Tag: Divine knowledge

Kenopanishad – The Path Beyond Perception

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What if everything you worship, think, and perceive is not the ultimate truth?

The Kenopanishad shakes the very foundation of our understanding by revealing that Brahman—the ultimate reality—is not what the senses perceive, nor what the mind can grasp. It is that by which all perception happens, yet remains beyond perception itself.

I am pleased to share my English explanation of the Kenopanishad, now available on the new Vedanta channel, Timeless Vedanta. This Upanishad is a profound text that explores the nature of ultimate reality, the limitations of perception, and the essence of Brahman—the supreme truth that is beyond the grasp of the senses and intellect.

This video presents a clear and insightful analysis of the Kenopanishad, encouraging deeper reflection and self-inquiry. Watch, learn, and break free from blind beliefs to embrace the wisdom of Vedanta.

Your engagement helps spread the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta and enables more seekers to benefit from these ancient yet ever-relevant teachings.

Summary of the Kenopanishad

The Kenopanishad from the Sama Veda’s Talavakara Brahmana is a profound exploration of Brahman, the ultimate reality that transcends sensory perception and intellectual comprehension. It is structured into four sections, addressing the nature of consciousness, the limitations of the mind and senses, and the necessity of realisation beyond mere knowledge.

I. The Nature of Brahman

The text begins with fundamental inquiries: What is the force behind the mind, speech, and senses? What enables perception and cognition? The answer given is that Brahman is the unseen power that enables all faculties yet remains beyond their grasp.

  • Brahman is the “ear of the ear, the mind of the mind, the speech of speech, the life of life, and the eye of the eye.”
  • The wise attain immortality by renouncing identification with the senses and realising this truth.
  • Brahman is beyond thought, speech, and sight, yet it is that by which the mind thinks, speech expresses, and the eyes see.
  • “Nedam-yadidam-upaasate” – That which is worshipped as an object is not Brahman; the real Brahman is that which enables perception itself.

II. The Paradox of Knowing Brahman

The Upanishad asserts that Brahman is not fully knowable, nor is it completely unknown. It is beyond dualistic comprehension:

  • If one thinks, “I know Brahman,” they have only a partial understanding.
  • Brahman is known by those who realise they do not fully know and remains unknown to those who think they know it completely.
  • True knowledge of Brahman leads to immortality, strength, and ultimate fulfilment.

III. The Parable of the Gods and Brahman’s Revelation

The Upanishad illustrates the ignorance of the gods through a symbolic story:

  • After a great victory, the gods (Agni, Vayu, and Indra) assume their triumph is solely their own.
  • Brahman appears as an unknown Yaksha (divine being) to humble them.
  • Agni, the fire god, fails to burn a blade of grass; Vayu, the wind god, fails to lift it—revealing their limited power.
  • Indra, seeking answers, meets Uma (Parvati), the embodiment of wisdom, who reveals that their victory was due to Brahman alone.
  • Indra, being the first to realise this, is praised above the other gods.

IV. The Flash of Realisation

  • Brahman is realised like a lightning flash or a blink of an eye—sudden and beyond conceptualisation.
  • The seeker must meditate on Brahman as “Tadvana” (the most desirable).
  • Austerity, self-restraint, and righteous action serve as the foundation for realisation.
  • One who attains this knowledge becomes established in Brahman, free from ignorance, confusion, suffering, and Karma

The Kenopanishad asserts that Brahman is the essence of all experience but cannot be objectified. It must be known intuitively, not intellectually. The Upanishad leads the seeker away from external worship to direct self-inquiry, revealing that the ultimate truth is not in what is perceived but in that which enables perception itself.

Click here for the complete text of the Kenopanishad in English

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The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Embracing the Blissful Journey: The Ever-Relevant Gita – A Present-Day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada

Now available in various online store fronts, such as: Amazon International, IN, DE, UK, AU, NL, CA, FR, ES, PL, IT, BR, MX

*The paperback version is not available on Amazon India.

