Most people live their lives filled with noise, dogma, and contradiction, making sense of life a challenging task. They have unanswered questions, such as, “Who am I?” or “What’s the point of all this?” They are either caught up in beliefs and rituals, have no inclination to engage with such questions, or, due to their beliefs, are afraid to question traditions, or simply too busy to stop and think.
Religions and ideologies claim to offer answers, but more often than not, they leave us confused and divided. They demand belief, but fail to encourage true understanding.
Vedanta is not another belief system. It offers a unique method – a way of seeing – that helps you distinguish between what is real and what is assumed. It doesn’t require blind faith. Instead, it invites you to look within and engage with your own direct experience.
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.
As we take a moment to reflect on our lives, let’s remind ourselves that a new year, whether it’s the Gregorian year or any other marker of time, by itself cannot do anything. It is our perception of things and our attitude towards life that truly influence our lives.
In my opinion, what we need to first strive for is clarity—clarity in the way we think, perceive, and judge. For this, some fundamental understanding of oneself and universal oneness is essential.
In our world, filled with numerous cults, groups, spiritual leaders and gurus, it is crucial to recognise the true qualities of divinity, which are honesty, sincerity, compassion, modesty, and gratitude. These virtues surpass any specific doctrine or tradition.
TThe Vedas, Upanishads, and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita are invaluable tools designed to guide individuals towards selflessness. However, although they make things easier for a seeker, they are not the only path to achieving a divine state. Many remarkable people who have never encountered these texts exhibit profound divinity, suggesting that true spirituality transcends any specific set of teachings.
In the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Shloka 2:46, Krishna says that one who has attained SELF-realisation needs the Vedas as much as one would need a well when it is flooded everywhere. This illustrates that attaining supreme knowledge is the highest goal.
Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique. The purpose of Karma Yoga, or performing one’s duty without expecting results, is to maintain a balanced state of mind. Emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, hatred, and envy are born from our perceptions. These emotions are merely waves in the otherwise tranquil ocean of awareness.
When we learn to perceive things differently, we can face and handle challenges better. However, the root causes of mental pain, sadness, and suffering are often attachments and our expectations.
The greatest lesson I have learned from life’s ups and downs is to never expect anything from anyone or life itself. Instead, relish every moment, knowing that anything can happen at any time. Being alive, healthy, sane, and conscious is a gift to be celebrated.
I think that feeling upset about things can also be seen as a form of arrogance or entitlement. It is because it overlooks the miracle of life happening with every heartbeat, which, by the way, can stop at any time.
BBy cultivating a profound understanding of this, we can achieve peace in any circumstance. Introspecting and recognising our fundamentally innate honest and sincere nature reveals the misguided notions arising from a lack of clarity, which obscure our divine true self. Challenging situations refine and polish us, leading to the highest clarity and the ultimate state of Krishna.
Please reflect on the following Shlokas from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita:
SBG 14:23 Krishna says: “He remains unattached and is not moved by sense objects. He knows that it is the senses and the mind born of the Gunas that act while his real Self remains unwavering in all situations.”
SBG 14:24 “He is the same in pleasure as well as in pain; is established in the Self; he is one to whom a lump of earth, a stone and gold are no different from each other; he treats equally the friendly and the unfriendly, and accepts praise or criticism with equanimity.”
SBG 14:25 “He who remains unmoved in honour and dishonour; is the same to friend and foe, and has renounced all actions by giving up claims of being the ‘Doer’, is said to have transcended the three Gunas.”
SBG 14:26 “He who serves Me with unflinching devotion and transcends the Gunas, is fit for becoming Brahman.”
SBG 14:27 “For I am the abode of the formless Brahman, the imperishable and the immutable, of eternal Dharma and of absolute bliss.”
Reflect on these teachings to find peace and equanimity in your spiritual journey. Once such clarity has been achieved, every new day can be celebrated as the first day of the rest of your life, without waiting for any calendar to announce and validate it.
As we embark on our own journeys, let us seek the fruits of the Tree of Abundance. This metaphorical tree, rooted in the fertile soil of knowledge and wisdom, offers us an endless bounty. From its branches hang the fruits of health, prosperity, and happiness, each one a result of the nurturing power of understanding and insight. When we cultivate our minds with learning and awareness, we gain the true wealth that life has to offer. May the Tree of Abundance bless you with its riches, nourishing every aspect of your life and guiding you towards a future filled with endless possibilities.
Please remember that if you continue to be what you have always been and do what you have always done, your life will continue to be how it has always been. Different results need different inputs. It all starts with knowledge. It is usually through the transformative power of knowledge that one can plant the seeds of change and harvest a future abundant with new possibilities.
