Hinduism Podcasts

Feb 27, 2022

Ancient Indian seers 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.

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.

Dec 1, 2015

An examination of the Advaita proposition that the world is unreal and has no basis in eternity. Is the world truly an illusion?

Nov 7, 2013

The audio version of a chapter from the book Brahman by Jayaram V, exploring the concept of Brahman and its role in Vedic philosophy and tradition.

Mar 9, 2013

For 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.

Mar 30, 2013

The 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.

Apr 24, 2013

The Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads are like the two eyes 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.

Apr 6, 2013

Jayaram V speaks about his experiences in translating the 16 major Upanishads, which were published in three books.

Nov 27, 2013

About the ritual and spiritual significance of the Vedas in Hinduism and why they are held with such great importance in the tradition.

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.

Jan 22, 2018

A few thoughts on how Brahman (God) should be worshipped or approached, and whether he has a specific name and form — examining both personal and impersonal conceptions of the divine.

Apr 6, 2015

A brief presentation on the symbolism of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu and the goddess of wealth, health, and fortune.

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.

Sep 21, 2017

This audio explains the hidden symbolism and significance of Ganesha in the human body and in creation as the son of Shiva and Parvathi — representing cosmic intelligence or Mahat.

Aug 27, 2015

The archetypal meaning, cultural significance, and symbolism of the moon (Chandra) in Hinduism.

Mar 11, 2021

Maha Shivaratri is a well-known Hindu festival. Millions of devotees worship Shiva on this auspicious day. There is a hidden spiritual significance of the festival which is not known to many — explained briefly by Jayaram V.

Jul 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.

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.

Feb 3, 2022

The Hindu caste system probably came into existence around 3500 years ago. It brought together people from diverse backgrounds under a social contract. This discussion explores a few aspects of its origin, purpose, and consequences.

Mar 5, 2015

This presentation explores the meaning of Sanatana Dharma and in what context or for what valid reasons Hinduism qualifies as Sanatana Dharma.

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.

Sep 28, 2013

There are many religious people who are deeply irreligious when it comes to the practice of morality and virtue. Why is this so? These issues are examined in this audio presentation.

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.

Jan 26, 2013

Each of us has an opportunity to practice yoga and enter into deeper states to see for ourselves what is hidden within — whether there is anything beyond this flux which we call consciousness or awareness.

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.

Oct 21, 2013

Liberation in a general sense means freedom from whatever holds you back. We speak here of two types: spiritual liberation and mental liberation — which is freedom from the conditioning to which we are subject.

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 — to remind them repeatedly that they are God in human form.

Mar 15, 2013

Our seers observed both the unity and diversity in the manifestation of the world. They realized that creation was built on the principle of cooperation and service — the purpose of each entity in creation.

Feb 28, 2018

India is the only country where its ancient culture and native faiths survived centuries of foreign oppression, colonialism, imperialism, and an organized onslaught by well-funded foreign institutions to undermine them.

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.

Jan 29, 2013

Saivism is a major sect of Hinduism. Like Vaishnavism, it is a religion in itself. Until medieval times it was the most popular sect, regarding Lord Siva as Brahman himself and all other divinities as aspects of him.

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.

Jul 6, 2013

What suffering means in Hinduism and how it needs to be understood, accepted, and resolved on the path to liberation.

Oct 19, 2017

Emotions are useful to perceive reality and know what is going on in you and around you. If you want to cultivate sameness or equanimity and learn to accept yourself unconditionally, emotions are the best place to begin.

Oct 13, 2017

Attachments are a greater source of misery, stress, and unhappiness. This podcast is about cultivating detachment for greater freedom and happiness by understanding your attachments and motivation.