Part 1: Preface and Introduction + Chapters 1-6

The preface and introduction lay the foundation for your exploration. Don't be tempted to skip these initial chapters; they are the compass guiding you through the intricate terrain of the Gita's philosophy. Understand the core teachings, and you'll find yourself motivated to delve deeper, perhaps into the rich Bhashyams or commentaries of Shri Adi Shankara and other great teachers.

Part 2: Chapters 7-12

As you progress through these chapters, absorb the profound insights that unfold. The clarity of understanding achieved in the earlier sections becomes the stepping stone for an even more profound comprehension of Krishna's teachings.

Part 3: Chapters 13-18 + Outro

The culmination of your journey awaits in the final chapters. The outro ties the threads together, offering a comprehensive view of the Gita's timeless wisdom. This concluding section is not to be missed; it holds the key to empowerment and self-confidence.

Namaste Seekers,

Embark on a profound journey into the timeless wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita with ‘The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada.’ Below, I’ll elucidate the profound significance of this work and its potential to illuminate the path to self-realisation.

In a fast-paced world fraught with complexities, the solace found in ancient wisdom often remains unexplored. 'The Ever-Relevant Gita – A Present-day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada’ endeavours to bridge this gap, bringing forth the profound teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to everyone, irrespective of age, background, or familiarity with ancient scriptures.

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

The main challenge involves dispelling misconceptions that surround the Srimad Bhagavad Gita—misconceptions about its perceived depth, religious connotations, and its relevance limited to the elderly or devout individuals. In this modern interpretation, we untangle myths and present timeless wisdom in a manner that aligns with the sensibilities of the contemporary mind.

A Unique Approach: Audio, Video, and E-book Formats

Understanding the daunting nature of lengthy translations, a unique approach has been taken by creating easily digestible audio recordings of each chapter. These recordings allow listeners to absorb the essence of the Gita at their own pace, breaking down barriers that often deter individuals from exploring this ageless scripture.

Beyond presentation, this initiative is a call to embark on a blissful journey of self-discovery. In my life, which has been shaped by numerous challenges and life-altering situations, the importance of a well-trained instinct and a balanced mindset has become crystal clear to me. A clear understanding of the fundamental principles of the teachings in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita certainly plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes, cultivating fearlessness, and fostering rational thinking during critical moments.

Practical Insights for Daily Application

The true power of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita lies in its application in everyday life. The focus is not merely on delivering a rendition or chanting Shlokas, but on providing practical insights that enable individuals to apply these teachings in their daily lives, leading to a more fulfilling and blissful existence.

In essence, the mission is to make the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita easily accessible, relatable, and applicable to everyone, fostering a deeper understanding of life's intricacies. Join me on this enlightening journey, and let's journey through the supreme scripture together.

Those who would like a promo code for a free download of the Audiobook version of the ‘The Ever-Relevant Gita – A Present-Day Rendering by Tavamithram Sarvada’ may email their request to tavamithramoffice@gmail.com

Jai Shri Krishna

Are you that RARE Seeker?

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

In the timeless wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Krishna reveals a profound truth in Shloka SBG 7:03

मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये |
यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः
manush-yaaNaam sahasreshu kash-chi-dyatati siddhaye
yatataa-mapi siddhaa-naam kash-chinmaam vetti tattvataha (SBG 7:03)”

“Out of thousands of men, hardly one tries to achieve perfection in Self-realisation and among those trying so hard to do so, there is hardly one who achieves perfection in Self-realisation and among those who do achieve Self-realisation, there is hardly one who truly knows Me.”

This revelation highlights a stark reality: the path to true SELF-realisation is trodden by only a few, and among those few, even fewer truly comprehend the essence of the Divine.

Reflecting on this, it’s remarkable to consider the efforts of Shri Adi Shankaracharya, my prime human spiritual guru. In the timeless ‘NirvaaNa Shatakam,’ he encapsulated profound truths in merely six Shlokas. Yet, he journeyed across Bharata Varsha (India) by foot, enlightening kings and commoners alike with the supreme knowledge of Vedanta. Why such an arduous endeavour? The answer lies in the pervasive ignorance that clouds human intellect.