I am pleased to share a comprehensive resource for those dedicated to the pursuit of self-realisation through Advaita Vedanta. This collection of 45 videos, hosted on YouTube, serves as a guided journey to help you internalise the profound teachings of non-dual Vedanta, the pinnacle of all Vedic studies. Each video is thoughtfully designed to facilitate a smoother path towards the realisation of Atma-Gnyaana — the knowledge of your own true, all-pervading, and attributeless SELF, known as Brahman or Krishna.
For your convenience, I have compiled these videos into a single PDF index with clickable links, allowing you to easily access each video at your own pace.
May this resource inspire and aid you in your quest for self-awareness and enlightenment, freeing you from all fears and negative emotions. These emotions can only rob you of your most precious asset — time on this planet — without offering true happiness in return.
The Path of Knowledge has been accorded the highest status among all paths towards Self-Realisation: Shloka SBG 4:38
*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
Krishna Jayanti, or Janmashtami, marks the celebrated ‘birth’ of Bhagavan Shri Krishna, an event cherished across the globe. But how does this celebration reconcile with Krishna’s own words in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, where he declares that He was never born, nor will He ever die?
Consider this profound Shloka:
नत्वेवाहं जातु नासं न त्वं नेमे जनाधिपाः | न चैव न भविष्यामः सर्वे वयमतः परम् || २ १२ ||
na tvevaaham jaatu naasam na tvam neme janaadhi-paaha na chaiva na bhavishyaa-maha sarve vayam-ataha param SBG 2:12
“There never was a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings. We will also never cease to exist.”
In this Shloka, Krishna emphasises the eternal nature of the Atman. The physical birth and death that we observe are but mere transitions in the infinite existence of the SELF. Krishna, as the Supreme Being, transcends these limitations of time and space.
Arjuna, puzzled by this concept, continues with his questions and, in Chapter 4, asks Krishna as follows:
अर्जुन उवाच | अपरं भवतो जन्म परं जन्म विवस्वतः | कथमेतद्विजानीयां त्वमादौ प्रोक्तवानिति || ४ ४ ||
Arjuna said: “Your birth was after the birth of Vivasvaan. How should I understand when You say that You taught this Yoga to him?”
To this, Krishna responds, illuminating the mystery of His divine nature:
श्रीभगवानुवाच | बहूनि मे व्यतीतानि जन्मानि तव चार्जुन | तान्यहं वेद सर्वाणि न त्वं वेत्थ परंतप || ४ ५ ||
sri bhagavan uvaacha bahuuni me vyatii-taani janmaani tava-chaarjuna taan-yaham veda sarvaaNi na tvam vettha parantapa SBG 4:05
Sri Krishna said: “Many births of mine as well as yours have passed. I know all of them, but you don’t, O Parantapa (Arjuna – destroyer of enemies).”
Here, Krishna acknowledges the cyclical nature of birth and rebirth, highlighting that while He is aware of all His incarnations, Arjuna remains unaware.
Krishna then reveals the ultimate truth of His existence:
अजोऽपि सन्नव्ययात्मा भूतानामीश्वरोऽपि सन् | प्रकृतिं स्वामधिष्ठाय संभवाम्यात्ममायया || ४ ६ ||
ajo ‘pi san-navya-yaathma bhuuthaanaa-miishvaro ‘pi san prakrthim svaa-madhisht-haaya sambhavaa-myaathma-maayayaa SBG 4:06
“Though I am unborn and imperishable, and although I am the Bhagavan of all beings, I do incarnate by my own Maya or My Divine Energy.”
Krishna’s ‘birth’ is not conventional; it is a divine descent, an incarnation born of His own will and energy, symbolising the emergence of pure intellect after dispelling layers and layers of ignorance. Krishna Jayanti, while celebrating His appearance, also invites us to reflect on the deeper spiritual truths He embodies.
In this short video I’ve created, I delve into the essence of Krishna Janmashtami and how embracing these teachings can transform your life and lead to enduring bliss: At the end of the short video, I have translated Shloka SBG 2:12 into six Indian languages apart from English.
It is crucial to remember that taking scriptural texts literally can lead one astray from the true path of Self-Realisation, potentially fostering rigid belief systems or cult-like thinking. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita offers profound wisdom—absorb its philosophy, and use it to cultivate a life of fulfilment and spiritual growth.
A ‘disclaimer’ from Srimad Bhagavatam (not Srimad Bhagavad Gita)
“Shukadeva Gosvami spoke: O mighty King Parikshith, I have shared with you the accounts of these illustrious kings, whose fame and great deeds echoed worldwide before their departure. However, my fundamental intention has always been to impart the wisdom of the transcendental and the path of renunciation. Although the stories of kings embellish these narratives with grandeur and opulence, they, in and of themselves, do not represent the ultimate essence of knowledge.“
*Please listen to the audio or read the post before watching the video.
