Vedanta Society of Western Washington

Vedanta Society of Western Washington
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The Vedanta Society of Western Washington presents illuminating talks on Vedanta, the timeless philosophy that teaches the divinity of the soul, the unity of existence, and the harmony of all spiritual paths. This podcast brings together lectures from our resident swamis of the Ramakrishna Order alongside guest speakers dedicated to exploring spiritual Truth. These talks draw from classical Hindu scriptures as well as universal spiritual principles shared across religious traditions. You’ll hear reflections on the nature of the mind, the art of meditation, the search for meaning, navigating suffering, cultivating love and wisdom, and discovering inner freedom. The tone of the series is contemplative, thoughtful, and practical. Rather than offering quick fixes or slogans, these lectures guide listeners toward inner transformation through discernment, devotion, selfless service, and meditation. For seekers who value depth, clarity, and authenticity, this podcast offers a steady voice grounded in a living spiritual tradition. If you are looking for thoughtful spiritual insights and a richer understanding of yourself, one that respects your intelligence, supports your inner life, and points toward the highest Truth, you’ll find this podcast an open door into the world of Vedanta.

  1. 04/27/2014

    Fighting the Battle Within — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on April 27, 2014. In this talk, Swami Bhaskarananda explains that the “battle within” is the struggle to bring the mind under control and find lasting peace. Through a memorable example of a student who sought solitude for meditation but found his own mind to be the most persistent companion, he shows that peace cannot be gained merely by changing outer circumstances. He then outlines the Vedantic understanding of the mind as the antahkarana, the inner instrument of knowing, and describes its functions as manas (cognition and doubt), buddhi (discernment), chitta (memory), and ahankara (the sense of “I”). Restlessness, he notes, arises when the mind becomes turbulent and conflicted, much as Arjuna’s mind was in the Bhagavad Gita. Swami Bhaskarananda connects inner conflict to the play of the three gunas: sattva (clarity and peace), rajas (restlessness and desire), and tamas (inertia and confusion). Desire for sense objects, he explains, fuels agitation and can cascade into anger, delusion, and poor judgment. The practical remedy is spiritual practice that increases sattva—prayer, chanting, and disciplined living—so the discerning faculty of the mind can restrain turbulence. As the mind grows calmer and purer, one gains the capacity to see that the ego is not the true Self, and inner victory becomes possible through steadiness in divine awareness.

    1h 24m

  2. 04/20/2014

    The Vedantic Meaning of Easter — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on April 20, 2014. In this Easter talk, Swami Bhaskarananda presents a Vedantic interpretation of the resurrection of Jesus, affirming him as a divine incarnation whose life and message restored spirituality during a time of decline. He explains that divine incarnations appear when righteousness weakens, manifesting extraordinary unselfishness and spiritual power. Drawing parallels with figures such as Sri Krishna, Buddha, and Sri Ramakrishna, he emphasizes that the hallmark of true divinity is complete self-sacrifice and compassion. He also recounts the crucifixion and resurrection narratives from the Gospels, noting their variations while affirming their shared testimony that Jesus was not bound by death. From a yogic perspective, Swami Bhaskarananda interprets the resurrection as an instance of the highest spiritual absorption, or samadhi, in which bodily functions may cease and later resume. He explains that only rare souls—divine incarnations—can enter and return from such a state. The talk broadens into a reflection on heaven, spiritual planes of existence, and the ultimate Vedantic teaching that the same divine consciousness dwells in all beings. Easter, he concludes, symbolizes not merely a historical event but the triumph of divine consciousness over limitation, calling each person to manifest the divinity within.

