Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta for Everyday Living
Religion & Spirituality
About
The Bhagavad Gita teaches the essence of the ancient Vedanta philosophy. Vedanta is the complete wisdom for achieving a peaceful, productive, and purposeful life in this world. In this podcast series, Gautamji, senior disciple of Swami A Parthasarathy, explains the Gita verse by verse, focussing on its practical application in modern living. Gautamji also addresses student questions on the Gita and Vedanta in dedicated Q&A episodes. In addition to the verse by verse explanations, these will be helpful to better understand and apply these teachings in your life.
Episodes
- E122. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 31–32 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
Gautamji discusses verses 31–32 of Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the concept of sacrifice as a foundation for spiritual growth and transcendence of individuality through selfless action.
- E121. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 29–30 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses the twelve sacrifices, explaining how various aspects of life can be transformed for spiritual growth. He highlights the importance of disciplined living, right association, and self-control.
- E120. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 27–28 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses spiritual growth, emphasizing the sacrifice of ego and alignment with the Self. He elaborates on various grades of sacrifice, ranging from material offerings to knowledge, as described in the Bhagavad Gi…
- E119. Bhagavad Gita & Vedanta | ‘Calmness, Clarity and Success in Challenging Times’ | Gautamji
This episode features Gautamji explaining how to cultivate calmness, clarity, and purpose. He draws from Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita to show how understanding can transform thought, response, and life.
- E118. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verse 26 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 26, focusing on the need for sustained effort in spiritual growth. He emphasizes aligning experiences with the Self and practicing self-control.
- E117. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verse 25 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses how every aspect of life can be viewed as an offering to reduce selfishness and redirect the mind toward the Self. He emphasizes that spiritual progress lies in gradually replacing worldly desires with h…
- E116. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verse 24 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s teaching on yajna as the spirit of sacrifice. He details how knowledge of the higher leads one to give up lower selfishness, and how true spiritual growth comes through service, sacrifice, and a…
- EP 115 Vedanta & Bhagavad Gita | Q&A | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji answers student questions on Vedanta and Bhagavad Gita. He explains aspects of Jnana yoga and emphasizes contemplation for inner growth.
- E114. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 21–23 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verses 21-23, explaining how enlightened actions lead to inner contentment and independence from outcomes. He describes the qualities of such actions, including freedom from expe…
- E113. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 19–20 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s description of the sage whose actions no longer bind. He shows how knowledge of the higher Self burns selfish desires, allowing a person to act without attachment to results and remain active wh…
- E112. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Q&A ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
Gautamji continues explaining Krishna’s teaching on seeing inaction in action and action in inaction in this episode. He clarifies the Self as the inactive principle that enlivens all action and explains spiritual growth through dynamic ac…
- E111. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 17–18 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
Gautamji explains Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verses 17–18, focusing on action and inaction. He details how the Self influences all action and differentiates between selfish, unselfish, and selfless actions for spiritual growth.
- E110. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 15–16 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verses 15-16, focusing on the Self and its relation to action. He explains the concepts of action and inaction as presented in Krishna's teachings.
- E109. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 12–14 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
Gautamji continues Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita, explaining that self-effort drives success and growth, and clarifying what it means to "sacrifice to the gods." He also discusses the fourfold classification based on guna and action, and…
- E108. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verse 11 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
Gautamji discusses Krishna’s teaching on how desire, fear, and anger bind individuals and how purification through knowledge can free them. He clarifies Krishna’s statement that people are supported in their approach to the Self, emphasizi…
- E107. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 9–10 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Krishna’s teachings on divine birth and action. He clarifies how ignorance leads to desire and repeated birth, and how absorption in the Self can free individuals from desire, fear, and anger.
- E106. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 7–8 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna's declaration regarding the manifestation of righteousness and unrighteousness. He clarifies that this refers to the struggle between selfishness and righteousness, and the role of realized master…
- E105 Vedanta & Bhagavad Gita | Q&A | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji answers questions from students about Vedanta and Bhagavad Gita. He emphasizes moderation and regulation in spiritual and mundane pursuits, highlighting the importance of the middle path.
- E104. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verse 6 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Krishna's statement about manifesting through maya, explaining the conscious principle and how ignorance can lead to misinterpreting the Self as the world. He uses analogies to show how illusion operates…
- E103. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 4–5 ‘The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s teaching that the Self is timeless consciousness, present in the past, present, and future. He discusses how realized masters speak from eternal awareness and clarifies why this wisdom is called…
- E102. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 4 Verses 1–3 'The Yoga of Renunciation of Action in Wisdom' | Gautamji
Gautamji introduces Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita, discussing its progression from earlier chapters, the eternal nature of its wisdom, and why it is considered a "supreme secret." He also explains the qualifications for a student to recei…
- E101. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Q&A 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this Q&A episode, Gautamji discusses Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the "Yoga of Action." He clarifies how unchecked desires can limit wisdom and explains the importance of inner maturity and right association for true stea…
- E100. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 43 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji concludes Chapter 3, "Yoga of Action," of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on self-control and sacrifice. He explains how understanding the Self leads to fulfillment and conquering desire.
- E99. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 41-42 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji analyzes how desire functions through the senses, mind, and intellect. He discusses Krishna’s practical method to overcome desire through self-control and knowledge.