One who has not achieved mental clarity—being confused, scared, worried, stuck in a belief system, or a mental slave to someone—usually flashes the victim card at the drop of a hat. In contrast, one who is sincerely seeking treats all experiences as learning opportunities. Simply put, I am extremely thankful to all those who cheated, hurt, insulted, or tried to harm me in the past. Without them, I might not have had sufficient fuel to propel my ship to the heights of bliss I have managed to create for myself in any given situation.

For ten years, yes, TEN YEARS, I have dedicated myself to this blog, sharing the rational philosophy of Vedanta. Many have visited, gained some insights, made minor life changes, and moved on. Some, however, have exhibited a shocking lack of courtesy and decency, demanding answers without a trace of respect. Here’s a recent example on my contact page from an Indian person living in the USA: “Can you break your fast completely second day of Navratri if you can’t do it or don’t have proper items is it a sin. Can I break my fast for Navratri or did I already break it before 8 by eating fruits and ate food after 9 pm doing aarti.” No greeting, no politeness—just a blunt demand for an answer, coupled with a disregard for the language they’re using, which is the main language of the country they are living in! This is the impression these people create of Indians. And what am I supposed to say to such a query? Is this a typical ‘Indian’ way of interacting with people? I can’t even discern what this person wants from me!

Well, on October 11th, 2024, two of this blog’s sincere and senior-most followers (senior not in terms of age but in years of association with this blog and my mission), along with my oldest and most trusted friend, and I had an online meeting to discuss Atma, Anatma, and the Mahavakya ‘Pragnyaanam Brahma’. The joy of engaging with such true seekers is simply indescribable, contrasting sharply with the frustration of dealing with blind believers who spread nonsense without understanding even the basics of Vedanta.

If the idea of discussing Vedanta resonates with you, if you wish to free yourself from the shackles of intellect-numbing belief systems, if you desire to live a life that is peaceful and blissful, and if you feel a genuine pull towards Vedanta, you may write to me and express your interest in joining our next online discussion. You can always go through the posts on this blog and watch videos on the Tavamithram YouTube channel. For the rest, feel free to continue on your current path—no pressure, no problem.

Seekers, let’s continue seeking Truth together.

Why me – मैं ही क्यों – நான் ஏன்?

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Understanding Destiny through the Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Every morning can be treated as a new Janma (birth), carrying forward the thoughts and mindset from the previous day, thus continuing life patterns. Changing one’s life for the better is not difficult if one understands the natural principle of cause and effect and works towards acquiring the knowledge of the all-pervading Self, Brahman, or Krishna. As long as one thinks of Krishna as a separate entity, they will have expectations, which naturally lead to disappointments. Krishna is everywhere, in all beings, and is existence itself. Rise above dualitym accept responsibility and make the necessary course corrections in life. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita clearly states that the path of knowledge is the highest. Check out Shloka SBG 4:37-38.

To illustrate these concepts, I created three videos in three different languages using easy-to-understand analogies. When I made the Hindi video, one of our family members, Mr. Anupam Agarwal helped me in reviewing the Hindi script. Special thanks to him.

Additionally, I offer my latest book, ‘The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’. This book can answer almost all possible questions one might have about destiny, karma, dharma, Krishna, birth, life, and death.

Embracing the Path of Knowledge

It is an irrefutable fact that everyone possesses some degree of a personality trait called narcissism. The degree of narcissism in a person separates a normal individual from someone who needs professional help. Even a small amount of narcissism can push a person towards feelings of entitlement, selfishness, and the typical ‘Why me?’ question. One’s own answer to this question is usually based on self-pity and a sense of being a victim of others, external forces, or misfortune.

People who care to set aside their narcissistic traits, however small and insignificant, and their feelings of victimhood, can find not just an answer to the ‘Why me?’ question but a permanent solution to it.