    1h 15m

  3. 04/13/2014

    Truthfulness and Spirituality — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on April 13, 2014. In this talk, Swami Bhaskarananda explores the relationship between truthfulness and spiritual growth by distinguishing between truth as mere factual description and truth as deeper, implied meaning. Using stories and everyday examples, he shows how the same event can be interpreted in different ways, and why literalism—especially in matters of religion—can distort understanding and lead to harm. He emphasizes that spiritual life is supported not by superficial correctness alone, but by discernment, context, and a sincere commitment to what is truly meant. Swami Bhaskarananda then turns to the practice of truthfulness as a discipline of thought, speech, and conduct. He explains the difference between “convenient” truthfulness and truthfulness that remains firm even when it is personally difficult, noting that selfishness is a major obstacle to genuine honesty. He also addresses ethical complexity through episodes from the Mahabharata, including cases where telling the literal truth can endanger innocent lives, and where protecting what is right may require restraint or even a deliberate untruth. Finally, he contrasts relative truths with the highest truth described in Vedanta: the changeless, eternal reality of Brahman. Establishing oneself in truthfulness, he says, strengthens the mind, supports unselfishness, and prepares one for knowledge of the Self.

    1h 3m

  4. 04/06/2014

    Who Controls the Mind — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on April 6, 2014. In this talk, Swami Bhaskarananda examines the question, “Who controls the mind?” by first inviting listeners to inquire into their true identity. Drawing on the Vedantic teaching “Know yourself,” he distinguishes the Self from the body, senses, mind, and ego, using the analogy of the owner and the owned to show that we cannot be what we possess. The mind, he explains, is an inner instrument with multiple functions—thinking, determining, remembering, and forming the sense of “I”—yet it remains an object known and therefore cannot be the ultimate knower. Through references to the Upanishads and the life of the Buddha, he explores the nature of suffering, the role of desire, and the limitations of identifying with the ego. Swami Bhaskarananda clarifies that the mind is subtle matter, capable of functioning only when illumined by consciousness. That consciousness, according to Vedanta, is not a property of the mind but a manifestation of Brahman, the transcendental reality beyond time and space. Just as a chariot requires a charioteer and horses require guidance, the mind and senses operate only because consciousness makes their activity possible. Thus, the true controller of the mind is not the ego but the underlying divine consciousness, the source of awareness itself.

    1h 5m

  5. 03/30/2014

    Obstacles in Doing Japa — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on March 30, 2014. In this lecture, Swami Bhaskarananda explains the meaning and purpose of japa, the repetition of the holy name of God, as a practical method for purifying the mind. Drawing from Vedanta, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and teachings of Jesus, he emphasizes that God can be experienced when the mind becomes pure. Every thought leaves an impression in the subconscious mind, and through steady repetition of a sacred name received from a competent teacher, uplifting impressions gradually outweigh negative ones. Over time, the mind becomes calm, concentrated, and receptive to awareness of inherent divinity. The Swami then discusses common obstacles in doing japa, including boredom, restlessness, sleepiness, emotional disturbances, and resurfacing past impressions. He advises perseverance, mental attentiveness while repeating the mantra, appropriate discipline in daily life, and the deliberate cultivation of opposite, positive thoughts to counter anger and resentment. Disturbing memories, he explains, are signs that the practice is working, as hidden impressions rise to be dissolved. With patience, holy company, and sincere effort supported by grace, the repetition of the divine name becomes a powerful means of inner purification and spiritual growth.

    1 hr

  6. 03/23/2014

    Kundalini Power and the Chakras — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on March 23, 2014. In this lecture, Swami Bhaskarananda explains the concept of kundalini power within the framework of Raja Yoga, the path of meditation and mind control. He begins by affirming the Vedantic teaching that divinity is equally present in all beings, though not equally manifested, and that the goal of spiritual life is to realize this inherent divinity. Different spiritual temperaments follow different disciplines—devotion, selfless action, knowledge, or meditation—but Raja Yoga emphasizes concentration and mastery of the mind as the means to direct experience. Kundalini, described as a dormant spiritual power coiled at the base of the spine, represents the potential for awakening to higher consciousness through disciplined practice and divine grace. Swami Bhaskarananda outlines the traditional description of the chakras—centers of awareness along the subtle spinal channel—through which the awakened kundalini ascends, bringing profound inner transformation. As this power rises from the muladhara to the sahasrara, spiritual experiences deepen, culminating in samadhi, in which individuality dissolves in direct awareness of divinity. He distinguishes genuine spiritual experiences from imagination or emotion, noting that authentic awakening brings lasting transformation and clarity. Quoting Sri Ramakrishna’s vivid descriptions of the ascent of this power, he emphasizes that while effort is necessary, realization ultimately depends upon divine grace. The talk concludes by encouraging sincere spiritual practice aimed at manifesting the divinity already present within.