After a decade away, I found myself standing once more in front of the house where I had lived until I was 11. This was the place where my sister and I used to walk to school, hand in hand, through green fields, joyfully crossing a small brook along the way. But as I stood there, I was struck by how different everything seemed. The street that once seemed so long and wide now appeared short and narrow. The house, which I remembered as spacious, looked small. The distance to my school, which had once felt like a great journey, now seemed trivial.
What had happened? When I left Poona, I was 11 years old. Now, I was 21. I had grown taller, and my perspective had shifted. The distances and proportions I held in my mind were relative to my height and understanding as a child.
This experience confirmed a profound truth: what we call reality is shaped entirely by our perception. When I was a child, my world seemed vast. As an adult, returning to that same world, it appeared small and contained. The reality I perceived at 11 was not an absolute truth—it was a reflection of my limited perception at that time.
This realisation extends far beyond childhood memories. It speaks to the very nature of our existence and the limitations we impose upon ourselves. Those who are deluded into believing they are merely their bodies, confined by irrational religious beliefs and paralysed by the fear of defying some ‘heavenly figure’, are trapped in a narrow reality. Their consciousness is limited, their minds blocked by layers of fear, dogma, and superstition.
But imagine if they could step out of these mental prisons—if they could free themselves from the beliefs that restrict their consciousness and their ability to think freely. They would rise above these illusions and delusions, and experience the ultimate truth of their existence: the realisation of their true SELF as subjective awareness, which is formless and, once not mentally limited to the body, is all-pervading.
This is the essence of the awakening journey—transcending the childish beliefs, religions, cults, and sects that confine us, and attaining the highest state of understanding. It is a journey from the narrow confines of perception to the boundless expanses of consciousness.
Take this fascinating virtual flight through space to the end of the observable universe and back. As you do, realise the vastness and awesomeness of existence. Let it inspire you to rise above the illusions that bind you and to reach for that highest state of awareness where the ultimate truth resides, far beyond the constructs of human beliefs.
Ever since I began my blog and YouTube channel in 2014, my mission has been to inspire individuals to delve deeper into the profound teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta. These ancient philosophies offer timeless wisdom that can guide us towards self-realisation and inner peace.
In our modern world, it’s easy to get lost in the noise and distractions of daily life. However, the teachings of Vedanta provide a path to clarity and understanding. By focusing on the principles of unity and non-duality, we can transcend superficial differences and connect with our true selves.
One of the most powerful aspects of Vedanta is its emphasis on inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. This philosophy encourages us to ask questions and seek deeper truths, fostering personal growth and mental clarity.
In my next video, I will be discussing these themes in greater detail, exploring how Vedanta can help us lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Stay tuned for insights and practical applications that can transform your perspective and approach to life.
Join me as we embark on this journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Let’s explore the depths of Vedanta together!
Have you ever found yourself pondering the nature of your existence, questioning the essence of who you are? Dive into a journey that promises to challenge your perceptions and reveal the profound truth hidden within your own being. Our latest video, “Beyond the Veil of Illusion: Unveiling the Atman and Exposing the Claims of a ‘DEATH EXPERT’!”, explores the depths of consciousness and the elusive concept of the Atman.
In this intriguing exploration, we delve into ancient wisdom and contemporary misconceptions, challenging common beliefs about the soul and self. The video introduces you to the fundamental principles of Vedanta and self-inquiry, drawing insights from revered texts like the Mandukya Upanishad and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
What if you could peel away the layers of illusion that obscure your true essence? Imagine discovering that the answers you seek are not in distant realms or spiritual leaders but within your very core.
Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about identity, existence, and the nature of reality. Why do some spiritual seekers chase after external validation when the truth lies within? How can understanding the Atman transform your perception of the world?
The video also takes a critical look at the claims made by so-called ‘death experts’ and spiritual mediums, challenging the prevalent myths about separate ‘souls’ or ‘atmas.’ Is it possible that these claims stem from a misunderstanding of what the Atman truly represents?
Join me on this enlightening journey to uncover the ultimate reality that transcends all illusions. Click the video below and embark on a path of self-discovery that might just change the way you see yourself and the world around you.
Advaita Vedanta provides a transformative perspective on reality and self-awareness, encouraging us to look beyond ordinary perceptions and explore the deeper essence of existence.
This ancient philosophy is grounded in rational thought rather than blind belief, inviting us to embark on a journey towards profound realisation and inner peace. By delving into the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, we can reshape our understanding of the world and our place within it.
Discover how this timeless wisdom can guide you to uncover the ultimate Truth and achieve a deeper connection with the essence of your being.
Tavamithram Sarvada 