The following presentation analyses the ‘Why me?’ question, the principle of cause and effect, and ways to carve out a clearer, better, enjoyable, and enriching destiny with the help of teachings from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

May peace reign in your heart, mind, and soul, and may your life be blessed with an abundance of Divine Grace.

Jai Shri Krishna

Watch the video in the language of your choice, reflect, and take action.

Amritabindu Upanishad on Substack

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

The MIND – Man’s Greatest Tool

*SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK – IT’S FREE*

Learning to use the MIND as a Churning Stick to realise your TRUE DIVINE SELF!

The Amritabindu Upanishad, part of the Krishna Yajur Veda, is a concise and powerful text for true seekers of spiritual wisdom. CONTINUE ON SUBSTACK
 

 

Treat Insults and Setbacks as ‘ROCKET FUEL’

Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!

The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

FREE PROMO CODES: LIMITED OFFER

The Greatest Gift to Yourself for 2024 and the Future

Nonduality #Vedanta #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Spirituality #TruthSeeker”

Anger – your greatest ally?

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Harness Your Rage and Redefine Your Reality

TheTriple ‘Z’ 

What if I told you that anger isn’t something to be feared or suppressed, but rather a powerful force that, when harnessed wisely, can drive incredible change in your life?

Well, some people are happy with their lives, not so happy, sad, or even sick of their lives. If everything is going well, and you are happy, just continue doing what you are doing and living the way you are. I don’t propagate the ideas of ‘good and bad’ or ‘right and wrong,’ which I consider dogmatic. Common sense alone tells us that something is good and right if it makes us happy and in no way harms our health, surroundings, nature, or others.

However, many are unhappy, dissatisfied, depressed, weak, or scared and would like to change their lives for the better. For those who genuinely want to make changes, however big or small, here are some steps you might want to follow:

  1. Identifying the Problems

Write down what you don’t like about your current situation, whether it’s your appearance, living circumstances, work, mindset, or any other area of your life. Be as specific as possible. I have given some easy and practical hacks in my video titled ‘Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!’

  1. Setting Clear Goals

Next, think about what you want to achieve. What does your ideal self look like? How do you want to feel or think differently? Write down these goals so that you have a clear target to aim for. Be absolutely specific and describe your ideal self in detail.

  1. Execution

Once you’ve identified your problems and set your goals, begin outlining the steps or strategies needed to achieve them. This might involve altering your habits, seeking guidance, or acquiring new skills. Concentrate on taking small, manageable actions that will steadily progress you towards your objectives.

By breaking it down into these steps, you’ll have a clearer path to follow, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated along the way.

Sitting alone, fretting, fuming, or complaining will only lead to self-pity, and that will ensure that your life stays exactly the way it is now, if not worse.

A Personal Story of Transformation

Thirty years ago, during a 48-hour self-imposed retreat, I conceived and meticulously crafted ‘Project KR’, where I defined and redefined exactly how I wanted my life to unfold.

Almost everything I described in Project KR has been happening so far. This includes the realisation of far-fetched aims, such as meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, and many other things that would have seemed impossible at that time.

I must emphasise that the goals and strategies I outlined in my playbook, which I boldly committed to nearly 30 years ago – defying all conventional thought processes and career planning – have not only materialised but have done so with astonishing precision, even in the finer details. Keep in mind, Rhonda Byrne’s ‘The Secret’ hadn’t even been written back then!

Likely Source of My Determination

My determination likely stemmed from the intense anger I harboured due to the wrongs inflicted upon me by others, which I now recognise as a result of my own naïveté or even foolishness. It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and my ‘necessity,’ or rather my overwhelming drive to transform my life, was so powerful that I was able to create possibilities out of seemingly nothing.

The Triple ‘Z’: Zeal, Zest, and Zing

Around the time I embarked on my 48-hour self-reflection, I was teaching French at several management colleges. I closely observed the mindsets of my students, aged 18 to 20. Among them, only a few exhibited a profound, intense drive to set ambitious goals, achieve them, and pursue a more fulfilling life. This further reinforced my belief that not everyone possesses a high level of drive. While this isn’t inherently wrong, it can result in either a lacklustre future or a life devoid of Zeal, Zest, and Zing – qualities I was highly driven to attain and live my life to the fullest, which I had almost lost in some major accidents earlier.