- E98. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 40 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains how desire overpowers individuals and operates through the senses, mind, and ego, veiling wisdom. He differentiates between selfish desire which causes restlessness and the desire to evolve which leads to…
- E97. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 38-39 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses how desire obstructs right action and peace, agitates the mind, and overpowers understanding. He also clarifies how desire veils wisdom and why recognizing it is essential for spiritual growth.
- E96. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Q&A 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this Q&A episode, Gautamji discusses topics related to Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, "Yoga of Action." He addresses questions about self-regulation, following one's nature, and navigating chosen paths that may cause discomfort to others.
- E95. Vedanta & Bhagavad Gita | Q&A | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji answers student questions about Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita. He emphasizes mastering the mind for life goals and happiness, describing symptoms of an uncontrolled mind and offering control techniques.
- E94. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 35-37 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses obstacles to right action, the emergence of likes and dislikes, and the importance of acting according to one's nature. Krishna attributes emotional conflict and inner agitation to desire.
- E93. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 33-34 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verses 33-34, focusing on why understanding spiritual knowledge is not always reflected in living it. He explains how ingrained nature influences thoughts and actions and introdu…
- E92. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 32 ‘Yoga of Action’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s warning on rejecting the teaching of Vedanta. He discusses the impact of not following life's fundamental wisdom, leading to inner and outer chaos.
- E91. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 30–31 ‘Yoga of Action’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s definition of a perfect action, highlighting how energy is gained and lost. He discusses the attitude needed to follow this discipline, including steady practice and reasoned faith.
- E90. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 29 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
Gautamji elaborates on Krishna’s teaching of right action, emphasizing realistic acceptance over unreasonable expectations. He explains how understanding others' nature reduces agitation and discusses the principles of true leadership, foc…
- E89. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 26–28 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Krishna’s teachings on right action, emphasizing self-improvement and leading by example. He explains that actions stem from one's inherent nature rather than the Self.
- E88. Vedanta & Bhagavad Gita | Q&A | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji answers questions from students, explaining philosophical truths from famous quotes through a Vedantic lens and discussing the application of these teachings in daily life. This podcast series provides a verse-by-…
- E87. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 25 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
Gautamji discusses Chapter 3, Verse 25 of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the technique of right action, also known as Karma Yoga. The episode contrasts actions driven by self-centered attachment with those performed for a higher purpose an…
- E86. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 22–24 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s personal example as a perfected being. The discussion focuses on why responsible action is indispensable on the spiritual path.
- E85. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 20–21 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, verses 20–21, focusing on Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna regarding action. The discussion covers why right action is important for personal development and for influencing others,…
- E84. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 18–19 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
Gautamji explains verses 18-19 of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, focusing on how enlightened individuals act from compassion and inner fulfillment. He clarifies the distinction between ordinary actions driven by anxiety and actions motivated by…
- E83. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 17 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
This episode discusses Chapter 3, Verse 17 of the Bhagavad Gita with Gautamji, explaining Karma Yoga and the actions of an enlightened person. It clarifies how this verse, often misunderstood as encouraging withdrawal, actually promotes dy…
- E82. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 14–16 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
Gautamji explains Krishna’s teaching on the “wheel of life,” showing how sacrifice links the individual, the world, and higher Reality. He contrasts selfish action with sacrificial action that brings harmony and inner clarity.
- E81. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 12–13 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji explains Krishna’s teaching that life functions on mutual nourishment and how offering actions in a spirit of sacrifice leads to balance. He contrasts this with selfish living, which breeds agitation and imbalance…
- E80. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 11 ‘Yoga of Action’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses yajña, or sacrifice, as presented in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3 Verse 11, focusing on its role in spiritual growth and worldly success. He explains how selfless service within one's field of action can…
- E78 Vedanta & Bhagavad Gita | Q&A | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji answers student questions. He discusses the three gunas, how they constitute one's nature, and evaluating personality based on their composition. Gautamji explains how this clarity helps spiritual aspirants transc…
- E79. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 9–10 ‘Yoga of Action’ | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses the concept of "Yoga of Action" from the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on obligatory action and its transformative power when rooted in sacrifice. He explains how dedicating actions to a higher purpose can pur…
- E77. The Law of Karma – Part 2 | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses the Law of Karma, destiny, and the purpose of human life according to the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta. He explains how to move beyond body, mind, and intellect to understand our true nature as the Self, an…
- E76. The Law of Karma – Part 1 | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji introduces the Law of Karma as the Law of Action. He explains how the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta reveal that humans live by choice, not by chance.
- E75. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 7–8 ‘Yoga of Action’ | Gautamji
This episode discusses the "Yoga of Action" from the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on acting without attachment and performing one's duties. Gautamji explains how selfless action guided by knowledge leads to spiritual growth, even in daily respo…
- E74. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verse 6 ‘Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji discusses Karma Yoga, the Yoga of Action, as explained in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 6. He elaborates on the dynamic between knowledge and action, the influence of the three gunas on behavior, and the value of…
- E73. Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 3 Verses 1–5 'Yoga of Action' | Gautamji
In this episode, Gautamji introduces Chapter 3, "Karma Yoga - the Yoga of Action," of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing