Truth Doesn’t Care About Your Beliefs: Uncover the Ultimate Reality

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You’ve been told what to think. You’ve been conditioned to accept, obey, and conform. But what if everything you believe—everything you rely on—has been carefully placed there to keep you from seeing the truth?

What if the world around you isn’t what it seems?

This isn’t just another talk. It’s an experience—one that might shake the very foundation of what you think is real. But be warned: once you step through this door, there is no going back.

Are you ready to challenge everything? Watch now.

First Achieve and Then Let Go!

Sour Grapes and Self-Pity – Escaping Life’s Responsibilities

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In my journey of counselling and guiding individuals over the last decade through my Tavamithram blog, I have encountered numerous men and women who, after interactions with me, emerged more courageous, fearless, and self-confident. There have been a couple of young women who imbibed the knowledge I imparted so well that they did things requiring extensive courage—actions that would make a regular man think not just twice but three times. However, there are exceptions. Despite receiving extensive personal counselling, some individuals persist in wallowing in self-pity, which is something I always try to nip in the bud. This phenomenon, especially among young men, often manifests as existential rhetoric and disillusionment with worldly pursuits. This certainly does not sound even fundamentally manly to me. CONTINUE READING ON SUBSTACK.

Is it a rope? Is it a snake?

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The Illusion of Reality

What if everything you perceive as reality is just an illusion shaped by your mind? In the ancient teachings of Advaita Vedanta, the analogy of the rope and snake is a powerful tool used to illustrate this profound truth. Imagine seeing a rope in dim light and mistaking it for a snake. Your fear and reactions are real, but the snake is not. The rope never ceases to be a rope, just as the ultimate reality never changes, despite our misconceptions. READ MORE

The Ever-Relevant Gita: A Present-Day Rendering

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 InternationalINDEUKAUNLCAFRESPLITBRMX

*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

What Lies Beyond ‘You’? The Ultimate Truth in Vedanta

Who Am I? Uncovering the Timeless Mystery of Self

Subscribe to my FREE SUBSTACK for insights on self-discovery, consciousness, and Vedanta. Join now and connect with fellow seekers on a deeper journey!

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Are you that RARE Seeker?

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.



Forget the Heart, First Heal the Mind!

Beyond Prayers and Miracles – The Rational Path to Self-Realisation

Transform Your Life with Vedanta, The Science of all Sciences

WATCH THIS AND CLEAR YOUR HEAD OF ALL UNWANTED STUFF:

When ignorance becomes the norm, entire masses of people can be easily swayed to firmly believe the unreal to be real. The crucial factor in society that enables a select few to manipulate their minds is the ignorance of the masses, which basically stems from blind beliefs that numb their brains, and sheer laziness to make a move to get out of ignorance.

People come to my blog, watch some of my videos, and ask me what they should do to change their lives. Almost everyone wants instant solutions, and they are even willing to pay for shortcuts! One should not overlook the fact that even the act of going to a religious place and praying for what one wants is a form of seeking shortcuts.

But the truth is that everything has a price, and everything is part of the never-ending cause-and-effect chain. Asking someone or ‘god’ to give them what they want could only mean that the so-called ‘god’ changes his plans to suit the needs of the one praying. So, what about the others? Do their lives get destroyed because someone else prayed and got things done by ‘god’ to do things their way? Really? So, what happens when two entities at war with each other pray to the same ‘god’? Who do you think ‘god’ will bless with special favours?!

How many people really dare to make massive changes in their lives, have the courage to travel around, experience and learn more, and evolve? Krishna says in Shloka SBG 7:19, “Therefore, after innumerable births, the one who has perfected his or her wisdom, understanding fully My universal reality, surrenders to Me and such an individual is very rare.”

So, with a default state of mind of wanting to maintain the status quo, people tend to look for easy ways out, shortcuts, middlemen, and women who can help them achieve success through the short path, which is a form of corruption or fraud. It is because people want something without really working for it.

When did Krishna say in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to go to his temples, perform meaningless rites and rituals with the mammary milk of poor voiceless animals, sing songs in His praise, chant Mantras the whole day, and do nothing else? The clear instruction in the second chapter is that you only have the right to work, but never to claim its results. The results of your actions should never be your motive, but at the same time, you should not be attached to inaction.

Then why do people perform religious rites to fulfill personal desires?

Vedanta and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Shloka 18:66 of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita does not mean that one should have blind belief in Krishna.

Krishna says in SBG 18:66, “Giving up all your ideas of righteousness or religion, take complete refuge in Me. I will liberate you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”

It means, “Give up all the nonsensical ideas you might have in the name of religion, and by adopting the logical analysis and reasoning provided throughout until the 18th chapter, become one with Krishna.”

The entire purpose of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita is to guide people to shed their false beliefs and take to a rational study of truth. The process is very simple with three stages:

  1. Sidhaanta – A Question, Idea, Concept, or Theory
  2. Saadhana – The means to study, including reading, listening, researching, analysing, debating, etc.
  3. Siddhi – Final understanding, internalisation, and experience, known as Anubhava in Sanskrit.