    59 min

  7. 03/16/2014

    Sri Chaitanya and His Message — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on March 16, 2014. In this lecture, Swami Bhaskarananda places Sri Chaitanya within a broader Vedantic view of creation, explaining how the one Reality appears as the changing world through maya, while divinity remains the underlying substratum. Using familiar analogies—such as the movie screen behind projected images and the dream world created by the mind—he emphasizes that names and forms are transient, while divinity alone is enduring. He then describes how, when religion declines and spiritual understanding becomes distorted by narrowness and division, divinity becomes more manifest through saints and, at times, through divine incarnations who renew spiritual life by their example and teaching. Swami Bhaskarananda recounts Sri Chaitanya’s life in outline: his birth in 1485 in Navadvip, his early brilliance as a scholar of logic, the changes in his life after initiation, and his renunciation and later years centered in Puri, where he passed away in 1533. He highlights Chaitanya’s inclusiveness—his refusal to recognize caste distinctions and his ability to transform people across social and religious boundaries—and summarizes his central message through the well-known verse on humility, patience, and honoring others while continually remembering the Divine through the holy name. The talk also clarifies that Sri Chaitanya’s monastic identity and lineage place him within the Dasanami tradition, and concludes by affirming his teaching of the one Spirit appearing in diverse forms, encouraging respect for all as children of God.

    1h 12m

  8. 03/09/2014

    Evolution of Shiva from Rudra — Swami Bhaskarananda

    Recorded at the Vedanta Society of Western Washington on March 9, 2014. In this lecture, Swami Bhaskarananda explains how Hindu religious thought has evolved through centuries, and uses that broader context to trace the development of Shiva from the earlier Vedic figure Rudra. He clarifies dharma as that which sustains a thing’s very nature, and describes the Hindu view that divinity is the single Source behind the universe—knowable in a special way, though not through ordinary sense-based knowledge. To show how spiritual teachings are adapted to different levels of understanding, he recounts Sri Ramakrishna’s parable of the lion cub raised among sheep, emphasizing that the task is not to become something new but to know what one already is: divinity itself. Within this framework, devotion to deities is presented as an approach that gradually purifies the mind and prepares it for the recognition of the one Reality. Turning to the main theme, he surveys references to Rudra in the Vedas and Upanishads, noting how Rudra is portrayed with both fierce and benevolent aspects and, over time, comes to be understood as the one God dwelling as the inner Self of all beings. He then outlines how Shiva is later represented in epics and Puranas—as part of the trinity of creation, preservation, and dissolution—and how traditions reconcile apparent differences between Shiva and Vishnu by affirming their underlying unity. The talk closes with symbolic elements and well-known narratives associated with Shiva, including a story about the sanctity of the Ganga, offered as a “sweet ending” in keeping with traditional teaching style.

    1h 8m
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About

The Vedanta Society of Western Washington presents illuminating talks on Vedanta, the timeless philosophy that teaches the divinity of the soul, the unity of existence, and the harmony of all spiritual paths. This podcast brings together lectures from our resident swamis of the Ramakrishna Order alongside guest speakers dedicated to exploring spiritual Truth. These talks draw from classical Hindu scriptures as well as universal spiritual principles shared across religious traditions. You’ll hear reflections on the nature of the mind, the art of meditation, the search for meaning, navigating suffering, cultivating love and wisdom, and discovering inner freedom. The tone of the series is contemplative, thoughtful, and practical. Rather than offering quick fixes or slogans, these lectures guide listeners toward inner transformation through discernment, devotion, selfless service, and meditation. For seekers who value depth, clarity, and authenticity, this podcast offers a steady voice grounded in a living spiritual tradition. If you are looking for thoughtful spiritual insights and a richer understanding of yourself, one that respects your intelligence, supports your inner life, and points toward the highest Truth, you’ll find this podcast an open door into the world of Vedanta.

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