulfill their desire for peace and happiness. In this podcast, we present a comparative review of consciousness in Buddhism and Hinduism, and how they are similar and dissimilar and attuned to their respective beliefs and practices and the methods they use for self-purification and liberation.
Justification For Hindu Caste-System
Feb 03, 2022
The Hindu caste system probably came into existence around 3500 years ago due to various factors. It brought together people from diverse backgrounds under a social contract to live together and ensure order and regularity of society and polity. Somehow the system was accepted as a workable solution to ensure peaceful coexistence of diverse groups to live together and share social and economic privileges as dictated by their faith. In the early days of its origin, castes ensured stability and continuity of large populations in a rapidly changing environment, at a time when small republics, rural and pastoral communities and provincial principalities (janapadas) were giving way to large empires, well organized administrative systems and powerful monarchies. However, on the flipside, the caste system legitimized and institutionalized widespread discrimination of certain groups and communities as an acceptable and justifiable practice. It was not without consequences. In this discussion we will focus upon a few aspects of Hindu caste system.....
The Meaning and Significance of Advaita in Hinduism
Jan 25, 2022
The idea that you are the universe, not the mind and body or the ego complex, is what we consider oneness or nondualism or Advaita. It is what we mean by kaivalya or aloneness. A kevalin sees himself only amidst the dualities of life. He sees the world or the universe or the entire objective reality as an extension or projection of his consciousness. It is where you see nartaka atma, the Self acting as the master of the dance and the world dancing according to his will. You see the whole word as your state (rango’ antaratma).....
The True Spiritual Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Mar 11, 2021
Maha Shivaratri is a well known Hindu festival. Millions of devotees worship Shiva on this auspicious day. After fasting for the day until midnight and worshipping him variously, they also keep a night vigil. There is a hidden spiritual significance of the festival, which is not known to many. It is explained briefly by Jayaram in this short podcast....
The Resilience of Hindus?
Feb 28, 2018
India is the only country where its ancient culture and native faiths survived centuries of foreign oppression, colonialism, imperialism, the Industrial revolution, two World Wars, scientific rationalism, and an organized onslaught by well-funded foreign institutions to undermine and degrade them. India is also the...
Does God Possess a Specific Name and Form?
Jan 22, 2018
A few thoughts on how Brahman (God) should be worshipped or approached, and whether he has a specific name and form. Occasionally you come across people who dispute the notion that God is impersonal and formless. According to them God cannot be impersonal or formless. For them, God is personal and possesses specific,...
An Important Lesson From the Bhagavadgita
Jan 8, 2018
The Bhagavadgita contains many lessons. The one presented in this podcast is very important. It is indeed the heart of Bhagavadgita wisdom. Those who understand it do not judge people by their actions but look to the motive and use their discernment to know whether those actions are justified or not. Find out what...
Emotions and Equanimity
Oct 19, 2017
Emotions are useful to perceive reality and know what is going on in you and around you. If you want to know yourself, pay attention to your emotions and their causes. If you want to cultivate sameness or equanimity and learn to accept yourself unconditionally, emotions are the best place to begin with.
Cultivating Detachment For Freedom and Happiness
Oct 13, 2017
Attachments are a greater source of misery, stress and unhappiness. This podcast by Jayaram V is about cultivating detachment for greater freedom and happiness by understanding your attachments and motivation
Symbolism of Goddess Lakshmi
Apr 6, 2015
A brief presentation on the symbolism of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu and the godess of wealth, health and fortune.
Should Hinduism Be Called Sanatana Dharma
Mar 5, 2015
This presentation explores the meaning of Sanatana Dharma and in what context or for valid reasons Hinduism qualifies as Sanatana Dharma. This is part of an essay on the same subject available at Hinduwebsite.com
Maya - Is the World An Illusion?
Dec 1, 2015
Is the world an illusion. An examination of the proposition of Advaita that the world is unreal and has no basis in eternity.
An Introduction to Manusmriti
Jun 23, 2015
A presentation on the importance and significance of Manusmriti or the Laws of Manu in the historical development of Hinduism and a critical overview of its contents and themes.
Moon Symbolism
Aug 27, 2015
The archetypal meaning, cultural significance and symbolism of the moon (Chandra) in Hinduism
Why are Religions So Destructive?
Nov 24, 2015
Why are Religions So Destructive? Why do they cause strife? And what can you do about it? This presentation is about religions that promote group identity and incite religious passions.
Is the World An Illusion?
Dec 1, 2015
Is the world an illusion. An examination of the proposition of Advaita that the world is unreal and has no basis in eternity.
The Purpose of Incarnation, the birth of God
Jan 18, 2015
The purpose of any incarnation or emanation of God upon earth is to provide the people with an ideal which they can emulate and follow in their real lives. It is to remind them repeatedly that they are God in human form, and if they uphold the Self in them they will uphold the God in creation.