Scientists don’t believe anything without evidence, do they? Remember that Vedanta is the science of all sciences.

Reason and Logic in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita

The Srimad Bhagavad Gita talks about reason and logic and NEVER about belief.

SBG 13:4 states, “Great sages have sung about the absolute truth in various ways. They have stated the truth in Vedic hymns and have described it in the Brahma Sutras through reason and logic with unambiguous evidence.”

Shloka SBG 4:34 says, “Acquire knowledge through reverence to teachers who have known the Truth, serve them and ask them questions until all of them are answered. The wise who know the Truth will teach it to you.”

Definition of Religion

Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and values often centred around the worship of a higher power or divine beings. It typically involves rituals, moral guidelines, and a community of followers who share the same belief and faith.

Did you find anything related to reason, rationality, science, inquiry, or logic in this definition?

Vedanta: The Pinnacle of Vedic Studies

Vedanta is the highest point of Vedic studies – right from the basic Karma Kaanda, Upaasana Kaanda to the Gnyaana Kaanda of the Upanishads.

If you are interested in changing your life COMPLETELY and are willing to clear your mind of all the unfounded beliefs you have been trained by your elders to blindly believe, please feel free to contact me.

I do not talk about miracles performed by some man in a cave, one with a long beard, or another with fuzzy hair. Out here, it is pure Advaita Vedanta – Nondual Vedanta, and the compact and best manual for attaining the highest understanding of the nondual, all-pervading SELF is the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

A real shift to Vedanta is a complete change with no traces of illogical or irrational ideas sticking in the mind in the name of belief, ‘aastha’, religion, or whatever.

“Before you heal someone, ask him if he’s willing to give up the things that make him sick,” said Hippocrates. Just as baseless beliefs can be likened to mental diseases, one must be willing to abandon them to achieve true healing and enlightenment. Therefore, start with a clean slate.

SBG 4:38 Shri Krishna says: “There is certainly nothing more purifying than knowledge. He who is perfect in Yoga finds it in the Self in due course of time.”

Beyond the Herd: Unmasking the Myths of Group Belonging

Why Tavamithram is Never Aligned to Any Particular Group, Ashram, Agama, Paddhathi, Sects, Subsects, Guru, Swamy, Dress Code, Traditions, Religion etc.

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Throughout my life, I have observed a significant connection between beliefs, the desire to belong to groups, and the thirst for knowledge and self-confidence. My personal attitude has always been to stand alone. It’s crucial to clarify that my reluctance to belong to groups should not be mistaken for hubris. I simply prefer solitude, as my strong ideas often diverge from the majority, who are frequently swept away by traditions—something Krishna himself admonishes even before the conclusion of Chapter 2 in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

To illustrate the extent to which I go to avoid belonging to a group, let me share anLeonardo_Phoenix_a_dramatic_highcontrast_cinematic_photograph_3 example from my past. Many years ago, I was a motorcycle stuntman in Indian films, doubling for lead stars and performing death-defying stunts. In the film industry, numerous unions exist for various trades, including actors, directors, make-up artists, dancers, photographers, and others. Naturally, there was also a union for stuntmen, and I was expected to join. However, I refused to be tied down by group membership, choosing instead to remain independent. Consequently, I willingly accepted a penalty of twenty-five per cent of my earnings for not being a member. Despite this, I chose to pay the penalty each time I earned money performing stunts.

I’ve observed that individuals who are rather low on self-confidence or a sense of personal substance usually seek strength in numbers by joining groups. Being part of a group provides reassurance and a sense of belonging. Within these groups, members usually share common beliefs or philosophies, forming the basis of their unity. However, I think that belonging to a group compels individuals to adopt the group’s ideology, limiting their ability to think and act independently. I prefer the freedom to think for myself and analyse matters in my own way. Groups typically consist of like-minded individuals, which signifies a lack of diverse thought. This, in turn, stifles intellectual development and curtails opportunities for new ideas to emerge.

As an ardent learner, I find great fascination in encountering people whose ideas challenge my own, compelling me to think outside the box. This is the essence of personal evolution.

It’s essential to clarify that I do not hold beliefs in the conventional sense; instead, I possess perspectives. I have unwavering trust in my intelligence, intellect, and experiences, considering myself a keen learner in every situation I encounter.

While belonging to a group can provide a sense of security, it can also hinder personal growth and self-discovery. True self-confidence emerges from understanding and standing firm in one’s perspectives, even when they diverge from the prevailing norms of a group. By cultivating self-awareness and introspection, individuals can develop a stronger, more authentic sense of self. I am not suggesting anything against groups; rather, I strongly advocate for retaining one’s freedom to question, think, and express oneself.

Among the most detrimental effects groups can have on intellectual development is the deification of central figures, often referred to as Gurus or Babas. The story of the 24 Gurus of Sage Dattatreya aims to dismantle the false notion of being tethered to a single guru, suggesting that anything and everything that helps dispel ignorance can be considered a guru. To quote Shri Ramana Maharshi: “Your own Self-Realisation is the greatest service you can render the world.”