In the biographies of many great individuals I’ve read, one common thread stands out: they never blamed others for their circumstances. Instead, they took full responsibility, charted their own paths, and forged ahead with determination.

Final Thoughts:

Some people write to me saying that they want to improve their lives, looks, happiness, relationships, etc., but are unable to achieve them.

My question to them is, “Who is stopping you?”

Treat Insults and Setbacks as ‘ROCKET FUEL’

Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!

The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

Nonduality #Vedanta #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Spirituality #TruthSeeker”

Shatter the Cycle: BURN and RESET your Karma!

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Break Free from Fate and Change Your Life Instantly

Karma Hacks

The concept of karma, often misunderstood or shrouded in superstition, is essentially about the patterns and outcomes in our lives that are heavily influenced by our own attitudes, actions, and reactions. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how Karma functions and impacts our lives and even those of our descendants:

The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering’

FREE PROMO CODES: LIMITED OFFER

The Greatest Gift to Yourself for 2024 and the Future

Nonduality #Vedanta #SelfDiscovery #Consciousness #Spirituality #TruthSeeker”

A Simple and Practical Life-Changing ‘Mantra’

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

Crisis Management

Simple Truth for Mental Peace

Beat Stress and Fear Instantly with This One Secret!

We all experience mental stress, and in 99.99% of cases, it arises from one primary reason: not being able to come to terms with a situation. This was a profound lesson I learned early in life, thanks to my father’s timeless advice. Whenever I found myself in danger or facing a serious predicament, his words would echo in my mind, guiding me through the turmoil.

My father’s advice was simple yet powerful: “In times of trouble, stay calm and ask yourself what to do next.” This approach encourages acceptance of the situation, even if temporarily, and prompts you to ask, “What next?” This small but significant shift in mindset allows your intelligence to take over, pushing aside emotional responses and enabling you to find practical solutions.

Life can often feel overwhelmingly complicated, much like making intricate ‘jalebis’. However, the true sources of our stress are usually straightforward: ego, sense of entitlement, and self-pity. My father taught me to recognise these barriers and to let them go. By doing so, you clear the path to a more serene and manageable life.

Embracing this mindset has been a cornerstone of my highly eventful life. It’s a strategy that has repeatedly proven its worth, offering a 100% guarantee for a life filled with peace, love, joy, and humour. These golden words, rooted in my father’s wisdom, can help anyone achieve a blissful existence.

So, next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, remember to stay calm, accept the moment, and simply ask, “What next?” You’ll be amazed at how quickly clarity and solutions emerge.

#LifeTips #MentalPeace #SimpleLiving #FathersWisdom #MindsetShift #StressRelief

02 Overcoming Fear: Stoic Resilience and Vedantic Enlightenment

Posted on by Tavamithram Sarvada

What is Fear?

Dive into the profound wisdom of Stoicism and Vedanta to overcome fear and build inner resilience. In this video, we explore practical techniques and timeless teachings from these ancient philosophies that guide us in facing our fears with courage and clarity. Discover how understanding the nature of fear and applying these insights can lead to a life of greater peace and strength.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The Stoic perspective on fear and its management
  • Vedantic teachings on transcending fear through self-realisation
  • Practical steps to cultivate resilience and calm in the face of fear
  • Quotes and insights from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and the Bhagavad Gita

Key Quotes:

“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view they take of them.” – Epictetus
“The moment you fear, you are nobody.” – Swami Vivekananda

Topics Covered:

  • Understanding the nature of fear
  • Stoic technique of ‘premeditatio malorum’ (premeditation of evils)
  • Vedantic view of the eternal, unchanging self
  • Strategies for mental and emotional preparation

Stadt your journey towards inner peace and emotional resilience with the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and Vedanta. Watch now to learn how to transcend fear and embrace a life of purpose and strength.