Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam

Svarājya

Svarājya - self sovereignty is the promise of the Upanishad studying this knowledge. It occurs in the 1st chapter, the śīkṣāvallī of the Taittirīya Upanishad. Adi Sankara talks about it in depth in his bhāṣya and this episode elucidates its meaning beautifully.

Sthita prajña

How does the Bhagavad Gita look at itself? How does a jnani see the world? This inspiring talk expounds on how the lakṣaṇa (description) of a jnani becomes a sadhana (practice) for the people aspiring to be a Jnani.  
 

What is Viparita Bhavana? Part 2

Continuing with the topic of Viparita Bhavana (the habitual patterns), Swaminiji expounds beautifully on how to recognize and manage them so that one grows into an appreciative, non-complaining, non-demanding, contented and loving concious being.

What is Viparita Bhavana? Part 1

How to recognize and deal with the habitual patterns that come in the way of assimilating the knowledge? This talk examines the wisdom of the Upanishad in the light of modern pschycology to come out of this impass.

Pañcadaśī 4-34

As we come to a close of this beautful text, the last few verses reminds us again that the highest goal of liberation-while-living is attained only by renouncing jīva’s duality. Om Tat Sat.

Pañcadaśī 4-33

We look into various verse from Yoga Vasistha. When the Manorājya has been conquered, the modifications of the mind cease and this method was explained by Vasistha to Lord Rama.

Pañcadaśī 4-32

Although Manorājya -fantasizing or the internal thought world is of the milder varierty of jīva’s duality, it is the seed for the intense variety of kāma, krodha etc. Hence, it has to be conquered through the contemplation of oneself as Brahman which can be attained gradually through meditating upon Īśvara.

Pañcadaśī 4-31

How can the previously eliminated rāga-dveṣa come back on gaining the self knowledge? Swaminiji expounds on this by examining two assumption behind this  question. 1) Self knowledge is not an event that happens in time. 2) The self is not subject to time. It being the reason by whose presence time unfolds.

Pañcadaśī 4-30

Even after gaining self-knowledge, one who hasn't eradicated the mental defects ( rāga-dveṣa), suffers not only from the mental afflictions, but in addition invites public criticism. Hence free yourself from the defects by committing to a life of discipline and mindful consumption. 

Pañcadaśī 4-29

If a student of Vedanta thinking that they have attained liberation, disregards the scriptural teachings and does not fully give up the hold of binding desires then the knowledge gained is enough.Verses 54-60 asks all students pursing this knowledhe to be vigilant at all times.