Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam

Maitri Upaniṣad 13

This verse says that Bhagavan, the intelligence behind everything is  nirātmāna- one without a mind, ananata- limitless, not dependent of anything, unchanging, and that which abides in its own glory. Listen to this episode to understand the nuanced explanation of these words.

Maitri Upaniṣad 12

What is Śūnyaḥ? This Upaniṣad is one of the few to use the word Śūnyaḥ, listen to understand the correct meaning of the word. This episode is a continuation of the conversation between Valakhilyas and Lord Prajapati about Brahman.

Meditation - Thought Witness

Thoughts are most common in our experience. They appear from nowhere and seem to disappear in a flash. They are not in our control. Yet they are fundamental to human life and activity. Meditation helps us tame the mind and have a say over our thoughts.
Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.

Maitri Upaniṣad 11

This episode continues with the definition of Brahman as jagat karanam which has to be fully understood, assimilated and internalized. 

Maitri Upaniṣad 10

Verse 3 talked about bhagavan and bhagavati, who is the Jagat karta, the Shakti. Verse 4 is an explanation on how this being creates. Sattā sphūrti pradhānena srijati, it creates by lending its sentience and existence to everything. Anything that exists is non-separate from Bhagavan and anything that exists is all knowledge. 

Maitri Upaniṣad 9

The Upaniṣads removes ignorance and through this removal, the self effulgent glorious presence is revealed. Hence, Īśvara cannot be established through inference. Listen to this very astute reasoning as to why the purva pakshi's contention that this universe has many creators  falls apart on proper reasoning and inquiry.

Maitri Upaniṣad 8

Verse 3 introduces us to the renunciates of the highest order, a group of Rishis called Vālakhilyā. They ask Lord Prajapati for the knowledge, for the explanation of that, by which all things insentient as though appear sentient. This verse oozes great wisdom and knowledge, a result of the profound contemplation by the Rishis.

Maitri Upaniṣad 7

Sage Śākāyanya begins to teach King Bṛhadratha exactly what was unfolded to him by his teacher -Lord Maitri, thus, displaying the highly effective, alive and sacred tradition of the Guru-Sishya parampara. This episode, by way of another story, gives us three important qualities to cultivate for clarity after the exposure of this knowledge. 

Meditation - Freedom from Anger

Practice this meditation to allow yourself space to examine any deep seated anger and heal from it. Understand that anger is but an unfulfilled desire and build the emotional maturity to surrender all that is not in your control.
Disclaimer: Please do not listen to this mediation while driving or operating machinery.
 

Maitri Upaniṣad 6

Continuing with King Bṛhadratha's monologue, mantras 5 and 6, talk about the finitude of being an enjoyer, a bhokta, and the impermanence of the objects of enjoyment, bhoga. This episode gives you an understanding of what Saṃsāra entails. Learn a beautiful prayer to remove all obstacles within and without, to help yourself in your study of the Śāstras through a Guru.
 
The Prayer:
oṃ āpyāyantu mamāṅgāni vākprāṇaścakṣuḥśrotramatho balamindriyāṇi ca sarvāṇi.sarvam brahmopaniṣadam mā’haṃ brahmanirākuryāṃ mā mā brahmanirākaroda nirākaraṇamastva nirākaraṇam me’stu.tadātmani nirate ya upaniṣatsu dharmāstemayi santu te mayi santu.oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