In Shloka SBG 2:45, Krishna instructs Arjuna: “Vedic literature deals with subjects that fall under the three Gunas. O Arjuna, you should rise above the three, be free from dualities, always remain in Sattva or goodness, and be established in the Self.”

A true teacher should guide individuals to clear their ignorance and advance towards the ultimate goal of Atma-gnyaana, or knowledge of the Self. However, how many truly do this? Many, adorned in flowing robes and sporting long beards, strut about like proud peacocks, claiming to possess all knowledge.

It is indeed disheartening to witness children and youth from families not converted to foreign religions being lured into the illusory world of meaningless beliefs, rites, and rituals.

I conclude this post with Shlokas SBG 4:37 and 38

37: “Just as a blazing fire burns firewood into ashes, O Arjuna, knowledge burns all actions and reactions into ashes.” 

38: “There is certainly nothing more purifying than knowledge. He who is perfect in Yoga finds it in the Self in due course of time.”

May you stay abundantly blessed.


Jai Shri Krishna

Why me – मैं ही क्यों – நான் ஏன்?

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.

From Frustration to Fulfilment

The Essential Guide to Overcoming Life’s Unfavourable Situations

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Breaking Free from the Cycle

Many of us find ourselves stuck in a cycle of complaining, brooding, and feeling generally dissatisfied with our circumstances. Whether it’s our job, relationships, or personal achievements, the tendency to ruminate on what’s wrong can be overwhelming. And yet, despite the temporary relief we might find in venting to a friend or relative, we often wake up the next day only to repeat the same routine, with nothing having changed. The question then arises: how can we expect change when we continue to do the same thing?

The Unproductive Cycle of Complaints

Complaining and brooding are natural human responses to dissatisfaction. It’s almost instinctual to express our frustrations when things don’t go as planned. However, these actions rarely lead to meaningful change. Instead, they often serve as a temporary release, a way to momentarily ease the pressure without addressing the underlying issues. As a result, we remain stuck in the same unfavourable situation, repeating the cycle day after day.

To break free from this cycle, it’s crucial to take a different approach—one rooted in clarity and action. The key lies in defining your problems and goals with precision. Let me take you back to my childhood to illustrate this point.

As a young boy, I was naturally curious and had a mechanical aptitude that drove me to understand how things worked. I was always eager to get to the bottom of things, refusing to accept anything at face value without clear evidence. When I was reprimanded by elders or teachers for my behaviour, I didn’t just accept the scolding. Instead, I wanted to know what I had done wrong and, more importantly, what I should do right. However, my requests for guidance were often met with silence or a cold stare, leaving me with unanswered questions.

This experience taught me a vital lesson: in any situation, if something is wrong, it’s essential to ask, “What is right?” This principle can be applied to any area of life:

  1. If you’re dissatisfied with your job, ask: What is my ideal job?
  2. If you don’t like your life, ask yourself: What would my ideal life look like?
  3. If you’re unhappy in a relationship, ask: What is the ideal relationship I want?

The Three-Step Approach to Change

Once you’ve asked these questions, the next step is to define your situation clearly. Here’s a practical approach:

  1. Identify What You Don’t Like and Why: Be specific about what bothers you. Is it the long hours at work, the lack of appreciation, or perhaps a feeling of being stuck? Understand the root cause of your dissatisfaction.

  2. Create a Clear Vision of What You Want: Visualise your ideal situation in detail. What does your perfect job look like? What qualities define your ideal relationship? Be as specific as possible, down to the finest details.

  3. Develop a Plan to Achieve Your Vision: Identify the steps you need to take to move from your current situation to your ideal one. This might involve learning new skills, making lifestyle changes, or even having difficult conversations. The key is to take actionable steps that lead you closer to your goal.

The Danger of Temporary Fixes

Many people, when faced with an unfavourable situation, seek quick fixes to ease their minds temporarily. Whether it’s pouring out your woes to a friend, closing your eyes and sitting under a tree or in a religious place, or even turning to substances, these methods offer only momentary relief. They don’t address the core issues and often lead to more frustration when the problem inevitably resurfaces.

Please always remember that if someone truly wants something, they will find a way to get it. Consider alcohol and substance addicts or those addicted to gambling—they always manage to obtain what they crave. If you feel you’ve been working hard with no improvement in your life, instead of adopting a victim or ‘poor me’ attitude, try to view it from another perspective. Perhaps your efforts are insufficient, misdirected, or lack proper direction.

Summing up and Learning to Take Control of Your Life

If you’re unhappy with your current situation, don’t waste time complaining or seeking temporary distractions. Instead, follow the steps I’ve outlined:

  1. Define your issue clearly.
  2. Visualise your ideal situation.
  3. Take actionable steps to achieve your vision.

By doing so, you’ll find that you have the power to transform your life into something truly fulfilling. These steps may seem simple, but they are profoundly effective—I speak from experience.

Never forget that many people don’t know exactly what they want. Complaining and feeling depressed require less effort than reflecting and strategising, which is why slipping into self-pity is so easy. For anything good and positive to materialise, there must first be a clear image in the mind. So, the next time you feel the urge to complain or brood, make sure you know exactly what you want.

Real change begins with a clear definition of your goals and a commitment to taking action.