Brahman in Vedic Tradition
Nov 7, 2013
This is the audio version of a chapter entitled "Brahman in Vedic Tradition," from the book Brahman by Jayaram V published by Pure Life Vision LLC.
Basic Concepts of Saivism
Jan 29, 2013
Saivism is a major sect of Hinduism. In fact, like Vaishnavism, it is a religion in itself. Until medieval times, it was also the most popular sect of Hinduism, with widest following. The Sect regards Lord Siva as the Brahman Himself and all other divinities as aspects of Him. The origins of this sect are probably...
The Two Paths of Life - Materialism and Spirituality
Nov 13, 2013
There are two basic approaches to life. Both are well known and historically important. Since the earliest times, people have tested both and left behind a great repository of knowledge about their value and importance in securing our lives and minimizing our suffering. Both approaches are meant to shield us from the...
Atman, the Individual Self
Jan 26, 2013
Each and everyone of us has an opportunity to practice yoga and enter into deeper states to see for ourselves what is hidden in each of us, where there is anything beyond this flux which we call as our consciousness or awareness. Mere intellectual knowledge does not help us to remain awake in deep sleep. But through...
Practicing Hinduism
May 11, 2013
Hinduism is not an easy religion to practice. Centuries of oppression corrupted the Hindu mind with conflicting values. Hindus ought to be aware of the implications of disobeying the moral codes and the virtues of good human conduct. They ought to be aware of the consequences of their own actions that lead to...
Significance of the Vedas in Hinduism
Nov 27, 2013
About the ritual and spiritual significance of the Vedas in Hinduism and why they are held with such great importance in Hinduism
A Note on the Translation of the Chandogya Upanishad
Apr 24, 2013
The Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads are like the two eyes or two wheels of the Vedanta. Without studying them, it is difficult to gain insight into the Vedic philosophy and mindset. Both cover a wide range of topics and provide a rare glimpse, to a keen observer, into the origins of Hinduism and the...
Life and Death - Symbolism of Shiva in the Body
May 25, 2013
Siva means the auspicious. That auspicious quality comes from his being present in the macrocosm as well as in the microcosm as the purifier, liberator and sustainer. By His mere presence, the world comes to life and so also the body.
What is Kaivalya?
Nov 21, 2013
Kaivalya means the state of aloneness, as opposed to the state of duality and attachment. It is not to be confused with the state of loneliness or living in seclusion.
Nature's Secret is Our Eternal Dharma
Mar 15, 2013
Our seers noticed this hidden design in the component realities of Nature. They observed both the unity and diversity in the manifestation of the world. They realized that the creation of God was built on the principle of cooperation and service and the purpose of each component of creation and each entity of creation...
Understanding Upanishads
Mar 30, 2013
Upanishads are best understood when you have a good knowledge of Vedic ritual terminology and the Vedic imagery hidden in the verses. Your understanding improves greatly if you pay deep attention to the verses. The Upanishads are mostly fragments of knowledge gleaned from various sources overtime and compiled into their...
Experiences in translating the Selected Upanishads
Apr 6, 2013
In this brief presentation, Jayaram speaks about his experiences in translating the 16 major Upanishads, which are due for publication in three books in a few weeks.
Panca Darshanas - The Five Means to Knowledge
Mar 9, 2013
I think for our personal growth and development, we need to adapt a multipronged approach to learning. We need to use various perspectives or approaches to cultivate an all-round knowledge and stretch our minds in every possible direction to assimilate whatever knowledge we can gather in the course of our lives. We need...
Ganesha As Intelligence, The Mahat Tattva
Sep 21, 2017
Ganesha is one of the most popular gods of Hinduism. He is worshipped by millions of Hindus all over the world in temples and at homes, sometimes in public also. This audio by Jayaram V explains the hidden symbolism and significance of Ganesha in the human body and in creation as the son of Shiva and Parvathi.
The Nature of Suffering
Jul 6, 2013
What suffering means in Hinduism and how it needs to be resolved.
Non-Violence Means
Jul 6, 2013
in Hinduism violence (himsa) not only means injuring or hurting others through force but also causing disturbances within oneself or others through intentional physical and mental actions.
Mental Liberation
Oct 21, 2013
Liberation in a general sense means liberation from whatever that holds you back or keeps in check. There are many types of liberation. We speak here only two types of liberation, spiritual liberation and mental liberation. Mental liberation means freedom from the conditioning to which we are subject. It is liberation...
Morality and Religion
Sep 28, 2013
There are many religious people who are deeply irreligious when it comes to the practice of morality and virtue upheld by the religion. In fact, the world worst offenders of social and moral norms are religious people. Why this is so? These issues are examined in this audio presentation.